April Fool, That's Me

Well, that was dumb. It started this morning, I was making Max's lunch, business as usual, when I wrote his name on his lunch sack. I wrote M and then finished as 'Museum' instead of 'Max'. I was thinking about the museum and what I needed to do at work and just got confused.

I turned the calendar to April so I could pass my schedule along to Kelly, forgot about the rest of March until tonight. I was reading the blogs I browse when I got to Janice's blog she mentioned a banquet at school, my sis Kathi left a comment that she was also going to attend the banquet.

Slowly, oh so very slowly, it started to dawn on me, my family should also be attending the banquet. Hubby. Max and I were to attend the FFA banquet and we were to bring a homemade pie. At that point it was too late to bake a pie. Hubby was home today and had dinner well under control.

In March I totally forgot my Building and Grounds Committee meeting, thought of it during the afternoon and then forgot until the next morning.

I am totally dingin' out as of late. I am a bit tired, but that is no excuse for everyone I'm letting down.

Maybe I'm coming down with something, forgetfulitis?

If I'm not where I am supposed to be, call me. My intentions are good. Really.

Cal zones Shortcut

Cal zones at home are easy. I make a pizza crust recipe and some filling, shape and fill, brush with a beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.
My guys like the leftovers for lunch. If there are any leftovers.

The hardest part for me is the shaping, mine are all kittywhompas. But hey, they still taste good.

Today Hubby and I went to Costco, Target and Trader Joes. I had some ground beef, ground turkey and pizza sauce thawing at home for the filling. Eventually I can tell that this BiG shop was taking a long time and I needed a shortcut for the Cal zones.

After all, I needed to get to Max's soccer game at 5:30 this evening.

Trader Joes was our last stop and bam! there it was, the shortcut. I bought the ready made pizza crust dough! I used two bags of crust dough and made enough for myself and four guys (Paden stopped by) and some leftovers. Throw some flour and cornmeal on the counter, flatten, cut and fill with filling and cheese.

Just another delicious Trader Joes product used in a new way!

Hubby and I ate our dinner at the game during half time. Cal zone packs up nicely.

No Worries

A busy few days all about ME! But I don't want any of my readers losing sleep tonight. You know, worrying about my family's Sunday morning cinnamon rolls.

I have rolls in the freezer for just such occasions.

Good Night and rest easy---.

Back Home Safe & Sound

A good time was had by all! Hubby and I had a trip to Seattle, he had meetings and I had shopping. Again, a nice hotel upgrade. I can't help it, they just want to please me. Ravioli that brought tears to my eyes, wild mushroom and asparagus. It screamed Spring and calories.

Shopping was fun but frustrating, so many teenybopper stores. Nordstroms is not the same. I walked through cosmetics and they were busy doing some makeovers. A make up makeover has been on my mind as of late so I stopped to watch. Two make up artists, both with tattoos covering their arms, totally and one with temporary tattoos on her face. I do not wish to have someone with such poor judgement doing my make up. No thank you! A discrete small tattoo, fine, covering your entire arms, ummm, no. Poor judgement! I bought cardigans in springy colors to ease into the new season and a t-shirt for Max from Hollister. After all, I had neglected the poor kid. *Thanks for your kind words, he isn't too scarred.

I came home Friday, threw my prepacked bags in the Element and took off for round two. A scrappin' slumber party! Deluxe accommodations (even my friends want to give me an upgrade), incredible food and a tonnage of friends. Janice rocks as a hostess, as a cook and she has a tonnage of friends. We decided that was the only way to describe it, "tonnage", she has a lot of friends! I'm not good at that, but that is another subject.


Scrappin' is stressful, so Becky steps out on the patio for a smoke. Apparently, she smokes pens. You'll be hearing more about Becky, she is giving me a make up makeover. Yay!


Our lovely hostess is clever, she scraps pages to match her pajamas. We won't even get into the time of day she is still in her p.j.'s. Nice, she can just fall back into bed.

I had a baking lesson too. Janis is making rolls for our lunch and has a technique for shaping a nice size roll. Makes them all uniform in size and shape, plus her rolls are like little clouds from heaven.

Saturday late afternoon I head for home. Hubby has been busy. The floors are mopped and waxed, the bathroom has been cleaned, laundry finished. He is chopping salsa for happy hour and has a dinner plan, BBQ rib eye steak, potatoes and fresh asparagus.

What a great weekend. The city, a nice hotel, excellent food, girl time, my Hawaii album well on its way, tons of laughs with some old and new friends, a spotless house and a delicious family dinner.
I. Am. So. Blessed.

Worst Mom in the World?

You decide.

Max is playing soccer with the school team this Spring. Fun! Today he has his third game. I'm not going. I didn't go to the other two either. How am I doing? Worst Mom ever?

In my defense, he didn't get to play the first game because he'd gone to Disneyland and didn't have enough practices in and it was at Mt. Baker with snow showers predicted. The second game, he played in Burlington, a 45 minute drive and I was busy at work.

Today is his third game, it's at home, it's sunny, I'm leaving town, overnight. Enough already, I feel bad.

Still going though.

Before you get all self righteous with me, let me explain. I have the opportunity to go shopping in Seattle, overnight.

Hey, you would too!

In my defense, I made him the game day breakfast. I don't make my guys breakfast, they pour their own cereal. I taught them as soon as they could lift the milk jug.
I handed Max his plate and said, "Go, Fight, Win!" In my cheeriest voice. I'm all about encouragement.
His response, "Really, I may get in a fight?"
NOOOOoooo! Enough of that.

While he is eating I am explaining that I love him and I'll be home for a half an hour on Friday evening before I grab my other packed bags and leave for another overnighter.

I am going to do some scrap booking, at a slumber party with the sisters.

Max's response, 'Well, my baby book will be easy, first haircut, (long pause) tenth soccer game...", inferring that I haven't been there for him.

Not true.

In my defense. I have been to many games and I have totally been there for Max. In fact so much so, that he does NoT have a baby book.

Hey, I was in the moment. For fifteen years now.

My bags are packed and don't worry, I'm bringing the guilt.

What is that Smell?

I got my new issue of Taste of Home magazine. Pete and Hope gave it to me for my birthday. It's fun to get some new recipes.
I was all over this recipe because I love to bake with buttermilk. And I like vanilla, the taste and smell. So, let's get busy!

Vanilla Ring Cake

1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 T. vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar, until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

I LoVe my mixer, while it is mixing I can unload the dishwasher, flip the laundry or run out and get the mail. How great it that?

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the dry ingredients, add to the creamed mixture alternating with the buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
Pour into a greased and floured 10 inch fluted tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 65 minutes.

After it had been in the oven for a bit I start to smell the most heavenly vanilla ever. Not like fake candle vanilla but the real deal. I keep doing laundry, tidying up the place when I realize my house isn't smelling so vanilla anymore. It smells like charred cake or something.

Okay, so my Williams Sonoma heart shaped pan must be on the small side for a bundt pan. Who knew?


Things can go from good to bad so quickly. And they did. I guess I'll be cleaning my oven soon.

Cool for ten minutes before removing from the pan.

Yikes! I hope that puppy comes out of the pan, with it's overflow, this could be bad...
Mix up the drizzle while you wait.

Drizzle:
1 cup confectioner sugar
1-2 T. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Combine the drizzle ingredients; drizzle over cake.

Wow! The overflow lips on the edge of the cake are great for collecting the overflow drizzle.
All's well that ends well.

Weekend Recap

Thank you to everyone who came into Sole Obsession on Friday. It was really fun! You can read about Kelly here in today's newspaper. Really nice story about a really nice lady.
One of my friends bought these classy pumps, love them!
Another friend came in and got everything to go. Smart Wool socks and dansko clogs, so cute with her jeans, she wore everything right out the door.
A fairly regular weekend here at the Stone House, some cooking and cleaning, Hubby worked, dinner at the folks after church on Sunday, watched some movies and read. Hubby and I took a long walk on Sunday afternoon, so sunny and nice to be out.
I have the new book by Jodi Picoult, Handle with Care. I am trying to pace myself.
Today I am making Kelly's chili and Janis' rustic bread for dinner. A busy week coming right up!

Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies

On Saturday afternoons when I put my cinnamon rolls into the oven to bake I sometimes quickly mix up a pan of bars or a cake to tag team into the oven right behind the rolls. I'm in the kitchen and the oven is hot anyway.

These are a favorite and I whipped them up this week. I'm sure the guys won't complain. They'll disappear!

Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies

Spray the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13 baking pan.
Melt in a heavy saucepan, 1 cube of butter and 1 cup of butterscotch chips. Stir constantly until melted, then remove and cool until lukewarm.


Add to the butterscotch mixture:
1 1/2 c. flour
2/3 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
I set all my dry ingredients in a bowl, and that way everything is measured and ready to be added to the buttery stuff.
Mix dry ingredients, eggs and vanilla into the buttery yummy stuff in the saucepan.
Fold in 2 cups miniature marshmallows and 1 cup chocolate chips.

Spread in the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Do not over bake. Center will be jiggty (this is not my word) but become firm upon cooling.

These bars are an old recipe that my Mom got from her Christmas cookie baking friend, Janis. Not sure if jiggty is her word...
A good Spring recipe, it uses up your mini marshmallows left over from Winter's hot cocoa before they get tough.
Enjoy!

The Change of Seasons

Since it is now Spring I decided to make some changes at our house. I changed the paper in the coasters, to green and other spring like colors. Small change.

Today while I was at the Spring Craft and Antique show I found some sweet little nests. They were just enough to give me an idea so that I could change my center piece on the dining table for Spring. Some times it is just something so small that can be added to things we already have in our homes to make a needed change.


Happy Spring!

Spring Shoes and a Dinner for 60

Remember to come and visit me at Sole Obsession today!

In spite of the cold temperatures I will be taking home my new, saucy Sausalito Dansko sandals. When Spring arrives I'll be ready. Will you?

*Had a lovely evening at the museum last night, our annual Docent and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. We had a delicious Italian dinner, some Dutch themed decorations and a talented young magician, Sterling Deitz for our entertainment.

Been a busy week for me. More later!

Matrimony

I like Liz and her blog, so when she recommended a book I ordered it from the library. She even had a give away for Matrimony by Joshua Henkin. The give away is over but you could get the book from your local library or here at Amazon.

I finished the book last night. The difference between Liz and I is that she is a writer and I think that is why she loved this book so much. Liz loved the character Julian and I finished the book feeling like I didn't know Julian as well as I would have liked to. I do have a broader appreciation for writers after reading Matrimony and I still would like to be one when I grow up. Writing is hard work and writers have different methods. Julian crafted each sentence perfectly before going on with his story, some writers get the story written and then go back and rewrite the sentences. That made me wonder what kind of writer I would be. It also made me wonder if Julian would have been a different person if he had just written the story and then tweaked it.

Overall, a good read. Not five stars for me but it might be for you and I'd give it 3.5.

Happy St. Paddy's Day

This year for St. Paddy's Day I went all out. I found some Lucky Charms for breakfast. Max saw them and said, "freakin' old school, cool." I guess I don't have to make corned beef and cabbage for dinner, I've done enough.

So, how does Max feel about a quick blog photo in the morning? Looks cranky to me.

This is the "I don't like to admit it but my Mom is funny", shot.

The money shot!

He told me that I am lucky. "You're a good cook and that is why we let you stay." Who knew? I am so lucky.
So, how do I get the money shot for the blog before school? I agree to drive him to school even though I am still in my p.j.s. And I do it all for you, my readers. Love you and have a Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Stop Whining

Here:
I've made no secret of the fact that I like snow. It has been a great winter here in the Pacific Northwest. Lots of snow, lots of vertical snow. Granted I am ready for Spring but I enjoy the white stuff. It's pretty and I like to watch it fall. Even yesterday.
My friend Anna Greta is from Sweden, she got these photos from her cousin. Bob thinks if I like snow so much I should move to Sweden.
There:


Looks pretty to me. I just don't think we have had enough snow this winter to whine about it. The people of Sweden would probably agree.

I'm Slipping

On Saturdays I make cinnamon rolls, unless it's summertime. Ummm, uh, I forgot. Saturday evening it dawned on me that there would be no rolls for Sunday morning. So, while dinner was in the oven I quickly put together a Sour Cream Coffee Cake.
We'll just have to muddle through...Have a Happy Sunday!

Daily Stuff

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with Kelly at Sole Obsession training for next Friday. Of course, the longer I am there, the more shoes I want. After work I was invited to have dinner at Robb and Kelly's place. She made the best chili I've ever had. Kelly, please share the recipe. When we sat down for dinner, Riley, their youngest asked his Mom, "is the girl staying?" Love being called a GIRL! Thanks for such a nice evening! Sweet, sweet family.

The upstairs is finished!
Max's bed.

Sam's bed.

Aren't they nice and cozy? Except Max is a brat and won't sleep in his new bed. "It squeaks and he can't sleep."
I. AM. Gritting. MY. TeeTH!

Let There Be Light

I love chandeliers. Over our dining room table, over our bed and now in our laundry room, love them. I've had my eye out for one, not too big, good lighting and nothing that would break the bank. Bingo!
Hubby installed it this week, of course NO project is a slam dunk here. The ceiling around the old fixture was in bad shape. So, we bought one of those circular thingys and painted it and covered up the bad ceiling. And tah dah!




I love what my friend, Patrick said, "How decadent." Yes, a little over the top and unexpected, just how I like it.
Edited to add, please excuse the laundry on the counter. It is my work room. And I plan on being in there all morning.

Bookshelf Makeover

You may remember Sam's book shelf in his old room, from the home tour last year. When we moved, and rearranged the upstairs last week, it was in need of a serious makeover. We got rid of most of the movies and junk.

Hubby sanded and cleaned it. I painted it with black satin.
I found some baskets at Michael's today and insto facto, a whole new look.

Everything is tidy and organized. We'll see how long Sam can maintain.

Putting My Best Foot Forward

Okay, so it is not really a job, but more of a help out a friend thing. I am going to work at Sole Obsession for Kelly. She is going to a shoe show. Lucky! And leaving moi large and in charge. It is March 20th, Friday and I'm telling you now so you can mark your calendars. She has some sweet deals and I am counting on each of you. Make me look good and come shopping on the 20th of March!

I got my patent leather red danskos from Kelly and never have I received more compliments on any pair of shoes than my reds.

How about some Keenes?

These summery danskos are going to be mine. Love them! Sausalito in toffee.

Simple shoes, not much to say because Jerrie said it all. I think I need the brown linen with the lilac laces. I want a lilac cardigan this Spring. The shoes, the cardigan and a fresh white T, screams Spring to me.
See you at the store.

Big News

Such exciting news. I finally feel I can make an announcement. I have a new JOB!
Woot Woot!
Oh, I'm not leaving my real job, as a wife and mom. Or my other job, at the museum. Love and need those jobs too.
This is an additional job!
I didn't dare to say anything earlier in case the boss changed her mind. But it looks like I am in.

I will have to get a photo and tell you what and where later.

Oh, and did you see the moon early this morning? Absolutely breathtaking!

Oh, and have you ever done circuit training? I have, at boot camp this morning where I nearly died.

You may have not known this but I have had many different jobs, including working in the berry fields, in the azalea greenhouses, testing cows (by far the most disgusting and interesting), installing insulation, the cannery, waitress, nanny (best benefits), grades 5-8 Language Arts and Science teacher, at the bank in the securities department, and at the museum.
So, what is next?
This next one, I am real excited, is going to be great. Just hope I can do it...

And because a post without a picture is like, ummm, I don't know, um cereal without milk or coffee without cream, here is our dining room. The sun only hits right in early Spring and Fall for the light to catch the chandelier. It is like a disco ball and I just love it when it happens. The picture hardly does it justice but hey, it's all I got.

Celebrate

While at Costco on Saturday I found a new magazine. Well, new to me. I had never seen Celebrate.
Several recipes to try, including a series on pound cakes.

So many clever invitations. It made me want to throw a party. Some cute shower ideas too.

Many magazines are closing up shop, it's nice to see something new and fresh on the newsstand.