Fancy That!

Jared and I had to stay home from church this morning because he started vomitting, but we had our own church up in here! My new favorite TV is GTV directTV channel 355 GodTV. We watched the Hillsong Conference Friday night airing of TD Jakes. His message was so meaty and spoke directly to me. He said that he feels as if God's word right now for the church is to express their creativity. God didn't give us a chair of a pencil he gave us trees. He wanted us to experience the pleasure of using our creativity just like He did when He created the earth. He put inside of us a seed in our bellies to be creative. He talked about seasons of our lives and time as it is running out. Jakes' mom wanted for him to learn to count to 100 which was difficult for him as a child. He says she pushed him constantly. As he counts he starts on the floor 1,2,3-10, then steps up one level 10,11,12-20, then steps up another level, 21,22,23,24,25. . . he says the thing that stops people from going on to the next level the next new thing is the fact that they have to start back at one again, 21, 31, 41, I felt that way when I started playing tennis this year. I wasn't the best at it, but I allowed myself to not give up and keep practicing. I found it got alot of stress out. I haven't heard TD Jakes in a while, but he sure is full of fun and speaks from the heart.

I looked ahead on God TV and there's more from the Hillsong Conference taped in July 2007. The next speaker is Ed Young. He's so great, and a cool man's man type preacher. My husband and I have watched him in SS class speak on marriage. He uses illustrations and makes funny sounds in the mic during his messages. He'll have me laughing that's for sure.

The coolest thing I'm looking for is hearing John Paul Jackson speak on Sat. from the Clan Conference in Scotland. I never get to see John Paul on tv much because he is very selective about his appearances. His ministry is Streams Ministries where he teaches on using symbols from the bible to interpret dreams. He has a series of courses designed to mentor people in this area. I've taken all the courses, and I do pretty good at figuring out my dreams' meanings. John Paul is one of those men with a Pastor's heart. You can just look into his big blue eyes and see God's eyes. His wavy white hair gives me the feeling that it's a reflection of how handsome God is to see in person. Maybe Moses has hair like that.
For more info on dreams go to the link in the right column. Interpretmydream

Ok, so it's time to get those fat-storing cells to stop the maddness that comes from feeding on sugary stuff. The first thing I am doing is adding greens and fruit to my menu. Today I made a spinach cheese puff. I got the recipe off of Martha Stewart's show sometime before the holidays. I think I'll tweak this recipe a bit before publishing it. I cut the salt, but it was still too salty, and it was runny. I think I'm looking to add a bit of flour to the mix next time to thicken it more. I really wish I could reproduce the spinach dish on the menu at Calhoun's restaurants in Knoxville. I went to the grocery store and bought some fresh asparagus. I plan to steam it, then cover it with a little tomato sauce and parmesan and bake until it's warm and cheese is melted. I also bought some Glory brand seasoned turnip greens. I'll probably cook this on the stove top adding some garlic and 2 turkey necks for flavor, maybe a tablespoon of sugar.

Why greens? They help the digestive track wake up from being slowed down by carbs and sugar. It will stop the liver from converting food to fat by raising the pH in the body. You can test this by testing urine pH with test strips bought at any health food store. This has always really helped me. I don't often test the pH because I know I'm doing what I should be doing, and I trust it will work.

Lastly, I bought some Pomegranite Blueberry juice to get some antioxidants in the mix. I'm going to try some V8 Fusion Peach Mango flavor. Basically, I just want more real food going into my system, and less fast food, salt, and junk. I even found Powerade Option (the low cal version) on sale for 50 cents each at the local grocery store.

It's time for a change.

This new album is great and well worth the money for the 2 CD's FULL of dynamic songs. I'm all about fast praise music w/ a beat to get my cardio workout pumpin', and there are quite a few songs that will be going onto my MP3 player. It starts out with a cool track - It's Alright! It has varying rhythm combinations and harmonies that make this song go on and on. Never Separate and Madly In Love and Go Go Praise are a few of my fast song fav's. The dress Vickie is wearing on the album cover looks like a wedding dress - very pretty choice. I'd look good in that! The song, Falling In Love reminds me of my pre-teen years singing that song in my little home church w/ 15 rows of pews on each side. It's a red back hymnal revisit. If I need a good cry I just listen to the sweet voice of the boy on the track More Than A Mom. I hope to be that kind of mom my little guy can say all those sweet things about. When's the next new album?

It's pretty good to be in her shoes these days. Santa brought me the CD, and it's been in my car for the past few days. My favorite songs are God Loves Ugly, and Young and in Love. God Loves Ugly might be ok to sing at church because it's about how God sees everything inside of me and he still says I'm beautiful. Sometimes I feel ugly inside too, and then after I've let God love on me and asked for him to forgive my stupid stuff I see myself better. Young and In Love -like that -like that -like that -is gonna hit #1 on the dance charts. I've got to say there's a bit of a wierd eastern voice singing on the track Freeze the Moment. What is that? Do ya have to play it backwards to see if it's saying something poisonous? I didn't like that little demonic sounding voice. No offense Jordin, I'm just sensative to spiritual things. I saw Jordin on a morning show singing during Christmas weekend. She is still so sweet and overtaken by her new fame. She's got that innocent excited spirit, and it's so likable and refreshing.

It's about to be 2008, and I've eaten all the chocolate chip biscotti, spritz tempting drop sugar cookies, cherry oatmeal, white chocolate graham cracker, coconut cream pie, chocolate truffles my friend Renee' made, and whatever else I could get my lips on for the Christmas Holiday I shouldn't have. Whew! I gained 1 pound of something and several inches. I went back to the gym the other day and did some weight lifting! Yeah, ok. Not gonna say, I'm walking w/o pain, but I feel good.
So onto my Starbucks research. I've found out there are a few things I need to do to trim out the calories from this coffee thang that's going on.
#1. No Whipped Cream
#2. Non-Fat Milk when ordering a latte.
#3. Sugar-Free Syrup (Vanilla, Cinnamon Dulce',Hazelnut)
So my final order will include some doctoring, but the Mocha will have to be reserved for that time of the month when we all need chocolate. It's time to get the final few pounds off this butt, and firm, and burn it all up. If you want to work out with me at the Rush, leave me a comment. I'll be there.

Wow, I was surprised to see Nick Lachey's choir win the competition. They were very good, but I thought Patti had them beat from the first song they sung. Now Nick promised to feature them as backup singers on his next album. Hmmmm what kind of song will he choose? There was a cute little blonde in his choir too - a possible new prospect perhaps? She spoke about he choir quite eloquently like she had more brains than Jessica. If she is smart she won't treat Nick like all the other girls. He said once on the Newlywed's show that he liked Jessica because she wasn't all over him like some of the others. Take a hint, sweetie, Nick likes a challenge.

I was happy to see that the other choirs who had been voted out were back for the finale. They were performing. The front-runners probably appreciated the vocal break since it takes alot out of you to perform and rehearse 4 nights in a row. Good move, producers!

When I looked at the choir leaders who were chosen to participate in this program, I see a mentoring relationship developing. Michael Bolton has been around a long time, and has had a lot of popularity and won numerous awards. He could offer an abundance of advice to Nick Lachey. There's probably things Michael would tell Nick that he has learned, composers and song writers he could hook up w/ Nick who is still in the beginning of a solo career. I don't think Nick has found the keys to a Platinum record yet. Kelly Rowland and Patti LaBelle are probably really tight these days too. Patti can offer all the secrets to staying in the music business for the long run. Kelly is doing very good with her solo career. I think she'll be around after Beyonce' goes to Vegas. (just a prediction) Blake? Ummm does Blake strike me as a mentor - no. He's wild, open, and flys by the seat of his pants. There's no rules with this guy, and he's got the IT factor going for him along with this sense of humor. He's really let out all the stops, and his fans are liking him so much with all the off the cuff stuff he said during this live show. He will be sold out this summer tour. No problem.

My question is will there be anyone who was a soloist in any of the choirs scouted out? Will someone be called up by a Sony/ Jive/ Word/ GoTee Records company big-wig? Is there a newbie we are going to see out of this thing? It would be cool for that to happen to one of the older, dead end career people - someone who is too old for American Idol, and too mature to be able to spend all those weeks locked up in a house w/ teenager/college kids.

I enjoyed watching. Thanks NBC.

The Clash of the Choirs Tuesday night was a shocker! I was so disappointed to see Kelly Rowland's group dismissed. They should have allowed them to perform while elminating the possiblity of them winning the charity monies. All that work they'd put into rehearsal went down the drain. What a downer for the members too. Kelly was tearful some of the night too. Bummer.

Micheal Bolton's group did alot better with their song choice too. I'm not sure why he used the same male soloist again, but maybe he is the best choice out of the male voices. Who knows. I'll bet he was feeling the pressure when he lost his voice that morning. Tea w/ honey, Honey. That's the secret.

Blake Shelton had the crowd rockin' too. He is such a personality with all the creative jokes coming with each comment to the mic.

Patti LaBelle raised an eyebrow or two when she told Lachey that his choir was blessed by God. He had a bit of a blank look on his face. If you ever watched the Newlywed's show w/ him and Jessica, he would never talk about God or going to church. That's not something he's used to at all. Maybe this is God's way of getting Nick's attention for a change. Patti is allowing herself to be used to speak into some lives the love of Christ they may not have ever heard before. People need the Lord, and they don't even know it. How many times has live TV edited out the words God wants to speak in Primetime. Oh, you can find some TV preaching and Christian music on BET on Sunday morning. M-F is a different story.

Patti's choir continues to wow us. She is featuring different soloist women each night. Are they in a local church choir? Where did she get those girls? It's touching to see how very heartfelt they express the lyrics. Bravo!

NBC is narrowing the song choice tonight with Christmas being the theme. Let's sing about baby Jesus!!!

The battle was ON Monday night with the Clash of the Choirs on NBC! Why weren't any of the celebs from my town? I could've helped them w/ alto or a soprano part! The top two choirs for me were Kelly Rowland's group and Patti LaBelle's wild bunch. Wow! I was so impressed by Patti LaBelle. She is so genuine and a natural director. She seemed to be ready to direct, and had a great song choice. Who would've guess that the choir would rock the house with "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands". When the parts were broken up and sung hitting me right between the eyes - I was Hooked!! Then, they added in "I Put It All In His Hands" and the roof came off the place! Print the sheet music up, girl, that was HOT!!! Thanks NBC for the praise party. It's about time the world got a view of what it's like to have some church - up in there. You could tell the ladies featured in the duet were feelin' the spirit, and shouting Hallelujah!

I noticed the directors were very very nice to each other with comments this first night. No "Simon Cowells" among the group to gripe or advise. They are accomplished artists, and I'm sure they don't like it when someone would criticize ANYTHING they are doing. Bottom of my list was Michael Bolton's group because it didn't bring out the SATB parts very well. That's not saying the soloist wasn't ON with his raspy edgy voice. He was a good choice.

Nick Lachey took a big chance with his song, "Unwritten". It was difficult because of the rhythms, if you don't keep on top and ahead of each phrase, it's easy to get behind the beat. He had a good group with some strong women soloists. Cincinnati has movers and shakers!

I was proud of Blake Shelton for pursuing the troops to be part of his choir in Oklahoma City. Why he didn't include the choir director he questioned for advice, is beyond me. I cannot believe he doesn't know how to read music. How can he lead a choir? Can he hear the parts? There must have been a pianist provided to play all the parts for everyone. This IS a national show we're watching. Let me guess there were special split tracks w/ part tapes produced for each choir also. NBC had to spend money somewhere since there weren't any actors to pay. Blake's choir soloists were good and adventurous with some of their ad libs.

Kelly Rowland had Houston dancing with attitude. It helps to wear red when you go to war! The tenors were very strong; maybe they were the first of her secret weapons ready to be released. I can't wait!

A Book Review:

Wow, Lisa has blown me away with the number of ideas for motivating children to obey and do things the way a parent would imagine. Of course, I'm thinking it's going to take some time for my little guy (not quite 2 yet) to be able to understand my methods and the reasoning behind them. I was impressed by idea upon idea mentioned in this book.

Some things I have been working on, is getting Jared to clean up his toys and food he throws on the floor. I am pleased to report that he no longer is whirling bowls of unfinished dinner at me or off the side of the highchair tray. He says, "Done." and offers me the fork/spoon. Then I run! and go and get it quickly!!! He is doing better with tantrums, as he sits in a chair until he quits crying.

An e-mail was sent to me by BabyCenter.com on discipline techniques. I thought it was very good, and I'd like to share it.

http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/0_the-discipline-tool-kit-successful-strategies-for-every-age_1475318

I've always been the type of person to research the topic I'm learning; whatever it is at the time. You should see the books I've read on gardening, magazines on scrapbooking, books on how to maintain a fishtank (still can't do this well), then there's my ultrasound books on each modality. So here goes my research into how to be the best parent I possibly can become for Jared's sake.

Somethings been going on lately. There is some big green thing in the livingroom with lots of "ites" and pretty hangy things too. Momma keeps her eye on me when I get too close. I hate it when I see that my "ites" aren't lit yet, so I found this square plastic thing w/ 2 prongs that fit great into the socket on the wall. The "ites" were on!! I got in trouble. Last weekend I went to the mall with Nana and Pap and Momma and Dadda. Nana and Dadda stood in line waiting while Momma pushed me around in my stroller showing me all these Babba's (bears) w/ snow. Big "ites" there! and a "tee" too. When Nana and Dadda got to the front of the line Momma too me into the "seat" where a scary man in a red suit was sitting. She AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhh put me on his lap AAAAAAAAAAAhhhhh! She picked me up and put me on her lap and sat on that man's lap AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhhhh!! Dadda sat on the other side of him and a flashy "ite" hurt my eyes! We all were outa there in no time. Dadda drove us around town; I saw green and red lights all over the place. My house has a white snowman, a penguin on the porch, and my favorite is a "Babbba" w/ a red scarf, "Awww, Babba."

I've been looking for a really good oatmeal cookie recipe. It should taste very chewy and thin. I've tried the recipe on the oatmeal container and one in the Martha Stewart Baking handbook. They were both very bulky and almost tough. Any suggestions? The very best oatmeal cookie I have ever had was made by my old boss, Karen Romine. I asked her for the recipe, and she didn't have it. So I'm on a hunt!! Do you have the recipe I need? Please share!

I finished knitting this dishcloth over the summer, and I thought it needed a mate. I've started on a second one with what I have left. I bought the yarn in Myrtle Beach at a knitting store in Cherry Grove called Knitting Up a Storm. I was delighted to meet the owner. She had so much to choose from. I loved the color of this cotton yarn. It is a deeper blue than the pic can show. The pattern is from Creative Knitting Magazine. There is also a sweater in the mag that uses this pattern throughout. It is beautiful, but I can't commit for that long of a project right now. I'm wanting to start my corset soon (link on the side column).

I was so hungry for chocolate chip biscotti to go with my hot creamy coffee. I found an easy recipe from my cookbook "The Cake Doctor". It is made with a cake mix. Why is there such confusion about this mysterious cookie? You mound the dough in a rectangular shape and bake first, then cut into strips and turn on their sides to bake again for another 10 min - turn oven off and leave them in for another 2 hrs. They are crisp and ready to rehydrate when you dunk them in your hot liquid. Yummy. John wanted to sample them after the first baking rectangle came out of the oven! Friday, I was running late to a party and grabbed them on the way out the door along with some coffe mate creamer and coffee grounds. They were put out with the other desserts. One of the men at the party walked up to me later and said, "Those chocolate chip cookies were really HARD as a rock!"

"

I have been working on this little hat for Sista Lena to keep her head warm. This is done in a butterfly stitch. The pattern is done in sets of 10, 5 for the butterfly and 5 for the spaces in between them. I got this idea from the DIY network program Knitty Gritty. The show was called Flirty Skirty. Here's the pattern:

Flirty Skirty
Details of butterfly stitch

Switch to circular needle
slip 5 WYIB, *P5, slip 5 WYIB, *P5; rep from *until end of row.
Place marker and prepare to join row circularly for knitting in the round.
Row 1: P all
Row 2: *P5, slip 5 WYIB; rep from * until end of round.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 three more times.


Then P7, *on the next stitch (which is a the center of the slipped group) insert right-hand needle down through the five loose strands, bring needle up and transfer the five strands to left-hand needle, purl the five strands and the next stitch together as one stitch; P9; repeat from *, end last repeat with a P2.

Then: *Slip 5 WYIB, P5; rep from * until end of round.
Row 1B): P-150 stitches.
Row 2B): *Slip 5 WYIB, P5; rep from * until end of round.
Repeat Rows 1B) and 2B) three more times.

Then P2, *on the next stitch (which is a the center of the slipped group) insert right-hand needle down through the five loose strands, bring needle up and transfer the five strands to left-hand needle, purl the five strands and the next stitch together as one stitch; P9; repeat from *, end last repeat with a P7.
You may have the hang of the stitch pattern by now, but just in case:
Do Row 2A and 1A for FOUR rounds, then do first bulleted step.
Do Row 2B and 1B for FOUR rounds, then do second bulleted step.

I made this a bit easier by knitting on circular needles and switching all purls into knit stitches and WYIB to "with yarn in front" (WYIF) instead. I like knitting much better than purling.

I just finished this book, and it was a bit of a window into the mind of a tantrum proned, manipulative child. What I understand is that I am being tested to see if I am worthy to be the authority (one of them) at my own home. Game on! I've learned to exercise this stern discipline when my little one intentionally decides not to obey and outright rebels when I need him to do something. It's better to establish the rules and boundaries first, and then enforce them if they are crossed as soon as it happens. If I do this sooner than later, I can avoid a simmering confrontation boil over later. I hope this will help me, but the journey with parenting is a day by day thing. I'm going to mess up, but then I'm gonna get up and try to be better next time. Will someone please pass the Lindt truffles?

I was in the beauty shop on Sat. and a man walked in to ask if he could have the left over hair clippings from the trash. He left with a little plastic bag where all the beauticians had added the hair swept off their floor. He was going to put the hair around the edge of his garden and near flower beds to keep rabbits, deer, and other animals away. Human hair supposedly never loses its scent, so animals won't come around to steel veggies or bulbs from a garden where they are smelling humans. I may have to try this little secret out for myself.

These guys got the boot after only 3 weeks on the show, and it's a disgrace!! I've been listening to them on their myspace page, and they are kool katz! I don't know why they didn't go farther with this style. When does the album come out? When's the tour? When are you coming to Cleveland? On the show it was said that the guys met at church performing for a praise band. Got my vote there! Let's just pray that new fame doesn't test their faith too much, and they can stay on course serving God.

Ok, so if I have to pick a second favorite for the competition it would be the 3 brothers who play w/ their hearts on their sleves w/ such a window to their souls, The Clark Brothers. Close behind with my attention is Sixwire. They seem to be into the whole thing, but are they really wanting their band to take off into superstardom? They produce their own albums and write all their own stuff. I wonder if they will be alright with handing over the reigns to someone else, and giving Simon Cowell part of their proceeds. (He'll take it as part of a finder's fee) We'll see. If Tres Bien keeps up that rubber leg dancing for much longer and doesn't exit the show soon, I will have to chalk that win up to the power of this techy generation who votes for their age group - for 2 hrs straight - long after most of us working adults have gone to bed. Dot Dot Dot is just too punky for me.

Time: 900am
Day: Saturdays
Place: The Rush
The Instructor: Travis

Ok, so I've been getting up any Saturday I'm in town to do a little preventative maintanence work at The Rush. I've got to say that Travis is a cool instructor. He picks the best music to get me thru 50min. of Spinning. Just as I think I can't go any longer "Bust a Move" takes me to the next level. The song of the day today was "Wild Thing". Thanks for the sprints, Travis. I really liked the comment that sprints will get rid of that thin layer of fat - mine is a bit thinker these days after Thanksgiving. Ok so spiritually, the cool down mix of "Keep the Faith" helped me coast on to Max Muscle class happily.(Was I crazy? I couldn't even feel my legs during the squats! and I am having a bit-o-trouble w/ the stairs tonite.) It's a good thing that Sunday is a day for rest. I'm truly honoring that tomorrow.

I found the coolest little tip for us newbie parents from the site www.andreacandee.com. I'll quote her tip. "Wondering how to use that banana for a splinter? Simply cut a piece of the ripened peel, tape it on, pulp side to the splinter, leaving it in place overnight. In the morning, the enzymes in the ripe banana will have pulled the splinter to the surface. Deeply embedded splinters may require another night or two of fresh peel. Just think of the memories your child will have when they’re adults!"

Now I won't have to be the mean mommy who holds my little man down with a sterilized needle to get out a splinter like when I was a child. Ummm that hurt! ALOT!!

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/go/index.php/482/child-cold-natural-care/#more-482
I was searching this website for natural remedies for my coughing, sneezing, bugger-pickin', snot-lickin' son who always seems to have something going on once a month in the winter especially. All I got outa this site was to get to the store and buy some onions and it'll all be history. I probably won't be doing most of this stuff, but here is my research if you have an older child who tells you in English what is going on with them. I hope it will get really cold soon to kill all the germs in the atmosphere. Maybe our cold and flu season won't be so bad. I better get my flu shot this week!

Lord, thank you for the friends you've put in my life, new and old. Girls who giggled with me thru high school, and were there when I bought my first car. Ladies who saw me thru pain and heartache, and listened to the stories of new flavors of the month, College buddies as we floated on air in our new found freedom - my friends were fun and gutsy! They believed in happily ever after and let me see that there are some men out there who really do live out their promises. Thank you for my 6 bridesmaids walking down the aisle before me on my wedding day, two of whom reminded me recently that they gave me their umbrellas to save my hair from the pouring rain when we pulled into the church that morning with "Goin' to the Chapel of Love" playing on the radio. New friends I made as a new wife to John were ready to go with us skiing and to Six Flags and more skiing. We were unstoppable! Sunday School sweethearts sharing Pampered Chef parties galore. Who's house would it be this month? Choir friends and work friends from jobs that I've had over the years. Women and confidants to me who helped me through the good times and bad- counseling me and praying for me - how could I have made it without them? They were there when I needed a shoulder, a kind word, a dose of reality, and an invitation to call you in the morning. My friends who offered to come to the hospital with me when I had my new baby. Visitors and ladies preparing me meals and throwing showers. We celebrated. My girls at the gym at M Power saw me there for weeks of getting back to the treadmill and the stepper, lifting weights to keep our sanity was all we needed. We supported each other as we got back into shape. They'd ask, "Will you be here tomorrow?" Lord, thanks for my girlfriends at Mt. Olive. They are there for me each week for these 11yrs. They call, and come over, and we party, and we laugh, we scrapbook. We tell each other the miracles of God praying all the while our homes will be protected and lavished with love. We are strong and sensible, full of faith, and striving for beauty. Help us to speak the truth in love, and give each other space if it's needed. I live in a day to day world where I come against indifference and spite, jealousy and jabs of unkind words. I can let it all roll off my back when I know I have God on my side, and the security and encouraging smile of my friends.

Earlier this week John said he was going to KMart, and I asked him to pick up the newest release by Carrie Underwood. Jared and I have been listening to it all week on the way to and from work. I have to say it is very good. The song that I cannot wait to see the video for is "Just a Dream". It tells a story that will be easy to display, and I wonder if this song will hit the airways in time for next Memorial Day and July 4th as a tribute to all the wives and fiancees left behind. Quite a few more hits are on the way for the "Female Vocalist of the Year". The song I like to identify with on this album is "You Won't Find This". I taped the Country Music Awards last week. Carrie looked like a Barbie Doll in that long yellow tulle, bell-shaped dress. It was a great night of cool performances. (I gotta say that Little Big Town did the best).

Last weekend was my chance to breathe. Breathe in the air of the great smokey mountains in Gatlinburg, TN with 12 of my girls from church. We rented a lodge that would sleep 25, but who wants to sleep on a pull out couch? Have a little preview if you'd like! http://www.firesidechalets.com/811.html The downstairs was all ours after we moved the pool table, foosball table, and air hockey tables. Some brought their own folding tables, and there were 3 folding tables to bring inside from the screened porch. Girls were scrapbooking late into the night. Some were up till 4 am. (not me, I hit the pillow around midnight) I'm an early riser; gotta get up and brew the coffee!! Saturday morning we assembled some layouts and then got in our mommavans and headed for the scrapbook superstore. We are die hard, right? We had a table at the fireplace at Calhouns for a late lunch. One group motored on to the Krispy Kreme bakery while the other scrappys headed back at it again. We stayed up very late Saturday night because we knew Sunday am was checkout. Did I say we ate good? You couldn't compete with our menu of homecooking: apple cobbler, breakfast casserole, spicy chili, cheesy spaghetti w/ french bread, gooey pumpkin dessert, I'm getting hungy again!! We talked about dieting too. I had a wonderful time creating and giggling with the girls. We always encourage each other, and know we are so lucky to have friendships like these. God has truly blessed us all, and we will surely be back for more next year!

Robin Williams is very funny in this movie, License To Wed. I was totally entertained! Mandy Moore was so sweet and a great fit with John Krasinski, "Never to Fart"! I kept trying to see the entire list of the Ten Commandments in the Family Feud version of the quizzing game hosted by Robin as the Rev. Frank. I did wonder HOW in the world they constructed the baby robots to get the snots and poop green paste. That was far better than what I had to do in high school- carrying a sack of sugar around to practice the responsibility of parenting. This would be a good movie for newlyweds and newly engaged couples. I will be buying a copy of this one!!

One Night With the King had me on the edge of my seat even though I felt like I knew what was supposed to happen. My favorite character was Hagai, Tommy Lister. He was such a big muscular tower of a man, but had a heart of gold. Wow, and he knew that the king would pick Ester too, so much that he arranged a teaser meeting to get him thinking about her way before any of the other candidates. I felt the emotion and chemistry of Xerces and Esther. I'm not sure I agreed with how long he put her away from him after suspecting her of seeing another man. I suppose that communication breakdown is what happens in most marriages. Tiffany Dupont as Esther was a beautifully delicate actress. I hope to see her in more films in the future.

Friday night was Parents' Night Out!!! John and I got dressed up and went on to the BHB. It was so cold, and I was sooo glad that we weren't outside with everyone where the entertainment was happenin'. I like a party, but I'd need to be next to the heater! The guitarist seemed like a cool cat, and he played very well. Our service was very nice. The waiter's name was Aaron. Aaron, didn't we used to date? I was too shy to actually ask you any questions about yourself. Hahaha! I dated an Aaron who was going to school in Murphysboro, TN and it didn't last long because of the distance. Distance relationships weren't my thing. Ok, so PROB-BUB-Ly it wasn't the same person.

I endulged in the venison chili. Wow! If I could make chili like that I'd win every contest I entered. It was sweet and tomato flavored, yet so spicy hot I had to ask for a little sour cream to tone it down. My DH, John, was salivating at the thoought of ordering the onion rings. I've already tasted them, and I'm not a fan. Maybe those fast-food breaded onion rings have my vote. For the main course, I sampled the swordfish and shrimp. It was perfect in the mushroom sauce. The spinach bed base was a little overbearing. John ordered the supreme pizza. I think we both could've eaten that together. I stole a bite of it from him, and the tomato sauce was very flavorful. I have to admit, I did go online to preview the menu. I took a survey to print a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert. It wouldn't print. I'll bet there is a block on it to stop that from happening. I had my heart set on dessert; the creme brulee had my name on it. The creme brulee was smooth and crunchy with a buttery finish. I sampled John's sweet treat- a banana pastry, and I was blown away by the rich syrup accenting those soft bananas. The pastry was thin and flaky. We had a great evening. The stuffed elk seemed to enjoy looking down into the room. I'm sure they are people watchers.

As I get older into different seasons of my life I keep finding things I wish I would've learned from a family member. Some things I know they wouldn't know how to do. No one knows how to make fried apple pies in my family and I think you need to live in the south to really know how to make light, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits. I'm getting better at making biscuits now. I'm frustrated and saddened that my Grandma Covert never taught anyone how to make HER bread. I've got a xeroxed copy of making yeast w/ hops and boiled potatoes in her handwriting. I don't have an actual recipe of how much flour or salt, nothing like that. I did a google search and found there was a group of ladies who have compiled a cookbook called, "The Foxfire Book of Appalachain Cookery". I have ordered it because I found on another article from About.com that there is a bread recipe in that book that talks about the boiled potatoes and hops method. Maybe thru some research I can finally be able to pull a loaf of bread out of the oven one day that brings back memories of being young again. Grandma would pull out that hot loaf and butter a piece for Lena and I that was HEAVENLY!! Bread is a symbol for hospitality. So hospitality, come and be my teacher. I pulled up someone's article on how to make fried pies. I know a lady in my church that makes good fried pies. I'm going to have to invite her over for a cooking lesson. I already bugged the pastor's wife to show me how to make her famous sawmill gravy w/ sausage. I got a lesson one morning, and I have yet to try to make it myself. I guess I haven't been around the right group. It'll happen. I love cooking. It makes me feel like I am at home, a real home. I want that for myself and for my husband and baby Jared. I want them to have fond memories of food. I do, and I feel love when those memories come to my mind.

Oh, yes it's true.. . Jared needs to eat more veggies and less cookies. I am trying to accomplish this by trying new things. The Dr. said he needs to get more iron in his diet.

This week I tried recipes from Food Network's Everyday Italian, and I have some progress to report: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_30882,00.html

This recipe was good, but I had to separate it out because I didn't want to give the baby pine nuts that are in the pesto sauce. When Jared tasted the squash, he put down the spoon and shoveled it into his mouth with his hands. I added a touch of sugar and it tasted just as good as sweet potatoes. Next time I'm going to leave it chunkier than a puree.

This recipe for Coconut Cake by Alton Brown did not turn out well at all!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_37190,00.html
Oh the cake was dry like cardboard. I couldn't get the coconut open or the shell off to even grate it. My food processor melted in the dishwasher top rack. I had to grate what little coconut I could harvest with my Pampered Chef slicer. I was practicing this recipe for the annual dessert auction for the Smokey Mtn Children's Home benefit. Did I mention that the icing was thick and gritty?
I'm glad I practiced the weekend before I actually had to make the cake. I ended up using a recipe for Pina Colada cake from the Cake Doctor and just omitting the pineapple. I used Coffee Mate Coconut Creamer instead of coconut milk (mine was nasty when I opened the can). The cake was soooo much more moist. Wow! For the icing, I used a recipe from Cooking Light. It was for an Italian Meringue. I was elated when I tasted how smooth and creamy it melted in my mouth! I decided to use a coconut instant pudding w/ less milk added to thicken it for a filling. I made 3 layers; putting 2 together for the benefit auction cake and cutting one layer into 2 halves stacked for a 1/2 cake for me and John. Our half cake was gone in 2 days.

So it seemed like I would pull my hair out at the thought of taking my 19mon. old son on a 3 leg flight plan from Chattanooga, TN to Hagerstown, MD. I was surprised to see a play area at the Chattanooga Airport, however, the building blocks were filthy and needed scrubbed with a wire brush and disinfected. My plan was to find play areas to pass the time of layovers from airport to airport. Atlanta had a few play areas - 2 at the B terminal, I didn’t find anything in C terminal. I never made it to A terminal. It was frustrating to ask airline agents where the play areas were because no one knew. They said the stuff gets moved around all the time. Pittsburgh Airport was a blur, but I think there’s supposed to be a play area in the C terminal there. Trust me, the little plastic houses and little school buses for the kids to play on is a welcome sight when you know that as soon as you unbuckle the stroller to get them out it’s going to be unpredictable. At least they can run around and get some energy out of their system before it’s time to get on the plane again.

What I took on the plane in a backpack:
- portable MP3 player w/ baby songs loaded, my 19month old really did like listening to this, and fell asleep to it on one flight!
- baby blanket
- small portable $2 Spiderman game from Toys-R-Us
- Books that unzip, flip, have attached animals
- Stickers and a little calendar for little guy to stick them into
- Sippy cup, goldfish crackers, and teddy grahams
- Diapers and wipes
- Benedryl
- Change of clothes for the baby and clean shirt for me
- Bibs
- My wallet
- Baby’s birth certificate/ my driver’s license
- Stuffed animal
- Cell phone and toy cell phone
- gum for the both of us

I questioned if I should bring talking books on the flight because it might be annoying to fellow passengers, but I think they’d rather hear that than a crying child.

I did take a folding umbrella stroller, but I opted out of taking the car seat. The little fella did get a seat for himself 2/3 of the fights. Most of the time I checked in at the gate asking the attendant if there were any empty seats for him to have a place to sit. For the smaller jets it wasn’t a problem, but the bigger jets were full every time. My little guy enjoyed playing with the seat belt. Since he was under age 2, the flight attendant told me that I needed to hold him on take-off and landings. During the longer flights when I did have to hold him the entire time, he usually did fall asleep. He knew there wasn’t anywhere to go because of all the people around, and he really didn’t want to go to any of them anyways.

I hope this eases the minds of any parents out there looking for some ideas for traveling with a toddler. You just do what you can, and realize that most people are very supportive and have been through having children at one time or another. They feel your pain, and will praise you if they see your child having a good time too.