Got Bread?

I got ambitious this weekend. I know from the picture below you might think I was like Jethro Bodine (The Beverly Hillbillies) and just had me a large bowl of oatmeal chock full of nuts ..... Every time I use this bowl I think of him and his appetite, but I digress. I didn't eat this much. And this isn't oatmeal. I made up a batch of Banana Nut Bread.

As you can see from this picture, when I make up Banana Nut Bread-I make a lot!!! You can also probably guess why from looking at the below picture.

I barely get this yummy concoction out of the oven, and someone is already cutting into it and sampling the goods. Although, I'm not mentioning any names... (Ricardo.)

If any of you have some bananas sitting around needing a new purpose in life, or if you want to make up a delicious treat for the family- the recipe is below. And as you know, I'm no chef, so it's a given that this recipe is easy. :) Enjoy!!!

BANANA NUT BREAD:

2 C sugar

2/3 C butter

4 eggs

8 bananas

3 C flour

2 tsp soda

2 tsp salt

Chopped Nuts of your choice

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and mix well. Add flour, soda and salt-mix well. Mash in bananas and add the nuts-again mixing well. Pour into greased and floured loaf pan. Bake @ 35o for around 1hour (give or take depending on your oven.)

(** Special Editor's Note-It's worth mentioning, this recipe does not contain MILK of ANY sort- **private joke/bittersweet smile and tears inserted here.)

Ima Jo King on Women's Issues

Howdy!!! Ima Back!! Has it been awhile since you've had a good laugh? Are you needing a laugh more now than ever? Well, "Ima" gonna try to take care of that.

Awhile back a friend of mine sent me some Q&A's on Women's "Issues". I found this information highly enlightening and very entertaining as well. I can only hope it answers some questions you might have also had. Enjoy...


Pregnancy, Estrogen, and Women
PREGNANCY Q & A & more!

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure.Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

"ESTROGEN ISSUES" 10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE "ESTROGEN ISSUES"
1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: "How's my driving-call 1- 800-"
6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from "outer space"
8. You can't believe they don't make a tampon bigger than Super Plus.
9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

Well, I certainly feel better. Hope everyone has a great weekend! And as I always say: If you can't be a good example, serve as a horrible warning to others!!!

'Til Next Time,
Ima Jo King- Blogger at Large

Happy Birthday Brown Eyes!!!

Today is yet another very special day in our household. Seven years ago today, I was blessed with my second son. My youngest. Beautiful Brown Eyes. This little guy is my living proof that you can love your second child every bit as much as you do your firstborn. My heart had been saving a special spot, just for him all along.

Brown Eyes is every bit as much of a blessing as his brother is. He is also just as much loved.

I must say, my two boys are very different in personalities. But, both are as equally wonderful.

When I knew I was pregnant with my second child, I had hoped I would get another son. One who would be an ornery, mischievous bit of goods. My prayers were answered.


Brown Eyes likes to live his life on the wild side. He is all about taking risks. He also says exactly what he feels, when he feels it, he doesn't sugarcoat it, and you never have to doubt that he meant it. I admire those qualities in him. I wouldn't try to change them, even if I could.

He's a fly by the seat of your pants kind of guy. Some days are more adventurous than others; but, every day is an adventure just the same. He is sweet and loving one minute. Comical and ornery the next.

Brown Eyes can make me laugh like no other! He's definitely got his Momma's twisted sense of humor.

He's also got his Momma's temper, bless his little heart! But unlike me, this little guy is worth the extra effort, even on those trying days. :) He's extremely loving, exceptionally smart, and very good at heart. He's just a good egg I tell ya! (Who knew I could be capable of producing two of those top notch, quality eggs???!!! )

So here's to my youngest, Beautiful Brown Eyes!!! Your smile makes my heart melt, my eyes misty, and my arms ache to embrace you always. The very sound of your sweet little laugh makes my soul soar and my day complete. I love you more than words can say. I will love you even more tomorrow than I do today. I am so lucky to be your Mom! I hope that all your wishes and dreams come true; because, that's the gift you and your brother have given to me.

Happy Birthday Ella!!!

June is the month of Birthday's around our casa. First we had Ol' Blue Eyes celebrating the big "Teen" Birthday. And today is little Miss Ella Enchanted Me's Birthday. She is turning 1 year old today!!! And may I say, what a difference a year makes in the life (and size) of an English Mastiff.



This is our sweet little girl when she was only two days old. She weighed in at less than 2 lbs.



Fast forward eight weeks, to the first night we brought her home:

Ohhhhhh! If you think I didn't pinch those cute little hind legs a time or two....well, you'd be mistaken. I'm not that strong. She was just too stinking cute and pinchable to resist I tell ya!! And look at those rolls of skin. Only a dog and a baby can make excess rolls look so good!!! :)



Then we hit our mid year point:

Oh, my goodness!!! Look at that velvet muzzle. And those wrinkles!!! I like to call this shot: "Deep thoughts by Ella." :)

And now weighing in at close to 150 lbs is our girlie a year in the making:

Beautiful, sweet, enchanting, pampered, lovable, can't live without ya, Ella Pooh.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!!! We all love you so very much!!! Looking forward to many more happy, wonderful, amusing years together!!!!

Love Dare Day.....14???

I dare say, my beloved Ricardo and I are not following the Love Dare Book as it is meant to be followed. I Dare say, we have been too stinking busy. We've had so much going on that we have agreed to take the weekends off from reading our marital book. Is that wrong?! Is it soooo wrong that it is right?! Like, when two negatives make a positive sort of right???!!! I dare say, we will have to amend the 40 day dare into something more like: "The it's gonna take 2 months, cause we take the weekends off , 40 day Love Dare." or "The 60 Day (give or take) 40 Day Love Dare for the Mathematically and Time Challenged Couple" or perhaps: "Our Marriage isn't going anywhere, anytime soon, (I think) so we're taking our sweet time 4000 Day Love Dare"....catchy titles huh?





I know what you're thinking. In the amount of time it took to come up with these clever titles, I could have read the book. Well, perhaps. But the point is, I'm up to my eyeballs in chores, school, birthdays, etc. So, when hubby asked what I thought about taking the weekends off from reading; I jumped at the chance.





We've been spending our weekends out poolside as a family (dogs and all). Which I am certain, SOMEWHERE in this book it mentions quality family time. The past several days have seemed a little irrelevant. We've had days that spend time talking about arguing, giving in to a disagreement, constructive arguing, etc. Ricardo and I honestly don't argue. I can't think of the last time we had a "disagreement." We got that out of our system years ago. It's in the past. Kinda like dancing all night, drinking with friends and dating.





Speaking of, when I mentioned date night to Ricardo, he said: "I thought dating other people was frowned upon." Which caused me to laugh hysterically. I guess in some houses that comment wouldn't have gone over well. But, in ours..laughter wins every time. But I digress.





Anyhow, we are muddling our way through this book as best as we can. I wouldn't be surprised if the author showed up on our doorstep any day now and demanded we relinquish the books to him. But we are slowly but surely, ( actually more slowly than surely) getting through the dare. Today is Day 14 which is about neglecting an activity you would normally do so that you can spend some quality time with each other. UhOh. I can guess which activity we will neglect so that we can spend more time together. Guess that means tomorrow will be DAY 14...or perhaps the day after.





Anyway, as I was saying, we are still married. Still doing fine. Still reading. It is any one's guess at this point as to when we will finish this challenge. Perhaps on our upcoming Anniversary? Oh wait, that's next month. Not enough time to finish it before this year's Anniversary. Lets try for next years. I'll keep you abreast of the latest. ( A breast...snicker, snort, giggle) Perhaps they have a remedial marital book for the juvenile, will laugh at anything, too immature to read/write couple???!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLUE EYES

Today is a very special day. 13 years ago today, I was blessed with a son. Ol' Blue Eyes. My eldest son. My heart, my soul, one of life's greatest gifts. I don't know what I did to deserve him; but, I give thanks for him every day. In my humble opinion, Blue Eyes is one of the most perfect human beings ever to grace planet Earth.

He is extremely intelligent and talented. He is also kind, patient, loving and just all around wonderful. How could I have had a part in creating something so utterly perfect?!! He's one good egg I tell ya! :)

He is a wonderful son and a fabulous big brother. I cherish every memory of him as a baby and small child.

I am so proud of the teenager that he has become. And, I have no doubt as to the wonderful man he will soon be.

Blue Eyes, I love you more than mere words can express. I will love you even more tomorrow than I do today. You make the world a better place, simply by being in it!

So, here's to you Blue Eyes-Happy 13th Birthday!!! I hope all your wishes and dreams come true-no one deserves it more!

Ella's New Castle

This is our aforementioned, luxurious guesthouse. As you can probably guess just by looking, we don't often have overnight guests around here. It's a good thing too. As someone has recently decided that THIS spacious retreat is waaaay better than the igloo doghouse. The igloo doesn't have windows, or a pretty blue roof, or a fold down play stove. And it definately didn't make her feel like a pretty princess.

But this place is fit for royalty or so it would seem. Princess Ella of the Little Tykes Dynasty I presume?

Stay at Home Mom speaks out....Loudly

Okay, today I am in a "Mood." So, I advice you to read this following post at your own peril.





May I start by saying, in my humble opinion that Stay at Home Moms are sometimes treated like second class citizens. Oh I know that there are those who have had it much worse. I'm not denying that. I feel for the masses who have suffered far worse, for far longer than I could ever dream of enduring. That is not what I am saying at all.





I will say, for what ever reason, Stay at Home Moms are one of the few people where prejudices are still accepted and where profiling is the norm. We are viewed as a group of people who live on "Easy Street" who's days are filled with "Nothing to do" and what we do accomplish is "insignificant" at best because "we do not earn money." Also, because we have no J-O-B we should be readily accessible anytime of the day or night because what else could we possibly have going on??!!!





Well, I'm tired of it doggone it! Just because I don't have a "career" , don't think for a moment that I don't "work." In fact, if the truth be known; I work harder than you could ever begin to dream of. I may not have business meetings to attend, clients and co-workers to deal with or deadlines to meet. I don't have "vacation days" "sick days" or "weekends off." I work 24/7/365. Okay, 24/7/364...I get Mother's Day off. And trust me, I am indeed dang thankful to have it!





I don't complain because the weekend is over too quickly. In fact, I'm so busy doing laundry, cleaning house, cooking and picking up after everyone that all my days go by at lightning speed and morph into one.





When I answer the phone and you ask, "What are you doing?" and I reply, "not much. What's up?" What I am really saying is, "You don't want to know what numerous mundane tasks I am preforming simultaneously at this moment. I will put them all on hold and not begrudge the interruption in my schedule; because, you have found a moment for me in yours."





I don't buy designer clothing to wear. I don't have the more expensive vehicle to commute in. I don't know the latest fashions, gossip or technical must have gadgets. I don't hobknob with the elite crowd.



I do know that I have worth. I also have feelings that are every bit as important as yours. I know in my heart of hearts that what I am doing right now is more important and worthy of my time and efforts than anything else I could possibly hope to achieve. I also know that I am incredibly lucky and honored to be able to stay at home with my children.



I am raising my children. No nanny, no daycare worker hired at minimum wage. No one could love my children as deeply, monitor their safety more diligently, or anticipate their needs more than I do. I talk the talk and walk the walk. I do not consider it a sacrifice. I consider it a privilege. Hopefully, one day, they might think the same thing too.



So though my days aren't as glamorous as yours, I dare say they are every bit as relevant. I am every woman rolled into one. Mother, wife, teacher, housekeeper, cook, gardener, pool cleaner, pet sitter, poop scooper service, this family's own, personal "411"- I know the answers to all your questions and I can find the very thing you seem to have misplaced.



In fact, if a salary were received for all that I do...only the very wealthy would be able to afford me. I could be viewed as a multi-million dollar corporation. Not in what I earn, but what I save in expenses.



And although my life revolves around my family and their needs, I am still my own person. I still have the same wants and desires as anyone else. I still want to be viewed as an individual, not just part of a family unit. I would still enjoy time out with friends only, hobbies of my own, and moments just by myself from time to time. A little Chicken Soup for MY soul so to speak.



But I have rambled long enough. I have a million of chores waiting for me alone to do. None of which include watching soap operas or eating bon-bons. And before you leave thinking I am whining, please know that I am not. I love my life! I wouldn't trade it for the world! I just want those of you who are "employed" to know that Stay at Home Moms are valuable to society too. We just don't think that the world revolves around us and our job. We learned long ago that there are far more important things in life. Like our family. I never heard of someone on their deathbed wishing they had spent more time at work.

Grace Personified

Have you ever seen someone who is so graceful and poised that they can make even the simplest movement look like it's choreographed? My sister is that way. She's taken dance for years. She is graceful. She is how they say "Poetry in Motion."

Me,...not so much. Take Friday for instance. Was going downstairs with the ancient one and Ella. Jodi was choking and struggling for breath so bad, I stopped 1/2 way down to check on her. I double checked her collar, rubbed her throat, gave a few words of encouragement, and then turned to finish walking down the stairs.

And then....I FELL down the stairs. Yep. Grace Personified. Landed on my left arm. Instant swelling. Too swollen to hurt much at the time. Today though, I got some really nice coloration going. Purdy, Purdy!!

I have a feeling that as the graceful one ages, things are just going to get worse. I'm getting to "THAT" age you know. The whole brittle boned, would be cheaper to put her down than fix it, wear the life alert button around my neck, "Help! I've fallen and can't get up!" age.

Other than a little embarrassment, no harm was done. At least I didn't break anything. Although, maybe that's my niche. I too could be a dancer....a BREAK dancer!