All my slow cooking recipes are now online and starting today, I will add all the recipes shared weekly to my online del.icio.us site too. So if you're wanting to find ALL the slow cooked recipes that have been shared since the first SLOW COOKING THURSDAY, here is the link for you.

Don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky and a link back to your SCT post so others can come by and see your recipe too.

Today's recipe is inspired by my Hot Chocolate and coffee this morning, I just had to share this one.

Triple Delicious Hot Chocolate

credit: Rival Crockpot Book

1/3 cup sugar
1/4 unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups milk, divided
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup heavy cream
1 square (1 ounce) bittersweet chocolate
1 square (1 ounce) white chocolate
3/4 cup whipped topping
6 teaspoons mini chocolate chips or shaved bittersweet chocolate


Combine sugar, cocoa, salt and 1/2 cup milk in medium bowl. Beat until smooth. Pour into slow cooker. Add remaining 2 1/2 cups milk and vanilla. Cover; cook on LOW 2 hours.

Add cream. Cover and cook on LOW 10 minutes. Stir in bittersweet and white chocolates until melted.

Pour hot chocolate into 6 coffee cups. Top each with 2 tablespoons whipped cream and 1 teaspoon chocolate chips.

The "can't think of a title" post......

Mountain Home AFB Stables

I woke up with a cold. Yes, I think......honestly I don't really know what it is LOL I am congested, sneezing, my eyes are watery and my voice sounds like I've been up all night with a bottle of bourbon and some good cigars. Curt thinks it's sexy, I personally think it's creepy. *shrug*

It's going to be a slow day, I can tell. I've had one cup of coffee but I look over to the counter and feel like the coffee machine is taunting me "have another, have another, you know you want to" and really, who am I to deny such a great suggestion? So because I've already had one normal cup, I decided to spice it up a bit, I like trying new things.....so I'm going to leave you for a minute, just to run over and grab another.

Ok I'm back with a Mocha Coffee, some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and BOY is it good. I actually got the inspiration from Kelli this morning, I was on my first cup of coffee when I went to her blog and read this post. I mean, come on now....you can't just expect me to walk away and do nothing about it?

Same way I couldn't make Tamale Pie last night and have just one serving. Go ahead and make fun of me, throw out the comments about how fattening it is and how many calories or whatever....but my hips were happy and that made ME happy, which in turn made the kids happy and in turn made the daddy happy. So you see, I really was just thinking about the family's welfare? LOL


If you think you're that much stronger than I, go ahead and see if you can resist a bite of it. Here you go.

I have a question for you all about my Food Blog, I really only post in there mostly as a place for me to keep an archive of my recipes but obviously I get happy when I see a comment here and there and know that someone has tried a recipe and enjoyed it. Now the thing is, I see SO many visitors each day but yet weeks go by without a single comment on any of the recipes LOL
Why? I guess I never understood this blogging thing, what makes some blogs get tons of comments even when they're just talking about the weather, and some get nothing?

Could one of you bloggy experts explain the intricacies of blogging to this confused soul?

But now moving on to some sad news............Heath Ledger!

I don't know him personally, of course, but he was one of my favorite actors and it's just extremely sad to think that he is gone, a young man with amazing talent, gone, just like that. It's the kind of news that you find yourself watching on tv and in complete denial........, I still can't believe he's really dead. My heart goes out to his daughter Matilda and his family and friends.

And here I sit with his movie "A Knight's Tale" in my hand....I had just picked it out of our movie cabinet a few days ago wanting to rewatch it. How's that for weird?

Anyway, this brings my thoughts to the soldiers overseas too, because everyday there is one seriously hurt or killed and I don't think we focus enough on them and their families. So please, if you have a spare moment, say a prayer for the troops in Iraq and everywhere else they may be, pray that they stay safe and that they return home to their families soon.

With that I'm heading out, here's my to do list for today:

1. 3 baskets of clean laundry to put away
2. Take out chicken and sausage for tonight's Chicken and Sausage Ragu
3. Try to catch up on my reading "A Wanted Man" by Linda Lael Miller

What I wouldn't give for her hair!

Credit: ImageZoo

Last night after the kids bath, I was in the bathroom blow drying Jasmine's hair and I just had to snap a picture of it from the back. It's one of those hairs that make you wince and envy and feel like "Ugh.....why can't I have it?"
She is always being complimented on her hair and at first she loved it and said thank you, now she is getting to the age where it becomes annoying to her. (I still find it adorable) I can understand how she feels a little frustrated when she's stopped every two steps because someone wants to mention it LOL

But just look at it? How can anyone not think it's gorgeous?


And while this was going on, Mr Nicholas was on the couch trying to get his Yoshi to the next level in his "Yoshi's Story" video game. At some point he lost cause he cried out in this very sad voice "Noooooooo........I worked so haaarrddd" hahahahahaah

I just want to keep running my hands through it......and I did, see my hand down there in the left corner? She was getting frustrated with me "can you just take the picture already, and quit PETTING me!" LOL

Curt is working a weird schedule this week, he goes in at 11 am and doesn't get home until long after everyone is asleep. I can't stand this schedule, it's like working Swing Shifts, which means he gets up after Jasmine is at school and gets home AFTER she's asleep.....they won't see each other until this weekend and it's tough on the kids. But it's military life and just one of the sacrifices we make as a family.....they're all worth it in the end though, believe me!

We got the Superbowl coming up, it's going to be at the Cardinals Stadium which is just down the street from base, it's already crazy around here with the preparations and the influx of sports enthusiasts in town. I'm just hoping I can snap some pictures of the Giants and the Patriots....and no, it's not because I LIKE watching sports, but hey, why not....it's a huge thing here in the States....right???

Yesterday I was watching TLC and caught a whole day of "Kids By the Dozen"....I didn't know at first if I would like it or not, but after watching a couple episodes I was hooked. I just can't believe that these huge families are so organized, I mean, I have a hard time with just two children at times LOL And here are these mothers with 16 kids, everything runs smoothly, they have a great routine and budget going and these children look happy and well taken care of. Just amazing to me!

I know I'm babbling and I apologize, if you've been reading my blog for a while you know that I don't do *one theme* posts, it's more like a huge hodgepodge of whatever comes to mind and always said like you're sitting here next to me.

Anyway, I have to head out, have to run to the store to grab milk and then on to the BX to get some birthday cards to mail out.

Hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday. Oh and before I forget, I did post the recipe for the Mashed potatoes and Carrots, though I wouldn't really call it a recipe, I mean, if you can make mashed potatoes then you can make this.

A look back at my childhood!

I was trying to come up with something to blog about tonight and I couldn't for the life of me come up with anything that I thought would be interesting. Oh sure, I could do the usual...this is what's going on, this is what I'm cooking or sewing.......so and so is sick or well or happy or sad. But I didn't want to do that.

I wanted something different, so I thought I would bring you in images, some of my favorite childhood memories......the songs and the food, the toys and the tv shows. Whatever made an impact on ME and who I am today....so enjoy, who knows...you may just see something that will remind you of YOUR younger years.

I have to tell you.........Jasmine was listening to the 80's songs with me and watching the videos on YouTube and she said "Wow, those costumes they wear are cool" Hahahahahahahahaha
I almost died, I think my eye twitched cause I turned back to her and said "Uh....those aren't costumes, that's how we used to dress" LOL

THE MOVIES

THE TV SHOWS

Perfect Strangers


The Littles

The Gummi Bears


Dallas


Three's Company

THE SONGS

Rock me Amadeus - Falco
Woodpecker from Space - Video Kids
Red Red Wine - UB40
Gloria - Laura Branigan
Take my Breath away - Berlin
I heard a rumor - Bananarama
Papa don't preach - Madonna
These Dreams - Heart
Two of Hearts - Stacey Q
Respectable - Mel & Kim
Walk Like an Egyptian - The Bangles
Little Lies - Fleetwood Mac
Heaven is a Place on Earth - Belinda Carlisle
The Loco-Motion - Kylie Minogue
When it's Love - Van Halen

THE FOOD AND DRINKS

Chicklets



Mello Yello



Tab



Pop Rocks



Twinkies

THE GAMES & TOYS

Rubix Cube

Cabbage Patch Kids



Pacman



King's Quest



Mastermind



Battleship



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I could seriously go on forever, but you get the idea :) If any of you decide to join in and share your favorite stuff growing up, let me know so I can come and check it out.

Tagged!

The sweet Stephanie at "The Hearts of Hartmann" has tagged me for this meme. I have to list 5 random things about myself. Hmmmm.....you know what's sad? I found it easier to list 7 weird things about me than I do now LOL

But here goes:

- I can't function in the morning, unless I have a cup of coffee first

- I met Curt on the internet....and NO, I wouldn't recommend it to my own daughter, but it worked for us, we've been together 11 years and will be married for 10 this August.

- I hate wearing socks....hate hate hate......even in the winter it bothers me LOL

- I can't sleep on my left side, unless I have a pillow between my legs and under my stomach. I KNOW it's weird, but it's a habit I picked up when I was pregnant and can't seem to break it. Have pity on me........don't laugh. LOL

- I'm just absolutely obsessed fascinated with the Victorian and Edwardian Eras.

Now I'm supposed to tag someone else but I really don't know who has done this already. So I'll leave it open, if you want to tag yourself, go ahead but let me know so that I can come and see it :)

Christy!

No time for talking today, I'm completely ADDICTED to Christy. Who knew?? Well actually, I should have known, same way I got addicted to Anne of Green Gables and watched it all in a weekend, I'm doing the same with Christy....only problem is that I'm getting these from Netflix and once I'm done with Disc 2 I have to mail it off and then nervously wait in anticipation for the next discs to arrive.

Please Please Netflix people, if you're out there reading, just on the off chance that you read my blog (I know I know, but weirder things have happened).......when you see my Christy Movies coming back, STOP everything you're doing and mail the next discs out to me. ASAP! You don't want to be blamed for a 33 year old mom going loony in her home or nail-less from all the biting I'll do while waiting for the movies. Just saying!

Christy

At 17, Christy Huddleston decides to leave her comfortable life in Asheville, N.C., to teach at a mission schoolhouse in a rural Appalachian community. The school is run by strong-willed Quaker Alice Henderson, whose speech in a church inspired Christie to take this enormous leap of faith. Once in Cutter Gap, Tenn., she finds herself the object of attentions from two very different men: the Rev. David Grantland, a minister from Boston, and Dr. Neil MacNeill, a Cutter Gap native struggling to bring 20th century medicine to this backwoods community. Christie also discovers a good friend in mountain woman Fairlight Spencer.

And you guys sitting around here reading the blogs.......go watch Christy.....go go.....I promise you will love it.

Weekends and Weekdays Switched?!?!?!?

You know how when your kids are tiny babies, you bring them home from the hospital and then the first few weeks they have their days and nights switched? I don't mean ALL babies, but a lot do, well mine did at least.

They sleep all day long and then keep you up all night! Well it seems my children have Weekends and Weekdays switched too. Go figure. During the week when there's school and errands to run etc, I can't for the life of me get them out of bed early, I plead and beg and threaten and bribe and it's just "I'm tired, I don't want to get up".
But then come the weekends and 6:30am they're up and ready to go and then I'm the one laying in bed "But I'm too tired, let me sleep, go back to bed". I have to drag myself out and walk around at snail's pace, the first 2 hours of the day are a blur to me, I go through the motions of breakfast and get them fed and dressed etc. Then when they're settled in drawing or playing or watching cartoons, I make my way to the coffee machine, put in a new filter, put in the water and turn it on........then I sit back and wonder why my coffee is clear! *sigh*


I don't do it everyday, not by a long shot, but there have been times, I admit, that I've been so tired that I ended up forgetting to add the coffee. I end up with a pot full of boiling water....LOL

So I'm sitting here this morning, the kids are off doing their own thing and Curt is at work, he got weekend duty......which.......if you're a military wife you know exactly how annoying and frustrating it is because they never tell them in advance, so you make plans for the weekend and then Friday night they come home and say "Oh by the way, I have weekend duty" that's when my eye starts twitching. See there's something non military wives don't understand........when you marry a soldier, you marry all of the Armed Forces. Really, you do!
When you plan things you have to take into account whether the squadron will be fine with it or if they'll have an opinion LOL Don't believe me? Just ask another military wife. How many times do plans get postponed and vacations cancelled etc.?

We had all these errands planned for today but instead we'll just stay at home. I'm going to clean the house, do the usual daily things and then either take the kids to the library or maybe go rent a movie to watch or something. I'm not sure exactly what I'll be doing, but something will pop up.


I've started the Nicholas Sparks book and I'm enjoying it so far, I still have another 3 to get through before returning them to the library, but you know this doesn't stop me from going there again and getting more LOL I have this love for books that is just indescribable, I can't begin to explain why or how or what, it just is. Nothing makes me happier than a new book in my hands.

Now switching gears, last night for dinner I made the Best Chili Ever, if you haven't tried this recipe yet, you have no idea what you're missing. It's so good. First time I made it I wondered how the Ranch seasoning would work in there, it was one of those...."well I'll try it, but never would have thought of using it myself". But now I realize without it, it just wouldn't be the same, it's THAT good. So if you're interested in trying out the chili, just go visit the sweet Betsy and get her recipe.

For tonight I'm making some Bifes Panados com Pure de batata e cenoura.......did you understand that?I didn't think so....sorry.....ok it's pretty much Chicken Fried Steak but then I make mashed potatoes WITH carrots. My stepmom used to make it when we were kids, it was a way for us to eat the carrots too LOL I'll have the step by step on my food blog later tonight, but pretty much all you do is throw in some diced up carrots with your potatoes and then mash it all together, it comes out this wonderful orange color and it's SO good. :)

Before I step out I'll leave you with what's going on around me.

On my bedside table:
At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
Circle of Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini
The Quilters Homecoming by Jennifer Chiaverini
A Wanted Man by Linda Lael Miller

On board from Netflix:
Christy the Series - Disc 1
Christy the Series - Disc 2

Latest interests:
Ghost Stories
Relearning all my Portuguese Culture
Finding blogs from All over the World

On my mind:
My trip to South Africa
Getting through all my TBR Pile

Learning:
How to have patience
Corel PaintShop Pro Photo
To like the base we are stationed at

Making:
Homemade Soaps
Portuguese Desserts

Looking forward to:
Seeing my family
One day returning to Idaho
A trip to the bookstore

Enjoying:
The New Ghost Hunters International
My children and Husband
All the planning involved in a big trip
Making new bloggy friends

Edit to add a meme :)

Cara at "Deep Fried Apple Pies" tagged me for this meme, so here we go.....
I need to list 7 weird things about myself.


1. I hate raw tomatoes, just eeewwwww, but I love them cooked in any recipe.

2. I always have to have the toilet paper with the end on the top, not underneath, otherwise I freak out. I don't know what it is....but please, if I come by your house, make sure it's on top. LOL

3. I like scratching my head. Not in a "I'm confused" kinda way....just for nothing, for no reason. Go figure.

4. I love anything to do with the paranormal and watch every scary movie or show on tv that is about hauntings and ghosts etc.........but I'm TERRIFIED of them for real and don't like seeing them for myself.

5. I don't like old movies....anything that is before the 1980's I won't watch.

6. I have to put Tabasco on pretty much everything I eat, especially scrambled eggs

7. I don't like wearing any kind of pants with a top that doesn't cover my behind. I always feel like I'm walking down the street and every set of eyes is on my butt. I know, I know I'm weird.

Alright, that's my weird stuff, now I'm going to tag:

Samantha (tee hee) - The corner of insanity and chaos
Katy - The Country Blossom
Jennwa - Ramblings of a Crazy Woman
Mari-Nanci - Smilnsigh
Bonnie - Simple Beauty

Yeah yeah, these are my victims for today LOL But don't the rest of you think you're off the hook, I'm sure I was tagged somewhere else and it will be coming round to you *muahahahaha*

And just like that it's it's gone........

Could someone point me in the direction of the kids on/off attitude button? Please!!!

I just realized yesterday that there has to be a button hidden somewhere under those cute faces, just HAS to be. There is no way that they can be sweet and sugary one minute and then back sassing and downright annoying the next......I have to believe that there's a way to control this LOL

Thank you all for the wonderful insight and advice you've given me about Jasmine and dealing with kids in general, so what I got from it was....

• It's a phase but it never really runs out *snort*
• It's normal - doesn't make me any happier, but ok.....lol
• I'm not the only one dealing with it - YAY (sorry but really, I'm just glad I'm not alone lol)

She was just pleasant as can be yesterday, like nothing had happened. I'm sure she was doing this behind my back though

Just a feeling I get! *shrug*

Anyway, I just finished updating my food blog, I've added recipes for Chicken Enchiladas and my Fettucine Alfredo, I also redid the recipe for the Feijoada (Portuguese beans). So if you're interested, or hungry or just bored, whichever the case.......go on over and take a look. If anything just go click on the photos, there's nothing like food up close to make you hungry LOL

I'm slowly going to make my rounds around blogland, I just hope you have coffee and a bag of energy for me, if not, I may just end up asleep on your couch.

I think some of you gave me awards or meme's or something, I truly apologize for not having done them, maybe this weekend since Curt has weekend duty and I'll be home alone with the kids. Just hope their OFF buttons are working right or else


My allergies are having a field day today, the construction across the street is picking up again and there's so much dust around, it's hard to breathe........I look out my front door and that is what I see, I just want to walk over there and tell them to knock it off, but that would be wrong and uncalled for. So I'll take my Claritin and be off in happy land LOL

No, but seriously, the allergies are frustrating as all heck to deal with. I never had any until last year April and then suddenly it hit me so hard I had no idea what it was, I honestly confused an allergy attack for a really bad congested nose, which in turn made me continuously use nose spray which in TURN made me get....uhhhh......I can't for the life of me remember the name, but it's when your nose then goes beserk has an adverse reaction to it. The more you use them the more congested it becomes until you feel like your whole head is about to explode.

So not a pretty thing. Maybe I really should go across the street and have a talk with them? LOL

I'm about to throw my dinner into the crockpot, with the allergies the last thing I want to do is....well........anything actually. I got the whole house cleaned yesterday, the laundry is all done and put away, the bathrooms and kitchen are clean, the bedrooms are tidy and the beds are made. There really isn't anything for me to do today other than feed the kids and husband when time calls for it.....wow! It feels good knowing that I can do nothing but read or catch up online or watch tv. Doesn't happen very often around here!

I'm going to head out and get the Best Chili Ever started, then make lunch for Nicholas and I. I'll leave you with some photos of Sun City in South Africa. It's one of my favorite places to go for the day and the kids are dying to visit.

Stop the roller coaster......

Please, I need out! I feel like I've been on an endless up and down this week and I'm running out of energy and patience, I need to be let out so I can breathe. UGH!

I'm so sorry I haven't been around, my poor family is probably wondering where I disappeared to, good news is I'm fine, we're all fine. Just overwhelmed and I don't know......

Jasmine is finally over her cold, she's back at school and being her usual perky, back talking, attitude throwing almost 9 year old. I swear it's like she's 9 going on 19!

I've had a really rough time with her this week, we've been butting heads to say the least. Is it always like this? Everyone says it's a phase but when does it stop? Cause I would like to know just for sure, I want to prepare myself, if there even is a way to do that. I'm just at my wits end, it's frustrating when you're a parent and you find yourself at a loss of what to do. Nothing like your child slamming doors while yelling "I hate you" to make you foresee the wonderful teenage years ahead. Help me mommy! LOL

Anyway, aside from mine and Jasmine's wonderful bonding moments *snicker*, things are ok. Curt is working weird hours this week so it tends to throw the whole schedule for a loop. Nicholas is doing good, he's got a bit of a cold just like I do, but we've been drinking lots of fluids and taking it easy, so we're keeping it at bay.

I haven't done much, I haven't read, I haven't blogged, I haven't watched tv. Quite frankly I don't know where the past few days have gone, I'm exhausted but can't give you details of why I got there. So if you see my energy laying around somewhere, go ahead and send it on back, I truly truly need it.

One thing I have been able to watch is the American Idol premieres and LOL No Words! I've just come to the conclusion that some people go on there for their 15 minutes of fame, knowing full well in advance that they can't sing or dance or apparently get dressed in matching clothes either. But yet I can't look away, it's like a bad train wreck, it's awful and you don't want to look but you can't pull away. Go figure!

I just got my Netflix movies today and I'm starting a series called "Christy" it's along the lines of Anne of Green Gables, so I'm really excited to start it, hopefully this weekend, if I get some time to myself.

Based on author Catherine Marshall's best-seller, this series centers on Christy Huddleston (Kellie Martin), an idealistic 19-year-old who leaves her upper-class city home for the rural community of Cutter Gap, Tenn., to teach impoverished children. Set in turn-of-the-century Appalachia, this heartwarming family drama also stars Tyne Daly and Randall Batinkoff.

**************************************

I've got a few recipes to post on my food blog but I don't have the time right now, so I'll do it in the morning.

Speaking of recipes, thank you all for the great ones you have been sharing in my Slow Cooking Thursday. They are wonderful and I can't wait to try them...I also noticed quite a few Weight Watcher recipes being posted, I'm so pleased because my poor hips are begging for a reprieve from junk food. Problem is I'm too weak, I can't fight the food cravings LOL

Anyway, I just wanted to come in and touch bases with you all, I will try to drop by your blogs tomorrow.

God Bless,

Slow Cooking Thursday!

All my slow cooking recipes are now online and starting today, I will add all the recipes shared weekly to my online del.icio.us site too. So if you're wanting to find ALL the slow cooked recipes that have been shared since the first SLOW COOKING THURSDAY, here is the link for you.

Don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky and a link back to your SCT post so others can come by and see your recipe too.

I haven't tried this recipe yet but it's on my menus for the upcoming weeks. In the meantime if one of you try it and like it, let me know ok???

SZECHUAN RIBS

4 pounds pork spare ribs, cut into single-rib portions
1 bottle (20-ounce) hoisin sauce
1/2 cup apricot preserves
3 scallions, chopped
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons Szechuan seasoning
1 tablespoon bottled chopped ginger

Place ribs in a 5-quart slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, combine hoisin sauce, preserves, scallions, sesame seeds, Szechuan Seasoning and ginger. Pour over ribs, stirring to coat.

Cover and cook on low heat setting for 6 to 8 hours.