Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Busy busy

Suddenly picking up at real estate office.  I have two properties in escrow , but have a few offers for buyers pending or going to be written soon.  Kris is still doin well at school, but finals time has her stressed.  I am sure she will be just fine.  It also appears she may have been officially accepted into the Vet Tech program.  She is excited of course.  The kids are doing well too.  Jarod seems to be doin better at school as we approach the halfway point.  Caylum is at tops as usual.  Kiara is doing great.  Leila is improving in speech.  Kian is as ornery as ever.  Evan is Evan.  We have to remind him to do things but seems to understand most work with minimal problem. 

Friday, November 23, 2012

Thanksgiving was great

Had a great day Thanksgiving.  So happy to have mom and dad join us for the day.  The food was great.  I really liked the pies I made but Kris' Lemon pie with a shortbread crust was my favorite.  The kids loved the ham and turkey.  I had dad put together a small container of Penuche and Divinity and Almond Roca to take with him.  Gotta love that Penuche.  Evan was really liking the divinity.  The rolls mom brought were delicious too.  Kris made artichoke dip for snacking so I didn't make the artichoke casserole after all.  It was a great anniversary too.  We all visited most of the time.  Dad told the kids the story of him and Uncle Coy being chased by the wild pigs and climbing to the top of  a tree only to have it bend back down to the ground. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Day before Thanksgiving

I woke up this morn and made some Almond Roca before heading out to RE office.  I will be making divinity and penuche fudge too.  To get ahead on the dinner I will also make the two pies I have planned and the mashed potato casserole.  Kris is also making a pie.  Then tomorrow it will mostly be throw the turkey and ham in the oven.  Finish the casseroles, make the green beans and Collard greens.  All simple stuff.  So looking forward to everyone being home and mom and dad being here.  Just a day to breathe.  I tried to find some regular chex mix but the store was out and I do not feel like making it myself.  I remember before you could buy it in stores, when we used to go to Aunt Nells she always had some homemade.  I love the stuff.  We will have cocktail weinies, pita w/hummus, crackers and dip and honey roasted peanuts to snack on.  If the kids are hungry by dinner I have not done my job...LOL  I pray everyone has a Great Thanksgiving. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

I picked up the girls bed today.  Robert had it so he could paint it for us.  It looks great.  We have such great family always looking out for each other.  The bed was one the boys had.  It is a captains bed with trundle and drawers.  It was jast clearcoated natural wood finish, but for the girls he painted it a light pink.  It almost looks white, just a real soft tint.  I also picked up a 4x4 sign to put on mom and dads property.  It also looks great.  Now we can finish getting girls room back together and a lot more clothes put away.  They have their princess room.



Saturday, November 17, 2012

Thanksgiving menu

I still have to go over with Kris but have our general menu together.  We will cook both a ham and turkey breast.  I found a simple recipe for breaded green beans.  I also found a recipe for creamy mashed potato casserole that can be made and refrigerated the day before.  We will be trying out a new artichoke casserole which sounds interesting.  Also on the menu are collard greens, fruit salad and rolls.  For dessert I plan on making a Peanut Butter Nutella Nutter Butter Pie as well as a creme de menthe pecan pie.  Of course I will get some canned cranberry jelly for Kris as its one of her favorites.  I will also make sure we have a few muchies for the kids throughout the day. 

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

First three

Here is where we stand so far on the treat making.  First I made the standard fudge with marshmallows and canned milk.  My second candy was Peanut Butter Fudge.  I took the recipe I found and tweaked it.  The recipe online was made with peanut butter, sugar, canned milk, and vanilla.  I added about a cup and a half of marshmallows.  The kids love it especially Kian.  Last night I got the ingredients together for Rice krispie treats.  Kris ended up making those with a little recipe tweaking againg.  Just as the marshmallows finished melting we added 2 teaspoons of milk and a teaspoon of vanilla.  Once we took it off the heat and added the cereal we then added a quarter bag of premier white vanilla chips.   I understand it was great.   I, of course, have not been trying any of this.   Next will be peanut brittle or almond roca.  

Friday, November 09, 2012

I am my kids friend

I have heard so many parents say.  I tell my kids I am NOT their friend.   I disagree.  I AM my kids friend.  That and so much more.  To me it is one of the many things we have to be as parents.  Being their friend does not mean you would let them get away with anything they shouldn't do.  If you think about what a true friend would be then as a good parent you are most likely the ultimate friend.  We are also their parnet, counselor, job adviser, disciplinarian, spiritual teacher, teacher, chef, maid, laundromat, banker, grocery store, etc. etc.  but in no way are you not their friend.  Now I realize by another parents definition of a friend then they in fact may be correct they are not their kids friend.  Just another thought for today.

San Francisco

Took the kids to San Francisco yesterday.  They had a blast.  We went to the exploratorium first where they could learn about all types of different science info.  Then we took the down to fishermans wharf.  We realized where we were parked we were close to ghiradelli square.  Then we walked to the wharf.  By then the kids were starving so we swung in to a Burger king and got them burgers.  From there we went on to Pier 39 and walked through a few shops and to the end of the pier.  Pointed out alcatraz to them as well as a world war 2 sub you could see a couple piers over.  They had a really great Ireland shop on the Pier.  As we walked back we stopped to watch a guy who was painting pictures and selling them.  The amazing part is he was doing it all with spray paint.  The only items that were not frehanded were licensed products such as the 49ers symbol.   We were going to take them to Lombard but it was getting late and it was rush hour plus we still had one more stop to make in Walnut Creek.  Evan had seen the San Francisco Creamery on a couple of Food Network shows and has always wanted to go and order the Kitchen Sink.  It is 8 GIANT Scoops of Ice Cream with 8 toppings plus whip cream, nuts, and cherries. 

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

4 more years....

Romans 13:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

OK election is over now.  No major controversy rearing its ugly head.  I found it interesting and seized the evening to try and explain the electoral college to the kids.  Caylum and jarod were gathered around my laptop as I watched the different states being called.  I explained to them about projections vs. actual final numbers.  I even pulled up particular states and showed them how the districts were voting and where a district had not been counted yet.  I explained how we at this time do not know what makeup the uncounted district may have but how the news agencies do know and can call a state with only 60-70% counted sometimes or even call a state as soon as its polls close.  Technology is just amazing as far as info at our fingertips goes.  I showed them how a candidate could win the electoral college and thus win the presidency in spite of the fact they may lose the popular vote.  This was easy to show as at many points Obama led in Electoral but trailed popular.  I showed them how every state had so many electoral votes based on population and of course let them know California was the biggest prize but not necessarily a decision maker.   I talked to them about projections changing as they did in the Bush-Gore election in Florida when Florida had been called for Gore yet Bush ended up winning* it.  I didn't think or I would have pulled up the old pic of Truman holding the paper that said Dewey wins.  That would have been a good history/ political lesson.  I also went over how I felt about voting.  I let them know voting is personal and the great thing about it is noone can force them to vote one way or another.  I let them know they should never be afraid to vote for how they believe and never let anyone tell them how they should vote and never vote a certain way just to make someone happy.  I let them know I would never expect them to vote a certain way just because I do.   That is the way I was raised and would want them to know that.  I also let them know do not let anything bother them for to long if someone they like loses or someone they could not stand wins as that is going to happen at times because that is how our process works. 

It was fun and I believe Kris and I were able to explain without bias.

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Election Day

I voted early this morning.  I was in line waiting at 7 am for polls to open.  I believe every American who is entitled to vote should.  I know many people don't believe that as they are afraid of their vote but to me its one of the greatest freedoms we have.  I would like to see the choices become more multi party and not just the two major parties.  I do know there are others on the ballot I mean it would be better for our country if the presidential election looked more like many local elections with several candidates getting in the 20% range.  Unfortunately many Americans who may want to choose another candidate feel it would be a wasted vote.  The only wasted vote is the one not made.  And yes I do realize that is just my opinion.  Do not misunderstand,  I do not mean to imply that people should be forced to vote, I just believe its a mistake to not vote.  I also do not subscribe to the addage "If you don't vote you can't complain"  .  I believe very strongly in the freedom of speech.  Just some random thoughts on this election day.

Monday, November 05, 2012

Fall and All

This is one of my favorite times of the year.   No Not Election time.  Fall and Winter.  I love the cooler weather.   I love the Holidays.  I have started my fall/winter candy making.  I already made the basic fudge.   Next I am thinking Almond Roca or Nutella fudge.  I told Kris she can take care of cookies.  I am hoping my kids will have some of the same type memories I have of this time of year.  Cookies, candies, decorations always filled our house this time of year.  Music too.  As the song goes "Its the most wonderful time of the year"...Candy making is my favorite though as its so precise as far as how long to boil and/or what temp to boil to.  The way you can change the consistencies by changing the temp or time.  Peanut Brittle time is here also.  I will try not to make same mistake as last time.  After spreading out in a pan I sat the pan on the stove, forgetting the burner was still hot and cooked some of it a litlle more.   Always something.   Thank you Mom and Dad for all the great memories from this time.  Thank you for all the hard work.

Kiddos

I Love my Kids!!!!!!  They just make my day with their personalities, smiles, sense of humor...


Just sayin....

Thursday, November 01, 2012

Achieving correctness

Has anyone else noticed that truth has gone out the door, even with the people we most expect to stand for it?  It amazes me how much people will lie and even when confronted with proof otherwise they do not care.  There seems to be an underlying attitude its ok to lie as long as the intent is good.  It seems to be even worse now that we can communicate with so many people at once with the internet.  I have seen many posts from both sides of the aisle as well as other types of non political posts that with just a few seconds of fact checking the person who posts could have elected to do the right thing and not repost. 

What about basic manners these days.  What is happening there?  Its happening with both young and old alike too.  My opinion is apologizing is never a bad thing.  It doesn't necessarily admit guilt just shows some remorse.   But many people will say apologizing is something a weak person does.  If they believe that then tha is obviously their right but many times I think its just said so they have an excuse not to apologize.  Of course that tends to lead to another problem.  An apology is never enough for the wronged person or group.  It seems noone can accept a simple I am sorry I was wrong they want the offenders proverbial head.  Some of Jesus last words as a man were an apology for us and he was NOT weak and really had no reason to ask for our forgiveness to the father as he died for us.  And when one receives an apology the I can forgive but not forget attitude seems less like an acceptance and more like an admonishment.   Doesn't seem like on the surface they have truly forgiven. 

Just some random thoughts and opinions.   Blogging to vent....LOl