Thanksgiving

So, I'm finally getting to my Thanksgiving post.... I'm going to choose to blame it on all the turkey I ate-it made me lazy!

For Thanksgiving my family which included my little brother Brandon and his girlfriend Becky, my parents, my sister Heather and her fiance' Edgar all met at Edgar's parent's house. I was in charge of desserts so I made way too many as usual! I didn't take a picture of everything I made because honestly I didn't think of it. I made three pumpkin pies with homemade pie crust, two cheesecakes, 2 dozen quadruple chocolate chip cookies (I modified the recipe to have 4 different kinds of chocolate) cookies, two dozen no bake cookies, fresh whipped cream and a jello salad.

I did a lot of prep over the week like one day I made all of my pie crust, one day I made the jello salad and one day I just baked everything. This picture is of my completed pumpkin pies and of some dark chocolate chip cookie dough I made for my little brother. The pies made my apartment smell amazing!!!

 On Thanksgiving we were all getting together later in the day so I was able to sleep in and have a leisurely day. Packing everything into my car was a challenge.... I had to also bring two dinning room chairs. It was a tight fit but I was able to get everything in my car.

Before we ate we all played with my 'nephews'. This is Dexter and 

he is addicted to tennis balls! I love how he sits like a frog!

 This is Izzy. He is the oldest at 8 years old.....he's my favorite!

 This is Rupert the middle child at 6 years old and the 

only one to somewhat hold still for a photo!

 This is Dexter the youngest at 4 years old and he can't 

sit still becasue he wanted his tennis ball so bad! 

 My sister and I.

 Becky, Izzy, Rupert, and my Mom.

 Siblings! I love how the picture frame decoration 

make it look like my sister is wearing a crown!

 Me, Becky and Heather.

 My Mom, Me, Becky, my Dad, and Heather.

 All of the girls:My Mom, Me, Becky, Heather and Maria (Edgar's Mom).

 Edgar's Mom made over 100 rolls for all of us from scratch! 

She sent Brandon home with a huge bag!

We had a lovely Thanksgiving meal of buttered steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, rolls, turkey, cranberry sauce, sauteed brussel sprouts, deviled eggs, seven layer salad, sparkling cider and assorted desserts=all so YUMMY!

After dinner some of us watched a movie, fell asleep on the couches or played apples to apples. It was a very enjoyable, comfortable and very filling day! 

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving day 

spent with people you love! Blessings to all!

FYI- Ads are coming!

Hello all! My blog has getting a lot of traffic.... THANK YOU! Due to the increased and continuous traffic I'm adding ads as a trail period to see if potentially the ads will pay for the space that I'm using from Google.... eventually bogs CAN cost money! So, please bare with me while I try out the ads... if it doesn't work in that the ads are inappropriate/annoying then hasta la vista to them! Thank you for understanding! 

Oh and a Thanksgiving post is coming soon! :)

Happy Dance

I know I didn't blog yesterday.... it was Monday and it was AWFUL! So awful in fact that I didn't exercise, I made a double batch of cookies and I had a nightmare that I had to chop down a bunch trees to fuel a fire that powered the fax machine. It was most defiantly a Monday from hell.

However Tuesday was marvelous! Everything is starting to make sense and I sort have a system down. I was so happy to complete my work on time that I did a happy dance.... yes.... a happy dance.... no saw me as I was tucked away in my cubicle. HA! 

This year for Thanksgiving I'm in charge of the desserts. I decided to make two pumpkin pies, one cheesecake and possibly some cookies. Well, I started out by making two pie crusts ahead of time and then tonight I made the filling. I originally only wanted to make two pies but I had so much filling left over I made another pie! So, three pumpkin pies later and I'm sure I still had enough for a fourth pie! I followed the Libby's pumpkin pie recipe on the can to a T. Somehow though I still had lots left! I debated about making a custard of some sort but realized that I run out of pans to bake in. Sheesh!

I also made a batch of oatmeal dark chocolate chip cookie dough for my little brother. I put the bags in the freezer and will give him those along with a bunch of other food I made for him when I see him on Thanksgiving.

Here's my Tuesday creations: Three Pumpkin Pies and Two 

bags of Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

While I was making the oatmeal dark chocolate chip cookie dough for my little brother I decided to call him expecting him not to be home but to my surprise he was! We talked for almost an hour. I love that kid so much! He has a fun, easy going, caring personality. Can you see why I'm sucker for making him so many things? 

Here's a picture of my siblings and I from our Uncle's wedding in April 1995. My little brother is rocking that red bow tie! I love him so much and I'm so proud of him..... did I mention he's a sophomore in college.... anyway.... he's the BEST!

Here's to more Thanksgiving prep and being thankful!

Re-cap

Here's a re-cap. I just didn't have it me to blog since last Thursday.... this new job is a whole lot to take in. 

So, on Thursday I was hoping to have more guidance/more time to learn a few things but I was given the reins and set loose. By Friday I found myself feeling WAY overwhelmed and at one point my eyes wheeled up with tears but then I realized that I was being WAY too hard on myself. This after all is a new job with lots to learn. I need to make my new mantra "You are still learning" and cut myself slack. I know this move into a new job would bring a different kind of stress and I need to realize that this stress will pass and to stop beating myself up so much. Just breathe. 

Oh I should also mention that one of my new co-workers, Linda, took me out to lunch where we ran into Vicky. It was nice to spend lunch with both of those ladies! 

Friday after work I went over to Brittany's house to take care of her animals as she was out of town. Toby was such a ham! He's just adorable! 

I ended up giving Toby a cookie (dog treat) and Thomas 

tried to take it from him. Silly kitty! 

 I have been doing a leg strengthening work out in the mornings instead of doing a Jillian Micheals workout because after running I'm experiencing shin splints. The leg strengthening work outs are also on youtube and only take ten minutes. 
 
On Saturday I went over to check on/feed Brittany's animals and Thomas (the above mentioned kitty) had opened the door that leads to the garage where the pet food is kept. The bags were knocked over and tons of food was missing. The animals had their fill. Normally when it's meal time the animals all come over and wine or beg for their food but nope..... they were all lounging about with fat bellies! Oh Thomas you silly cat! 

I then headed over to the animal sanctuary where a group work party had been organized. As I was driving over it donned on me... why in the heck did I shower prior? I was going to muck out stalls.... what was I thinking?? Blonde moment for sure!

Once at the sanctuary I was assigned Binky's coop. Binky's coop is a converted garage turned into two coops. It's called Binky's coop from the grant that was given. Binky was a cat that owner's loved him and made a foundation in his namesake. Anyway.... I was to clean out the coop with the help of a first time volunteer. I did one side and she did the other. Here's the before shot of the coop. 

I used a small shovel to scrape off 'stuff' (that's what I'm calling it!), moved 

the water buckets, moved the feed troff, and dusted the cob webs away.

Then I used a pitch fork, shovel and wheel barrel to take several loads of used hay to the compost pile. The dark spot in the lower right hand side of the picture is from where I spilled some water. I did one final sweep with the broom to make sure it was all tidy.

I used several flakes of hay to scatter hay everywhere and refill the 

nesting boxes. Next I refilled the water containers and put the feed troff 

back inside the pen. By this point the chickens and goose were pecking 

at the door to be let back in. I opened their door and they came running 

in to check out my handy work.

Inspecting it all! And here's the coop on the other side.

After the clean up was all done everyone gathered for a group photo. 

I'm in the back row fourth from the left... I'm sort of blocked but that's ok.

Now it was time to play with the puppies! The sanctuary was 

fostering 7 puppies that were adorable!

I tried to get all of them in one shot but trying to get them 

to cooperate was easier said then done.

Here's a close up of the sweeties  getting ready to sleep... love them! 

On Sunday I lounged about, watched hulu and netflix and stayed in my pjs. Sometimes being lazy is the best! 

Later in the afternoon my friend, Nicole, called and we chatted for a little over four hours! You may ask what we chatted about for so long... well.... everything! When you have a best friend you just pick up where you left off and go from there. Nicole and I have been friends for six years and for almost three years she has lived out of state so we try to chat when we can. It's the best therapy to talk to someone whom gets you. Love her! This is us back in March of 2011.

Again March 2011. P.S. I loved my hair then!

So, now you have all been in the loop. I'm using this last bit of weekend to work on some Thanksgiving prep (I making two batches of pie dough for Pumpkin pies) and to prepare for the work week. Also, I'm reminding myself that I need to breathe and to not be so hard on myself during this next work week. Ta-ta for now!

Breathe

I did a Jillian Micheals work out this morning and when I went to do my first round of push ups to my surprise they were easy... YES... easy! The second set... not so much. At least it's progress!

My third day at the new job and I was sort of given the reins. A computer tech came down to the office and I thought I was going to get the systems installed on my computer but nope. I'm still waiting on that. There is so much information being given to me and my poor brain was getting over loaded. I need to write everything down but I feel like I don't have time to write it all down so tomorrow I'm going to ask that I have time to process everything/make lists. It's all about learning for sure. I knew it was going to be a lot to take in and I know it will get easier..... right?

After work I watched Blackfish from Netflix=it's amazing! It does such a wonderful job demonstrating what Sea World has done to ruin themselves as a company, kill/hurt their employees, and how they abuse/mistreat the whales they own. I think all animals should be in the wild. The only reason they should be in captivity is for the animal to be rehabilitated and then returned to the wild. If the animal can not be rehabilitated then a sanctuary or preserve should be located. Shame on Sea World. (P.S. you should also watch The Cove)

Afterwards Karina and I went for a run. It was so cold I was convinced that my sweat would freeze onto my face. It actually warmed up quickly or should I say that I just warmed up! We were completing our 2nd mile when a stranger appeared and we quickly put distance between us but then we lost sight of him so we left. It's nice having a friend for safety!

Now I need to let my brain rest and try to not fret about learning it all so quickly. Breathe.

Ho hum

I woke this morning and had every intention of doing another Jillian Micheals workout but because I made this soup the night before I had to let the pan soak and cleaning the pot took a lot longer to clean than I expected. I just re-read that sentence and basically it sounds like I woke up early to wash a pot-I'm lame. Anyway I ended up doing an 8 minute abs workout courtesy of youtube. 

On my second day at my new job I was able to do more hands on and sort of answer the phone. I still don't have access to the main computer system so I'm sort of still observing. 

After work I made no bake cookies-but before you go and think I ruined my diet-know that I adjusted the recipe to one dozen and will space the cookies out. A girl has to have chocolate every once in awhile!

I talked to my sister tonight and it was nice to catch up with her. We tend to talk every few days which is nice. We are much closer now than we ever were when we were kids. 

I also got my first comment from a non-family member! Yay... someone is reading m blog! Thank you Shanae!

I realize this post is sort of ho hum but after all it's only Tuesday. :)

Roasted Squash

Roasted Butternut Squash:

Yet another recipe borrowed from The Pioneer Woman 

but I adjusted it because I'm such a picky eater! 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 

Wash, chop off the ends, remove the seeds, and then 

chop the butternut squash into little cubes.

Spray a 9X13 pan with non stick spray. If you have a cookie sheet then go for it. I don't have a cookie sheet large enough to fit the amount of squash I was using. I don't know if I mentioned it before but I live in a studio apartment which means I have a tiny kitchen!

Dump the chopped squash, 1/2 stick melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon both salt and pepper and 1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic. Mix all around and bake for 40 minutes. I baked mine longer than Ree did because I used a baking pan not sheet-I think that's why it took so long.

As soon as it comes out of the oven sprinkle 1/4 cup 

freshly grated Parmesan cheese on.

I apparently can't sprinkle very well-as is evident 

by my very obvious white patches.

I ate mine over green salad leaves with dressing. For lunch tomorrow I made the same salad but I also added sliced almonds and chopped fresh pear..... looking forward to that! I also ate a bowl of just the squash warm. It's safe to say that I'm now in love with butternut squash!

Zuppa Toscana Soup

Zuppa Toscana Soup

I borrowed the original recipe from: The Pioneer Woman 

but tweaked it a little bit. 

First off wash and thinly slice 10 to 15 red potatoes. I gave a variance 

because the potatoes at my grocery were either huge or super small.

Boil the potatoes until fork tender. Drain and set aside. Now wash the pot 

so you can it again-only if you are like me and only have one large pot.

In September I froze some turkey sausage links for a later use. 

Well now is a good time. I also bought a large package of links.

I browned the sausage links with a whole chopped sweet onion. 

I also added one teaspoon dried oregano and 2 teaspoons crushed 

red pepper flakes to the pot.

Then I added two teaspoons better than bouillon with two cups water. Basically I added 2 cups chicken broth. I cranked the heat up and let everything cook for 15 minutes.

Then I reduced the heat to medium/low. The Pioneer Woman used whole milk 

but I used non fat milk. So, I added 2 cups non fat milk.

Then I added 4 cups half and half. It's a good thing I making 

this soup for my little brother and not for me-way to rich!

Then I washed and tore 15 leaves of kale and added them to the pot. 

The heat will quickly reduce the kale's size so don't worry the pot 

won't over flow-not yet at least!

Stir to combine everything.

Add all but a few potatoes back to the pot. I kept a few potatoes separate so I could mash them up to help thicken the soup. Cover and reduce the heat to low and let simmer while stirring occasionally for 10 minutes so everything can mesh and be happy.

After everything is all happy swirl in some heavy cream.

Stir and if you're tummy is ready dish up! I made this soup 

specifically for my little brother so I let it all cool and then poured 

the soup into freezer bags to freeze for him.

Enjoy!

Send me on my way

I had a hard time sleeping last night because I was so excited/anxious about my first day. It reminded me of my first day, insert any year, of school. I woke up and made myself do a Jillian Micheals work out. I hate doing them but after I feel so much better.

Karina and I car pooled so bless her heart she had to listen to me ramble a hundred words a second the whole way to work. Once I walked into my new building Diana came in and brought me these:

 

She's a sweetheart and it was so thoughtful of her! The day was fine. I did a lot of observing and watching. Tomorrow I will be able to do more. Fingers crossed I will get this all down soon!

Once off of work I went to the store to get the ingredients for a soup I have been promising Brandon for quite some time. I will post about the soup later.

Music Monday: send me on my way. It's very fitting for my new adventure at work.

For now my brain is full of new information and it's time for bed.

Sunday stuff

I was woken up at 11 pm, 2 am, and 645 am by the new neighbors. I tried knocking on their door to ask them to be quiet but they are both deaf. I'm trying to be sensitive to that fact but enough is enough. I need my sleep. I called my landlord and she quickly took care of the situation. Hopefully the peace and quiet will last.

Karina and I went for another 2.5 mile run/walk at the track where I was able to use my new shoes! I wouldn't normally go for such a colorful shoe but these are fun and I've decided that I need to be more fun so there! 
 

The shoes give me pep in my step and made the work out do I dare say.... enjoyable! The endorphins afterwards are so wonderful! I feel so at peace, clam and happy when we are done. It's crazy good! Oh I don't think I told you all but I have lost 7 pounds since starting this new journey three weeks ago! Yay me! 

After our run I came home and made a huge batch of leek soup and a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for my little brother, Brandon. He is currently a sophomore in college so I'm trying to make him yummy things when I can. 

 
I won't see him for a few weeks so froze the yummy stuff and will give it to him soon. My Mom's friend, Joanne, had the genious ideas of freezing things flat and then once it frozen you can stack it. So, here are my bags of leek soup making there way to a frozen state.

I'm pretty sure my brother prefers my older sister over me so I'm trying to win him over.... I figure I can bribe him to my side with yummy food! It's really not a competition!

I'm nervous/anxious/excited for my first day tomorrow at my new job. Wish me luck!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Mix:

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

 Eggs, oil and sugar all mixed.

 I don't know if I mentioned this before but here it goes anyway. Back in September I made a bunch of pumpkin stuff but still had a lot of the puree left so I froze 1/2 cup portions in my freezer. I was happy to save the leftovers and today I was able to use it up. So, I defrosted one cup of pumpkin and mixed it with 1/4 cup water into the eggs/oil/sugar mix.

 All mixed together.

 In a separate bowl combine 1 and 1/2 cups flour, 1 and 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1 and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.

 Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips and mix. I find that if I coat the chips in the flour mixture it helps the chips not sink to the bottom of the batter therefore making the chips be evenly distributed amongst the muffin.

 Combine wet and dry ingredients.

 If you are not going to use liners spray the pan. I used my cookie ball scoop to get the batter evenly distributed in the pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool and try your best not to gobble them all up!

Enjoy!