"Domestic Diva"

I have a confession... I love Martha Stewart. She is such an inspiration. Just a few minutes ago I watched a video and she said
                            "I don't get sick, no time to get sick."
All I could think was, "Man, I wish I could do that". I get sick and I am soooo whinny. I really need to be dedicated to my dream. I did my research and this August she will be turning 70. And while I could never replace her or her company, I truely believe we need to bring someone into my generation. That someone is me.
So here is what I need to do: 1. Do well in school, finish and graduate. My degrees will be in Teaching Family and Consumer Science and Journalism (with an emphisis in Electronic Media). Next, I really need to focus on my own weight loss and looking better in general. I tend to slack in that area, and something tells me Ms.Martha doesn't slack. She was voted best dressed college student in 1961, long before her empire began! Also, I plan to start a youtube show soon. And, ofcourse, I need to cook, sew and become the next "Domestic Diva". Wish me luck

A bakers dream

About a year ago, I discoved that I loved to cook. Now, I had already been cooking all the time since eight months prior. A friend of mine had moved in next door and I baked everything under the sun for them because it brought me joy to fill their tummies. Yes- that's mommy talk in me.

I began persuing my discovered passion by picking up every book, magazine, ect on food that i could. My husband even bought me a Martha Stewart baking movie from a discount store in Dover. The girls and I watched almost nightly, and it was much to their enjoyment.

But I quickly learned my kitchen was lacking one important elment of any baker's kitchen. A Kitchen Aid Stand mixer. So after much saving and a special Christmas present from my mom, last Sunday I received an Artisian style in Metallic Chrome from the most wonderful store Williams-Sonoma. It is a dream come true.

Thanks again, to my mom for the gift card and to my husband for taking me down there and allowing me to marvel and drool at one of my most precious gifts. For hanging tight, and watching the box as I walked around the store and drooled some more. You guys are wonderful. Can't wait to make goodies for you!

Beautiful!

Starbucks Secret

Sadly, our town does not have a Starbucks. I get to choose, drive 45 miles to the nearest big city or  go to our local coffee shop- Java Cafe.  Yet in this day and age, we all understand that going out for coffee every day just is not possible. I try to go once every other week but after finding a recipe online I maybe able to skip that $10 a month and put it up for something else... like the girls college education (or some new shoes... you know, whatever works).

NOTE: You absolutely must use full fat milk or you do not get the same flavor. Or if you make your own whipped cream use half whipping cream, half skim milk (is that half and half???).

White Chocolate Mocha

3/4 cup whole milk*

6 tblsp. white chocolate chips

coffee- already brewed

whipped cream

Combine milk and chocolate chips in saucepan. Cook until chocolate is melted, pour in cup, add coffee til desired point. Top with whipping cream and enjoy!

I have no idea...

I must confess... I have no idea how to even start a garden. We finally have a house and spring will be here before we know it (and yes, that is a hard concept when it's 35 for a high, I know).  So I am going to watch a couple of videos on how to get started. I know some of the vegitables we can grow around here from helping my grandmother out last summer.
Here is what I want:

• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Herbs
• Strawberries
• Squash
• Zucchini

I also want to put some trees out (apple, pear) and vines (grape, blackberry, rasberry).  Naturallly we will also have to have flowers. I like having flowers in the house and the girls like growing them. Sunflowers, roses and what else???? Also, I hear you can make food with the flowers from zucchini... I must check that one out.

Christmas time

Christmas can come at anytime of the year, really. Last year my mom was not able to be with us at Christmas time so we waited until mid-April to celebrate.  This year we were able to be with her but not with my father, so last weekend I had my first real Christmas with him.

Growing up he was not actively involved in my life. My first real memory of him was at Christmas  time.  The night of my sixth grade holiday dance my mom and I met him at McDonalds. They brought along my baby brother, KJ.  We continued to meet once a year, at Christmas time, for the next four years. We would go out to eat and exchange gifts. I wouldn't hear from him again until my birthday in June.

So needless to say, last Sunday was extra special. Hard to believe Mr.KJ is now 13! And God gave my baby sister (who is 4) to me because he knows how sad I was to not be able to watch my other "little" sis, Andrea (who is 18 now) grow up.

Hubby

Christmas tree (13' tall)

A picture of Sadee by Veah

My dad

First Christmas down, many more to come!

Be right back

Kids are great! Be back soon.

Dude

I will talk about (most) of the new things of 2011 in the next series of posts.  Today's post is about a puppy named Dude.

My husband's brother almost ran over him and my husband told him to stop. He got out, picked up the little dog and took him home. That was that. I however didn't meet Dude until 11:30 pm New Year's eve.

We are dealing with chewing issues and Bre is not so sure about him most the time but other than that, he's great to have around. Should be interesting. He is the first real pet of my life.  But how could you not love that face?

Wow... 2011...

So, in review of 2011 so far.
Jan 1: Got a new puppy, stove and fridge
Jan 2: Moved into our new house
Jan 3: Bre threw up on our bed... I got sick, she remained that way
Jan 4: Was actually quiet
Jan 5: Brandon cut his thumb almost off. :-(

So yes, 2011has been interesting so far.  I love the house. I have been baking up a storm and tomorrow we get cable and internet. Whoot, whoot! And Sunday we are going to see my father to do our Christmas and listen to him preach. One of the best parts about Christmas was Breanna's camera. Right now, I am going to give you a good view of what a child sees...

Mine and Brandon's feet... I kinda like this pic

An upclose version of a sing-a-ma-jig

Wish all cameras came with extra features like this...

Well, that about wraps it up for today... going to finish slurping my peppermint mocha at Java and get ready for work. :-P

So sorry

So the holiday plans didn't happen... but life did!

We got a house (that we are renting, but still)...
We got stuff for the house...
We had Christmas....
I finished my first semester of college...
I have been working like a crazy woman...
and I am ready to be back and talking to you, my dalin!

See ya soon!