Loosemeat Sandwich (including 40 minute bun recipe)

So one of my mother's favorite meals is sloppy joes, my least favorite meal is sloppy joes. Guess who won that war? Okay, so it might have been close to a tie, but maybe I pulled a little ahead after she "forced" me to eat it and I threw it all back up across her kitchen table. Yep, what memories. haha! My poor mother.
My children and husband love the sloppy joe, but I think I have only brought myself to make them once. We have finally came to an agreement and I am willing to make them this tasty little sandwich.

Loosemeat Sandwich

1 lb ground beef or ground sirloin
2 tsp salt
1 onion, chopped
1 Tbsp yellow mustard
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar
water

Salt bottom of skillet. Brown ground beef and start crumbling it with the back of a wooden spoon. You want the meat to end up being cooked into small crumbles.
Add chopped onion while browning meat.
When meat is browned, add mustard, vinegar, and sugar.
Add enough water to barely cover meat in pan.
Simmer until water is cooked out (about 15-20 minutes)
Serve on rolls/buns with mustard and pickles.

40 Minute Hamburger Buns

2 Tbsp active dry yeast
1 C warm water, plus
2 Tbsp warm water
1/3 C oil
1/4 C sugar
1 egg
1 tsp salt
3-3 1/2 C flour

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
Add oil and sugar and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
Add egg, salt, and flour to form a soft dough.
Kneed on a floured surface for 3-5 minutes until dough is smooth.
Divide into 12 pieces and roll into balls.
Place on greased pan, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
Bake at 425* for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Sorry, it's a bit early for Christmas decor, but I couldn't find a Thanksgiving template I liked. Of course, some of that might be due to the fact that I have zero time to really give the new template thing a good search.

I've been slacking on my blog and on my pictures this month. I was taken down by a mere cold 2 weeks ago and am still struggling to get over the sinus and ear infection it left me with. I actually went to the doctor for the ear infection (I know what a shocker) because it was draining. The doctor dared to tell me that it just doesn't happen that way. Ears do not drain like a runny nose. I suggested he look at my ear and change his opinion. So, after exclaiming over my enormous amount of scar tissue (I guess he assumed I was lying about having tubes in my ears on 3 separate occasions) he proclaimed I had an ear infection. Ta-Da! And this is why I save the entertainment of the doctor's office for times when I am just needing a laugh.

Well, I did get on here to write a very disturbing story about my MasMonster, so I better get to it. Tonight I sent Mason to the bathroom to, well, to potty so we wouldn't be having any accidents in the middle of the night. He proceeds into the bathroom, Jamie is standing watch at the door to make sure he goes because he tried to tell me he didn't need to go. As he is standing there he watches as the plastic lizard Mason is chewing on falls into the toilet. He yells for me (trying to pass the buck) and I tell him to make the judgment call on whether to fish the lizard out or not. I just know I want no part of it. So he goes in search of something to pull this lizard out of the urine soaked toilet. He comes back to find Mason with his sleeve pulled up and arm deep in the toilet retrieving his toy. Ew! Ew! Ew!

Jamie scrubs Mason and the toy up, but I'm still not sure I want it kept. Well, Jamie tucks Mason in and I'm standing on the side of the bed waiting to read Mason a story when I notice Mason chewing on something... Yes, you know what it is.... it is the lizard!!

Between work and these boys of mine, I'm pooped... at least that wasn't in the toilet, well, at the time of the drop....

Navajo Tacos

Thanks to the reminder from our friends of the existence of Navajo Tacos, I went in search of a great scone recipe. I think I have found it with this one. For those that are not dealing with soy allergies, an easier solution would be to flatten refrigerated biscuits and fry. And don't forget to sweeten the extra scones with either honey butter or a butter, cinnamon and sugar mixture!

Scones:
2 1/2 C warm water
1 1/2 tsp yeast
1/4 C sugar
1/2 tsp salt
8 tsp oil
6 C flour

Combine first 3 ingredients and let rest 5 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients, but add flour a little at a time until dough is no longer sticky ( I usually use the whole 6 cups)
Allow to rise 1 hour. (I find throwing it into a 100* oven works really well for this... remember to turn off oven once it has reached this temperature)
Break off pieces of dough that are about the size of an egg and "flatten out" with hands to around 1/4-1/2 inch thickness.
Deep fry until golden brown on both sides.

At this point you have some options, meaning, what to top them with...
2 cans chili (homemade is once again our friend here)
lettuce
onion
cheese
beans (black, chili, or pinto)
diced tomato
cheese
sour cream
guacamole
salsa

**A quick solution I usually use is to brown a lb ground beef and diced onions, then add a can of diced tomatoes (mexican flavored), spices, and black beans into a pan and top our tacos with this.

Halloween 2009
Jamison the Vampire, Mason the Bumblebee, and
Trae the Master Chief



















Mason stripped out of his costume and couldn't even
make it to his bedroom because he was so worn out.













Halloween this year was a nightmare. Of course, isn't that the point of Halloween, to bring all our nightmares to the forefront of our minds? This year, Halloween awakened us sunny and beautiful... How deceitful it was.
I got the kids going, and started working on Jamison's vampire cape. We had searched and searched earlier in the week for a costume, but everywhere we went we ran into the same scenario of vampire costumes being sold out. No worries, Mom is here to save the day. We ran to the fabric store and purchased satin and fleece to make a warm, but realistic vampire cape.
So of course, I had no time to work on it during the week, it seems whenever I pulled it out I would immediately have dogs and our cat, or the kids rolling all over my work area, but I would have it done for him to go trick-or-treating later that day. So I cut, and I ironed, and I sewed, until it was done and ready to go.
Item one done and on to the next thing on my list... hemming Trae's costume. His costume sagged all the way down to his knees and so I thought I would use some of that no-sew tape to hem up the waist a bit for him. Can I tell you how useless this tape is?? Or maybe it was user error? Or maybe it didn't like the costume material, but regardless, the tape did not work. Luckily, I had my trusty sewing machine out and went to work.
Finally it was time for some fun. Time to get the pumpkins out and start carving. We had planned to do this days before, but life kept getting in the way and we just didn't have time. We had a great time, even though we were a bit rushed.
After this activity the boys were ready to get into their costumes. Jamison sat ready for his vampire teeth to be placed on his teeth. We mixed the putty and applied as directed, but it wouldn't stick. No worries, we had more, mixed the rest up and applied, but still no luck. Okay, not to stress because I have my handy hot glue gun at the ready. No one was burned during this process, but a lot of tears were shed because not even the hot glue would make these vampire teeth stick to his teeth. So he was forced to reapply his make-up for the 4th time that evening and go toothless.
At this point, I'm afraid I got a bit impatient with my lovely husband and he decided it would be wise to go to the store for some items that I had asked him to purchase several hours before. So while he ran to the store, I made the pizza dough and pre-baked it so it would be ready to put the toppings on later that evening at Jason and Aimee's.
When Jamie arrived home, the boys and I decided to make a run to a few of the neighbors'. Not 5 minutes later, I witness Jamison falling flat on his face, skinning his knees and hands. Poor kid. At this point, we decide to blow this joint and head to Jason and Aimee's to hang out.
It's amazing what good friends can do to lift your mood! We ended up having a fabulous time there and even got the kids out to do a bit of trick-or treating.

Hunting 2009

You know you are a mom of boys when you have to empty their pockets before you send them into school. Nothing better to find than a bulging pocket full of empty gun shells in your 4-year-old's pants. I can't imagine the time he must have taken in collecting those shells the past few days!
We are finally home. Arrived last night to the screams of our poor Smokey Kitty. He crawled into the linen closet before we left and no one noticed. And here we were worried that he didn't have enough food and he was going to eat the little frogs. The cat has meowed at us all night and all day, and we are not sure if he is going to stop lecturing us any time soon.

I'm afraid I'm short on stories and pictures this week. I can, however, announce that Jamie and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary on the 10th! Go us!













Our wedding announcement picture...




















The marriage that many said would not last. I'm sure by hearing this statement, they made us work that much harder on staying together. It's amazing that our relationship has survived some of the worst times and some of the most beautiful, life changing times.
Our marriage has held together by Jamie's willingness to acknowledge that I'm always right and my willingness to forgive him if I am wrong. Though this phenomenon has happened so few times, why even bother mentioning it??
I'm not proud to admit it, but this anniversary we just let quietly slide by us. I found myself doing dishes, while Jamie put together some shelves for the laundry room downstairs. We even found ourselves contemplating what to have for dinner when Jamie was suddenly called out to work.
When Jamie left, I was forced to start cooking or fall prey to Trae's constant mantra of "I'm hungry."
It seems that when Daddy left Mason felt that it was time to tease. His victim is Jamison. Poor Jamison, it seems he gets the most teasing from his brothers, but truth be told, he is the one that screams the loudest, cries the easiest, and fights back the fastest. He might as well have a big red target on his back. So off Mason went to fart on his brother. After several attempts on his brother's life and Jamison's constant gagging, Mason was sent to his room.
After being released from his "prison", he came to find out what was cooking on the stove. Upon hearing that chili is what was for dinner, he had a massive breakdown of laying on the floor crying. He then proceeded to tell me I couldn't make chili because he would get the farts again.

Funny boys on our ride home from the zoo.















Watching the penguins, watching a dragonfly.















Total chaos ensued when trying to get all the kids together to take their picture.



















Another week has gone by and more memories were made. We had a great time going to the zoo with my brother and sis-in-law and my cousin and her kids. We were finally able to see all the new baby animals and enjoy one of the busiest days at the zoo. It was a tight fit, but at least we had fun.
The weather is getting colder and I'm sad to report my tomatoes have finally met their doom. At least I don't have to take credit for that one. I was able to keep them alive all summer. Yeah me! Bad cold weather!
The kids and I had a great day with Cami and the kids again on Saturday (are you sick of us yet?) while the guys spent the day fishing. When they arrived home Cami and I ran away... too bad it was just to the grocery store for salad fixings, but us girls can pretend it was for something big.
On Sunday, Jamie and I (make that I) painted a "focus" wall. It is a very dark color, but I love it! We also moved the laundry room downstairs. What a fiasco that was. (Thank you Mary for the use of the hand truck) It started out fine, but then he heard me grunt when I was helping roll the washer down the stairs and told me to stop. I heard "stop", backed away, and allowed him to take control. The next thing I knew, the washer was rolling down the last 3 steps and taking Jamie with it. They both rolled to a stop at my feet. He now says that I misinterpreted those words he said and should have stayed under the washer, just without lifting. uh, yeah... So anyway, now the washer and dryer are downstairs and they seem so far away. I have a bigger laundry down there, but it's just not convenient. Maybe I'll find my rhythm again and it won't seem so bad. Isn't that how life always is anyway?!

Ham and Potato Soup

Because we are starting to get into the cooler weather, I thought I would post my family's most favorite potato soup recipe. We have even had success with converting soup haters into soup lovers with this recipe. Love, love, love it. We had it just last week. I will note that I usually double this soup for us and only end up with a smaller size tupperware bowl full left.
Going to be trying a new cheeseburger soup tonight, will let you all know how it turns out.

3 1/2 C peeled and diced potatoes
1/3 C diced celery
1/3 C chopped onion
3/4 C cooked ham
3 1/4 C water
2 Tbsp chicken bouillon granules (can replace with 4 cubes)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
5 Tbsp butter
5 Tbsp flour
2 C milk

Combine all items to the pepper in a stockpot, bring to boil, and then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender.
In separate sauce pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk and continue stirring until thick, about 5 minutes.
Stir the milk mixture into soup and cook until heated through and desired thickness.
Can sprinkle cheese on top as you are serving it up.

We came out of our house the other day and this is all we could see. We were surrounded by little flies. They were horrid and were just dying to find a new home in your nose. Literally.














Jamison trying on "Dora's" goggles...



















Jamison dribbling the ball down the field



















Trae doing what he does best and
loves the most.



















Fire chief Mason and his big dimples



















Jamie wanting his picture taken.
Reminds me of Captain Morgan commercials



















My family has been a bunch of "posers" this week, but I'll try to contain myself and only post a few. Okay, well after looking up this particular word in the urban dictionary I am thinking I have the meaning of poser all wrong. Poser = Someone who tries to fit into a profile they aren't. My meaning of Poser = They want to pose for pictures and lots of them. Hahaha! I have to say that my kids (and hubby) are not trying to fit into any wrong kind of profile. They are who they are. Kids may grow and change, but they have a pretty good grasp of who they are right now and at this age.
Sorry, if I get off topic or jump around, my coffee supply has been depleted and I'm one sad girl. I was reading this blog about a girl who needed to quit coffee, told her friends, and they were traumatized for her over her terrible diagnosis (of quiting coffee and she was quiting because of sleep problems). One even jokingly stated they could no longer be friends. Yes, my love for coffee is true and pure. I might even break my own rule of no shopping to go buy me one. Ssshhh... Don't rat me out to Jamie.
I do have good news about Trae and Jamison. They received their mid-terms and are both doing awesome! Woohoo! Trae did get a C in math, but we'll work on it and bring it up. That was his lowest grade and all the rest were A's and B's. Jamison is pulling in the A's and is doing so well. Now to find friends that live close and life will be perfecto-mundo!
Jamie has been trying to get back into soccer. He has gone to play a few times in Murray with my cousin's husband. I am just excited that he is getting back into something he loves. Hope he can find a team he can stick with for next season.
Jamie has also been coaching Jamison's team. He seems to be really enjoying it and the parents have all good things to say about his coaching skills. Unfortunately, I've been told my skills won't be needed at this time. (what do I expect though when I have never played soccer in my life ;) Jamison is just excited that they are currently undefeated. Last weekend they scored 7 in the first half! Jamie had to pull 2 of the kids back and Jamison out so the boys wouldn't continue to slaughter the other team.

Trae's self portrait... He says it's his crazy face.




















Mason styling his faux-hawk.


I just finished reading a new blog post from Creative Parenting (see their link on the right for the full story). It was so inspiring. Quoting from her this is part of what she said: "I believe that children with ADHD have more than their share of criticism. I believe that it is my job as their parent to lighten the load and show them how to do things, how to navigate problems – without all the negative feedback. I don’t need to join the chorus that is already out there... At the time, you will feel like ranting and raving, but you shouldn’t. Your best bet is to deal with the situation at hand, show them how to problem-solve, and be as effective as possible. At a later date, go through the scenario with your child and talk about what could have been done differently."
What a great reminder her words are for those of us parents dealing with children with ADHD.  It's so hard to remember sometimes that Trae's brain processes things so much differently than his brothers.
I can report that amazingly, after a year long struggle with lying about homework and getting failing grades, after not being allowed to play football this year, Trae is finally on track again and I couldn't be prouder... well maybe I can be once we get his actual grades.  We have worked so hard to get him to this place.  The restricted diets, the no medicine, the brain therapy have all moved us forward to helping him.  It's been a long, hard road, but we are seeing progress.
All in all, I have some pretty amazing kids and even though I didn't get that beautiful girl I always dreamed about, I wouldn't trade my boys in for anything in the world.

I planned my meals, I wrote my grocery list, and got everything we needed last Friday, but unfortunately while planning that list I forgot a few important things, like Trae's medicine, toilet paper, and toothpaste. All the basic necessities, well they are if you want a clean behind, clean teeth, and want Trae to have the tools to concentrate in school. So, I sadly already broke my promise and went to the store, but that's okay because I will just jump right back on my no shopping band wagon.
The family reunion this past weekend was better than I could have ever imagined. I think everyone was having a hard time going so long between visits, and we all agreed to now make this a yearly tradition. I'm all for it. It seems that when you haven't seen people in so long you just want to make sure you can say hello to everyone, but you never have enough time to hear all their stories. Hopefully, with facebook, blogs, and now with the collection of email addresses we can stay connected.