Logan went trick-or-treating!!

Our two boys (Pooh was bat-dog)

Posing by the decorations

Getting ready to head out the door

Running down the very, very long driveway - out of control

**New videos are up on the site - check them out!! You might have to hit

the "play" button 2 or 3 times**

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!!

Excuse the blurry pictures - my camera does not take good pictures in the dark.
(and yes, I carved them myself - with some help from Mike)

It's HOT TUB Season!!

Our poor, poor hot tub - it's been so neglected for the past 4 months.... until tonight. On Sunday we cleaned out and filled the hot tub and then on Tuesday I went and got our water tested so that the proper amount of chemicals could be added. Yesterday afternoon (after spending a wonderful morning with Christina & Claire) I added the appropriate chemicals and we were set to go.

For some reason though, someone was being a pill last night and would not go and get our swim suits so we didn't enjoy it last night. But boy, did we enjoy it tonight. It was THE perfect weather - in the 50's, clear skies, and best of all no rain!! Logan was not quite sure what to think, I'm not sure if he remembered it. At first he just sat on my lap and looked at the water. He didn't splash or anything. But once Mike joined us then he wanted to explore. And he did not sit still the rest of the time!

Our hot tub seats 4 comfortably and 6-7 if you don't mind bumping knees. The seats where the "extra" people can sit are raised up a little. Logan loved standing on those areas and it was quite the eye opener for us as to how much he has grown. The last time we had gone in there he could barely see out the top of the tub. Now, almost half of his chest is sticking out! Apparently he went through a growth spurt!!

5 Ingredient Friday

To Die For Crock pot Roast

1 beef roast, any kind, any size

1 pkg. Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix

1 pkg. brown gravy mix

1 pkg. Italian dressing mix

1/2 cup water or more

Place roast in crock pot. Mix all 3 envelopes together and sprinkle on top of roast. Pour 1/2 cup warm water in bottom of crock pot; cook on low for 6-7 hours.

The combination of these ingredients sound really strange but trust me the roast turns out great!! Go check out Overwhelmed with Joy! for more recipes.

* * Reminder - only 46 more days to order a Santa letter

For more info - click HERE

Updates

*New update added

Nothing too exciting going on around here so I'm doing a bulleted list of some updates. Enjoy:

• Logan has learned how to get down the stairs - going forward! Talk about scaring the crap out of me the first time he did it!!
• Logan is going to be a Tiger for Halloween and since he doesn't talk yet (at least real words) instead of teaching him how to say trick-or-treat we've been teaching him how to "roar". He does it in a whisper which is so, so cute!
• Mike bought Logan his first pair of slippers last week. They're Superman ones and he looks so cute walking around the house with them on.
• I am going to a HUGE craft show this weekend and am so excited - it's one of the biggest ones around and hopefully I'll get some Christmas shopping done. And maybe get a thing or two for myself ;)
• My Mom got a seasonal job at Pier 1 - hello discount!! Oh yeah :)
• Mike has his finals for this semester on Saturday and then only 8 more weeks and he's done with school. Anyone want to join us for a graduation party??
• Logan loves watching the Ellen Show - he dances along with her.
• He's learned how to give hugs so if you sit on the floor and open your arms he'll run into them and put his head on your chest.
• I updated my blogrolls - go check out the new ones!!
• Logan is officially a toddler - I just got done packing up all of his 12 month clothes :(

I think that's about it for now. Have I mentioned lately how kissable my son is??

Order Your Own Santa Letter

Only $5.25!!

How would your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or anyone else that is special in your life like to receive a personalized letter from Santa? I'm sure you can think of someone that would love a keepsake like this. Imagine the delight in their eyes when they get their own piece of mail - from Santa!

All letters will be personally addressed to your child and include information such as age, city they live in, and items on their wish list. No need to worry about getting the same letter for each child - I have a couple of different ones. I even have a very special one for a baby's first Christmas!! Each letter will also include a special coloring page that they can leave out for Santa.

If you are interested in ordering a personalized Santa letter or have questions please email me at mtcw78@hotmail.com - I will send back the payment instructions (I accept paypal, cashier's check, or money orders) and personal information that I need to make the letter wonderful for that special person in your life.

Have a letter sent directly from Santa - it's easy, it's fun, and it's simple to do!!

All letters will be mailed during the month of December.

Needing Some Feedback

For the past couple of weeks I have been trying to think of some ideas to make some extra money for the upcoming holidays. I think I might have an idea and I would like to know what you think about it. Ok here it is: I've been thinking of typing up and sending out Christmas/Holiday letters from Santa. I got the idea when I started looking on the internet for Santa letters so that Logan would get one but I couldn't believe the prices that sites were asking for them. Some wanted $14.95!! Which is crazy so I thought "I can do that for a lot less" and hopefully some of my family and friends would like them too.

So here's what you would get: the letter would be on Christmas themed paper, an "authentic" letter directly to your child from Santa, the letter would be personalised with specific things (ie, town they live in, gifts they've asked for, their age), and I'm debating about including either a coloring page that they can leave for Santa or maybe some stickers. I think I would set the price at $5.25 for each letter.

Let me know what you think, I really appreciate it!! More updates to follow depending on the responses that I get.

At A Loss For Words

I'm not quite sure what to say - I feel so disappointed. I wish they would have stuck it out a little longer. They would have gotten what they wanted and needed AND most of all deserved!! Read here for more.

Favorite Ingredient Friday

Herbed Bubble Bread

1. 1/4 cup butter, melted

2. 1 tsp. garlic powder

3. 1 tsp. dried oregano

4. 1/2 tsp. dried thyme

5. 1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen dinner roll dough, thawed

In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Cut each roll in half; dip into butter mixture. Arrange in a greased 12 cup fluted tube pan. Pour remaining butter mixture over top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Visit Overwhelmed for some other great recipes - and join in if you wish!!

Getting Closer

Mike, along with four of his classmates, presented their Senior project for college today. It sounds like it went pretty well - the presentation will count for 20% of their grade. I think they did a great job on the project. They created a website for a church. Within the website, once you register, you are then able to share photos, post forum discussions, create a blog, among other things.

They probably won't know their final grade for about a week but I have a feeling they will receive high marks. Apparently their project was all the buzz around campus and they received many compliments from most of the faculty that attended their presentation today. Normally when a group presents their project there are usually 3 or so people at the presentation, but at theirs today there were over 30! I told Mike all of the underclassmen are going to hate them because they've raised the bar for future senior projects. Which I believe is a very good thing!!

I cannot believe that Mike is almost done with college. In one regard it seems like it went by quickly, but in another it was excruciatingly slow. It will be so nice to have our Saturdays back. We might be able to get away for a weekend every now and then!

My Not Too Dirty Thirty

I stole this from Christina, who stole it from Al, who stole it from Becca - will you be the next one to steal??

The Dirty Thirty + (unknown facts/secrets about yourself):

1. In two words, explain what ended your last relationship? It was over 12 years ago - I have no idea!!
2. When was the last time you shaved your legs? Umm, is it bad if I don't remember??
3. What were you doing this morning at 8am? Sleeping
4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago? Wondering why I was still awake at 1 AM
5. Are you any good at math? No, but I secretly enjoy it when I'm able to keep the checkbook balanced
6. Your prom night? Eating at the Seven Seas and then a lot of dancing.
7. Do you have any famous ancestors? Nope
8. Have you ever taken out a loan to pay for school? No
9. Do you know the words to the song on your myspace profile? Sorry-I don't have a myspace profile
10. Last thing received in the mail? Grocery flyers
11. How many different beverages did you drink today? Water, mocah chillacino, crystal light, and apple cider
12. Do you ever leave messages on people's answering machines? Yes
13. Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to? Alabama - when I was like 6
14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? Of course
15. What's the most painful dental procedure you've had? Cracking my tooth on the ice in 5th grade, then having to get a root canal on it. Broke the same tooth in 8th grade and again in 10th. And now I need to get a bridge on that tooth. Fun times!
16. What is out your back door? A patio and then lots of trees. With animals that like to pay us visits every once in awhile.
17. Any plans for Friday night? I have a 14 month old - what do you think?
18. Do you like the ocean? As long as I'm not on a boat, yup
19. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different kinds of popcorn for Christmas? No
20. Have you ever been to a planetarium? We went to the one in Chicago when we lived there.
22. Something you are excited about? Taking Logan trick-or-treating
23. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO? Cherry
24. Are any of your great-grandparents still alive? No.
25. Describe your keychain: Very boring - just keys and grocery discount cards
26. Where do you keep your change? In Logan's piggy bank
27. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people? No idea
28. What kind of winter coat do you have? Leather jacket that Mike bought me for Christmas
29. What is your current relationship status? Married for 6 1/2 years
30. What are you wearing right now? slippers, pajama capris, and a cotton shirt - SEXY!!
+. What is your current problem? Why can't I fall asleep before 2 AM??
+. What do you love most? Being around friends and family
+.Who makes you most happy? Logan - I love watching him learn new things
+. Are you musically talented? I used to play the saxophone - does that count?
+. If you could go back in time, and change one thing, what would it be? This is too difficult to answer
+. If you MUST be an animal for ONE day-what would you be? A slug, so I could try to figure out WHY they exist
+. Ever have a near death experience? No
+. Can you sing? Logan thinks I can ;)
+. What's the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now? Ain't no other man by Christina Aguilera - every time I think of it I picture Logan shaking his little booty to it - watch the video on my blog titled "getting his groove on" and you'll see what I mean :)
+. Who did you cut and paste this from? Christina
+. Name someone with the same b-day as you: My cousin Kelly, a guy I grew up with (same year too), Kevin Costner, and A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh creator)
+. Have you ever destroyed someone's property? none that I care to admit

His Newest Thing

Logan has discovered how to make himself dizzy. I can't quite remember how this started but I'm sure Mike was somehow involved. At least once a day Logan will just randomly start spinning in circles and then consequently fall down. It is really quite funny - although I need to watch him to make sure he doesn't fall into something. So far he's just fallen on the floor and occasionally on Pooh Bear.

Today he decided to carry around his pumpkin treat basket and spin, spin, spin. It was so funny and of course the more I laughed at him the more he did it. I am really enjoying the age that he is at. Only a couple complaints - I wish he would sleep through the night and I wish he would stop with this hitting phase that he is going through.

**Update on strike - it is still going on. So now it's been over a week. I talked to my Dad the other day and it sounds as though Bobcat is going to meet with them on Wednesday with a new offer. He's worried though that they are just going to offer them something tiny that will not be worthwhile but because they've now been on strike for over a week that some of the union members will vote to accept the offer - no matter what it is. It probably isn't helping that it's getting colder in ND now and I'm sure it's no picnic out on the picket line. I just hope they stay strong and get what they deserve!!

A New Adventure

So a couple of months ago I tried to sell some books on craigslist and did not have any luck. The books have been sitting in my living room now since then - collecting dust. I had Mike move them out to the garage where they are now collecting dust and cobwebs. I wanted to get rid of these books and have not made a trip to goodwill lately. Tonight while cleaning out my "favorites" menu on the laptop I stumbled across a site that I had found awhile ago. Maybe you've heard of it: Bookcrossing.com? To start out, view the left sidebar. You'll see a section called "go hunting" - this is where you'll search for books in your area.

I have now decided I'm going to "release" a couple of my books into the wild. I'm excited to see who will find them and where they will travel to. I've already made a little list of some of the books in my area that I plan to pick up. One is located in a dentist's office - do you think they'll find it strange if I walk in, pick up a book, and leave? Ooohhh, the adventure is about to begin!

I think all the locals that read my blog should try this too - maybe we'll boost up the "wild" books in our area a bit!!

Sunday

We had a wonderful Fall day on Sunday. I finally got all the Halloween decorations up (with Mike's help).

After Logan had a 3 hour power nap we headed out to one of the local pumpkin patch/corn mazes. Everything at the farm screamed FALL!! They had kettle corn, apple cider, a petting zoo, hay rides, a HUGE pumpkin patch, and a corn maze. When we arrived we went on the hay ride to get out to the corn maze. Logan was not too sure about the ride at first. He just sat on Mike's lap and was very quiet. The corn maze was made to look like the state of Washington so you could (if you wanted) visit every town in the state. They gave us a little map that showed the routes we could take. They even had "highways" set up within the maze. We began in the eastern part of the state and ended up by the ocean. It was a lot of fun! After the maze we went to the pumpkin patch - Logan got such a kick out of all the pumpkins. After the pumpkin patch we visited the petting zoo. I think Logan would have stayed there all day if we had let him! They had chickens, bunnies, kittens (up for adoption), pigs, and sheep. Logan adored the bunnies. He decided to just sit on the ground right next to them. They even moved close enough so that he was able to pet them through the cage. I think we might have to make a return trip to The Farm since the munchkin had such a wonderful time.

Striker, Striker

How would you like to work for a company like this:

• no sick leave
• mandatory 6 day work weeks
• mandatory 10-12 hour days (6 days a week)
• paying over $250 a month for insurance (out of pocket)
• supervisors only pay $80 a month for insurance (out of pocket)
• CEO of company received an $8 million dollar bonus
• but you make less now than you did in 2001

I would like to hear from one person who would want to work in conditions like this. My Dad has been working for this company for over 15 years and as of Saturday his union went on strike. Every 4 years their contract is up for negotiation and this year they decided they had had enough. They aren't asking for much - they would like a raise to help compensate for the cost of living increase and they would like their health insurance premiums to go down. Why doesn't Bobcat understand how unfair it is to make one person pay over $250/month for insurance but another employee only has to pay $80/month. And don't forget, the ones paying the $80/month are making a hell of a lot more money than the ones who pay $250/month.

My Dad has been on the picket line since the strike began. They usually "walk the line" in 4 hour shifts but today Dad was out there from 6 am until after 3 pm. Dad said the support for them has been good for the most part. Some area businesses have dropped off food for them.

On the other hand some people in Bismarck just see what they want to. Up on the Tribune (www.bismarcktribune.com) website a lot of people have commented that the employees are just being greedy. NONE of them are being greedy, if anyone is greedy it is the CEO that accepted the $8 million bonus and didn't think twice about how it would affect other employees. Yes, people that work there make very good money but so would you if you had to work 12 hour days, 6 days a week. Imagine putting in 72 hours in just one week! Of course you would have money because you would have no time to spend it! Many people who work for the company are divorced because they never see their spouse.

Both my brother & I worked for Bobcat as vacation replacements (what they call their summer temp. workers) - and I can truly say it was the worst job I ever had! Yeah, I made over $11/hour but I also had no life. That summer I worked from 1pm-11pm almost every day. I think I worked every Saturday except maybe 3 that summer. All I did was work and sleep. Oh, and did I mention no air conditioning?? The average temp. in the building where I worked was well over 90* - and you are required to wear jeans and steel-toed work boots. Oh yeah, great times!!

My Dad even made the local news! He is the one in the camouflage overalls with the black sweatshirt - yelling at the bus. Things are a little tense on the picket line - especially when the supervisors get bussed in to the workplace. I could keep rambling on and on but if you're interested you can find out more info. on the Tribune website - just look for the articles about Bobcat.

A Great Morning!

Last Thursday Logan & I had a playdate with Christina & Claire. It was such a fun and enjoyable morning. I couldn't believe how fast the time went by - even though we were there for over 3 hours!

I was a little apprehensive because usually Logan his a little timid when it comes to meeting strangers. Claire came out to greet us in the driveway and Logan smiled at her right away. He couldn't wait to get down and play with her. Logan made himself at home over there - he loved all the stuffed animals that they dug out for him to play with. And he simply adored Claire - right away he started babbling away like he had known her forever!

Claire was such a joy too. She told me all about her friends and showed me the pumpkin she had picked out at the pumpkin patch. I even got a mini-facial while over there!

It was so nice getting to visit with another Mom while our children played on the floor entertaining each other. It was such a simple morning but it was something I look forward to doing again - soon!

5 Ingredient Friday

Sweet & Sour Pork Chops

6 pork chops

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup ketchup

1 can pineapple rings

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pork chops on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes. Mix brown sugar, ketchup and pineapple juice. Put pineapples on top of pork chops. Pour juice mixture on pork chops and cook another 15 minutes.

Visit Overwhelmed with Joy! for more recipes!! This recipe also turns out great in the crock-pot.

We'll Be Doing That Again!

On Wednesdays at our library they have a children's story-time. We went for the first time this last week and Logan absolutely loved it. I think he was a little scared at first because he just sat in my lap and watched all the other kids. After a little bit though he began warming up and actually trying to "sing" along to the rhymes.

Once story-time was over the librarian dug out some toys for the kids to play with. That's when they got crazy! Toddlers were everywhere it was practically an invasion. I was worried how Logan would do with the whole "sharing thing" - but he actually did OK. There was only one time that he took a toy from another child and I made him give it back. I think he just had a great time playing with the other kids.

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please excuse me while I have a meltdown, followed by nightmares, and possibly a VERY stiff drink.

Here's the story: tonight since there was absolutely nothing on TV until Project Runway came on at 10 I decided to dig out the Halloween decorations. So I first got the ones out of the storage area under the stairs and then went into the garage to get the rest. As soon as I opened the door from the house I heard rustling where we keep the pellets for our fireplace. I immediately slammed the door and told Mike there was something out there - in.the.garage!! Mike went out there and began to look around - he pulled the tarp off of the pellets and there was an opossum sitting on top of them - EEWWW!!!!

Have you ever seen one of these things?? They are like a giant rat, so, so, SO GROSS!

So while I was standing in the door freaking out and Mike was trying to keep me sane and keep his eye on the damn thing it decided to move. It somehow managed to get wedged under the wooden pellet holding the fireplace pellets. Great, now what to do? There was no way to get it out so Mike suggested I call animal control. One problem though, they are only open 9-5 - just our luck! I then did the next best thing and called our neighbor John, another problem though- he went to New York for a couple of days. Now what?

Mike to the rescue. He moved the pellets off of the pellet and scooched the wooden pellet enough so that the little rodent could get out. It went out into the yard and hopefully will not be returning anytime soon.

Next time we move we're going somewhere more populated!! Since we've moved here we've had encounters with a raccoon, 2 opossums, squirrels, and a mouse.

And if you weren't grossed out enough I've

provided a picture.

Can It Get Any Better?

Today was wonderful. Such a simple day, nothing special planned but I hung out with one of the cutest little guys that I know - how can that be beat? I actually got to shower today before Logan's nap which in itself was wonderful!! You don't realize how much to appreciate a shower each morning until you are a stay-at-home-Mom!!

Just as I got out of the shower Logan began to wake up so we went downstairs and had some breakfast. We then headed to one of the malls that has a children's play area. Logan had a blast - all of the kids there were just about his size so it was perfect. He played for about an hour and then we headed for home. We stopped at a Chinese restaurant here in town and had lunch - yummy!! Afterwards we walked over to one of the bakeries and had a sugar cookie for dessert. We headed for home and by then Logan was completely tuckered out. I put him down and he was instantly out. I got comfy on the couch and decided to read my book (since it's due back at the library on Friday). After reading for about an hour I began to get sleepy. So what did I do? Well I went upstairs and crawled into our nice, comfy bed. I figured Logan would sleep for about another hour so that would be the perfect nap for me. Well, apparently Logan was very tired because he took a 3 hour nap - which means I took a 2 hour nap!

As you can see, I am now paying for it because it is almost midnight and I'm wide awake!!

Tomorrow we are going to attend our first library storytime. Should be fun!! Oh, and Thursday Logan & I have a playdate with Christina and Claire - Yay!!

Logan Updates

• Logan is walking like crazy now!! He's even begun to run a little - it's pretty cute.
• He loves playing with Pooh Bear - he's starting to understand how to really play "fetch".
• He's discovered a new game to play - hold onto one of Pooh's toys and taunt him with it. Run around the coffee table if you really want to torment the poor dog.
• He got his first molar in and is working on the second one. We didn't even realize he was teething until he had his mouth open and Mike noticed a new tooth in there.
• We went over to a neighbor's house last night for a birthday party and Logan had a blast. They have 2 cats, a bird and a dog and he loved chasing the cats and dog around. They tolerated it pretty well and Logan was actually pretty gentle with them.
• Friday night we had some friends over for dinner, they have 2 kids (8 & 2 1/2). The older one found Mike's remote control helicopter and decided to play with it. Logan got in the way one time and ended up getting a helicopter to the face. Luckily he only got a little scratch on the nose.
• We really need to get a gate for the fireplace so that Logan can't get to it. He's so used to walking/crawling around it and touching it that once we have to start using it a gate is about the only way to keep him away from it.
• We ordered Logan's Halloween costume last night (well, one of them - my Dad bought him another one too) - you'll have to check back for pictures!!

On a different note, check out the previous 2 posts. I've posted some new recipes for October - it's all about apples this month! I'm also participating in a recipe exchange - please check it out and enjoy all the recipes that everyone is sharing!

Holiday Cooking - Blogger Style

This week I'm participating with Overwhelmed With Joy! - she is hosting a recipe exchange. I hope you'll all go over and check out the other yummy recipes. Maybe you'll even participate yourself??

My first recipe is one of my favorite ways to make pumpkin pie - it's a little different from the ordinary since it calls for vanilla ice cream.

Tanya's Pumpkin Pie

3 cups vanilla ice cream, softened

3 eggs

1 3/4 cups pumpkin puree'

3/4 cup white sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

2 (9") pie crusts

Preheat oven to 425*. Place ice cream near oven to melt. In a large bowl, beat eggs until smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree'; stir in sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix in melted ice cream. Pour into pie crusts. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temp. to 350* and bake an additional 30-40 minutes or until filling is set.

*Category: Dessert

I've made this recipe a couple of times since I found it and it is so yummy!

It combines stuffing and corn into one delicious mixture - enjoy.

Corny Stuffing Balls

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup onion

1 3/4 cups stuffing - any kind will work

1 1/2 cups corn

1 1/2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup water

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375*.
2. Saute' onion in butter until tender; cool.
3. In a bowl combine stuffing croutons, corn, eggs, water, salt, pepper, and onion/butter mixture; mix well. Shape into 4-6 balls (more depending on how big you would like them).
4. Place in an ungreased shallow baking dish.
5. Bake at 375* for 25-30 minutes.

Category: Side Dishes