Teak Rugar

This is Teak, our 110 lb. lap -wanna be- dog.  He is three years old and is a wonderful, playful, lazy, snugly, Chocolate lab. 

I would recommend a Lab to any family looking to add a pet to their family. He was quite the handful when he was just a puppy, he would eat anything, including walls, yes walls!  Which reminds me we really need to fix the wall in Teaks room, otherwise known as the laundry room.   he is funny, every since we brought him home and we would leave to go somewhere we would put him in the laundry room. We did this because he would of eaten everything.  These days he will go to the laundry room and close the door himself.  He knows it is his room. 

SNOW!!!!

The hubby took the boys up by Flagstaff at Wing Mountain. They had a blast. There wasn't a lot of snow on the ground but enough to enjoy the sleds.  They only stayed the afternoon, they had a wonderful lunch of Jeff's chili and hot cocoa.  A couple more hours of sledding then they came home.  The following day they got about two feet of snow. Might just have to take another trip up there.

Pretzel Hugs

bag of mini pretzels

candy cane Hershey kisses

red and green m + m's

preheat oven to 200 degrees

place a layer of pretzels on a wax paper covered cookie sheet

top each one with a kiss

bake for about four minutes until the kisses are really soft

immediately place two m + m's on each one

place in freezer to set

Decadent Snickers Cupcakes with Chocolate Mousse Filling

1 box Devils Food Cake Mix
1 small box Jello Chocolate Fudge instant pudding mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1 cup sour cream

Chocolate Mousse Filling
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk chocolate chips

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
1 stick softened butter
2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 bag mini Snickers

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 cupcake tins with liners. To prepare the cupcakes, place the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, milk and sour cream into stand mixer. Beat until well combined, about 2 minutes. Scoop the batter evenly into the cupcake liners. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cupcakes are cooked through and a toothpick comes clean from center. Remove the cupcakes from the tin and let cool.
2. To prepare the mousse, melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream with a stand or electric mixer until it looks like whipped cream and stiff peaks form. Continue folding until well combined, then transfer batches into a piping bag. When cupcakes have cooled, press the tip of the piping bag into the center of the cupcake, about 1 inch deep. Squeeze the mousse into the cupcake while pulling the tip out. It doesn’t take much, just one firm squeeze is perfect. Continue filling all the cupcakes.
3. To prepare the frosting, beat the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa and vanilla until well combined and a nice frosting consistency. Spread over cupcakes then top with chopped Snickers.
Makes 24 cupcakes.

Spicy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
•  

Directions

step 1 Preheat oven to 350° F.

 

step 2 In a mixing bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and light.

 

step 3In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Gradually mix into wet ingredients. Beat until just combined (i.e., when all ingredients are just wet).

 

step 4Fold in chocolate chips until combined. Scoop cookies into 2-inch balls and place on cookie sheets.

step 5 Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes.

 

step 6 Let cool slightly, then remove from cookie sheets and transfer to a wire rack to cool further.

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs, finely ground (about 30 small cookies from a 16-ounce box)
• 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Three 8-ounce packages regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 3/4 cups canned pumpkin pie mix (half of a 29-ounce can)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch

Optional

• For a sweeter cheesecake, add an additional 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Gingersnap Cookie Crumbs,(1 1/2 cups , finely ground about 30 small cookies from a 16-ounce box) Butter(3 Tablespoons, melted) Granulated Sugar(1/4 cup) Regular Or Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese(Three 8-ounce packages, softened) Canned Pumpkin Pie Mix(1 3/4 cups, half of a 29-ounce can) Pumpkin Pie Spice(1 1/2 teaspoons) Eggs(3, room temperature) Cornstarch(2 Tablespoons)

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Directions

step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, with baking rack on lowest level. 

 

step 2 Mix cookie crumbs, melted butter and sugar together with a fork in medium bowl until crumbs hold together. Press crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and 1 to 2 inches up the sides of a 9-inch round tinplate or steel (not nonstick) springform pan. Bake 6 to 8 minutes until crust is set. Cool and set aside.  

step 3 Add softened cream cheese to large bowl and beat on high speed with hand mixer, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl with rubber spatula until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. There should be no lumps. 

 

step 4 Add additional sugar (if desired), pumpkin pie mix and pumpkin pie spice. Blend well with mixer on medium speed, scraping down sides of bowl with rubber spatula. With mixer still on medium speed, add eggs, one at a time, incorporating each one. With mixer on low, add cornstarch until just blended. Pour batter into prepared  pan.

step 5 Bake in oven until edges are cooked and center jiggles slightly when side of pan is tapped, about 50 to 60 minutes. Do not overcook or cheesecake will crack (but it will still taste great). 

step 6 Cool completely on cooling rack, about 2 hours. Cover top of springform pan with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Cheesecake will keep in refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, cover top of pan with saran wrap and freeze overnight. It will keep in freezer for up to 1 week. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Keep chilled until serving

Penne with Ricotta and Pine Nuts

Penne with Ricotta and Pine Nuts

• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta (health food store)
• 1 1/2 pound baby spinach, washed
• 2 Tb olive oil
• Course salt and fresh ground pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 350*.  Spread the pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in the oven, tossing occasionally, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spinach penne until al dente according to package directions, adding the fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.  Drain; return the pasta and spinach to the pot.
3. Add the olive oil; season generously with salt and pepper.  Toss well.
4. Serve immediately, topped with the ricotta, pine nuts, and parmesan. 

I love you!

What a beautiful idea to share love with others! I love how symbolic this photo is.



Give love, get love.

Kid Rock - Born Free

Crazy Pizza Bread

Serves 4 to 6 Use your favorite pizza toppings for this. I used red bell peppers, green peppers and pepperoni to keep it kid-friendly. Other suggested add-ins: caramelized onions and roasted garlic (dry roast unpeeled cloves on a skillet for about 5 minutes, then finely mince or mash into a paste). If using a topping that will render fat, microwave it for a minute or two to prevent the fat from rendering into the dough while baking, which will alter the texture of the bread.
Serve with a simple marinara sauce or tomato soup for dipping.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup Lindsay Chopped California Ripe Olives or 1/2 cup Lindsay Large Pitted Black Ripe Olives, sliced
1 1/2 cups favorite toppings, chopped
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a bowl. Let it sit for 3 minutes until foamy, then add in flour and salt. Mix (using a mixer, spoon, or your hands) just until it comes together. Add in the olives and toppings and combine well. Dough will be tacky, but feel free to dust with a bit more extra flour if it feels too tacky. Let rise for about 1 hour, then put in the refrigerator for another hour.
Take the dough out of the refrigerator and flour a Silpat or waxed paper. Roll out into a rectangle about 11×17”. Sprinkle cheese over top. Then, using the Silpat or paper, fold along the long side, like an envelope. Seal sides so cheese is not exposed. Let rest while you preheat oven to 450 degrees. Let oven stay at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.
Bake the bread, either on a pizza stone or baking sheet, for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. About 3 minutes before taking it out, lightly brush the top with olive oil and let it finish baking. Let rest on a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
To pack for lunch, wrap slices in foil and lightly toast before putting it in a lunchbox. Include a small container of tomato soup or marinara sauce for dipping.

Already-Been-Chewed Cookie Cutters

Can be found at http://www.worldwidefred.com/home.htm
You HAVE to go look at the funny things this site carries.

Scary Cherry Fizz Punch

 
1 cup prosecco or white sparkling wine (nothing fancy needed)
3 Tbsp pomegranate or pom-cherry juice
Hefty splash of ginger ale (about 2-3 Tbsp)
1-3 Maraschino Cherries
*spooky skull cherry skewer, or similar
(optional) splash of sweetened cherry syrup from Maraschino Cherry jar
(optional) splash of orange juice, fresh-squeezed

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a chilled drink glass. Skewer cherries, or simply plop into the glass.

Serve chilled!

Virgin Option. Replace the prosecco with 1/2 part ginger ale and 1/2 part lemon-lime or club soda. And I would add-in the optional citrus juice. About 1/2 orange squeezed per glass.

Brandied-Option. You can also add in a shot of brandy per glass. If you do this I would advise serving the drink "on the rocks" to dilute the alcohol a tad. You can even use coconut water ice cubes. Or make ginger ale ice cubes in advance.

Chicken in Green Chili, Mint and Cilantro Sauce

If you have a food processor or blender, this recipe is easy to make. The fresh green chili, mint, cilantro and turmeric combine, creating a flavorful bright green sauce. This is a great weeknight meal which is inexpensive and requires very little prep time.

1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stalks
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2 fresh Seranno peppers, cored and seeded
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup fat free Greek yogurt
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon sugar
coarse salt
1 small tomato, seeded and cut into julienne strips (to garnish)
cooked basmati rice, to serve .

Place cilantro, spinach, ginger, garlic, chiles, mint, lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a food processor and process to a smooth paste. If necessary, add a little water to the paste to facilitate the blade movement. Remove and set aside.

Put yogurt in a small bowl and whisk until smooth (otherwise the yogurt will curdle) and set aside. Heat oil in a medium saucepan and cook the onion, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).

Add the chicken and stir-fry over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the meat turns opaque. Add turmeric, sugar and salt to taste cook for an additional 2 minutes, then reduce heat to medium and add half the yogurt. Cook for 1 minute and then add remaining yogurt, then continue cooing over medium heat until yogurt resembles a thick batter and the oil is visible.

Add the herb and spice mixture and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from the heat and garnish with strips of tomato. Serve over cooked basmati rice.

Apple cake

Ingredients:

2 Eggs

2 Cups of Sugar

1 Cup of Canola Oil

2 Teaspoons of Vanilla

2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

3 Cups Flour

3 Cups Chopped Apples

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350′

2. Beat eggs in mixing bowl.

3. Add sugar, oil and vanilla.

4. In a separate bowl combine cinnamon, baking soda, salt and flour.

5. Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until dough has formed.

6. Add chopped apples to dough (if you don't have a kitchen-aid mixture with a dough hook, then it is best to mix in apples by hand as dough becomes very thick.)

7. Pour into a lightly greased bundt cake pan and cook for 45 – 60 minutes.

My Boys ~GOLDEN BIRTHDAY~

10-10-10 and Turning 10

What's cuter than one baby?
A precious set of twins.
With matching little outfits-
and matchless little grins.
With twice as many babies,
how very busy you will be,
Just think of all the loving
They'll bring to your family.

Four little hands to guide and to hold.

Two special lives to shape and to mold.

Two little babies are gifts from above.

                          Two special people to snuggle and love

As I grow please...Understand that I am growing up and changing very fast. it must be difficult to keep pace, but please try.

As I grow please...Listen to me and give me brief, clear answers to my questions. Then I will keep sharing my thoughts and feelings.

As I grow please...Reward me for telling the truth, Then I am not frightened into lying.

As I grow please...Tell me when you make mistakes and what you learned from them. then i can accept that i am O.K, even when i blunder,

As I grow please..Pay attention to me and spend time with me. Then I can believe that I am important and worthwhile.

As I grow please... Do the things that you want me to do. Then I have a good, positive role model.

As I grow please...Trust and respect me. Even though I am smaller than you, I have feelings and needs, just like you.

As I grow please... Compliment and appreciate me. then I will feel good and I will want to continue to please you.

As I grow please...Help me explore my unique interest, talents, and potential in order for me to be happy, i need to be me and not you or someone you want me to be.

As I grow please...Be an Individual and create your own happiness. Then you can teach me the same and I can live a happy, successful and fulfilling life.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME!

Author: Helene Rothschild

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 MOM

Actual children’s answers to the question “what is love

“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” - Billy, age 4

“Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.” - Karl, age 5

“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.” - Chrissy, age 6

“Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” - Terri, age 4

“Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.” - Danny, age 7

“Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.” - Emily, age 8

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” - Bobby, age 7

“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,” - Nikka, age 6

“Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.” - Noelle, age 7

“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” - Tommy, age 6

“During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.” - Cindy, age 8

“My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.” - Clare, age 6

“Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.” - Elaine, age 5

“Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Brad Pitt.” - Chris, age 7

“Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.” - Mary Ann, age 4

“I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.” - Lauren, age 4

“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.” - Rebecca, age 8

“When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.” - Karen, age 7

“You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” - Jessica, age 8

Kenny Chesney - Reality

Happy 21st Birthday Danielle!

Danielle
~God Is My Judge~

~~Daughter~~ At times I wish you wouldn't Have grown up so fast.. But then I realized that would keep us from seeing you turn into the beautiful young lady that you are today!! She has taught me patience to rejoice in small gains which others take for granted. She has taught me tolerance to accept that your perspective is different and deserves respect. She has taught me courage to fight for you when no one else will. She has taught me endurance to go on when I feel I can't any more.She has  taught me humility to accept when I can't make things better but can only be here for you. She has taught me to love at a deeper level than I ever thought possible. Twenty-one years ago, my life was changed and it wasn't just about me anymore. She has taught me so much and I am very blessed that my daughter иelli racca  has turned into a beautiful young lady. Happy 21st Birthday to my baby girl!!

Ten Ways to Improve People’s Lives

Ten Ways to Improve People’s Lives

When you make people feel good, you enhance their self-image and give them energy, hope, and confidence. Below are ten simple ways you can make people feel good.

1. Encourage. What sunshine and rain do for flowers, encouragement does for humanity. Regardless of one’s position in life, everyone needs to hear words of encouragement.
“Three billion people on the face of the earth go to bed hungry every night, but four billion people go to bed every night hungry for a simple word of encouragement and recognition.”    — Robert Cavett

2. Compliment Sincerely. You can compliment someone for a job well done or on an admirable characteristic you have noticed. If you can’t do it in person, don’t hesitate to use another means like a card, thoughtful email, or text message.

3. Praise Publicly. Boost someone’s confidence by commending their efforts in front of others, either verbally or in writing. You can also do this with people who serve you, such as a store clerk, waitress, or receptionist who has gone the extra mile to assist you.

4. Listen Thoughtfully. Focus on listening, not just hearing. When you are an attentive listener, people sense your care and concern and are comforted that their feelings and experiences are validated.

5. Serve Willingly. The next time you notice that a co-worker is under the gun and needs a hand, volunteer to help. Or offer to assist someone who has a task to do that they don’t want to do.  In doing so, you will help them see themselves as worthy of your efforts and attention.

6. Show Genuine Interest. Ask about something important to them and concentrate on what they have to say. Remembering and commenting on their hobbies, sports, vacations, or family at a later date will prove that you have a sincere interest in their lives.

7. Express Love Unselfishly.  Every person has a primary love language that dictates the ways they prefer to be loved. When we understand and love people the way they need to be loved (not just the way that satisfies our needs), it draws them closer to us and us to them. 

8. Make a Friendly Call. It doesn’t have to be important or a special day, just call to let a friend or family member know you are thinking of them.  Asking how someone is doing is always appreciated.
“The deepest principle of human nature is a craving to be appreciated.”   —William James

9. Give a Gift. It doesn’t need to be expensive. It can be a small bouquet of flowers or a card. In this department, it’s most definitely the thought that counts. Hallmark has captured the essence in their advertisement: You cared enough to send. . .”

10. Smile Often. A sincere smile never goes out of style; it can mean different things to different people. A smile can brighten people’s day in an instant, and they’ll appreciate that you made the effort to acknowledge them.

Pearl Jam - Just Breathe (unofficial video)