Guess what we did

Today I decided to try this recipe for homemade corn dogs that I found in blog land. I made a hasty grocery list (for the week) and then Emma and I were off. We found some turkey hot dogs on sale. We got these 24 hot dogs for $2.99. What a steal, right?

Then once we came home and I started putting everything together. Mike got started on the fry daddy. He cleaned that thing better than it has been cleaned in a long time. Actually, I think it’s been at least 6 months since we last used that thing. We usually make Mike’s sweet and sour chicken in it. I will have to post that recipe sometime, but not today. Mike said he was just avoiding packing for his trip tomorrow, but I like to imagine that he just wanted to help me. I know. I live in a dream world, but it helps me stay happy.


First I mixed the batter. 

Mike got the oil to heating and dried off the hot dogs and rolled them in flour. We used some skewers that we had for the sticks.  We cut them in half and it worked perfectly. 

Then we dropped them in the oil 2 or 3 at a time (yes, I know this only shows one in there.  It was the first one, then I got busy).

Here are some finished dogs. They puff up just like the ones you buy in the store. The main difference is that I paid $2.99 for the hot dogs, and 1. 29 for the buttermilk.  The rest I had on hand, so in total 16 corn dogs cost me $4.28.  A bit cheaper than buying a box at the store.  Especially when next time I'll only have to buy hot dogs and have the other stuff on hand.  :)

I made up some broccoli cheddar rice and corn for sides.

Jake had a friend over. Everyone except Elaina loved them. I didn’t expect her to like them. She doesn’t even like store bought corn dogs. She peels the breading then eats the hot dogs.

I also made some rice crispy treats with candy corn. The kids enjoyed them. 

Here is the recipe if you want it. 

3 Tbsp butter or margarine

4 cups miniature marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies

1/2 bag of candy corn

In a microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes (Mine only took 2 minutes today).  Stir until smooth.  Add cereal and candy corn.  Spread out in a jelly roll pan.  I usually spray my hands with spray oil then push it flat.  Cut and enjoy!  :) 

The firemen came today

Today the firemen came and visited the 1st grade. Normally this wouldn’t be cause for alarm, right? The problem is that Elaina is in the 1st grade. She has never fully (oh who am I kidding- she’s never started) recovered from her first visit to Chuck E Cheese’s when she was about 3. I will never forget when on a visit with Grandma, we took the kids to Mr. Cheese’s. All 85 of my kids were playing games, winning tickets, and having fun. Then without warning, Chuck had to walk out in his bigger- than- any- rat- should- be glory. Elaina bolted under the table and wouldn’t budge. I figured she’d eventually come out, so we watched the other kids playing and occasionally checked on Elaina. An hour later, when it was time to leave, I noticed she was still under the table. I threatened leaving her, but she still wouldn’t budge. She had connected herself to the pole holding up the table. I tried to reason with her, but she still wouldn’t move. Finally I tried to manually separate her from the pole. I had no idea that a little kid could be so strong. Maybe I’m just weaker than I think I am, but I could barely pull her off the pole. I would get one arm detached and the other would re-attach. What a horrible time that was. Eventually she got free, but it left a lasting impression on her. She cannot handle seeing human sized puppets. She freaks out. Today was no exception. Her teacher was in the receiving line after school to let me know that she had an extra appendage while the firemen were visiting. I think we may be making headway, though. Apparently Elaina was able to “stare at the ‘big dog’ before the fireman put his head on.” Haha

I'm unprotected

Tonight was court of honor for my boys.  Josh got some badge thing.   Apparently Jake needs to complete something then he can be a star.  Whatever that means.  I know I'm not all girly girly, but all into scouts isn't my thing either.  haha 

My computer has a virus.  At least I think it is a virus.  Every twenty minutes or so, I hear a screeching noise and a pop up is telling me that I am unprotected.  I live in a constant state of fear now.  I'm unprotected.  I haven't been unprotected in years.  Please don't ask what I have been protected from.  I really cannot say.  The main reason being that I have no clue.  I have been blissfully unaware that I am unprotected or protected whichever the case may have been.  Oh what ever will I do?  Do you think Saran Wrap would help?  ;)  Just know that if you get any strange messages from me, it could be a trap.  Although, if you get any strange messages from me it might not be a trap.  I can be pretty strange.  I just hope you can sleep well tonight knowing I am unprotected.  Actually, don't worry about me.  Mike just looked up something and told me he figured out how to protect me.  I'm SO excited.  I'm going to be protected again.  I will be able to relax now and feel like all is well with my world. 

Who would I be?

Today while on my journey thru blog land, I came across a new blog. This looked yummy, so I figured I could make it for dinner tonight. Then I noticed the name of the blog. If she is Snow White, then who would I be? This led me on a journey of self discovery of sorts. What mythical creation would be most like me? This is about the point in which I realized that I am pretty much my own mold (as are most of us~ only most of us don’t hold lengthy conversations with ourselves and have 85 kids). Any of the Disney creations are definitely not in the mix. I’m not lovey dovey, beautiful, or living in a dream world. I have nothing against these characters. They are all wonderful in their own ways. My girls love them. I just don’t have anything in common with them, other than the huge breasts (did I really just write that?). Maxine is definitely in the running, maybe the best suited, but not a complete fit. I feel old and cantankerous at times, but she is a bit harsher than I am. The old lady living in the shoe also comes to mind. I think she and I would get along. Maybe I could drop my kids off at her shoe for a while. With all the ones she has, I bet she wouldn’t even notice. Nah.  That wouldn't work.  Knowing her, she'd want to do swaps and leave hers over here.  We all know that isn't going to happen!  :)  Oh well.  I guess it's good to not have a mold.  That way I don't have to worry if I am doing something "right" or not.  I am me and that's all I can be.  :) 

Looky what I found!

Today I went to a couple of my favorite resale shops. I think I did pretty good. I didn’t spend very much money but I enjoyed my time out. Maybe I was just avoiding the laundry that I sorted, or the dishes piled in the sink, or the floor that needs vacuumed, or the bathrooms that need cleaning, or the… well, you get the idea. The list goes on forever. I was avoiding it all today. :)

First, I found this pan that I thought would fit in my new toaster oven. It is a perfect size for smaller casseroles. It is about 4 big servings.  I figured it would be better to make smaller casseroles since two of the 85 kids that live here don’t eat much of what I make. Actually, when Mike is gone, I hate making huge meals that I am the main one eating. This will hopefully cut down on wasted food. (So, if Mike asks, it’s all in the name of saving money, it has nothing to do with going out shopping.) The only problem is that it is just a tad too big for my oven. Maybe I will use up some of my pent up energy and smash the handles down so it will fit. For $1.97, I don’t really care if it looks perfect. It just has to work.

I also found a CD/game thing for the boys. To be honest, I think it is a game, but I’m not sure. It says something on the back about being a game, but who knows. It could just be a bunch of pictures on a CD for all I know. Josh is into Star Wars games and making new worlds for them. I personally am doing good to write a blog, and he is designing worlds… Go figure! Anyway, I thought he and/or Jake would enjoy this thing. For $1.07 (tax included), if it doesn’t work, they can always use the cover for one of their many projects.

Lastly (Is that even a word?), I found a MAJOR steal! Mason jars ~ 10 of them (not a full dozen but still awesome) ~ for… $1.97! The rings were in the box and everything. It’s as if someone took 2 jars out and left everything else intact. I actually went looking for jars for a project that I saw on another blog. It is the cutest idea. They made pumpkins out of them. These jars will be perfect. I have a few on hand, but for some reason, I can never have enough jars! I just hope and pray that I don’t screw these up too bad. I’m not the most talented craft person/artist. I think I might come runner up for the worst one, though.  I'll let you know when I work up the nerve to try and make them.  If they turn out good, I'll post it.  If they turn out ugly (my usual style), I will post it and say the kids did it!  haha

I'm a reader! Who whould have thunk it?

I have a confession. I read Breaking Dawn in 3 days. Yes, the fourth book in the Twilight series, which happens to have over 700 pages. I can’t believe I did it. I finished the whole saga in less than 2 weeks. I almost feel empty now. Like I have nothing to do. I filled every spare moment I had reading. Now I am forced to watch TV, and there is NOTHING on worth watching. I have taken to watching Smurfs and Snorks on Boomerang. What a sad life I lead!

 I’m almost scared to start another book. I think Mike might shoot me. Dinners haven’t been exactly nutritious for the past 2 weeks. :) The kids have threatened mutiny if I make them have cereal again for dinner. I made sure the cereal has fiber. What more can they ask for? haha

I think we're alone now

This afternoon was a bit of a race there for a while. Thankfully, I made two round pans worth of cake this afternoon so that would be ready to go. After getting the girls, I figured we would go home for a few minutes before picking up Jake. It was a shock to see Mike's car in the drive. He was home and getting ready to go camping with Josh and the other scouts. It was really nice because then I was able to leave the girls home while I went and picked up Jake and Josh from school. Once everyone was home, I iced the cake. Well, I put a layer of frosting between the two layers and then covered the outside. I knew the boys would decorate it. :) Jake's friend came over and then the boys were taking about decorating ideas. While the boys were chatting, I dragged Elaina off with me to get Mike and Josh off to where they needed to be. Once we made it back home, Jake's other friend showed up. Too bad for him that the cake had already been decorated. :) Once everyone was here, we took the boys to the birthday boy's house. Emma, Elaina and I have been vegging ever since. It's amazing how much I am enjoying "The Incredibles" right now. Actually, it's just nice that I am relaxing. Maybe a good soak in the tub is in order! Nah... that might be pushing my luck. The girls haven't realized it yet, but they get to stay up late tonight to go with me to pick up Jake. I figure we will be sleeping late tomorrow for sure! :)