Crafting and Baking with Lily

Mom, Lily and I had a craft day to make goodies from Mom's co-workers. Mom used my Big Shot (from Stampin' Up) and we cut out treat bags, decorated, and filled them with treats!


Lily ready to work! She helped me run paper thru the Big Shot cutting out all the bags.

The first 12 bags done for her Bunco group!

One bag filled with cocoa, chocolate spoon, marshmallows, and chocolate stick!

I worked on cocoa packet treats while mom glued bags. Lily helped me stamp!

Later in December, Rose, Lily and Mom scheduled time to bake cookies for Lily's class party. I came to help!

Rolling out gingerbread cookies in sugar.

More sugar!


Licking her fingers when all done baking!

Lily's tray of cookies for her class! She was so excited!

SUDOKU!!!

I love Sudoku puzzles! In a very bad accent, Casey calls me the "Sudoku Master"!



Mom started me on this very addictive game several years back. Then last year, I found my favorite Sudoku game books...JUMBO SUDOKU SPRING (FALL, SUMMER...you get the idea)! They have over 265 games and 5 different Sudoku varieties!

I usually work several a day. If I am home and watching TV, the book of puzzles is usually in my hand. I am about ready for a trip to my favorite book store for my next season's book! For those that don't want to use paper and pencil, there are electronic handheld games, Facebook apps and online puzzles to try!

Try a SUDOKU today, you will be addicted too!

Things that make me smile....

Yesterday, I was driving across town and passed a car with a boxer hanging out the window. I love to see dogs with their heads out a car window...tongues out, and ears flapping in the wind! It always made make me smile!

It reminded me of the website 1000 Awesome Things..... http://1000awesomethings.com/
I found them on Facebook, they have a book or two also.

This one my girls will appreciate! 90's sitcom theme songs! :)
http://1000awesomethings.com/2011/09/26/149-cheesy-theme-songs-from-90s-sitcoms/

Not only do they post the "awesome thing", but they post an explanation and usually video or pictures! :) I could spend all day on this site....so if you are feeling blue or in a slump...check it out! It is guaranteed to make you smile!

AND sometimes laugh out loud...like this one...even snort! :)
http://1000awesomethings.com/2011/07/21/196-accidental-snorts/

I hope you find something that makes you happy today and everyday!

A Dog's Life

It must me nice to be a dog in our house....they are very spoiled! We have Lucy, our almost 11 year old Walker Hound-Lab mix. Then, we have Harry! Harry, our 6 year old Boxer, is quite something. The pick of the litter, beautiful coloring, but boy is he dumb!

We call him.....
Harry
Harry Monster
Dufus Harry
Dufus Head
Harry Crazy
Baby Harry
Monster Head
Hungry Hippo
Fatbutt

Wigglebutt
....the list goes on!

He is our pillow eating, whining, always hungry, wake you up at 5am, tug of war playing, jacked-up teeth, love sponge!

A day in the life of Harry....

I normally wake up to the sound of Harry whining, and his nose nuzzling my arm about 5:00-5:30am each morning (even weekends). I reluctantly get out of bed, shuffle in to feed him (yes, I said FEED...he doesn't wake us up early to pee! NOPE, it's to eat!), and usually Lucy wakes up when she hears food being scooped. I then let both dogs outside. Ahhh, now I can go back to bed you think? Nope! Because, just as your head hits the pillow, Harry will bang on the back door to be let back inside (while Lucy stays out and plays or lays in the grass). This process usually takes a half hour, then we snuggle back to bed for a little while longer before my real alarm goes off and Casey gets up.

On the weekends, this is usually our wakeup call...Harry right in our faces!

Every morning, I remove the pillows from the bed or he will chew them/de-stuff them; close the bathroom door, to keep both dogs out of the trash; and shut the office door, so he will not chew on anything in there. (He got into papers and yarn a lot when he was younger...would he now?...don't know but not taking any changes!)

We come home for lunch and it is like we have been gone for days! He bounces and wiggles and spins because he is so happy to see us! Harry gets especially bouncy when Casey comes home versus me....I don't know why?! While eating lunch, Harry rests his head on the coffee table and breaths heavy or slobbers on you and your plate trying to get some food! He might lay down on his bed in the living room, trying to fake you out, but he just really wants some of your food! Unfortunately, it is a dinner time ritual too.

The dogs sleep most the day away, usually on our bed. (oops, forgot the pillows that day!)

After work, in the evenings, we play outside. He loves his football or "chewy"! We try fetch, but he really isn't very good at dropping the toy and we end up playing tug of war with it instead!

We come inside and we fix their bowls with Harry leaving a puddle of drool on the floor while waiting impatiently. He eats like a horse, wolfing down his food in 2 seconds flat. We think, if we left a feeder for them, he would eat and eat and eat til he was sick....dumb dog is always hungry!!!

Some nights we take walks as a family. Now, "WALK" is a four letter word in our house, not to be mentioned and only spelled. If the dogs hear the WALK....they instantly go nuts...their ears perk up, they get all bouncy and happy! Once we are changed for our walk, poop bags loaded in our pockets, we ask them "do you want to go on a WALK", and out the leashes come!!! Harry is so happy and loves walks!!!! But, he usually tires out early. He will stop, lay down and expect you to wait for him. We pull on the leash and he will reluctantly get up, run a little ahead, then slow down again. Once home, he collapses onto the floor, tongue rolled out, panting!

Harry loves having his butt scratched by Casey (I refuse)! He will sit down right in front of or on Casey and look backwards/upside-down waiting for Casey to scratch that perfect spot above his stubby little tail. Harry loves it and finds nothing better than being loved and scratched all the time!

Harry loves to play with Lucy, but Lucy doesn't like to play with Harry all the time. It is like the pesky little brother who wants to hang out with his big sis all the time! Lucy tolerates him, but would much prefer to be an only dog. Harry does have size on Lucy though and often uses what we call, "the power of the fat foo" to push her out of the way, getting all the attention and love!

Evenings when it is cold, the dogs love to snuggle in bed. I usually go to bed first and read. If Casey stays in the living room or office, Harry stays there too. BUT, as soon as Casey is up getting ready for bed, Harry wanders in, jumps up into bed, and plops down right next to me, taking up most of Casey's half of the bed. It is a battle every night for covers and I LOVE COVERS, but so does my Harry! And he has to be right in between us, like a little puppy sandwich. He is not happy unless he has squeezed his fat puppy self right in the middle and is touching both Casey and I simultaneously! There he will snuggle all night long (usually kicking Casey several time), until early in the morning when we start all over again!

My body is fighting me!

I went to yoga last night after work. It did me good to relax, stretch and rest. (Although, my fat and boobs always get in the way....yoga stretches and poses are just not as easy with extra curves.)

When I got home, Casey and I decided to walk the dogs...the weather has been great! Halfway into our walk, as we were crossing the street, I fell. One minute I was up, the next, I was down. I rolled my right ankle, AGAIN for the hundreth time, and fell hard on my left knee! Luckily, Casey was with me, when I fell, I dropped Lucy's leash and he caught her before she ran off. There I sat, crying and moaning, it hurt, but it was more because I was so effing pissed off at myself!!! We walked about a block and I sent him home for the car.

This always happens!!! Just as I get on a roll, re-energized, refocused on exercising, biking, walking...I hurt myself. My knee has been acting up since I hurt it a couple months ago, but I have been doing "knee friendly" exercises recently. Every six months or so, I twist my ankle. Yesterday morning I was all inspired to work out in the mornings or add more days to my workout schedule during the week (like from 1 or 2 times a week to 3-4 times). NOW, I am down again for a few weeks at least.

I think my body is clearly telling me it loves being this size and doesn't need to loose weight....right??!!

My So Called Life

Blast from the past....the year was 1994. Angela Chase was in love with Jordan Catilano and MTV's My So Called Life was my favorite show. 19 episodes in the entire series, I never understood why the network cancelled MSCL...it will forever be a classic 90's show that instantly transports me back to high school and my early college days. Teenage angst, friendship, first love, fitting in, zits, identity crisis, peer pressure, family drama...the good, bad and ugly of it all! As much as I love my 80's brat pack classics....MSCL is all 90's and I love that Netflix has the entire series for me to rewatch and relive whenever I want.

I watched 2 episodes tonight...11& 12....12 is one of my favs and my love of Buffalo Tom started with this episode. Angela keeps skipping class to make out with Jordan in the basement of school. He likes her but doesn't want to admit it to his friends or himself. Then there is the moment at the end, where the light comes on, he realizes he likes her, really likes her, and crosses the hallway, asks if they can "go somewhere", they leave together and he takes her hand! Ahhhhh.....and in the background...Buffalo Tom's "Late at Night" is playing...see watch it for yourself here.

Obviously, Claire Danes becomes a big star and Jared Leto...kinda, but what ever happened to the rest of My So Called Life's cast....Ricky, Raeann, Sharon, Brian??
They don't make shows like they use to. Feeling nostalgic....put in some Buffalo Tom and My So Called Life...it will just make you smile!

My name is Erin and I am a Foodie!

I wrote a "note" on Facebook last year about my love of FOOD! Instead of recomposing it, I just copied it over and added other random thoughts from my foodie brain!!
---------
1/10
Yes, that's right...I admit it...I LOVE FOOD, I love to eat and love, love, love food! Last week I watched Julie and Julia and can't stop thinking about it! Why have I never written about food before, or gone into a food related field or even just had a desire to cook and bake...I don't know...I think I just love eating!

We attended a rehearsal dinner Friday night at KC Bucca de Peppos...OMG...HEAVEN!!!. I could have eaten all night; I felt bad leaving such good food behind to just be thrown away. Everyone else was full and I asked my husband if it was bad that I wasn't. From the salad and garlic bread, to the spaghetti and chicken parmesan and finally the Tiramisu....IT WAS FABULOUS!!!

So, here we are....my latest thoughts about restaurants, food, etc.

1. Does anyone else make noises while they eat??? The "hmmmm", "ohhhh", and "OMG this is soooo good!"...anyone? I think it is inherited, cus my dad does the same thing and I am proudly teaching my niece the fine art of truly enjoying her food!

2. Latest cravings....why have I been craving Mac and Cheese??(No I am NOT pregnant) And NOT home made or Velveeta cheesy mac...just plain good 'ol Kraft Mac and Cheese in the blue box...powdered orange cheese with 1/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup butter. It is sad, but I can eat a whole box by myself. Tonight I did share with my hubby.

3. MEXICAN...now I can eat this 7 days a week, any kind, anywhere...cheap 'ol Taco Bell, here in Emporia we have a multitude of choices....Casa Ramos (best Sangria and huge portions), La Hacienda (drug of choice), El Lorito, and several other hole in the wall places . There is just something about the cheese, beans, chips and salsa...oh it is all sooo goood!!! Mexican cheesy euphoria is what I call it! :)
(See now this is really sad cus now I am hunger again and want a TACO!!)

4. My husband says I am susceptible...see #3...and yes, he is right. I can see a commercial, magazine ad, radio ad, talk about it, smell it....and I want it. Today I drove by Bobby D's...it smelled so good...told Casey tonight that we will be going to Bobby D's sometime this weekend.

5. I use to say I exercise because I love to eat...now that is true even more! I have gain more weight recently and I am trying to find a good gym or workout program for myself. I have got to loose some weight!! BUT my overwhelming love of food just makes the whole "eating healthy" part of loosing weight suck!

6. Yes, Casey says my Stephenson clan can eat more than anyone he knows...and he is probably right on that one too. I grew up with well rounded meals...always meat, potato, fruit/salad, bread (of course) and ALWAYS DESSERT!! He is in awe of us at the Holidays! Mom usually has a dessert buffet ready for Christmas Eve!

Well, I don’t know if it is my obsessive, compulsive personality or what? Is it in my genes...I am Swedish and German...does that matter?

This is as random as I am most of the time...Can anyone else relate, got good recipes, cravings, fav restaurants......please share?!


1/19/10
Thoughts...so as I am falling asleep last night, I start thinking about all my fav foods...here is a short list. And again it makes me hungry...I will have to go to the grocery store tonight!
Mash Potatoes, Manicotti, Cheese Bites (especially Sonics), Egg Rolls (any really and I make a good homemade one), Ru Yi's Fried Cheese Wontons, Yellow Peppers, Plums, (Yes, I do love fruits and veggies too...not just food that is horribly bad for you...although it is the best!), Coconut Shrimp, Grapefruit Juice, Chocolate Cake with Chocolate frosting...OMG I am hungry! :)


6/14/11
Not much has changed in the year, still eating and loving food! I have started exercising after reaching an all time high weight...I freaked out a little and joined the gym! I am still thoroughly enjoying my eats but just try not to eat out quite as much! I should do a food journal, but that would be a little scary! I am down 7 pounds in just under 2 months of working out and feeling good!

1. I love summertime eating....fresh veggies, fruits, the Farmers Market, cool salads and sandwiches...anything to not turn on that darn oven and heat up the house! I wished Casey like to grill outside, but not so much.

2. It's ironic, but I do watch the Food Channel when at the gym. I love Rachel Ray at 5:30 and usually that is when I am working on the elliptical. Yes, it makes me hungry and ready to cook good food when I get home!

3. Does anyone else have this happen to them? Nat, I know you do..corn dogs!? This winter while driving around town, I would see billboard and store signs that in my brain read like food instead. For instance, Waters True Value had a store sign advertising "Tube Sand" and every single time I drove by, I read "Tuna Salad"!

4. I would love to be a food critic or write restaurant reviews for the local paper! Give me a restaurant or type of food and I could tell you all about the menu and what's best to order!

5. Food Network Star is back on for the summer! YAY! If you haven't seen it...reality show with chefs, home cooks, etc competing to become the next Food Network Star! Casey says the Food Network is my Porn! Hmmm...he may be right! LOL! I have multiple shows I record weekly from this channel and I wish we got the Cooking channel all the time on Dish Network.

6. The Pioneer Woman....I am a little obsessed with her right now!I love her blog, book, and I need to run down to the bookstore to pick up her cookbook. I visit her blog daily and today she posted about having a film crew down for her new 'cooking/life on the farm' show! Can't wait!

Sunday Bike Ride

Casey and I both bought bikes for each other's birthdays last Spring. I mainly wanted mine for tootling around town and exercise. The farthest I have gone to date is 14 miles in town. Casey is a far better rider, he has all the gear, has been on many long distance rides, and often rides on gravel.

This morning, we set out on a bike ride. I wanted to see the Dirty Kanza light, 20 mile route. Keep in mind this was my idea, Casey had rode this route many times, and I have never gone out of town on gravel or 20 miles.

Fortunately for us, the sun was out (yes, we put on sunscreen) and it was turning into a nice day. Unfortunately for us, the Kansas wind was a blowin'!! I didn't notice the wind until we got just outside of town on Hwy 99 going south, we were riding into the wind!

Casey was patient and stopped a lot for me to rest and get water. He kept telling me the ride home would be better with the wind at our backs....uh sure! It was a very pretty ride but, unfortunately, on the way out, I was too busy cursing the wind and trying to find the right gear for my bike to notice. Did I mention it was windy and we were riding into it!? My ass hurt, my hands kept going numb, my legs and knees were screaming at me! Why did I agree to this?!

My biker hubby and the long road ahead!

I looked amused, right? See the sign, it was telling me to turn around and go back home! We were only 1/4 of the way into our ride!

When we came to the turnpike, then went under the turnpike and kept going, I wondered where the hell he was taking me and how much further we were going! Maybe I could hitch a ride back into town? Granted, he said this route wasn't hilly, and it wasn't, except for toward the end of the 1/2 point. I didn't think I was going to make it and walked my bike part of the way, my legs wouldn't go anymore. Alas, I made it all but the last 1/4 mile (Casey had rode ahead and turned around to get me).

The ride home was easier, the wind at our backs, some downhill stretches, and seemed to go much faster than the first half! We didn't stop as often to conserve water but when we did stop, it became harder and harder to get back on and keep going!!

When I saw Hwy 99 again I was so happy to know we were almost home! 20 miles and 2/12 hours later, I barely made it into the driveway! It took me awhile to get off my bike and hobble into the house. I took the best cold shower ever, slathered myself with After-Sun gel (we got a little pink), and have been lounging on the couch since. Pinky fingers are still a little numb, ass still hurts and I know for sure I am going to be SORE tomorrow, BUT I DID IT!!!!

Things I learned on our Sunday ride...

1. I love my hubby and he has killer calves!

2. I can ride 20 miles!

3. I am never riding in the country, on gravel, in the wind 20 miles again!

4. Those DK 200 mile riders are CRAZY!

5. The ride was pretty and I wish I had taken more pictures. We saw NO SNAKES, bonus!!

6. I am an in town riding girl. I am putting my pink basket back on and sticking to shorter routes!

P.S. Dirty Kanza is a 200 mile gravel bike race through the Flinthills (Top 10 race in the country) that will take place in Emporia next weekend. We have many friends riding. There are plenty of festivities for the whole family starting Friday and ending with the Finish Line Party Saturday night (complete with music, food and a beer garden)! Come on down and help us celebrate (oh and it will be my birthday)!!!

Random everyday thoughts of mine...

1. Why do most bathroom stall doors open inward? It is hard to squeeze your body in and close the door without straddling the stool! I often use the handicap stall because it is bigger...and it opens out....so why can't they all be like that?

2. What's with bumper stickers, window clings, and those family stick people in car windows? I don't get it. I saw one last month that said "I like cats. Taste like chicken." Really?!

3. Why does the morning always go by so much faster than the afternoon?

4. I had to laugh at myself one morning. I got my new hairdo and found myself checking the back for "holes" just like my mom and grandmother do!! Wow! Not that I need any help turning into my mom...we sound the same, look the same, have the same mannerisms, but now I am styling my hair the same!!!

5. Why is there no music on the radio in the mornings? It's like video killed the radio star, and how there is no music on MTV anymore! I really don't like morning talk shows, I want to listen to music on the way to work. So, I have found myself turning to the 1400 am channel to listen to the weather and local news....how old am I??? Maybe I need to get satellite radio, that would require a new car??

Transformations

Here goes...the first post on my new blog!

I have been wanting to blog for over a year now. I have been needing to exercise and loose weight for over a year now(more like 2). I have been wanting to get my hair cut short for over a year now. See a pattern....well I was and it needed to stop!

The past week to 10 days I just said"Just do it" to myself. I jumped in, put that perfectionist, negative-nelly self of mine in the corner AND.....I am feeling much better due to a combination of the gym, hair, increased meds, and thankfully Spring sunshine!!! I am going to be happy with myself no matter what and start make the changes for me and no one else!

Here's the new hair...

Curly version, which I LOVE!!! It's so easy!

Straight version, fun too!

And the back...cus it is really short!!

So here are 3 things checked off the list...
1. New Hair Do
2. Joined Genesis Health Club
3. Started a personal blog

Check back regularly for random musings and daily happens from the Woods household! :)