tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344058662024-03-13T19:58:26.143-07:00In Joy, TroyeIn all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with JOY
Philippians 1:4Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.comBlogger258125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-53858140073680934292010-04-01T14:27:00.000-07:002010-04-01T14:27:48.584-07:00Simply Real: Cream Cheese and Whey<a href="http://simplyrealfood.blogspot.com/2010/03/cream-cheese-and-whey.html#links">Simply Real: Cream Cheese and Whey</a>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-68590407131479345522010-02-17T08:19:00.000-08:002010-02-17T08:21:13.466-08:00Move to Wordpressplease check out my new blog address...<br /><a href="http://www.injoytroye.wordpress.com/">www.injoytroye.wordpress.com</a><br /><br />Same blog, different address.<br /><br />And, more to come on a NEW blog soon. Stay tuned!<br /><br />In joy,<br />TroyeTroyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-70693989966401617632010-02-13T07:11:00.000-08:002010-02-13T07:36:41.650-08:00Homemade Cream Cheese<div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/S3bCWUA3hLI/AAAAAAAABqU/Iso3-A7hKYg/s1600-h/IMG_5567.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437747288681710770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/S3bCWUA3hLI/AAAAAAAABqU/Iso3-A7hKYg/s400/IMG_5567.JPG" /></a> Making your own cream cheese is so easy, super scrumptious, and inexpensive. This is the softest creamiest cream cheese evah!!!</div><div align="left">All you have to do is get a quart (or two- because believe me, you are going to love this stuff) of full fat plain yogart. Do not skimp and go for the low fat- and don't even get me started on the low fat craze. In fact, The Man just told me that he needed to go back on a low fat diet so that he would gain some weight. Ha!!!! This time I am using greek yogart, but regular yogart makes creamy deliciousness as well. </div><div align="left">Spread cheese cloth over a bowl, and dump the yogart on top. Allow the liquid to drain out, and voila... what you have left is cream cheese. For certain varieties of yogart, you may need to tie the cheese cloth to a wooden spoon and place it across the top of a deeper bowl to allow more liquid to drain. I have not had to do that yet, but may need to with the greek yogart. </div><div align="left">The liquid that is left is whey. It will last in your fridge for 6 months and is perfect for soaking grains with <a href="http://www.articlealley.com/article_929121_15.html@@ta"><span style="color:#33ffff;">excellent health benefits</span></a>. Your cream cheese will last in the fridge for 2 months (if you don't eat it in a week). </div><div align="left">After you make your cream cheese, I highly recommend making some caramel popcorn and dipping it into the cheese. I think I'll go have some now. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">In joy, troye<br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-71477467599481791522010-02-02T05:46:00.000-08:002010-02-02T05:56:34.127-08:00D-isms<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/S2guzHXyzeI/AAAAAAAABqM/stJXDW1TfxA/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433644406109556194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/S2guzHXyzeI/AAAAAAAABqM/stJXDW1TfxA/s400/004.JPG" /></a><br /><div>D: Mommy, I'm connecked.</div><br /><div>Me: You're connected?</div><br /><div>D: No, Mommy, look, I'm connecked. I don't have any clothes on. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>At lunch with my dad for his birthday...</div><br /><div>D: Mommy, why do you keep calling Papa Daddy?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And, then later...</div><br /><div>D: Mommy, how old is Papa?</div><br /><div>Me: I think he's 39. Why don't you ask him?</div><br /><div>My Dad: I'm 67.</div><br /><div>D: Wow, that's a lot of money!!!</div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-63695958178507861522010-02-01T07:21:00.000-08:002010-02-01T07:44:54.052-08:00Mindful Menu MondayHere is our menu plan for the week:<br /><br />Sunday- chili with bread<br /><br />Monday- Girl's Night, and I still have no idea (I am typing this at 10am on Monday morning). Great plan, huh?<br /><br />Tuesday- <a href="http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/Quesadillas.pdf"><span style="color:#ffff33;">Sweet Potato Quesadillas</span></a>, recipe from Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingslover<br /><br />Wednesday- Ezekiel Stew- stew recipe using whole grains traditionally used to make EZ bread, with cornbread and salad<br /><br />Thursday- Baked Chicken, Millet Casserole, and salad<br /><br />Friday- Pizza and family movie night (sundried tomato, feta, spinach, mushroom pizza)<br /><br />Saturday- open<br /><br />Here is my chili recipe- with plenty of liberties. It is different every time I make it:<br /><br />Brown 2 lbs ground beef with 3-5 cloves minced garlic in large stockpot. Sometimes I grate raw carrots and add at this point to pump up the nutrition. In small bowl, stir together 1 can tomato paste with 1 cup water. Once combined add to meat mixture along with 2 tbsp chili powder, 1-2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp oregano. Stir together. Roast a jalapeno pepper on your stove (if you have gas stove top) until black, then dice and add to meat mixture. Add 1 can diced tomatoes (I prefer Muir Glen fire roasted tomatoes). Reduce heat to low and simmer for an hour or more. Add 1 diced onion about 45 min into this hour.<br />Add 1/4 cup masa corn flour to 1/2 cup water in bowl, and combine thoroughly. Then stir into meat. Add beans to your liking (I've used kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, or a combo of the three). <br />Heat an additional 15 minutes.<br />This is a very hearty chuncky chili. I also like a bite to my chili, so you can adjust the spices to your liking. <br /><br />In joy, troyeTroyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-15452692395944098222010-01-22T12:46:00.000-08:002010-01-22T12:48:31.934-08:00Why Wine is Superior to Water<div align="center">As seen in a used bookstore in Blue Ridge:</div><div align="center">Read Carefully:<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/S1oOs_fQ_jI/AAAAAAAABqE/VlXXc6wIGdc/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429668466868158002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/S1oOs_fQ_jI/AAAAAAAABqE/VlXXc6wIGdc/s400/003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-77792014437325705212009-12-28T03:55:00.000-08:002009-12-28T04:27:27.943-08:00Steaks and Friends<div align="center">Our friends Gary and Susannah are in town for the holidays from California. Last night we got together for dinner. The last time Gary was in town, I went on and on about the <a href="http://injoytroye.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-bought-cow.html"><span style="color:#ff9900;">cow</span></a> in our freezer, and then I made him eggs. Since Susannah doesn't really eat beef, Gary doesn't get to have steak very often, so this time around, I made steak... pioneer woman style.</div><div align="center">I think it helps to make a mean face when you cook steak in cast iron, right?</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420258306757008770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzigNlUcnYI/AAAAAAAABp0/14LF5mwD2Qs/s400/IMG_5421.JPG" />Susannah put the salad together, and you can see a bandit in the background stealing a cookie from the cookie jar. BUSTED!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzigNInMuRI/AAAAAAAABps/sRbR79EcDeM/s1600-h/IMG_5418.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420258299051030802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzigNInMuRI/AAAAAAAABps/sRbR79EcDeM/s400/IMG_5418.JPG" /></a>Baby Ju Ju was ticked that her mom wouldn't let her eat steak!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzifbZpcPWI/AAAAAAAABpk/C-nBr2VEC9k/s1600-h/IMG_5426.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420257444630379874" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzifbZpcPWI/AAAAAAAABpk/C-nBr2VEC9k/s400/IMG_5426.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><div>Ribeyes over sauteed spinach with Blue Cheese Cream Sauce. Shut your mouth!!!!!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzieyTbngxI/AAAAAAAABpE/z0_vQMUDTpA/s1600-h/IMG_5425.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420256738587149074" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzieyTbngxI/AAAAAAAABpE/z0_vQMUDTpA/s400/IMG_5425.JPG" /></a><br />Susannah enjoyed the "amythecook sandwich." Pesto and mozzarella grilled cheese on fresh deli style bread. Have I mentioned that I want to eat this sandwich every day? Except when steak is on the menu, of course.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzieyJcEyCI/AAAAAAAABo8/lD8nUA2_gro/s1600-h/IMG_5423.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420256735904712738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzieyJcEyCI/AAAAAAAABo8/lD8nUA2_gro/s400/IMG_5423.JPG" /></a> We love you Gary, Susannah, and Flora!!!!!!!!!</div><div></div><div align="left">In joy, troye<br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-63971311584427220002009-12-26T03:23:00.000-08:002009-12-26T04:21:14.469-08:00<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzX0Dnyt2_I/AAAAAAAABo0/nWjmadeSSYQ/s1600-h/IMG_0340.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419506069668748274" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzX0Dnyt2_I/AAAAAAAABo0/nWjmadeSSYQ/s400/IMG_0340.JPG" /></a> I've been making bread at home for well over a year now. I have used one recipe for all of my bread needs- loaf bread, cinnamon rolls, french loaves, hot dog buns, etc. It is good bread, but it is very dense, and not a great sandwich loaf. This week, thanks to <a href="http://www.honeyinmycoffee.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Susannah</span></a>, I found a new recipe, and I'll never look back. This recipe is pretty heavily adapted from this <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/01/kitchen-tip-tuesday-homemade-bread.html"><span style="color:#ff6666;">post</span></a> over at <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Passionate Homemaking</span></a>. It makes four loaves (you can freeze them so that you don't have to make bread as often), and it is soft and delicious. It really tastes like deli style bread. </div><div align="center">Yumm-oh! Here is the recipe:<br /><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzX0DZ1pFmI/AAAAAAAABos/_E9eNitV1Xg/s1600-h/IMG_0345.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419506065922922082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzX0DZ1pFmI/AAAAAAAABos/_E9eNitV1Xg/s400/IMG_0345.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><strong>Troye's Bread (adapted from Homemade Bread- Lindsay's Way)</strong></span></div><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><strong><div align="left"><br /></strong>4 1/2 cups water, HOT from the tap</div><div align="left">1 1/2 tbsp salt</div><div align="left">1 egg</div><div align="left">3/4 cup coconut oil, melted</div><div align="left">1 cup honey, raw </div><div align="left">1/3 cup flax seed, ground</div><div align="left">2 1/2 cups rolled oats, optional (if you don't use this, you will definitely need more flour)</div><div align="left">1 tsp rice lecithin (if you have access to dough enhancer, you can add 2-4 tbsp instead of the lecithin), optional</div><div align="left">11-12 cups flour (I use a combination of fresh ground flour here- hard red wheat, hard white, wheat, kamut, spelt)</div><div align="left">2 1/2 tbsp active dry yeast</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Combine water, salt, egg, oil, honey, and half of flour (about 6 cups) in mixer. Place lecithin, flax seed, and oats on top of flour and knead on low speed until combined. Turn mixer off, and add other half of flour. Place yeast on top of flour. Knead on low speed. Once the flour is incorporated, begin to add flour one tbsp at a time until dough pulls away from side of bowl. *the goal is to use the least amount of flour possible for the softest loaf, so add slowly here* Knead for a total of approximately 10 min.</div><div align="left">Remove to a LARGE greased bowl, and cover with a towel. Let sit until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours. *I let mine sit in the oven with a roasting pan of hot water underneath, and the light on* </div><div align="left">Punch down and divide into 4 loaves. You can roll each loaf out with a rolling pin and roll up into a loaf for perfectly shaped loaves. </div><div align="left">Place in greased loaf pans and let rise again until doubled (about 30 min). *For this, I turn the oven on the lowest setting while I shape the loaves, and then turn it off prior to putting the loaves in. And, remember to remove before preheating oven.* </div><div align="left">Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 3o minutes. Remove from oven, and let rest in pan for 10 min before removing from pans. </div><div align="left">Enjoy!</div><div align="left"></span><br />The dough makes fantastic cinnamon rolls...</div><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419505540025809474" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzXzkyt_-kI/AAAAAAAABok/vZoO5mq-IBc/s400/IMG_0342.JPG" /></div><div align="left">Also, a DELICIOUS sandwich thanks to the amazing mind of amythecook is to spread pesto on the slices, and melt a thick slice of whole milk mozzarella- grilled cheese style. Shut Your Mouth!!!!!!!!!!! I want to eat this sandwich everyday. And, as you can tell, there is no photo of it because I could not stop eating it long enough to take a pic. :) Sorry! Just make the sandwich, and then you will be able to see its beauty.</div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SzXzQzl0CVI/AAAAAAAABoc/aW71PGy5JdM/s1600-h/IMG_0345.JPG"></a><br /><br />In joy, Troye!<br /><div></div><br /></div></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-86191749770715625302009-12-14T14:16:00.001-08:002009-12-14T14:33:18.824-08:00You Gotta Make Dis!Guinness Beef Stew<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sya5a6KBnCI/AAAAAAAABoM/vRsFI5mKvOw/s1600-h/10853_1308182267358_1314624451_867962_8122095_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415219473898642466" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sya5a6KBnCI/AAAAAAAABoM/vRsFI5mKvOw/s400/10853_1308182267358_1314624451_867962_8122095_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><div>3 lbs Boneless Beef Chuck</div><div>2 tbsp butter</div><div>2 onions</div><div>4 cups chicken broth</div><div>1 3/4 cups Guinness Draught, Divided</div><div>1 tbsp lt brown sugar</div><div>1 tsp dried thyme</div><div>1 oz, weight bittersweet chocolate, chopped (take my word for it- sounds, weird, but so worth it!)</div><div>5 whole carrots, peeled and cut</div><div>1 lb potatoes, peeled and cut</div><div>1/4 cup flour</div><div> </div><div>Cut beef into cubes, and season with salt and pepper. Melt butter in cast iron dutch oven. Brown beef over medium-high heat. Add broth, 1 1/2 cups Guinness (reserve remainder- refrain from drinking- especially if, like me, you are preparing this before you leave for church Sunday morning), brown sugar, thyme, and chocolate. Bring to boil. Add carrots, onions, and potatoes. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and cook for at least two hours. In a small bowl, whisk flour and remaining 1/4 cup Guinness until smooth. Stir mixture into stew. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes on medium heat or until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper (lots and lots and lots of fresh ground pepper!!!). </div><div>And, try not to slap yo momma!!!!!</div><div> </div><div>In joy, troye</div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-20432809942140516642009-12-13T03:13:00.000-08:002009-12-13T04:08:17.780-08:00Night on the Town<div align="center"> <span style="color:#ff6666;">"L</span><span style="color:#ff6666;">augh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends."</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6666;">All girls need at least one fantastic girlfriend to combat the craziness of life. I am blessed BEYOND MEASURE to have many friends that I would put in this category. Some of them I am not able to see on a regular basis (<a href="http://jackamo-thebestintentions.blogspot.com/">Nikki</a>). Some live right down the street, and I am lucky to only see once in a while (<a href="http://whohasmorefun.blogspot.com/">Andrea</a>). And, some are crazy enough to get together with me on a weekly basis and act stupid, and eat way too much food, and drink way too much drink, and watch way too much trash television. It is my medication. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6666;">This group of girls decided to make a trip to the city (Atlanta) to meet <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thepioneerwoman.com">Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman</a>, our new BFF. Some of us have followed Ree for a long time. Others are new fans, and others are mad that they were not told about how fabulous Ree is sooner (sorry Cheri).</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Ree was signing copies of her new fantastic cookbook in Buckhead, and we had two December birthdays to celebrate, so we dicided to make a trip out of it. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Doesn't Ree look adorable signing <a href="http://kimberlys-dailygrace.blogspot.com/">Kimberly</a>'s book?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414681035829616226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPtsCrHmI/AAAAAAAABoE/3OF_SE0NBlk/s400/13038_225139575476_597955476_4212231_5015328_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /><span style="color:#ff6666;">We didn't have to wait in line too long thanks to Cheri and Kimberly who drove to Buckhead Monday morning to pick up wristbands to reserve our place in line.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Here is one of the birthday girls waiting with our trump card, Baby JuJu (who is a little slice of heaven- seriously, could she be a better baby?).</span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPlpBvhJI/AAAAAAAABn8/RXrofL685Jo/s1600-h/13038_225139510476_597955476_4212225_6570129_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414680897581450386" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPlpBvhJI/AAAAAAAABn8/RXrofL685Jo/s400/13038_225139510476_597955476_4212225_6570129_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6666;">This is how excited we were to meet Ree. </span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPliiCEXI/AAAAAAAABn0/ONPheJCrsvM/s1600-h/13038_225139530476_597955476_4212227_5970860_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414680895837835634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPliiCEXI/AAAAAAAABn0/ONPheJCrsvM/s400/13038_225139530476_597955476_4212227_5970860_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">And, of course, we had some very important business to conduct in line, so we had to have our iphones armed and ready!</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">My nose is ginormous in this picture!!!!!!</span><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPlfwYWNI/AAAAAAAABns/3ln6ch1tGdU/s1600-h/13038_225139555476_597955476_4212229_3465804_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414680895092709586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPlfwYWNI/AAAAAAAABns/3ln6ch1tGdU/s400/13038_225139555476_597955476_4212229_3465804_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">We had a blast waiting in line, and people around us all backed away. We have that effect on people. Sorry to anyone who encounters us when we go out into public together.</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPlFPuL4I/AAAAAAAABnk/io5I_9J4vCA/s1600-h/13038_225139560476_597955476_4212230_2881373_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414680887976406914" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPlFPuL4I/AAAAAAAABnk/io5I_9J4vCA/s400/13038_225139560476_597955476_4212230_2881373_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">And, here we all are with Ree. If you didn't know which one Ree was, you would just think she was part of our group. She fits right in. And, if you didn't know Susannah, you would wonder why she decided to sit on Ree's lap for this photo. Silly girl!!!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPLOHyNqI/AAAAAAAABnc/W5BUWvTD0nQ/s1600-h/16157_193408172881_549802881_3144159_5333288_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414680443682436770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPLOHyNqI/AAAAAAAABnc/W5BUWvTD0nQ/s400/16157_193408172881_549802881_3144159_5333288_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">After the signing, we went out for dinner, and then we went back to a hotel suite sponsored by Kristina's boss, Connie. Connie we lit candles and paid homage to you while we were there. The suite was amazing, and we had a blast. </span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;">Birthday gifts were opened- and tried on. Adorable!!!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPK5TuHMI/AAAAAAAABnU/__IGfuZpQgA/s1600-h/13038_225139615476_597955476_4212234_4576830_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414680438095355074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPK5TuHMI/AAAAAAAABnU/__IGfuZpQgA/s400/13038_225139615476_597955476_4212234_4576830_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">We laughed hysterically over youtube videos.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPKlHnIEI/AAAAAAAABnM/LnT_zoksfOQ/s1600-h/13038_225139660476_597955476_4212236_5134928_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414680432675856450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPKlHnIEI/AAAAAAAABnM/LnT_zoksfOQ/s400/13038_225139660476_597955476_4212236_5134928_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">We modeled footed Santa pjs!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPKS3SxAI/AAAAAAAABnE/dIoyrfSVBAQ/s1600-h/15343_102759836412231_100000346457008_66513_7236526_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414680427775575042" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPKS3SxAI/AAAAAAAABnE/dIoyrfSVBAQ/s400/15343_102759836412231_100000346457008_66513_7236526_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">And, we ate cupcakes and drank champagne. We also played an exciting game of "propel yourself across the room in the rolling conference chairs." Good Times!!!!!</span></div><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;">The next morning, we went shopping. Nordtrom Mall of Georgia gave us all free makeovers, and a private party catered just for our birthday girls complete with a fashion show and intimate apparel fittings.</span></div><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;">This is the only photo I have from the shopping day. We had to take a photo of the killer boots Kimberly found!!!!!!!!!! Shazam!</span> <div><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPKGj-pgI/AAAAAAAABm8/PxDnCty6es0/s1600-h/15343_102759876412227_100000346457008_66515_5687807_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414680424473339394" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SyTPKGj-pgI/AAAAAAAABm8/PxDnCty6es0/s400/15343_102759876412227_100000346457008_66515_5687807_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">We had a fantastic time, and I think the birthday girls had a much deserved happy day!</span></div><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;">Thank you, ladies for being my dose of good medicine.</span> <div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-52701854860093677302009-11-17T02:37:00.001-08:002009-11-17T03:02:19.996-08:00Shakshuka-ish<div align="center"> Shakshuka is a traditional Israeli dish comprised of a spicy tomato veggie sauce with poached or sunny side up eggs.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 145px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405020764926566898" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SwJ9v6kO4fI/AAAAAAAABms/HgCAgnD3yJ8/s400/3d75df78f07e8a42%5B1%5D.jpg" /> I experienced amazing shakshuka in Miami a couple of months ago, but have yet to attempt to conquer the dish on my own. I did, however come up with a dish inspired by Shakshuka.</div><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405021240073275330" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SwJ-LkoCR8I/AAAAAAAABm0/qgcfu-zNsTw/s400/IMG_4854.JPG" /></div><div align="left">Shakshuka-ish</div><div align="left">Saute 1 clove garlic, minced and 1/2 red onion, diced in oil. Add 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved, and fresh diced basil. Saute for approx. 1 min, and add 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar. Poach eggs and serve hot on top of tomato mixture. Salt and pepper to taste Serve with hot pita or crusty bread. </div><div align="left">Om nom nom...</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">In joy, troye<br /></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-14582039200734259332009-11-11T03:17:00.000-08:002009-11-11T03:44:43.906-08:00These buttery rich scones combine pumpkin and spices that will knock your socks off. I made them for the boys' teachers for a fall treat, and had to immediately make a second batch for myself.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402807221382589394" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SvqgiuRsq9I/AAAAAAAABmk/Q0-I5eER4rg/s400/IMG_4869.JPG" />And, while we are here, check out the results of the AWESOME gift that <a href="http://kimberlys-dailygrace.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Kimberly</span></a> gave me for my birthday. How fun is that? Thank you, Kimberly!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Svqgiff4eiI/AAAAAAAABmc/XnIPkJc_8Wk/s1600-h/IMG_4873.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402807217415551522" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Svqgiff4eiI/AAAAAAAABmc/XnIPkJc_8Wk/s400/IMG_4873.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SvqejFX9aBI/AAAAAAAABmU/0t5OclYzHh8/s1600-h/IMG_4873.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><div></div><div>Pumpkin Spice Scones:</div><div><br /></div><div>2 cups whole wheat pastry flour</div><div><br /></div><div>1 1/2 tsp. baking powder</div><div><br /></div><div>1/2 tsp. salt</div><div><br /></div><div>1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon</div><div><br /></div><div>1/2 tsp. fresh ground nutmeg</div><div><br /></div><div>1/4 tsp. ginger</div><div><br /></div><div>1/8 tsp. cardamom</div><div><br />6 tbsp. unsalted butter</div><div> </div><div>1/3 cup pumpkin puree</div><div> </div><div>1/3 cup heavy cream</div><div> </div><div>6 tbsp. sucanat (brown sugar, if you prefer)</div><div> </div><div>1 tsp. vanilla</div><div> </div><div>Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut butter into small pieces, and put in freezer. In medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and all spices. Whisk together well, and place bowl in freezer. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin, heavy cream, sucanat, and vanilla. Whisk together well, and place bowl in freezer. </div><div>Cut butter pieces into flour mixture using a pastry blender or a food processor until it resembles course crumbs. </div><div>Pour liquic mixture into flour mixture and stir until just moistened. The dough will be very crumbly. Turn the mixture out onto the counter and push together with your hands. Knead just a couple of times and pat into a circle about 3/4 to 1 in thick. Cut like a pie into 8 pieces. Place on baking sheet so that the sides are not touching. Brush tops with heavy whipping cream, and sprinkle with honey granules or course raw sugar. Bake for about 15 min.</div><div>Enjoy!</div><div> </div><div>In joy, Troye<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-77471729206064854162009-10-19T05:34:00.000-07:002009-10-19T07:35:51.380-07:00Fall Family Camping<div align="center">At the beginning of the school year, J-Man came home from school begging to go to the Cub Scout information meeting. I don't know what the council is paying that recruiter, but they need to raise his salary. J-Man was insistent! </div><div align="center">So, against my better judgement, I sent The Man with him just to see what it was all about- with strict instructions not to volunteer for anything! And, definitely DO NOT mention that you are an Eagle Scout because they will have you running the pack. They came home that evening the newest Cub Scout and Den Leader. </div><div align="center">I must admit that they are BOTH having a blast in Scouts, and it really does teach the kids a lot of value added lessons. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">This weekend was Cub Scout Family Camping Weekend (on the coldest weekend of the year- freezing temps threatened). On Friday afternoon when we were offered a perfectly wonderful, warm, cozy cabin to stay in, I tried to sway them, but I lost. Since there was NO chance of rain in the forecast, I went along. I actually enjoy camping, and prefer cold weather camping, but I cannot handle rain.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">At the den meeting before we left, the boys made fire starters, and practiced setting up and taking down a tent.</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Stx1Z53zZ8I/AAAAAAAABl4/FMDSaxBVMHE/s1600-h/IMG_4649.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394315541575067586" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Stx1Z53zZ8I/AAAAAAAABl4/FMDSaxBVMHE/s400/IMG_4649.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">We were assigned a campsite on the side of a mountain, and this area had to accommodate nineteen families. They were like sardines for the second night, which was fortunate since there was snow in the forecast. We're not sure if the boys earned thier polar bear patch (for camping when the temp drops below 32 degrees), but they sure did come close if not. </div><br /><div align="center">We had to fight not to slide down the hill all night as we slept. Good times!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/StxzzkbbIfI/AAAAAAAABlw/EFjfjF9mtLY/s1600-h/IMG_4668.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394313783472234994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/StxzzkbbIfI/AAAAAAAABlw/EFjfjF9mtLY/s400/IMG_4668.JPG" /></a><br />Since it rained the first night, and off and on all day Saturday, I had to sacrifice and take D-Man home. It was difficult to sleep in my nice warm bed with the heat on. </div><div align="center">But, we stayed through the day Saturday and had a blast.<br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">We started up a whole new generation of pyromaniacs.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/StxypEHzJXI/AAAAAAAABlo/3-60n6qi1LU/s1600-h/IMG_4665.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394312503489668466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/StxypEHzJXI/AAAAAAAABlo/3-60n6qi1LU/s400/IMG_4665.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Both boys got to shoot bb guns...</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Stxw5QcXIwI/AAAAAAAABlg/vTmuPWp36tw/s1600-h/IMG_4707.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394310582651790082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Stxw5QcXIwI/AAAAAAAABlg/vTmuPWp36tw/s400/IMG_4707.JPG" /></a> Looking so studly in the safety goggles...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Stxw4-jnmKI/AAAAAAAABlY/D_x-SvHGMUU/s1600-h/IMG_4704.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394310577850390690" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Stxw4-jnmKI/AAAAAAAABlY/D_x-SvHGMUU/s400/IMG_4704.JPG" /></a><br />...and, bow and arrows...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Stxw4eRImJI/AAAAAAAABlQ/1MRLW5q0Axc/s1600-h/IMG_4690.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394310569182926994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Stxw4eRImJI/AAAAAAAABlQ/1MRLW5q0Axc/s400/IMG_4690.JPG" /></a>It is difficult to see below, but J-Man got a bullseye, and hit the target four other times. He also won the award for the day for launching one of his arrows the farthest beyond the target. We had to send out a search party.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Stxw4Bz99UI/AAAAAAAABlI/T3jz840Tidc/s1600-h/IMG_4688.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394310561544402242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Stxw4Bz99UI/AAAAAAAABlI/T3jz840Tidc/s400/IMG_4688.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#33cc00;">The only thing that we didn't get to do was fish. It was quite devastating! Look at that face.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/StxvQVs0H8I/AAAAAAAABlA/xaL6sa5HSVw/s1600-h/IMG_4698.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394308780176711618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/StxvQVs0H8I/AAAAAAAABlA/xaL6sa5HSVw/s400/IMG_4698.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#33cc00;">Someone totally cheated!!!!!!!!</span></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/StxuOP7eIMI/AAAAAAAABk4/lI5j5qF2fU0/s1600-h/IMG_4712.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394307644756205762" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/StxuOP7eIMI/AAAAAAAABk4/lI5j5qF2fU0/s400/IMG_4712.JPG" /></a><br />All in all it was a fantastic weekend! All three boys had a blast, and they can't wait to do it again. </div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-62828051601179629832009-09-15T03:28:00.000-07:002009-09-15T03:51:27.118-07:00Fall Foods<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq9xjiF9DnI/AAAAAAAABjg/Io9JKbKcPEk/s1600-h/l_R131277%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381644934992170610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq9xjiF9DnI/AAAAAAAABjg/Io9JKbKcPEk/s400/l_R131277%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There is no time of year that I love better than the fall. I love the smells. I love the weather. I love the activities. I love the colors. I am more reminded of God's appreciation for beauty at this time of year than any other. What an amazing artist He is, and He chooses to share His masterpiece with us.<br />Another one of my favorite parts of fall is the flavors of the season. I made this <a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/soups/chicken-butternut-squash-soup/"><span style="color:#ffcc33;">Chicken Butternut Squash</span></a> soup last year, and I cannot wait until it is cool enough to make is again.<br />One of my standby favorites is Pumpkin Soup that I first learned how to make in an Apples of Gold class years ago. Oh, and the apples!!! I love any recipe that includes mounds of brown sugar with apples. What is not to love?<br />I also love when Starbucks introduces their fall lineup- which occurred a couple of weeks ago in our area. Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Mmmmmmmm......<br />I posted a variation of this recipe a couple of years ago, but I have since made some modifications, and it is one of my most requested recipes, so here it is again. Bake up some muffins and ENJOY! The secret to this recipe is the heavy spices, so don't skimp. These will be darker than the Starbucks version, but just as delicious.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">3 cups flour</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">2 1/2 tsp cinnamon</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">1 tsp fresh nutmeg</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">1 1/2 tsp ground cloves</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">Pinch of cardamom </span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">1 tsp salt</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">1 tsp soda</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">4 eggs</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">2 cups honey granules (can sub white sugar here or 1 cup liquid honey)</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">2 cups cooked or canned pumpkin (it is so easy to </span><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/vegetables/pumpkin-puree/"><span style="color:#33cc00;">make your own</a></span>)<br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">1 ΒΌ cups extra virgin coconut oil</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">8 oz package cream cheese</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">1 egg</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">1 cup powdered evaporated cane juice or powdered honey granules</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">*Chopped nuts** (walnuts, pecans, pepinos) (optional)</span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">Preheat oven to 350. Mix ingredients together except cream cheese and nuts. Fill muffin tins (greased or paper cups) half full. Beat the cream cheese with the egg and powdered sugar. Put 1-2 tsp cream cheese in the middle, pressing down. Sprinkle with 1 tsp chopped nuts. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the muffin part (do not touch the cream cheese!). Let cool in pans for 5 minutes, then remove to racks to cool completely. Do not touch the cream cheese until it cools, as it is very very hot. Makes 24 muffins. I like to make the jumbo muffins. </span>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-2371341709912850062009-09-13T12:18:00.000-07:002009-09-13T16:55:14.690-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1SClY1OAI/AAAAAAAABjY/nV3ODLcKKO0/s1600-h/IMG_3970.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381047334127089666" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1SClY1OAI/AAAAAAAABjY/nV3ODLcKKO0/s400/IMG_3970.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Let me apologize to anyone who stumbles upon this blog today. I am going to be bragging unashamedly on my son, the triathlete, and there will be an ungodly amount of photos!</div><div>J-Man did a triathalon today. 50 meter swim, 2 mile bike, and 500 meter run! He did so awesome!!!!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1SB7oxHLI/AAAAAAAABjQ/BgLG3u-H0bw/s1600-h/IMG_0778.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381047322919640242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1SB7oxHLI/AAAAAAAABjQ/BgLG3u-H0bw/s400/IMG_0778.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>He waited patiently to jump into the pool, and then he passed four kids in the water. He did not hold back...</div><div>Until he got out of the water and decided to use his first transition time to pose for the camera and wave to the crowd. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1SBdYELvI/AAAAAAAABjI/94KTjGZfhHk/s1600-h/IMG_3981.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381047314796523250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1SBdYELvI/AAAAAAAABjI/94KTjGZfhHk/s400/IMG_3981.JPG" /></a>Here he is posing with his brother, and ready for the race in his transition area. Check out that stud! As we walked into the park to prepare, he asked, "I wonder how I am going to win this thing?"<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1SA1TjQGI/AAAAAAAABjA/HkEDd464GCQ/s1600-h/IMG_3986.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381047304040169570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1SA1TjQGI/AAAAAAAABjA/HkEDd464GCQ/s400/IMG_3986.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1SAbCxEnI/AAAAAAAABi4/tYIdEfrsG0M/s1600-h/IMG_4021.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381047296990450290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1SAbCxEnI/AAAAAAAABi4/tYIdEfrsG0M/s400/IMG_4021.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Thumbs up! Look at all of those yellow caps.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1Pl4k4N5I/AAAAAAAABiw/ajclmTzXRWw/s1600-h/IMG_4038.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381044642038429586" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1Pl4k4N5I/AAAAAAAABiw/ajclmTzXRWw/s400/IMG_4038.JPG" /></a><br />Jumping in the water!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1PlW7xxzI/AAAAAAAABio/Fq-bIKsmw8Q/s1600-h/IMG_4047.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381044633007671090" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1PlW7xxzI/AAAAAAAABio/Fq-bIKsmw8Q/s400/IMG_4047.JPG" /></a><br />That is J-Man's yellow head climbing out of the pool (ahead of everyone, I might add).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1PkoOZDII/AAAAAAAABig/4OU3bWcpvZI/s1600-h/IMG_4057.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381044620469275778" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1PkoOZDII/AAAAAAAABig/4OU3bWcpvZI/s400/IMG_4057.JPG" /></a> Taking his time in T1.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1PkMtjv0I/AAAAAAAABiY/wCcGD7yyGm0/s1600-h/IMG_4062.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381044613083807554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1PkMtjv0I/AAAAAAAABiY/wCcGD7yyGm0/s400/IMG_4062.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Out on the bike.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1PjvVOVCI/AAAAAAAABiQ/FlMg1t75nNQ/s1600-h/IMG_4064.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381044605197112354" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1PjvVOVCI/AAAAAAAABiQ/FlMg1t75nNQ/s400/IMG_4064.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Go speed racer!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1OAwLWaZI/AAAAAAAABiI/RjxsV9jmN7s/s1600-h/IMG_3970.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div align="center"><br /><br />T2<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1JsZg9FbI/AAAAAAAABhg/IXlYV3d1xm8/s1600-h/IMG_4077.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381038156889789874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1JsZg9FbI/AAAAAAAABhg/IXlYV3d1xm8/s400/IMG_4077.JPG" /></a><br />Out for the run...</div><div align="center">Look at that determination!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1JsNo_0oI/AAAAAAAABhY/Pq2rBACxlSo/s1600-h/IMG_4079.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381038153702298242" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1JsNo_0oI/AAAAAAAABhY/Pq2rBACxlSo/s400/IMG_4079.JPG" /></a> Finished!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1Jrm-asYI/AAAAAAAABhQ/U8oprMZM-88/s1600-h/IMG_4089.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381038143323156866" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1Jrm-asYI/AAAAAAAABhQ/U8oprMZM-88/s400/IMG_4089.JPG" /></a> This is what D-Man thought of the situation at times. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1JrI5Ry_I/AAAAAAAABhI/mgmJwFJ-5QQ/s1600-h/IMG_4097.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381038135248538610" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1JrI5Ry_I/AAAAAAAABhI/mgmJwFJ-5QQ/s400/IMG_4097.JPG" /></a><br />Our friend Sarah Grace competed as well. Here they are trying to act "too cool" at the finish line!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1Jqi3v5NI/AAAAAAAABhA/1NNElMPJKSs/s1600-h/IMG_4104.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381038125041575122" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sq1Jqi3v5NI/AAAAAAAABhA/1NNElMPJKSs/s400/IMG_4104.JPG" /></a><br />We had so much fun. I think that The Man got just as much of a work out as J did, running after him to take pics. We were so proud. I have to admit that I even got a little choked up watching him cross the finish line so strong as they called his name and he ran through the finishing ribbon!!!!! He worked so hard and is ready to do another tri as soon as possible. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-6852685612133548652009-08-13T16:28:00.000-07:002009-08-13T16:54:23.853-07:00First Day of School 2009<div><br /><div align="center">The first day of school went off without a hitch! D's bus comes at 7:15 in the morning, but the FANTASTIC news is that we know his driver. Ms. Kim was in our small group last semester. How fun is that?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369596911046407970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SoSj8PX0tyI/AAAAAAAABfo/agMb86X68No/s400/IMG_3884.JPG" border="0" />"The sun was in my eyes!"<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369596922137893042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SoSj84sPWLI/AAAAAAAABfw/WGIOSfVffqQ/s400/IMG_3890.JPG" border="0" />I actually did get a photo of him holding the sign right side up, but this one is so much better. :)<br /><div><div><br /><div>Crazy faces!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369599510172858562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SoSmTh32-MI/AAAAAAAABgI/KBJx9wu36no/s400/IMG_3871.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>D learned how to cross his eyes, and he knows that it is a surefire way to crack me up!<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369596927591939010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SoSj9NAle8I/AAAAAAAABf4/LqLP05nKep8/s400/IMG_3866.JPG" border="0" /> J Man <em>thinks</em> he knows how to cross his...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369596941169122210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SoSj9_lo26I/AAAAAAAABgA/PfY3nM5xWQs/s400/IMG_3868.JPG" border="0" /><br />Oh well!</div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-55368638763621006042009-08-02T06:11:00.001-07:002009-08-02T06:49:33.764-07:00Why no kid will ever come to another Birthday Party Here...<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">D-Man requested a "Green" Birthday Party. My quest was to find foods that are naturally green. In my efforts, poor D may never have another child come to his birthday again.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365357550987713474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnWURAeVG8I/AAAAAAAABeg/dNmGCh9jDJQ/s400/IMG_3815.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Very aesthetically pleasing... not very "kid-friendly." :)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br />We made green playdough (colored with spinach water).<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365357560068319634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnWURiTUKZI/AAAAAAAABeo/k9ncxBcRfsw/s400/IMG_3819.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Mmmmmmmmm...<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365357564499637826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnWURyz0tkI/AAAAAAAABew/vZ9bsRyPil4/s400/IMG_3827.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><br />A happy boy on his happy birthday. yummy cupcake!<br /><br /></p><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365359593020522098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnWWH3o4_nI/AAAAAAAABfI/jeYtkUPWqe8/s400/IMG_3838.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Cousin Hayden with LOTS of green ice cream...<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365359597787845826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnWWIJZglMI/AAAAAAAABfQ/-Lc4ch-EirA/s400/IMG_3839.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"> Uncle Kes sporting his green!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365362757241347362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnWZADR7HSI/AAAAAAAABfY/VcpwitqNj4E/s400/IMG_3817.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><br />Christopher and Jaxon wearing green.</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365359588753782338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnWWHnvntkI/AAAAAAAABfA/d5FDOEJQBds/s400/IMG_3836.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Making crazy faces with cousin "Little C."</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365359584504982002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnWWHX6oKfI/AAAAAAAABe4/vewBXSwpncU/s400/IMG_3831.JPG" border="0" /><br />Crazy excited about opening presents (on his actual birthday)!!!<br /><br /><br /></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnWUQxYJ86I/AAAAAAAABeY/N4KX2xE1ONU/s1600-h/IMG_3797.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365357546935284642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnWUQxYJ86I/AAAAAAAABeY/N4KX2xE1ONU/s400/IMG_3797.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Cookie cake on birthDAY!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365355331596530418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnWSP0mPMvI/AAAAAAAABd4/HZnSOhMS9VA/s400/IMG_3810.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Happy Birthday big five year old!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-9056262602087227442009-07-29T07:14:00.001-07:002009-07-29T18:17:09.027-07:00Happy Birthday D!!!!!!!!!<p align="center">Five years ago today, D-Man came into our lives!!!!!!</p><p align="center">(sidenote: I have been battling with blogger all day to get these photos in the correct order, and since I have obviously lost the battle, try to keep up with me).</p><p align="center">D at one month...</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363887638074787794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnBbY0KOh9I/AAAAAAAABdI/40aAnV6S6hk/s400/Old+Computer+1496.jpg" /> <p align="center"> Four years...<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363891873322187186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnBfPVr5ObI/AAAAAAAABdo/Af2srPOx0Mc/s400/100_1061.JPG" /> <p align="center">Five years...<br /></p><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363891327765070194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnBevlU8QXI/AAAAAAAABdg/g_buOnfnSeU/s400/IMG_3619.JPG" /> <p align="center"> Three years...<br /><br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363888541126359650" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnBcNYSf-mI/AAAAAAAABdQ/QOXQDPX5xn0/s400/Halloween+2006+006.jpg" /> <p align="center"><br />One year...<br /><br /></p><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363885545015303122" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnBZe-59W9I/AAAAAAAABc4/4CrveME2IGw/s400/Old+Computer+027.jpg" /><br />And, for his fifth birthday, we celebrate him as he told everyone else Happy Birthday today!!!!!</div><div align="center">Love you, D!!!!!<br /></div><div align="center">In joy, Troye<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SnBaZ8mHo4I/AAAAAAAABdA/qAupILCJ6zQ/s1600-h/Old+Computer+232.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-7867201846882897882009-07-26T18:18:00.000-07:002009-07-26T18:23:53.229-07:00Duelling Mohawks<div align="center"><span style="color:#ffff66;">J-Dawg has only 2 weeks left of his mohawk, so we decided to cut one for The Man as well.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffff66;">Don't they look tough? Don't mess with them!</span><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362943736739068386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sm0A6hq8-eI/AAAAAAAABcw/tD8ZJmVNNwg/s400/IMG_3739.JPG" border="0" />Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-49801901902114536902009-07-25T13:40:00.000-07:002009-07-25T13:54:25.306-07:00The Tortilla Man<div align="center"> <span style="color:#00cccc;">A little mishap with bread dough (uh, I forgot to add yeast) led to my first attempt at tortillas. I borrowed a tortilla press from a friend (shout out to Kasey) months ago, but I have been afraid to try to make homemade tortillas. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#00cccc;">When I checked my dough and realized that it hadn't risen, I decided on plan B, and got the tortilla press out...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#00cccc;">It was so easy!!!!!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#00cccc;">I know that they look like pancakes in this photo, but they are tasty homemade tortillas made with fresh ground wheat. They are delicious with nothing on them fresh off the griddle. </span><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Smtu2qvNR5I/AAAAAAAABcg/ABJzzPILw40/s1600-h/IMG_3702.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362501666778990482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Smtu2qvNR5I/AAAAAAAABcg/ABJzzPILw40/s400/IMG_3702.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#00cccc;">And, here is J-Dawg's "moon face" with his hot-off-the-press tortilla!</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362501670101745554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Smtu23Haf5I/AAAAAAAABco/a4mnVJzxTx0/s400/IMG_3704.JPG" border="0" /><span style="color:#00cccc;">WaaaaaaHooooooo!!!</span><br /><br /></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-47761604215495308842009-07-09T05:29:00.000-07:002009-07-09T10:50:37.556-07:00Patchwork Scarf<div align="center"><br />A scarf for Sarah- Grace. </div><div align="center">I sewed together two pieces of an old pair of jeans for one side...<br /></div><div align="center"> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356438479708998050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SlXkauxJyaI/AAAAAAAABb4/iqudOn8S0_U/s400/IMG_3592.JPG" border="0" /><br />Then cut out random lengths of scrap fabric and pieced them together for side two...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SlXka-v8osI/AAAAAAAABcA/_0NhYJg5ZfI/s1600-h/IMG_3593.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356438483998909122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SlXka-v8osI/AAAAAAAABcA/_0NhYJg5ZfI/s400/IMG_3593.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Then added Sarah Grace's initials to the denim side (you can see the beginning of the "S" here)...<br /><br /><br /><div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356438489563208690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SlXkbTelG_I/AAAAAAAABcI/81HNooinFZc/s400/IMG_3594.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Sewed the pieces right sides together, and then turned it right side out to top stitch the edges...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356438502466994242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SlXkcDjFQEI/AAAAAAAABcQ/Q7HGJ_k_uVM/s400/IMG_3595.JPG" border="0" />Viola!!!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356438511271392882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/SlXkckWNtnI/AAAAAAAABcY/Z-eJ3TYCMUg/s400/IMG_3599.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-89907361142652980352009-07-08T03:59:00.000-07:002009-07-08T04:10:01.093-07:00Dry RubThis somewhat coastal, somewhat cajun dry rub is fantastic on EVERYTHING- fish, chicken, veggies, beef.<br />Mix some up and hang on to it as long as you can. You'll want to use it often though, so you might want to double up.<br /><br />2 tbsp coarse sea salt<br />2 tbsp sucanat (brown shugah)<br />1 tbsp black pepper<br />1 tbsp garlic powder<br />1 tbsp dried basil<br />1 tbsp paprika<br />1 tbsp dried tarragon<br /><br />Rub meat or veggie with oil and then rub a generous amount of this mixture, and grill to perfection! We used this for sweet red, yellow, and orange peppers and salmon last week... DELISH!!!!!Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-69540638829970333962009-06-25T18:06:00.000-07:002009-06-25T18:28:07.254-07:00Dinner Caramel ApplesNo photo here guys...sorry, we ate it before I even thought about it, but this is a yummy side dish for chicken.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Dinner Caramel Apples</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">2 tbsp butter</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">3 apples, diced (I used gala and i did not even peel them, but any firm apple will do)</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">2 tsp ground cinnamon</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">1-2 tsp pure vanilla</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">1/2 cup sucanat (may sub brown sugar)</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Melt butter in med saucepan over med-high heat, add apples and saute. Sprinkle with cinnamon and add vanilla. Stir in sucanat. Reduce heat to medium and heat until apples soften, approx ten min.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Eat up, yo!</span>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-79254455937406470502009-06-08T04:37:00.000-07:002009-06-08T04:53:42.403-07:00A Big Ole Pile o' Boys<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Siz7QBCUBbI/AAAAAAAABbw/oYsN3i0I9WQ/s1600-h/IMG_3371.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344923110356551090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Siz7QBCUBbI/AAAAAAAABbw/oYsN3i0I9WQ/s400/IMG_3371.JPG" border="0" /></a> Little C, E, D-Man, and J-Dawg Chillin' in B'ham<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Siz6eEmw7NI/AAAAAAAABbo/1jPWUMwJOe8/s1600-h/IMG_3288.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Siz5SeMZU-I/AAAAAAAABbg/qIaJ38fp4lU/s1600-h/IMG_3285.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Siz4xfWEUVI/AAAAAAAABbY/9T1BL4i0bg4/s1600-h/IMG_3282.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405866.post-75700889968616529632009-06-05T04:00:00.000-07:002009-06-05T04:06:41.209-07:00A Decade!<div align="center">Happy Anniversary, Babe!!!!!! It has been ten amazing years. Thank you for loving me- and let's just be real- thank you for putting up with me for ten years. You are the perfect man for me! LU!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343797879522393570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aoic-VHwTPQ/Sij729hq_eI/AAAAAAAABbQ/2ye3pK9QwLY/s400/IMG_3522.JPG" border="0" /></div><p align="center">Crazy how we got married when we were 17, right?</p>Troyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09324208768252038950noreply@blogger.com5