Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Wait Wai

There's no need to eat your hat (made of turkey) unless your just hungry right now. The women were all in the kitchen and were around as the turkey was put in the roaster oven and prepared. The discussion had already occurred as to how to brine soak the turkey and what I put in the soak. They asked before they ate it.

The guys on the other hand cared not. It was food and it was good, they ate it. Then they all retreated to their respective chairs or outside to throw the football around with the kids and that was about the extent of what we got out of them.

19 people satisfied, I finally put my few left overs in the freezer.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Recap

I had a successful Thanksgiving in spite of Murphy's law.

Jonathan was off all last week (thankful).

We got a lot of work and organization done on the house (thankful).

Jonathan decided we needed to go to the zoo Tuesday and showed up over an hour after we did when I should have been working on the house because people were coming Wednesday night (thankful and then not thankful).

My turkey turned out pretty good (thanks Wai for the soak instructions they were great), it got cooked after it popped to try and get it to brown more and is wasn't as moist as it would have been (still thankful).

Jackson started throwing up at 1am Thanksgiving-he ate 5 crackers all day and threw up on my bed twice and on me twice (not thankful).

My in-laws stayed to care of the other kids while we took Jackson to the ER Thursday night (thankful).

No one else has gotten sick...yet (thankful).

I got the tree up and the house decorated Friday. It's nice and festive (thankful).

Jonathan had to go back to work Monday (not thankful and yet thankful-we have to have money to live).

These are just a few things from last week. I have much more to be thankful for, this is just a high and low light recap of last week. I hope you had a happy and blessed Thanksgiving and I hope you have a wonderful transition to Christmas!

I am the Queen...

...Nerd Queen that is.

NerdTests.com says I'm a Nerd Queen.  What are you?  Click here!

Friday, November 16, 2007

Eat, drink and be merry!

Okay, so maybe all I put here are things to eat and be merry. If you want the drink I'm of no help here. This is a modified version of a post I made last November. It's still the same 5 recipes.

1. I’ve posted about this one before, this is a Rachel Ray 30 minute meal (it takes me closer to 45 without a helper for me). The chicken lettuce wraps are a lot like the ones at Pei Wei and P. F. Chang’s. I even use it as a salad topping with no dressing instead of making wraps sometimes.

2. It is a simple homemade Vegetable beef soup. This one requires no measuring and minimal prep. Just brown some ground beef (you choose the amount). Get a large pot and dump a can or 2 of Veg-All, a can or 2 of sliced new potatoes, a can of whole green beans, 3 beef bullion cubes and some seasoned salt and pepper. Add whatever amount of water you desire. Bring it to a boil; reduce it to a simmer for 15 minutes (or how ever long you feel, simmer longer and just keep checking the water level). This is good reheated and even my kids eat it. In one pan you have multiple veggies, meat, and starch, I love one pot meals and soup on cold days.

3. I made this pumpkin swirl cheesecake three times last year. For Thanksgiving and Christmas I cheated and didn’t swirl it. I just made it strait up pumpkin; this was a nice change to the usual holiday desserts. The ginger snap crust is so good. If you’ve never made a cheesecake before the videos on the page were very helpful. I’d never used a spring form pan before either.

4 & 5. 2 recipes for the price of 1. This is the recipe for the rolls I blogged about before. This is a super simple and delicious dough. It is knead free and takes about 10 minutes to mix up. The time is mostly in letting the stuff rise, but it is well worth it. I usually make a double batch and make one batch of cinnamon and one batch of dinner rolls. By doing this you have breakfast on the go and rolls for your holiday dinner or whenever you want. Both freeze and reheat very well. I’ve been known to freeze meal size quantities of dinner rolls, so we don’t eat them, and I just pull them from our deep freeze with our dinner meat when I need them.

Cinnamon/Dinner Roll Dough

1 cake of yeast
3 tbsp warm water
Dissolve yeast in water (to check yeast activation add a very small pinch of sugar and stir in, if it begins to bubble yeast is activated).

2 eggs beaten
½ c Crisco
1 tsp salt
½ c sugar
1 c warm water
Mix together well and add yeast. Gradually stir in 4 c of flour. Cover bowl with a dish towel, if used the same day allow to rise 2-3 hours (may be stored in the refrigerator over night).

Cinnamon Rolls

After rising, divide in half. Roll on floured counter into a rectangle with dough about ¼” thick. Melt a stick of butter or margarine and brush onto the dough all the way to the edges. In a container with a lid combine ½ c dark brown sugar, ½ c white sugar and ground cinnamon, shake until well mixed. Shake ½ of the mixture onto the dough (don’t apply to the last inch on the 1 of the long edges) spread evenly and smoothly with hand. Roll like a jellyroll from the long edge that has cinnamon. Cut into 1” rolls with dental floss or a piece of string. Place in a greased pan, but not too closely. Let rise 2 hours.Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.Glaze with ¼ c butter or margarine, ½ c of powdered sugar and 2 tsp milk. Soften butter at room temperature and use a fork to combine butter and powdered sugar, add milk and heat for about 30 seconds on medium in the microwave. Mix well and spoon over hot rolls.

Dinner Rolls

Divide into 4ths and roll into circles about ¼” thick. Brush with melted butter and cut into wedges. Roll from edge to point. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Let rise 2-3 hours.Bake 6-10 minutes at 425 degrees. Time varies upon cookie sheet and oven and desired doneness.I use airbake pans and a temp closer to 450 degrees for 10 minutes, on the lower middle rack.

I hope someone can use these for some holiday help. Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Check this out.

This may be the colest car I've ever seen in modern history. Wow!

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Ch-Ch-Changes

I'm not sure if their will really be changes around here, but their might be. For those of you who don't know, my husband has 2 bachelors (Aerospace Engineering, OSU 2002 and Mechanical Engineering, OSU 2005). It's sounds very impressive, but to complete the 2nd degree he just needed 12 hours in anything not remedial. He finished those courses through OCCC in OKC.

Jonathan is a Sr. Design/Program Engineer for an Oklahoma aero company, that does a little bit of it all, repair and overhaul parts, interiors and structures, nacelles and thrust reverser's, etc. He makes more then the state median income, but he is really wanting to knock out some debt, and get an newer car (his car is on its last leg) and he'd like to have more expendable income for potential property investments. He has been told that he is on the fast track for management, but the dollar signs of contract work and the potential to double his income (yes, we would pay the taxes, out insurance, dental and retirement) is very strong. Even with the expenses he would still pull in a lot (between 40% and 50 %) more then he makes now. The drawbacks are lose of his current schedule (4 days a week, 10 hour days-most of the time), more overtime and less time at home and the possibility of being let go at any time, b/c he isn't a direct hire. The market looks to be very hot for the next 2-3 years and he can go back direct at about anytime.

The big question is, is it worth it? It looks good, but with 4 kids I'm not sure I wouldn't opt for security. This is a discussion we have about every 6 months. It might happen, it might not.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

This information supports...

...some of why my kids don't and won't go to public school. Somewhere down the line I think we lost reading, math, spelling, science, etc. for crap that has nothing to do with academics.


The public school teacher convention is going on and here are some of the workshops they are offering:

"The Unbearable Whiteness of Being: Dismantling White Privilege and Supporting Anti-Racist Education in Our Classrooms and Schools." Designed to help educators identify and deconstruct their own white privilege and in so doing more deeply commit themselves to anti-racist teaching and critical multicultural teaching.

"Talking About Religious Oppression and Unpacking Christian Privilege." Will examine the dynamics of Christian privilege and oppression of minority religious groups and nonbelievers as constructed and maintained on three distinct levels: individual, institutional and societal. God help us .. now there's not only white privilege, but Christian privilege as well.

"Beyond Celebrating Diversity: Teaching Teachers How to be Critical Multicultural Educators." This session will start from the premise that multiculturalism's greatest danger "comes from educators who ostensibly support its goals, but whose work - cultural plunges, food fairs, etc. - reflects a compassionate conservative consciousness rather than social justice. This session focuses on preparing teachers, not for celebrating diversity, but for achieving justice in schools and society."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.multicultural30oct30,0,4084309.story

How about worrying about students learning the basics and learning them well. Gee, I guess that's not what's important in school anymore.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

My lose is heaven's gain.

Grandma Overstreet passed away last night around 1 am. I had even been called last night by my sister to tell me I probably had a week or two to get back down. I heard the answering machine and my Dad said to call him when I got the message. I ran downstairs to get the phone, but I knew.

Please pray as my family mourns this lose. She needed to go and she is in a better place.

The show is over.

The musical closed Sunday. It was fun, but I really miss the many new friends I've made. John Durrill of the 60's band The Five American's was soooo fun to work with. I danced, I sang, I was embarrassed by one of my costumes, heck I even cartwheeled over a guys legs (thanks for not dropping me Nathan). If you want to see pics you can go to my myspace page (linked to the side and check the album of back stage pictures and cast party photos).

It was nice to return to the stage after 10 years. I won't make the mistake of taking that long again.

G.I. Joe

This article is frustrating, but inspiring. Read it all.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Production Week

Well, I will apologize for lack of posts and responses to e-mails. Life should be back to normal shortly. Our musical runs 2 shows. One Saturday at 7pm and one Sunday at 3pm. Wish us luck...oh, wait tell us to break a leg. lol

We had our first rehearsal on stage tonight. We have been practicing on the 9th floor of the state college here in town. Today we had our first tech rehearsal (setting the lights, BIG props, etc.). What will take less then 3 hours for the show, that has taken slightly longer then 3 hours in rehearsal took 5 1/4 hours (3 to 8:15). I thought I would be home before J and the kids got home from church, but I was about 45 minutes behind them. I had planned on making dinner and having it ready for them. I felt terrible about that.

I will try to post pics and maybe some blackmail worthy rehearsal video from my new camera.

Thankfully the choreographer will be back tomorrow night (she was gone ALL of last week), so my dance captain duties are over. I must have faked it well to make dance captain, b/c I am not a dancer.

Friday, October 05, 2007

And the hits keep coming.

It's been quite a day.

Updates. Jonathan's Great Aunt Marie, passed away this morning, she had a heart attack. My grandmother is in a nursing home down the street from her apartment so grandpa is close by.

The FedEx man paid me a visit and brought me Snappy Jr. I took some pictures and then I put the battery on the charger. Here are the first 4 pictures. I could have taken better ones, but I wanted the 1st four pictures to not be deleted and used in this post. So here are my lovely children.

Victoria has lost 2 teeth. I'll take a better picture later I promise Mom.

Jackson playing in the office. I love those blue eyes.
Owen is almost walking, but he climb better then Alex. He also loves shoes.


Big Al loves unplugging the monitor so it's never on when I need it. He runs now.



Thanks again Wai for the recommendation. I am impressed with this camera.
Thanks again for all of your prayers and I hope you have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Grandma O.

Okay, here is a better bit of information. I was in a hurry when I posted the last one.

Last week Grandma was taken to the hospital because of dehydration and a bladder infection. They had been struggling with keeping her electrolyte levels up and gave her some blood because her blood counts were low. On Sunday afternoon I had been told that Grandma would probably be released Monday and put in rehabilitation care before going home.

Sunday night I received another call from my Dad. He had just driven back to Texas from Norman and seeing his mom. They determined she has intestinal bleeding, probably from a tear. After talking to 3 doctors the same information was given. To do the colonoscopy she would have to be flushed, which would drop her electrolytes, which she can't keep up anyway. If surgery was needed putting her under anesthetic would cause her to go into cardiac arrest. The electrolytes are what keeps your heart going and hers would be too low. The options were to go ahead and try and let her die on the table (something she expressed earlier in life she would rather not go through) or to let her go into hospice and let her go that way. The decision for hospice has been made. Blood transfusions have been stopped, but electrolytes are still being give and she is on a full liquid diet. On top of the above issues Grandma is also diabetic and has mild dementia. There is a lot that needs cared for.

Dad and I both drove to Norman on Monday. Dad is still there and we came back late yesterday afternoon. It was hard knowing this is goodbye. Victoria sang "God Bless America" to her and recited her memory verse for the week. Jackson was sweet and wild. The babies were just sweet. I got the chance to hold Grandma's hand and pray with her. I broke down more then once last night at musical rehearsal, but I kept going.

Please keep my family and the people helping us in your prayers. Everything is a bit strange. It's hard knowing what the outcome will be. We haven't lost anyone in dad's family since Aunt Karen when I was 9.

On a positive note, grandma was on the same floor as the women's and children's center at Norman Regional. I got to take the twins down to the NICU to see their nurses. It's hard to believe that 15 months ago my boys were hooked to machines and being primarily cared for by women who weren't related to them. The NICU was home for 2 1/2 weeks. It was nice to go back and say, "Hey, thanks again." They couldn't believe how big they are.

Monday, October 01, 2007

We're off.

My Grandma O isn't well and is in the hospital. Things don't look good right now, but we'll see.

Please pray for my Grandmother, Grandfather, the Doctors and the rest of my family.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Thanks Wai!

I don't have it yet, but I just ordered my new camera (I got the silver version) and a 2GB card. Jonathan really wanted to go with a model from the Canon SD series so I relented. I don't get manual controls or image stabilization, but I am pleased with what we agreed on. If I want manual controls I'll have the camera guy in Norman fix Snappy, which I may do anyway and let V have a good camera to work with.

Jonathan wanted to go with a refurbished SD 550. After Wai posted a couple of comments about his SD1000 we agreed that it was the better way to go.

I got really impatient and almost went and spent more to have it immediately from Wal-Mart, but I'm trying to be patient. I'm also saving enough on tax that it paid for the memory card.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

At last!

We own the twins outright!. Ya, I know they are almost 15 months old and this sounds weird, but we have been getting the run around with the insurance and the neonatologist's billing department. I've even been sent to collections and pulled out of collections as we have tried to get it all straightened out.

Now, I guess they can't repo the babies. Where would you return something like that? I don't think there was a return desk at the hospital. lol

Anyway, YIPEE! I was so happy i just wanted to wake them up and kiss on them. I did contain myself so they could finish their nap.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

I think this is it.

I'm almost certain I am going with this and this. At about $178 I think this is a better deal then the repair or offered upgrade. My sister said since it's outside of the warranty to get it back and take it to the guy that repairs cameras in Norman. She said he does good work and he should be cheaper then Canon. If I do that I think I'll give it to V to take whatever she wants so she and J won't touch my new one.

Now I have to talk this out with Jonathan so we are in agreement before I make a purchase like this.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Snappy's Prognosis

Well, I got word from Canon today. I'm just going to cut and past the important parts of the e-mail here:

Received: September 18, 2007
Repair Cost: $ 97.00
Status: Estimated September 18, 2007


Dear SARA :

We have received your equipment for evaluation and repair. We have estimated your repair as detailed below. Upon your approval and payment remittance we will start the necessary repairs.


You can expect the repair to be completed and your equipment shipped back to you within approximately 7 business days,* from the time we receive your approval and payment. Please respond to this estimate promptly to avoid your unit being returned un-repaired.Please note that in the unlikely event that any internal damage is found due to liquid/water, sand, corrosion, battery leakage or impact (such as dropping the unit), a revised estimate will be sent for your authorization.The Canon USA repair facility may repair your equipment or exchange it for refurbished equipment of the same model, or for a new or refurbished equipment of an equivalent model to your equipment, with the same or additional features. Please note that recovered, remanufactured, repaired and/or recycled parts may be used in connection with such repair.

Thank you for purchasing Canon products and for allowing us this opportunity to serve you.

Best Regards,Canon Factory Service Center


They didn't tell me what was wrong and they gave me their "FLAT RATE REPAIR CHARGE". I at least like to know what I'm paying for.

They offered me this referb deal:

Canon has a special program for its valued customers.
As an alternative to repair you may now purchase a refurbished POWER SHOT A530 for $125.00 . Call our Customer Care Center at 1-866-443-8002 for more details.


I found the same referb cheaper on the Internet.

I really think I'm going to just buy a new camera. The offered A530 is a slower, lower megapixel, referb of what I want that's $168 and brand new.

What do you think? Anyone? Anyone?

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Pressure

It's still there, but at least my molars don't hurt anymore. I ran across the house and my teeth hurt so bad. I would just like to take the shop vac to my sinus cavities to release the rest of the pressure. I should be better in a few days. I'm going to go and take some ibuprofen and a some more allergy meds. Only 7 days left of my antibiotic.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

I'm embarrassed...

...to say I went to OSU. No, not because of football, I've never been a Poke fan. I'm embarrassed, because of this article. They are complaining about not being competitive in attracting students, because they don't get enough financial aid.

I think I've heard this before.

I remember hearing them say that they weren't competitive enough in sports, because their facilities aren't nice enough. Gee, I remember driving through Stillwater recently and I saw the stadium looking better and a neighborhood leveled to build an "athletic village," with a ridiculous donation from T. Boone Pickens. I still don't see OSU winning championships in anything except wrestling and golf (and at that who really cares).

So, OSU have those new facilities helped you? I think not.

OSU, has turned into a whiny, pity poor me university. They don't have the vision to eliminate issues before they arise. They aren't proactive and a fair amount of reporting about OSU is complaint, because they aren't good enough, smart enough and dog gone it people don't like them.

OSU is the whiny younger sibling of OU and instead of positivly marketing their school, they complain, because they are in OU's shadow. OSU needs to step out and chart a course based on what they do well (they never talk about that). OSU needs a better attitude and a PR turn around. OSU is an A & M even if that isn't their name. They should be building up those areas and they should try to become the MIT of the south and they should stop trying to do be a liberal arts college. If you walk their campus, ag and engineering get a lot less and they are what that college is really good at (don't mention the ATRC-engineering students don't really have class or lab in there). It a shame they can't see their potential and are desperately trying to be what they aren't.

Even thought J and I went there we have not liked the direction the university has taken since we left and we have no intention of sending our children there. Heck, I'd rather see them go to Texas and Texas to an OU fan may as well be the anti-Christ (just kidding).