26-JUN-2010
Homemade Marshmallows
I try to make as much as I can from scratch. Add marshmallows to my list of "I will always make these". My boys LOVE them. They are more fresh than ANYTHING you will ever buy at the store. They don't leave that "kkkkk" (that's a sound) feeling in the back of your throat.
the recipe I use.
Make your own marshmallows with this recipe from popular author and caterer, Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. Marshmallows are not that difficult to make and do not requite any exotic ingredients.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
* 3 packages unflavored gelatin
* 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 1 cup light corn syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
* Confectioners' sugar for dusting
Preparation:
Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup.
Meanwhile, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. With the mixer on low speed slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.
With a sieve, generously dust an 8 x 12-inch non-metal baking dish with confectioners' sugar. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan, smooth the top and dust with more confectioners' sugar. Allow to stand uncovered overnight until it dries out.
Turn the marshmallows onto a board and cut them in squares. dust them with more confectioners' sugar.
Yield: 20 to 40 marshmallows, depending on cut size
Smores will never be the same. :)
14-MAY-2010
The Window
I have always heard that the eyes are the windows to the soul. I believe this.
When a child is born, during those first days of life, when you look into that child's eyes, you see a blank stare, almost. They are new, they do not have anything to store, yet. As the days turn into weeks, and weeks into years, you start to see innocence, imagination, adventure. If you are lucky enough for that child to be your own, you may even see a glimpse of yourself.
The eyes see everything, but as my eight year old son once explained to me, it doesn't matter if you see, it matters if you have vision. He's a very bright boy, for such a young age. He's an old soul, and full of knowledge that you wouldn't expect an eight year old child to have. When I look into his eyes, I am transported to a wonderful place. I'm taken to HIS world.
His world is rather different that what you and I may see. In his world, the language is quite different, the maps take you to peaceful places. This world is filled with acceptance, forgiveness, support and unconditional love. Since his world is quite different than ours, he has learned to adapt, well as much as he can on his own. It's now up to me to show him how to combine our two worlds. I have to show him the ugly parts, the parts where not everyone is so supportive, or so accepting. I have to protect him, here in my world, from those not so pretty parts.
No matter what tomorrow brings, I know that I can always look into his eyes and feel content knowing that he is an awesome little boy, and there is nothing that he can not do.
23-MAY-2010
Turtle Love
I love my boys. I love the dirt, the mud, the messy faces,and the never ending energy they posses. I love that we have different likes. I love that they bring me dandelions and proudly proclaim they picked them just for me. I love that they are so dirty and smelly after a long day of exploring the great outdoors. I love their passion for insects, and the need to preserve them for education. ;)
Little boys are definitely made of snakes and snails and puppy dog tails... but what you don't always hear about are the pet turtles that become family members. The ones that enjoy being taken for walks in the "tall" grass. The turtles that are right at home in the back of an old pick up truck. ;)
This is Leonardo, or Leo, as we call him. Leo has been with us for many years. He joined our family when a neighbor moved, and we inherited him. He has been to the vet more times than I can count. Leo has been lost in our backyard, for months, only to be found and returned to his family.
My little fellas love him... and I'm pretty certain he loves them too.
21-MAY-2010
Ladybird Ladybird, Fly Away Home
We decided that since in previous years we have had terrible infestations of white fly, that we would make sure that we combat those plant killing pests, naturally. Last year, we hatched and released praying mantis's, this year, ladybirds (or ladybugs).
Ladybugs are beetles, and its almost impossible to tell the gender of a ladybug without the use of a microscope. If you watch them long enough, and observe them mating, the ladybug on the bottom will be the female. Ladybugs are quite beneficial to your garden, as they eat aphids and white flys. (I'm sure other things too)
We had a fantastic time playing with these beautiful insects, and we will continue to learn about them over the course of the next few days/weeks. :)
06-MAY-2010
All In A Day's Learning
Today was a wonderful day for being with my two little fellas.. We did nothing of real importance, other than spend time with one another laughing, and being silly. It's days like these that are necessary for my soul.
We went to a local, you pick, strawberry farm today.. we have learned that there are many different types of bugs that live among the strawberries. This one is called leaf footed bug. We know that leaf footed bugs are "true bugs"... what does that mean? Well, simply put it means that they have sucking mouth parts in which to suck the juices from plants. You can read more about "true bugs" here...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_bugs
We picked a total of 3 gallons of strawberries, and they are so super sweet and juicy! Can't wait for tomorrow so that we can start making chocolate covered strawberries, and a few smoothies... of course we will make strawberry jam. :) Life is good.
10-APR-2010
Love is....
I have sat here for an hour trying to think of the perfect thing to say, about love. I guess that, just as love is not always perfect, neither are my thoughts on the subject. Love is beautiful, and ugly, at the same time. When love is present, there is nothing that you feel you can not do, or overcome. When it is gone, love leaves you feeling empty, incomplete, less than. Such powerful emotion, packed in to four little letters. It's a wonderful feeling, to love, and equally have that love returned.
Love should never be taken lightly, or for granted. It should be given freely, and unconditionally.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
~ by 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
27-FEB-2010
Shared Pixel Therapy
My eight year old enjoys taking photos, *almost* as much as I do. So he goes with me and my Mom on country rides, and we have fun snapping away. Sundown at Lake Murray is one of our favorite places.
25-FEB-2010
I sometimes get to read
Sometimes I forget I have this book. The internet has become such a mainstay in our lives today, that I sometimes forget how good it feels to actually HOLD a book, and read.
The natural cure to almost anything that ails ya is in this book. Its my "witch doctor" book. Everything from aroma therapy, to specially blended teas. Did you know that garlic is a natural antibiotic? Yep, sure is. Or what about Passion Flower, did you know that it can help to lower your blood pressure? And that Rose Hips are good for bladder infections?
The things I am learning when I read this book are great. I should read it more often than I do, but once I pick it up, I have a hard time putting it down. I have made it a point to have a nice herb garden in our yard. I look up ailments that our little family generally have, and plant the herbs needed. This year we will expand the herb garden to accommodate more of the wonderful herbs that were placed here on our earth to heal us, naturally.
25-FEB-2010
Nothin' Says Lovin'.....
You know the saying. I'll not bore you with the rest.
Hubs has to get up at 4am.. in just a little while, to go to work. There is an "operation" at 5am. He will need to eat breakfast before he goes. My brain does not function at 4am, nor do I require it to.
One of my best friends gave me a recipe for a muffin mix, base, to keep on hand, and all you do is add the wet ingredients to it, and of course your fruit of choice. Tonight, it's blueberries. Fresh blueberries that we picked last summer, brought home tenderly cleaned, and placed into bags, and into the freezer. NOTHING is more delicious than fresh fruit in the middle of winter, when it is no longer available.
I baked these blueberry muffins for Hubs... they are one of his faves.
23-FEB-2010
No Fog Here
It was a very foggy morning here. The fog brought with it a mysterious beauty that I have always found quite attractive. The boys and I were up and out of the house quite early, for us anyway, to run an errand. The boys were still in their pajamas, as we wouldn't be getting out of the car. We quickly came home to enjoy our pancake breakfast, get dressed, grab my camera, and head back out. We decided we would drive out into the country, where the fog would be thicker because of all of the trees. Well.... we drove and drove some more. The fog was lifting quickly, and we just couldn't find a place that was worthy of a photograph. :sigh:.. so we made the most of the morning, laughed and talked all the way about the many cows we saw, and all of the farms. We LOVE farms. So when we saw these silos, we stopped, took a few snaps, discussed the importance of them, and were on our merry little way.. of course, there was no fog here... but all was not lost. We had a great morning, just driving and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
21-FEB-2010
It's The Little Things
tonights dinner consisted of a delicious grilled steak, pasta salad, and clams and mussels. Its one of my Hubs favorite dishes.. and I'm so glad he enjoyed dinner tonight.
14-FEB-2010
Be My Valentine
Last night, before we went to bed, I heard Entomologist say to his Daddy that he wanted to get up really early, slip out, and buy me a rose. Well, since we are all either recovering from,or trying to fight off a nasty stomach virus, that didn't happen. That's ok with me, as I'd rather have a nice, "quiet", relaxing day at home, doing pretty much nothing at all.
So since my little boy is so wonderfully thoughtful, he painted me a boiled egg (we keep them on the ready in the fridge) and made me a card. With the card there were eight pennies. I wasn't sure about the pennies, and apparently he saw the puzzled look on my face. He then said to me... its one for every year that I have loved you. (awwwww) He then indulged me, and allowed me to take photos of him. "Happy Valentine's Day Mommie, you're the greatest."
I must say, I think he is the greatest little eight year old ever. He is so thoughtful. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful family.
10-FEB-2010
I'll Do It My Way, Thanks
I have heard, over and over, over the past few weeks, "every body handles it differently". Truer words have never been spoken. We do, we all handle every situation in life, differently than the next person would. It's how we were engineered.
I am an artist. I create, and thru my creations, I share a very intimate part of myself. My camera is an extension of my heart, with it, I capture what my heart sees more than what my eyes are viewing. I've always said that an image should move you. It should touch a part of you that is not able to be reached my mere words alone.
Done correctly, meaning capturing what the photographer FEELS, the photograph should make YOU feel. Of course you are going to interpret it differently than the photographer did when s/he took the shot. If you find a photo to be disrespectful,then that is YOUR interpretation. It may or may not have been what the photographers goal was. Either way, its an expression of that particular photographer. If you don't like the photo, guess what, you don't HAVE to view it. Especially on the internet.. you can just CHOOSE not to click a link. If you CHOOSE to view it, then you should not ridicule the artist for his/her expression of what is in their heart. Just because it is not what you feel doesn't mean the photographer is without emotions.
Many of you know that over the past nine months my Mother has been caring for her ailing father. He passed away on Saturday. His journey came to an end, and he is now walking in heaven with his beloved wife, and Jesus. His funeral was on Wednesday, and of course, I was there to support my Mother.
Some feel that taking photos at a funeral, or video taping it could be viewed as taboo. I do not feel that way at all. It's all part of history, the documentation of a life that has come to an end on earth. The celestial life has begun. A body is only a vessel, it is not meant to last forever. Just because the person being buried is not a famous celebrity, or politician, does not mean that there should be no cameras.
This photo was taken at my Grandaddy's funeral. It was not imposing on anyone's grief. There was no one around, as I waited for the graveside services to be over. It's my way of saying goodbye. It's how I express myself, emotionally. It's how I handle things, because as it has been told to me over and over, we all deal with things differently. So, for those of you that think I should behave a certain way, or perhaps do things the way you do... I say to you, I'll do it my way, thanks. If you don't like it, that's really too bad. I don't tell you how to behave, or how to grieve. If you don't like it, you simply do not have to view my photos, or read my entries. Less effort is required that way. I will not change, and if you continue to read, then be prepared, because I will always express myself this way.. and like it or not, I will offend you at times.
02-FEB-2010
Rain
RAIN
I opened my eyes
And looked up at the rain,
And it dripped in my head
And flowed into my brain,
And all that I hear as I lie in my bed
Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head.
I step very softly,
I walk very slow,
I can't do a handstand--
I might overflow,
So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said--
I'm just not the same since there's rain in my head.
~Shel Silverstein
30-JAN-2010
My Two Sillies
Here they are.. Frick and Frack... Mutt and Jeff.... Thing One and Thing Two. Whatever you decide to call them, they are my sweet little prince's.
It was hard to pick just ONE photo for today... because I thought they were both being so danged cute! So.. I had to share them both.
29-JAN-2010
Return of The Tooth Fairey
He disappeared for about 20 minutes into the bathroom. This is not unusual for my eight year old. So I waited. After about 45 minutes, I became worried, so I knocked and tried to enter... the door was locked.
"Are you alright in there?" I asked.
"Yes, Mommie" he replied, then he unlocked the door.
He was fully dressed, so I asked what he was doing. Apparently he was pulling his tooth. Yes, HE was pulling his tooth. I guess I have scarred my child for life in that department, and he now feels safer pulling his own teeth. *giggle*
This is the 3rd or 4th tooth he has pulled all on his own. "This one should bring in at least 2 bux!" he exclaimed. At least, I replied.
So I will get out the fairey dust that I keep under lock and key.. we can't have that stuff fall into the wrong hands you know. :) I will sprinkle some on his pillow, around his bed, and on his money, of course.
I deeply enjoy this part of being a Mommie.. THESE are good times!
27-JAN-2010
This is Now
No matter how you look at it, it's just not easy. You try to tell yourself that this is how is has to be, this is just a small part of God's much larger plan. You try to convince yourself that it doesn't hurt, that you, yourself, do not feel the pain. You try to suppress any emotions you may have. You put it out of your mind, so that you can not think about it. You try to become numb.
It doesn't work.
Death is not easy, even when you expect it. No one wants to see another human die. End of life care was created to make one comfortable, when the time comes. There is no magic pill, no special potion, no magic wand. There is real pain, raw emotions, and even anger.
Morphine is a very powerful drug, and is administered to those that are terminal. It helps to make them comfortable. He is in a great deal of pain. You can see it in his eyes. He is weak, with barely enough strength to cough. His voice,barely above a whisper. His breathing is becoming shallow, and weak. He knows the end is near.
You don't expect to stand beside his bed, and he grab your hand, and hold onto it so very tightly. You don't expect for him to tell you that he loves you. You don't expect this, even though you expect the end. You just can not prepare yourself for it.
These are not the memories you want to save.
My heart is breaking for him. I feel sadness, my heart hurts, my brain is so full. I refuse to give in to the tears, I must remain strong, for my Mother.
21-JUL-2009
That Was Then
I had not seen him, nor had he been a part of my life, since I was 12. He had the title of Grandaddy, but I did not know him as such. The parts that I did remember were fuzzy, after all it had been 23 years. I cared because he is family, he is human, and I merely respected him because he was able help bring my mother into being. I had my wall up, I was guarded, and I was not going to be an easy sell, no matter what. I knew things, and I also knew it was going to be difficult. No matter what the situation was, I knew that I was going to be there to support my Mother during this... this... journey.
He came to live with my Mother in May of 2009. It wasn't planned, it wasn't really welcomed. It was an inconvenience, but it was accepted. We all knew that if it wasn't my Mother, then just WHO would it be? No one. There WAS NO ONE that was able, or willing to take care of him. So, she accepted the roll of care giver, and the journey began.
He was released from the VA hospital into a temporary nursing home to get his medications regulated, as well as have a few tests completed to find out how far into dementia he was, or IF he was at all. In June, he came "home". The beginning stages of dementia were starting to make their presence known. It wasn't pretty. Violence, rage,fear,crying, confusion, and the longing to remember the past... all of these are common signs of dementia. The medication helped, but not everything is 100%.
As time went on, I started to care. I started to develop emotions for this man I barely knew. It was heartbreaking to witness this terrible disease take away all of his memories. Memories of his wife, his children, his friends, and even the war that he so honorably fought in. He was forgetting. I wanted him to know that, even tho we didn't really know one another, that I was going to be a mainstay in his life now. That I was going to listen to the stories he told, when he could remember them. I was going to be there when he was confused and asked the same questions over and over again. I wanted him to know me, and I desperately wanted to know him.
One day my boys and I were at the park, and I thought it would be so wonderful if my Grandaddy could join us. It was, after all, a beautiful day. I remember being angry at my Mother at first when she said she wasn't going to bring him. She later called back and said she was on her way.. I was thrilled.
I remember him being so concerned about my children being close to the water. They were fishing with their home made fishing poles. He told me that if something happened to those boys, he would never forgive himself. This made me smile, and I assured him that everyone was going to be ok, and that he should not worry so much. We walked around a little, and he kept wanting to try out every available sitting spot in the area. He finally decided this was where he would watch my children explore their surroundings.
I'd like to think he enjoyed this day, as much as I did. No, we didn't talk a whole lot, we sat together in silence. Then it was time for us to leave. I will always remember this day, and all of the photos that I have to go along with it.
I am thankful for the almost 8 months we have had. I am thankful for this memory we made that day at Gibson Park. I will cherish it forever.
23-JAN-2010
The Glue
This is my Uncle Steve. He is the only Uncle I have on my mother's side of the family. He is the third born child, and only son of my Grandaddy and Grandma. Uncle Steve is my Momma's younger brother.
Uncle Steve is the patriarch of our family. If he has not heard from you in a few weeks, he will call you to make sure you are alright. He does not allow anyone to talk bad about another family member without telling you, "Well, that's your family, and you only have one family." It's simply not allowed, no matter how true it may be. He knows who the children are of aunts and uncles from generations back. It has always amazed me how he can keep track of all that. (it goes back to him being superman, I am sure.) He is the glue that holds this family together. Oh believe me, we are your typical family with fall outs and disagreements that last for years. BUT.. if you want to know how that one family member is doing, but do not want to call them, you call Uncle Steve, he can tell you.
Uncle Steve always makes me laugh, and will set me straight if he sees I'm making the wrong decision about something. Yes, even at 35, I still get reprimanded by him. It's quite alright tho, because it makes me know that he still loves me and only wants what is best for me.
When I was growing up, Uncle Steve was superman, in my eyes. Standing well over 6 feet tall, he seemed to effortlessly touch the sky. He is as southern as they come,and has been known to wear overalls. Yes, he has that southern country accent, that even makes me smile.
I love you Uncle Steve.. you are the greatest uncle in the entire world. :)
22-JAN-2010
Making Memories
I remember a time, when my husband and I were engaged and we made the trip to New York to visit his family. We were in the parking lot of the Grand Union feeding seagulls. It was so fun.. I remember how much we both laughed, and just enjoyed this happenstance encounter. Then there was the time at the beach, when we fed the seagulls Doritos.. they even came IN our hotel room! We were 10 stories up, and had seagulls walking around our room. It was so funny back then, and still brings a smile to my face now.
Today I was reminded of these wonderful memories when the boys and I were able to feed the seagulls in the parking lot of McDonalds.
I try my very best to make every day count with my boys. Everyday. We will occasionally grab a lunch from McDonalds and go over to the airport and watch the airplanes take off, or land. Today we didn't have to go far for "cheap" entertainment. After getting our lunch, we saw someone feeding the seagulls and waited for them to leave, then we began to have our fun too.
As we tossed the french fries out the window, the boys would just shriek with laughter. I love hearing my children laugh.. its wonderful therapy for my weather beaten soul.
We are not sure how this seagull lost his leg. Entomologist suggested it was by a shark. I'm not so sure, but you just never know.
20-JAN-2010
The Deal
Imagination is a wonderful thing. I love watching my little fellas enjoy creative play with their friends. We had Park Day today with our wonderful home school group. (I love those peeps) All of the children were playing and having a great time, laughing, running, talking.. just kids.. being kids. LOVE IT.
Here you see Picasso and his friend, "making the deal". You see.. all of the wood chips there, yeah, that was "money".. and you could just walk up to the counter and buy it. Oh selling money was big business on the playground today.. yes sir. The stuff was moving like hot cakes. The rocks.. well I'm not really sure they held much of a purpose today.. but you can believe they are more valuable than gold.. on the playground.
These days are flying by faster than I can keep count. I know I am going to miss being a Mommie, when my little fellas are all grown up. :sigh:.. If we can put man on the moon, can't we at least attempt a way to keep our little ones little.. for just a few extra years? Pretty please? With a cherry on top?
19-JAN-2010
I'm In a Pickle
Ok.. so anyone that has ever participated in the Photo A Day, knows just how difficult it can be to find a photo for every day. Life happens to us all, and sometimes we just don't get that shot.. no matter what.
Well a few friends of mine, here on Pbase, have taken a shot of a pickle when they had nothing else for a photo.. so its become a joke... well, the jokes on me, apparently. Here it is 11:00pm, and I had nothing... not even an idea. Then.. I was talking with my girlfriend, and she told me I couldn't use her idea from last night, a clock.. and I said that I couldn't even do the pickle shot... because I'm out of pickles. Figures... but.. I did have olives... only 5. (don't ask ME why there were only 5 left in the jar) So it hit me.. take the shot of the olives... it was the "easy" way out tonight.. but, at least I got the shot.
So there ya go.. when you're in a pickle.. shoot olives. :)
18-JAN-2010
I See You Too
Occasionally in life we find ourselves being watched. Sometimes by majestic creatures such as this falcon.. other times by cowards that hide behind a title of "hero". Either way, we are being watched. Sometimes we can see out in the open, just who is watching us.. other times, we depend on technology to show us.
Technology is wonderful, even if its not always simple. It may take a little bit of thought, and a few clicks of a keyboard, but nonetheless, its easy to see just who has a fascination with you.. if,infact, they do.
I watched this falcon for a total of 2.5 minutes.. he was then tired of watching me, and he flew away. That was the end of it. I left him alone, and he left me alone, he went his way, and I went mine. If its simple enough for a bird of prey to leave and not look back, then why is it not so easy for other species?
There's nothing here for you to see.. the show is over.. move on, as I have. I felt like that was the message this falcon was telling me. Take heed.
Now please.. stop... no more.. move on... the show is over.
06-JAN-2010
His Lovie
Our four year old has taken quite the strong liking to this stuffed Rudolph the Reindeer. It's his lovie. He takes this stuffed animal with him every where he goes. He sleeps with him, plays the video games with him, reads, eats, bathes, etc. etc... you get the idea. Well he emphatically stated that if Rudolph eats, then he must use the bathroom too. Who am I to argue that point? So he comes running down the hall to tell me to come see Rudolph... and this is what was revealed. So I grabbed my cell phone and took a quick pic. It's rather comical, to me. Hope you find it funny as well. :)
