Wrong Month!

I think Mother Nature woke up and her calendar was set to the wrong month.  Seriously.  We've had flurries before in October, but 4 inches?!

Our deck

Not really a horrible thing, unless this is indicative of our upcoming winter.  Only real problem is that it will force me to examine the kids' winter things sooner than I had originally planned.  I think tomorrow, the short sleeves will all find their homes in the attic.

I decided to spend the day baking, well, as much as one can do when children, laundry and a husband are beckoning.  I tried 3 new recipes today: vegetarian chili, a sandwich bread, and pumpkin whoopie pies.  Of course, my cell was practically dead, so I didn't get any pictures.  Boo!  But, I'm more than happy to review them.

First up, I threw the chili in the crockpot.  I have to admit, I was shocked and disappointed that there were not carrots or celery in the recipe, and when I tried to add them,  I got a huge "NO WAY" from P.  Then, there was a problem, I only had 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder left.  That's something I should have checked before I decided to make chili on this snowy day.  Here's what went into my version of this chili:

1 onion
1/2 green pepper
1 yellow pepper
2 heaping tablespoons of minced garlic
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 can light red kidney beans
1 can northern beans
2 cans black beans
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

I served the chili over brown rice, with a dollop of plain greek yogurt, avocado and Frank's red hot sauce. The kids ate it, no problem whatsoever, and P and I enjoyed it. I don't think I would make it that exact way again, though.  I think it needed carrots, celery and maybe zucchini (if you happen to have some just lying around). Just my own opinion.

Then, I threw the bread in the bread maker after searching the web over and over again.  It made me realize that in order to make 100% whole wheat bread, you need to add vital wheat gluten or some other flour conditioner.  I should also be using bread flour.  Okay, I was not about to go out for additional ingredients, so I made due with what I had and made a couple of tweaks to the recipe:

1 cup lukewarm water
1/3 cup lukewarm milk
3 Tbsp melted butter
2 cups Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour
1 3/4 cups King Arthur Whole Wheat White Flour
3 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast for bread machines

I thought the 1 1/2 teaspoons of yeast I had originally added weren't working, so I added an extra teaspoon of what I thought would be working yeast because it was brand new.  I was worried that the bread would rise way too high, but of course, the bread fell during the baking process. Not sure if it was because the bread machine was bumped or if I just have really crappy luck when it comes to baking bread.  I didn't actually try the bread, but it looks and smells nice.  We'll see tomorrow.

And, the piece de resistance...pumpkin whoopie pies.  Oh yeah, baby!  Let's just say they were a hit.  I selected this particular recipe because the comments spoke to the dough being not overly sweet and P is not a huge fan of sweet things.  These were absolutely amazing.  Everyone loved them.  This recipe is definitely a keeper.  The filling was a bit sweet, even for my taste, so I think I'm going to explore some other options, like perhaps a marshmallow based filling which would lower the fat content as well.  In the event that they remove the recipe from the website (which has happened on more than one occasion, much to my chagrin), here it is:

• 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, 1 stick melted, 1/2 stick softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
• 1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon plus 2 pinches salt
• 1-2/3 cups flour
• 4 ounces cream cheese, chilled
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 
  

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the baking powder, the baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour.
3. Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop 12 generous mounds of batter, spaced evenly, onto each baking sheet. Bake until springy to the touch, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
4. Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the cream cheese. Add the confectioners' sugar and the remaining 2 pinches salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; mix on low speed until blended, then beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
5. Spread the flat side of 12 cakes with the cream cheese frosting. Top each with another cake.
   
   
   ENJOY!

Time for Solids

Today, our little Q turned 4 months.  In my world, that means its time to start solids!  Yay!  That also means that the burden on mommy to be the sole source of nourishment is lessening. Yay!  Sorry, had to say it again.  

Each child has reacted differently to their first bites, but they all seemed to take it really well.  Q, on the other hand, was okay for the first 3 bites, but then had had enough.  I'm not sure if it was the food or the fact that J and C were there coaching her the entire way...too much pressure?  This was also our first baby to try whole wheat.  Maybe it is just really yucky.  Not sure.  Either way, the journey will continue tomorrow.  Here's wishing her happy eating!

Thinking TAPS

This is a bit scary, but you'll just have to deal:  Today in the shower (okay, the scary part is over now), I got to thinking.  I think a lot in the shower. Sometimes, it's the only time I get to be alone.  Well, I got to thinking about my family and friends.  Today, October 25, would have been my brother's 25th birthday.  That's his 5th birthday since he was killed in Iraq, but I digress.  Anyway, my family and friends have been so kind, posting birthday wishes to him and warm thoughts for me and the rest of our family.  It got me thinking about my other friends that have suffered the loss of a sibling.

I can't actually fathom how many people I know that have lost a sibling.  One to drugs, one to cancer, one to a car accident, one to a fire, a motorcycle accident, medical mistake, suicide, and of course, due to war.  I can't even believe how many of us are out there, hurting. And then, I felt comforted to know that I am not alone, but even more comforted by the fact that T.A.P.S. is out there for family that have lost someone that was serving our country.  I've been so fortunate to meet others in my area and around the country that have felt the same things I have felt, and experienced the same reactions that I have.  What I mean is essentially this; because my brother was killed in a war, some people have felt compelled to share their political thoughts and views when offering their condolences.  I also sometimes feel as if my brother and his fellow fallen are used as game pieces in this world of politics in which we live.

All of this, though, is not where I was going with this.  What struck me was that I do have all these friends that have suffered the loss of a sibling, a sibling that was not in the military.  What organizations do they have?  I'm sure there are a few, but do any of them actually reach out to the survivors?  I'm not sure.   It did though, make me feel an extra bit of sadness for them.  Sadness that they may not have been able to find the camaraderie and support that I have been able to find.  A group of people that share their experiences (non-family members) in seminars, through the media, on-line, and over the phone.  I have been so fortunate to have found them and I now hurt for those that never got to experience that kind of love and support.

We have also been fortunate enough to know that others will always remember him, memorialized in monuments, newspapers, and the hearts of the enormous military family.  We know that many see him as a hero (though others don't, and that's okay, too), and that provides some comfort, occasionally.

I guess I just wanted to share:
a. how crappy it is to have lost a sibling
b. how fortunate I am to have found T.A.P.S
c. how I wish and hope there are organizations out there that reach out to others that have suffered a loss

10/25/1986 - 03/09/2007

For all of my friends that have lost a sibling, no matter what the cause: Thank you for being there to support me and know that I am always here for you as well.  I will never forget the love you have for your brother/sister.  May that love carry your through the hard days and make your happy days even better than imagined.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

A couple weeks ago, I picked up these adorable little acorn squash at the farmers' market.  I've been wanting to stuff them, but first I had nothing with which to stuff them, and then I had no one for which to stuff them.  Cue today, P is home from his business trip, and there's a chill in the air.  I am feeling like I really want to embrace the holidays, which are just creeping upon us.  So, yay, I decided to finally make my stuffed acorn squash.

Now, tell me how cute these things are!

I'm trying to do this thing where we only eat the food in the house, and not go grocery shopping unless we absolutely have to, so I opened the cabinets and refrigerator and pulled out this fantastic array of food:

Okay, it looks like tons of stuff, but really, it wasn't that bad.  For this meal, I used:
6 mini acorn squash
6 or 7 mushrooms
minced onion
1 heaping teaspoon of garlic
1 palm full of mixed nuts (mostly almonds and peanuts were left)
1 palm full of raisins
1/2 a red bell pepper
5 chicken sausages, casings removed
6 leaves of fresh sage
about 1/2 cup each of seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese
salt, pepper and olive oil

Step 1: Cut the "lid" off of the squash, scoop out the inside, spray with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  In order to get them to sit so pretty, cut a small part of the bottom off of the squash.  Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 45-50 minutes, until fork tender.

 So, this would have tasted so much better if I would have used butter instead, but I didn't have any.

Step 2: While the squash are roasting, prepare the stuffing:  In a saute pan, and just enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of your pan, and add the sausage, bell pepper, onion and mushroom until the sausage is no longer pink.

During this time, be sure to carefully guard your remaining ingredients, as thieves may be lurking, like this adorable one I found

Chop your nuts, raisins and sage and add to the pan with garlic.  Saute another minute or two, and then remove from heat.

I wish I would have had some spinach to add to the filling for an added veggie boost and some color.

Stir in the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, then spoon into your cooked squash.  About 3-5 heaping Tbsp of filling went into each acorn squash, dependent upon size.

Put the lids on the squash and return them to the oven for another 10 minutes to get everything at one temp and the cheese a little melty.

Step 3: Serve on an individual plate with the lid askew.

Okay, so P and I LOVED these.  Everyone was a fan of the stuffing, which, if I do say so myself, was fan-freakin-tastic! J ate all of hers with little to no complaint.  L and C though, they were a little more complicated.  L ate all the stuffing before any of the squash, so he was disappointed with the lack of flavor of the squash (here's where butter would have been a better option), and C followed his lead and didn't want to eat unless I fed her.

In the end, all 6 were fully consumed and I think I'll definitely try something like this again.  There was the sweet from the raisins, the crunch and nuttiness from the almonds/peanuts, the savory from the sausage, and the holiday feel from the sage.  Yum!

Election Season

Today, I read a fellow Gold Star Sibling's status update on Facebook and felt compelled to respond:

• So Obama announced today all troops in Iraq would be home at the end of the yr. Just in time for re-election. But One must also remember this was negotiated by Bush before he left office so Obama is not doing anything new he's just following through with plans that were already in place.

   ·  · 11 minutes ago via mobile · 

• 2 people like this.
• • 

    Karen Veater Walker Ok. Don't take offense to my remark, as you know we both have very strong political feelings as a result of what happened to our brothers, but here it is: Regardless of who is bringing our troops home, let us remember why they were there in the first place. Namely, Pres. Bush told a bit of a mis-truth when speaking to the citizens of the USA and the world community regarding all the reasons we should go to war in Iraq. Had he been honest, thousands of men and women may still be alive, including my brother. Perhaps not. Perhaps they would have simply lost their lives in Afghanistan, but perhaps not. We will never know, and I personally don't know if I can forgive him for this lack of honesty. And, this is why I hate election season. It always turns into a debate about who is responsible for what. Let's face it. Both parties share blame for most of the problems in this country. No one party can own it fully.

It's often difficult for me to see remarks about the conflict in Iraq without responding, though, my better judgement often tells me to scroll past it.  I mean, we Americans (especially Gold Star Americans), have very strong feelings about the wars, exacerbated by all of the back and forth about the reason we went to war in the first place.  Was it because George W. wanted to avenge his father's loss to the enemy?  Was it for oil?  Was it for world peace?  Was it to save the Iraqi people?  The truth of the matter is that none of us will ever know.  The only people that do know are the people that we voted into office (and yes, I voted for Pres. Bush, both times...and his father, as well), and let's be honest, we will never get an honest answer out of any of them.  All we can do is speculate, and use our feelings as a guide.  

Being raised in a military family is quite difficult when it comes to my current political leanings.  Most military families are conservative, politically speaking.  I was raised Catholic.  No abortions.  No homosexuals.  No pre-marital sex.  Nothing.  But, conversely, we were fortunate enough to benefit from several government programs: WIC, Stafford Loans, free/reduced lunch, etc.  I personally find it hard to now be around many members of my family as we approach election season every 3 or so years.

My father is the ring leader and the rest of the family seems to follow his lead.  They are staunch Republicans.  I have recently, after my brother's death, moved to the Democratic Party.  I am more in tune with the party's thoughts on homosexuality, I recognize that the military families use a lot of the resources the Republican party would like to cut, and I do harbor some anger towards the Republican Party for my brother's death.  Yes, yes, he chose to be there.  I get it.  But that doesn't mean I still can't be upset or mad about it.

But, what gets me the most angry is that every political season, they bring up the troops.  Its like each party's secret weapon.  How can we use our dead Americans to get us elected?

Republicans: Don't let them die in vain!  Don't let them take money from our troops!

Democrats:  They sent our sons/daughters to die! Their work is done, let's bring them home and focus our attention here!

Me: My brother did not and never will have died in vain, regardless of what you stupid dumbarses do with the war.  We were lied to and entered the war under false pretenses.  That pisses me off.  Bring our troops home, but not so quick as we end up creating a bigger mess than was there before we went, if that's even possible.

For this reason, I hate election season!  Stop rehashing the past as a means to assign blame and start focusing on the future.  Let me, the voter, hear how we are going to move forward and fix the problems that are plaguing our country - economy, education, conflicts abroad, jobs, the crap that the food industry sells to us, nutrition, obesity, crime, taxes, the deficit, etc... STOP USING MY BROTHER (and thousands of others) AS A PAWN IN YOUR PATHETIC GAME TO GET (RE-)ELECTED!  

Thanks!  Signed, Me 

P.S. Getting back  to where this came from, I must point out that all of us have the right to feel the way we do, based on the information we have been given or have come across ourselves.  My friend on FB has a right to post that and feel that way.  I feel no differently about her as a person.  Just had to vent and share my own opinion.

Keep it simple

A few weeks back, my Grandmother, affectionately known as "Grammy" to my kids, watched and fed the brood while I went to my lady's appointment.  When I went to pick them up, I was met with tales of wonder and amazement by my son.  About what, you ask? Only the world's best chicken noodle soup ever! 

Grammy and L in March 2008

Of course, I was under strict orders to get Grammy's recipe and make some post haste.  Ok...so, its been a while, but with the rain the past couple of days, some chicken breasts in the fridge, and 3 sick ladies, I felt now was the perfect time to make my son his soup.

So, J called Grammy up and got the recipe and then I got to work.  I pretty much did what she does, in many fewer steps, but the principle was the same: keep it simple.  There's no laundry list of ingredients.  There aren't a trillion spices, just salt and pepper.  So here it is:

Chicken Noodle Soup A La Grammy

1 box organic veggie broth
1 box organic chicken broth
2 chicken breasts
1 onion
Handful of baby carrots
2 stalks of celery
Salt and pepper, to taste

I put all of the ingredients into my soup pan on medium heat for about 30 minutes or so, until it was all cooked.  Then, I shredded the chicken with 2 forks and added the last ingredient:

1/2 bag of egg noodles

Brought it all up to a boil for about 10 minutes, until the noodles where cooked, and served.

Feeling quite underwhelmed?  I know I was when I heard the ingredient list (of course, I didn't have bullion powder or the german noodles like she uses, so I subbed my own stuff), and I wonder what could be so spectacular about this boring soup.  Well, let me tell you, it was YUMMY!  L had 4 bowls, Anthony (the kid I watch) had 2, and each of the girls had 1.  I didn't have to fight anyone to eat, and even better, I felt like I served my kids something healthy.

Yay, for keeping it simple!

Raining on the Patch

Anyone that's anyone takes their kids to Roba's farm for the annual pumpkin patch excursion.  Well, we haven't been in 2 years because, frankly, its $11 a person and with 3, and now 4 kids, it just becomes a bit cost prohibitive, especially around the birthday/holiday season.  Instead, we've gone to Miller's Farm, where its not as fantastic, but half the price.

Well, this year, J's class had a field trip planned for Roba's and I was thrilled to accompany her (and the 2 little girls) on the trip.  She was so thrilled to get to ride on a school bus, and since no one under 3 is allowed, I followed with a destroyed C behind them.  

We were thrilled, despite the rain drops that were falling at 8:30 because it was still kind of warm.  Well, we were in for a rude awakening because I swear the temp dropped 5 degrees by the time we got there at 10, and it was really breezy.  With Q in the Moby, we embarked for all the fun.  Oh wait, its raining, let's not forget that.  What's that mean?  That means that all of the fun things for the kids to do at the patch were closed!  That's right.  No bouncing pillow. No pony rides.  No cow train.  Just stacks of hay, playgrond equipment, and the pig races.

Who knew?! The kids had an absolute blast (well, besides Q, who had her fill of fun right after lunch) playing, and they didn't even whine about being cold, wet and dirty.  J told me on more than one occasion to "go away, mom.  I'll walk with Miss Janelle and my friends.  You go watch C."  Wow!  She sounded just like me when I was a kid.  It made me a little sad that she didn't need or want me, but proud that she is so confident and independent.  

On the hayride

J with her buddy, Ashlynn

 The highlight of the day?  At the pig races, the farmer selected C to cheer for her pig of choice.  She clapped, tried to whistle, and quietly cheered on her pick: the purple pig.  Lo and behold, Senor Puerco Purpura came in 1st place, earning C a fantastic trophy...

So, after pumpkins were picked, clothes were pretty much destroyed, and fingers were frozen we set off for home.  Ok, so the little girls and I set off in our van and J got on the bus, but you get it.  Sure, now the little girls and I have colds, but fun was had by all (Q did enjoy those farm animals!)

C found her pumpkin almost immediately

J, had to search for the perfect pumpkin-1 with no dirt

And...here it is!

One-on-one

...ok, 2-on-1, but Q and I are pretty much attached at the hip for quite some time (and I'm totally okay with that).

P and I have spoken in the past about spending some quality one-on-one time with each of the kids, now that our pack has grown to 4.  Okay, I did the speaking, but he did agree. That's all we really did. We haven't actually done anything of the sort as of yet...until today!

Enter Yo Gabba Gabba!  That's right, baby!  There was a party in my tummy (so yummy, so yummy) and at the cultural center.  P is out of town again, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to spend some fun time with my 2 year old.  Let's just say that lately, she has not been my favorite child to be around.  I love my C, but as most 2 year olds do, she is testing her (and my) limits everyday.  Oh yes, buddy.  We have the fit-throwing if I make her wait even 5 seconds for something she wants, the crying hysterically if we say no or yell at her, and the blatant, flat out refusal to do anything we say.  I really needed some time to reconnect with C on a fun level, a chance for her to enjoy being with mommy while not being jealous that J and L get to go to school while mommy holds Q.

Thanks, DJ Lance Rock for giving me a reason to spend sometime with my little girl!  J and L went over to L's friend's house, and C and I went to the show.  This girl was dancing on her chair and in the aisle.  The amazement in her eyes was breathtaking as they shot confetti "snow" and "leaves" into the air.  Of course, she wanted me to hold her while we danced in the aisle to Biz Markie and the Yo Gabba Gabba Gang, but who cares?!  She had fun and I fell in love with being her mommy all over again.  Its as if she recaptured her innocence.

So, C, here's what mommy loves about you:

1. If daddy and I give you something, you always want to make sure that there's enough to share with L and J

2. You love Q so very much and are such a big helper when it comes to taking care of her

3. You love your bestie, Gracie, so much and you 2 make me smile when I see you play together.

4. I love listening to you sing, especially "Love Song Baby Song"

5. You are full of hugs, kisses, snuggles...and attitude

This week, I also learned that my little hellion/angel will most likely be having surgery in the beginning of 2012 to correct some plumbing problems, as we like to call them.  I knew it was coming, but to hear it again, see the fear and need for reassurance in her eyes when I speak to the doctor, and to know that this is actually a good thing, well, its just kind of sobering.

What a different kid she is when she's getting the bulk of the attention.  Such an angel!  Well, so what did I learn?  Basically, not only is it good for the child, but also for the mommy to get to spend quality 1-on-1 time with her children.  I'll be doing a lot more of this, I hope!

Lamb spring rolls

After 2 or 3 meals lately that spotlighted lamb, I was surprised to find the sumptuous meat at WalMart.  I know, I know.  I hate to buy meat from there since the first time I did, it was recalled, but I saw a vacuum-packed pound of ground lamb on "clearance" and really couldn't resist.  I really wanted to make the lamb for dinner before P left for his trip out of town, I had all these fantastic ideas, but in the end, I ran out of time and had to make it Sunday night in a hurry.  The solution?  Lamb spring rolls

I browned the lamb with onions, red bell peppers, beet greens, mushrooms, raisins, and a cape malay seasoning blend (essentially corriander with curry powder) since P loves South African flavors.  Then, I rolled 2 Tbsp of the mixture, along with 5 or so pieces of spring lettuce, into a piece of rice paper.  Viola!  Dinner was served.  My intent was to serve this with a yogurt, lemon juice, and mint sauce, but alas, we were out of yogurt, so P and I had curry sauce to dip ours into and the kids opted for no sauce.  Of course, after the fact, I thought that I should have made a concoction that my girlfriend Sharon makes, vinegar, sugar, garlic and pepper.  Oh well, next time.

Either way, P LOVED them and said that it should be my appetizer of choice for dinner parties.  Of course, I think they would have turned out better had I wrapped them in a wonton wrapper and friend them, but you have to make sacrifices when it comes to your health, so hence the boring rice paper.

I'd really love to say that the kids were right on board with the whole meal, but it would be an untruth. L sat there with his hands crossed for the first 20 minutes, sour puss on his face.  J and C at least tried to eat them, but I think the texture of the rice paper was just too chewy.  They did, however, yet their whole meal once I helped them to navigate the bite taking process.  And, after much coaxing, L decided to take a bite and realized that he "loves them. This is the tastiest meal ever!"  Of course, his dinner of chicken nuggets and 3 servings of mac n cheese at his friend's house tonight now holds the dubious honor of best meal ever in his book, but what can I say?  I love me some mac n cheese, too! hahaha

Give it a try!