I Should Have Kept My Mouth Shut

Remember a few posts ago when I was bellyaching that it was unseasonably warm. Uh, yeah. The temperature dropped about 25 degrees in an hour today and the wind is gusting over 50 mph. So....figure it's about 0-5 degrees with the windchill. These freak snow showers keep moving through and everything is now frozen. Should make for an interesting NYE on the roads. It's damn cold out there.

As soon as I walked in from work I turned on the fireplace and put on my thick fleece pajama bottoms. Hell, I'm not going out so I might as well be warm and cozy. Hubby picked up some great snacks and even though I'm not much of a drinker (anymore) I think I'll make myself a mojito later. Why not, right? Hopefully, we can make it to midnight.

Big Plans Tonight?

Ha! None here. NYE is total amateur night. There was a time when I would go out all night and party like a rockstar. Now, it takes every bit of energy I have just stay awake until midnight. I have to admit that partying all night once a year does sound fun but all of these plans will always be trumped by the thought of waking up at 6am hungover and having to deal with Big Boy all day. I just don't think I have it in me. He woke up at 5:30 today and I feel like I am going to collapse from exhaustion already. I'm really hoping someone at work can cover my shift tomorrow. I would love to spend the day with Hubby and BB but, I just don't think it's in the cards.

Hubby and I do have fun tonight though. We eat snacky food all night and play board games and friends tend to drop in throughout the night. Unfortunatly, right now I have to get ready for work. This should be a fun day. All of these morons waiting until the last minute for their medication and then throwing a hissy fit because their doctor has already left for the day is closed until Monday. Good times.

Hmmm...Kicking An Idea Around

I was thinking about starting a separate blog just for my baking recipes but I'm not sure if I Want to get involved with another blog. I don't think I can have a recipe page on blogger and I don't want to switch to wordpress. Quite the dilemma I find myself in. Any suggestions?

Welcome to Tropical NJ

What the hell is this? It's not supposed to be 65 degrees in December. Sure, it's a nice break from the cold weather but what cold weather? I think we have had maybe three or four days of real bitter winds...maybe? I miss winter. I would like a good old fashioned snow storm, preferrebly on a Friday night so I don't have to worry about anyone driving to work in the morning. Big Boy is three and I think he has only played in the snow once and that's if you can even call two measly inches of snow fun.

Hello......................winter...where are you?

And It's Over

Why is it that at 12:01am on December 26th Christmas is long forgotten. All the radio stations vault up the holiday music, there are no more TV specials and the very mention of Santa sends people cringing? I just don't get it? I always though the holiday's ran through the new year but I guess I was wrong.

Maybe if Christmas wasn't pounded into our heads from Thanksgiving day on, everyone would be able to enjoy the holiday season a little longer. I do. I consider it Christmas right up until New Years day and then we take down our tree. By then I'm ready to have my house back to normal but until then, it is still Christmas at the beach.

Merry Christmas!

Have a wonderful Christmas Holiday!

Love,

Hubby, Tracy & Big Boy

Southern Pecan Pie

I have always been tempted to try and Pecan pie but for some reason, I thought it was much more difficult to make than it actually is. This recipe is extremely easy and delicious. I'll start you off with the Crisco Pie Crust recipes. I really like these recipes, they work well for me. So, follow the link, choose your weapon and then we'll start on the Pecan pie.

INGREDIENTS
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1 cup corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch single crust
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Beat eggs slightly in medium bowl. Beat in sugar, and then blend in syrup, butter or margarine, vanilla, salt, and pecans.
Pour filling into unbaked pie shell.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F, and continue baking 35 to 40 minutes; the pie will be brown and slightly puffed.
This pie absolutely exceeded my expectations and will now be the one pecan pie I will always reccomend!

My Mommy's Christmas Tree

Just thought I would share a few pictures of my parent's Christmas tree. I was really happy when they decided to put it up this year. Thank goodness Big Boy has been really good about it and has not tried to tackle it yet.

Everyone in our family has their own picture ornament. I actually really love my parents Christmas tree. It was so fun decorating it as a kid even though everything had it's own special place and the candy canes all had to be facing the same way. I do have one gripe...I noticed my ornament picture is way down on the bottom. I'm assuming this problem will resolve itself before my next visit. Cough*hint*cough.

A Little More Lucy

I realized I haven't updated on how well things are going with our new dog Lucy in a while. I think we have finally hit the dog jackpot. I have no idea what happened to this dog before we rescued her but for the life of me, I don't understand how anyone could have gotten rid of her. She is the sweetest dog I have ever met. She is housebroken, command trained and just perfect. Of course, I hope I didn't just jinx myself by typing that.

A good family friend of ours in a Vet and we brought her in to see him about two weeks ago. She weighed almost 60lbs, which is great. She is finally starting to put on some weight. We also had all her shots updated. Even though we were sure she had gotten them by her previous owners we figured better safe than sorry. The jury is still out on this but from what everyone can tell, she is truly a mutt's mutt. She has Mastiff, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boxer and possibly some Pitbull in her. Either way, she's mine and I don't care what kind of dog she is.

Lucy thinks she's a lapdog and tends to nose her way into every situation but the moment you tell her to go lay down...that is exactly what she does. Her favorite spot is on the floor, right in front of the fireplace. She is great with Big Boy but he tends to get rough with her so until he learns to be gentle, we never allow them to be near each other unsupervised and only in small doses. All I know is I'm very happy Lucy found us and we are able to give her a nice home.

Easiest Fudge Ever

It's really no secret that I love to bake and I even pride myself on how good I have become at it. I finally have a pantry just for my baking supplies and I'm not afraid to try any type of recipe. Well, except fudge. I'm not really a fudge fan but every so often I get a sweet tooth for it. The idea of making it always aggravated me with the whole soft boil and hard boil stage. Way more work than I am willing to do....until now.

While waiting to pick up Big Boy's train table (shhh, don't tell him) at Target the other day, I was reading a little Jello holiday baking booklet. I came across the easiest recipe for fudge that I just had to try. It's so easy I figured it would taste terrible. Was I wrong! I'm not joking, it's this easy..

2 pkg. (8 squares each) Bakers semi-sweet chocolate

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

1 cup chopped walnuts...although you could substitute any kind of nut you like best

2 tsp. vanilla

Line an 8-inch square pan with foil. Microwave (that's right, microwave) chocolate and milk in a bowl on high for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir the mixture after 2 minutes and then use your judgement from there. Be sure to stir the mixture until completely melted and then add the nuts and vanilla. Spread the mixture into your foil lined pan. Refrigerated for 2 hours or until firm. Use the foil to remove the fudge from pan and cut into nice bite size square portions. It takes no time to make and for such a simpke recipe, the resluts are fabulous!

Enjoy!

The Kindness Of Strangers

I know this person will never read this but...I wanted to thank the good Samaritan who found my debit card in front of the post office earlier today and brought it inside. Thank you.

I guess it fell out of my pocket when I was getting in to my truck and the lady at the post office said I wasn't even gone three minutes when a man said he found it outside in a puddle. I was on my way to the mall and as soon as I got over the bridge my fuel light came on so I figured I needed gas. Thank goodness because I would have gotten all the way to the mall and would have had to leave. Also, I'm so lucky I had cash on me at the gas station. I never carry cash and for some reason when I was at the bank earlier I though maybe I should grab a few bucks "just in case." Weird, huh?

It has been an interesting day all around. We are officially ready for Christmas. I am so happy I don't have to do anymore running around! While I was in the bookstore today, I was checking out a book for Big Boy. It was a learn your shapes book with a magna doodle thing on top so he could practice drawing. Well, there was a grandma type lady looking with me and I went to grab the Winnie the Pooh one and of course, she said "Ooooh, do you see anymore, my granddaughter would love that one....so I let her have it. Then I went for the Cars one...well wouldn't you know it! Her grandson would just love that one too! Finally, I grabbed the Finding Nemo one and before she could even open her trap I just ignored her and walked away. Sorry lady! What the hell? Is she the Duggar grandmother?

I am finally home and tucked away in my warm house. It's puring rain out and I am so happy I don't have to go anywhere else!

I Lie All The Time

About my weight. I am the exact opposite of many women, I can't seem to keep any weight on. I have always been in the petite size. I'm 5'3" and currently weigh a whopping 105lbs. I should be at least 115-120. Ever since the hysterectomy back in June, I just can't keep any weight on. I've had my thyroid checked and I plan on having it checked again. I eat, all the time...nothing helps. The next free chance I get I'm going to a vitamin store like GNC and I'm going to but that mass building stuff, maybe that will work. I need to do something. Hubby is starting to give me a hard time and I don't think he believes me when I tell him I don't know what the problem is.

I am so tired of people asking me how much I weigh. At least it's winter and I can hide how skeleton like I am under bulky sweaters. Anyway, hubby and I have a bet. He is in great shape but he knows he can't help himself around the holidays so our bet is he has to lose 15lbs after the holidays and I have to gain 15lbs. I am doing my best to win. Now everyone knows.

The Perfect Grocery Store

The thought of having to go grocery shopping makes me sick to my stomach and not because of the prices. The thought of how many times I get the stink eye from other shoppers because Big Boy is making a scene just makes me never want to go into another grocery store again.

I guess I'm a grocery snob though. I don't much care for the A&P on the island because they jack the prices up and the meat is never fresh. The place really needs to go. Now, should I venture over the bridge, there are quite a few to choose from but each one has it's faults. The Foodtown has great mean but the store feels like I just walked into a time warp. It is so old and outdated that it's just creepy. Also, for the life of me I just can't figure out the greenpoints. I buy something because it's on sale and then when I go to checkout, I find out I need 8 million more greenpoints to get the dollar off. No Thanks. Ah... the Stop & Shop. Just gorgeous. Newly renovated, clean...perfect. Not really, the people there are lazy and always have an attitude and the prices are really marked up. Besides, they don't have the cool shopping carts. Finally, we come to the tried and true Shop Rite. Great store, great prices and everything is always fresh. That's the problem. The place is forever packed. I actually stopped going there for about two years and just recently went back. I think I have figured out the secret though....about 8pm Friday night ot 8am Saturday morning. If I Can keep to those two times, I should be able to get in and out with no problem. The big bonus..........they have the fun fire truck carts which allows me to shop in peace and keeps BB amused the entire time!

I know my grocery shopping problems probably seem petty but it's actually one of the few things that really stress me out. Ah, I guess I'll live.

A Happy Ending

Big Boy had his sedated hearing test this morning and there are no problems with his hearing! We can finally relax since we don't have any appointments for some time. What a relief!

One More To Go

Big Boy has his sedated hearing test tomorrow and I'm not sure I can take much more of this. Luckily, he had an excellent first week at school. He really transitioned well and I could not be happier with his progress. I'm really sad for him that he isn't able to go in tomorrow because of the hearing test and then school is closed Friday for teacher conferences. I hope when he goes back on Monday we aren't starting from scratch.

I just want tomorrow to be over and done with. I really don't think there is anything wrong with BB's hearing but this test is the only way to find out. Wish us luck!

C'mon Michelle!

I don't think it was just me but this season of the Biggest Loser was almost painful to watch at times. The blue team was so nasty it made me want to throw things at the television a few times. So last night I was so happy to see that the lone member of the black team, Michelle, secured herself a spot in the finale next week! I have been saying all season that I thought she was going to win the whole thing. In the begininning she just flew under the radar and did her own thing and no one really noticed her until it was to late. Ha Ha!

This is one of the few shows I watch and I am seriously a Biggest Loser junkie. I am so excited on Tuesday nights! Maybe that is why I was disappointed in the way some of the contestants behaved this season. This was one of the shows that you actually felt good about watching. These people are working their butts of and really trying to do something to help themselves and their family. One by one all of the contestants I liked started getting picked off. First went Amy and the Phil. I just loved this couple and I really wish Phil would have smacked Huba Heba right upside her head. Colleen was then booted because the other Amy was trying to impress the blue team and Trainer Bob and then she was booted off the following week. Good. Finally, Renee was voted out. She was one hell of a player throughout the entire season and I was really happy to see that her and Michelle were able to rebuild their relationship.

Anyway, I just hope that Michelle can pull it out in the finale next week. I don't think Vicki deserves to win. She is an ugly soul with a real mean streak. As for Ed & Heba....there are no words. Go Michelle!

A Good Day

Today went much better then we could have ever hoped for. Big Boy did great at his first day of pre-school. He did shed a few tears but his teacher said once the other kids came into the classroom he quickly turned his attention to them and sell right in to the swing of things! We are so proud of him and we think this is going to be the best thing for him.

I'm a little nervous about tomorrow because Hubby won't be with me and BB is going to know what's going on. I expect him to have a tantrum tomorrow but if he doesn't then I will be even more amazed at just how strong he is. I would love to give more of an update but it's been a long day and I think I'm going to head off to bed! Wish me luck for a smooth morning tomorrow!

I Think He's Ready To Go....But am I Ready To Let Him Go?

Well, I think Big Boy is ready for his first day of school. My little boy is all tucked away in bed not having a clue what tomorrow will bring. I've been telling him all week he was going to school but I don't think he really understood what the heck I was talking about. Now, I must answer a few questions for my dear friend "Tempest Mom." As always, she is full of questions but most importantly, she is always full of the best heart felt advice which is why I feel she deserves a post of her own.

You about make me cry with you woman!! You're ripping me apart with your anxiety! And I thought *I* was bad!! LOL I'm so eager to hear all about how this goes tomorrow, so I hope you will share it right away! Well, as soon as you can anyway!! Do you already have what he is going to wear all picked out? Are you packing his lunch or is he buying it there? If packing, what are you making him??

Now to answer your questions....Yes, his clothes are all picked out for him and ready to go on his bed. I even have both mine and Hubby's clothes ready to go for the morning. I am trying to avoid last minute morning mayhem just in case something happens in the morning. BB will be bringing his lunch tomorrow. I have packed him a Motts apple juice box along with macaroni and cheese, a granola bar ans a few rice cakes. He has a small pack of Teddy Grahams for snack time. I love the fact that they will heat his lunch up for him!They really are so unbelievably accommodating. I will put a few dollars in his lunch box and let one of the aides know I would like him to also have milk with his lunch. Let's see....I have a bag of wipes, diapers and pull ups along with a change of clothes all ready to go. This bag will be staying at school.

I don't know what I am going to do when he starts crying tomorrow when we go to leave. I just keep thinking about how happy he is going to be when he gets off the school bus and sees everyone waiting for him. I"m happy with my decision to drive him in the morning. That is more time we have together.

Ugh. I need to go to bed but I just don't want to. BB is sleeping in my bed so I think I'll go cozy up to him and try not to cry! Wish us luck tomorrow and I''ll be back as soon as possible with all the details!

Tomorrow is a Big Day

Big Boy is starting school tomorrow. I think I'm still in shock. He seems so little to be going off to school. He's only three. Since he has such a severe speech delay he will be going to the pre-school program through our school system. I went out last week and bought him all new school clothes and earlier we stopped of at Target and I picked him out a new lunch box and backpack.

I know he is going to be just fine but I can't say the same for myself. Hubby took the day off work tomorrow and we will be driving him to school together. We decided ti wait and go grocery shopping and finish up some errand after we drop him off in the morning. My plan is to stay as busy as possible in hopes the time will just fly by and it will be time for him to come home. He will be taking the school bus to my Mom's house after school since she lives in the same school district there is no problem with the arrangements I have made. The school even went out last week and bought him his very own car seat for the school bus.

I can't wait to see his face tomorrow when the bus pulls up and we are all waiting for him. I'm still debating on bringing Lucy with us, I just don't want her to steal the thunder! I still have a lot to do today so I guess I should get to it. I am just so nervous for him. I know in my heart he is going to love it and it really is the absolute best thing for him but....he's my baby.

Like a Scene From a Movie

Right now in my home I'm all cozy in my fleece Christmas pajamas drinking hot cocoa and the dog is sleeping in front of the fireplace. The entire house is decorated for Christmas and it's even snowing out! There is no other place in the world I would rather be at this moment except right here.

I am so happy we finished decorating the tree last night. I think it looks so beautiful. It's definetly bigger then we usually get but I thinks it's a nice fit.

It's so nice to have the Christmas spirit again. For the longest time it seemed to be lost and I often wondered if I would ever feel the same way about Christmas again. That was until I had Big Boy. He has brought back the love of Christmas for both me and hubby. We plan on making every Christmas for BB as wonderful as can be and I'm not really talking about gifts. I want to take BB ice skating before Christmas and I want to drive around and show him all the beautiful Christmas light, sing Christmas carols and bake cookies with him.
I think he knows something is up because he is constantly looking at all the decorations and he seems to really like them.
Damn. I just realized what time it is and BB has a birthday party to go to in the morning and I do not want to be tired and cranky, I think we can all agree on that.
Anyway, I hope everyone likes the pictures if our tree!

Look Out CVS!

Finally! CVS friends and family weekend! I have always thought CVS had really great deals but now I get to throw in an extra 30% off coupon on top! I am almost scared to think about how out of control I just may get in there today. Wanna know the best part? Big Boy isn't invited!
He is getting dropped off at my parents house and little does Grandpa know....Nanny is coming with me and he has to watch BB!

Normally, I have no problem taking BB everywhere with me but he has been boycotting the shopping cart lately and the last thing I want to do is chase him around CVS, especially today. My Mom is coming with me so it should be a real fun morning. I'm glad she will be able to get out of the house in peace for a little while without my father jingling his keys and tapping his foot because she is taking to long. Well, the sooner I get dressed, the sooner I"ll be shopping.

By the way....did I mention it's going to be a CVS Christmas.

A Little Lucy Update.

Wow! We really hit the animal shelter lottery. Lucy is turning out to be such a great dog. She did try to sneak up on the sofa last night when she didn't think we were looking but, can you blame her? So far, everything is going really well and we are so happy to have found her. Part of me is waiting for the other shoe to drop but we can only hope she stays this way. She has also started to put on a little weight which I am very happy about since she was a bit thin.

I would love to be able to stay home and play with her and Big Boy all day but unfortunately, I have to leave for work.

Name Change!

Since we have only had the dog since Saturday we are officially changing her name to Lucy. Lucy seems to be more of a better fit for her. So, everyone be sure to welcome Lucy to the beach!