The Day After Christmas...

'Twas the day after Christmas, when all through the house,

Children's tummies were rumbling, yucky tastes in their mouth.

The bedding was heaped in a pile on the floor

In hopes of this flu bug being present NO MORE!

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Ugh. Yup...that was our Christmas! Started with Miss E...but we weren't sure what exactly was goin' on with her.

Then, a reprieve for a day...only to start up again, with E.W...last night, just as all of our Christmas company was arriving.

We initiated a "quarantine" room...and soon, Little A. joined him. And, not long after, Baby Girl.

Mr. Wonderful, wasn't feeling so...wonderful...so he willingly offered to "hold down the fort" with the sickos. I got to mingle and talk and eat...and then I became terrified...

"UGH!! Why did I eat?!!!!!" I was sooooo afraid I was gonna be the next to fall...but (*knocking on wood*) so far, so good.

Needless to say...it wasn't a restful night.

And now...I've gotta crapload of laundry to do (and yes, it is a bit "crappy"). And a house to clean, presents galore to sort, and empty tummies that I need to start "re-feeding"!

Can I take a nap? ;)

Hope your Christmas was all you dreamed it would be! (Stay tuned for a more positive, upbeat, less disgusting post about our Christmas!!)

Merry Christmas!!

We are on day 2ish of 3ish of snowfall! It is breathtaking!

I just want to say...

Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!!!

Merry Christmas, my friends!!!

Christmas Eve

Right about now...we will have just completed Round 2 of 3 of present opening madness!


We will be stuffing our faces with the yummiest foods...talking loudly, teasing incessantly, and reveling in the spirit of Christmas!

The weather outside will be frightful, but the fire will be sooooo delightful! And soon, my extended family will be arriving...and we'll start all over again!

Christmas, my dears...is "The most wonderful time, of the year!!!"

From my family to yours...wishing you a Merry Christmas, safe travels, and happy times!

Tip #8--Check it out...

Merry Christmas Eve, my friends!!!

I thought long and hard about this tip...and, this is what I came up with:

Enjoy, my friends!!

Don't deny yourself! It's Christmas, for Pete's sake!!

I want you to have fun, and be happy! So, dang it...just don't worry. It's one day (maybe two for some of us..or heck, even a week!) out of the year, a little indulgence isn't gonna hurt any of us.

I know I'll end up having one piece of pie too many, way too many cookies, a coupla extra helpings of ham or potatoes or meatballs...and I'm not gonna worry!

Merry Christmas...to you and yours, from me and mine!!

Heaven from a Bag

Okay, this next recipe...I slaved over it for hours on end. I was sweaty...and exhausted...and...and...alright. I'm totally lying!

For the record...I don't make things I hafta slave over. Or get sweaty for (yuck...I hate sweating...hence, my aversion to exercise). This recipe is the easiest, peasiest, lemon squeeziest recipe ever invented. Evah'!

I can't take credit for it's invention tho'.

I wish I could. But I can't.

Anywho...first things first, you'll need a nice clean paper bag from the grocery store, and these ingredients:


Yup...that's it.

First, dump the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla in a microwavable bowl:


Then, pop it in the mic (seriously, can it get any easier? ** Why, yes...it can...stay tuned...) (oh, and this is where I'm gloriously thankful for flash photography...it completely glares out the nasty mess that's in my microwave!! Man, I love flash photography.):


While it's nuking, toss the cereal into the paper bag:


When the caramel mixture is done "cooking" (*snort*...can you even call it "cooking" if it's in the microwave?!!)...we all get to put on our magician's hats, and work a little magic.

'Member that baking soda from above? Now's it's time to shine, baby!

Dump the soda into the caramel stuff (here's where I enlisted Mr. Wonderful to help snap photos...hence the "far awayness" of the shots...he's gotta learn that closer is better...either that, or I've gotta get the hang of this Photoshop stuff!!), and begin to stir:


Getting there...


Are we there yet?


Just a little futher:


We're there!!

Now, take the caramel mixture, that's all freaky and fluffy (**this is where it gets easier!), and pour it right over the cereal in the bag. Yes, that's right. In. The. Bag.


Pop that whole darn bag right into the mic, and then thank me later for giving you a recipe that you cook in a bag. Disposable cookware, at it's finest!

During the cooking, you'll "shake it, shake, shake it...shake it, shake, shake it...shake it, shake, shake it...shake it like a Polaroid picture" (name that tune...), so make sure you've got oven mitts handy to protect your tender little mitts! (I was feeling brave...and a little reckless...so I went commando. No mitts for this chick!)


When it's all finished, spread it out onto parchment paper, let it cool, break into pieces...and marvel in it's ridiculously easy deliciousness!


And, because you simply can't stand the garish flash photos any longer, wait until morning to snap a "naturally lit" photo of your masterpiece:


You're welcome. I love you, too.

Caramel Snack Mix:

1 12 oz. box Crispix
1 stick butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. corn syrup (i.e. Karo)
1 tsp. baking soda

Place cereal in a brown paper grocery bag, set aside. Mix together butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and corn syrup in microwavable bowl, and cook on high for 1 (one) minute. Stir, return to microwave and cook on high for 2 (two) minutes, stir well to combine butter, then add baking soda. Stir well until mixture if fluffy and foamyish. Pour caramel mixture over cereal in bag, shake bag gently to coat, and place bag in microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. Shake bag gently to distribute caramel, and return to microwave for 1 minute. Give bag one last gentle shake, and pour caramel cereal onto parchment paper, spreading into a thinish layer. Cool, and break into pieces. Store in airtight container.

Oh NO!!

It's happening.

I can feel it coming...the irritated throat, the randomly stuffy nose, the unstoppable sneezing fits...

It's my annual "Christmas Cold"!!

Seriously. It happens every year. Except for one...when my uncle Al said, "What's wrong? You're not sick!!"

I was probably pregnant.

I was sooooo hoping I'd sneak by...but, as it turns out...Rudolph won't be the only one with a red nose this Christmas!

UGH!!!! I can't get sick...there's just too. much. left. to. do!!!!

Cherished Times

Honest to goodness...does it get any better than this?

My kindergartner's very first Christmas program. Ohhhhh, man alive! I coulda just eaten him up! So happy and proud, he was!


I love it, when the kiddos file out, and they are searching the crowd for moms and dads...looking around nervously, hoping to catch a glimpse.


Then there's me, in the crowd...wildly waving in the dark, hoping to catch my little ones' eyes! And then...the moment:


When they see you, and their face lights up with joy and pride...makes me a wee bit teary every time. Every. Stinkin'. Time.

What year does this end...this searching out of parents? I don't remember with my teenager? (Secretly, I'm quite certain he still searches us out...or at least, that's what I tell myself!)

All I know, is that I never want that moment to go away.

I hope that my children's faces will continue to light up at the sight of their mama and daddy until they are old and gray.

I pray that I am a good enough mother that they will cherish our time together, just as I cherish my time with them...forever and ever.

Amen.

Man, I love my kids.

Hot and Healthy--Week 8!

Wow! 8 weeks!! Where were we 8 weeks ago? Halloween had just ended!! How fast did these 8 weeks go?

Now...Christmas is on Friday and we are winding down our Hot and Healthy gig!

Less than 2 weeks to go...hard to believe! Fo' realz!

So y'all know the drill by now..Here come the questions..

How'd your week go?

Did you consume any empty calories.?

Did you get your cardio in?

Pilates? Did ya do it? Huh, huh..didja?

Are y'all ready to be done with the Hot and Healthy gig or could ya go for more?

Once you have the questions answered make sure you link up!

Oh...and, we have a winner to the giveaway! It's BECCA!!

Congrats Becca!! Contact Mama M with your info, and I'll get it out to you ASAP!

This week's giveaway? Totally awesome...toadily!! For your chance to win an AMAZING stainless steel water bottle, link up below or click here!

For all the Pilates exercise's go here!

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How'd your week go?

My week was okay...crazy busy, but I did okay.

I didn't quite get in my 3 days of KettleWorx, but I did go cross-country skiing with some friends...so I counted that!

Did you consume any empty calories.?

Ugh. I totally threw this one out the window!

All the good stuff around...the fast food that seems soooooo disgustingly prevalent at this time of the year.

Yeah. I sucked on this one.

Did you get your cardio in?

Yup! See above! Wait...maybe I can't answer that in the affirmative.

No. I didn't get my four stinkin' hours in...but I reached my own personal goal!

That counts for somethin'...right? (Please tell me yes!)

Pilates? Did ya do it? Huh, huh..didya?

Heck no!

Are y'all ready to be done with the Hot and Healthy gig or could ya go for more?

Honest? I'm ready to be done!

Apology Accepted...

Dearest self:

This is your body speakin'. I've been thinkin', and I'm ready to accept your apology.

I realize that what you are doing to me with this whole (*raises fingers in air...gives "air quote" symbol*) "KettleWorx" deal is for my own good.

But sista'...I've gotta level with you...

This:


Ain't neva' gonna happen.

HA!! Talk about wishful thinking!

And, don't even think about asking Santa to bring you a "Giselle-like" body. He'd laugh so hard he might pee his pants. And pee'd on pants + below freezing temps = a miserable night for the big guy.

Please, give him a break, and just don't ask.

'kay?

Alrighty then!

Love ya! Muah!

Respectfully yours,
Your Bod

Party with MckMama!!

Lemme tell ya...I met some "creepy internet strangers" last Friday night...and it turns out, they are some of the most wonderful, amazing, adorable, charming, fun to be around people, evah'!!



I showed up at MckMama's door (yes, I knocked), late (of course!!)...to a smattering of people!

And, I won't lie...it was just a teeny, tiny, wee bit awkward at first...kinda...well, a little..."So, how you doin'?"

Then, we got to talking, and laughing...and snuggling Stellan! Man, that kid is so incredibly cute! And, um...I was slightly star-struck by the little guy! Then, he began crawling in circles (freaky fast!!), and the ice was broken...I realized, he's just a normal kid! (And, I mean that in every sense of the word!!!!)

These were some of the most enjoyable women (and some husbands...but I honestly didn't talk to a-one of them!!) that I have ever been in the company of! Some knew each other from previous MckGatherings, but all were welcoming and kind and sweet! I got my baby fix with MckMama's sister, Hilary's, babe, Raven (who is a gorgeous, delightfully chubby babe!)! Thanks, Hilary (my hubby thanks you, too!)!


I was sooooo afraid that it would be awkward...that we "bloggers" wouldn't know how to converse face to face...

I had visions of horribly awkward silences, where we all take out our cell phones to Twitter 'cuz we can't carry on a face-to-face conversation!

But, holy smokes!!, was I wrong!

My husband was worried for my well being..."Are you sure this is safe?"

And my bestie, Tara (who was my guest), made me promise..."not to abandon her"! Turns out I didn't need to worry about Tara at all!! She, too, had a blast...and, now...has been bitten by the blog bug! (And, um...for some reason, I look either drunk or stoned, in every. single. picture. And I wasn't...you know, in case you were wondering...)


As soon as I get the okay, I'll announce her "foodie blog"...she's an amazing cook...stay tuned!

MckMama was just like she is on her blog...fun, real, honest and funny! She's just as great a talker as she is a writer!! Here's me and MckMama:


Here's Sara, Laura, me :), and Jolene:


And Jamie (and, ahem...moi):


And, I even got to meet our local news girl, Trish (no photo...sorry, you'll just hafta take my word!)!!

It was a fabulous night...with fabulous people, fabulous food (oh my word...you shoulda seen the spread!!!), and fabulous conversation!

Thanks, ladies (and men!!), for an awesome night! And, thank you, MckMama for opening your home for some great times!!!

Choirs of Angels!!!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hall-le-ee-lujah!!!

Mama is done with her shopping!!! I was afraid that today would sneak by without a post...but, alas...here ya are (or, um...here I am...)!!

I finished my Christmas shopping, and man, does it feel good!! (Well, for the record...I have two gift cards to buy...but I don't count that...do you?)

What's up next?

Blogging (amen!!), baking, and Christmas treat making!!

Goodnight, my friends!!

Just a lil' somethin'...

I am having blog withdrawls...every fiber of my being wants to be able to sit and write about last night...but we are busy! So, you are stuck with this quickie!

Heading out, soon, to another Christmas party with close buds from high school and their families...gonna eat, drink, and be merry some more tonight!

I went with my hubby and kiddos to watch the "cattle weaning" process...and, I froze my toes off. Seriously...I can not feel them...and, I just, right now, regained feeling in my nose.

And, I don't want to talk about my fingers...I'm surprised I can even type.

But, it was interesting to watch:


And that...that photo above...really has nuthin' to do with weaning...frisky little buggers. (*whispers*, should I tell him that's a guy he's jumpin'?)

By the way...my wonderful, protective husband nearly offed us all on the way to the farm. Yeah...it's true...and I'm not even exaggerating! We approached a stop sign, he was gonna do a "slow and roll", looked left, and YOWZA!!!!! There was a pick-up doin' about 50 with a big ol' snow plow on the front...seriously...we were within inches.

Then I had a heart attack...and died.

It was unfortunate, really. To survive a near-miss, and then have a heart-attack.

Later dudes!! And, soon...I will give you a photo filled post...or two (bars, party, weaning...I've got lots!!)!

Have a fabulous Saturday!

Wish me fun!!

Approximately...riiiiiggggghhhhht....abooouuuutttt...

NOW!!

I will be walking through MckMama's doors (I promise, I'll knock first...), bearing the most amazing bars known to mankind (more on these later...),


my world famous Taco Salad Dip,


a Christmas-y tablecloth (embarrassing...it's red and white...well, it's supposed to be red and white...it's more red and pinkish...),


and me trusty-side kick, Mr. Nikon (sorry, no photo...).

My bestie will be by my side, and we are gonna have one heckuva good time!

Stay tuned for Twittering and (later) a little post!!

Five Question Friday--12/18!

It happened again. One second I was hitting "Publish Post" for last Friday's 5QF, I fell asleep, and now, suddenly, it's Friday again!

Seriously...I think I'm living in some weird time warp! Or...or...maybe this is like that movie "Groundhog Day", and I just keep living the same Friday over and over!!!

Um...or not.

Okaaayyyyyy, then...um, moving on...

For the "newbies", who are joining in on Five Question Friday (welcome!! It's what all the cool peeps do! ;) Fo' shiz!!)...here's the rules: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog, answer them, grab the MckLinky code (or not...) and link up (a must!!!)!! I would be your best friend forever if you'd link back to me, Mama M.!!

If you don't have a blog, but wanna join in...feel free to leave your answers in the comments below!

Here we go...

Questions for Friday, December 18th: (Thanks to Kyrsten, Liz, Brianne, and Keely for their question suggestions!! Wanna be linked on a future 5QF? Offer up some questions on the thread in my community!)

1. Which boygroup did you like most in your teens?

2. Do you do Christmas cards, letters, photos, nuthin', all of the above?

3. If you could meet one celebrity who would it be and why?

4. Favorite thing to cook with (i.e. stainless, non-stick, Dutch oven, microwave, debit card...or, perhaps, a cauldron, etc.)?

5. What is the one thing you wear the most, besides your unmentionables?

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Questions for Friday, December 18th: (Thanks to Kyrsten, Liz, Brianne, and Keely for their question suggestions!! Wanna be linked on a future 5QF? Offer up some questions on the thread in my community!)

1. Which boygroup did you like most in your teens?

Oh my goodness!! New Kids on the Block...all. the. way.

Loved them. Would've sold my soul to them (it's a good thing I didn't...since I just offered it to my husband and all...).

I lived NKOTB, breathed NKOTB, slept NKOTB...they were heavenly.

Dreamy.

2. Do you do Christmas cards, letters, photos, nuthin', all of the above?

We do the easy peasy lemon squeezy photo card!!

Our card this year is laughable!! We chose it 'cuz it totally captured our Baby Girl's personality...but, when you have a photo with 7 people in it, and you choose the pic that is the best of just one person...it leaves the other 6...well...it just ain't great!

But it's fun!

And, it's us...what more could you want, right?!!!

3. If you could meet one celebrity who would it be and why?

I'd love to say something totally hip, like...like...Socrates, or somethin'...

But, the truth is...

It'd be George Clooney.

I think he's incredibly handsome, but more than that...he seems like he'd be a fun guy to hang out with, have a drink or two...you know? (My husband is probably gagging right now...staunch Republican that he his...sorry, hon!!)

4. Favorite thing to cook with (i.e. stainless, non-stick, microwave, debit card...cauldron, etc.)?

This is my question...and, I'll admit...it's totally selfish! I need your advice!

I currently cook with a ratty old set of Pampered Chef non-stick that we received as a wedding gift...it's flakey, and probably giving us cancer, or something.

I need new stuff!! Help me!!!

5. What is the one thing you wear the most, besides your unmentionables?

My Uggs...no...I take that back.

My jammies! I'm still in them.

They complete me...not unlike the wreath outside my home. When I wear my jammies, I feel at peace with the world.

Ohm...

'kay dudettes, it's, like, totally your turn now!!

Who Dunit?

Alright...somebody's gotta 'fess up.

My muses are missing...I'm thinkin' they've been kidnapped! They've gone missin' before, but not like this!

I mean, for cryin' in the mud...just take my last post, for example!! Yikes! It confuses me to even read it again...and to think I was tryin' to be all coy and cute and witty.

*Hangs head in shame*

I know they're out there...my muses.

Please...I'm begging!!! If you've seen my muses, send them home!!!!!

Any information or tips on the whereabouts of my muses, contact me.

May the Force be wit' cha's (er...that's MinneSOOOtan for "with you").

Peace out...