Monday, Monday and Pumpkin Pie Bread

So, here we are again at Monday.  I kinda wish Mondays started later in the morning.  6:00 am came way too soon.  But it was a rather full weekend around these parts.
Saturday Nick and Turbo went hunting.  It was more a four wheeling, hiking, scouting kind of day, but they got out of town and had fun. I stayed home with Bruiser, but there was a Homecoming parade going on so we went and watched that.  Bruiser got some candy and I got to see lots of marching bands.  Seriously, the parade had like 7-8 bands in it, at least. I got some pictures of the baritone players for Turbo as well as the tuba players.

It was a fun parade to watch.  After it was over we hit the grocery store and then home for my hot date with the laundry. I also straightened up Bruiser's room, went through some clothes in his room and we vacuumed and remade the bed.  Really makes his room seem much nicer.
Sunday, Nick went hunting again with a friend.  I was home with the boys.  Turbo played video games, Bruiser made a fort/train play area and I conquered the laundry.  When Nick got home, he made beer.  I had gotten him some brewing supplies--a larger boil pot and cooler to mash in--and he had to try them out. The brew went smoothly.  Nick was pretty excited about it all.

Kids are growing and so is the puppy.

I also made Pumpkin Spice Bread, or as it's called at our house Pumpkin Pie Bread.
Recipe is:
Pumpkin Pie Bread
3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 cup water

1. In a large bowl, combine sugar, oil and eggs. Add pumpkin and mix well. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, cloves and allspice; add to the pumpkin mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition.
2. Pour into two greased 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Yield: 2 loaves. 

And that is the best pumpkin bread I've ever had.  I love that it uses up the whole can of pumpkin and I don't have to find another  thing to use the pumpkin in.  I have yet to try it with fresh pumpkin.  But I got some from my aunt and am looking forward to trying it that way. Enjoy!

Friday, Finally

This has been a long week.  But ow it's Friday and going home time keeps getting closer and closer. So let's do some confessing and see if we can't get this weekend off to a good start.

• We had a parent teacher conference for Turbo last night.
• I still get as nervous as I used to when I was a kid about those things.
• Something about it makes me feel 12 again.
• Turbo is doing great.
• Needs to work on the organization thing, but otherwise just great.
• So nice when the teacher is actually an advocate for your kid.
• I did forget to go pick him up yesterday.
• He is playing the baritone and has band on Tuesday adn Thursday, so his horn stays at school Tuesday through Thursday. 

For some idea of the size of this thing.

• We take him to school Tuesday morning and pick him up Thursday afternoon.
• We have to that baritone is huge and he can barely carry the thing in it's case.
• Only yesterday I totally forgot.
• He handled it like a champ.
• I felt like a idiot.
• Mom of the year here.

So what do you have to confess?
Link them up with Aubrey.

Spin cycle--Color of Love

So what do you think is the color of Love?   According to Sheldon, Red is angry, yellow is frightened, green is jealous and blue is depressed.  Love wasn't mentioned.

I think love is lots of colors--purple for passion, red for strong feelings love provokes, yellow for how scary loving anyone can be, blue for the sadness that can come with love lost, green for the jealousy and envy love can invoke, Really the only color that doesn't really say love to me is orange.  Maybe Sheldon's right and orange is for lonely.
Love is colorful and necessary.  Without love life can be flat and dull. and the colors shift with the type of love.  The love I have for Nick is more purple, red and sometimes yellow.  The love for my boys is red and yellow and sometimes a bit blue.  I love my boys but they are continually growing away from me.  As they should.  It's still sad.
What color is enduring?  That would be the color of my love for Nick and Turbo and Bruiser.  Because no matter what short term feelings I have--frustration, anger, exasperation, elation, joy, the love endures. Maybe a nice strong maroon.  Not too bright but very lasting.  Kind of like brick or redwood. It just lasts.
Do you have an idea on the color of Love?  Spin it up and link up with the Spin Cycle. Gretchen and Ginny Marie would love to have you!

WWTK-Bloggity Blog Blog

So this week We Want To Know blogging. And here we go with the questions:

1. What is your favorite thing about blogging? Meeting and making friends.  I have difficulties with in person meeting of new people.  Blogging has given me a way to meet people that sort of steps over all that uncomfortable first time stuff.  I don't have to feel shy and awkward.  I had one meet up in person (so far, Hi Gretchen) and since I had already met her through blogging, things flowed like we had known each other for years.  I guess in a way, we have.

2. Where do you find your inspiration for posts? Daily life for some, memes for others.  I have several link ups I like to participate in but most are fairly open ended and let me be creative, but give me a starting place. For the real life ones, well I live with three people of the male persuasion.  Stories have a way of happening.
3. Are there any blogger trends you follow? I don't think so.  I have met several different groups in the last four years and the group of bloggers has shifted as lives have changed. Blogging takes a commitment and sometimes things change and it's not fun any more. I get that.  But for me this is my outlet.  My link to other people who might understand and commiserate about the crazy, sad and triumphant things that happen to me.
4. Any trends you don’t like? I can't think  of any.  If I don't like a blog I won't follow it.  There are blogs for all kinds of things out there.  I stick to my corner and enjoy the blogs I do follow.
5. What advice would you give to a new blogger? Comment and join link parties and then comment some more.  It helps if you have something interesting to say.  Oh, and proof read for heavens sake.  Nothing stops me shorter than a very poorly written post.

Grab the questions and play along!

Link up with Kensie and Scriptor.  They would love to have you join in.

Random Up the Place

Tuesday.  The most blah day of the week.  Unless you random...

• We had a fabulous sunrise this morning.  All red and purple and then orange. I didn't get a picture.  It was cold out there.
• Halloween plans are tricking along fine.  A request was made by Turbo for me to dress as a witch.  I need a hat, but otherwise can just about pull it off with pieces I already have.  I might need striped stockings too. Bruiser will be Batman.  Turbo wants to be a Mummy and we will be assembling his costume from long johns and creepy fabric.  He will look great I think.( I hope)
• I have been far more motivated to cook recently.  Cold weather certainly helps in the wanting to be in a warm kitchen. I think tonight will be chicken cordon bleu.  Sounds fancy, is pretty easy and very very tasty.  I get very few complaints when I make this one.  And not having complaints is a major score with Bruiser the Picky in the house.
• We watched Oz the Great and Powerful last night.  Such a fun movie.  Maybe not great, but very very fun.  The Wizard of Oz is up tonight. I'm not sure if Bruiser has seen it before. I don't think so.  So, fun time!
• We are thinking about remodeling a bit for Bruiser's room.  See when we redid the basement eleven years ago, we made that room with the intention of adding a window.  But it's a basement room.  Adding a window means knocking a hole in the foundation and tons of other work.  So instead we are going to modify the basement hallway (which has a window) so it's part of his room. this just entails some lumber and drywall and paint and such. Much easier than knocking a hole in the foundation.
• In other bruiser news, I get to go through all the hand me downs from Turbo and organize them so I know what we have.  Bruiser is almost out of the T sizes and that makes saving clothes a bit easier.  Sort them by size and go from there. I need to go through adn see what I think he will wear and what he won't.  Sounds fun no?  Some one wanna come help?  No takers?  Darn.
• Well instead how about you go check out Des Hommes et des Chatons. Sexy guys in similar poses to cats.  Very nice eye candy.

Well that's my random.  Boring this week.  But then things have been kind of boring around here anyway.  Boring isn't so bad.  Exciting can be very bad, so for now I'll take boring.
Stacy is back with the Random Rebel, so link up your random!

Where did that Weekend go?

So here we are at Monday again.  Can't say I thrilled to see another Monday.  Weekends are just too short. This weekend was all about indoor stuff as the snow we got Friday turned into an icy, slushy mess and made going outside unpleasant to say the least.
Friday evening we started a fire in the wood stove and hung out.  Turbo played some video games and movies were watched. We had BBQ beef short ribs from the crock pot--so good!
Saturday we did the normal errands and then Nick attacked the basement.  He rearranged and cleaned (some) and made it more comfortable for us all to hang out and do our movie marathons this winter.
I got a raging headache but Aleve knocked it down. I also made salsa--using some of the tomatoes from our tomato plants.  We have enough left to make another batch--when they all turn red.
We did get some hang out time with our cousins.  Green chili and good beer, what more could you ask for?
Sunday was pretty low key.  Nick sorted stuff in the garage.  He found lots of get rid of stuff, reorganized and put away other stuff.  It looks pretty great out there.
Turbo had spent the night with his cousins and after I picked him up, we hit the store for the things we forgot the day before and then headed home for a very lazy day.  I did make a pot of clam chowder.  It was marvelous!
Things were boring enough at our house that no pictures were taken. But here are some from our trip to see the fall color last weekend:

We had a wonderful trip.  Glad we went when we did--the colors are all done now since the snow froze everything Friday.
How was your weekend?  Do tell!

Snowy Confessions

Today is Friday!  Quite possibly the best day of the week--at least by going home time.  So to pass the time until going home time, let's confess:

• We woke up to 6-7 inches of snow this morning.  
• Yes the white stuff:

• And it's still snowing.
• Turbo was disappointed.
• School was still in session.
• Both boys enjoyed playing in the snow this morning though.
• This puppy right here:

• was very careful in the snow, but seems to like it.
• He's growing big already too.
• Almost too big to carry at three and half months.
• The size of his paws scares me a bit.
• I have to give the cat a bath this weekend.
• No exactly my most looked forward toward moment.
• These boys right here:

•  Are growing way too fast.  
• I love them dearly, but wish they would slow down a bit in the growing up department.
• I'm thinking clam chowder sounds fabulous for this weekend.
• Snow always says comfort foods.
• I also joined Twitter.
• I have no idea what I'm doing there, but I joined.

So do you have anything to confess?
Link them up with Aubrey.

Spin Cycle--Things Keep Coming Back Around

This week the Spin Cycle is Everything Old Is New Again.  As I look at fashion this certainly holds true.  Any girl walking across the campus I work at could have just as easily walked down the hallways of my high school and not looked weird.  80s fashions are everywhere.  Some should have stayed dead, but most have a nice modern twist and look comfortingly familiar.
It's really odd to look at the movies, books and music I grew up with.  We have been introducing Turbo to the movies and seeing them with him makes them new again.  The Back to the Future trilogy has been playing frequently of late.

Picture credit

I've also been reading David Eddings first fantasy series to the guys when we go on road trips. It starts with Pawn of Prophecy and then there are four other books.  We are about half way through book four.  Turbo is totally captivated.  He puts away the electronic devices and listens.  Score one for Mom.  Because he's never heard or read it before, it's brand new to him.  I love that he's so very entertained and begs me to read when we go for a drive.

Picture credit

There are more books in the series and I know Turbo will enjoy hearing all of them.  And maybe one day he will try reading them for himself.  A bibliophile mom can only hope.
As for Bruiser, well he's been wildly excited to be going to school and very excitedly shows us the papers he gets to bring home.  He has such enthusiasm.  Reminds me that school is fun when you're little.  School is still fun when you're older, but it's lots more work.
Kids make you look at the stuff you find routine with new eyes.  Every thing is fascinating when you've never done it before.  Even our Puppy is teaching us that.  We are predicted to get snow (like 6-12 inches) tonight and tomorrow. We are kind of excited to introduce the puppy to the white stuff. It could be very entertaining.
So what are you looking at the was routine, but now looks new and exciting--do you have kids who help with this process?
Spin it up and link up with the Spin Cycle. Gretchen and Ginny Marie would love to have you!

WWTK--Shaking in My Shoes

We Want To Know is all about scary stuff this week.  Let's see what gets me:

 

1.) What is one legit fear you have? Spiders and stinging insects.  Hate, hate, hate them and they cause me to scream and make dodging moves when the come toward me. I don't think this is a bad fear--those things can hurt you.

2.) What is one irrational fear you have? Public Speaking.  It shouldn't be that bad, but it gets me every time.

3.) Do you like to watch scary movies? Not at all.  Funny scary like Young Frankenstein or Disney's Haunted House I can do, but the truly scary movies, can't do it at all.

4.) Do you do haunted houses? I did some of the cheesy ones put on when I was growing up--high school produced and such, but we don't really have access to haunted houses here.  There is a ghost tour that the city puts on in October that I'd like to do sometime, but with little kids our time has been a bit occupied.

5.) Tell us about a time you were irrationally afraid. I try to avoid the being scared feeling, but when I was about 5, I watched Dracula--the old black and white version with Bela Lugosi--and spent the rest of the summer petrified that Dracula was going to come in my open windows in my bedroom and get me.


So what scares you?  Do you like all the creepy movies?  Grab the questions and play along!

Link up with Kensie and Scriptor.  They would love to have you join in.

Randomness and Awards: Sunshine Award

OK so rAndom Time.  Both boys were off school for staff development yesterday, so I stayed home with them and we ran away to Cheyenne.  A bit of shopping, some fun with Grandma and it was a pretty good day.
In random news:

• I got laundry done. There wasn't too much this round.  I did procrastinate the folding until last night though.  Folding is boring.
• The puppy has almost reached too big to pick up size.  He is growing very fast.  But learning pretty quick too.  He still needs to get a bit better at the I gotta go out signs.
• We put up a few Halloween decorations yesterday--Window clings.  I think this weekend I will try to get some more out.  I always have good intentions, but not so much follow through.
• So what do you think of the new fall shows?  We are going to try the Agent of Shield one to see if it's interesting.  Network TV is tough for us.  We just don't do dramas and have a hard time with the comedies.  Except for Big Bang Theory.  Love that one.
• Crock potted a chicken Italian type soup this morning. Sort of a made up one.  Hope it tastes good.

Now for an award I got earlier this week.

The award is circulated to those bloggers that you want to inform that their posts brighten your day. I got it from two different blogger--Jo from Will the kids turn out OK and Jillian at Jill's World.

1. Include the award logo on your post or blog
2. Link to the person who nominated you
3. Answer 10 questions about yourself.
4. Nominate 10 bloggers to receive the award. Link your nominees in your post and leave them a comment letting them know that they have been nominated and give them 10 questions to answer about themselves. 

 

 
From Jo:
1. Do you have a nick name(s)? What is it and how did you get it? Not really.  Most people think my name is a nickname, or at least short for something.  It's not.  Nick calls me Boober, and I am Mom, but nothing that is truly a nickname.
2. What is your favorite piece of clothing? Comfy sweat pants and a cozy hoodie sweatshirt.  Very nice for cold winter days inside.
3. Do you buy any magazines regularly? Which? I have a subscription to Parents, Redbook and All You. As for purchase, I like to get People when I'm traveling.
4. Who is on your 'Celebrity Freebie' list (yes you are allowed more than one)? I like Matt Damon and Channing Tatum, but that's about it right now.
5. If you are married/ or have a significant other, do you know who is on their celebrity freebie list? Sandra Bullock and Robin Mead.  Nick has a thing for brunettes.
6. Is there something that would be totally out of character for you to do but what you've always wanted to do? Walk into a party and be the center of attention.  The life of the party.  So not me, but could be fun for an evening.
7. If you could befriend one celebrity who would it be and why? I don't think there really is one--I'm not one to follow the lives of celebrities that closely.
8. Best lesson you've learned in life? Keep moving forward, no matter what it always turns out for the better.
9. Are you turning into your mother? God, I hope not.  Nick truly hopes not too.
10. What is your favorite cocktail? Red wine? (tell me the name so I can try out new wines), White wine? I enjoy Barefoot merlot and Mad Housewife Merlot.  Love a good girly martini, but don't have a place to get them in town anymore.

From Jillian:
1. I believe everyone has a “theme song” – one song that defines them, speaks to them, moves them... What is yours? Theme song?  Well this one is hard for me.  There are songs that speak to me, but not one that I can say is me.
2. They’re making a movie about your life. Who do they choose to play you on the big screen?  Oh boy.  Another one that I have a hard time with.  Maybe Sandra Bullock--Nick would like that.
3. What is your favourite holiday, and why? I really like New Years.  It's a just us holiday and we eat seafood all day.  Most of the other holidays we spend with family--which is fine, but it's nice not to have the pressure for New Years.
4. You are given a free ticket to travel anywhere in the world for one month – where do you go, and what sights do you see? New Zealand and Australia and enjoy the geology of each.  Geeky, yes, but then geology is so very scenic.
5. Are you a fan of Reality TV? If so, which show would you like to be on and why? We are fans of such reality TV as Mythbusters, Top Gear, and What Not to Wear. I'd be on What Not to Wear in a heartbeat, but this is their last year.
6. What is your biggest pet peeve? Driver who think they are "safer" by driving 5-10 miles under the speed limit.
7. What is your favourite thing about Autumn? What is this season like where you live? The end of allergy season, the need to dig out the warmer clothes, being able to bake without over heating the house. Here we are looking at our first snow very soon.  It has already frosted a couple times and is definitely gearing up for winter.
8. Do you play an instrument? If not, what instrument would you like to learn to play? I tried to play the trumpet when I was in the fifth grade.  And hated it. Not really musically inclined.
9. You’re on a diet, and trying to avoid certain junk foods… which is your biggest temptation – the hardest to resist? Anthing salty.  Chips, crackers, croutons, crunchy snacky foods.
10. Do you have a Bucket List? Tell me one of the items on it that you hope to cross off someday. Yep, there is a bucket list.  Getting to all the national parks west of the Mississippi is one of our goals.

Now I'm supposed to come up with ten questions and give this to ten other bloggers.  I'm breaking the rules and saying anyone can take it, but I will provide questions if you want to answer them.

1. What is your favorite Pumpkin flavored thing in the fall?
2. What is your favorite TV show?
3. Do you enjoy being outdoors?
4. What was your favorite childhood game?
5. What are you reading right now?
6. Which superhero would you be?
7. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
8. Do you have an iPod? Is it worth it to drink the koolaid and use one?
9. Favorite chocolate? Milk or dark?
10. Favorite breakfast food?

Stacy is back with the Random Rebel, so link up your random!