This is a recipe that one of my sisters makes often and it is very yummy! My husband has a hang up with oven fried chicken so it isn't his favorite, but he will eat it when I serve it (for whatever that is worth!)
Oven Fried Chicken
INGREDIENTS:
3-4 lbs chicken parts
1/4 c flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 c butter
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Wash and pat dry chicken. In a pie pan, combine flour, paprika, salt and pepper. Coat chicken with flour mixture. Put butter in a shallow baking pan, place in the oven to melt butter. When butter is melted, arrange chicken in pan in a single layer, skin side down. Bake at 425 degrees F for 30 minutes; turn and bake 15 minutes longer or until tender and done.
I usually serve this with mashed potatoes and gravy and Caesar Salad.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Caesar Salad is one of my favorite salads! I've posted this recipe before, but here it is again.
Caesar Salad:
INGREDIENTS:
1 clove minced garlic
1/3 c olive oil
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dry mustard
ground pepper to taste
1 head of Romaine lettuce, washed and dried
Juice from 1 lemon
1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese
In a large bowl, mix together garlic, oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, dry mustard and ground pepper. Tear in lettuce. Toss. Squeeze in lemon juice. Toss. Add cheese. Serve right away.
Caesar Salad:
INGREDIENTS:
1 clove minced garlic
1/3 c olive oil
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dry mustard
ground pepper to taste
1 head of Romaine lettuce, washed and dried
Juice from 1 lemon
1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese
In a large bowl, mix together garlic, oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, dry mustard and ground pepper. Tear in lettuce. Toss. Squeeze in lemon juice. Toss. Add cheese. Serve right away.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Being helpful
This week Mr. Man has been very helpful around the house. He has been doing dishes after dinner --even loaded them in the dishwasher! (that doesn't usually happen), one day I had to work late so he made dinner and the table was all set and ready when I got home. He has even vacuumed the house a couple times this week too. I am grateful to have such a helpful husband!
This morning he told me that he would be willing to help with laundry too! The first thought I had was remember the once pink sweater you had that he washed and it came out sort of grayish-pinkish-blackish and 2 sizes too small. Ya, laundry isn't his thing! I didn't say that however, but he may have had the same thought because he said "Well I can at least help with mine." Then we both laughed because 95% of his clothes go to the dry cleaner! He said "Oh. That would be a big help if I wash just my socks and underwear!" I thanked him for his offer to help though and told if I ever get behind I may have him wash his stuff and the boys stuff and I would take care of mine and Lady Bug's clothes. So far though, I have been staying on top of the laundry.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Being a working mommy
Sometimes I wish I didn't have to work, or at least didn't have to work full time. Other times I know that I could not stay home full time because I do not have that much patience.
But that is sort of here-nor-there at this point. I have mentioned on this blog before about our daycare issues and once again daycare is changing up, but I think it is a good move right now.
For the last 2 years we have had a friend watching the kids. In the beginning she also watched two little girls that she brought with her to our house. The girls were 1 year old and 3 years old. At that time Spirit was in full day kindergarten and so she only had the littler ones to watch during the day until she dropped off Lefty at Preschool. Then when the little 3 year old girl turned 4 and started into preschool last fall our friend decided it was too much shuffling of kids from here and there and everywhere so she stopped watching the little girls, but continued watching our three kids.
We have had lots of ups and downs with her. In the beginning she was going through a lot in her personal life which meant my kids suffered somewhat. In fact, I would have to say those were some of Lefty's worst times. He misbehaved so much for her. He threw shoes at her. He locked her out of the house. He colored on my walls. He did anything he could to get her attention and couldn't get it. He is not good at expressing what his needs are (well, plus he was 4 and 5 during those times.) **Please know that I am in no way excusing what he did and believe me he was punished when we got home for all those things he did** Once the personal stuff was cleared up we had hoped it would get better and it did on a small level. Then, her daughter had a baby and she wanted to be able to take care of the baby for her daughter during the day. She told me she would just pick him (the baby) up and bring him to my house and watch him and Lady Bug. Well, she has yet -- 6 months later -- to bring him to my house to watch him. If there is a time when coming to my house to get Lady Bug in some way inconveniences her daughter, she won't do it. I have to meet her somewhere to drop off Lady Bug. It has made life a little chaotic at times.
About 5 weeks ago, our friend told me she was considering not watching the kids anymore because she felt that the kids didn't like her and that I had never really given her full authority so the boys never really respected her. I was so shocked. I have always told the kids that she is in charge and I backed her up on decisions she made to let (or not them as the case may be) do things. So we began a lengthy discussion about it. I told her that in the beginning her life was so crazy that I felt it was hard for her to devote her time and attention to the kids. She agreed. She asked if I thought there was any way for her to earn back the boys' respect? Before I answered that I told her that I needed to get something off my chest. I told her that it hurt me that she had no problem inconveniencing me so that her daughter wouldn't be inconvenienced in any way. She, very boldly, acknowledged that she does that and basically told me that would not change. It is family. I told her I was so happy for her that she was able to spend almost everyday with her grandson, most grandmas don't get that opportunity. I then decided this situation probably needed to be switched up, so I asked her to help me out through the end of the school year and then we would reevaluate. She agreed to do that.
Two weeks ago, she asked me to lunch. I met her and Lady Bug during my work lunch break. She told me at lunch that since we moved it was just too far of a drive for her and she would not be continuing on after the school year ended. I told her it was fine because a college student had approached us asking if we needed a summer nanny. She was relieved and as of the 22nd she will no longer be working for us.
Since we moved almost a month ago, she has only driven to our new house twice. I meet her at the boys' school to drop off Lady Bug and then in the afternoons when she picks up the boys from school she just lets the kids play on the playground or she takes them to McDonalds or Dairy Queen. SHE has been telling me that is what the kids want to do, but last night Lefty told me that she tells them they need to think of something to do because she doesn't want to drive "clear across town" to our new house. **It isn't that far from the boys school, only about 15 minutes** Spirit told me recently that all she does is talk on her phone and read her book, she never plays with them. All of these things have sent the message to the kids and to us that this "job" has never been about the kids. It is always about what is best for her. That makes me sad that she was that selfish. I was telling a friend of mine the other day that I feel bad that I made the kids deal with that for two years. I feel bad too that we dealt with it for two years. We never knew day-to-day whether she would be at work or what mood she would be in when she came in.
But that is sort of here-nor-there at this point. I have mentioned on this blog before about our daycare issues and once again daycare is changing up, but I think it is a good move right now.
For the last 2 years we have had a friend watching the kids. In the beginning she also watched two little girls that she brought with her to our house. The girls were 1 year old and 3 years old. At that time Spirit was in full day kindergarten and so she only had the littler ones to watch during the day until she dropped off Lefty at Preschool. Then when the little 3 year old girl turned 4 and started into preschool last fall our friend decided it was too much shuffling of kids from here and there and everywhere so she stopped watching the little girls, but continued watching our three kids.
We have had lots of ups and downs with her. In the beginning she was going through a lot in her personal life which meant my kids suffered somewhat. In fact, I would have to say those were some of Lefty's worst times. He misbehaved so much for her. He threw shoes at her. He locked her out of the house. He colored on my walls. He did anything he could to get her attention and couldn't get it. He is not good at expressing what his needs are (well, plus he was 4 and 5 during those times.) **Please know that I am in no way excusing what he did and believe me he was punished when we got home for all those things he did** Once the personal stuff was cleared up we had hoped it would get better and it did on a small level. Then, her daughter had a baby and she wanted to be able to take care of the baby for her daughter during the day. She told me she would just pick him (the baby) up and bring him to my house and watch him and Lady Bug. Well, she has yet -- 6 months later -- to bring him to my house to watch him. If there is a time when coming to my house to get Lady Bug in some way inconveniences her daughter, she won't do it. I have to meet her somewhere to drop off Lady Bug. It has made life a little chaotic at times.
About 5 weeks ago, our friend told me she was considering not watching the kids anymore because she felt that the kids didn't like her and that I had never really given her full authority so the boys never really respected her. I was so shocked. I have always told the kids that she is in charge and I backed her up on decisions she made to let (or not them as the case may be) do things. So we began a lengthy discussion about it. I told her that in the beginning her life was so crazy that I felt it was hard for her to devote her time and attention to the kids. She agreed. She asked if I thought there was any way for her to earn back the boys' respect? Before I answered that I told her that I needed to get something off my chest. I told her that it hurt me that she had no problem inconveniencing me so that her daughter wouldn't be inconvenienced in any way. She, very boldly, acknowledged that she does that and basically told me that would not change. It is family. I told her I was so happy for her that she was able to spend almost everyday with her grandson, most grandmas don't get that opportunity. I then decided this situation probably needed to be switched up, so I asked her to help me out through the end of the school year and then we would reevaluate. She agreed to do that.
Two weeks ago, she asked me to lunch. I met her and Lady Bug during my work lunch break. She told me at lunch that since we moved it was just too far of a drive for her and she would not be continuing on after the school year ended. I told her it was fine because a college student had approached us asking if we needed a summer nanny. She was relieved and as of the 22nd she will no longer be working for us.
Since we moved almost a month ago, she has only driven to our new house twice. I meet her at the boys' school to drop off Lady Bug and then in the afternoons when she picks up the boys from school she just lets the kids play on the playground or she takes them to McDonalds or Dairy Queen. SHE has been telling me that is what the kids want to do, but last night Lefty told me that she tells them they need to think of something to do because she doesn't want to drive "clear across town" to our new house. **It isn't that far from the boys school, only about 15 minutes** Spirit told me recently that all she does is talk on her phone and read her book, she never plays with them. All of these things have sent the message to the kids and to us that this "job" has never been about the kids. It is always about what is best for her. That makes me sad that she was that selfish. I was telling a friend of mine the other day that I feel bad that I made the kids deal with that for two years. I feel bad too that we dealt with it for two years. We never knew day-to-day whether she would be at work or what mood she would be in when she came in.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Excess family members
Apparently Lady Bug has been doin' a just a tad bit too much cryin' and not enough contributing to the family.
Over the weekend Spirit and Lefty were at a birthday party. We dropped them off and were told to be back in 3 hours to get them. When we arrived to pick them up, one of the mom's who just hung around for the party said that Spirit had told her that he used to have a little sister, but she cried too much so we got rid of her. She laughed as she was telling me this. I was laughing, but thinking "where in the world did that come from?" She said he later went back to her and told her that we had sent his sister to a babysitter (which wasn't true either, she was at a different birthday party!)
Sometimes, I wonder about that boy!!!
Over the weekend Spirit and Lefty were at a birthday party. We dropped them off and were told to be back in 3 hours to get them. When we arrived to pick them up, one of the mom's who just hung around for the party said that Spirit had told her that he used to have a little sister, but she cried too much so we got rid of her. She laughed as she was telling me this. I was laughing, but thinking "where in the world did that come from?" She said he later went back to her and told her that we had sent his sister to a babysitter (which wasn't true either, she was at a different birthday party!)
Sometimes, I wonder about that boy!!!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Mom's day
I hope every mom had a good Mother's Day. I certainly did. Nothing major, but the family made me the center of the universe all weekend. Sunday morning the kids were so excited to give me my presents (the homemade ones from school!) that they came in at 6:30 in the morning. After I read my cards and opened the gifts Spirit said "I know! We should all tell mom the things we like about her!" so each of them said the things they like and I was surprised by the responses. They really made me realize that I don't go totally unnoticed! Below are some of the ones I can remember off the top of my head:
I like the way you make good food.
I like when you tuck me into bed.
I like that you let us pick out what food we want to eat for our birthday.
I like that you always make sure we have clean clothes.
I like that you make sure everything is taken care of.
I like that you help me with my homework.
I like when you do craft projects with me.
I like that you make sure dad does what he is supposed to. (I especially liked this one! hee hee)
I like taking walks with you.
I was very touched and got tears in my eyes by the comments. I feel like a million bucks this morning!
I love my family!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Gazpacho
When I first tried gazpacho I was convinced I wouldn't like it.... soup is supposed to be hot not served cold. Blahk! Much to my surprise I loved it! I couldn't get my husband to try it for the longest time though. Then we attended a wedding reception where they served gazpacho and he tried it. He loved it. So, every summer we make a big batch of this and it tastes so refreshing on a hot day.
Gazpacho
INGREDIENTS:
1 c tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 c green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 c celery, finely chopped
1/2 c cucumber, finely chopped
1/4 onion, finely chopped
1 clove minced garlic
3 Tbls red wine vinegar
2 Tbls olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 c V-8 juice
1 c spicy V-8 juice
1 Tbls ground cumin
1 Tbls beef bouillon crystals
Mix all together and chill for at least 2 hours. Remove and let sit for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Can be served with tortilla chips or crackers or crusty french bread too. Some toppings can be sliced avocado, sour cream or cheese (or all three).
Gazpacho
INGREDIENTS:
1 c tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 c green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 c celery, finely chopped
1/2 c cucumber, finely chopped
1/4 onion, finely chopped
1 clove minced garlic
3 Tbls red wine vinegar
2 Tbls olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 c V-8 juice
1 c spicy V-8 juice
1 Tbls ground cumin
1 Tbls beef bouillon crystals
Mix all together and chill for at least 2 hours. Remove and let sit for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Can be served with tortilla chips or crackers or crusty french bread too. Some toppings can be sliced avocado, sour cream or cheese (or all three).
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