I. am. crestfallen. Brayden went to the dentist last week and we learned that he has to have an outpatient procedure in September. I realize thtat even mild sedation dentistry is a necessary evil for a toddler, even if it is just to fill a cavity. Putting my baby to sleep scares me bad enough. So far, Jacob and Bailey have both been sedated for surgical reasons (the latter multiple times) and it never gets easier. I HATE seeing them drift off into unconciousness. I really hate when they wake up and are pissed off for the next two hours.
Anyway, what's even worse than being put to sleep is what they are having to do to my baby. It pains me to even think of it. He has to have all four of his top teeth removed. Removed. He has so much decay in them that they can't be saved. Not real sure what caused it, but he has had the decay from virtually the moment the teeth appeared. They don't look that great up close, but at least they are there. At least he can bite. At least his tongue can touch them when he speaks. At least he looks normal.
He also has to have to cavities on the bottom filled and two caps put on up top. That bothers me too, just because we brush daily and I have never had to have that done myself. I can only imagine how much pain he will be in when he wakes up and recovers. Bailey had the same procedure done...almost the exact same thing...when he was 3 or 4 years old. He had his teeth smashed in at the daycare when he fell on concrete steps. At least he was a little older. It still took about three years for the teeth to grow back in (and then he fell at school and chipped half of the front one off. Ugh).
My little boy is so perfect to me. I dread this September when his cute little teeth are coming out. I worry about him having to go toothless for four or five more years when his new teeth will come in. The dentist said that it won't impact his speech development other than a little lisp (that presumably wouldn't exist if he had is teeth, but anyway...). My baby will have to start school without his front teeth...take his school pictures without his front teeth...learn to eat without his front teeth... I know he will adapt but he won't understand why we are doing that to him at first.
The one bright side is that if he is experiencing any pain from the tooth decay, at least after he recovers all that will be gone. I just wish it wasn't there to begin with, but it is and I have to come to terms with that.
Whew, this has been bothering me for awhile and I had to get that off my chest. Over and out.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
College in Perpetuity
I really think I am addicted to college. Maybe it has something to do with me quitting high school. Maybe I am here to prove that being a teen mom (times two) wouldn't stop me. Maybe I want my kids to have a mom they can be proud of. Maybe I want to make sure that I can afford to travel the world in my RV when I'm older. (I have A LOT of places on my bucket list.)
Regarless of the reason, I have decided to pursue a SECOND Master's degree. The first go 'round, I decided to get what I consider a real Master's...you know, the kind with a thesis and 25 page papers in every class. Where paying tuition and showing up everyday doesn't guarantee you a Master's degree in a couple years.
Since I went for the rigor on the first one, this time I am doing one that is a little more laid back...I hope. I found out two days ago that I was accepted into VSU's Master of Education in Instructional Technology (Technology Applications) program. Whew. That's a long one!
I really would rather be starting a higher degree (a doctorate!) but I missed the deadline. Additionally, I haven't decided which doctorate I want yet...whether it's the [easy] route with an Ed.D. or a [real] one - the Ph.D. So I am giving myself until near to the application deadline to make that decision. I will start that adventure in Fall 2012.
So here's to my new pursuit - a second Master's degree that will be completely unlike the last one - a sprint instead of a marathon. I'm kind of hoping that I can knock it out in a year, which is completely and utterly crazy, but I can't stay out of school for a whole year. I would go insane. Then again, I will go insane trying to do this degree in a year... Okay I'm rambling.
Regarless of the reason, I have decided to pursue a SECOND Master's degree. The first go 'round, I decided to get what I consider a real Master's...you know, the kind with a thesis and 25 page papers in every class. Where paying tuition and showing up everyday doesn't guarantee you a Master's degree in a couple years.
Since I went for the rigor on the first one, this time I am doing one that is a little more laid back...I hope. I found out two days ago that I was accepted into VSU's Master of Education in Instructional Technology (Technology Applications) program. Whew. That's a long one!
I really would rather be starting a higher degree (a doctorate!) but I missed the deadline. Additionally, I haven't decided which doctorate I want yet...whether it's the [easy] route with an Ed.D. or a [real] one - the Ph.D. So I am giving myself until near to the application deadline to make that decision. I will start that adventure in Fall 2012.
So here's to my new pursuit - a second Master's degree that will be completely unlike the last one - a sprint instead of a marathon. I'm kind of hoping that I can knock it out in a year, which is completely and utterly crazy, but I can't stay out of school for a whole year. I would go insane. Then again, I will go insane trying to do this degree in a year... Okay I'm rambling.
Monday, June 20, 2011
My Semi-Homemade Ice Cream Cake
I made this ice cream cake at home but to simply call it homemade suggests that I created it from scratch. Instead, I fashioned together a bunch of store made products that resulted in a delicious and inexpensive birthday/Father's Day cake for my husband. I usually buy him a cake every year for his birthday which falls on or around Father's day. I don't like the cakes from Dairy Queen because they have no cake and the only place I know of that combines real cake and ice cream is Brusters which 1) is too far away, 2) doesn't taste that great, and 3) costs too much. So for about $10, I made my own ice cream cake for my family of five to enjoy. Realistically, it would probably feed ten times that many people.
This WAS my first rodeo, but I think I would do everything the same.
Step 1: Purchase materials necessary to construct the cake.
I used two boxes of yellow cake mix, three tubs of chocolate buttercream icing, one half gallon box of chocolate ice cream, and a 12x2 pan. [Consider yourself warned: do not make a cake of this size if you do not have either a deep freezer or a LOT of room in a regular freezer.]
Step 2: Bake both layers according to the box instructions and allow to cool completely. The 12x2 cake bakes for 35 minutes.
Step 3: At some point after you have allowed both layers to cook, take the ice cream out of the freezer to allow it to soften. Line the pan in which you baked the cakes with clear plastic (aka Saran) wrap.
Step 4: Once it has softened, spread the ice cream into the pan and put it back in the freezer to harden. Be patient, it will be there for awhile. When it is ready, it will look a little something like this:
Not the most appetizing sight in the world, but don't let that deceive you.
Step 5: While your ice cream is reconstituting itself as ice cream in the freezer, go ahead and apply icing to the bottom layer of the cake. (In ice cream cake version 2.0, I would go ahead and ice the sides of the bottom layer at this point.) Don't ice the top layer, lest you want a mess on your hands.
Step 6: This can get a little messy so be careful. Pull the ice cream layer out of the pan. Carefully peel the plastic wrap off the sides, just enough to make sure that no plastic wrap is stuck to the top of the ice cream layer. Flip it upside down so that the top of the ice cream layer is situated evenly on the bottom layer of your cake. Immediately arrange the top layer of cake in top of the ice cream layer. Since the ice cream layer has probably melted a little, put the cake back in the freezer.
Step 7: Cover the entire cake in icinv. I iced my cake while it sat in the freezer and did it a little at a time.
Step 8: Slice it up and enjoy your handiwork.
This WAS my first rodeo, but I think I would do everything the same.
Step 1: Purchase materials necessary to construct the cake.
I used two boxes of yellow cake mix, three tubs of chocolate buttercream icing, one half gallon box of chocolate ice cream, and a 12x2 pan. [Consider yourself warned: do not make a cake of this size if you do not have either a deep freezer or a LOT of room in a regular freezer.]
Step 2: Bake both layers according to the box instructions and allow to cool completely. The 12x2 cake bakes for 35 minutes.
Step 3: At some point after you have allowed both layers to cook, take the ice cream out of the freezer to allow it to soften. Line the pan in which you baked the cakes with clear plastic (aka Saran) wrap.
Step 4: Once it has softened, spread the ice cream into the pan and put it back in the freezer to harden. Be patient, it will be there for awhile. When it is ready, it will look a little something like this:
Not the most appetizing sight in the world, but don't let that deceive you.
Step 5: While your ice cream is reconstituting itself as ice cream in the freezer, go ahead and apply icing to the bottom layer of the cake. (In ice cream cake version 2.0, I would go ahead and ice the sides of the bottom layer at this point.) Don't ice the top layer, lest you want a mess on your hands.
Step 6: This can get a little messy so be careful. Pull the ice cream layer out of the pan. Carefully peel the plastic wrap off the sides, just enough to make sure that no plastic wrap is stuck to the top of the ice cream layer. Flip it upside down so that the top of the ice cream layer is situated evenly on the bottom layer of your cake. Immediately arrange the top layer of cake in top of the ice cream layer. Since the ice cream layer has probably melted a little, put the cake back in the freezer.
Step 7: Cover the entire cake in icinv. I iced my cake while it sat in the freezer and did it a little at a time.
Step 8: Slice it up and enjoy your handiwork.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Snap, Crackle, Pop: Homemade Chicken Tenders
I caught a huge pack of chicken breasts on sale. I normally pan fry them whole in panko and they turn out delicious but I wanted to make it more kid friendly (since I have three kids). The result: homemade chicken tenders that would make you want to slap your mama. My kids loved them. They were relatively easy to make but I had enough to feed a small army so it was somewhat time consuming. In the picture are *most* of the ingredients I used.
*Note: I rarely use exact measurements or times. I use my best judgment. I apologize in advance.*
In sum, you will need:
I forgot a couple ingredients when I took the picture. I also put my entire spice rack because I hadn't settled on my spices yet. I had a whole box of Rice Krispies that I used in lieu of panko, since it would have taken much more than what I had in my cabinet. Besides, I wasn't going to use the cereal anytime soon because I don't think it is fit for consumption unless you mix it with a bag of melted marshmallows. [Incidentally, I once wrote a paper on the health food movement of the 20th century. No discussion of that topic is complete without mentioning John Harvey Kellogg who would probably be rolling over in his grave if he knew I was using a product with his name on it to coat meat.]
The first step is to pound the chicken with a meat tenderizer then cut them into strips or nuggets.
Next, set these aside and prepare the mixture for coating the chicken. I cracked two eggs into a bowl and then poured a little milk in there. Whisk that up and it's ready to go. Then pour some Rice Krispies into a bag and crush them up, if you so choose, and put them in a glass pan (or other similar receptacle). Add whatever seasonings your little heart desires. The spices I used are listed in the ingredients. Again, I didn't measure.
Coat the chicken in the milk/egg concoction then press into the cereal until covered. Pan fry in your already-heated-to-medium pan of olive oil (I use just enough to cover the bottom). Flip the tenders when they reach a beautiful golden brown color and feel crispy.
When they finish cooking, place the tenders on a paper towel to drain the excess oil. The Rice Krispies make these incredibly crispy (as well they should). If you have a 19 month old, make extra.
*Note: I rarely use exact measurements or times. I use my best judgment. I apologize in advance.*
In sum, you will need:
- Chicken breasts or tenders
- Rice Krispies
- Eggs
- Milk
- Spices (I used salt, pepper, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, and parmesan cheese)
- Extra virgin olive oil
I forgot a couple ingredients when I took the picture. I also put my entire spice rack because I hadn't settled on my spices yet. I had a whole box of Rice Krispies that I used in lieu of panko, since it would have taken much more than what I had in my cabinet. Besides, I wasn't going to use the cereal anytime soon because I don't think it is fit for consumption unless you mix it with a bag of melted marshmallows. [Incidentally, I once wrote a paper on the health food movement of the 20th century. No discussion of that topic is complete without mentioning John Harvey Kellogg who would probably be rolling over in his grave if he knew I was using a product with his name on it to coat meat.]
The first step is to pound the chicken with a meat tenderizer then cut them into strips or nuggets.
Next, set these aside and prepare the mixture for coating the chicken. I cracked two eggs into a bowl and then poured a little milk in there. Whisk that up and it's ready to go. Then pour some Rice Krispies into a bag and crush them up, if you so choose, and put them in a glass pan (or other similar receptacle). Add whatever seasonings your little heart desires. The spices I used are listed in the ingredients. Again, I didn't measure.
Coat the chicken in the milk/egg concoction then press into the cereal until covered. Pan fry in your already-heated-to-medium pan of olive oil (I use just enough to cover the bottom). Flip the tenders when they reach a beautiful golden brown color and feel crispy.
When they finish cooking, place the tenders on a paper towel to drain the excess oil. The Rice Krispies make these incredibly crispy (as well they should). If you have a 19 month old, make extra.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Send a weiner Tweet, lose a Weiner seat.
I'm not a politician. I'm not even in a position of power, save the one I occupy alongside my husband here in my humble abode. However, I would think that if I were one of the 435 members of the House of Representatives I could refrain from Tweeting a picture of my weinerprint to a young college coed that I didn't even know. This is the picture that has been plastered across the TV for the past several days.
What reputable woman really wants to see this, even for the novelty of being attached to a Congressman? If you want to impress me, vote against the Bush tax cuts. Don't Tweet me your weiner.
As ridiculous and embarassing as this is for Anthony Weiner, I still think he should be sitting in Congress. Don't get me wrong, he should not have done this. He is guilty of a serious lapse in judgment. Certainly he recognized the risks. A fellow Congressman, Chris Lee, JUST resigned after he put a far less raunchier pictures on Craigslist.
Then again, Weiner (whose debaucle has spawned enough double entendres to fill the space currently occupied by his apparently huge ego) had reason to feel secure despite his woeful indiscretions. The case of Republican Senator David Vitter set a precedent that our Congressmen can get out of a nasty scandal virtually unscathed. After all, this DOMA defender, Clinton impeach advocate, and Christian family man with a fetish for diapers was busted in the DC madam scandal back in 2007 but kept his seat. He hired a prostitute! But God forgave him and hence, so did we. Oh, the hypocrisy.
Sure, Vitter's scandal was several years ago. But is there a statue of limitations on unethical activities? Especially when he hired a prostitute! Weiner resigned over sending a lewd photo in a Tweet. Was it stupid? Yes. Unethical? Perhaps. Illegal? No.
I have my own opinions for why Weiner's weiner brought so much press. There were photos and photos are sensational. Twitter is relevant. He sent a sensational photo over a popular form of social media. This was a tangible scandal. Plus, his last name is Weiner.
I will admit that I am annoyed about the resignation (and his actions that preceded it) because I support the Democrats. They had so much momentum after the death of Osama bin Laden and the election of Kathy Hochul in the NY 26. (Speaking of which, why IS all the scandal from New York? Can't that state just secede from the Union or something?) The Republicans are bats and the Democrats are level headed and unified...until recently. They certainly didn't need such an unnecessary distraction.
For the sake of humanity, let's hope Weinergate is a thing of the past.
What reputable woman really wants to see this, even for the novelty of being attached to a Congressman? If you want to impress me, vote against the Bush tax cuts. Don't Tweet me your weiner.
As ridiculous and embarassing as this is for Anthony Weiner, I still think he should be sitting in Congress. Don't get me wrong, he should not have done this. He is guilty of a serious lapse in judgment. Certainly he recognized the risks. A fellow Congressman, Chris Lee, JUST resigned after he put a far less raunchier pictures on Craigslist.
Sure, Vitter's scandal was several years ago. But is there a statue of limitations on unethical activities? Especially when he hired a prostitute! Weiner resigned over sending a lewd photo in a Tweet. Was it stupid? Yes. Unethical? Perhaps. Illegal? No.
I have my own opinions for why Weiner's weiner brought so much press. There were photos and photos are sensational. Twitter is relevant. He sent a sensational photo over a popular form of social media. This was a tangible scandal. Plus, his last name is Weiner.
I will admit that I am annoyed about the resignation (and his actions that preceded it) because I support the Democrats. They had so much momentum after the death of Osama bin Laden and the election of Kathy Hochul in the NY 26. (Speaking of which, why IS all the scandal from New York? Can't that state just secede from the Union or something?) The Republicans are bats and the Democrats are level headed and unified...until recently. They certainly didn't need such an unnecessary distraction.
For the sake of humanity, let's hope Weinergate is a thing of the past.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Male Dominated Field? Scoff.
So during my last semester of graduate school, I was presented with an opportunity to attend a conference with Phi Alpha Theta (an honor society) where I could share my research with the world (and by world I mean the ten or fifteen people in the room with me when I presented).
Four of my fellow students from Valdosta State University presented at the conference as well, which was held at Mercer University in Macon, GA. Here are three of us...and a bear. Yes, that is me on the right dressed less like an historian and more like a stripper. Several months later and my feet STILL have not forgiven me for wearing those boots.
I chose to talk about my favorite episode from my Master's thesis (this will be the subject of another blog I'm sure) which was a boycott that stemmed from the Southwest Georgia Project, which stemmed from the Albany Movement, which stemmed from the Civil Rights Movement. Anyway, I won't bore you with the details...
I mean really, where would we be without Brown v. Board??
Mercer is a private university. Beautiful campus, fancy accoutrements, entitled children... The demographic of this conference looked like something straight out of the antebellum era. Every one of the 100ish people at this event was white and the entire wait staff who served us lunch was black. Here is a snapshot of me, a classmate, and a Mercer employee that reminds me of how small I felt when I realized all us fancy white folks were being waited on by a black domestic staff.
Here is the whole VSU contingency. Notice, I am the only member of the female persuasion. Story of my life.
So, the moral of the story is (all digression aside), that even though I was outnumbered easily 5:1, the girl came out on top. I won the award for best presentation at the conference based on originality, depth of research in primary sources, and delivery of presentation.
My handsome reward was a book that fit my interests (in hardback!).
Four of my fellow students from Valdosta State University presented at the conference as well, which was held at Mercer University in Macon, GA. Here are three of us...and a bear. Yes, that is me on the right dressed less like an historian and more like a stripper. Several months later and my feet STILL have not forgiven me for wearing those boots.
I chose to talk about my favorite episode from my Master's thesis (this will be the subject of another blog I'm sure) which was a boycott that stemmed from the Southwest Georgia Project, which stemmed from the Albany Movement, which stemmed from the Civil Rights Movement. Anyway, I won't bore you with the details...
I mean really, where would we be without Brown v. Board??
Mercer is a private university. Beautiful campus, fancy accoutrements, entitled children... The demographic of this conference looked like something straight out of the antebellum era. Every one of the 100ish people at this event was white and the entire wait staff who served us lunch was black. Here is a snapshot of me, a classmate, and a Mercer employee that reminds me of how small I felt when I realized all us fancy white folks were being waited on by a black domestic staff.
Here is the whole VSU contingency. Notice, I am the only member of the female persuasion. Story of my life.
So, the moral of the story is (all digression aside), that even though I was outnumbered easily 5:1, the girl came out on top. I won the award for best presentation at the conference based on originality, depth of research in primary sources, and delivery of presentation.
My handsome reward was a book that fit my interests (in hardback!).
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Confession: This white girl loves Malcolm X.
Be forewarned - this is not a book review. I had enough of those in college.
I recently read Manning Marable's book, Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention, which can be purchased on amazon.com here. This is a picture of the hardback version.
I must say - this book was AMAZING. Since I graduated in May with a Masters degree in History, I have had a LOT of free time on my hands (when I'm not chasing around my toddler). I knew I wanted to spend some of that time reading for pleasure, since I haven't been able to do that for the last several years. Why did I choose to read historical nonfiction rather than trashy romance novels? I am going to be teaching American History at the college level in the fall and I figured I would beef up my knowledge this summer. I also just love history (as well I should)!
The Civil Rights Movement is probably my favorite historical period. It is better than fiction. I am intrigued by it. My favorite aspect of this grassroots movement was the bravery and courage necessary for it to occur. Oftentimes, this movement is remembered by telling the story of the romanticized martyr MLK. Malcolm X has always been controversial and has definitely taken a backseat to King in the historical memory. I don't want that to be the case when I teach about this era.
From what I understand, this book was released upon learning that the author, Manning Marable, had a terminal illness. This book was his life's work. He had spent some 30 years researching and writing this groundbreaking masterpiece. Unfortunately, he died just days before the book hit the shelves. He left behind something very special.
This book reads like a novel. I couldn't put it down. The way he follows Malcolm through his life felt like he was right there with Malcolm through it all. Having written a thesis, I know a little bit of what it is like to research a topic extensively and exhaustively. I am most impressed with his success in getting Louis Farrakhan to be interviewed as a source for this book. His thoroughness in researching Malcolm is incredible. He left no stone unturned. His eloquence in sharing the story is amazing. This book was not only about Malcolm but about the Nation of Islam, the group that was an integral part of Malcolm's many transformations in life - the thesis of the book.
There are so many things I love about Malcolm after reading this book, chief among which was his integrity. This man, unlike many others who profess to believe in something, was no hypocrite. He really practiced what he preached, unlike his mentor Elijah Muhammed.
I don't think that enough white people in the south (or anywhere for that matter) understand black history, especially from a personal point of view. This seems to feed into stereotypes and racism. Blacks SHOULD be bitter about how their parents, grandparents, and ancestors were treated in the past. Malcolm X was controversial partly because early on, he declared his antipathy for whites in no uncertain terms. I have always felt like this was a fair and honest reaction to the things he had seen in his life and this book served as validation for that.
Marable unveils the real story behind Malcolm's death at the age of 39 in this book. Killed by his former brothers in the NOI, Malcolm was forever silenced by an assassins bullet in front of his wife and children. Manning has beautifully and intimately cemented Malcolm's legacy in this book which is sure to stand as THE definitive account of Malcolm X for years to come.
I recently read Manning Marable's book, Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention, which can be purchased on amazon.com here. This is a picture of the hardback version.
I must say - this book was AMAZING. Since I graduated in May with a Masters degree in History, I have had a LOT of free time on my hands (when I'm not chasing around my toddler). I knew I wanted to spend some of that time reading for pleasure, since I haven't been able to do that for the last several years. Why did I choose to read historical nonfiction rather than trashy romance novels? I am going to be teaching American History at the college level in the fall and I figured I would beef up my knowledge this summer. I also just love history (as well I should)!
The Civil Rights Movement is probably my favorite historical period. It is better than fiction. I am intrigued by it. My favorite aspect of this grassroots movement was the bravery and courage necessary for it to occur. Oftentimes, this movement is remembered by telling the story of the romanticized martyr MLK. Malcolm X has always been controversial and has definitely taken a backseat to King in the historical memory. I don't want that to be the case when I teach about this era.
From what I understand, this book was released upon learning that the author, Manning Marable, had a terminal illness. This book was his life's work. He had spent some 30 years researching and writing this groundbreaking masterpiece. Unfortunately, he died just days before the book hit the shelves. He left behind something very special.
This book reads like a novel. I couldn't put it down. The way he follows Malcolm through his life felt like he was right there with Malcolm through it all. Having written a thesis, I know a little bit of what it is like to research a topic extensively and exhaustively. I am most impressed with his success in getting Louis Farrakhan to be interviewed as a source for this book. His thoroughness in researching Malcolm is incredible. He left no stone unturned. His eloquence in sharing the story is amazing. This book was not only about Malcolm but about the Nation of Islam, the group that was an integral part of Malcolm's many transformations in life - the thesis of the book.
There are so many things I love about Malcolm after reading this book, chief among which was his integrity. This man, unlike many others who profess to believe in something, was no hypocrite. He really practiced what he preached, unlike his mentor Elijah Muhammed.
I don't think that enough white people in the south (or anywhere for that matter) understand black history, especially from a personal point of view. This seems to feed into stereotypes and racism. Blacks SHOULD be bitter about how their parents, grandparents, and ancestors were treated in the past. Malcolm X was controversial partly because early on, he declared his antipathy for whites in no uncertain terms. I have always felt like this was a fair and honest reaction to the things he had seen in his life and this book served as validation for that.
Marable unveils the real story behind Malcolm's death at the age of 39 in this book. Killed by his former brothers in the NOI, Malcolm was forever silenced by an assassins bullet in front of his wife and children. Manning has beautifully and intimately cemented Malcolm's legacy in this book which is sure to stand as THE definitive account of Malcolm X for years to come.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Love the Beach, Hate the Sand
Our not-so-little family recently took a weekend trip to Panama City, partly to satiate my hunger for a beach visit and partly to celebrate our three year wedding anniversary. I didn't want to be THAT family who went absolutely nowhere over summer break. Yes, I'm keeping up with the proverbial Joneses. We usually don't take trips longer than about three days because I am very much a homebody and a cheapskate. During the three days, we spent a total of about one hour at the beach. We love the beach, but we hate the sand. Swimming in the pool was much better...but we could have done that from home. We mostly perused the stores at Pier Point, watched movies, and cooked at the hotel.
Here's my little doll Brayden all dressed and ready to catch his first glimpse of the beach and all its glory. How stinkin' cute is he??
Here are my boys at the beach. Brayden was unimpressed.
Brayden loves the water, as long as it is in the confines of a "baff" tub. The crashing waves and mouthfuls of saltwater intimidated him.
I am always the one behind the camera so I need at least one picture to prove I was actually there.
Here's my little doll Brayden all dressed and ready to catch his first glimpse of the beach and all its glory. How stinkin' cute is he??
Brayden loves the water, as long as it is in the confines of a "baff" tub. The crashing waves and mouthfuls of saltwater intimidated him.
I am always the one behind the camera so I need at least one picture to prove I was actually there.
My Strawberry Hamburger, for lack of a better word.
I recently attended a bridal shower for a friend of mine who happens to be the person that introduced me and my husband. The hostess had a cake that was so simple and delicious that I had to recreate it. I decided that this little gem would be perfect on those days when I needed to make a quick dessert for a party/shower/gathering that would be sure to impress.
I really don't know what to call it but visually it resembles a hamburger of sorts. Here's how:
Step 1: Purchase ingredients.
The ingredient list is quite simple.
1. Storemade pound cake. I used Paula Deen's Sour Cream Pound cake but there are other equally delicious varieties. WalMart often has these cakes in the "Oops! We baked to much!" clearance section.
2. Two cartons of fresh strawberries.
3. Cool whip. The small container will suffice. This big tub was WAYYY too much.
Step 2: Dice up the strawberries into bite size pieces.
Step 3: Mix cool whip into strawberries. You now have your "meat."
Step 4: Slice the pound cake in half. You now have your "bun."
Step 5: Spread stawberry/cool whip mixture onto bottom "bun."
Step 6: Put the top "bun" back on and put remainder of strawberry mixture in the center.
Step 7: Slice and enjoy!
I really don't know what to call it but visually it resembles a hamburger of sorts. Here's how:
Step 1: Purchase ingredients.
The ingredient list is quite simple.
1. Storemade pound cake. I used Paula Deen's Sour Cream Pound cake but there are other equally delicious varieties. WalMart often has these cakes in the "Oops! We baked to much!" clearance section.
2. Two cartons of fresh strawberries.
3. Cool whip. The small container will suffice. This big tub was WAYYY too much.
Step 2: Dice up the strawberries into bite size pieces.
Step 3: Mix cool whip into strawberries. You now have your "meat."
Step 4: Slice the pound cake in half. You now have your "bun."
Step 5: Spread stawberry/cool whip mixture onto bottom "bun."
Step 6: Put the top "bun" back on and put remainder of strawberry mixture in the center.
Step 7: Slice and enjoy!
My new outlet
Okay, I need a new outlet for my thoughts. I feel like I have to be so guarded on Facebook, and Twitter sucks, so I figured I would try blogging. I really don't know what my whole theme is going to be or why anyone would care what I have to say, but I am telling you anyway, whoever you are.
I don't really have anything of consequence to share with the world. I have three wild, handsome, and rambunctious sons. I have one dreamy, handsome, and tall husband. I love to cook and I really enjoy reading about history. I am also one hell of a Democrat, which usually pisses people off here in the dirty south.
Anyway, for now I am just going to record my thoughts here so that one day, when I am old and gray, I can look back and remember what kind of zany things went through my mind. Plus, I can type on a blog a hell of a lot faster than I can write in a diary.
I don't really have anything of consequence to share with the world. I have three wild, handsome, and rambunctious sons. I have one dreamy, handsome, and tall husband. I love to cook and I really enjoy reading about history. I am also one hell of a Democrat, which usually pisses people off here in the dirty south.
Anyway, for now I am just going to record my thoughts here so that one day, when I am old and gray, I can look back and remember what kind of zany things went through my mind. Plus, I can type on a blog a hell of a lot faster than I can write in a diary.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)