HAPPY HALLOWEEN...

Creepy Witches' Fingers

Yield: 5 dozen

1 cup Butter, softened
1 cup Icing sugar
1 Egg
1 tsp Almond extract
1 tsp Vanilla
2 2/3 cups Flour
1 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Salt
3/4 cup Almonds, whole blanched
1 Tube red decorator gel
(optional, not pictured)

Gross everyone out with these creepy cookies.
In bowl, beat together butter, sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla. Beat in flour, baking soda, and salt. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Working with one quarter of the dough at a time and keeping remainder refrigerated, roll heaping teaspoonful of dough into finger shape for each cookie. Press almond firmly into 1 end for nail. Squeeze in centre to create knuckle shape. (Accompanying picture showed long rolled shape with bulge at centre for knuckle; you puff it out rather than squeeze it in.) Using paring knife, make slashes in several places to form knuckle.

Place on lightly greased baking sheets; bake in 325F oven for 20-25 minutes or until pale golden. Let cool for 3 minutes. Lift up almond, squeeze red decorator gel onto nail bed and press almond back in place, so gel oozes out from underneath. You can also make slashes in the finger and fill them with "blood."


Remove from baking sheets and let cool on racks. Repeat with remaining dough.

REMINISCING...

I was looking for something on the computer today and ran across this video of Baby Brother. He was so tiny back then (sometime around Easter). It's amazing how much he's changed and advanced in just a short 6 months.

PHOTO FRIDAY...

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY...

Tonight Big Brother and I went to visit Mom and take her a newly reformatted computer so she'll quit calling with computer problems. She had just gotten home from work where she's a bartender. A customer of hers that left a short while after she did, was driving down the street where the bar is. He was hit head-on by a police car that was doing 60 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone. The police car did not have his siren or lights on.

The customer, according to Mom, had been at the bar all afternoon and this is what he'd had to drink:

2 buckets (each bucket contains 5 bottles of beer), 6 shots of tequila, left for a short while and came back for 2 more bottles of beer.

This mas should NOT have been driving. We found out a while later that they did take him to the hospital but as of yet, we don't know how he is. We also don't know about the police officer that was driving the car.

We drove by on our way home and they still had the street blocked off. We were able to see Liver's truck (Liver is the customer....and yes, that's his nickname). It didn't appear to be damaged too badly.

Channel 4 News was there so I plan to watch at 9 pm to see what they say. I'd be interested to know who they blame.

JUST WEDNESDAY...

I woke up this morning feeling like someone beat me in my sleep. Big Brother was home last Friday with a fever and cold (now is down to the nasty cough) and Little Brother went to the doctor for his 9 mth checkup and ended up with the same virus, only it manifested itself as a rash. I'm wondering if now it's my turn.

I'd never heard of a rash being viral before. The doctor wasn't concerned with it at all. Evidently, it happens all the time.

Little Brother weighed in at 20 lbs 8 oz and 30 inches long. He's in the 75th percentile for weight and the 95th percentile for height. He's my big boy.

He learned to patty-cake a few days ago. He gets so excited, though, that he ends up intertwining his fingers and can't clap. And the smile he gets on his face is absolutely priceless! I need to try to capture it "on film".

We have a busy end of the week scheduled. Today, Little Bro and I are heading over to Mom's house to fix her computer. I think it's time for a complete reformat. Hopefully that will fix all her problems.

Tomorrow and Friday are half days for the kids in school. After school tomorrow, we're going to the health center for shots. Big Brother is getting the chicken pox vaccine and Little Brother is getting another hep B. Normally we would have these done at the Ped's office, but insurance has decided that they won't pay for vaccines anymore since they're free at the clinic. Yet another of their money-saving ideas that makes my life more difficult.

Saturday is a surprise birthday party for my sister's fella. It's a last minute thing that completely has thrown off my weekend plans. So now I have to find a sitter, figure out what dish I will be taking (probably deviled eggs) and come up with the money to pay for the night out. Thanks, sis.

So now I'm off to go nurse my aching body and get a little more rest before Little Bro makes his appearance for breakfast this morning.

NOTE: Yes, I know I missed Recipe Tuesday. I will post it later today or maybe tomorrow.

MCDONALDS SUCKS...

I got suckered into running the kids to and from school today (the twins spent the weekend). So after I dropped the twins off at school, Big Brother and I stopped at McDonalds before he had to be at school. I was feeling so lucky since today is Free Coffee Monday. I've never liked McDonald's coffee in the past but since they've changed their "formula" I was excited to try it.

Well I ordered an egg mcmuffin for me and a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit for my boy. I also ordered 2 coffees (yes, he likes coffee and since the kids probably stayed up half the night, I figured he'd need it).

I'm watching the screen to make sure my order is correct. They charge me $1.50 for the coffees...WTF?!?! Evidently, you have to specifically order "FREE COFFEE" otherwise they charge you for it!

So we pay and move on to the next window. We get our food and coffees and head on to the school. I'm eating my sandwich and reach down for a drink of my "free" coffee that I had to beg for. I take a drink...and it's the nastiest coffee I've EVER tasted! They switched their formula...but made it worse.

Now, the car in front of us ordered "free" coffees too. She asked for 11 sugars and 7 creamers in each. Now I know why. You have to have something to mask the nasty flavor!

GETTING READY FOR HALLOWEEN...

We're coming upon the halloween season. The trees are changing and the temperatures are falling. It's time for me to get out my creative brain and come up with costumes for the boys. Big Brother won't decide on what he wants to be. Little Brother will be a caveman. I have everything for his costume, I just need to get my act together and make it.

So to start of Halloween Week, I'm sharing this with you:

PHOTO FRIDAY....

Little Brother has begun pulling himself up on the furniture. It won't be long and he'll be walking.


Commando Crawler!


I so adore my blue-eyed little boy!

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY...

When I was growing up, no one would have thought anything if a parent swatted their child on the behind for doing something wrong in public. These days, if you swat your child in public, someone will call child services because you've abused your child.

About the same time that all that changed, children began taking guns, knives, etc to school. Did you ever wonder if there is a connection?

Growing up, I feared my parents but not in a bad way. I knew that if I did wrong, I would probably get a spanking. Kids today don't know what that was like. They no longer have that fear of their parents. It's that fear (for lack of a better word) that keeps kids in check on their behavior.

Maybe if parents went back to spanking their children instead of using psychology then children would have that fear that is needed to keep themselves out of trouble.

RECIPE TUESDAY...

Since it's cold and rainy out today (and has been for the past 2 days) I thought I'd post my favorite soup recipe.

VEGGIE SOUP

1 LB hamburger or ground turkey (cooked and seasoned to taste)

Add any of the following: corn, green beans, carrots, potatoes, or any veggies that you like. I have kids so some veggies they won't eat. Add a can of diced tomatoes. I also add a beef bouillion cube for extra flavor. Cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until all the veggies are cooked. I add cabbage at the end in big chunks because that's how I like it.

I prefer to serve mine with corn bread or sometimes just bread and butter. It's a yummy meal on a cold, wet day!

SANCTUARY SUNDAY...

"The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray." (Proverbs 12:26)

I choose this verse today because I've come to realize that some people I thought were good, are not. It hurts when you admire someone and that person ends up being not the person you thought they were. It's a hard lesson.

INSANE SATURDAY...

I labeled todays post as Insane Saturday because a friend hooked me up with a new website. It's a puzzle of sorts and I started it yesterday. I am now going insane because I've reached a puzzle I can't figure out. I've pounded on the desk, banged my head against the wall, read through all the hints, and STILL can't figure it out. Just as I have with the other levels that have stumped me, I'm going to slap my forehead because the answer was right in front of me the whole time.

If you'd like to challenge and annoy yourself, visit
WEFFRIDDLES

Beware, it's addicting and it'll drive you nuts!

PHOTO FRIDAY...

(Yes I know I missed last week, call it a brain fart)

So for Photo Friday this week, I pulled photos from the old days. Here are a few photos from my wedding, December 20, 1993.

We got married in the living room of the justice of the peace. It was a beautiful room, decorated for Christmas. His wife was baking gingerbread cookies in the kitchen so the smell was magnificent.



The big kiss! My sister was my matron of honor and her (now ex) husband was Hubster's best man. We made the flowers ourselves, not bad I must say.



Back before Hubster turned grey-headed.



The rings. We had put Hubster's ring on layaway and hadn't paid it off yet. That morning I went to where we bought it and asked if they'd let me give them the diamond ring that Dad gave me in place of it just so I could put that ring on his finger that day. He was shocked! I wish I had that photo to share but it's only in my head (and always will be). It made my sister cry.

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY...

Missouri voters will be voting on a new amendment to the Missouri constitution on November 7. This amendment is as follows:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to allow and set limitations on stem cell research, therapies, and cures which will:

ensure Missouri patients have access to any therapies and cures, and allow Missouri researchers to conduct any research, permitted under federal law;

ban human cloning or attempted cloning;

require expert medical and public oversight and annual reports on the nature and purpose of stem cell research;

impose criminal and civil penalties for any violations; and

prohibit state or local governments from preventing or discouraging lawful stem cell research, therapies and cures?

I've done some research on this because the commercials, of course, offer no clear explaination.

Here is what I've learned from researching stem cells (Sorry this will be long but I'll try to shorten it as much as possible.

There are 2 types of stem cells.

Adult type stem cells are found in body tissues, including tissues in the bodies of adults and in discarded umbilical cords and placentas. Scientists have been conducting research with adult stem cells for over 50 years and have developed a number of medical therapies that use adult stem cells, such as bone marrow transplants to treat leukemia.

Adult stem cell research which includes stem cells from umbilical cord blood, placenta, bone marrow and a host of other cells has proven to be extremely successful in treating over 65 illnesses. New medical advances using adult stem cells occur constantly. This is a source of true hope for those suffering from currently incurable diseases.

Early, or embryonic, stem cells (ES cells) are the new frontier in stem cell research. There are two basic sources of ES cells: leftover fertility clinic embryos that would otherwise be discarded and a process called Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT).

Embryonic stem cell research involves the cloning of a human embryo, then destroying that embryo by extracting the stem cells. Medical science clearly states embryos created by somatic cell nuclear transfer are human clones. Ironically, given all the hype, embryonic stem cell research offers NO treatments or cures and in fact has proven to produce defects such as tumors.

Now off of facts and onto personal beliefs. Now, I don't have a problem with the Adult type stem cells usage but I do have an issue with the embryonic usage. But, the amendment is not as to whether either will be allowed, it is so that Missouri can be involved in whatever FEDERAL LAW allows.

I believe that as soon as the egg and sperm meet, that is the beginning of life. Whether or not it becomes viable is not up to us. I get that at that point there is no heartbeat, that it cannot survive on it's own, but I still believe the way I do.

I plan to vote YES on this amendment simply because I don't see why Missourians should be excluded from any cures that are found.

What do you think?

RECIPE TUESDAY...

Big Brother's favorite:

Miniature Pumpkin Pies

1 pkg premade pie crust (or make your own if you're feeling froggy)
1 can pumpkin
1 box cheesecake flavored pudding mix
1 bowl whipped topping (reg flavor)
1/2 T. all spice
miniature muffin tins
powdered sugar (optional)

Using a glass or something round, cut out circles from the pie crust large enough to make small pie crusts in the muffin tin. Bake according to pie crust directions.

In a bowl, mix together pumpkin, pudding mix, and all spice. Fold in whipped topping. Pipe into already cooked pie crusts. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve!

TIRED AND GLAD TO BE HOME...

We got up bright and early this morning, packed the minivan, and took off for Warsaw. We arrived exactly at 11 for the reunion. All in all, it was a nice day. The same people won the door prizes that win every year. The food was the same as always. Stick to eating what Mom and I brought.

I learned a bit about family history today, too. My great-great-great-grandfather spend 1 year and 1 day in prison for stabbing a man to death. He was actually protecting a brother that was being beat by the group of men. I also learned that there used to be money in the family. I wonder what ever happened to it.

So here are the pictures I promised.

Uncle Steve, Mom, and Uncle Sonny


Mom with Uncle Steve's girlfriend, Beverly


Uncle Sonny couldn't get over how much Little Brother looks like my dad. He just had to have his picture taken with him.


We took a drive down to where our old house was before it burned down. All that remains is the patio and the fireplace (at least what's left of it). I brought back some pieces of the brick because it reminds me that my dad built that house. I don't know what I'm going to do with the bricks yet but I'll figure out something.


Me and Big Brother checking out the fireplace.



The old "Swinging Bridge" that we actually used to drive over to get into Warsaw. This is probably the reason I have a fear of bridges.

FAMILY REUNION...

And no, I'm not looking for a date either :)

We're leaving for Warsaw tomorrow for a family reunion. I haven't seen most of these people in more than 10 years so I'm really looking forward to it. They've never met my sons so I'm really excited to show them off.

I spent the better part of the afternoon snapping green bean for my dish to contribute. I made green beans with new potatoes and ham hocks ala Paula Dean. I hope it warms up ok for tomorrow. Plus, it has to survive a 2 hour drive to get there.

Big Brother is griping about having to go. He says he'll be so bored and he won't know anyone. I know from when I was a kid that you always think that but then end up having a great time. When it comes time to leave for home, I'm sure we'll hear a gripe about that too.

We'll be back tomorrow night with lots of pictures to share.

I'm hoping it has an open bar.

SCARIEST MOMENTS...

I got this idea from another blog but thought it was a good one to share. What's the scariest thing that's ever happened to you in your life?

I've had three so far in my life. Here they are in chronological order, not so much in scariest order.

When I was in my teens, I used to babysit for my sisters a lot (and for free, too! Dummy me). When I was about 16 or 17, I was sitting for my oldest sister while they went to the bar that Mom worked at with my other sister and her husband. The kids were up playing. I think they were 4 and 5 at the time, with the youngest still a baby. I was sitting in the rocking chair in front of the living room window holding the baby. The windows were open since it was a nice, cool evening. I heard a noise on the front porch and when I turned around in the chair, there was a man staring back at me. I screamed and the boys came running. I knew the doors were locked but the window was open with only a screen between us. I grabbed all three kids and headed into the bedroom and locked the door. I called the bar and everyone came rushing home. By the time they arrived, there was no one else around. Evidently, my scream scared him off. To make the night even worse, when I got in the car for my brother-in-law to take me home, the knife that his brother had left on the floor board went into my ankle. It was that cold steel feeling that I will never forget. I ended up with 5 stitches that night.

Another scary moment for me was the night my dad died. We had just had a wonderful dinner with the entire family. We cooked out in the backyard and spent the early evening sitting on the patio swinging on the glider and chatting. Everyone went home (I still lived at home at the time) and I went up the street to my sister's house. When I got home, I walked in to hear Mom screaming. Dad was having a heart attack. I called 911. The rest I don't want to go into detail about because it hurts too bad. You can get the picture.

The last, most recent, scariest moment was the day Little Brother was born. When the doctor put him on my stomach and I saw how grey he was, I knew something wasn't right. We spent the next hours, and days, wondering if our little boy would make it.

I hope those are the only ones I'll ever have but I know once the boys become teenagers, I'll have many more.

RECIPE TUESDAY...

MEXICAN CHICKEN LASAGNE

3 chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can rotel (mild or hot, depending on taste)
12 8 in flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, mix the 3 cans of soup and the rotel. Spray a 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Put down 3 tortillas, covering as much of the bottom as possible. Add 1/4 of the chicken and pour 1/4 of the soup mixture over it. Repeat layers ending with flour tortillas. Cover with foil or lid and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and place shredded cheese over top of casserole. Continue to bake, uncovered, until cheese begins to brown. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes (to set). Serve with any of your favorite toppings such as sour cream or guacamole.

SANCTUARY SUNDAY...

Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalms 117

Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalms 119

Q: Which chapter is in the center of the Bible?
A: Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118
Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118
Add these numbers up and you get 1188

Q: What is the center verse in the Bible?
A: Psalms 118:8

Q: Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?

The next time someone says they would like to find
God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to
be in the center of His will, just send them to the
center of His Word!

Psalms 118:8
"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Prayer for the week:
"Father God bless my friend in whatever it is that you know
he/she may be needing this day!
And may his/her life be full of your peace,
prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a
closer relationship with You.
Amen"

When things get tough, always remember...

Faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it.

SANCTUARY SUNDAY...

Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalms 117

Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalms 119

Q: Which chapter is in the center of the Bible?
A: Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118
Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118
Add these numbers up and you get 1188

Q: What is the center verse in the Bible?
A: Psalms 118:8

Q: Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?

The next time someone says they would like to find
God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to
be in the center of His will, just send them to the
center of His Word!

Psalms 118:8
"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Prayer for the week:
"Father God bless my friend in whatever it is that you know
he/she may be needing this day!
And may his/her life be full of your peace,
prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a
closer relationship with You.
Amen"

When things get tough, always remember...

Faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it.