Addicted

I am totally and completely addicted to Facebook.
I am on almost all day.
Okay, at first I was, but I do check it several times a day.
I LOVE that I am finding people from my past.
Not to brag, but I have 147 friends.
Granted, some are family, some are very close friends and some I have never really talked to before. (Okay, only one lady. But she said she was my babysitter when I was like 4. I don't remember.)
There are people I haven't talked to or seen since my High School Graduation. (and I am sure they were surprised to see me there. I cut school...a lot)

I didn't even know that many people knew or remembered who I was/am.
I am not trying to be all depressed. (I have given up that drama crown)
But I honestly don't think that I am anything special.
I mean that in the nicest way.
I didn't think anyone would even think of my name or even remember my name.
I wasn't at all popular in high school. It was a pretty big school, but still, popular no.
Maybe for the biggest air head. But not anyone people would really want to hang out with.
I was just a goober. A wannabe popular girl.
Even now, I ain't nothing special.
I try to be me.
Okay, back to my addiction.
I love talking to these people. I love seeing how life has changed them. I love seeing how life is for them now. I want to find more people.
I want to tell these people how I thought they were so cool. Or that they still are.
That their friendship meant a lot to me.
If you haven't joined Facebook, you should check it out.
I am having so much fun.

Update On My Cupcake Recipe

Okay, today one of my scouts had his last day in out group.
So I made cupcakes.
Now, I tried the chocolate like I said I would and the only thing I noticed is the brand of cake mix.
If you want fluffy, extra chocolate-ty cupcakes, use Duncan Hines with the dry pudding.
If you want moist, dense cupcakes, use Pillsbury.
And it is the same for the white cake mix too.
If you want a strawberry shortcake, dense kind of cupcake, use only the Pillsbury.
Huge difference.
The Duncan Hines cake mix was just too fluffy for me. Even with the added dry pudding mix.
Although the chocolate Pillsbury was still a little fluffier than I expected.
All in all the best part of the day was the cupcake batter.
Did I ever mention how I sometimes make cakes and brownies just to get some batter?

Okay, It isn't an exciting post but I wanted to share my discovery.
I am very passionate about my cupcakes.

Word Wednesday: Cranky

Cranky
1 a: given to fretful fussiness : readily angered when opposed

Everyone is cranky here.
I am because I am tired.
I am growing a human so I have every right to be tired and cranky.
The boys are cranky.
Whenever Jeff goes out of town the boys are instant cranky. Which is really crazy since I am more fun when he is gone.
Well, more fun Mom. We skip chores and eat fun food or what ever you want.
Emma is cranky because of two ear infections and from being almost two.
There are many reasons to be cranky.
But I am too tired and cranky to list them all.
So just trust me, plus my list will only make you cranky.
What things make you cranky?

Tasty Tuesday - Moist Yummy Cupcakes

Yes, they are from a box.
What do I look like...Suzy homemaker?
(Lots of laughing from the voices in my head)
I love cupcakes.
I love cupcakes that are so moist and dense.
The heavier the better.
My favorite is with out any frosting.
Don't get me wrong, I like frosting, just not a lot.
I can't have a spoonful. Gross.
A finger dip is perfect.

I just made these a few days ago because the primary kids at church had an activity and they had cupcakes.
With a few left over I tried one.
OH MY GOSH!!!!! They were so good.
Even if the frosting was store bought.
So I craved more.
I went straight to the store and bought some white cake mix.
I am sure you have made these before, but it was all new to me.

Moist Yummy Cupcakes
1 box of white cake mix ( I haven't tried chocolate, I am this week, I will let you know)
1 small box instant pudding (Dry, not pudding cup)
1 can store bought frosting.

Follow directions on box of cake mix.
Add instant pudding.
Mix well.
Follow cooking ingredients on box of cake mix.
Let cool completely
Open can of store bought frosting.
Frost cupcakes.
Eat cupcake.
Yes, you will want another one.

I know it is simple, but I never made them before and I will never make them any different ever again.

Oh yeah, I have a feeling the recipes for tasty Tuesday for the next 7 months, will be more of the things I am craving.

My Monday

Technically... it started at 1:30am when Emma woke up...for the day.
No sleep.
Noggin.
Little bear.
Emma in bed.
Emma out of bed.
No sleep.
Boys off to school.
Emma finally asleep.
Momma finally asleep...30 minutes.
Call the doctors.
Get ready.
Yell at Zoey for looking out the window as I left...standing on my new couch.
Double Ear infections.
Wal-Mart.
Prescription and extra not needed items.
Emma asleep.
Mama nap. 15 minutes.
Monica spoils me with yummy rice.
Emma sleeps more.
Dishes, clean kitchen, start dinner in crock pot.
Make lunch.
Emma wakes and snuggles.
Mama naps. 15 minutes
Endless Noggin.
Little Bear...again.
Boys home.
Emma happy and takes bath.
Can't find Matthew.
Jeff home.
Find Matthew.
Argue with Jeff.
Homework and chores.
Hold Emma.
More noggin.
Finish dinner. Chicken Enchilada's and rice (thanks Monica)
More dishes.
Make cookies.
Text Aimee.
Emma up and down.
Boys to bed.
Start laundry.
Sit at computer.
Dream of sleep.

That was my day.

Nine Words

I got this off another blog. I hope you don't mind Mary!
It made me smile too, so I thought I'd share. Enjoy!

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE
& men obviously don't pay attention to……

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)
(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' . that will bring on a 'whatever').
(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying...Go to H...
(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Now I read this out loud to Jeff. he and I laughed, but on the inside I am REALLY laughing.
Only because it is true.

I caved. I was just too curious as to what I would get!!

Here's another fun blog game.
The first THREE people to respond to this post will get something made by me.
My choice.
For you.
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be. I don't even know what it's going to be.
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch?
Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first three people who do the same on your blog.
The first three people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did, will win a homemade gift! It may not be great, but it will be fun!

Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it.

Flash Back Friday: Valentine's Day 2008

Word Wednesday: Love

love
1: strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties
2: attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers
3: affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests
4: warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion
5: the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration
6: unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another

There was so much more in the definition, but I had to trim it down.
Plus, this goes better with what I wanted to talk about.

My loves.
I have quite a few. A very long list.
I have been shown love a lot lately.
It is the "love month" but it made me realize how much I am loved.
(Not that I am bragging)
1. Jeff -
I love him more than anything. And I know he loves me. He took care of me this last week while I was sick. He took great care of the kids and the house while I rested. And I didn't have to ask. He even danced with me at the Church dinner dance. He never makes me feel ugly. Even when I think I can't get any uglier. (some days are bad, you don't know)
2. My boys and Emma. They know I mess up. They know I don't remember everything, but they are great kids. I love them almost more than I love Jeff.
3. My sister Aimee.
She amazes me. She can do anything. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. (and she is smokin' hot) She is one of my best-est friends. She is just the best.
4. My Mom and Dad
Well, cause she is my mom. She is also amazing. (I think it is where my sister gets it from). You just have to trust me. She is the best mom ever invented.
My Dad is the smartest person I know. He is so clever. He shares my love of movies, and books, and music. He is so generous and kind. He can built anything with cardboard, hot glue and duct tape. No, I am not kidding.
5. My family.
Jeremy, Shane, Aimee, Sarah and Carrie. All equally, all the totally the same. They are the best family a girl could ever ask for and I wonder sometimes, what I did to ever deserve them.
6. BFFive-ever Amy
I have mentioned her before. She truly is the best. We can talk or not talk for hours on the phone. It is weird if I don't talk to her everyday.
7. My friends.
Yes, I have friends. You may not believe it, but there are some people out there that think I am okay. They know my faults and like me anyway. I am so glad I have them and love them like family. I can't name them all. You know who you are.
8. Music.
I love it. I think it should be on all the time. Anything but Gangster Rap.(sorry rap fans) I even like Polka. I know.
I love Love Songs. I just love music. It makes me smile. It makes me happy.
9. Books.
Reading is something I didn't always love. It was hard for me. that connection in the brain..well..was just not connected. I found a book that helped me. A Love Story. And I haven't stopped reading since.
10.My Savior.
I almost didn't put this one down. He is ALWAYS on the top of my list. But this is so personal to me. Not something I was sure I wanted to share.
I know He is there. And I know He loves me. Even when I mess up. Even when I make mistakes.

Okay, so now that I have bored you with my top ten loves list.... what do you love?
Please leave a comment and name one thing you REALLY love.
For some reason, as I reread this to make sure everything was spelled right, I got all weepy.
Tears and everything.
I wonder why?

Tasty Tuesday - Susi's Sugar Cookies

My Mom makes these every year for Valentines Day.

Because my Grandma Astle made these every year.

Last year Mom mailed them to us.

This year we met in Chico and she hand delivered them. An extra special treat.

They are THE most delicious cookies ever made.

I know you will never believe me, but really they are.

So, you go and make these and then you tell me if they are good or not.

Trust me you won't say the are not good.

Susi's Sugar Cookies

Okay, I just got yelled at for sharing the recipe.

So Sorry.

Amazing Frosting

1/3 cup margarine

1 box (1lb.) powdered sugar

3 + tablespoons milk (add to desired consistency)

1 tsp. real vanilla (real vanilla is very important)

tiny pinch of salt

food coloring (optional)

Mix all ingredients until creamy. Adding milk a small amount at a time for desired consistency.

This year I made the boys wait a whole 5 days before they could eat their cookies. They were for Valentine's day. I kept them in a Ziplock bag and hid them out in the garage. (our garage is like a fridge in the winter) and it doesn't matter. They are so much better after sitting with the frosting on them for a while. One day, two days, frozen in the freezer for a month or two... still the best ever.

I am not sure I am even close to explaining how good these cookies are.

Oh well, you will just have to try the recipe and let me know what you think.

My mom made me an extra one. She is so nice.

These cookies are the size of my hand.

Sick Day

Okay, I have been complaining about being sick all week.
Sorry about that.
It is all consuming.
This morning, after an awful night of coughing and hacking and not sleeping, I told Jeff I was taking a sick day.
What's a sick day you ask?
Well, when Jeff is sick, he gets to lay around all day and get better.
So that's what I asked for.
Jeff let me rest, not do anything.
I did get up after a while and I did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen.
But most of the day was laying on my new bed.
I wish I could say it was wonderful.
The bed was great, the being sick while laying in it was not.
So there is not much to post about.
I feel better.
yep, that's it.
Oh and Jeff goes back to work tomorrow.
Yay? Not even close.
I will miss him.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I wish I could say it was filled with love and roses.
Nope.
We got new furniture.
Yay for me, but ugh....
Jeff has just become this freak about it.
WE HAVE FOUR BOYS!!!!!
Did he really think they would know what not to do with new furniture?
Did he really think the front room would stay clean 24/7?
Does he really think all the yelling and harsh tones and mean things he says is going to work and make them remember?
So frustrating.
Our Internet has been out.
We think it is our Vonage box. We have had it for a while and I think it is just burned out.
We are calling tomorrow.

I am still very sick. this cough/cold thing is killing me.
And I can't take anything.

Friday, we spent most of the day, get the house ready for the furniture and then rushing to help set up lights and some decorations at the church for the Sweetheart dance.
The dinner dance was fun.
I was trying really hard to have fun and not cough on anyone.
The food was great.
The music was good.
The friends we sat with were awesome.
Then the dancing began.
Okay confession: (it is what my blog is called, right)
You know, I am not fond of my size.
I am so self conscience of what I look like there was no way I was gonna "shake my groove thing" on the dance floor in front of everyone. I didn't even want to slow dance with Jeff.
Well, mostly because I felt like crap.
I texted my sister, 'cause I was bored...everyone I knew was dancing.... and she told me to "shake it". I told her why I didn't wanna, she said, that only I care about it.
So I danced. (thank you Aimee)
Not very well.
I did a great impersonation of John Travolta in a moment of insanity. And thanks to my friend Emily, there is a picture of me on Facebook in all my glory.
Don't worry, you aren't missing anything.
We stayed and took down our decorations and helped with all the rest (we aren't even on the committee, it is just how I was raised, kind of a "force of habit" kinda thing.)
We got home, we put the boys to bed, Jeff freakishly cleaned and put or leftover tri-tip we purchased in the fridge...we got into our HUGE new bed.
OH MY!!!!
I have to get a step stool soon or I won't be able to get into my bed.
Jeff says, that last night was the best night of sleep he has ever had.
That mattress is like sleeping on a cloud.
I didn't even need the TV on to fall asleep.
I did take pictures of everything, but I am too tired and too sick to load it.
Plus, it is all on my new camera and I haven't figured out how to load them yet.
Yes, I got a new camera.
It isn't what I really wanted but for $75, it works better then the old one.

I hope all of you are having a good Valentine's day.
We just slept in forever and then ate our YUMMY sugar cookies from my Mom.
Jeff made everyone clean...again... and then Jeff bought me a new computer chair.
We had to buy the growing boys new snow pants, and thank goodness they we on clearance.
back home to watch Madagascar 2, (I feel asleep.)
I made everyone favorite Lasagna for dinner, and my hero of a husband go me online.
It was really nice spending the day with my family.
They drive me insane but they are pretty awesome.
I really love them. and am looking forward to adding to it in September.

I know, that I bored you with my "lovely" day.

It snowed...

and then it stopped.
I didn't even get a chance to take a picture.
It is all melted away.
I hear that we will have a few more storms coming in this weekend.
I was so hoping we could go out of town this weekend to Sacramento.
Surprise my Mom, but the snow storms will probably hold us back.
Please pray for snow, even rain... but really snow, we need snow, I want snow!!!!

I am so sick of coughing like a seal.... no worse.... I don't even know what sounds worse than a seal... a dying seal maybe.
My head hurts. I actually have to stop typing so I can hold my head as I cough. Like it really helps the head feel less like exploding. It really doesn't work. But I still do it.
I need meds, but I can't take anything.
I have to go see a doctor. Hopefully they will be able to fit me in.
Yes, I got some cough drops. And they work, but after a while it makes me want to throw up. (there I go again...TMI)

I am looking forward to Valentines day.
I just taught a class at the church for Relief Society about Homemade Valentines. I taught this class in my old ward. ALOT of my ideas came from Janalee Smith from the Eastern Avenue ward. She is so creative.
Not a big turn out. But it was still fun. I will make up some of the crafts we made and edit this post with pictures.

I am blogging now, because I can't sleep.
I am suppose to sleep on the couch.
No, Jeff and I did not get in a fight. He gave me the couch and he took the recliner chair. He is so sweet.
Jeff got excited about getting our new mattress today.
We went and tried to pay with my ATM card. They don't let you spend that much money with an ATM, even if used as a Credit Card.
So over to the bank and back to the store...and then they say that they can not deliver the furniture until Friday morning.
Jeff had already torn apart our bed and hauled it out to the garage.

So now I am suppose to sleep on the couch, in the very cold front room, with a cough that sounds like a dying seal, hoping for snow.
That was today.

Word Wednesday: Rumors

Rumors
1. general talk not based on definite knowledge; mere gossip; hearsay
2. an unconfirmed report, story, or statement in general circulation

This word has been in my mind all day.
Rumors are nasty little things.
It happens and it sometimes can't be helped.
Jeff hears rumors all over work and most of the time it is not true.
The media is famous for spreading rumors.
Rumors are often spread in families and friendship circles.
Some rumors are hurtful and outrageous.
There is a rumor going around about a few people I know.
It makes me sick.
I can not and will not share it here. I would just feed the rumor.
Although, I do know this rumor to be false.
It makes me sad that people are like this.
I mean, I know it happens and it know most of the time someone misunderstands a conversation and shares it with a friend.
I know that sometimes the rumor is spoken out of concern.
I know it happens, it just makes me frustrated.
I do not claim to be innocent.
I am sure I have been involved in a rumor.
But who hasn't?
It just happens.
I just hate when it happens to someone I know.

Tasty Tuesday: Robert Redford

This recipe I got from my mother-in-law shortly after Jeff and I got married.

She told me it is one of Jeff's favorites.

He LOVES this recipe. I don't make it very often, but I did make it for his birthday party.

You might recognize this recipe.

Jeff's Mom told me it is really called...."The Next Best Thing to Robert Redford"

I am assuming that a "few" years ago when Robert Redford was very popular with the ladies, they used his name.

I think we need change it.

But the hottest guy these days...to me anyway.... a Mr. Matthew McConaughey

....well I am sorry... Matt...

This dessert is good, but not that good.

So we will stick with the name Robert Redford. (I have seen him in his day... he was pretty hot.)

Katie's Version of "Robert Redford"

Crust: 1st layer

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 sticks of margarine

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup chopped nuts (i like walnuts, but pecans are good too)

Combine until mixed into a sticky crumble.

Press into 13x9 pan and bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes.

Let completely cool.

2nd layer:

8 oz block of cream cheese softened

1 cup sugar

1 small carton of cool whip

Cream together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in Cool Whip until smooth again.

Smooth over cooled crust.

3rd layer:

1 large or 2 small boxes of Instant Chocolate pudding

3 cups milk

Mix until smooth. Refrigerate 10 minutes.

Smooth over cream cheese layer.

Add small carton Cool whip over Pudding layer.

Sprinkle top with chocolate shavings or walnuts and serve.

So very yummy.

Not as Yummy as Matthew McConaughey... but pretty close.

To Blog or not to blog

That is the question.
I am in that funk again.....
I have nothing to brag or boast about.
I have nothing exciting going on. (that I can talk about here, yet)
I guess I have nothing to say.
Or I have learned my lesson and am not going to over share.
Either way, I have nothing to blog about today.
Don't be too excited.
I will be back tomorrow.

Surprise....or not.

With the help of Jeff's really good friend Joe, Jeff had a surprise birthday party last night.
I am horrible, I know.
Yes, I am.
You don't know why I am horrible yet.
I asked Jeff if I could give him a party.
I told him about it.
I didn't want him to be upset.
I was really worried he might hate it.
He is getting older and celebrating getting older isn't for some people.
Jeff is not the kind of guy to be mad at stuff like that.
But he has surprised me before on things he likes and dislikes, so I was worried.
I should have told Joe, I know, but he was so excited I didn't have the heart to tell him I blabbed.
Jeff promised he would be surprised and it would be our secret.
Then Jeff had to play a trick on Joe.
Telling him he was gonna surprise me and take me out of town the day of the party.
I could have just told Joe, but Jeff asked me to play along.
It was kinda funny, and I never thought Joe would be mad.
Anyway, Jeff was suppose to wait until after the party and all was gone to let Joe know the truth, but he didn't.
So I got yelled at.
Not really, but Joe was not exactly happy.
The party was SO MUCH FUN!!!
We played...Mafia and a "what if" game. That was really fun!!!!
Oh and Spoons, I didn't.
I just didn't feel good, so I was a party pooper.
Lets just say...I was the nerd at the "in crowd's" party.
We had great food and yummy dessert. (I will post the recipe for it on Tasty Tuesday.)
I huge Thank You to Joe, for doing most of the work.
I big Thank You to the Dodges for letting us use their house. Thank you Joe and Jaquelle.
Thanks to all who came....
It was so fun with you there.
We missed the ones who could not come.
It was sooooo much fun.
Happy Birthday Jeff!

Don't have that loving feeling....

There is no love today.
Sunday's for most people are great.
Not for me. It is one of my least favorite days.
I know, it should be my favorite day of the week, but it is not.
Jeff has to work.
I have to take them all to church.
I have to be responsible and take them even if it is the worst thing ever to do.
Big surprise...they don't want to go. (I know, I am a bad mom, they hate church.)
Big surprise...they fight me the whole morning.
Big surprise...they end up giving me a headache and I end up in a not very spiritual mood.
I am prepared with all their church clothes and shoes already the night before.
After church is not much better.
I just spent the last 30 minutes yelling and breaking up fights and pleading, and begging and trying not to cry.
I stare at the clock a lot.
I count the minutes until Jeff comes home from work.
I don't feel good anyway.
I am feeling no love today. I should say, I feel no like today.
And that is just for my children.
It won't last.
I will be that mom that admits that her kids are not perfect.
I have probably done something wrong in my parenting.
They are not bad kids, they are just not model children.
One of these days a miracle will happen and Jeff will be able to go with me and it will be less stressful.
There is still be yelling and begging a pleading.
Lets just face facts...I can't make them like to go, I can't make them be nice to each other.
If you can make them, you are way better at this than me.
Only 24 minutes and 30 seconds to go......

Flash Back Friday.

Okay, no making fun of my scrapbook page.

It was one of my first ones.

These are pictures of Jeff and I on my family's annual camping trip to San Clemente CA.

This is when Jeff proposed.

Jeff is so cute!

Thursday's blog...today.

I am still not feeling like my self.
After an exhausting day in Reno, I don't wanna do anything.
I am sure you all are sick of hearing that from me.
I am just tired.
We Stayed up Wednesday night until 2:15am, cleaning and getting the house "Jeff approved" for his parents, who called and said they might come for a visit.
Might.
Okay.
We had a slow start of cleaning and they we had to clean again after the goobers went to bed.
I didn't/could sleep tight away.
6:30 am we get the house going and boys off to school.
We left just when we wanted too.
And forgot to make a lunch for my picky child who did not want the school lunch of Mexican Bake.
My so very awesome friend Monica came to the rescue and took a lunch for me.
Still not knowing if His parents were going to meet us in Reno, or Just meet us at our house, we got our shopping done with time to spare.
We hit the Atlantis Hotel and Casino Lunch Buffet. $26 later... and our tummy's very full we headed home.
We made it just in time (15 minutes late) for scouts and back home to put of huge load of food away.
Oh yeah, Jeff's dad said he was sick and they decided not to come.
I dropped my cell phone in the sink and it started wiggin' out. It is fine today, but I was hoping for a new phone.
I went to bed...not don't be too shocked.... at 9:30.
I know!!!!! Crazy huh!
Under the covers not getting out except to go potty..at 9:30 pm.
No, I didn't fall asleep right away. I watched Grey's and feel asleep around 11pm
I wanted to keep sleeping this morning.
I just don't wanna blog.
I mean, I didn't want too, but I guess I did.
Sorry, it is so boring.... Not need to comment.

Word Wednesday: Excited

ex·cit·ed -
1 a: to call to activity
b: to rouse to an emotional response
2: to increase the activity of
3: to raise to a higher energy level

I am so excited.
Life is pretty good, besides me being tired all the time.
I think I found a helpful cure for the tiredness.
Vitamins. I know. Duh. I started taking them on Monday and I feel a lot better.
Which makes me excited!!!!
But I am so excited we got our taxes done.
I am excited about what we get to spend our tax refund on. (once it gets here)
I am excited that the drama in my life is taking a break....I know, now that I have said that, something is going to happen.
I am excited about seeing my in-laws tomorrow...hopefully - weather permitting.
I am excited about girls movie night on Friday.
I am excited about Jeff's birthday party on Saturday. (his birthday is Monday)
I am excited about going to Chico for Jeff's birthday on Monday. (with all the boys and meeting the In-laws for lunch)
I am excited that the boys are doing pretty good in school. (not great, but pretty okay)

There's more to be excited about, but I can't talk about it yet. (not set in stone ...)
But there are things I am not excited about, too.

I am not excited about the furlough days the Governor of this state has taken for all Law enforcement officers and state workers. 2 days a month. (which is a 10% decrease in pay.)
I am not excited about going off caffeine for a while. (It helps me thinks straight, dagg-nabbit.)
I am not excited that my sister is not having a good day. Or week or month.
I am not excited that we have to take all the boys to Chico with us on Monday. (dumb school holiday)
I am not excited about not being home for Valentines Day. (I want my mommy)
I am not excited about having to clean my house all the rest of the night. (you know, just in case my In-laws come - weather permitting)

I know this emotion will not last. It is me after all.
I am fickle...wishy washy...emotional...I can be a mess sometimes.
So I wanna know....what are you excited or not excited about?

Tasty Tuesday: Chicken and Rice dish

Okay, I am still feeling like a zombie took over my body.
And I didn't remember that it was Tuesday until just a minute ago.
I just don't feel like myself.

My mom made this dish the first night Jeff came over for dinner.
Our second date.
That date started with my brothers missionary farewell, where I sat in the chapel with Jeff on my left side and my ex-boyfriend Brady on my right. (not planned by the way)
After that I literally raced both guys back to my parents house. I still to this day have no idea why Brady came over after the farewell.
I won the race in my awesome Camero. (I miss that car. It was fun.)
Anyway, after a round of UNO and Brady drilling Jeff with questions like..."are you a returned missionary?"
And then Brady turns to me and says "Katie, you should marry this guy. He's a returned missionary."
After my shock and "whatever" reply... and another round of UNO, Brady left. (I didn't see him until 6 years and 3 boys later.
I got to spend the rest of the evening with Jeff and my family, which they all loved him.
Everyone was shocked when he just took out the trash...no one asked him too. He just did it.
I knew then he was a keeper.

So the dish is way simple and only takes 2 containers and a whisk.

Chicken and Rice - Preheat oven to 375
4 chicken breast frozen
1 cup dry rice
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can Chicken gumbo - (recommend Campbell's brand for both soups)
1 can of water

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together with whisk.
In 9x13 casserole dish place frozen chicken breast.
Poor mixture in bowl over frozen chicken.
Salt and pepper and cover with foil.
Bake for one hour.
Let sit covered with foil for 30 minutes.
Enjoy.

I like to make this in the winter time. It helps warm up the kitchen.

Not in love with Today.

I was sooo gonna start off my blog post today with possive-ness.
Talk about love and more love crap....
But it just never happened.
I am so not in love with today.
I wish it could have been better.
Nothing major.
Sammy has and ear infection...DR. said something about puss... i know gross. But He is doing much better and will return to school. Yay!
Trip to Wally's...again.(some people here call Wal-Mart that..weird I know)
Emma very cranky and oozing stringy grossness from her nose.
I just could not do anything all day.
And I didn't care.
Well, I didn't care until Jeff came home and got instantly grouchy.
"Oh No, my wife is sick... I have to cook dinner, and make the boys do their chores and homework. oh and deal with a very sick grouchy Emma....all by myself...eek, time to panic."
Whatever.
(Now, I have to say, he never told me why he was grouchy, he never complained, so I am not 100% positive he felt that way. That was all me, but his 'tude....kinda threw it out there)
**WARNING Complaining starting**
I am so tired.
I know why I am tired.
I haven't had a good nights rest since before I got pregnant with Emma.
And that was few and far between.
I know, I should go to bed earlier.
First, the kids go to bed, then mom's go to bed. This is how it is suppose to work.
Well, when no matter what you do, short of beating them (which I try not to do), does not work and they will not go to sleep... you have no choice.
You are up.
When it goes on for years... a pattern forms. (plus babies waking in the middle of the night only wanting mommy)
A routine happens and no matter how hard you try.... you can't go to bed at a decent hour.
It is 12:05am.
My excuse tonight...a favorite TV show that has been off season for a while just came back... Medium.
I treated myself tonight and stayed up in peaceful-ness and savored every minute.
I felt really sick all day and I thought it would be worth it.
Was it you ask?
Well.... yes...yes it was.
There is always tomorrow night to got to bed early right....?
I know... I am laughing too.

3 things I am certain

1. I am a romantic.
2. I go over board on a few things.
3. I love to blog.

I know, I know.... I went a little over board on my blog.
I even went and spent 2 hours talking to Amy on the phone finding over 80 songs with the word "Love" in it.
I am insane.
If you think this is bad, wait until March.
There's a whole Green theme rolling around in my head.....
I know, I know....scary.