THE cookie

Yes my friends, hands down the BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE I've ever had the opportunity to meet. It's OMG delicious...just the sugar syrup that is made to add to flour for the dough is yummy enough to pour over some icecream...it's that good.

I will share with you the first recipe of it that I tried and then in RED note the adjustments made to make it even better...I found this on a fun little blog called Thrifty Mommy...she had listed the top 100 recipes of 2007 from the Food Network. They are yummy--crunchy on the outside...chewy on the inside...PERFECTION.

Here you go.

This is such an easy chocolate chip cookie. No special equipment, no creaming--a perfect cookie to do with kids.

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract used the CENTRAL MARKET VANILLA--YUMMO
1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips, or chunks changed this to MINI Semisweet chips
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon fine salt

Evenly position 2 racks in the middle of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. (on convection setting if you have it.) Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone sheets. (If you only have 1 baking sheet, let it cool completely between batches.) I used my 1TBSP scoop and HEB parchment paper.
Put the butter in a microwave safe bowl, cover and microwave on medium power until melted. (Alternatively melt in a small saucepan.) Cool slightly. Whisk the sugars, eggs, butter and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth.

Whisk the flour, baking soda and salt in another bowl. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a wooden spoon; take care not to over mix. Stir in the chocolate chips or chunks.
Scoop heaping tablespoons (used 1 TBSP cookie scoop--not heaping) of the dough onto the prepared pans. Wet hands slightly and roll the dough into balls. Space the cookies about 2-inches apart on the pans. Bake, until golden, but still soft in the center, 12 to 16 minutes, depending on how chewy or crunchy you like your cookies. Transfer hot cookies with a spatula to a rack to cool. Serve.

Store cookies in a tightly sealed container for up to 5 days. The reality is these don't last that long.

Thyroid...

Welp...It's officially been 11 weeks since I started Thyroid medication. And here's the facts:
1. lost 10 pounds essentially doing NOTHING--lots of cake, cookies, starchy potatoes have passed over my lips. I think I might actually watch that more closely and see what happens.
2. Despite the subtle changes I've noticed, the bloodwork indicates that perhaps my levels need to be altered some more and when the doctor and the pharmacy get their crap together I'll be taking a higher dose...this might improve the #1 spot?!?
3. Hair doesn't seem to be leaving my head as fast as it was--texture has changed again too. Complexion has been lovely. Stamina is better--not as tired ALL the time--just some of the time and usually Samantha induced! Sleep patterns are better but not optimum. Over heating not as bad.
4. BP has been ok considering the stress I've been under...we will keep monitoring as usual.
5. Back in 3 months for the WHOLE workup--thyroid, bp, pre-metabolic stuff...wowee...what fun.

iGoogle

Garfield I can relate! :)

Onion Potato Gratin

1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
3/4 pound onions, thinly sliced
1 cup (packed) grated Gruyere cheese (about 4 oz)
8 Tbsp (packed) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 oz)
2/3 cup whipping cream

Preheat oven to 400°F (unless preparing in advance).

1 Combine Yukon Gold potatoes and sliced onions in heavy large saucepan. Add enough water to cover. Bring water to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are almost tender, about 3 minutes. Drain potato onion mixture well.

2 Arrange half of potato-onion mixture in 11x7 inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle mixture with 1/3 cup Gruyere cheese and then 2 Tbsp of Parmesan cheese.

3 Arrange remaining potato-onion mixture atop cheeses. Pour cream over. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of Gruyere and 6 Tbsp of Parmesan cheese. (Can be prepared 8 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate.)

4 Bake gratin uncovered in 400°F oven until cream thickens, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Preheat broiler. Broil gratin until top is golden, about 2 minutes.

Serves 4.

note: probably will add some garlic next time. all family members enjoyed this. yummy yummy

from Simply Recipes http://www.simplyrecipes.com

R.I.P.

Charli Dog. born 17 March 1991. died 11 November 2007.
Protector, Companion, Caregiver, 1st child, Granddog, Friend.
Good bye sweet girl. We all loved you so much and you will be missed. We hope you enjoy your resting spot under the crepe myrtles...you spent many a day there basking in the sun and enjoying their shade. Love to you always!

Flicker Speller is fun!

Halloween!

Halloween ROCKS! We had such a great time with the kids! Fun costumes and good times!

wowee what a week...

Last week I learned that due to a mass in my thyroid I would be undergoing a battery of tests one including a radioactive iodine test that would measure how effective my thyroid is and get a better picture of the mass. At the same time i learned that I would be needing to abruptly wean my little girl, pay about 875 for my van's repairs, and somehow manage to get all the bills paid this month. Furthermore my old girl dog was having some problems and it became clear that our time with her will be more than limited. I was so ready for a big deep hole.
So I managed through the weekend. I let my mom and my husband see the real emotions--fear, sadness, disappointment--and dealt with the rest of the world by "not talking about it." I had a huge job ahead of me.
So how did it fair you ask?
Well...
Monday, Darling Daughter was weaned. My LLL coach recommended that I just spend the weekend nursing/pumping and loving her up and then just stop when I could not do it anymore. We've had moments...Monday night she decided rather than being snuggled she would just roll over and cry. I cried too. But for all practical purposes...she is weaned. No more nursing.
Tuesday, I had my dose of the isotope and went away. I returned to be scanned. My son and I finished his costume parts...Darling Husband had some finishing touches to go but it was looking GREAT.
Wednesday. I got my final scan. I went to my son's Halloween Treat Day--great fun--20 little 2nd graders told me they loved me and that I was beautiful. I love them all. I joined my family and friends on the square after work to hear that my son had won funniest costume in his group--4-7 year olds. He was a hotrod tractor! We had a blast going to houses of friends and trick-or-treating. We returned home and I convinced Fancy to try going to potty on the potty [her little trainer potty]--she did successfully and was amply impressed with herself! She's 19months! YEE HA! We'll be pleased to work on this more!
Thursday. We got Doodlebug to school, slept in with Fancy, ran a bunch of errands and I ended up at work. I got a heads up from Doodlebug's teacher that he was not feeling real well...when he got to me I looked at his throat [the complaint] and he looked lumpy. He went to the pediatrician that minute to be diagnosed with STREP. joy.
Friday. Doodlebug said he was better but not 100%. I stayed home with him until about 3...I then turned in his popcorn order of 1018! I found myself at work where they still haven't fixed my machine--We're getting close to a year now!
I look forward to this weekend...I'm hoping for peace and quiet...health and sleep...perhaps a little yardwork and a little housework.
Next week...I find out my diagnosis on Thursday.

For All Mom's Everywhere!

...and especially for Mommie! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!

Finished at last--the Tricky Trio

Finished the final touches on the sucker covers for my son's 2nd grade class!

I like how they turned out!

Treat day will have a bonus this year.

Mmm. Pumpkin Cream Frappuccino

Yesterday in an effort to lift Mommy's spirits, the gang headed to Starbucks to get Pumpkin Cream Frappuccinos. Husband and I each got a Venti, we got a Grande for my son [aka Doodlebug] and for my daughter [aka Miss Fancy] to share—it seems Starbucks doesn't make a "kiddy" size—imagine that, folks think it's bad to give coffee to kids? The very idea.

So, we get our magnificent coffee concoctions and take off down the road. Doodlebug offers his sister a sip of the drink that they are sharing. She takes the cup…takes a pondered sip. Hesitates. And decides, "this stuff is GOOD!" She then places the cup in the position indicating it's hers, in her lap.
Doodlebug decides he would like another sip. He inquires to his sister if she is going to share. She says...you want what??He asks again...she says "back off dude."

He inquires again. She replies with a hand in the face…"I said no!" [translation]
A final attempt results in the feet getting into the action of telling brother NO.

Mommy intervenes [between giggles] and says that Doodlebug has permission to take the drink that his sister will not let go of. He does.

When brother returns the drink to his sister, she takes a quick sip to make sure he didn't drink it all. Glares at the remaining laughing companions in the van.

She then proceeds to continue drinking the frappuccino with much joy.
Eventually she decides that it's okay to share with brother… as long as she gets to hold the cup… …and he agrees not to drink it all by himself… (she's checking the level in the cup!)
…and she gets to watch closely.
After this Mommy's spirits were much better! :D

Franky and Mummy

Sucker Covers for Will's class...making 7 of each...Pumpkin will be here tomorrow! :D

Halloween Projects for Will's Class

Will wanted sucker covers for his class...so this is model #1 of the covers we're making.

MUMMY

Layouts from Wild Wild West CS Kit

Just noticed when I took the picture that my "y" was missing! UGH--will have to diecut another. This is a pocket page. Inside is the "WANTED" poster that was hanging in the hall for Will for the event. Also some miscellaneous handouts that were sent home for the event.

Papersack has Texas song inside.

Fun Day! I used distressed inks on the stamping/distressing and the rest was all Club Scrap cardstock and images!

Pictures of layouts are kinda crappy as I didn't take the pages out of the protectors...

I'll retake soon and find my "y" for DAY!

10-4 good buddy!

It's October 4th...AKA 10-4.

This makes me smile today as I can remember riding in the jeep with my Dad on the way home from after school Day Care. He would be talking to people from all over the world on his side-band radio--fancy CB--and he'd answer "10-4 good buddy" when talking to his co-radioers.

So today is 10-4 good buddy day for me. :D

Love you Daddy!

40 things you’d like to say out loud at work

1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of shit.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learned to see it my way.
6. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter
7. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here, I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I can't understand a word you're saying.
10. Ahhh... I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again...
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't give a damn.
14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks!?
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
22. Yes, I am an agent of Eternal Punishment, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your crybaby whiny-assed opinion would be...?
24. Do I look like a people person?
25. This isn't an office, it's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing and still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.
33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic, and disorder --- my work here is done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.
39. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
40. Oh I get it... like humor... but different.

Where have you been??

That is definitely the question. My this summer has gotten crazy!
I've been being very busy keeping up with the kids and the husband and the house!
Life is tolerable and much better than earlier.
I have window airconditioners! That makes it very nice in the house.
I have great friends who are looking out for me--finding opportunities for us to earn a few extra dollars, providing us with yummy tomatoes, finding appliances to make up for the missing the ones that are dying/dead.
Getting ready for the last month of summer vacation for my soon-to-be 2nd grader. Creating some fun paper crafty things--will take some pictures this weekend and post tuesday. Sorting and cleaning and moving things around in the house and outside. Enjoying my silly kids and my hard-working husband. Reading the new Harry Potter. Enjoying the unusually cool weather and thanking the goddess that it has been pleasant for us.
Hope all is well with all of you.

Lammas

Happy Harvest!

Some fun things to read on Lammas:
Two Witches Blog
School of the Seasons
The Magical Cat
The Cyber Witch
Mything Links
Web Holidays

It’s COMING!!

It's Wednesday. Three more days and it'll be in my hands!!

The NEW HARRY POTTER BOOK! The LAST Harry Potter book. I'm conflicted.

I just saw the movie this past weekend for Order of the Phoenix and there were details that I thought were important and apparently I'm the only one that did! They were not there! The movie in and of itself was great…if you had never read the book. The characters were dead on. The basics of the plot were there. I know…it's hard to put that many pages on the screen in under 3 hours. Still loved it…just wished there was more.

Now…the new book…I might take my husband to work on Friday night so that I can make it to the midnight unveiling!! Wouldn't that be fun?? My son would probably think I'm crazy! He already does! J Then I could stay up and read while my husband works and then take my copy to work and read some more! I know patrons will be storming the doors in the morning to get the book!

Here's a fun link to things Harry: KidsReads

 

"I'm an aerodynamenator swiming machine!"

After a fun afternoon of swimming at the university swimming pool--my son, so proud that he had jumped off the diving board and into the 12 foot diving pool--announced from the back seat :

I'm an aerodynamenator swimming machine!