are we there yet??

so I just took a little trip down to Sacramento..(it was 2 days and only 1 night, I do NOT recomend this itinerary!!) I got the call on Tuesday that my great grandma Maggie was not doing well and that we all needed to rally together as soon as possible. My parents headed down that night and got in about 10 or so. Alan has taken a lot of time off this year and is down to only a few days left, which are already designated for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I was making myself sick trying to figure out what to do. I had a few options, most of which included me taking my girls alone, for a 13 hour car trip down California way, none of those were very tempting, considering they have a hard time in the car to Costco, and it only takes 12 minutes. I finally came up with a plan that I thought would work. Alan would get 1 bereavment day on Friday and this would let me leave Thursday at 7 when he got home from work, and start my trip. To tell you the truth, I was nervous about the drive, sad about my grandma, and worried that my family could make it for a whole weekend without my superior care and guidance. I was already doubting my decision before I left. Plans changed at the last minute and I bought a ticket for the train. The next day at 1:37, I boarded the Pacific Coast Starlight, with a huge bag of snacks and a book, and smiling, left my hubby and kids waving in the parking lot. This would be much better. I rode the train for 17 hours until I finally arived at 6:30am-whoa!! At least someone else was driving. We stopped for a bite at my Aunt Debs--(sidenote--I have gotten to see my famiy a ton lately and frankly I think it is great for my overall health and well being--I'll get back to you after we spend Thanksgiving together in a 3 bedroom house, that math breaks down to about 10 per room-yikes!!) Then headed over to see gram. Now, up until this point I had struggled. I wanted to be able to say goodbye, and was hoping she could hold on until I got there to love on her one last time. When I was walking up to her house, I had a different feeling entirely, I was scared, but it was for myself--what if I couldn't handle it? What if this was a mistake? Now, it was real. I went in and it was great, and peaceful and I was so glad she was still there and that I had made it in time. We left around 1 and finished our day. We got the call about 10 that night that gram was gone. I had just made it-barely. I learned 3 things on my trip, and since you are special, I am now going to share them with you:
1)death hurts, I mean, really bad and deep. Even if the person is old, really old, and ready to go, it still hurts more than just about anything.
2)there is a new wine that I like, and I prefer to drink the whole damn box by myself, it is Three Thieves Bandit wine in a lime green box-cute! It tastes like Kool Aid-mmmm... and doesn't have any glass to break and you can recycle the box-yay (beware the next day if you take on the entire box yourself, but hey-it's worth it I say)
3)I was made for first class. I upgraded to my very own sleeper car on the way home (since I was sleep deprived and losing my mind among other things)and had a perfectly glorious trip! Too bad I didn't have the bandit with me for that, I really would have had a good time. Anyway, I'm spoiled now, and there is no way I'm riding in the back anymore--sorry Alan.
And I made it. What a tiny huge trip. I am still spinning a bit, but coming home to the garage had a way of plopping me back in real life pretty quick (and hard). It's good to be home. I am so lucky and blessed to have such a great family, WOW, I really do love you guys, thanks for softening the blow. (And if that conductor was just a little cuter, or I had my box of Bandit, I might not have made it back-whee!)

Vrrroooom!

I walk around making that sound because I now live in the garage-yipee! The move actually went really well, and we are now cozy and snug as a bug (or family of bugs I guess) here holing up in our garage/loft. I make it sound nice right?? Well, it is better than I thought, but let's be real for a minute--it's still a garage. Sorry I haven't paid you any mind lately, but as you can imagine--we'vre been crazy busy. We aren't quite done moving yet, and will need to be fine tuning it this weekend. The problem is that there is too much stuff and not enough spots for everything--we even have a storage unit- and still stuff with no spots-hmmm... it's starting to feel an awful lot like math, and I am not liking it one bit. We just went to Sacramento for a visit and to attend my cousins wedding, it was unbelievably beautiful. (the wedding-not Sacramento-haha) We had a great visit as always, my Aunt Deb is the hostest with the mostest for sure. We are currently contemplating another visit shortly because my great grandma Maggie is not doing well, and probably won't be with us much longer--at 95 she has lived a full life and is actually ready, but it is hard for those of us that she is leaving behind to let her go. At this point we are not sure how much time we have, but it is being measured in days-so please pray for us. On a happier note-Layla has been taking ballet class on Fridays and loves it!! She is the star of her class (ok-I might be a little biased) and is so cute when she is dancing. Maggie has been learning her letters and numbers (even though I don't want her too, she just absorbs what she hears Layla doing!) And also walks around singing Layla's song from dance class and is just dying to be a ballerina like her big sister--so we will be looking into programs for her shortly I'm sure. It will be good to have an excuse to get out of here a little more often anyway. Well, I'd better run-I't time for family movie night and the whole family is snuggly on the couch waiting for me, so how can I resist. I apologise for any spelling errors, but my computer completely died recently and the geek squad erased a lot of programs--one of them being the computers dictionary, and Alan hasn't reinstalled it yet--I would but, haha, oh yeah, that's not really my department. I'm afraid I would accidentally set something on fire. I'll try to post again soon-I wasn't ignoring you --really.
love-j

Hanging in there

We have been running lately, we are so busy our heads are spinning. We spent this last long weekend at the Rogue river in a beautiful house recently purchased by my grandparents for our whole family to enjoy. We certainly did enjoy it. The river is beautiful and the view really is amazing-wow. We didn't catch any fish though--apparently the trout didn't have a taste for the princess bait I chose (hot pink glittery marshmallows) whodaknew? The girls had a great time though, and Maggie only fell in and floated down river once. (don't worry, Alan got her, but it's scary seeing them do the dead man float) One of the days we decided to take a drive to Galice, which is a spot on the road you can rent rafts and they have a restaurant where you can over look the river. Alan and I had been there lots of times when we were in high school and would go on day trips rafting, and thought it would be a nice drive and a good (garden)burger. We sit down to have lunch, and I spy a friend from college that I haven't seen in 10 years! It was so weird-let me tell you--this place is tiny, down a long winding road and not by anything. SO that was fun. (and strange) We also finally made it to Winston to see my friend Jeff's house. He bought it about a year ago, and we had never been there before, cute house, and a great guest room--the girls loved it. The drive was a bit long and hard, but the weather was perfect and the girls really did a good job, so we survived. (the car DVD player is my favorite invention--nevermind that they watched TV for 5 hours straight, and were cross eyed and drooling when we finally got there)
Then we got home, checked the email, and got our new house plan and proposal--it looks great, with the exception of a few small changes, but has me crazy because we only have 2 weekends to move into the garage-yikes. I've been having crazy mood swings from really excited about picking out light fixtures, to scared about being poor, to nervous about being homeless, back to excited that our house is getting fixed and will be custom,l and also a bit of relief to think that we can get it started so it can just be over sooner. Oh yeah-of course anxiety over packing and the big move---and my mom is nowhere to be found. She is off gallivanting around England-whatever. When she FINALLY gets back, I'm going to be a garage dweller already. I'm am going to forward her the therapy bill for being gone when I am seriously contemplating a nervous breakdown! (seriously-ENGLAND??)
Also, the kittens are getting big (remember the kittens???) and pooping on my porch, and I want to kick them. SO far, they are quick (and maybe smart too), and I haven't made contact. I am trying to get rid of them now, but they are boys, and everybody wants baby girl cats. Please, is there even a difference? Except for the one major high point that I can see, and that is that they won't get knocked up and have kittens on your porch! We still have 3 of them-maybe it's my add, touting all natural/organic kittens (with a few fleas and ear mites) that have never been exposed to harsh chemicals or sprays.
Anyway, to the main reason I decided to post today.........we went to the doctor and Layla got hooked up to a continuous glucose monitor that she will have to wear for 3 days-straight, even at night and in the shower. This thing is really big, and the piece that is stuck in her is big, and she's grumpy and cranky and mad. (and I'm hormonal and stressed, and almost homeless) And it has a HUGE piece of tape that is pulling her skin and making her yell and yank on it, and I'm afraid she's going to dislodge it and make this whole ordeal null and void. Anyway, pray for us...(my grandma already is, I told her this weekend that we'd most likely vote democrat in the next election, and now I'm on her prayer chain) we have a tough bit right now, and directly ahead. We'll pull through--as if there's options right? But it's going to be hard, especially for me. So think of me often, and then buy me dark chocolate and invite me over to play at your house. And then, babysit my kids and let me eat my chocolate in peace while I raid your wine rack. (or whatever) I better go. I hope it's gray and rainy in England, and that the food is mushy and overpriced.

hahahaha--it is!!! See, God loves me.

until next time-j

cool tool

usually something has to be pretty super for me to get excited about it--well, guess what-I'm excited!! The other day, Layla was frolicking in the blackberry bushes (?) and was having a grand ol' time. She had failed to change into "play clothes" even though I had asked her to, no less than a dozen times. Long story short, she ridiculously stained one of the two pairs of shorts she has to wear this summer. Of course, this was the cute khaki pair, not the blue denim pair, which we maybe could have just called "funky" and left the stains alone. So, I put the shorts by my bathroom sink, fully intending to stain spot them when I had a free moment. Fast forward to late last night, which was an entire week later, and I finally got to give the shorts some undivided attention. I sigh, and reach for the "Tide to go" stick thing (let's just be honest-I grabbed it because it was the closest thing, and I didn't hold out much hope for the shorts--I have memories of pouring boiling water from on top of a ladder to get berry stains out of things before-true story-ask Mary) sorry-I get side tracked easily, strangly I have the attention span of a 2 year old-wierd. SO.....I "color" the shorts with the pen- it's like a clear Sharpie, the berry stains are still there, I give a small laugh in surrender, brush my teeth and hit the sack.
This morning I wake up, and I kid you not--the shorts are berry free. These were week old blackberry stains might I remind you. I didn't scrub, scour, or even add water and rub. So of course I "color" every other stained thing I can think of, until my sharpie runs dry, and I quickly formulate a plan to rush to Target and buy a case of these magical stain fighting wands. Alas, real life intervened and I still have yet to get a replacement, but luckilly, we have been stain free so far--and we are currently at 3 hours and counting. So, I highly reccomend the "Tide to go" pen thing, you can get it almost anywhere, and it will pay for itself the first time you use it. Carry it in your purse or glovebox-just get one and keep it handy. Get me one too if you would, I'm kind of on Target restriction right now, but we'll get into that later.......

spit the pit

Maggie is 2. Her latest thing is that everything has a crust, so she leaves bits of food on the side of her plate uneaten--because it is the crust. Toast of course has crust, but Maggie's grapes have crust, her soup has crust, noodles--you're getting the picture. Yesterday was the dawn of a new era....... The pit. Alan gave her a malt ball. She sucked off the chocolate coating, and spit out the malt ball, proudly proclaiming, "You don't eat the pit!" She has decided this after eating no less than two thousand cherries from our tree, pit and all. Well, better late than never I guess. 2 year olds are cool.

livin' on love

The guys came on Monday to start installing my new siding, my house was to look amazing (or almost) here shortly. Instead, we have extensive damage that needs to be replaced, so not only does my house look in shambles (we had the front deck removed for the siding install and now there is no access to my front door) but will not be fixed for quite some time. We need to get dry and wet rot fixed and we also have quite an enormous colony of carpenter ants living here with us. We are currently having numbers worked up to the price of all of the repairs and also, the cost to remove this house and built a new one from scratch. So, you say, is Janina a bit stressed-the answer to that my friend is a resounding YES! However, besides doubling our mortgage payment, and living in our garage for about 6 months or so, there is an upside. (I know--always the optimist) I will get new carpet and counters, which I have always wanted-so yay me.
Also, Alan has taken this opportunity to show me once again how amazing he is and how blessed we are to have him, so truly it could be worse. Just think, someone could be sick--worse, I could be pregnant--WAY WORSE!! (sorry if you've already heard me talk about this, I need to keep it on play on an inner loop, as my pep rally, so I don't completely crumble) So to fund new and big life changing project we need to sell everything we have of value-fun. As if I don't have enough projects going on right this second! If we have anything you want-let me know, I might could get you a 2 year old--cheap! Just kidding (kind of)

just a minute

phew!! I have just a minute or 2 before things get crazy again around here......so I thought I'd throw out a blog. These past couple of weeks have been crazy! We had a wonderful trip down to California to see my family. The weather was pretty warm, but we managed ok, and even (mostly) kept the blood sugars under control. We even took a road trip down south a bit and met Alan's grandma. I've met her once before at Alan's sister's wedding, but it's been like 15 years or something, so that was an adventure. The 95th birthday party for my Great grandma was a huge success, as was the trip over all. Even the airport was a breeze, it makes me think we can do it again sometime--good thing since we just bought tickets back down for my cousin's wedding in October.

Shortly after we got back, my cousin Belinda and her family came for a visit, and it was great to have them, they haven't made it up in about 4 years I think.

We are in the middle of finishing our garage/loft project, which is currently in the painting phase, so we've had workers here for that running all around, and a new fence put in, so there were workers running around for that, and also we've been getting estimates for the siding and deck projects, so we've had workers running around for that.....If you are beginning to see a pattern here, it's a little nuts--just like me!

Add to that, that it is time to get our JDRF walk team put together and start fundraising, and Blochtoberfest is tomorrow, you start to get a pretty good picture of what has been keeping me so busy lately. Oh wait, the cat that adopted us had kittens, and we need to have a few of the structural supporting beams of our house replaced (that will leave a gaping hole in the side of our house until it is fixed)........oh, and I'm in charge of stuff this year at the walk--namely putting together a big to-do next weekend at Oaks Park and I have pretty much no idea what's going on. Ok-now you're up to speed. Wait, Maggie has a horrible diaper rash that won't go away, and Layla's staph infection is back with renewed force--oh, and I can't button my shorts anymore. I'm sure I'll think of something else, but for now-that's enough.

The good news is that Alan arrived home tonight with 2 kegs of beer in his trunk, and he doesn't have to go to work tomorrow so we can stay up late. I love the fest, maybe even more than Christmas, so I'm really excited to get to have all of my friends and family here with me for the weekend. And-there will be smores--enough said. Hope to see you all here, if not, see you later. I'm busy again for a while, but I'll try to get a blog in every now and again to keep you up to speed about the goings on around here, as always, no promises.

**Special note to the Cali. family (& Retta)--I love you guys more than anything, we had a super time, and I can't wait to see you all again in a couple of months.

oh-I have to run--looks like it's beer-thirty

time flies

I have had two separate requests today for new blog postings, so here I go again..... I'm not sure what I've been busy doing exactly, but it seems like I haven't even sat down for days. I have about 7 quiet minutes coming, as the girls just got tiny "snack packs" of little cookies, so I thought I'd indulge my public with a quick word. Hmmmm..where to start. Friday was a bit hectic, we had some blood sugar issues. Layla's blood sugar was so high, it wouldn't register on her meter, so I had a tiny nervous breakdown, but we got it back under control (finally) and were able to keep a pretty good control of it through the weekend. The weekend was great, we did lots of errands. Translation: we got a few things done, but spent most of our time getting the girls in and out of their car seats at various, random stops, (mostly home improvement type stores) by which time they were cranky and/or bored and decided to cry/kick/scream the entire time we were inside trying to accomplish said "errand". We did get through the day though with a little help from a few of our favorite modern conveniences, namely lots of snacks, and the car DVD player. (however if I get hit in the back of the head with one more cheerio, or hear the "I love you" Barney theme song one more time, I might just actually run out into traffic) *now, a paragraph break for my mom.*

We did however somehow manage to pick out our exterior paint for the garage, and Alan also got an overflow drain system put in behind the garage, so we can hopefully avoid any nasty flooding issues like we experienced last rainy season. So, all in all, I'd say a successful couple of days. Of course, since we spent our weekend focused on getting our painting done, it had to rain on Sunday, but Monday the sun came out again, and we got some primer up-yay!!!

Today, we had some people over to quote us new siding on the house, and they mentioned that we don't need to prime our new garage siding. (as we say around here...that would have been good information to have had YESTERDAY!!!) But, lucky for us, we happen to be rolling in both time and money, so it's really no big deal.

Yesterday I made a mighty tasty dinner, which I got from the back of the Quaker quick barley box, and modified it, it is now known as "South West Barley Beans" and I will include the recipe right here:




South West Barley Beans

Any/all of the following veggies
(or add your own favorites)
Carrots, celery, onion, sweet pepper, cut into bite size pieces
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (about 14-16 oz) jar salsa (the green Trader Joe’s salsa is good)
2 cups veggie broth, or water and bullion cubes
1 cup Quaker quick barley
3 cups water
1 Tbsp. Chili powder
1 tsp. Cumin
2 cans of beans drained and rinsed
2 cups frozen corn
Chopped cilantro
(optional) Toppings: olives, avocado, corn chips, salsa etc..
In large pot combine veggies and first 7 ingredients. Over high heat bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans and corn, increase heat to high and bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low, simmer for another 5 minutes, or until barley is tender. Top with topping if you’d like. Enjoy!
This makes a ton and it is delish!! (it was even better the next day)
About 15 carbs in ½ cup





We are scrambling this week, I have 2 days left before we leave on a jet airliner to sunny Sacramento California, and I am getting pretty nervous. We have to leave the house at about 5am on Friday, we are travelling with 2 kiddos, and will be carrying numerous "banned" items, so will be cavity searched by the 17 year old TSA agent after he confiscates my shiny new lip gloss; did I mention this is all before 6 o'clock?!? (at least I might get cavity searched, I was beginning to think there was nothing good about flying anymore!) Then, we are gone for 9 days (WOW!!) so no new blogs until then at least, (but probably longer, our summer schedule is CRAZY). When we get back we are hosting my cousin Belinda and family (you're practically famous if you get a blog mention-awesome) and Blochtoberfest is the very next weekend. PHEW! In between the scheduled events, I hope to drink my weight in (light) beer and possibly hunt down a high school friend I haven't seen in a good dozen years, and talk him into tattooing me. (I will let you know how it goes) So, I'm off, wish me luck in surviving the 100+ degree weather of Cali. and keeping the kids afloat in the pool all week (not to mention, covered with SPF 50 sunscreen). We will also be attending my great grandmothers 95th birthday party, we are all really looking forward to it. My advice to you would be, if you ever get invited to a 95th birthday party, be sure not to miss it, the honoree is bound to be full of wisdom and insight, and has seen and done things that would put most Hollywood dramas to shame.

Hate to run--I really enjoy our time together, but alas, my 7 (ok 30) minutes are now up, and I have to get back to something or other I'm sure.

we passed the test

just wanted to give you an update:
we went to Layla's endocrinologist the other day, and we are keeping pretty good control of her blood sugars. We get a blood test once a year to check for other auto immune diseases, (since she is predisposed to auto immune disorders) and our latest tests came back negative-yay!! So for now, just diabetes, and a strict no meat/ no dairy diet. I tried not to get to worked up while we were waiting for the test results (which they send you in the mail) thinking what on earth we would I do if she had celiac and we couldn't have wheat or any form of wheat gluten any more. Thankfully I can put off that thought until next year at least. Now it is time to start fundraising for the JDRF walk, it is the hardest time of year for me. I can do holidays, birthday parties, almost any other stressor is doable, but this, almost 3 months of thinking about the disease and it's complications all day, every day, is quite overwhelming. So, I will be close to (if not in) tears most days now, and put in the awkward position of asking friends and family to donate money to our cause. This year I am a walk committee chair person, I am in charge of the family teams (which are all teams not corporate) so there are a few extra items on my plate. I really think we can make a difference, which is why we volunteer and try so hard. I have to believe that, some days hope is all I have. If you can join us for the walk, that would be amazing, we really need the support; physically, emotionally, and financially, otherwise, I'm sure you'll hear from me soon asking for a donation. so, until then.........

soft as silk

So Alan's cousin Walter came to visit us lately and was entertaining us with stories of his international travels. One story was about in Thailand (or something) there were street vendors that sold cups of boiled silkworms, and people would eat them like popcorn while walking around down town and hanging out and things. Maybe it's the people I consort with, but I never know if someone is telling me the truth, or trying to get me to buy a big load of the stinky stuff. (or maybe it's because I, myself, so often wind a yarn of untruth in the name of entertainment)--anyway, I thought it was gross and moved on.
I do happen to love silk and especially the raw silk, it feels great and smells like tea. Lately I have been wondering how silk is made. When I was in kindergarten, our class had "pet" silkworms, and they wove cute little silken cocoons, but surely, this can't be the way silk is commercially produced--can it?!? Well, after some diligent research (I use the term loosely--more like 10 minutes on google) I have found out, that is indeed the way silk is made. Now, don't think you're getting away without hearing all fo the gory details.... These are called worms, but look like one of those giant green horned (nasty) caterpillars that hang out all over our tomato vines in California, except they are whitish. They only live for a brief time, when they molt a bunch and eventually spin their glorious silk cocoon. Now the good stuff: if the worm finishes this process, they turn into a worthless moth (no-really completely worthless, they can't fly or anything) and eat their way out of the cocoon. When this happens, it breaks the valuable thread that the cocoon was. SO---before this can happen, they boil the whole damn thing, thus killing the worm and making the silk thread easier to unravel. Then they eat said worm, or possibly sell them to folks on the street, great sorce of protein it is said. You can also grow your own silk worms--if their plight saddens you deeply enough that you are moved to activism...and then let them hatch and use the holey cocoon to spin yarn or whatever. That being said, I do think it's a little sad, but I still like silk, so there you have it.
Here's the funny part, here we are, well into out second month of a near vegan diet, and I thought everything was going well. I mean, sure, we have eaten a few "new" things (read as wierd, but tasty). Tonight, as I was "researching" silkworms on the internet, Alan walk in and turns a bit green. "What are you doing?" he asks slowly. "I'm learning about silkworms", I cheerfully reply. "Why" he wants to know. "I was wondering about the origin of silk" says me. "ok" he says, and then drops the bomb....."I was afraid we were going to have to eat them". As if I'm actaully that crazy.. (well, today I'm not) Just one last thing I would like to leave you with before I go. It is a website I came across in my studies, you HAVE to check it out. I will want to talk to you about it later, so do it. (and be glad we live in America, where a quarter pounder is about the grossest thing going) https://www.thailandunique.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_13&products_id=29
I'm out-j
ps--leave some comments already, I know you're stalking me and trying to hide it--loser

busy doing nothing

At her job recently, a friend had to write down what she did in 30 minute intervals, to see where she could be more productive throughout the day. The other day, my cousin's (lovely) husband came home after work and asked her what she did all day (she's a work at home mom). This prompted me to look at my own day, as I always feel exhausted around 4 o'clock, but can't for the life of me think of anything productive I have done.
This morning, here's how it went: Praise Him-the girls let me sleep until 9am. (ok, not sleep actually, Maggie was licking me and pinching me all over for almost an hour, but I was still in bed) Then I hopped up, jumped in the shower, and got dressed. I changed a diaper and got Maggie dressed--Layla has decided that she prefers not to get dressed usually, so I fight it or not, depending on the day--today-not. Then I wrangle them into the kitchen, sounds easy, but actually takes 10 minutes. It is now about 9:40--not bad. I get them started with small bowls of soy yogurt while I cook (on the stove-yay me) multi grain cereal. I flavor it up with some brown sugar and raspberries, and we get to eat. (10:15) After multiple wipe ups, a new diaper and yet another change of clothes, Maggie is done. Layla finishes up, injection time, load the syringes, tackle the young one and poke her a few times--it is now 10:33. I need some coffee. The girls head off to play make believe which today includes being Mommy and baby and drinking "flower petal" water. (??? I don't ask) I then start on dinner, as it has to refrigerate a while before baking tonight at dinner. Tonight we are having broccoli/ veggie sausage and "ricotta" calzones, with home made dough (am I nuts?) Step one, sprinkle the yeast into the bowl of warm water and set it aside for about 5 minutes for it to bloom. (yes, definitely nuts) These look great, but it took a while, it is now 1:00. If you are familiar with our schedule, you know that I need to start lunch now, because we need to eat and have our next injection about 1:30. I'm getting tired already. So, today so far, I have cooked 3 hours and 15 minutes, and I need to get going on lunch---then later I have to bake dinner for an hour and we still have 2 snacks and cleanup.........Hmmmm....this keeping track thing is really getting it in to focus for me. "What do you do all day?" honestly on a good day, I would say "as little as possible", when the sun is shining, we eat cold cereal, have a pb&j and a quick dinner outside. But in reality, when I look at the facts, I cook, clean and deal with poop, it's not glamorous, but it's all mine. I am done recording for now, hopefully later I can sit down and read my book for a bit. Probably I should fold laundry, but it can wait, and I'm tired. As far as being more productive, I'm not sure, there's no doubt countless things I could improve on, but I'm happy just getting through the day with a smile on my face. (or not crying at least)

I scream for ice cream

We had a great weekend, it was hot, we had friends over, and got to spend lots of good time as a family. We went to the Hockinson fun days parade and the girls played a few "carnival" games. They liked the one where you throw your fishing line (a string tied onto a stick with a clip at the end) over a plywood wall and when you reel it in, there is a prize on the end......That's about my speed of fishing too, super quick with a guaranteed reward. It was over all a really good couple of days, I kept lots of popscicles and beer available, and we only had a couple of scary low lows. (did I mention that while I love the warm weather, I'm not actually a huge fan of summer becasue it is nearly impossible to keep blood sugars stable) This weekend I learned a few of things which I will share with you now (free of charge)--1) while a touch cranky, Layla is lucid and functional when her blood sugar gets down to 32 (our lowest ever!!-YIKES!!) 2)never challange a fighter pilot to a beer chugging competition, and finally, a new yummy recipe for coconut ice cream....(not cream really, but creamy for sure!) recipe follows (I got it out of a paper, details are sketchy, take it or leave it)


Easy Coconut Ice Creamy
4 cans coconut milk (I use the light)
2 Cups sugar
1 tsp. salt

Bring to a gentle bubble on med. high heat, stir until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Let cool, then refrigerate until chilled. Put it in your ice cream maker and process per machine directions. Serve or freeze airtight up to 2 weeks.

ohmygod! this is so awesome, and you would actually have a hard time convincing anyone that it is dairy free. It is amazing as is, or you can add cocoa powder to make it chocolate, chocolate chips, whatever stir in you desire. I cut this recipe in half the first time we made it, and it worked great; next time however, will be making a full batch, so I don't have to hide it and can share with the kids. (fyi, I didn't even boil it, when I thought the sugar was dissolved, I poured it hot right into the ice cream maker--it was super quick and I was drunk and it still worked, so there you go)

That's all I have for now--have to go make some phone calls to a guy about a fence. Until next time-j

let the sun shine!

It was so beautiful today! We got to play outside all day long. We did some yard work; I reclaimed our mint patch, it was getting choked out by weeds, and was overgrown with last years old stalks that had not been removed. I raked some gravel, moved some branches, and we potted 2 trees that we got a couple weeks ago at the herb festival. Then the girls ran through the sprinkler until they were pruney--very nice. On a hot day it's important to keep hydrated, so I will pass along our new favorite water recipe. (complements of my friend Sarah) Fill a pitcher with ice cubes and cold water, then throw in a few slices of peeled cucmber and some fresh mint leaves. Yum, cool and refreshing. (we are not big fans of floaty things in our water, so we cut and bruised the mint leaves and put them in a largish tea ball, to keep sediment to a minimum) Sarah says this is especially tasty if you skip the cucumber and add fresh lemon juice, sugar and vodka for a nice fresh vodka lemonade-yay! We have plenty of mint, so I will be sure to try that too (it just so happens I have vodka as well-cheers!)

Look Out

we have a little piece of property, and when we moved here, we got a riding lawn mower. Alan has always been in charge of the lawn (because he wants to be) and I never thought to question it. Every weekend during the nice weather, he would change into "play clothes" and say (in a tone lacking any enthusiasm) I'd better go get the lawn mowed (or something to that affect). For about 3 years I believed that he was taking a big one for the team by doing this horrible chore to keep our place looking good. One day, when I couldn't stand being cooped up with the kids one second more--he happened to be on his way out to mow. I said, you know what? I'll do anything to get out of here for a while, you watch the girls, I'll go out and mow today. The smile fell off of his face, as he took me out to show me the ropes.

Did you know that a riding lawn mower is like a little go cart? Fast forward 3 years to today, and I mow every chance I get. (which is the field mostly, because Alan says I don't get the stripes right on the lawn--whatever, I prefer plaid) It was the first mow of the season-yikes. We usually hire it out, because the grass is taller than me. (not tall for a human, but really tall for grass) For some reason, we decided to mow this year (I don't ask questions, I just get on the mower) Alan is hesitant to let me mow for numerous reasons (really there are tons) but he's a good sport about it. He has to stay outside when I'm mowing because I kill the mower so much, or get it stuck in a hole or mud pit--today I made it billow smoke, not once, but twice before I burnt the belt off, and killed it for good. I think maybe it wasn't really even my fault, and now Alan gets to go to Sears, which is his favorite store in the mall. I was almost finished too, only a few laps left and I would have been done (except for a little finish work around the edges and whatnot). The next mow will be much better, I'll have that brand new belt, the grass will be shorter and I won't have to do the whole field in 2nd gear (second gear is for grannys or babies with training wheels--I HATE second gear) Alan said 2nd gear is best when the grass is taller than me. Hmmmm....maybe the belt would have lasted a little longer if I wasn't rally racing around the course (field) when he wasn't looking. Oops! I can't help it, that sucker is like a little go cart!

ouch

I have a terrible headache. Not just the kind I tell Alan I'm having, a real one, and it hurts. What have I done today to earn this? Hmmm......well, I did let the girls watch about 6 hours of Mr. Rodgers off of tivo, but I think God likes Mr. Rodgers, so that can't be it. I also played 4 games of various bingo with Layla, some I Spy and some having to do with math and farm animals. We thinned the garden, the radishes were growing on top of each other. I got in a little nap (during Mr. Rodgers of course) So, I have come to a conclusion; it is, A) maybe I am a bit sick and I just hurt, or more likely, B) I am allergic to all forms of math, even when it is farm animal math bingo. Have to go watch the American Idol finale now, I didn't cook anything super today, but Alan had left over gnocchi for lunch, that oughta get me at least an hour of tv.

ps, for those of you freaking on the tivo, it was 3 episodes of Mr. R and 1 of Little Bear-sue me--I am very possibly sick (at least a little)

mmmmm...gnocchi

this is the recipe for gnocchi (which I made for dinner tonight). If you make this, you are pretty much guaranteed to get anything you want for the next 24 hours (give or take). With Alan, the gnocchi high lasts for a couple of days, so I try to schedule accordingly. Take for instance tonight; I wanted to watch American Idol, which is not his favorite show (gross understatement), but now, thanks to the magic of gnocchi, I get to watch it guilt free (and don't even have to put out!!--sorry Grandma, but it's true)
Good luck to you, should you try to make it, it is well worth the effort.
ps, this is adapted form some issue of a Vegetarian Times magazine, don't know when, and from henceforth, just understand I don't make recipes up, they are stolen and modified, and I will never give appropriate credit to the contributer. (this is because I am lazy--please read as "creative", but not because I am a thief, which I am not)

magic gnocchi

3 lb. russet potatoes (about 4 medium)
2 cups flour (calls for all purpose, I used whole wheat)
1 large egg lightly beaten (I used egg sub, 1/4 cup)
1 tsp. salt (or a bit more to taste)
1 tsp. pepper

1. preheat oven to 400*. Prick potatoes all over with fork. Bake until soft (about an hour for large potatoes). Cool until easy to handle.
(get your large pot of water on to boil and salt it good-do it now)

2.Slice potatoes in half and scoop out potato goodness into a large bowl. Squish with a fork until no lumps remain, but still fluffy. Fold in flour, egg, salt and pepper. (here's the good part) you have to use your hands, this is so messy, but the only good way to get it all incorporated. (plus they are magical, it's worth the extra effort)

3. You will have a thick dough. Pull off bits and roll them into snakes about 3/4 inch thick. Cut the snakes into (about) 1 inch pieces. Do this with all the dough.

4.When the water boils, toss the gnocchis in a couple of handfuls at a time. When they float, they are done. (this only takes a minute or two) Scoop them out with a slotted spoon, and toss in the next batch. As they get done, I put them into a casserole dish. When they are all done, I cover them with garlic butter and top with Parmesan cheese and broil them for a few minutes until they are golden delicious.

Serve these bad boys with some fresh hot rolls or bread and a nice salad--then sit back and enjoy. know that this process takes a couple of hours from when you prick the potatoes until you eat the gnocchi, so start early.

psps, if you don't eat animal products, I make a sauce from garlic and non-hydroginated margarine, when it melts, I salt and pepper it, and add some nutritonal yeast. I toss the gnocchi with this and then stir in lots of "cross your heart" vegan cheese. Vegan cheese is wierd, it has a problem being part of other things, so you have to convince it. I brown the top, then stir and brown, then stir and brown...etc, etc, etc. until you are happy, then serve, this takes much longer, but is super tasty and a passable cheese sub.


(ok mom, how whas that?)

english help

...so my mom dropped by the blog and told me I need to use more paragraphs, that it is hard to read. Mom, didn't you see the part where I say how it's my blog, therefore I'll do whatever I gosh darn please? Anywho-I will try to be more user friendly in the future, but I make no promises, I write how I think and talk---sortof all jumbled and run together, but that's part of my charm, don'tcha think?

here I go

I've never written much for public consumption, and honestly, the thought of it is a bit daunting. But, the fact that this is only going to be seen by friends and family helps a bit. I'm not sure where to start, but this is as good of a place as any... So then, here I go. This is my new blog for my family and friends to keep track of what we are doing, playing, eating, reading, thinking, feeling.......well, everything I guess. There will be new recipes, good ideas, fun crafts, and as always--random rants, but it's my blog, I can do whatever I want. Let's get this started. Today I had a new idea for juice. Maybe for some families, juice isn't that big of a deal, but in ours it is. We can only have it when Our blood sugar is low (and sometimes on special occasions). As always in life, when you can't have something, the want for it becomes almost unbearable. This desire for juice has lead us to search out suitable replacements for it's thirst quenching sweetness. We have tried "juice" in pouches, juice in boxes, powdered juice mix in packets, straws and tiny tubs. The best one we have found is Minute Maid juice falls, it is flavored water in a pouch. It says it is real juice, but has no carbs or calories (I use the term loosely, it probably has a few--but if you know me, I don't get stuck on all details, just the ones I think are important) This was a great option for us, until the girls started drinking them by the case, and the cost was adding up. So today I remembered an article I had read (or something, my point is, is isn't my original thought) the idea was to make caffeine free herbal tea, the flavored kind, and then add a bit of juice concentrate and water, so it was wet and sweet, but actually good for you, and didn't leave the kids skipping among the tree tops from the sugar high. I picked a couple of teas at Safeway, Celestial Seasoning were on sale, and they had lots of neat choices. I picked a raspberry and a peach. When we got home I boiled a kettle of water with 3 of the raspberry tea bags, to make a pretty strong tea, I let it cool, then put it in a pitcher with 1/4 can of apple juice concentrate and 4 packets of stevia (a natural sweetener, that is carb and calorie free), then I filled the pitcher up with water. The new "juice" was a pretty berry color and tasted great, also it had minimal calories and less than 4 carbs per 1 cup serving. Yay me!!!! I can't wait to try the peach orange combo next, maybe I'll even make fuzzy navel Popsicles this summer. With so many herbal teas and juice choices, the combinations are endless, and I feel like this is a much more budget friendly and diet friendly option for my family. So, even though I was able to relax most of the day (I was hiding under a blanket on the couch) I still feel like I was doing good things, so all in all, a passable day. Tomorrow, when My back up is back at work, I won't be able to hide, so we'll see how that goes.