Mid-Western Family

Corner Of Christmas

2011-12-28T09:47:00.001-06:00

Here is my corner of Christmas! Nothing says Christmas like a tree with a star on top, nutcrackers, and stockings hanging from the fireplace mantel!

Beef Rib Roast

2011-12-27T01:01:00.004-06:00

It's not burnt....but nice and crisp/crunchy the way I LOVE IT. That end piece is MINE!

See, it's just pink enough on the inside to be oh...SO TENDER!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T18:20:00.002-06:00

Nutcrackers are a great way to bring in some fun and color!

Mix up the sizes and it will bring a smile to your face as they stand tall, ready to greet your guests!

Festive Banister

2011-12-21T16:57:00.002-06:00

Can you tell I love color? I'm very proud of the banister the husband and I decorated with color ornament balls. It was my favorite Christmas craft this year!

Ornaments

2011-12-19T16:49:00.001-06:00

I love colorful ornaments. Very cheerful!

Nutcrackers

2011-12-17T10:49:00.000-06:00

I love nutcrackers! The husband and I joke that these two are our dads. Mine was in the Navy and his was in the Army. They are no longer with us....except in spirit. That will have to be enough.

D.C. Tree

2011-12-16T08:25:00.003-06:00

This is the tree we refer to as the "D.C. Tree". It was a slender pencil tree who was quickly purchased, shoved into a van full of suitcases and driven 900 miles to a little hotel room in Washington D.C.
The husband was on deployment and allowed to be in D.C., but couldn't leave the area...so we came to him. We spent the evening decorating it with stale hotel popcorn & bag of fresh cranberries, pine cones and a star we made from cutting a cereal box into a star shape and then wrapping it in aluminum foil.

Later as the visit continued over the next few days, we looked for ornaments to fill in the gaps of our beloved Christmas tree. Taking a tour of Mount Vernon, George Washington's home, we found little china plates & teapots with the patterns Mrs. Washington loved. We later added red & white birds and red balls.

Of all the trees we've had over 22 years, this is my second favorite. Only after the "Transportation Tree" we had in South Korea. That tree was decorated with construction paper because we didn't have ornaments and my little boys (2&4) could only scribble trucks, boats, trains & airplanes. THAT tree, is my favorite. But this one....isn't far behind. It now sits in the formal living room.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas......

2011-12-13T10:46:00.000-06:00

The husband pulled out the Christmas stockings! You can't help but smile they are so colorful!

Geese

2011-12-08T08:22:00.000-06:00

The geese have come south for the winter. Southern Illinois that is.

Beets!

2011-12-03T00:03:00.004-06:00

Oh....it's time to pull up the beets! Don't want the freeze to ruin these yummy leaves!

Not a big harvest, but that's okay. You don't need many beets for a side salad! Roast them for 40 minutes at 400 with olive oil in a foil pack, quarter and place on a plate with spring lettuce, goat cheese, pecans and dress with a raspberry vinaigrette. As for the leaves, sautee some garlic and purple onion in olive oil, add the sliced leaves and salt & pepper to taste, cover and wilt just a bit. Squeeze a lemon on them once on the plate and top with a juicy piece of meat! I like pork!

Ice Cream Cone

2011-11-30T15:18:00.005-06:00

It doesn't matter if it's winter. The taste buds want what the taste buds want! A trick to a sugar cone that may leak from the bottom is to cut a marshmallow and squish it in the cone before putting the ice cream in. The rest of the marshmallow, that you can snag from passing by teenage boys....can just be "stuck" into the ice cream. It's not pretty....but taste buds don't care.
They appreciate the extra texture!

Bird Brunch

2011-11-28T07:15:00.001-06:00

There's three birds in this picture. The male cardinal is next to a little red breasted bird on the same level of the bird seeder. But look at the tree...there is a woodpecker at the same level of the cardinal. He's waiting his turn...and thinking.....

Once that red bird flies away...I'll hang on the feeder and get my fill!

Ha! I can get plenty of seed just like this. I'll even leave some for the blue jay who lives in the tree on the corner of the lot.

That's okay, I prefer the seeds that drop to the ground!

Pumpkin Pie

2011-11-24T14:23:00.000-06:00

The husband made his yearly pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving! Love his crust!

Bumble Bee

2011-10-27T15:54:00.003-05:00

Midnight Snack

2011-10-26T00:20:00.002-05:00

This is what happens when you don't eat dinner. You get up later and make what is supposed to be a "little" snack that then gets more and more involved! This is an avacado with fresh garden tomatoes and green onions dressed with Aldi's house dressing. Next to it is a cheese stick and two kinds of salami. So much for just "something to hold me over til morning"!!

Simple

2011-10-20T19:42:00.000-05:00

Grilled Cheese. Comfort. Simple. Tasty. Done!

Mr. Schiff Goes to Washington

2011-10-05T15:01:00.000-05:00

Mexican Pork

2011-09-30T08:10:00.003-05:00

I had leftovers from a pork roast so I chopped it up and added green bell peppers & white onions from my garden with some spices....threw it in a skillet and warmed everything up. The green onions, tomatoes & onions salsa all came from my garden as well. Add some sour cream, guacamole and flour tortillas.....and you've got a tasty fajita! I can tell you....there was no more pork roast left after this meal! It was such a big hit, this will be something I do from now on with any left over roast....to include beef!
Join the Food Party at: http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com
You will find great ideas and recipes to inspire you!

Empty Nest

2011-09-13T18:28:00.001-05:00

This was once the home for a family of birds.
They've since flown away.

Their home still stays in the crab-apple tree, maybe to be re-visited next spring.
Perhaps, if weather allows, this summer's babies will raise their own brood in a few years.

Thai Basil

2011-09-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

Love the purple flowers on my Thai Basil herbs! They smell nice too. But...I've got to snip the flowers off, or soon, I won't have any leaves left to cook with!

Green Beans

2011-09-10T10:47:00.003-05:00

More bounty! I know just how I'm going to cook them!
10 minutes boiling to just tender. Drain. Melt some butter with a single cut up piece of bacon and add a splash of lemon juice. Add the green beans to coat in the butter sauce and sprinkle with pepper. Serve immediately!

First Year of Pears

2011-09-02T07:30:00.005-05:00

This is the first year we were able to harvest pears!

Of course, it's partly my fault. I didn't know you needed 2 different pear trees to help pollinate each other. For years, I've been disappointed thinking my pear tree was barren....for no reason! LOL

What a thrill it was to go out there and pick them after years of waiting!!!

Garden Peppers

2011-08-29T07:27:00.000-05:00

The pepper yield this summer was great!

Bushes were even falling over from the weight of them!

Cherries

2011-08-03T10:54:00.002-05:00

I love cherries. Love them so much, even the pit doesn't take away my joy from eating them.
When we lived in Belgium there were 2 cherry trees in our back yard. Every May-June, I could count on delicious cherries from those trees. No basket required, as they were eaten as soon as they were picked. Once the goodness was pulled from the seed, it was spit out onto the ground and a press of the foot pushed the pit into the soil hiding the gluttonous indulgence. The only problem was the next year, I had 300 little cherry trees growing in the backyard! The husband made me go out there and pull them up one by one because they were jamming his lawn mower!
That's how I know it was 300!
I counted them!

Harvest

2011-07-16T18:08:00.000-05:00

Since the husband has worked so hard keeping the garden going, it was only right for him to have the pleasure of pulling up the potatoes.

He must have done something right, because we had the biggest harvest yet!

That thing on the bottom corner...that' an acorn squash!
Baked- so good!!

Window Boxes

2011-06-13T16:29:00.003-05:00

Austin and the husband built two window boxes for the front of the house years ago. I painted them. They are a wonderful way to show case colorful flowers and add a smile to your yard & home!

Fat Cat..But not really!

2011-06-01T23:07:00.004-05:00

Okay, I know she LOOKS big in this photo. But she really isn't THIS big. It's the way she is sitting on her butt! She is a little overweight....but this picture makes her look....HUGE! That's why I took it...because it shocked me with her sitting on the window sill....like a person! If she were a human, she would probably make me erase this! But she's not...and well....here it is! I can't help myself!

Dad's Breakfast

2011-05-27T07:48:00.003-05:00

Dad knows two teenage boys need a good breakfast!

Battle for the Ball

2011-05-24T13:45:00.006-05:00

Whose going to get there first?

Psych out!

He'll get that ball going in the right direction....

Even if he has to use his heel for it to go backwards!

There we go....now offense...take it to goal! Never bet against a guy wearing yellow shoes!

Family

2011-05-21T21:26:00.001-05:00

Geese are wonderful families.

We could take a lesson from them from something as simple

as walking across an open field.

BIRD HOUSE

2011-05-17T19:29:00.001-05:00

Here is a bird house the husband purchased for me.

I think it's such a cute little house!

Perfect accessory to my vegetable garden!

Outside Dinner

2011-05-05T19:42:00.001-05:00

We have certain staples in our meals. Homemade french fries is one of them. Fresh bread and salad are always present. The husband and I always share a piece of meat by cutting it in half. But the best thing about dinner is eating it outdoors when the weather warms. After a long winter...we can't wait to bring everything outside and just enjoy the view, the breeze, the chirping birds & water fountain and the laughter around our patio table. It beats a fancy restaurant any day.

My Mom

2011-05-03T18:45:00.002-05:00

This is my mom from 14 years ago. That's Dan on her lap. He crawled up on her while she was sitting on the floor playing with him....leaned up against the china cabinet. How many Grandma's get down on the floor? Mine did! At the time, she didn't want me to take the picture...but I'm glad I did. Would have hated to have missed that sweet look of hers!

Spring Table

2011-04-25T11:26:00.001-05:00

Tulips are wonderful outside....but even better to enjoy on your table where you can see them all day!
It's Spring and it's time for babies to be born and flowers to pop out of the ground. It's a time of wonderful scented air, the buzz of bumble bees and rain of blossoms in the breeze.

This is a lovely lady Lladro made in Spain that is one of my favorite Spring pieces.

What better way to show Spring then using England's Portmeirion called Botanic Garden. Years ago, the husband and I toured the factory when we vacationed there. We spent several hours in a "seconds" shop and brought home many dish treasures!

This dish set was a gift during Christmas 2009 from the husband. He and I had always admired this set but couldn't bring ourselves to pay what it was charged in the USA for it. Thank you Costco for making it possible to own!

Other Lladros that represent Spring is this set of geese! Although we have black & white geese where I live....I'm sure I have room in my heart and on my table for white ones!

Oh, this goose is honking at someone!

I hope my friends will enjoy the luncheon I have planned!

Easter Tulips

2011-04-24T14:34:00.005-05:00

Ever since living in Belgium, we have included tulips into

our landscape. They never disappoint!

Rabbit Hutch

2011-04-13T22:22:00.003-05:00

I want one of these. It's a rabbit hutch. Why? Because there is a rabbit that LOVES to make a den under my tomato bushes. One time, I was watering them and a bunch of little bunnies scrambled out of the hole half drowned. They were so cute and I felt so bad. I picked them up with gloves and placed them under my maple tree hoping their mom would find them. What? You think I would let them stay under my tomatoes? No Way! They were eating my jalapeno peppers! Anyway, I think they would be much happier in this hutch then under a maple tree out in the open.

Coyote!

2011-02-08T15:25:00.001-06:00

Look who was behind my house!

Warm Up From the Inside

2011-01-05T18:53:00.000-06:00

It's cold outside.

You know what we need?

A warm cup of coffee....

and a warm cobbler!

Pumpkin Pie

2010-12-29T20:45:00.002-06:00

Putting his Christmas present (chef coat & hat) to use, Hubby took to the kitchen to make a pumpkin pie.

Nobody makes pumpkin pie like my baby!

Here he is making the crust!

Do you think anyone will see me tasting the filling?
You must taste everything of course!

All great cooks taste before they serve!

Look at this pie!
Gorgeous color!

Oh, that colorful ribbon on his hat...he put there to liven it up!
It's a bow from an earlier present.

I think it should be on my hat though! Nah...I think I'll just take that one, and give him my plain one! LOL!!!

Christmas Tree

2010-12-25T18:22:00.000-06:00

2010

Geese Don't Mind the Snow

2010-12-24T08:58:00.000-06:00

Usually, this is a green grassy field...

but today, it's under 5 inches of snow!
At least the pond isn't iced over and several flocks
can come together and wash themselves.

Fishing on the Pond

2010-10-31T19:34:00.000-05:00

Fishing is Dan's favorite past time now.

The next day he even talked his brother into joining him!

Picking Peaches

2010-07-15T22:17:00.000-05:00

We are on our way to pick peaches at the local orchard.

Have a seat on the wagon pulled by a tractor!
Look at all those peaches behind that boy!

Rainbow

2010-07-01T23:35:00.001-05:00

Dan learned a trick about two years ago in soccer.

It's called a "rainbow".

You start with the ball behind you and roll it up your back leg....

And then kick it with your heel when it's high enough....so it goes over your head....

and hopefully, over the head of your opponent who would be standing in front of you.
vvvv

See the ball in the upper corner up there?
It happens pretty quickly and the other guy is like...
where did the ball go?
All he knows is.....
you've ducked around him and the ball has "re-appeared"...
and then...
hopefully goes in the goal!

A Bike Ride

2010-06-19T16:22:00.002-05:00

You know what that smile was about?

He just popped a wheely!

Why did he feel the need to do that?

Because I told him how OLD we looked!

Train to the Grand Canyon

2010-06-11T12:26:00.001-05:00

In Williams, Arizona, you can catch a train to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Not this train, this one is parked by the moving train on the other side of the tracks...

LOL

Here is the link: http://www.thetrain.com/

Once it's stopped, you get out and walk up a hill and see this:

White Dove of the Desert

2010-06-09T12:48:00.000-05:00

This was the husband's favorite part of the church. He loves history and knew that this mission called San Xavier was the same today as it was when finished 200 years ago.

Beware of the Sword

2010-05-29T22:28:00.002-05:00

Don't mess with a guy holding a sword!

You may lose your head!

Lovely Weather is Here

2010-05-25T11:54:00.001-05:00

It's time to start eating outside....and I love it!

Spring Break

2010-04-01T12:13:00.000-05:00

The husband flew us out to DC for five days to visit him while he worked at the Pentagon.

We were lucky enough to be there during the blooming of the cherry trees.

The Boy Loves His Shoes

2010-01-02T11:47:00.000-06:00

Dan loves shoes. We took him to the mall here in D.C. and he walked out with a new pair of shoes. Not just any shoes, look at that Ferrari symbol! He loved these shoes so much, he had to get a picture of them. Front......

and back!

New Year's Night

2010-01-01T01:32:00.000-06:00

A few blocks from our hotel, is the George Washington Masonic Memorial. This is right before the fireworks start!

The husband did a great job of getting the fireworks for me. I had to stay in the hotel, because my back wouldn't allow me to walk the few blocks to this place. Well, I'm glad the kids didn't miss out....and they started the New Year with their Dad.

Christmas in DC

2009-12-24T11:25:00.000-06:00

The boys and I drove to Washington D.C. to be with the husband this Christmas. Although I brought the tree, I forgot the stockings. No problem! The husband took out his desert socks, sewed a thick ribbon around the top of them and it was PERFECT!

First Day of School

2009-08-20T12:04:00.002-05:00

Dan is waiting for the time to go out the door and catch the bus. I thought he looked so CUTE! He starts seventh grade today!

Cats and Ducks

2009-07-24T22:38:00.005-05:00

Every morning, the ducks come to my kithcen window

to let me know it's time to feed them..

and drive my cats NUTS!

LOL!!!

Babies

2009-05-28T13:09:00.003-05:00

The babies hatched last week!

Here is mama duck with her babies close by....

Here are the proud goose parents of 6 little ones!

Just so you know, I risked my life taking this picture!

The goose facing me, was hissing up a storm!
That's okay, they know who has the 12 grain bread!

What I Want For Summer!

2009-05-07T13:29:00.005-05:00

Do you know what I want for summer? This!

A men's Schwin cruiser bike! Hubby and I could have sooo much fun as he would be able to join me on bike rides now!
(I bought myself a girl's one for my birthday!)

And I also need THIS...for my mama....when she comes to visit. She can join us! I only wish the brakes were coaster ones...as I don't know if her little petite hands would be strong enough to stop her going down a hill. Well, there's not many hills around here...so I shouldn't worry!

WHAT A FUN SUMMER IT COULD BE WITH THE WIND IN OUR HAIR AND FLAT LAND AHEAD!

You can't see me.....

2009-05-01T15:08:00.005-05:00

Last month, under my window boxes in a little hedge against the house,

a mama duck has made her nest.

She doesn't think I can see her!

This was a week ago!

Come on little babies!

HATCH!

We want to feed you!

Soccer is his LIFE!

2009-03-22T00:38:00.000-05:00

Dan loves his select soccer team. He plays defense and mid-field.

Next is the county team. He played all positions.

Fenton's Blue Monday

2009-03-01T05:41:00.000-06:00

My second sister loves her Fenton colored glass. My mother started collecting it too. So of course, I caught the fever as well.

This is a piece that is a one-of-a-kind off hand original by Dave Fetty made in honor of Fenton's 100th year. My sister brought it back when she and her husband went to the Fenton Factory for a short vacation. YES...she loves Fenton so much, they used their vacation time to go to the factory! LOL! I told her how much I was willing to spend and she picked out 2 gorgeous pieces for me.

I picked this piece up at the BX in South Carolina. I was shocked they carried Fenton! So...I put it and a couple of other pieces on layaway.

I layaway anything that's over $100.00 so it doesn't interfere with my budget. Over the years, I've been able to get a few gorgeous expensive things.There's no guilt attached either because I waited months for it, didn't use a credit card and no one suffered from me being short a wad of cash! LOL!

The next piece was one of the ones I found with the above piece. I fell in love with the basket as soon as I saw it. You can't tell from the picture, but it's much larger then it looks.

Now mom has promised me her Fenton when she dies. I had better behave myself because if I tick her off before then, with her last dying breath, she will say:

BREAK THE FENTON- THAT WRETCHED ENVOY DOESN'T DESERVE IT ANYMORE!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!

Please join Sally at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/

for the other ladies showing their love of blue.

There's always a surprise in there that makes it worth the visit!

Spring is Coming!

2009-02-26T17:35:00.002-06:00

A Robin's nest just outside my front door.

Planning for Spring Planting

2009-02-20T11:16:00.008-06:00

This is the time of year the catalogues come tempting you with your own food factory on your land.

It worked!

I'll be planting the items shown: Crisp n' Sweet pear tree, Shiro plum tree, a Hall's Hardy Almond tree and try my thumb at two Little-Big Trees in the apple variety. (Pixie Crunch/Honeycrisp)Oh, and those Rainbow blend tomatoes!

I had never heard of the Little Big Trees before. It says just 16 months after planting one, you will get full sized apples. Since they only grow 6 feet tall, I'll be putting them next to the sidewalk on the side of our house. (that is between the garage & back patio) The house should provide protection from the high winds and the tree's roots shouldn't interfere with any city sewer/water lines. I would like to add 2 more apple trees, making a row of four. I'm thinking of a Fuji and Gala...or Sundance.

I've always wanted an orchard on my land. (April-2006) Every year, I'm closer to that dream. Every year brings promise of a sweet reward.

Snow Tracks

2009-01-29T13:59:00.001-06:00

Is this a rabbit or squirrel?

Maybe a deer?

ME!

So after taking pictures of the back yard, it was time to shovel the driveway! So, after clearing the driveway, I had to do the sidewalk to the house!

(the kids let me know since they had to wade through it after school....oops!

There's a sidewalk under there somewhere....

The snow was up the second step.

Not as deep as up North, but deep enough to wear me out moving it!

MUCH BETTER!

Now, where is that hot chocolate?

YEAR OF THE OX

2009-01-26T18:29:00.005-06:00

It's the Chinese New Year! THE YEAR OF THE OX

It begins on January 26, 2009 and ends on February 13, 2010. It falls under Earth -.

What are the traits of an ox? According to my Feng Shui book:

The Ox is solid and dependable. Oxen are excellent organizers and systematic in their approach to every task they undertake. They are not easily influenced by others' ideas. Loyalty is part of their make-up, but if crossed or deceived they will never forget. Oxen do not appear to be imaginative though they are capable of good ideas. Although not demonstrative or the most exciting people romantically, they are entirely dependable and make devoted parents. They are people of few words but fine understated gestures. Oxen are renowned for their patience, but it has its limits - once roused, their temper is a sight to behold. (1925/1937/1949/1961/1973/1985/1997/2009)

What will the year of the OX bring?

Harvest is the symbol for this year so we will reap what we have sown. Decisions should be made now and contracts signed. This is a conservative year, so grand or outrageous schemes are not considered appropriate.

What does Earth mean?

One of the five elements: Earth symbolizes the nurturing environment that enables seeds to grow, which all living things emanate from and return to. It nurtures, supports and interacts with each of the other elements. (wood/fire/metal/water)

The personalities of Earth people:

Supportive and loyal. Practical and persevering., they are a tower of strength in a crisis. They do not rush anything, but their support is enduring. Patient and steady they possess inner strength.

Associations:

Clay, brick and terracotta, cement & stone

Squares. Colors-- yellow, orange & brown.

* You can be an Earth person with a different sign.

For instance, I am a Dragon/Wood+ while my sister is a Dragon/Water+.

My mother and AJ are both Rooster/Water- because they were born 60 years apart, which is the time required to duplicate a sign with the same element.

MY KITCHEN WINDOW

2009-01-24T16:14:00.005-06:00

My kitchen window isn't special because it's a place for my herbs....although I love clipping off fresh parsley in the winter time and using it in soups and as garnish.

It's special, because of what is just outside of it!
This is the pond on the side of our house. A portion of it is frozen, but the fountain keeps a certain area open for the geese.

They are still a little skittish when it comes to people holding black things up to their face (my camera) and I was glad they didn't take flight as I tried to sneak up on them.

Indoor Soccer

2009-01-19T10:00:00.002-06:00

This was Dan's first year playing indoor soccer.

I only saw his back most of the game, as he is a defender.

He kept the ball on the other side...

We won the game!

BLUE MONDAY

2009-01-19T00:35:00.012-06:00

Oh, it's BLUE MONDAY!
We ladies love to share our blue! I'm a dish freak. If I can't eat off of a dish, I put it on the wall!
Here are some of the first two plates I purchased while we lived in Sicily, near the small town of Comiso our first year of marriage

We purchased only two plates and they are hanging in the guest bathroom. I wish I had purchased more....but I wasn't going to spend my new husband's money on such things. I got over it....and decided not to miss out on any more wall plate buying!

This is the set over my couch.

I like to call it "The English Room", because it's cozy (small) and floral! There are 6 plates, and 4 of them qualify for Blue Monday

We picked them up in Scotland at the Wallace Monument. I had asked for one, but Hubby purchased the whole set. I'm glad he did...they look great! They are made by Dunoon of England adapted from William Morris designs.

Next.....

The next set of plates are from Japan. I purchased them while living in South Korea. I can't tell you the name of them, because it's written in Japanese! I have 2 plates, one platter and a bowl. I love them!
Thanks for stopping by!

Please visit the other ladies who are showing off their blue today too!

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com

Have You Ever Heard.....

2009-01-18T14:12:00.003-06:00

Have you ever heard a flock geese flying over your house?

They are loud!

Before He Leaves.....

2009-01-12T22:19:00.004-06:00

One last treat for his boys.

Hubby made his famous waffles the morning he was to leave for Texas.

Only Dad can make the best waffles!

When the FOG rolls in.....

2009-01-06T14:46:00.004-06:00

One afternoon, we looked out our kitchen window and noticed a fog rolled in.

It reminded Hubby of his home town in California and he insisted I get a picture of it.

Mission accomplished!

Move Over Colin Cowie

2008-12-30T15:39:00.011-06:00

Sure Colin can make a beautiful table...but so can MY MAN.

That's right....Mr. Hooters Patrol t-shirt in the BDU's willing to get his hands in the dirt helping me make my garden grow....washing down the thirst with a cold beer....helped me do THIS:

Yeah....I'm amazed too! It's simply ELEGANT!

A wider shot so you can see the fabric panel he made to match the teardrop ornaments he hung from the light fixture, to the tower of chocolates and the beads around Baby New Year... for a New Year's Eve dinner for our neighbors.

Colin, you had better be worried! Someone may be inching into your territory!

Anything else you want me to lay my hands on baby?

Any man who is as well rounded as you...is definitely FUN to have around!

And valuable in MANY ways....

Mr. Turkey

2008-12-25T20:53:00.008-06:00

When your man wants to do the Christmas turkey....LET HIM.

If you don't, he will bug you about everything you are doing to it.

Just let him know up front that he is RESPONSIBLE for how ever the bird comes out of oven and you wish him well, while you're off making the other dishes.

The end result of a joint effort....a table filled with wonderful, tasty food with his turkey being the STAR!

How can green bean casserole, sweet onion pudding, homemade cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes & gravy, fruit bread, grapes and a cheese & cracker plate compete with that golden bird?

It can't!

As it turns out, he did a GREAT job! It was golden, moist and OH soooo tender! I'm sold! He can do the turkey from now on for all of the coming holidays! He is so much better at it then me! I'll just stick to the side dishes and dessert. He has rightfully earned the title....Mr. Turkey!

Did We Have Nothing Better To Do?

2008-12-23T00:10:00.003-06:00

The husband and I spent about an hour putting the dining room together for Tablescape Tuesday...which is on my other blog "It Could Be Worse!". I hope you will check it out along with the other ladies who participate.

Anyway, Hubby and I had a lot of fun doing it. We tend to get carried away. For instance, that Christmas tree? It was in the other room through the arches in the background! Yep, we drug it into the dining room, to get a better picture! Hahahahahaaa!

Then we took like a bazillion photos, experimented with the "starlight" feature on the camera, rearranged everything again and again, added candles, took away candles, used a flash, didn't use the flash...you name it....we tried it last night.

You know what? Taking pictures of one's table isn't easy! You go to some of the ladies blogs who do this and just copying the way they take the photos...is a SKILL!

But it wasn't time wasted. We enjoyed the company, laughed and learned a few things as the evening went by. It's time together that counts, and the table, that's just a bonus.

BLUE MONDAY

2008-12-15T12:19:00.004-06:00

Blue Monday is hosted by Sally at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/

Today, I would like to share my blue Dish-itis.

This is my Polish Pottery collection. I know, it's a lot and I really should be embarrassed, but I'M NOT! LOL! I've been collecting my blue pottery for 19 years, starting when Hubby and I were stationed in Belgium, and the vendors from Poland made their way to Germany to sell their goods. I bought two pieces from them at the bargain price of $25.00! Little did I know how high prices would go once people in the United States discovered this quality product.

They just don't sit there to look pretty...I cook in them and serve in them as well. EVERYDAY. This is why my husband doesn't mind to terribly bad when I bring another piece home! He knows he'll see something yummy in it later! (and I try not to disappoint!)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T23:03:00.000-06:00

Food is great, but you have to have the proper plate to put it on. One that is oversize with a nice lip on it so things don't fall off if you find yourself walking around! I love my Pier One Fall set for this very reason. Large, deep and they look good!

I have a "Pumpkin Curried Soup" recipe in first February of this blog. It's perfect for the pumpkin soup bowls! Of course, there is no law saying you couldn't fill it with bread pudding if you wanted! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

The OutBack

2008-11-19T07:10:00.000-06:00

I took the boys to The OutBack for a special treat. We don't eat out very much, and at $9.99 for a steak dinner, I could spring for it. After our meal, Dan handed me his napkin. I held it in my hand and marveled at how WARM it was.

"Wow Dan, your napkin is so warm! It feels so nice! How did it get this warm?" I asked.

"It was in my butt."

BLUE MONDAY

2008-11-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Pink Saturday was so fun on my other blog, I had to do Blue Monday over here!

This is a very large ginger jar by my front door, that my husband gave me for my 34th birthday. We were living in South Korea and able to purchase things from the surrounding countries with ease. This one is from Thailand.

Do you know what I love about it? You can hide stuff in it! Yep, if you have a bunch of mail on your coffee table and your door bell rings from a visitor you weren't expecting....just take off the lid and dump it in! They'll never know!

Every gal needs one of these to keep up the illusion!

Oh! I almost missed this!

2008-11-08T22:13:00.001-06:00

40 Thousand Miles in 2 years.

Lets see, that was Texas 5 times (1K each way)

Williamsburg, VA once (900 each way)

Sedona, Arizona (1400 one way and 2K the other)

And lots of trips to the soccer fields!

Good thing I have an extended warranty!

Colors of Autumn

2008-11-03T13:30:00.001-06:00

As a girl who grew up in the Arizona desert, I never experienced autumn or spring in such a big way as I have in the Midwest. The people around here don't see what I see, they are used to it. But I see BEAUTY that each season brings, and it makes me gasp!

Best Hubby Ever!

2008-11-03T13:28:00.000-06:00

Hubby sent roses for our 19th year anniversary.

They are called the "Autumn Bouquet"

Love them!

Dinner Outside

2008-10-13T19:25:00.000-05:00

One of the best things when Hubby comes home, is that we always have our dinner outside.

Sex And The City

2008-10-13T09:27:00.000-05:00

Rented the movie last night, and Hubby actually sat by me and watched it. It was long, I shed a tear or two, I was mad, I was confused and then disappointed at the end. Hubby was watching ME just as closely as the movie, trying to gauge my emotions. He finally gave up and said:

I can't believe I sat here and watched this entire movie with you. I wonder what kind of complicated mixed-up emotions you are going to bring to bed with you tonight....will I be in trouble at 2 in the morning.... reminded of something I or someone else did?

Not if you exhaust me with awesome sex.....

Cake After Soccer

2008-10-05T14:29:00.000-05:00

Cake after a soccer game on a nice day, can't be beat!

Hey...where's my ice cream?

Around the Yard

2008-09-23T18:04:00.000-05:00

I've always had a soft spot for roses. I grew up with them.

Between the roses, are bushes and grasses with berries.

Flowers and colorful bushes

What?

2008-09-22T14:20:00.000-05:00

We aren't doing anything..........

Nothing to see here.....

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

2008-07-15T23:44:00.000-05:00

We drove south to Corpus Christi for a day trip.

Gorgeous day, slight breeze and time with dad!

The boys will always remember their Texas summer!

2008

Do You Know What All These Smiley Faces Are Saying?

2008-07-08T21:36:00.000-05:00

KISS MY STINKY BUTT!!! 1997

I GOT YOUR BACK BROTHER

2008-07-02T21:28:00.001-05:00

AJ loved making Lego guns.

Both are his creations.

I don't know why Dan got the bigger one!

1998

A Korean Hotel Room

2008-06-30T10:26:00.000-05:00

While Hubby and I were living in South Korea, we found out I had a distant cousin living near the DMZ. Not only that...but he grew up within 20 miles of Hubby's home town! We both had a reason to like this guy! Anyway...we needed a room in the village he was presently calling home...and he arranged it.

There were four of us...me,hubby, AJ-5 and DJ-2. We arrive in the nicest hotel in the village with our room on the 3rd floor. It was the size of a bathroom with a full size bed squeezed in. The bathroom was the size of a kitchen pantry. (toilet/sink) No hot water. Cold water was brown. But hey....this was a BIG room compared to other places...so we weren't going to complain. The room even came with BUG SPRAY...which we mistake for hair spray...until we saw the dead roach on the label. That concerned me...but hey...if we saw one...at least it would be toast. (which has a whole new meaning after "The Flaming Cockroach" of Myrtle Beach)

So anyway.....we bed down for the night....all four of us on this FULL size bed. Somehow...DJ ends up in the middle...spread eagle , AJ was curled up by the head board and Hubby and I had to position ourselves opposite of each other clinging onto the sides of the mattress. I was scared to death I would take out his eye with my toe!
It was not a restful night.
Only the kids were able to sleep.
But sometimes...you just have to say to yourself,
At least I'm not in a box on the sidewalk in the dead of winter...with the North Korean Army pushing it's way down the street.
Only that could have been worse!

The Window Box

2008-06-28T13:46:00.000-05:00

This is the cedar window box Hubby and AJ made. Hubby and I painted them. Actually, there are two of them!

Hubby learned a few visits ago...that we seemed to have a cycle. Day one was full of "I love you" and "I missed you" and huggy/kissy. Day two was me calling him a selfish you-know-what for leaving me behind with a tremendous burden! Day three is me apologizing for the things I said on day two. Day four...all is forgiven and it's smooth sailing! So...on day two...Hubby gets up earlier in the morning and goes to Lowe's to find a project for us to work on. He knows I love building things with him and won't be focused on the "left behind" part. That's a smart man! Not only does he get out of a behind-chewing...I get something pretty for the yard!

Who Owns Whom?

2008-06-22T08:50:00.000-05:00

I'm glad they have each other.

Flying Home

2008-06-14T15:27:00.000-05:00

This is about 200 miles west of St. Louis, MO.

If the fields are shiny, it's because it's full of water from the over flowing rivers.

Utah Barn

2008-06-13T15:54:00.000-05:00

This barn is on the way to Park City, Utah.

Dan purchased a camera with his birthday money

and this trip was the perfect place to use it!

Makes my heart warm just looking at it!

Dan's Utah

2008-06-09T15:23:00.000-05:00

Dan took this picture from the car window while we were leaving Salt Lake City to Park City.

It's my favorite!

On Our Way To UTAH!

2008-06-06T13:24:00.001-05:00

Are you ready mom? I'm so happy we are going to UTAH!!!

I'm going to use this time to draw!

WE MADE IT!
WE ARE REALLY HERE!!

AND IT SNOWED! IN JUNE!!

Happy Birthday AJ!

2008-05-21T13:52:00.000-05:00

AJ was all of four here.

What a sweetie!

1997

Art on the Square

2008-05-16T11:50:00.000-05:00

A yearly art show sets up in the center of Belleville, Illinois called "Art on the Square". They really picked the best time for it, the weather was beautiful. People from other states come and it's a big money maker for those who are fortunate enough to be picked. Last year, the total dollar amount brought in was more then 2 million!
I'm very fond of colorful glass. I wish I could have packed it all up!

What ever your taste, you could find something here!

MY NEPHEW VISITS

2008-04-17T15:59:00.000-05:00

That's Hubby and my nephew Scott planting a Jonathon Apple tree. I killed the apricot tree that was growing there. No on purpose...it just died...somehow. In about 4 years, this one will bear tasty fruit! I can't wait!

Scott was the first nephew I had. The first born from my sisters, and the apple of my mother's eye. Scott can do no wrong as far as she is concerned! He grew up to be a confident man, with a great job that he worked hard for and the desire to help some relatives come into this technical age. Not an easy thing...just look how long it took me to learn how to upload pictures!! (with Scott's help) Now..if he would just visit again to show me how to link up to my favorite blogs and show them in my sidebar!

Geese

2008-04-15T16:31:00.000-05:00

The geese like to march between the ponds of my neighbors. There's something peaceful...sitting in the back yard with a cool breeze as geese walk by unafraid. I envy how closely knit they are. I had heard that if one goose was ill...or too old to fly back when it was time, that another goose would stay behind and stay with them until they died. Then they would fly back North alone.

My Guy

2008-03-28T19:40:00.000-05:00

I don't know why I love him.

I just do.

Maybe it's because he is so HANDSOME.

Maybe it's because he is so GENEROUS.

Maybe it's because he is a great FATHER.

Maybe just maybe, it's because he loves me like no one else ever has. Completely...honestly....unconditionally.

I just LOVE him!