tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70668732024-03-07T19:37:10.962-05:00Life On Apple Tree HillSgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-5416169650397825362022-10-11T01:15:00.000-04:002022-10-11T01:15:02.728-04:00I Need A Space<p> Do you ever feel crushed? So pressed in on all sides you can't breathe? I felt like that 15 years ago when I first started this blog. I feel like that now. I thought it was because I didn't have my husband with me while I tried to raise three very young boys. I thought it was because something else was claiming his time as its own. I thought it was because we had no money and we needed so many "things". I was wrong then and I know I must be wrong now. </p><p>As I push and pull myself through one of the most difficult times in my life I realize I am doing the same things I was doing then. Because this time my husband isn't out of the country or going to war. This time we have plenty of money but still seem to have none. This time I have three almost grown boys figuring life out some times dangerously and a husband that chose another career by which he is consumed. Looking back at that moment I can see that now the only difference is I have experience.</p><p>Not experience with hard moments or doing them any better than I do them. I am still the same weak sinful creature falling on the floor, crying out for it to stop. Crying out that she can't take anymore because she can't. Screaming internally for more strength, more time, more something to fix these trials. Anything, she cries, anything to make them stop. But they do not stop.</p><p>How did I get through last time? God brought me friends. Friends that led me through, led me to comfort in Christ, brought me to every little moment I needed to survive.</p><p>This time it is harder and I do not have those friends. I don't know where to find them. I do know where to ask and where to seek help. This is my new prayer for the moment. My idols are huge but my Lord is enormous, without end. I pray I can find comfort here.</p><p>Psalm 51 - <span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.6rem;">Have mercy on me,</span><span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ESV-14693a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-14693a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2051&version=ESV#fen-ESV-14693a" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; min-width: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.6rem;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.6rem;">O God,</span></p><div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; min-width: 0px; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><p class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-width: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1" style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-1" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;">according to your steadfast love;</span></span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="text Ps-51-1" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;">according to your abundant mercy</span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="indent-1" style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-1" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;">blot out my transgressions.</span></span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="text Ps-51-2" id="en-ESV-14694" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; scroll-behavior: auto !important; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">2 </span>Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,</span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="indent-1" style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-2" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;">and cleanse me from my sin!</span></span></p></div><div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; min-width: 0px; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><p class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-width: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="text Ps-51-3" id="en-ESV-14695" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; scroll-behavior: auto !important; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">3 </span>For I know my transgressions,</span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="indent-1" style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-3" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;">and my sin is ever before me.</span></span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="text Ps-51-4" id="en-ESV-14696" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; scroll-behavior: auto !important; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">4 </span>Against you, you only, have I sinned</span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="indent-1" style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-4" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;">and done what is evil in your sight,</span></span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="text Ps-51-4" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;">so that you may be justified in your words</span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="indent-1" style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-4" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;">and blameless in your judgment.</span></span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="text Ps-51-5" id="en-ESV-14697" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; scroll-behavior: auto !important; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">5 </span>Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,</span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="indent-1" style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-5" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;">and in sin did my mother conceive me.</span></span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="text Ps-51-6" id="en-ESV-14698" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; scroll-behavior: auto !important; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">6 </span>Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,</span><br style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;" /><span class="indent-1" style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-6" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;">and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.</span></span></p><p class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-width: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1" style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="text Ps-51-6" style="position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-width: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1" style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="text Ps-51-6" style="font-size: 25.6px; position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2051&version=ESV">https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2051&version=ESV</a></span></span></span></p><p class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-width: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="indent-1" style="scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span class="text Ps-51-6" style="font-size: 25.6px; position: relative; scroll-behavior: auto !important;"><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial;"><br /></span></span></span></p></div><p><br /></p>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-63864318333796507332011-11-01T22:08:00.001-04:002011-11-01T22:08:04.199-04:00A Huge Gift in a Small Package<p>She came to me when I truly needed her. I was a junior in college, drowning in life<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-clK5sAoIKJo/TrCl9Pe026I/AAAAAAAAAiI/hOPlYpOA1vQ/s1600-h/11-01-2011%25252009%25253B31%25253B55PM%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="11-01-2011 09;31;55PM" border="0" alt="11-01-2011 09;31;55PM" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y6bLjEOKMtA/TrCl9dZLFyI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/in2XSFf6nP0/11-01-2011%25252009%25253B31%25253B55PM_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="188" height="172"></a> decisions. I had no idea what to do with her. How to train or feed her, even what the law required regarding dogs, I was clueless.</p> <p>It didn’t seem to matter. She needed me as much as I needed her. She lost her family to the coyotes on my father’s farm. She only survived because she was the best at hiding. Then she was too cute not to take home.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4va_Q2C1ekM/TrCl97gJxDI/AAAAAAAAAiY/TzGBJtrdNqg/s1600-h/11-01-2011%25252009%25253B39%25253B26PM%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="11-01-2011 09;39;26PM" border="0" alt="11-01-2011 09;39;26PM" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSPKEizuk15k-XkOBlW1APY_SfVg4hjnFj4rFSGA_Tjig2ow-NiLZHZAuVmEZ-dXmNZYVOGxnzFFQtgk62Ud2DEitQY4weaQybjtGgRe3xxlQ8cARljVqrJAFne3Hlt9qdbIK/?imgmax=800" width="204" height="202"></a>She taught me about separation anxiety and fear. She chased down cockroaches after the bug guy sprayed and growled just when I needed her to. She growled viciously at just the right person despite her short squatty legs and 24 lbs of mostly fur. She made me get out of bed to walk her and feed her when I wanted to sleep too long. When I didn’t want to care I couldn’t forget about her. She saved me in inches every day from sinking too low.</p> <p>She never begged for too much attention. Just a little tummy scratching then she would settle in at the end of the couch. She slept on the edge of my bed until his feet got in the way. After 4 years of just us she took to him so well, mostly. </p> <p>He insisted we get another dog. She never liked other dogs until we brought home this<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8uZ0F_2UdJCNr4ofrFvuGkJEiA0z4RvQ3RBWKDv326eCyjdh3QN5odns2ejXuIv9lrO48HloYQfTb6UiSMdeK-6kREx56r5QJkpiAUqVl6aNmtFkvMB17ISO6ET4fxE7qWsb/s1600-h/DSC00566%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00566" border="0" alt="DSC00566" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0Qi4ev0TcRw/TrCl-5U0eWI/AAAAAAAAAiw/4Rv3zAc66Xs/DSC00566_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="213" height="160"></a> one. She didn’t really have a choice. Dancer, a self appointed Goddess, insisted she was boss and after 3 days of talks, she agreed. The discussion went something like “I pin you to the ground by your throat and you agree, ok?”. Dancer came with her own issues but it seemed to work for them both. Their quirks worked together for all of us.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx96H3_2ym8WHQFasB0JfFYL6l_vadhihciGL5xMq9QSsLMFUiccM7wezFhzXbUUnlKAQPWgZQkq0FuxhlUVVQxda2DSmNy8dBt1R1h30MzntEpBLeaGq9yJbBWzMA7iYnVfL/s1600-h/11-01-2011%25252009%25253B22%25253B13PM%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="11-01-2011 09;22;13PM" border="0" alt="11-01-2011 09;22;13PM" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2JPnKocsfR0/TrCl_gP9OJI/AAAAAAAAAjA/KXZKPDqUB08/11-01-2011%25252009%25253B22%25253B13PM_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="162" height="160"></a>Despite a fear of little hands she dealt with the birth of 3 boys in 5 years well. They learned that the old dogs didn’t' play but would steal their food given the chance. The dogs learned that baby spit up wasn’t bad and little kids dropped snacks.</p> <p>She took visiting dogs well as long as they didn’t play with her. She only ever played with one dog and never did again when we lost Dancer to painful arthritis at age 11.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NLfAW0U5TMo/TrCmAOzemWI/AAAAAAAAAjI/bx5lKUKfEP0/s1600-h/Addie%252520sleeping%252520on%252520quilt%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Addie sleeping on quilt" border="0" alt="Addie sleeping on quilt" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hmYhCIHpxkk/TrCmAbTh7zI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/hrxjT61TYrQ/Addie%252520sleeping%252520on%252520quilt_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="139"></a></p> <p>Since then we have had many dogs in our lives. A few moves, a major career change, and a long deployment later she grew weary. Her back legs had lost sensation, slowly getting worse. The wrong step could paralyze her but living in a crate 24/7 is no way for any dog to live. I watched carefully every time she stepped out the door for 4 years.</p> <p>Her muzzle was gray and she could no longer hear people coming to the door. She couldn’t chew her food because her teeth had mostly fallen out and it hurt to turn her neck much but she still seemed happy to be here.</p> <p>Then she no longer could no longer make it outside for bathroom breaks.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYk3EOhA57HkXgNrTjwxt8tqt0YKJzEfgtGJfmz4s2SL8EWvaWIe_V71tlbgyE6S-kfuL9qOBJbIAxcX8IZGJdakgzZrJ-WMJvRTlof1BZBeM6Njp05MxCircCcvtQwhdW-X-/s1600-h/11-01-2011%25252009%25253B33%25253B02PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="11-01-2011 09;33;02PM" border="0" alt="11-01-2011 09;33;02PM" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r7qox-idL6w/TrCmA7eNEsI/AAAAAAAAAjc/6VR4RLHUTI8/11-01-2011%25252009%25253B33%25253B02PM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="240"></a></p> <p>We said goodbye to her a few weeks ago. Addie was over 16 years old. I was pleased to lay her to rest at a friend’s farm.</p> <p>I am not one who believes our pets go to a kind of heaven. I do believe she was a gift from God that offered a kind of support and comfort that only she could give. I am forever grateful for that gift.</p> <p>I miss her.</p> Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-62353775165374208182011-10-31T08:07:00.001-04:002011-10-31T08:07:41.460-04:00A Creative Quick Fix<p>My creativity is languishing in the land of priorities. Hence the blog posting once a month,<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2zZFXJ0k1Gk/Tq6Pf6FkrgI/AAAAAAAAAg4/sKUJ76M-SkA/s1600-h/DSC01349%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01349" border="0" alt="DSC01349" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Du8migDI9mk/Tq6Pf7e9SHI/AAAAAAAAAhA/vsVCm7HqSis/DSC01349_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="171" height="141"></a> or less.</p> <p>I could complain or list my to do’s, but that is such a drag and accomplishes nothing but prolonged self-pity. My struggles are small, <font size="2">tiny</font>, <font size="1">almost non existent</font> in the light of God’s glory. Am I right? I like a good perspective. It brightens the view.</p> <p align="center">ANYWAY……here is where my creative outlet has been used in the recent (yesterday) past.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAEnoIyJAtpsPakVYXI3Bkf4Q7pZ2zLMdL1MOj2Iy6WMCxRMEC8B5ITZItiImtubhrm1dWKzi6Xsg3ONMcmTyfDmaKwo8E3_P2JGtshU67wP1oqH3XQC4LeumWzBKVo1sm83J/s1600-h/DSC01516%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01516" border="0" alt="DSC01516" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IKog8ViALHM/Tq6Pgq-6onI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/kzibJ0julTo/DSC01516_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p align="center">I have mad Lego skills. Want to know how long it took me to put that “rocket ship” together?</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLO0QUYvRJfVFVZ3IUy7z0zL4eRwijW1n9bi35yvkqqNCwT9vbSz6b_jvM83XjllpgojPAtawtreq4ieXWgAI9RyP6cvtCQrDroU3wjJEb7bc0EHbfxsnxMvK5yu3Nqc6UOOC/s1600-h/DSC01517%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01517" border="0" alt="DSC01517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pD1Rc2gK80imHIijtikuylBFNOYTlDWxJzzclirJcZeJ-P0pK185-6EogLb9zuadnJoybkw_en-BoZW0RlYuYY4j1fyjcEvvYSZNkXL6eAF1RpS4NMB0jyNPooBkTBc4YOQs/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p align="center">4 hours</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NaR8XfGmISE/Tq6PiHojSDI/AAAAAAAAAho/5Jzdo_Z_ME8/s1600-h/DSC01520%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01520" border="0" alt="DSC01520" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GS6TdYl04bM/Tq6PiRYYCeI/AAAAAAAAAhw/vnGdPqdDEDw/DSC01520_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p align="center">I could have kept going. I think it needs blasters on top. Maybe a robotic arm to grab bad guys?</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWzrO8e_5gJ_lT3zpL7yu27a6Tyja8qRpN1LHwojQaa8Ub_2242WOkdHajSvJ_wll-DtQmv-1vKi6lr4luEyMfH9xNonnrZHShHfUjDk7Dh-anabkB_bhv7RZYdAc5b0u46zG/s1600-h/DSC01505%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01505" border="0" alt="DSC01505" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xVhATAqVlc0/Tq6PjMeju4I/AAAAAAAAAiA/tewq5jU8UN4/DSC01505_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p align="center">It will be destroyed in 2 days. Most likely by an alien attack.</p> Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-30895905144149981122011-10-30T22:06:00.001-04:002011-10-30T22:06:32.751-04:00The Middle Son<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_WZOwoZ3Ar8/Tq4CkFdIoEI/AAAAAAAAAfI/cqdH2haxZ1s/s1600-h/DSC01523%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01523" border="0" alt="DSC01523" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PFCEpVi1v1g/Tq4ClTWM3kI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/75FiQ5O2VzU/DSC01523_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="132" height="110"></a>This last week he turned 6.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwhH6lcDB_t6X4XlZRihpoCRA0otDhHmTEAPSZjAsxUhmDvNC_HDDv1TiBys9Cm0N-mbe4CrtgUb1ZpT12ChYeuLLLUyL2K5scPOlUmBRrn1zf_SP86x64ChmTs5AYWKa9r8A/s1600-h/DSC01582%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01582" border="0" alt="DSC01582" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1DDPV30ZZCOZXp87nd284YucH0KaobQ44HJ8n4iH_PO_Yh3sRFK8QRcrAp6z-KbPVLPqrPnmAaZH8LxGsX_AL3hGubETevyD3GxZq3ta6WTLY2Pgs6l58TJE_rDLMhumqAtb/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="135"></a></p> <p>He was always on the chubby side. Then he was just big.</p> <p>He was born with a birth defect that we were told was a miracle. A miracle that he had no lasting effects. A less than 1% chance that he is now perfectly normal.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznAKhov2ikYNYAR3Ml8t-7wQtGwPlExsyntkQyjBRHIoKCD54n233w_yv7ijZY_TQwUoa68eJ6KhtesUrNNHzB43IlYXgyqPTTyVFcxEyP13V2woiaz_SRWk4V-qkeO-_C_5O/s1600-h/DSC00022%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00022" border="0" alt="DSC00022" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yeASX-xyv6U/Tq4Cm-FB7aI/AAAAAAAAAfw/5vvxoaEkq4E/DSC00022_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="179" height="142"></a>He likes to laugh. He really really likes to make you laugh.</p> <p>He is particular and passionate, equally. When things are not in his particular order he passionately lets you know.</p> <p>He still hates to give kisses. He says he is allergic to girls, except me.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98GMtNbDtajiYUfxoBfuT2zkqg4aN-aH3vKyytolJCfi9i6lkmjm9-tMPCj3JlohvrED6gwZAVVlQ7JjWVhgVN9CXro3C4e8C727l0mcHpZEdqSSqdOlShIcWlx3Wl1NcyRpJ/s1600-h/DSC00437%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00437" border="0" alt="DSC00437" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7YCaNWATy0ZOw91NcReux9kQFpzxUt3d9z0A4VRNewr7Y-DAJWiyoFtypYMv487giUC6GVfdiNQwk2V0S9LjkmpDt2RIVIac4mXu43eb6sT_OmTrYWPs1_XR9W2s-AjV2Brx/?imgmax=800" width="178" height="147"></a></p> <p>His imagination will wow and frustrate you all at the same time.</p> <p>He would rather be funny than right. </p> <p>He looks the most like his father. He acts the most like his father. He is shy and sensitive, easily hurt but unable to tell me why. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nSg0s_cUHLM/Tq4Cok1aBtI/AAAAAAAAAgI/POgxXX0nfSM/s1600-h/DSC00706_edited-2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00706_edited-2" border="0" alt="DSC00706_edited-2" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y_gew-zfjazanf1OvZsCLaz_dE3PCN3_70dsRc-lxwLYkay3WPJbz19rh0LucSC7Et5TNk09-HeZvZnhGzDUPPtp1xVGO6XqLsg-z56bfUN8p_IIzGCwGvzz5HUPMGSzYZ2Z/?imgmax=800" width="200" height="166"></a>Just like his father.</p> <p>I pray I do what God will have me do for him. I am humbled by the gift that is my middle son. Six years seem to have flown by while I was busy being a mom.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0D7Mod8CgKQ/Tq4CpLOwzHI/AAAAAAAAAgY/Ta9SJJdB0lk/s1600-h/DSC00629%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00629" border="0" alt="DSC00629" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8As7cmbwpPM4qq8v4lUTv8tg9052IhsUPoy1MJ79JmVH4XbTnrIIiGdZ40N_5zGoW4zIes5u5NIDFaImPhxWg-EhLesb6K8UkoI9uPWX_v6USJksJkqc39HVB0rXPGZLcawzp/?imgmax=800" width="124" height="164"></a></p> <p>I would like to say I wish I could have cherished them more. But it is their brevity that makes them precious to me. How they are all squished between diaper changes, laughter, and laundry makes them more amazing.</p> <p>Happy Birthday Alex!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qySHU2LYFy8/Tq4CpweqreI/AAAAAAAAAgo/zRhPiUSYems/s1600-h/downsized_1026011716%252520%2525282%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="downsized_1026011716 (2)" border="0" alt="downsized_1026011716 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A-lsiHvTtp4/Tq4CqLJG6QI/AAAAAAAAAgs/nNSHOM6Uaek/downsized_1026011716%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-59471733750354495832011-09-11T22:21:00.000-04:002011-09-11T22:22:25.640-04:00Joy in Suffering<p>There has been much talk recently of trials and suffering. As a world class complainer, I find the topic difficult to wrap my thoughts around.</p> <p>Why can’t we just fix it? Why does it have to be this way? It must be my fault because this doesn’t happen to people who do it “right” or “better”. I do not understand.</p> <p>This morning I tried to explain 9/11 to my 8 year old son. I couldn’t do it without tears. The fear I felt that day came rushing back. The memory of standing with co-workers watching the news in a large downtown area far away from home surrounded by strangers was overwhelming. Trying to keep it together as I rode back with a gentlemen my father’s age across the deep south was difficult. The man was born in Iran and fled decades ago because the same thing that happened that day in our country happened in his country to a much greater degree. He understood what had happened. He already knew what it all meant that day.</p> <p>I am working on understanding and by working I mean praying. I know seeing the joy in trials and rejoicing at my pain when the suffering is unbearable will not come from me. It will not come from my heart.</p> <p>It will be gift, a blessing. To rejoice in God being glorified during tragedy, to embrace pain as a gift, as an opportunity is not in my nature.</p> <p>10 years later many blessings can been seen. The gifts shining against the backdrop of such pain makes them shine that much brighter. Embracing my children that did not exist on that day and to count my blessings since then is overwhelming.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bjJbC0pCBhU/Tm1s17BLP8I/AAAAAAAAAco/wb905Yeay1Y/s1600-h/DSC01470%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01470" border="0" alt="DSC01470" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0I4FO_C56Nsl_-KfYogyAAeu3Zr142Kw3X1RdB36KUK7flZNkEQydkXgXZnJFcbU1lFzLXHRyLfMtjVc5BOzTLZQK7Af7nWes0UnOhBSurSyNqkEO2ZXs6y1aeReulJd6Tsdv/?imgmax=800" width="193" height="146"></a></p> <p>I pray I can look faithfully to God during trials, large and small. I pray I can thank Him for His gifts even when I do not understand them.</p> <p>Today I am thankful for brothers building memories.</p> <p>I am thankful for father and son making memories. Memories made not on my timeline but His.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYaZ7U9ovPTj689HlXET3zGEv2wrTB2fU8UJpLr6TSKqvN8HIjMXCi78nRoH0aDIpwXw2aQaEoJm0xFhhizxEggBLBDubgLF6PpI76RxhyphenhyphenwWGhXTwE5MmsxMQeCGrwR8IyW0I/s1600-h/DSC01381%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01381" border="0" alt="DSC01381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEkfAywqgZIzO-OMPCmkKyAuAR6_isOi6fCGQPaAPmWXKi7QdOI029AelJ3dCKuDEdUmjBJ0qUNznZxKWfh1wcv1IQAo4zSgM8auNof50Nuaa_ONd6iPsV5Z3DNJqMsYRYraW/?imgmax=800" width="216" height="163"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ju7uyvQSHFjxsA65JEf9Q2ineMHsWM8r6wwCDoh4iPavUDt_3fcFuJt7w2usP2bFXhPpA_9DpQCQp_K-5LBXok3qbZvzTGR0f0CQ0nEBtLJ9esEpLtJzNu3jGKnTS519SVwH/s1600-h/DSC01429%252520%2525282%252529%25255B20%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01429 (2)" border="0" alt="DSC01429 (2)" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3KJ1NKOpZVU/Tm1s4XSImTI/AAAAAAAAAc8/2nBD-xPVsig/DSC01429%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B19%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="140"></a>Today I am thankful for brave men who run toward the sound of battle. </p> <p>I am thankful for the pain of that day and many since. Those wonderful days have molded and changed me for good. Not goodness from my own heart but goodness given to me by the only One who has any to give.</p> <p>I pray it is the same for you.</p> Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-47814586724051169152011-08-30T22:13:00.001-04:002011-08-30T22:13:08.520-04:00Did You Miss Me?<p> </p> <p>I missed blogging. A LOT. Life has been happening here with much to share. School has started for us and God has put it before me that things must change.</p> <p>Not drastic things, at least not in the worldly sense. Things according to His purpose and His plan. Last year I tried to answer my problems my way, not His. I overwhelmed myself and although I sustained it for awhile it eventually crushed me.</p> <p>I reasoned that I was trying some things out and I was good at this or that so it was easy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCZQdiBFUgX8LKzm_XKw6WoBNbDk8iwUeN5w69ADmGiuy8VvSKBNf77afkiwZLqvV2MBGhD5YzkNDl0pzMgeieMVYR9lnM_hRL7s0pcAwIYLga0gYJff_jars6BeKtKdVE9zp/s1600-h/IMG00134-20110829-1705%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG00134-20110829-1705" border="0" alt="IMG00134-20110829-1705" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9L5PM0gCNao/Tl2YkIvFRTI/AAAAAAAAAbs/3IMOA_OKHtM/IMG00134-20110829-1705_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> to “fit” in to our lives. My heart did not follow my head.</p> <p>Now I am back where I was a year ago with the same problems but a new position. ON MY KNEES. I am dropping some things and focusing on others. The reward? Peace and a joyful perspective.</p> <p>So to recap a few things you missed I will share some pictures. I also think the blog is looking a bit tired. New colors perhaps? I think so too.</p> <p>Do these guys look bigger? They sure do to me!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LjYMEqrRhLU/Tl2YkzV17_I/AAAAAAAAAbw/JcuCX0Khwwg/s1600-h/IMG00136-20110829-1706%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG00136-20110829-1706" border="0" alt="IMG00136-20110829-1706" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mXMJRG_oYtU/Tl2YlNa6M1I/AAAAAAAAAb0/j54cKFoQHlA/IMG00136-20110829-1706_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK0Q7XiIhZPCbf8CGOpvJBCitoBPhDDFB-BpiHJMlPCnjv06ZBxTbQw86rhoyBkid9o4FQ_63U-ZO2Js-zsEtH-LVnyH9OpB2GCAt5k7OMP8mkyfEWAXX9bvyyPHx0fVbbfH2/s1600-h/IMG00137-20110829-1707%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG00137-20110829-1707" border="0" alt="IMG00137-20110829-1707" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uko38VTeqwg/Tl2YmpHa1SI/AAAAAAAAAb8/WjuuEDnqLNg/IMG00137-20110829-1707_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nbk6zDUWOJA/Tl2YngKeQFI/AAAAAAAAAcA/bxOxdl_xy2E/s1600-h/IMG00139-20110829-1709%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG00139-20110829-1709" border="0" alt="IMG00139-20110829-1709" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qkwsMAcb8kM/Tl2Yn0xJsFI/AAAAAAAAAcE/YFjNfWkzY1o/IMG00139-20110829-1709_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9ZLcxTHD2c4/Tl2Yo5Ht-SI/AAAAAAAAAcI/hXD8PAzTyfE/s1600-h/DSC01364%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01364" border="0" alt="DSC01364" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20WWMiHSNmRZNeDPuQ9st8BlO1mWPwg7kEGTFcY8qthBce9zOTR4WakSRhzAs0ngVMZi9-ffEWsAQ4fb0eenkmuRmK8rjFbtEGEeuYWO08YY-uyhh1W4DwiynECJH0Ys00DJo/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I did these for a friend. She still has not received them yet but soon, I hope.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUlzBBLx2Aa_voBe47R9vq69n331pbs8HTrytSB9PwJYoi9JdUzcPDQT5PKoAJhwmRgnd7uvsebF5PkGI9WV2BO_omo5WvI1sf9vwx5Q0pHtxh2r3iRrPm0hOklgO7S6k1TRg/s1600-h/DSC01324%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01324" border="0" alt="DSC01324" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fKGygXc9nbc/Tl2Yq2lHJxI/AAAAAAAAAcU/wU00VXiNTvY/DSC01324_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="right">This is why I don’t get more projects done or blogs written.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5bQmvEnHKD-NCN5_0ksXa_vFA-XKfN86yfldizy5Zg6lqxQqBHae7pqf7DBudXRXOwh7NwmKfr2Q6dAlytrBmFcAd7DBfMBrBKHQUgKgTJvGqgODkVM8WC24pu10-Uy9-1yL/s1600-h/DSC01336%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01336" border="0" alt="DSC01336" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hQ9vQOYeT04/Tl2YsEy55YI/AAAAAAAAAcc/IrixZaJIE3E/DSC01336_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p> </p> <p align="left"> This is why I by used furniture.</p></blockquote> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HH9rMjPAr8G6zLeWJwQiPtqIe4Mh8oKagVtkTtoIj5YCY0vU7kJ1JLHjQioCOXL8mbjDK7krjcbVrpKEaJ_fr-8dj9xDidrqW_3-MeCv28eJrjjoooCW-GFopnhHWFrFb1c0/s1600-h/IMG00104-20110719-0938%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG00104-20110719-0938" border="0" alt="IMG00104-20110719-0938" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9UwLUW5FPcc/Tl2Ys75bMII/AAAAAAAAAck/F8sTEgLhB_Y/IMG00104-20110719-0938_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="right">This is why my Blackberry is banned from all little boys and my camera battery is usually dead.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>We are down to only 3 dogs! I know, I know, that is till a lot to some but considering these 3 are calm and obedient it is a huge change. I have not finished any quilts but soon I will have something to show. I am in the process of finishing up 1, and 2 are closer than they were a month ago. That is huge progress, for me.</p> <p>Thanks for not abandoning me while my life sorted. More later.</p> Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-74281148762013882672011-04-26T15:22:00.003-04:002011-04-26T15:55:03.506-04:00The Tablecloth That Survives<p>Hey, so if you are new here then I will tell you – I have boys. 3 boys to be exact.</p><p>I often question my parenting (about every 5 minutes) and why OH why do my boys go at the speed they do.</p><p>That being said my goal when decorating or purchasing<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbGXxxcuI/AAAAAAAAAZo/wdbAkKdWmf4/s1600-h/DSC00948%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00948" border="0" alt="DSC00948" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbGwsFI3I/AAAAAAAAAZs/5Vg3RBUw0ao/DSC00948_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="201" height="159"></a> items for the house is first- WILL IT SURVIVE.</p><p>We purchased this table 4 years ago used off Craigslist. The first thing I LOVED about it was the character from all the cracks. The second thing I LOVED about it was all the cracks that could conceal scratches and gouging from my boys. The one thing that bothered me were all the cracks where food and toys could hide. 2 to 1 says it would work for us.</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbH0uyUxI/AAAAAAAAAZw/NJKsKHWc8ZI/s1600-h/IMG00002-20101211-16246.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG00002-20101211-1624" border="0" alt="IMG00002-20101211-1624" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbITFKYzI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/vRF3hYziR6E/IMG00002-20101211-1624_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="158" height="191"></a>And it has until recently. It stopped being the primary eating surface and became the school room table. Then it became the primary area for Lego construction. Do you know how TINY Lego pieces are? After the Christmas Lego assembly marathon DH requested that I find a way to cover the cracks. He was done digging out Lego pieces.</p><p>I already had an idea but had put it off because I was <strike>lazy</strike> <strike>forgetful</strike> <strike>distracted</strike> busy with other projects. My friend, Jackie, had done something similar with her <a href="http://raisingpreciousjewels.blogspot.com/2010/10/easy-oilcloth.html" target="_blank">dining table</a> (her picture below by the way). She flipped hers over and stapled oil cloth to the top (staples underneath). I loved how it looked but I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistC3EFwmATss-xPAzrufrGFw9qOsu3OvgMUVG4LdULyNhUD2tJ_cFn-YjYnaxHFK48CVy4xvoxlt-16GbAuMYYuV9YmtvZMiCpW1-rUV9f7PMBZRwHCJ0DDQCBtwNolmXPOu4/s1600-h/around_the_house_006%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="around_the_house_006" border="0" alt="around_the_house_006" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbJlLky5I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/9o87JjMNwa8/around_the_house_006_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" height="195"></a>KNEW I could never commit to staples. My mind changes about <strike>decorations</strike> <strike>furniture</strike> <strike>clothing</strike> <strike>food</strike> everything in the house as quickly as the weather in Texas. <em><font size="2">(It is really quick just in case you didn’t know)</font></em></p><p>So I remembered a tablecloth my grandmother had made for her card game nights and thought it would work perfectly. It was fitted with elastic so when Granny’s friends got crazy with Bridge or Canasta the table didn’t get scratched. Those ladies a serious about their cards. </p><p>Of course I did not account for the slippery fabric and my desire to never work with it again as I fought it through the sewing machine. However, this was probably due to my older sewing machine that is wonderful but not made to push through moody uncooperative oil cloth fabric. So if you are over and look close at the tablecloth please don’t think I was doing Tequila shots and trying to sew. I wasn’t. I promise. </p><p>But even after all that it turned out great.</p><p>So if you are interested here is the HOW TO:</p><p>First, I measured the table and added about 4-5 inches on both sides (length and width). I used inch wide elastic because I had it from some other project and didn’t want to buy more. If you are using smaller elastic (which would work fine) you won’t need 4 inches added around. My 4 inches was the width of the elastic x’s 2 + the distance from the edge of the table to where I wanted the cloth to be under that edge plus 1/2 inch for seam allowance (1/2+ 2 + 2 inches=4 1/2).</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoh3K_aK4CuvHoQDhZ1RndlBTz0sduVqY-ljCGC5nwiYHGmkyufEdYXoKGeuBWur1WV2aSD54IvUgp8wMZdFekSP5SmfflXAmhFxsR5P8IJiJHxPDYZ76rgFT_Uf9HRSrUqS1f/s1600-h/DSC00949%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00949" border="0" alt="DSC00949" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbL0zGzXI/AAAAAAAAAaE/qePYkEncaF0/DSC00949_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="176" height="133"></a>I also like to add inches according to my sewing skills+the machine+the propensity to make errors=1/2 yard for me. The best and cheapest selections of oil cloth seem to be online. I found this at Hancock Fabrics that was $20/yd and used a 50% off coupon. Then I found some online for $6/yd. Grrrrrrrr</p><p>Next, flip your fabric over (pretty side down) and place on table as you want it to look. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipU5hqmDsG1r3mQLGmiz4eIVEgy9f7zAJQ2wW6YOHQSv10umvCtWnFHXmNBKggdfBCXLY4RG9l6bOInt6RJW38lvniEi66yCWsT1-M85wDfNbyOxk5dCBdJbQEahz5nkUI0Qlr/s1600-h/DSC010733.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01073" border="0" alt="DSC01073" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXDoyNjrkZ0ebJvzapPsOx7BnkbM_2OLm9jREE0GklmICYD_E4RNy3Iu1saHLORsvPd_DlHgVOb2UbRmpT7GO2wrBPCcDOc01uE50oAu2pYtBSY9otjirbueneVi67ZJDf7ii/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>Then lightly trace all the way around where you want the seam to be while holding the table cloth in place (heavy books, baby in a car seat, lazy cat would work too). Add 4 1/2 inches (or your number) and trim excess fabric. Scissors will be fine for the trimming. Perfectionists can use a rotary cutter and ruler.</p><p>If your table is wider than the width of the bolt (mine was almost too wide) you will need to cut two pieces the length of the table and sew them together to get enough for the width. So keep in mind that you will have a seam in the middle. That will affect the pattern and I would not have chosen this fabric if that was the case. I would have gone stripey to conceal the line. Just a thought!</p><p><font size="2"><em>This next part requires someone who can hold a piece of elastic still while you pull on it. I do not recommend 5 year olds. They do not have the attention span for it and may let the elastic go and giggle hysterically when it hits you in the face. Then repeat it for their brothers.</em></font></p><p>Now, I only put elastic on my rounded sides. If your table is completely round you may want to do the whole thing. If it is square, just the corners with 4 different pieces of elastic. If you are a better sewer/crafter than me go with your gut. I don’t know what I am doing most days.</p><p>So have your reliable helper hold the elastic at your designated spot. You will do the <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbPmz-GYI/AAAAAAAAAaU/h0QzexoWzZM/s1600-h/DSC010803.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01080" border="0" alt="DSC01080" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbQJ-YosI/AAAAAAAAAaY/VWxxyyDhFEY/DSC01080_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>same thing on the other end so going halves works well (see above for square tables). Now gently pull and mark where you want the other end to stop. This is just half the table (or a 1/4 if you are square). Now go do this on the other end/corner of the table. For the right angled bunch you will do this 3 more times.</p><p>NOTE: You are <strong>not </strong>trimming the extra elastic right now. Mark the starting and stopping points with PINS and trim the elastic with about 10 extra inches. This is important because you have to adjust it once the table cloth is sewn, but not the elastic. K?</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbRhswiLI/AAAAAAAAAac/T58gu86YzZk/s1600-h/DSC010813.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01081" border="0" alt="DSC01081" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfyvHhfGF8toDoWVdEtZ-ZbMgjgS9nUOlWJZbLCNdT2tqgFhpTuCJspHpzqKs-8y3-tn1Sd1u3PJ_0ed-pp9z4Hp10V__sKj6Neq8trslSjK_paglGVM9FgjwWKT7NCiP7Szv/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>Now (after your pins are marking the spots) begin folding the table cloth to the line and pinning in place. Rounded edges definitely need LOTS of pins if you don’t want to say mean words to your sewing machine later. (I apologized afterward)</p><p>For those who have never worked with elastic (i.e. me) you are not putting it in at this point. That comes later.</p><p>Walk proudly to your sewing machine because you used so many pins and try to sew a 1/4-1/2 inch seam. See how well I did? Don’t you feel better about yourself now? </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eTEb0gRMY7dep9eeV63P2JGceb_HAQBifi0qQNJLY8GxVRhT7MzSWRjNNQvbRbVxMME8KEFNM5efVJiOzu2nEK1AnrkjRNIWwP0E-Eu_6VJ0p0UhmWFq6tguIs5sdMAASrYI/s1600-h/DSC01308%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01308" border="0" alt="DSC01308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUAOjELt1Ikv0N4KG_0goUNr-gq1hNBOfA21toiMC_7rQFogCXSKkM3EZketvqnUlF761jbg5LYmSp2xI2WU_tQO7FhX4gZhxa9s8ja2PLRSH5zwKDeCju4tZtoYUNZdL1OPO/?imgmax=800" width="180" height="135"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbVtXMrxI/AAAAAAAAAas/-twGDb4Tmxk/s1600-h/DSC01305%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01305" border="0" alt="DSC01305" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbV8a1k_I/AAAAAAAAAaw/3LL6uvUFxDE/DSC01305_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="135"></a></p><p>Remember to leave an opening at both ends. You will finish sewing after the elastic is in and sewn in place. Remember the pin you put in place to mark the elastic places? <font color="#ff0000">STOP SEWING THERE</font>.</p><p>And sew the other side the same way.</p><p>Now find a GIANT NEEDLE or something similar. This is what I used. No, I have no idea <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJW6XF_imDyHeYNQKmrovEUDhqbDK_BxeQwNOq1e-JajI5nvut9jL_d-L5WCaMFknaiIuybLIXR_sBMGk4ykHPQwSBXFTa6HdWfnhtli3H2Q_heYVayqENnil0UE4FxwLucpZ/s1600-h/DSC01302%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01302" border="0" alt="DSC01302" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbXruq7UI/AAAAAAAAAa4/wvbgzbn-gI4/DSC01302_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" height="141"></a>where I got it. My grandmother gave me a box of sewing stuff with an old machine like 20 years ago. I kept most of it and gotta say this needle freaks me out just a bit. I am happy it was finally used for something normal (not to imply I used it for anything abnormal). </p><p>Anyway, go get some strong thread/yarn for your freaky needle, thread it (if you can’t thread that stop what you are doing and go to the optometrist now), and poke it through one end of your elastic like so (see <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbYzaGX1I/AAAAAAAAAa8/AjfZfhkb5VQ/s1600-h/DSC01304%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01304" border="0" alt="DSC01304" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbZb_KNXI/AAAAAAAAAbA/3L51Q4bfPMs/DSC01304_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>picture). Tie it on like a rope. I used regular thread about 4 times over.</p><p><font color="#9b00d3" size="2"><em>If you don’t have a giant needle you just need something long, thin, and straight (pencil size) that you can tie to your elastic so you can work it through the hem you just made. Get creative. You can do it.</em></font></p><p>Now work the needle through the hem slowly, pulling your elastic through. Be sure to pin the elastic in place at the beginning and end of the hem. Do this for both ends. Now go put it on the table to see how it fits. </p><p>It will be a bit of a struggle. I needed to put something heavy on one end when it got on the pull the other end on tightly. Here is where your pull your elastic tighter or loosen it based on the fit.</p><p>If you are pulling on it like you did those jeans in 1986 then you may want to let it out a bit. If it lays there like a regular table cloth it isn’t tight enough.</p><p>Once the elastic is where you want it go sew it in place. Just go over the end about 3 or 4 times and trim the excess. Repeat for the other side. Now hem up the remaining edges and get it on your table.</p><p>Smile and look with joy on your new tablecloth that will survive snacks, Legos, hot wheel races, cookie decorating, quilt class, glitter glue, stickers, crayons, frogs, caterpillars, misbehaved dogs, laundry day, etc.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy8y0chadWdmd2pP0gm7VeSkZOyp3LTJPAFijuIjO8IKdTQBhxkuPFTfj9jiNWhnYI7y6-m8YLOTolGmM3vrYnxRDIn9PxaB7WNI14zHnWTUJwuP5BfiWd1_ETaOF0YkUv0by/s1600-h/DSC01312%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01312" border="0" alt="DSC01312" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TbcbbRUM9LI/AAAAAAAAAbI/zk9NkTrSL4A/DSC01312_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="260"></a></p><br />
Linked up over at WFMW<br />
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<a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/"><img alt="works for me wednesday at we are that family" height="198" width="300" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wfmw-300x198.png" /></a><br />
<br />
Tackle It Tuesday<br />
<a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/160/tackle-it-tuesday-update/"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q151/yeshua55/TTBigButton.jpg" alt="Tackle It Tuesday Meme" title="Tackle It Tuesday Meme"/></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-46961994034804216632011-04-14T16:03:00.000-04:002011-04-14T16:03:11.524-04:00A small break for updatesHey wonderful readers! I am taking a small break to polish the page and write some needed items. I realized with the increase in traffic I had better get my ducks in a row.<br />
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I also want to get cheesecake information up for customers and I am a little behind in the html code department. So rest assured things will be up and running with wonderful new recipes, projects, and general boy wackiness to brighten your day soon.<br />
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Much Love,<br />
Sgt. ZappleSgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-43272429822128907832011-04-03T23:11:00.002-04:002011-04-06T09:58:05.347-04:00Cheesecake Saturday–Kamilah’s Turtle Cheesecake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAhmWuNiU53spXSBuC_kl9EbFfX4sUpSuilynlg_qL7YzWrx1JcnP_GH9Ys3WtUgDPFRsUVm8CszmaZ38ljpiKCyhHFjgytE6JrfIbyp5WXLotQZB2TXkRLNZJlbPkfrWoK9f/s1600-h/DSC01156%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01156" border="0" alt="DSC01156" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxJnSxJM6mnaUUQqlw0WLUHQbswHYAA6V90BDuRWGnH7yExAm75JZpO2XoHEr5ucfAsXq9A4TqSAp7FP4wEXEw25I8RAmj3LMPrm2cBGlAQQcTGlS6WFc9QN2LYTzH0Jhyphenhyphen45g/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <p>I dedicate this one to you <a href="http://herlifeinanutshell-carteredition.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kamilah</a>. Thanks for the inspiration.</p><p>My sweet friend Kamilah asked for cheesecake lessons and I happily obliged. I will use any excuse to make cheesecake. When I asked her which one she wanted to make she said Turtle Cheesecake. Well I have never made one and didn’t have a recipe.</p><p>We all know my aversion to candy bars in my cheesecake. I want cheesecake to taste like a cheesecake, not a candy bar, or ice cream toppings. If I want any of those desserts I will pop out to the store or the ice cream shop to get them. But please don’t put them on my cheesecake.</p><p>My search of the internet was met with disappointment. My opinions on cheesecake seem to be confined to only a few. I have spoken to those of you who agree with me. I know you are out there you just apparently don’t post recipes on the internet.</p><p>After I regrouped I decided to begin with the same crust as the <a href="http://sgtzapple.blogspot.com/2011/03/cheesecake-saturdaycaramel-pecan.html" target="_blank">Caramel Pecan Cheesecake</a> a few weeks ago. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZk252BOlTI/AAAAAAAAAZI/XySY0f2am7E/s1600-h/DSC01084%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01084" border="0" alt="DSC01084" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeLqZuLHEBi3V4nKNwEQMAJlfbuw2pbSCPqTwvGzt2hfTDVEGLjMKAF2Ck2KTZsqcmmcR2pA6hBt1SkkMDC6cw3FzyL4zZh4v9jlY_bTu2-Y9vE8clh6GX2GU4z0qcRwXVB45/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> The chopped pecans in the bottom are a revelation. I love those wonderful bits of yumminess. I did add a teaspoon of vanilla to enhance the flavor of the cookies on the second go around. They needed something.</p><p>The new and fun ingredient is the caramel that I decided to use. This I cannot take credit for because it came from my husband’s grandmother. I have no idea where she learned it but it is a fantastic short cut. What she used it in is a sore spot between my husband and I which pretty much started me down the road of difficult desserts. Totally different blog post.</p><p>Where was I?</p><p>Oh yea! This.</p><p>Boil one can of sweetened condensed milk, the brand does not matter. (You can do 4 or 5 at once with paper off please) Boil steadily, submerged (water over the top) for 4 to 5 hours. Do not put more cans than can be comfortably surrounded by water. This will change the boiling time. Check the pot every 1/2 hour to make sure the water is still above the tops of the cans. When it drops below then pour in more water. After 4 or 5 hours (not an exact number here folks) turn off the heat and let the pot sit there. Really don’t touch it. Don’t get excited and try to open the can. It will explode hot caramel stuff all over and potentially burn you. LEAVE IT ALONE! Got it?</p><p>Okay, after the cans cooled to room temperature dry them off and set them aside. Because they have been boiled and remain sealed in the can they can go back in your pantry for months. I don’t want to say years because I am not sure but I have had some for over a year and my mom has too. </p><p><em><font color="#9b00d3" size="2">(Please keep in mind that this actually takes an entire day just to get the caramel stuff ready. As I often repeat to myself late <strong>late <font size="3">late</font> <font size="4">late</font></strong> at night waiting for one to cool – Cheesecake is NOT a <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZk27C6DGYI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/CkHy5aqx8h0/s1600-h/DSC01240%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01240" border="0" alt="DSC01240" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXbYVdwjYppFFVNc462mw5tlRZVoyLWeuhYaGq75EMD0uBR0q5AP2ruMblEJMOybymrp0MRS5iHbQwVJeQz0vRF-ULwuLc-r_7XnURFeLEUp3UOVaAhM-QHKoV6CQOwjN_nRA/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>last minute dessert.)</font></em> </p><p>Anyway, it comes out all gooey, thick, and caramelized. It is quite rich and not too sweet so perfect for me. </p><p>Next, take small dollops and place evenly and carefully on the bottom of the crust. This is difficult because it is sticky and doesn’t want to come off your spatula. It also wants to stick to the crust. This clingy co-dependent attitude from the yummy goo only serves to rip your beautiful crust apart. I prefer not to enable so small dollops pushed off with another spoon evenly spread about. Then short one directional (no back and forth) strokes with an offset spatula to smooth it out a bit. It takes some patience but it will spread. Trust me. Reserve a 2 tablespoons for the batter.</p><p><font color="#9b00d3" size="2"><em>(I will say that I think it needs a little more caramel. I am going to add 2 cans to the next cheesecake. First to thicken the bottom layer and second to enrich the caramel flavor in the cheesecake. Still it is not too sweet, rich but not sweet.)</em></font></p><p>The batter comes together just like the <a href="http://sgtzapple.blogspot.com/2011/01/cheesecake-saturday.html" target="_blank">New York Cheesecake</a>. It is the Junior’s Cheesecake Recipe, not mine. But it is quite basic and useful.</p><p>Ingredients:</p><p>4 blocks of Philadelphia Cream Cheese (full fat, room temperature)</p><p>1/4 cup cornstarch</p><p>1 2/3 cups of sugar</p><p>1 tablespoon Vanilla</p><p>2 eggs</p><p>3/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream</p><p>8 oz. Bittersweet chocolate</p><p>2 tablespoons of caramel (See recipe above)</p><p>Mix together for at least 3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl, 1 block of cream cheese, cornstarch, and 1/3 cup of sugar. After it is thoroughly mixed beginning adding remaining cream cheese one block at a time, scraping down the sides after each block. (The scraping is very important, don’t skip this please)</p><p>Next add the remaining sugar, slowly, with more scraping. Then add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, scraping after each one.</p><p>Finally add the heavy cream. Do not over mix, just stir in until combined.</p><p>This next bit is mine:</p><p>Now divide the batter in half into two bowls. Add the remaining caramel to one half, stir until combined. There will still be a few chunks which is fine, you just want a little caramel flavor.</p><p>Melt the chocolate using a double boiler (glass bowl over gently boiling water on stove top). Let cool a few minutes. Then combine with batter in second bowl. </p><p>You can also use the microwave to melt the chocolate. 1 minute on high. I like the shake the bowl so I am not actually stirring the chocolate to test for meltiness. Add 30 seconds until melted, removing after each to see if it is melted. It rarely takes more than 2 minutes.</p><p>Now spoon chocolate batter into the crust, smooth with an offset spatula. Then gently spoon the caramel batter on top of the chocolate layer and smooth.</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZk28wLi6gI/AAAAAAAAAZY/UHposb3uFMg/s1600-h/DSC01157%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01157" border="0" alt="DSC01157" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFnrQNGsPx0PhT-U14AByic1kgSDYeDrfeqdu0ievJjWpHDRrid1hg4k8qUYZnD9KspH7KT6oMlGse3l_Cw2Af0WKh-TcM6l4tjI4EpB-8muCHAaslTAI5xIieDkV0xwd3KmV/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>Now it is time for the water bath and baking. (The water bath is an entirely different post, next week.)</p><p>Bake at 350 for 1 hour 15 minutes. Convection ovens do change how it will bake. If you can turn that off then please do.</p><p>When the time is up simply remove the cheesecake and let it sit on the countertop. Do not touch it or try to check if it is done. Remove it from the water bath/foil and just walk away. Once it is cooled to room temperature move it to the refrigerator. It is still in the springform pan at this point. Do not take that off. Let it cool for at least 6 hours or better still overnight.</p><p>After that gently remove the springform sides by gently running a knife around the outside and unlatching it. Then remove carefully. </p><p>Now you can pull it out for the decorating. This is not necessary but it does look good. </p><p>Melt bittersweet chocolate, about 5 ounces (microwave or double boiler, your choice), and put into pastry bag with a narrow tip. It doesn’t matter the shape because the melted chocolate will not hold a shape. It is melted. It just needs to be narrow. Now quickly, and I mean quickly, make lines about a 1/2 inch apart. Go back and forth, making your turns while your tip is off the cheesecake. I do this on a sheet pan and then transfer the finished product to the cake plate or box for transport later. This way the mess is on the pan, not the cheesecake. Now go perpendicular to the lines you just made.</p><p>You have to do this very quickly. The chocolate pours out the tip and you can’t stop it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcf1LeiwuE4FjATGD_FfeXanMSA67l21to2X2qFxGRBqrL-Z2Hve5-jKyeF2MhfdOrVCZT8oHZ8LMdUGiYuIvBAxdw3bRPPgWt05GwmZmxwMSz2QJ0Pp1GYgUfujRi-3oaFtWa/s1600-h/DSC01154%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01154" border="0" alt="DSC01154" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-J8tHoRNbcHboORBTFLl1vI2twCVQ2AmTwfB04WuH3mDOo_e5b2BUdR9FPdbrwn_shgUqobBe272uw29VNoF4rPgp_4rbF-iK-MOKQx0DuQKsTPi1Qk5bBu_qmww8N40TD_ot/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>So concentrate and go fast. Put it back in the refrigerator for an hour to chill the chocolate.</p><p>Really, I loved how this turned out. I will add more caramel because it can take it without being too much. I also want some more flavor out of that crust. I know it has more to offer. But overall a great cheesecake and it does look amazing. </p><p>It also does not taste like a candy bar.</p><br />
<a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" target="_blank">We Are That Family</a></p><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/"><img alt="works for me wednesday at we are that family" height="198" width="300" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wfmw-300x198.png" /></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-58586757654233915012011-03-29T23:01:00.002-04:002011-03-29T23:20:21.111-04:00Lessons Learned–Why I Will Never Have A Super Mom Cape<p>1. Cocktail sausages and strawberries can count as a late dinner.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_Qn1cDp5gRR3vfRXL8QNl35QSeediRo5fYoSUvKroAyi7lHNecjTf44WaEILDYJp_1ryJ2kUoJxEsfdjpkJ27LGAZs1RfnJhaDlL9JYHYlINV6mQ2ocQdxrjwjtNWLvWQQy8/s1600-h/dsc00332%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dsc00332" border="0" alt="dsc00332" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZKdAmvCviI/AAAAAAAAAYk/UPqNgdjfMCw/dsc00332_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="146" height="121"></a></p><p>2. I am my mother’s daughter more and more with each passing day.</p><p>3. I think my mother is a wonderful brilliant woman even if it took me almost 36 years to fully realize it. <font size="1">(Sorry Mom, couldn’t resist using this pic)</font></p><p>4. You can freeze buttermilk. My cooking world has opened wide!</p><p>5. I really like to use buttermilk in recipes.</p><p>6. I have been a writer all along. I just needed to listen to the voices in my head (no not those voices).<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZKdBnhNuFI/AAAAAAAAAYo/O-D5nmZub6o/s1600-h/DSC00595%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00595" border="0" alt="DSC00595" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZKdB2DiCjI/AAAAAAAAAYs/k60Jum2dXQo/DSC00595_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="130"></a></p><p>7. I get very grumpy when I don’t get to write or quilt.</p><p>8. When I am grumpy I blame my husband for everything even though it is rarely his fault.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkVZyhtcJ2GObxAWX90elpQXjD7yLx1DOydWDAWWoxyOg6VS3r9uTdcQ2gjLACoImpNdR9z25b0PjtDggOV_JQ3ZjOx42zL_2-8BIOF_9rniYM4xd0U6ugYi2OG96O1JC_0FU/s1600-h/DSC01211%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01211" border="0" alt="DSC01211" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpyBxSc2xklRL9jwtvTynnH11YrNnCgZ2zll71b_pjTEhJG-VqcmYMs8V6AcuBqA6R2YyYFeKkBVodhaZfo5-9mGp1pd6ohT1pKcsCKvg514qIfypa61nehkF3_Jxgxa-6h1x/?imgmax=800" width="163" height="198"></a>9. My husband is a very forgiving man.</p><p>10. There are only so many hours of the day you can be the pack leader.</p><p>11. Being followed by an actual pack every second of the day is exhausting. <font size="1"><em>(Yes, there are 5 dogs in the picture who all live inside with us all day.)</em></font></p><p>12. I think better when my floors are vacuumed.</p><p>13. A West Texas Girl who grew up with big sunsets and wide open spaces needs a GPS on a cloudy tree lined highway in North Carolina no matter how often she has driven the road.</p><p>14. My ideas are good. My ability to implement them is bad.</p><p>15. Too many good ideas that whither in the shadow of life can make anyone feel like a failure.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZKdELp_F5I/AAAAAAAAAY4/GleNuK-lBfk/s1600-h/DSC00712%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00712" border="0" alt="DSC00712" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZKdEQnAXiI/AAAAAAAAAY8/MrXHUvSVArI/DSC00712_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="211" height="174"></a></p><p>16. The best things in my life were never my idea.</p><br />
<a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" target="_blank">We Are That Family</a></p><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/"><img alt="works for me wednesday at we are that family" height="198" width="300" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wfmw-300x198.png" /></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-41931580628726723492011-03-29T13:06:00.003-04:002011-03-29T13:12:36.100-04:00Tackle It Tuesday–THE OVEN!<p>I have a short list of cleaning chores I HATE. </p><p>The Oven</p><p>See I told you it was short. <font color="#9b00d3" size="2"><em>(The moderately dislike list is longer)</em></font></p><p>To avoid the chore even longer I often vacuum, yes vacuum, out the burnt food crumbs on the bottom just to make myself feel better. My smoke detector is disconnected in the kitchen because I set it off A LOT with the dirty oven. Really, last 4 or 5 places I have lived the smoke detector was disconnected in the kitchen. Not safe but saved my marriage. It really <em>really</em> <em><strong>really</strong></em> <strong><em><font color="#ff0000">really</font></em></strong> irritates the hubby.</p><p><em><font color="#9b00d3">I would like to say that I am not a terrible cook who constantly burns stuff. I am just <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZIRcK2EnOI/AAAAAAAAAX8/yDvVG2BTc2k/s1600-h/DSC01215%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01215" border="0" alt="DSC01215" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZIRcQZgXQI/AAAAAAAAAYA/6qTYxViXfmc/DSC01215_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="211"></a>forgetful and maybe lazy. I forget that certain dishes run over and don’t feel like making another pan dirty to put unde r it and just stick it in anyway</font>.</em></p><p>So this morning, while still in my jammies and possessed with a desire to feel like something has been completed this week I dove into my dirty oven. </p><p>I thought about before pictures but realized I would be embarrassed to show how bad I let it get. So here are the aftermath and end result pictures.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECkzscUPJG7NZDhND-RXxFEE8ZlWjLGRvKhWMtCrk9CYzmzsP1UC96Wh_AA2luRJOttUrWDNox14nyY3evi0rDSVyave4dQDQTOLtsXojOqPD5hlvHcG7A-fK2nV8bwHc-wTp/s1600-h/DSC01216%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01216" border="0" alt="DSC01216" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8l2e1Zi3t7wRt70IGoHlgzzov1i58GTVMwCDyrLbzKcF9TmrNjbbyfsm5RbBHl7pt9a6b3i2MLNi-ysOAv_7um5r5010VKOAPTCFwfCndukug9wVb4Is-R3-4si1gt_0VTSum/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="142"></a>I used this cleaner from the dollar store on the recommendation of my neighbor. She used it 2 weeks ago and her oven is immaculate. Mine did not turn out so perfectly. I think is has something to do with my previously stated problem, unwillingness to clean at all. I also think baking soda and a really good piece of steel wool would have worked just as well. </p><p>I ordered new drip pans on Amazon because the current set are rusting out. I also ordered a liner for the bottom of my oven. I had no idea these existed. The guilt I can avoid is worth every penny.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZIRfk5HkHI/AAAAAAAAAYM/TKs5lYOFqW4/s1600-h/DSC01212%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01212" border="0" alt="DSC01212" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZIRf0MZp2I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/rgqKQqxESgQ/DSC01212_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p><p>I am also saving up for a new stove/oven slide-in range that I will just take with us from post to post. I have one at our house in Texas but it is currently being rented out (the house not the oven). One of these days I will just trade out with the TX house and take my flat surface double oven slide in range with me. I cried when I left it behind.</p><p>Now I am going to put some good lotion on my hands. I also often forget to use rubber gloves <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TZIRgD9IAiI/AAAAAAAAAYU/xe10KItKctc/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800">.</p><br />
<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1BrhhdAk9psCTAXscDZw6RtRxoax67KsY9VIcYC2hMuIY1Nlm0tVd92qzMPxhhLkYpAPhDBjDAR5xonGaYcmcoKnFtwqbzKEmdGXrlvemDroO0f62sU4KMT-3wf5SZ4jWoe3/s1600/Titus_2sdays_button.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/160/tackle-it-tuesday-update/"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q151/yeshua55/TTBigButton.jpg" alt="Tackle It Tuesday Meme" title="Tackle It Tuesday Meme"/></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-64789087338648945252011-03-24T00:42:00.001-04:002011-03-24T00:42:36.886-04:00Thankful for Little Boys<p>I am thankful this week for their ability to change anything, ANYTHING into a weapon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYrLoqaYGJI/AAAAAAAAAXU/_8w53M8jj5I/s1600-h/DSC01190%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01190" border="0" alt="DSC01190" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYrLpM2bMKI/AAAAAAAAAXY/z8msXgkSahU/DSC01190_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="534" height="198"></a></p> <p>How they can have a running conversation on their favorite Super Car throughout the entire day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYrLqPdEcNI/AAAAAAAAAXc/uG1sLYvveas/s1600-h/DSC01197%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01197" border="0" alt="DSC01197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-xhaJYMRh7Cz_ck38gworXS26JhG8o01DrkDxT24771JTnbOqEi_qrpqCbQVVtROWMsenrMxJ73HBcGMQY_MR46UG2eV-aMAA5QXzwY4-k41t81NGsXqvlzMHm9lb9RICWP1/?imgmax=800" width="538" height="267"></a></p> <p>I am thankful for a boy’s ability to memorize the features of 20+ dinosaurs and make their brothers guess at breakfast every morning for weeks on end which one they are thinking about.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFNj40dt7gXKL3aXtQKaUH7vVIXuGJTCeFFtRz-xoc_ejAalWdwiMuMbYkf7Y6up-HyoHPZWJuAl61tNeMXmPF8qVPAni2e-JOtNRRIK5QQmngXUVveAGIS9skwYnWm6mZqf6/s1600-h/DSC01193%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01193" border="0" alt="DSC01193" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYrLr4DmJpI/AAAAAAAAAXo/a5371cNYNvA/DSC01193_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="262"></a></p> <p>I am thankful they never care if they match but if they have on a super hero shirt or truck/car/motorcycle shirt holes or not.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5L15Bbl_y_svQxWJbCr-7XbVf6LydIk-_vAu6L5MUoBM_iKIK_yUe4EMPCBmBFNYhuwNtZdFJ5Q0LuxSAqv4KY9eRki03D4OJSxm-2XemSdXLHr14sFhVr877PaPwKKlMiTDq/s1600-h/DSC01152%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01152" border="0" alt="DSC01152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPixwkwkQmaamc00aLp1l9AyFspExhrfgc54wnQTqd-5mrizdL9YrgjtYmf89KlvxZ3gkwU7X5GSAp_qyX5wdPxpcpk0fclJiuoM-W3Ih8elHJZMsy5trjuUpjWbLrVzzQZ9qX/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfvwVZrqsEE3x72i-mefJ16qfrNxzJPn3FQWO2DhuzH5XHpfFPsgv-Idb_Vd0eIV_yRg68IrA7_jLl26rp3cao5v3BSiZ2YV4XERenwrnaH3_SMpMz0nLvsDPWzzny5Z9ASaM/s1600-h/DSC00836%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00836" border="0" alt="DSC00836" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tt07qnAsdt0ul-aEK4cZ4yagwolANRv2SAW6df5VwNVzVlqa0hsOrIPCqogZfodcu2Dcm64AOx5ARQxoso9zJNTpBsuvHQQMrlnLKvKLBlB6VWAuaYqgO8TK0Dk30vi0uOl1/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>I am thankful for running hugs that knock the breath out of you and squished up faces that hate kisses but take them anyway.</p> <p>Thank you God for these boys. They are more than I deserve and teach me something new everyday.</p> Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-79732641040969393522011-03-22T12:00:00.003-04:002011-03-23T09:38:08.442-04:00An Onion Shortcut<p>I love the flavor of onions but dread the chopping, tears, and mess that always comes with them. When I buy them they usually sit there because I put off using them for the previously stated reasons. Then they rot as I look at them day after day mocking me with their savory hard to get at flavor.</p><p>Being the <strike>lazy</strike> <strike>cheap</strike> resourceful person that I am I figured out a way to get around the chopping, at least for awhile. It also lets you use up those onions you bought on sale before they go bad.</p><p>I buy a bag full of onions or 3 to 4 very large Vidalia onions at a time. Then I peel (quickly)<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYjHpRCEtaI/AAAAAAAAAW0/TNj9IYXweG8/s1600-h/DSC01172%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01172" border="0" alt="DSC01172" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuB5JFoJYlxyGL12tgW-fV4ZmLxAVJqeevpITLPPuYgYhx2tNPabfo5D7BBW1YcxoeLHwnBNQUNX2J5yNiGgGo_vtQ4z8V7l5fBF_s77yMJhN_-LPi7zcxefvfk8uW8wdDc7N/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> the outer skin, cut into 1/4th or 1/8ths, just until the easily fit into your food processor. If they are too large they will not fall to the bottom and what is nearest the blade will turn to onion mushiness. This is a picture of onions that have NOT been cut small enough. The mushy result will be used in soup.</p><p>If you don’t have a food processor then I would recommend chopping all at one time. If you are going to tear up then I suggest putting on some sad music and make a moment out of it. Then you will be done for a few months.</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYjHqt_CL2I/AAAAAAAAAW8/crDvrkk0m9I/s1600-h/DSC01177%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01177" border="0" alt="DSC01177" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYjHrO-QDgI/AAAAAAAAAXA/RyAV0tFySDU/DSC01177_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="153"></a>I use a chopping blade in the food processor and pulse until chopped. Turning it on and leaving it will turn your onions to mush. The pulsing chops and knocks the larger chunks down toward the blade while keeping the mush at bay. This takes around 2 minutes or longer if you let the 5 year old do it.</p><p>Then I fill gallon plastic bags with one to two large onions or 4 to 5 smaller onions. Lay flat on a cookie sheet and label if you want. I like to score <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5Pg_nTb5hzpRGEKayR5yAYp2tVnyCQmpm-agD1WzK8k9uof4AHUc-aXbrIt4ENw7oRrgAvSDQ401bqogL0p-Z59jO_yjamxkyACAobA6LSGq-5kdoXsqmOQTLe46jbLOhNjd/s1600-h/DSC01179%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01179" border="0" alt="DSC01179" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCv0uP0h2x1XI1sq3QQ4KSP36cR5-1lO8bc4JwcH4L2RUohkWUgWpjvhCCVe9dbFSMYWFJZyTR7yZjGfrQDAGqexuQOoxL2GIKws-ODw1quw5ePuZBWgZ_qOCcM0jS3jcHnrK/?imgmax=800" width="204" height="154"></a>mine with my hand so they are in easy to break off sections. Also, laying flat on the cookie sheet makes them easy to stack in the freezer and keeps them from conforming to whatever object is underneath. Because if they are in the metal grate then they will freeze in that shape, squish between the metal bars, and be impossible to get off without tearing the bag. Not fun.</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYjHtGHk74I/AAAAAAAAAXM/gRx_tqUlOHA/s1600-h/DSC01181%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01181" border="0" alt="DSC01181" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJHnLTPGzu42TUOgciTJKdb9X29F3FX3UfWIWllFWKxjv7MnouKV0_C1cuNc8pdENxipw7ZmwPQk5Ztxs6hHU1pbaHNis7uRlMxzWCnl1FELYJEq2ggg7-Pt69VSq6ALmvlX_/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>Once they are frozen you can easily, really easily, break off as much as you need for what every recipe you are doing. They defrost in about 2 minutes or 30 seconds in a hot pan. The bonus, no tears or running to the store for onions.</p><p>Because we are a cooked onion lovin’ family this is really the only way I use them. If you are a raw onion lover I don’t see why this would not work for you too. Someone give it a shot and let me know. But if they will be cooked in anyway then this definitely will work with any onion.</p><p><em>FYI….if you stop to take pictures of the onions you don’t avoid the crying part.</em></p><p><font color="#8064a2"><strong>A quick public service announcement:</strong> Onions, even in small quantities cooked or raw, are life threatening to dogs and cats. They can cause a deadly reaction called </font><a href="http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1&aid=2414" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff">Heinz Body Anemia</font></a><font color="#8064a2"> where the red blood cells will burst. Treatment is available at your vets office but please be aware what your pet is into.</font></p><br />
Linked up to Works For Me Wednesday over at <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" target="_blank">We Are That Family</a></p><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/"><img alt="works for me wednesday at we are that family" height="198" width="300" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wfmw-300x198.png" /></a><br />
Also, linked up at Women Living Well<br />
<a href="http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/search/label/Women%20Living%20Well%20Wednesdays"><img border="0" src="http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq297/courtneylivingwell/LivingWell.png" /></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-46681811284063223642011-03-21T11:54:00.002-04:002011-03-23T15:31:26.818-04:00Cookies and Milk for Dinner<p>Yup, I did it.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCbgJ6E8TOB5rOrIj06PTaao98gOQ5KQcfGT67GJGp7jrHst-Kk_0V86MB5v2ADDbZuh4YZxHYDT5v_nCrK-__KdSULPF-yHgxTfEjHFClHCoMCTxLru28OOsCMam31mM0uNh/s1600-h/IMG00011-20110320-1843%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG00011-20110320-1843" border="0" alt="IMG00011-20110320-1843" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYd0m8Y-rWI/AAAAAAAAAWI/vA9-CKAVMnI/IMG00011-20110320-1843_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="148" height="196"></a></p><p>I made cookies and let them all eat it for dinner.</p><p>Why? Well because it was Sunday and it was dinner time and I wanted cookies and I was tired and they wanted the cookies and they had a big lunch and I am THAT mom and any other excuse I could come up with <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYd0qUGIIkI/AAAAAAAAAWM/fdeehxN0Yy0/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800">.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYd0sIJe_1I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/FOnH55ofw9k/s1600-h/DSC01170%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01170" border="0" alt="DSC01170" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYd0s4AyCcI/AAAAAAAAAWU/3ZCLeylGkEk/DSC01170_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="135" height="102"></a>I want them to remember making cookies and having fun together as brothers. I want to also enjoy that time and not turn into Monster Mommy trying to clean and cook at the same time. I want Sundays to be about God and rest and family and joy. So I gave them cookies and milk for dinner.</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYd0t5SA2vI/AAAAAAAAAWY/A9eX6opdgZk/s1600-h/IMG00013-20110320-1843%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG00013-20110320-1843" border="0" alt="IMG00013-20110320-1843" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYd0uj2Ac7I/AAAAAAAAAWc/b0W3DYaLDRo/IMG00013-20110320-1843_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="117" height="155"></a>Don’t worry it won’t happen every Sunday. Usually we have cheesecake <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYd0uyoIyqI/AAAAAAAAAWg/pSpvHMVgFmQ/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800">.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYd0wRHlZrI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Ml8kxbt28CM/s1600-h/IMG00019-20110320-1942%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG00019-20110320-1942" border="0" alt="IMG00019-20110320-1942" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYd0w4uyjrI/AAAAAAAAAWo/W--W4JEFfoI/IMG00019-20110320-1942_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="135" height="178"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogi52xBZELASTvbRMmw61GGZwqSRxS0pHFWpxxniSHD8elz9EDz-PDxaCGF6Spka-1OSwl-RMWXp8ARVtFD2T-WYLlu4586mHzPuNxeTe933XrQ1d1aGzJ6WtHCt__hb_Zzri/s1600-h/IMG00018-20110320-1942%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG00018-20110320-1942" border="0" alt="IMG00018-20110320-1942" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TYd0yljdfmI/AAAAAAAAAWw/YDvA3OJtEb0/IMG00018-20110320-1942_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="136" height="180"></a></p><br />
Linked up to Works For Me Wednesday over at <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" target="_blank">We Are That Family</a></p><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/"><img alt="works for me wednesday at we are that family" height="198" width="300" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wfmw-300x198.png" /></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-14368684554895530482011-03-17T16:20:00.004-04:002011-03-17T17:28:02.174-04:00Thankful Thursday–Music<p>As a mom you often find you cannot turn things off.</p><p>Your brain, children, dinner, pets, grocery shopping, laundry, etc.</p><p>To combat my distracted self so I can finish cleaning and laundry I use my iPod to quiet those thoughts so I don't walk back and forth through the house forgetting why I am standing in front of the refrigerator and then walked to the bedroom.</p><p>I only have three requirements for my playlist, it is easy to sing to, clean, and fun.</p><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMDAzOTQwNjc2NTUmcHQ9MTMwMDM5NDI3NjA5MSZwPTY5NDMwMSZkPSZnPTEmbz1hZmNhYjNhNjJmYTI*YjEwYjNl/NzIxZWM2MmI*OWIxZiZvZj*w.gif" /><div style="text-align: center; margin-left: auto; visibility:visible; margin-right: auto; width:450px;"><object width="450" height="470"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.musicplaylist.us/mc/mp3player_new.swf"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="flashvars" value="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_pink.xml&mywidth=450&myheight=470&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musicplaylist.us%2Fpl.php%3Fplaylist%3D84674305%26t%3D1300394065&wid=os"></param><embed style="width:450px; visibility:visible; height:470px;" allowScriptAccess="never" src="http://www.musicplaylist.us/mc/mp3player_new.swf" flashvars="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_pink.xml&mywidth=450&myheight=470&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musicplaylist.us%2Fpl.php%3Fplaylist%3D84674305%26t%3D1300394065&wid=os" width="450" height="470" name="mp3player" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" border="0"/> </object> <br />
<a href="http://www.musicplaylist.us"><img src="http://www.musicplaylist.us/mc/images/create_pink.jpg" border="0" alt="Get a playlist!"/></a> <a href="http://www.musicplaylist.us/playlist/21676622091/standalone" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.musicplaylist.us/mc/images/launch_pink.jpg" border="0" alt="Standalone player"/></a> <a href="http://www.musicplaylist.us/playlist/21676622091/download"><img src="http://www.musicplaylist.us/mc/images/get_pink.jpg" border="0" alt="Get Ringtones"/></a> </div><p>This is my newest (to me) favorite song. I heard it on someone’s blog and had to have it. </p><p><p>It also makes me feel like Spring and Summer are just around the corner! Aaahhhhhh……</p>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-18038217330625065542011-03-15T23:47:00.003-04:002011-03-16T10:08:39.413-04:00Being Average<p>…..that is what I once wished worked for me. </p><p>I didn’t want to stand out. I didn’t want attention. I wanted to blend in.</p><p>I wanted to be just the right amount of helpful but not so much that it got me noticed. I wanted to be just funny enough that someone is amused but not so much that milk came out their nose.</p><p>I want things to go smoothly. I want no large problems. I want to be what everyone else thinks everyone else is and they are not.</p><p>Thankfully, not one of us is that average person, are we? You always seem like you are when I see you out at the store or church but you aren’t are you?</p><p>Good. I thought I was the only one.</p><p>What works for me this week is being average. Those few seconds were unexpected now back to my amazingly unusual life. Average is overrated.</p><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/"><img alt="works for me wednesday at we are that family" height="198" width="300" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wfmw-300x198.png" /></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-24153452134322493532011-03-14T22:00:00.002-04:002011-03-16T10:08:51.611-04:00Mondays - The Jumble Of Life<p>There are days, weeks, months even that pass when life moves so fast you lose track of time. </p><p>You rush the kids out the door with lunch sacks in their hands. They need to eat in the car. You are late.</p><p>But if you give them just a few extra minutes you will find they made those extra 5 minutes into something special.</p><p>I hope and pray they remember this today and not their crazy mommy.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TX7IR8dSmsI/AAAAAAAAAV0/iLjn__p1OiE/s1600-h/DSC01153%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01153" border="0" alt="DSC01153" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TX7ITKJrV-I/AAAAAAAAAV4/AqXKqNDIfBc/DSC01153_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="285"></a></p><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/"><img alt="works for me wednesday at we are that family" height="198" width="300" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wfmw-300x198.png" /></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-91739923850943204952011-03-12T23:39:00.004-05:002011-03-29T15:53:48.183-04:00Cheesecake Saturday-Triple Chocolate Cheesecake<p>Happy Saturday!</p><p>I am up late and I will pay for it in the morning but the cheesecake needed to be made.</p><p>Again I changed it. I know you are shocked. I always follow the recipe, keep traditions, and never break the rules.</p><p>That was a nice break but back to reality……</p><p>I didn’t like the chocolate fudge mirror in the original Junior’s Triple Chocolate Cheesecake. It was too acidic for me, too sugary. So I tried a chocolate glaze from another recipe and it was more like someone put a candy bar on top. Good but it doesn’t go on creamy perfect chocolate cheesecake.</p><p>So in the interest of keeping the title I wanted 3 different types of chocolate.</p><p>Again with the brownie crust, it is easy and I like it. I use a box version usually whatever is on sale. I do have limits and prefer Ghirardelli (summer in CA and one cute boy got me hooked) but Betty Crocker will do too. I just pour a small layer in the pan and bake for 25 minutes. </p><p>So the same basic <a href="http://sgtzapple.blogspot.com/2011/03/cheesecake-saturdaycaramel-pecan.html" target="_blank">cheesecake recipe</a> used with the original New York (I memorized it therefore I will use it forever) split in half in two different bowls. Then I added melted (in the microwave) Ghirardelli milk chocolate (5 oz) in one bowl and Ghirardelli semisweet <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXxKcBfJJiI/AAAAAAAAAVM/7gns5QiwdVE/s1600-h/DSC01143%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01143" border="0" alt="DSC01143" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUt_t3oKkZaOGy_wY7Hw92Km21hYRLqYQPXl_ucKHJFXg7WhDkRtyKQ9kasfcQQBAlqd2P3EzvFryiRsShCk79XiaaaBf9StkD2XU65EopO23E2m84cL95agCo5nXd3ITkdGD/?imgmax=800" width="176" height="133"></a>chocolate (5 oz) in the other after they had cooled a bit. Stirred gently until incorporated thoroughly. Next I poured the semisweet batter into the springform pan leaving about a cup in the bowl. Then I gently in small dollops placed the milk chocolate batter on top of the semisweet layer (leaving 1 cup in the bowl), careful not to mix the layers.</p><p>I was also trying out new 4 inch springform pans so I took the remaining one cup of each batter and did the same with them as with the 9 inch. As I discovered last week, the <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXxKfBjPtKI/AAAAAAAAAVU/RSn6tBZ07pQ/s1600-h/DSC01146%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01146" border="0" alt="DSC01146" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEwKPiJw13ooid0ALRALj_NIuYoFouAaoP8ZZfNEVqFj6jwJeek2qJFYOCsMmKDANTl8MuHvgBhbuOHHspngo-f8v_PazrzBWgNX5qshkFHkovfI_cJgv2jbJ55wc6cE4SEDn/?imgmax=800" width="197" height="149"></a>smaller cheesecakes will cook the same amount of time as the larger so I put them in the same pan to cook.</p><p>Aren’t they cute all wrapped up ready for their warm bath?</p><p>They are baking now while I type. After a rest and some cooling off time they will be dressed up for presentation tomorrow. The little ones will go to work with my husband and the larger one will go next door for a big Sunday dinner.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXxKhJKxuLI/AAAAAAAAAVc/vR77u9iBbxE/s1600-h/DSC01140%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01140" border="0" alt="DSC01140" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAdGHhxpQfVt7sQxBx7v7anwPOI0fOr2Om5v8WdirIKtkTSSad5mUZFQFKuLmd0b6X7tCByaxF00X_Inix_sKlCI2EfmxXe69nxgTC5lwCi_p0T19WUqR7Z4R1VwqF-sSldzE/?imgmax=800" width="177" height="134"></a></p><p>I promise to take pictures before they leave. Aaahhhhh, they grow up so fast don’t they?</p><p>Now for cleanup….</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXxKjBtRucI/AAAAAAAAAVo/_OHQ5w_GNis/s1600-h/DSC01129%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01129" border="0" alt="DSC01129" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXxKjl2ihdI/AAAAAAAAAVs/MeAG5QtlUM8/DSC01129_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>On a brighter note, I just came into a lot of Pampered Chef products. It was an exchange of sorts so it is guilt free Pampered Chef. The best kind. I will definitely be telling you about all of it because I love love love kitchen tools that work and make life easier. That is definitely these! </p><br />
UPDATED: Pic of finished cheesecake. L.O.V.E. It was so so good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoaSejBP35w8YuzMxtCCnWg7bZRnGpf2X6O3HsQDC360_rSSEjyLGp6XBwmLxrU9aJeVfyox4RMEtNO39OZBmOzgsv61zMbskVxy3qK3G_MMup_ZYYVM_Uv6q-vMKlPpHkNwG/s1600/DSC01147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoaSejBP35w8YuzMxtCCnWg7bZRnGpf2X6O3HsQDC360_rSSEjyLGp6XBwmLxrU9aJeVfyox4RMEtNO39OZBmOzgsv61zMbskVxy3qK3G_MMup_ZYYVM_Uv6q-vMKlPpHkNwG/s400/DSC01147.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/category/tempt-my-tummy-tuesday/"><img src="http://blessedwithgrace.net/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/temptmytummy-new1.png" alt="Tempt my Tummy Tuesdays" width="125" height="125" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://comfynkitchen.blogspot.com/search/label/Fellowship%20Fridays" ><img border="0" src="http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b425/JMNehrenz/FridaysButton.png" /></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-81784209728590389542011-03-10T17:50:00.002-05:002011-03-10T18:08:06.868-05:00Thankful Thursdays–Aprons<p>Donna Reed and June Cleaver had it right. The women of that decade were wise in the use of aprons. Did you see the dresses they were cooking in?</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXT7pYMSWe2F7McCOzUOa0Pf-TxLIg-moEj1IWNav5BB7Wu4PDhHDmY7fzJhu_BAE6xp-ldYSVeNHa-2oMyM1HD8jhPqFk4atS66ecKNVKsYL25WOblhUbXplxykNPbgufektx/s1600-h/donna-reed-kitchen%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="donna-reed-kitchen" border="0" alt="donna-reed-kitchen" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXlVykk0CdI/AAAAAAAAAU4/Lv_Asciv_Ms/donna-reed-kitchen_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="186"></a></p><blockquote><p> <a href="http://retrorenovation.com/2009/09/03/the-donna-reed-show-kitchen/" target="_blank"> Image source</a></p></blockquote><p>I know we have better washing machines and more durable fabrics but saving money and clothes is always important. I am on a tight<em> tight</em> <strong><em>tight</em></strong> budget. I don’t have time or funds to replace clothing. This is not to say I am a pig. But I also cook, clean, raise boys, have 5 dogs (we were down to 3, long story), one guinea pig, and actually leave the house. Stuff happens.</p><p>“But Sgt Z don’t you know all the handy dandy tricks for getting stains out of fabric?” </p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXlVy4zSYdI/AAAAAAAAAU8/E6xQ0p1Hvkg/s1600-h/MShomekeeeping.handbook%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="MShomekeeeping.handbook" border="0" alt="MShomekeeeping.handbook" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXlVzV58raI/AAAAAAAAAVA/lBwVldQUnrE/MShomekeeeping.handbook_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="179" height="179"></a>Yes, I do. I have the Martha Stewart “I have a bazillion hours in one day” Homekeeping Handbook with the very clever chart. <em>(Okay I actually love the book but who are we kidding? It is very informative and useful but requires you have time to actually do the home keeping.)</em></p><p>So in light of my predicament and my unwillingness to part with certain clothing I am embracing the apron. Join me, won’t you?</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXlVz8oXy2I/AAAAAAAAAVE/5B0JZBTFp2k/s1600-h/Blackstripedapron%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Blackstripedapron" border="0" alt="Blackstripedapron" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXlV0BDQpqI/AAAAAAAAAVI/GF6ZW0e8iOg/Blackstripedapron_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="125" height="125"></a>I have 3 of these aprons now. I just ordered them off Amazon and they look like they can take a beating. They are by Chef Works. I originally ordered one but quickly realized they get dirty hence their usefulness. So when one is dirty and you only have one then you have no aprons. <em><font size="2">(Did you like that story problem? Can you tell I work with a 2nd grader on math everyday?)</font></em></p><p>Seriously, this seems small in the light of important wonderful miracles of life we contend with daily. But sometimes you are just thankful you don’t have to change clothes again or can walk out of the house and not be embarrassed you never noticed the stream of soda/ketchup/spit up/chocolate/milk/cheese down your shirt because you haven’t looked in a mirror since your kids got you up at 5am.</p><p><font size="2"><strong>The Apron and Book pics were from Amazon.com.</strong></font></p><p>Linked up today over at <a href="http://ourhappynuthouse.com/2011/03/10/thankful-thursday-52/" target="_blank">The Nut House</a>.</p>Also linked to Thankful Thursday with http://www.eph2810.com/.<br />
<center><a target=_"blank" href="http://www.eph2810.com/?page_id=459" ><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/eph2810/TTButton.jpg" /></a></center>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-48304053550859807572011-03-08T19:55:00.006-05:002011-03-16T00:07:17.974-04:00WFMW–A kick in the pants<p>When I feel overwhelmed and whiny,</p><p>When my complaints out number my praises,</p><p>When I cannot face my daily chores and pout,</p><p>When my sinful flesh takes the lead, and my self-control takes a nap</p><p>He always sends me a story, a reminder, a kick in the pants</p><p>Something to make me feel small, petty, ungrateful</p><p>Something to make me feel loved, blessed, joyful</p><p>That I am His child, saved by Grace, through no work of my own</p><p>What Works For Me this week is this video. Its timing was providential, as usual.</p><iframe height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/11560198" frameborder="0" width="400"></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/11560198">This was grace - short film</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/andrewlaparra">Andrew Laparra</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><p>Linked up to Works For Me Wednesday over at <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" target="_blank">We Are That Family</a></p><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/"><img alt="works for me wednesday at we are that family" height="198" width="300" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wfmw-300x198.png" /></a><br />
Also, linked up at Women Living Well<br />
<a href="http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/search/label/Women%20Living%20Well%20Wednesdays"><img border="0" src="http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq297/courtneylivingwell/LivingWell.png" /></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-51569626373833671272011-03-08T00:05:00.009-05:002011-03-15T00:47:30.856-04:00Tackle It Tuesday/WFMW - Make Your Own Dry Eraser<p>Well, today I was a little grumbly and not in the mood to do anything. But something ran across my mind despite my efforts to make the world stop spinning.</p><p>I have 3 <strike>monkeys</strike> boys who tear through this world with enthusiasm and little thought of what the end result might be. I say that because we go thru lots of toys, clothes, and equipment because of this <strike>reckless</strike> playful carefree curiosity. Often it is only the threat of punishment that keeps our home standing.</p><p>A problem created by these boys arose today during school time. I know it doesn’t seem like a big one but after continuous replacements, backups, or hiding something to protect it you grow weary of buying more. We were on our last dry eraser. My oldest uses them for math. He stands up because he is a boy and works out his math on a dry erase board next to his desk. We also have a large 8ft x 4ft dry erase board in our school room. The last eraser was being held together by duct tape. I haven’t seen the others in months. </p><p>So I hopped on Amazon to buy another one. Not pleased with the prices I saw (see <a href="http://sgtzapple.blogspot.com/2011/02/extreme-couponingjust-beginning.html" target="_blank">extreme couponing</a> to get an idea of my cheap side) I wondered what you used to make those expensive little fabricy styrofoam thingies. The answer was felt. Ok, so just felt? Was it magical or could it be any fluffy fabric? Hhhhhmmm……..I have some scraps of flannel.</p><p>Well, turns out it can be ANY fluffy fuzzy fabric. So if you are still reading, here is what I did in 20 minutes (minus the time I waited for my camera to charge, answer school questions, discipline the other two for fighting, and make lunch) and thanks for staying with me.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXW44zTS67I/AAAAAAAAAT8/N5gIxRkdbAA/s1600-h/DSC01100%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01100" border="0" alt="DSC01100" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9UeE6cO6VHMXIRXxE8suzJfEu9S-DLWJ-vj5mQ2R4kDZ6VAVtGpUaHZZN4ElxyHi0buad067XrFNz-G6MD3qD9TI9409j2ksuqT4cg61ZEb9hyphenhyphenKEgQCQm6PVIv618I3lR1ea/?imgmax=800" width="156" height="118"></a></p><p>First, I used 4 in x 42 in strips of fabric (or width of the bolt of fabric). I used these because they were in my scrap basket from some baby quilts I did in December. I sewed right sides together the length of the fabric.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXW46y2FxuI/AAAAAAAAAUE/MSn54e7hbUg/s1600-h/DSC01101%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01101" border="0" alt="DSC01101" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXW47XjTMKI/AAAAAAAAAUI/037haKmZWm8/DSC01101_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="131" height="99"></a></p><p>I then cut the strip into 6 in blocks, which gave me 6 – 3in x 6in blocks. Next I sewed one side on each block and flipped it right side out.</p><p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXW48qqAMTI/AAAAAAAAAUM/6pk95Gjy9XY/s1600-h/DSC01103%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01103" border="0" alt="DSC01103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM93rEg67BeboaX26qPQHfIPdS32qClOiQQLE2QcqZxuhqmB50aAheEuOsx8bZ_A7EwcgEA62BBxh6SYI5xRMy6QCwhEyr1acvo3J381ohFV3n_snfh8La55hfdrFjeVmVQGpv/?imgmax=800" width="155" height="117"></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JC68Fx605byeyzGw7JzVilypUHT-GE1zczPNu9-EihEe6LUrNYQsVKNGFspLZWrR2FuvrW4y3klj2mspsA_UJ2bVIMyTI0_QGKkqXB2R6yTag0X44IW-PIZumhq9dKWSlooH/s1600-h/DSC01113%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01113" border="0" alt="DSC01113" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnmDUtvc1pJztZKFDtiKeGDNJ1FkpGjshtJvrne6eRVwi1V3mH0toZ1o5Z4RCyzydSngPrcF2wbFR9gwtsgGS-aZpfeIOmYjnX_siHRSAX50YmZKXk79VJNzV8YRN5OLrzleB/?imgmax=800" width="168" height="127"></a>Then I grabbed some batting from my scrap box of batting. I folded it over in several layers about 1 1/2in x 4in and wiggled it inside the block. You can use any batting or filling. I simply wanted them to have thickness to make gripping them easier.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSLzRATa2FZpzYAliDzHf_Ko_1HKZH9oasiNQrK7fS7GNH-KRxDyaAArwXOiAEQ5rj2_YtZ3ekNWDJtzu9BBDK79KERGE6Xq0KX85E32-A5TT8-ro363DmyO8mHpY_574GkIq/s1600-h/DSC01106%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01106" border="0" alt="DSC01106" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXW4_kfKD1I/AAAAAAAAAUg/gYI5-8uLkpo/DSC01106_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="152" height="115"></a></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXW5ATAdjwI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ji_WfENYFeA/s1600-h/DSC01115%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01115" border="0" alt="DSC01115" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUQIfXnDwt84eptglWdXYkNXZ5arvJI-lMAiPSjOs66Wk7XM5zpAAdtwAXdYjM9jzkJR3FWTPMCDzw0lWLSPFJXyI3Uy4VZVxNNJf-egTutKvLCoYUaOnGgZv2gSBVNot7uBg/?imgmax=800" width="152" height="115"></a>Then I folded the open side in and sewed it up. Viola!</p><p>I think it works better than that darn eraser I bought for $6. And the bonus, they are totally washable. I can throw them in with the rags and towels. LOVE IT!<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXW5B_fSW-I/AAAAAAAAAUs/fsO5dVc3LZ4/s1600-h/DSC01116%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01116" border="0" alt="DSC01116" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXW5CGzXJhI/AAAAAAAAAUw/K7wGXlOLBH4/DSC01116_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="157" height="119"></a></p><br />
<b>UPDATE:</b>After using these little guys for a week I discovered they are the perfect size for a quick dusting. They did an amazing job on some neglected window blinds and can also be used as a quick pin cushion. My absolute awesome favorite part? I can throw them in the laundry with my dirty rags and they will only get fluffier. Score!!!! I am making more because it seems like I could use them more often and in more places and they didn't cost me anything. Wootwoot!!!<br />
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Linked up today over at Sew Darn Crafty, 5 Minutes For Mom, and Works for Me Wednesday!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VawaswHXnKT1VBFJJsEibIKK989yuHE50wRdr0TsepAWCQ0f3JIgGCkORfDmm0BTkE1P_I2eX5uj6rqe-4A5OWLwwR4h8FCgT159bQFBBB0MNfBO65bBmrovV4WcbA-Ams_6/s1600/sew_darn_crafty_125_button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="165" width="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VawaswHXnKT1VBFJJsEibIKK989yuHE50wRdr0TsepAWCQ0f3JIgGCkORfDmm0BTkE1P_I2eX5uj6rqe-4A5OWLwwR4h8FCgT159bQFBBB0MNfBO65bBmrovV4WcbA-Ams_6/s200/sew_darn_crafty_125_button.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/160/tackle-it-tuesday-update/"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q151/yeshua55/TTBigButton.jpg" alt="Tackle It Tuesday Meme" title="Tackle It Tuesday Meme"/></a><br />
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<a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/"><img alt="works for me wednesday at we are that family" height="198" width="300" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wfmw-300x198.png" /></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-39460704798308476372011-03-06T00:36:00.001-05:002011-03-06T00:36:16.642-05:00Cheesecake Saturday–Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Updated<p>Well, this seems to be a favorite with almost everyone who tries it. This updated version was even better but I still have one idea left. I was also trying out the Pampered Chef springform pan for the first time, a 9 inch.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXMdRgFTV2I/AAAAAAAAATk/ff67fGe8yDg/s1600-h/DSC01084%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01084" border="0" alt="DSC01084" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXMdRxVK6aI/AAAAAAAAATo/s_xZCd_6l3E/DSC01084_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>But here is where I started, the crust. I was not completely pleased with it last time. I thought it needed more pecan flavor. This time I used Pecan Sandies with a lighter shortbread flavor and added 6 tablespoons of butter to get the texture just right. </p> <p>Next I used chopped pecans and pressed them into the bottom of the uncooked crust and baked for 10 minutes at 350. I had a little left over and wanted to try this 5 inch cheesecake pan I bought a few weeks ago. I did the exact same bake time with this pan.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrVFllBuOdNH_3tmPh2tcqBZ5v8-0mOPsexbtgyOFkigBJYbmJDWuQdU5jQKwD-9aTAQdjSHxhacxUzsSdymRqqbZVSJNt8vyhlyWS1FRggINYNSGNAmv43ZCsblvfPIRe9nQ/s1600-h/DSC01090%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01090" border="0" alt="DSC01090" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAn7vc7AyP6GyJTUbMYLh-jig-QfxqGpEptGKtT1JAhOa04GGCWy6ghzZJhyphenhyphenju1ACe2ylGQxIh9dPB4stBTCmKoSD3mWfwB1EEUt0updH3a8ElsiG9lKeelXOxGcMFYCcmyN4F/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>After whipping up the batter, same <a href="http://sgtzapple.blogspot.com/2011/02/cheesecake-saturdaycaramel-pecan.html" target="_blank">recipe</a> as last time, I melted about 25 caramels in a glass mixing bowl for approximately 2 minutes (1 minute then stir, then 30 seconds after that until just right). <font size="1">I will say that I was actually counting caramels when my son interrupted with a question about his math lesson I completely lost count. </font>After it cooled I added 3/4 cups of batter to the mixing bowl and stirred until combined. Then I took 1/4 cup of that caramel mix and added back into the batter. I wanted a light caramel flavor throughout without stirring in actual caramel.</p> <p>Then I poured the rest of the caramel mix into the bottom of the crust. On top of that I slowly poured the cheesecake batter, careful not to mix them. Then bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes. The 5 inch required the same amount of bake time.</p> <p>So being a new blogger I forgot to take a picture of the large cheesecake before it was<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXMdT7XRvWI/AAAAAAAAAT0/GSDCu1V2yWY/s1600-h/DSC01098%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01098" border="0" alt="DSC01098" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TXMdUP_H-qI/AAAAAAAAAT4/tH8Z0h4zjCU/DSC01098_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> eaten. But here is the 5 inch. Isn’t it cute? It is sitting on a Corelle dessert plate to give you an idea of it’s size. </p> <p>It turned out fantastically. It is also the perfect size for a nice dessert for a family of 4 or 5. </p> <p>Also the Pampered Chef springform pan was perfect. It has handles for easy removal from the water bath. The glass tempered bottom worked very well. It has no ridge which makes removal of the cheesecake to a serving dish very simple. After using the small plastic tool that comes with it to loosen it from the bottom it slid right off. I usually put parchment paper in the bottom to make this easier but I wanted to really test the pan. So I only put butter on the bottom to see what it would do. It was amazing.</p> <p>My next alteration, more caramel. I wanted each bite to have a nice caramel layer oozing just ever so slightly from the bottom. However, I was very pleased with the pecan flavor that infused throughout with just the simple addition of pecans at the bottom. It is <em>almost</em> exactly what I want.</p> <p>I also made the triple chocolate fudge this week but again forgot to take pictures. My husband’s solution? Make another one. He is so helpful.</p> Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-34784749120912406352011-03-03T11:03:00.003-05:002011-03-03T11:22:53.146-05:00Thankful ThursdayRejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice. Philipians 4:4<br /><br /><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TW-7wVjvFfI/AAAAAAAAATE/I1lbvMBXJcw/s1600-h/ReginaMildred.cropped%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ReginaMildred.cropped" border="0" alt="ReginaMildred.cropped" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TW-7xMySn2I/AAAAAAAAATI/LUyNKWszF_w/ReginaMildred.cropped_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="113"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9U-WwRGwLPrY063NGalMifX99y-5fOYy4IoXZ_2un1wMB1pn-v3Xmj2Q63dBFd5QI85OAmIJx-wK1tyboGu48pJ2EGeS6BT2l3aoquJl04koYpEpbSi4kvIoNw-rsfcij1ej/s1600-h/DSC00444%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00444" border="0" alt="DSC00444" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFVCIryLmwwVciKqENn5iKhfD4sRTzCfuhH9xscCWyEhLW6qFOFehZ9at37M42lqo8wJvWQR-_1umfpqkyO2bW67nVcMqgdoeVn8-bht6vlcsoHu0-fkjuFXcQP6mzrxnfUIc/?imgmax=800" width="199" height="150"></a>I am thankful for this Lady (on the right). I am thankful for a God who answers a prayer spoken over 10 years ago. I am thankful and in awe of finding her next door to a rent house we picked online with a 2 week notice to move. I am thankful for a new skill I can use to bless others even if they use it for car tracks. </p> <p>A skill that requires I spend large amounts of time with <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TW-71aK9ELI/AAAAAAAAATU/EghOZOXZnjw/s1600-h/DSC01070%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC01070" border="0" alt="DSC01070" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TW-715mlwTI/AAAAAAAAATY/Zb9FuiCFXag/DSC01070_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>these two ladies (above) who understand my fabric addiction. Ladies who understand that I have 6 projects going on and I still bought fabric for another (isn’t it lovely? Antique Fair from Moda).</p> <p>Ladies who understand that there are days when my points will never match. Days when I will lose my scissors even though they are tied to me. Who love me enough to give me a quilting timeout to collect myself.</p> <p>So, thank you ladies. See you tomorrow. I promise to have my blocks ready if not I will give you cheesecake to distract you.</p><br /><br />Linked up today over at Thankful Thursday. Thanks for the idea Kathryn!<br /><center><a target=_"blank" href="http://www.eph2810.com/?page_id=459" ><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/eph2810/TTButton.jpg" /></a></center>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-19406421931073357582011-03-01T23:19:00.003-05:002011-03-08T19:55:53.003-05:00Works For Me Wednesday–Pine Shelves<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TW3FTHeMkII/AAAAAAAAASs/bvnnD0PrZeg/s1600-h/Williams%26Sonoma.pineshelves%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Williams&Sonoma.pineshelves" border="0" alt="Williams&Sonoma.pineshelves" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TW3FTc6meuI/AAAAAAAAASw/PcSdG4-qTeQ/Williams%26Sonoma.pineshelves_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="147" height="147"></a>I love these shelves. Currently they hold toys in one of the boy’s rooms. They are 10 years old and show no sign of wearing out.</p><p>I purchased them at Williams & Sonoma in 2001 for storage in my home office. When we moved they were used for a makeshift pantry in our new apartment. Next they were used for garage storage. After that they were used in the playroom for the same thing they are doing now. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOorKOR6EI1dHov336V3AvsRQxTBMr47gwMGifOAUu6cicpOgkXlY6sLXklTfv6vLr6Uu9FAmuqKx6J8dURdotf23pvwukR5nOuXLkC3dsHXxOd35C8I8ePZrBtwk3DQ2JOy5j/s1600-h/0308081616%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0308081616" border="0" alt="0308081616" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNForx2s3hq82LuMEovHR3ai83N1Mh6p8-aZ4SmPUggGFsXim-WAUjTV0usrcfQnsnvomAn7tyOulxriFWPE6qGD5GPlF2m1QJvhGkgyAOImACQYH8ghOxG6izrkxEkyoOw5AI/?imgmax=800" width="205" height="154"></a></p><p>The shelves are adjustable too. I can’t find them anywhere else and I would highly recommend them even though they might be more expensive. They will certainly last.</p><p>When we put them in the playroom we bolted them to the wall. There are 3 L-brackets on each shelf weighted at 75 lbs each. Most full grown adults could climb one of these things. Did I mention I have busy boys?</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TW3FUNx-KlI/AAAAAAAAAS8/_26stU4frxA/s1600-h/0305081452a%2000000%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0305081452a 00000" border="0" alt="0305081452a 00000" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpacSW8lemUmMkD6X2JlYOvYQNtSRKGD_v2LllAx9-WOxxqZUkx_rg-aAx9MXF2GAbW5mVEPoKDWV_1cme7uA-Yn5omGN6GMItny7b6oORrmI-0wPg8nuy7MhgVAkMqK9C3uL/?imgmax=800" width="212" height="160"></a></p><p>3 boys, 3 moves, and countless bumps & bruises but still hangin’ on beautifully. They SO work for me!</p><p>For more WFMW thoughts and ideas go to We Are That Family at the link below.</p><br />
<br />
<a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/"><img alt="works for me wednesday at we are that family" height="198" width="300" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wfmw-300x198.png" /></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066873.post-87562045718994665412011-03-01T11:47:00.002-05:002011-03-01T11:50:08.213-05:00Tackle It Tuesday–Healing<p>I got sick. We all got the <a href="http://sgtzapple.blogspot.com/2011/02/super-bugs.html" target="_blank">super bug</a> and it still lingers. I have a sinus infection and feel weak, even after a week of no fever. I get short of breath walking to the car and shaky if I do too many chores. My head feels like a snow globe with green icky stuff inside. Every time I bend over or turn sideways I feel wobbly but not in a fun way.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAmcSaiHMSJZEMFtP09suIU7ksTLzIAlmaMGCMMO82s_yurlHWZVKu1tbE6youHjwUwEcxYfpghpS4ECAYTwgS2ORMcrru7Z7VBCW-viu6i5usDGAi2-wWtT8_bckfzGWxl4u/s1600-h/Yodasnowglobe%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Yodasnowglobe" border="0" alt="Yodasnowglobe" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9P2maHJzdoU/TW0jNnwUuHI/AAAAAAAAASo/mNjF2Lyp4Rc/Yodasnowglobe_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="134" height="134"></a></p> <p>My goal for the last few days and the rest of this week is to heal completely, stop feeling exhausted, and get rid of all this junk in my head.</p> <p>I slept in this morning. I have increased my Vitamin C and water intake. I still use the Netipot everyday. Each day I feel a little better. At this rate I will be completely healed by Easter.</p> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/160/tackle-it-tuesday-update/"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q151/yeshua55/TTBigButton.jpg" alt="Tackle It Tuesday Meme" title="Tackle It Tuesday Meme"/></a>Sgt Zapplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01603135222901776635noreply@blogger.com4