Taking a little ME time today. Its long overdue.

Hoodie weather has arrived. Covering my garden tonight and hoping for the best.

Almond Vanilla Granola

Description:
This is going to be my new go to recipe for granola. It was very easy and came out great. You can add dried fruit before serving, but its best to store this granola in an airtight container without the fruit to maintain crunchiness.

Ingredients:
4 C old fashioned oats
1 C chopped almonds
2/3 C honey
4 T butter, melted ~ I used Light Smart Balance with Omega 3 instead
2 t vanilla extract
1/2 C ground flax seed


Directions:
Preheat over to 350. Spread the oats on two jelly roll pans and roast for 10 minutes. Stir the oats and switch the pans on different oven racks, (top to bottom, bottom to top). Roast for 10 more minutes.

In a large bowl mix the chopped almonds, honey, melted butter, vanilla and flax meal. Stir in the toasted oats.

Spray your jelly roll cookie sheets with non stick spray. Add the oat mixture and bake for another 7 minutes. Stir the granola and switch the cookie sheets, (top to bottom, bottom to top), bake for another 7 minutes.

Cool the granola in the pans on wire racks completely before storing in air tight containers.

ICU 9/9/11

I was suppose to write this Wednesday. It is now 2:30am Friday. Unable to sleep, this could get interesting....

“This week we want to…”

Me - I want to buy pajamas and garlic bulbs.

DS12 - Find a way to complete his Wacky Package Series 8 collection by constantly asking me what jobs he can do for cash.

DS15 - I'm sure his answer would be something related to working on his movie, "Soda Popper."

DH - The man doesn't make goals. I think he just wants to find a way to chill after working so hard all week.

“The kids are…”

DS12 - Has logged over 100 miles on his bike. He's also been doodling another series of Wacky Packages now that series 8 is out and he's back into collecting cards.

DS15 - I believe I saw a script re-write, and I know he's been editing on the computer quite a bit.

“I am learning….”

I'm not that predictable. There's a randomness to me that I need to accept and embrace.

“I am struggling with…”

Flies ~ This time of year they always seem to find their way indoors. I usually don't kill things, but...

“This week is the first time….”

I threw my jaw out. I think I did it screaming my head off at the Blind Melon concert. I didn't notice the pain until a day later, and I've noticed I can't connect my back teeth like I used to be able to. Its kind of freaky. A few days later here, the pain isn't as bad and I think my teeth are starting to come back together, but I'm not sure. If this is still like this in a few weeks, I'll see a chiropractor and maybe they can snap my jaw back into place. This creeps me out though!

“I am grateful…”

That even if others don't appreciate my awesome, I know its still there. I read a blog about how we all are born with our awesome and somewhere along the way, we allow others to take it away from us. I've reclaimed my awesome, and I'm not giving it up ever again. Click here for inspiration to reclaim your own awesome.

“My dream is…..”

Finding the time, inspiration and resources to create something wonderful.

BEST DATE EVAARR!

September 4, 2011 ~ I'm setting the DeLorean to this date and hitting 88 MPH.

My Soul One and I road tripped down to the Metro in Chicago to see Blind Melon. I'm recording the details here since my car is really only a Pontiac Vibe, without a flux capacitor. 

After feeding our young men McDonald's, we left them home to enjoy their parent free, game playing all night marathon. We packed the kazoo, the Illinois troll transponder and hit the road.

I grew up in the Chicago area and during my high school days, I saw plenty of shows at the Metro, but here it was, probably almost 20 some years since I'd been down there. (We did not go see Blind Melon back in 1995, before Shannon passed, because I was preggers with DS#1.) I remember it being a fairly decent place to see a show.

We found a parking spot on a deserted street. Turns out parking was prohibited due to the Cubs game. We pulled up just as that parking restriction was no longer in effect. SCORE! It was only 1 block away.

We ended up being around 25th in line. I had given up the hope of being in the front. When the doors opened, for some reason, everyone swarmed one entry point. I saw the Metro guy free and walked over. Since we already had tickets, we were able to walk right in and guess where we planted our feet? Stage front, in the middle once again, I couldn't believe how fortunate we were.

The first opening act, The Train Company, was pretty good. The second act, The Katz Company we didn't enjoy as much.

When our boys took the stage we were so excited. The crowd was a great blend of new and old fans and the energy was amazing. Complete Melon Love Fest!

Feeding off our vibe, Blind Melon was completely into it, delivering such an intense, connected performance. They all seemed to really be having a wonderful time playing together, playing for us. Travis surfed the crowd, hundreds of Melonheads buzzing their kazoos, even the Bee Girl was there!

After the show, the bassist Brad specifically handed his set list directly to DH. I know the band recognizes us and appreciates our support. All the band members jumped down to shake our hands.

We left the show Blind Melon buzzed, to a cool, just rained outside, midnight. We broke our pre-concert liquid fast, (no drinking before the show to avoid needing to use the facilities and miss the show), at the 24 hour White Castle. That Diet Coke and chocolate shake tasted so good!

While driving home with our cotton ears, we saw a shooting star. Could this night get anymore perfect?

I hope one day we can repeat this experience, but I know the band doesn't have any future dates on the schedule. The band members all have separate projects they are working on, but I'm hopeful the experience we all shared September 4, 2011, will motivate them to come together once again to relive and recreate this wonderful night.

Playing In Mi Cocina

DH thought I was trying to decorate the kitchen. I'm just trying to find places to dry out peppers. I really don't know how to tie a ristra, but everything I've read online about air drying peppers suggests keeping the peppers from touching one another. The Jalapenos I'm not sure about either because their skin may be too thick. I did slice slits in the jalapenos so I'm hopeful they will dry out like the other peppers. I could freeze them, but honestly, freezer space is a challenge. I love how much color this experiment is adding to my kitchen!

I made another batch of marinara sauce yesterday, and this batch actually came out red, not orange! After reading about a new friend's slow cooker technique to making sauce, I thought since its crazy hot outside, I would give this a try rather than using my stove top. I had several Romas that were on the smaller side that I didn't want to peel either. I simply washed the tomatoes, sliced them into chunks and loaded up my slow cooker. I added a few onions, garlic and Italian seasonings and set it to low.

Around lunchtime, after speaking with DH, I decided to add his turkey sausages into the sauce. I cooked them on the stove top for 5 minutes each side, and then threw them into the slow cooker with the sauce.

By supper time, the Sleepyhouse smelled AA-MAZZ-ING!! I removed the sausages and pureed the sauce. It was a bit too watery even though I did not add any. I suppose the water from the tomatoes couldn't escape as steam from the slow cooker. We ate it anyway with pasta, but the rest of the batch, I moved to a stove top pot to cook down. An hour later, it was perfect!!

This is my new way to make marinara. I don't know why all of my previous marinara attempts with Roma tomatoes have always ended up more orange than red, but the slow cooker method left this batch definitely red not orange.

Our Not Back To School Photos

Many of my friends and family are posting backpacked, beautiful children, heading off to their first day of school. I thought I'd share mine too, minus the backpacks of course.

ICU 8/31/11

“This week we want to…” 

We're having the homeschool posse over tomorrow, and I'm hoping they will enjoy celebrating "not back to school day" with us. I'm making brownies for the occasion. (Did you read that Cherie?:)) 

“The kids are…”

Destroying the house, literally. DS15 needed to film a scene in which his character busts in a door. I warned him to place a shoe or something behind the door to save the wall. He said he did, but the doorstop still cracked in half and now we have a hole in the wall. Its okay. I'm not mad. Its now a learning opportunity on how to fix holes in walls.

“I am learning….” 

About succulents ~ I bought several adorable little varieties, and I hope to not kill them with my black thumbs.

“I am struggling with…”

I think I'm cursed. (Or maybe just clumsy?) I have no idea how, but I tweaked my ankle. Yesterday I almost fell, but I caught myself, hard, on my wrist, against the wall. You would think after all these years my feet would have evolved to become Lego resistant. So now I have a sore, weak ankle and wrist and I feel like I'm 90. 

I'm also struggling with wanting nicer furniture. I feel like we have nothing nice and comfortable, and we don't have the money to buy new right now. 

“This week is the first time….”

I saw a concert broadcast in a movie theater. It was not such a great experience. In fact, I've sent a letter to the theater management letting them know what a let down it was. The sound was off, and the running time was much shorter than promised. I know there is nothing like being at a real concert, but I was still expecting a better experience.

“I am grateful…”

To be working from home this week!! I love being able to work on a project without interruptions, which is not usually how I get to work. I'm so used to multi-tasking, its rewarding how much more productive I can be without the distractions. I also love not having to drive!

“I’m looking forward to…..”

Attending the BLIND MELON concert with my DH this Sunday!!

Unschoolers Waterpark Gathering

Start:	Jan 23, '12
End:	Jan 27, '12
Location:	Sandusky,OH

http://www.unschoolerswaterparkgathering.com/

We're hoping the weather cooperates. We'd love to attend this once again, since we had such a great time last May. Going to make our reservation and hope for no blizzards or ice storms!

Recovering From My Stupidity

Was it my frugality, or my procrastination? The jar of homemade cranberry sauce from Easter had been pushed way back to the nether zone of the fridge. Without getting down on my knees and using my arms to push aside the more popular chilled consumables, I had forgotten it was there.

Deciding it was way past due to clean out the fridge, I found it, red on the bottom, gray green on top. Since it was a Ball canning jar, I decided to clean it out rather than chuck it. Unscrewing the cap and popping off the lid, I found the gray green fuzzy layer actually kind of interesting, but decided it needed a trip down the disposal.

Here's where my brain fails me. I turn on the water to rinse the jar and watch in awe as the gray green mold erupts into a cloud over my kitchen sink. I see infinite particles floating, dancing in the air illuminated by the sun shinning through the window. As I watch this work of art, I realize I'm probably breathing these little guys directly into my lungs.

I felt okay until after supper. The extreme fatigue came first, followed by a headache, no a headPAIN that hit migraine status in record time. I remember telling DH, if you have to take me to the hospital in the middle of the night, tell them it was mold grown on cranberry sauce and then I passed out.

Thankfully, I did wake up feeling much better. Lesson learned- always clean out the ENTIRE fridge every Monday, (garbage day), and the price of a new jar is worth it.

Since DH designs refrigerators now, I think I'll suggest  a computer tablet built in to the door where you could type in what's in there and when you put it in. A calendar could alert you before science experiments begin to grow. It should also print off shopping lists!

Frozen Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream

Description:
I wanted to make a more healthy chocolate ice cream treat. This came out very tasty. Next time I'm adding chopped nuts or peanut butter.

Ingredients:
2 C milk
3/4 C sugar
1 T vanilla
1 C plain non fat yogurt
3/4 C cocoa powder



Directions:
Whisk the milk and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Add the vanilla, yogurt and cocoa powder. Mix until well blended.

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and freeze.

I found this frozen yogurt firmed up faster compared to when I made traditional vanilla ice cream using whole cream instead of yogurt.

ICU 8/24/11

“This week we want to…”

Enjoy a weekend at home. We'll probably plan an ice cream party and make our first batch of homemade ice cream. They have decided our first flavor should be vanilla. I would have went with chocolate, but vanilla can be good too. You can always stir in add ins. :) 

“The kids are…”

DS12 used gift money to buy his first air soft gun. (I should actually make that plural. He bought a two pack.) I know these are popular with his peer group, but I had reservations. We had numerous safety discussions, and came to a consensus he was ready. I still am not 100% convinced these plastic air pellets are "environmentally friendly". Too bad the pellets aren't made up of natural fertilizers! 

“I am learning….”

How to truly live a fearless life.

“I am struggling with…”

This next coming week was going to be my own personal staycation, but after having to take on an unexpected project this week, it means next week I will have to play catch up. I can also foresee more clean up work coming my way because others are over burdened themselves. I guess I have extremely high expectations of others, and I'm dealing with disappointment this week.

“This week is the first time….”

I'm going to try growing a tree from a cutting. My friend is making homemade growth medium using willow trees, and I'm bringing the cuttings from my neighbor's peach tree.

“I am grateful…”

To have options. Changes are on the horizon, but I will look for the opportunities rather than mourn the past.

“The best piece of advice I’ve ever received regarding our life path in unschooling was…”

There have been so many great pieces of advice! How can I choose the best?

DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY, AND DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYONE ELSE.

My doubts about unschooling would only creep in when I tried to measure up to someone else's expectations, rather than what was best for my family's needs. When I finally let go and focused ONLY on MY children, that's when I could truly see how perfectly unschooling was working.

Moanday's Weekend Recap 8/22/11

Taking it easy this Moanday. Maybe it was the full weekend, maybe it was the strange insomnia last night or maybe it was the mysterious insect that has left several giant red welts on my body, but I'm feeling like a wilted flower today.

Here's the weekend recap.

Friday morning, we helped DS15 shoot some scenes for his movie at a grocery store. I made sure it wasn't one we frequented in case we ruffled feathers, but no one seemed to mind what we were up to. Friday afternoon, I helped him shoot more scenes at our local area park.

Friday night visited a family member for his birthday, enjoyed tasty Angry Bird cake. Late Friday night, I freaked out while watching Insidious. Its been awhile since a movie has made me scream out loud and run around turning on lights.

Saturday morning slept in a bit then went out shopping with my sister. Saturday late afternoon, lupper (lunch/supper) with my boys and DH. I believe we chilled out the rest of the night, I'm having a mental block here. Oh wait, now I remember! I made more healthy Oatmeal Walnut Fudge!!

Sunday morning up and on the road to G-Ma's house. After picking her up, we headed over to Illinois State Park Beach to do some hiking. (I find it hilarious that after growing up in that state, but living in WI since 1991, I can no longer spell Illinois without spell check!) Many of the trails are still closed after the storm about a month ago, but there were some open on the North end. We enjoyed a good hike, but I remember feeling like I was being bit up, although I saw no insects. We found a good sized snake and close by a chunky toad, along with several different species of grasshopper.

Sunday afternoon another Lupper(lunch/supper) this time at Infusinos for pizza and moe joes. Hung around with G-Ma watching Fear Factor and setting up the family reunion Facebook page before setting off for home.

Sunday night, could not sleep. Strange anxiety even though I had nothing to stress out over. (Stupid hormones?!) I'd start to fall asleep and then jolt awake thinking - I'm not getting any sleep and I have so much to do tomorrow! I think I was too tired to relax. Know what I mean? I should have gotten up and had tea or something, but for some reason, I didn't.

I woke up here Monday morning with large red welts on my arms. It must have been something at the park, but I suppose I shouldn't rule out spiders.

I went for a 45 minute walk early in the morning, despite the lack of sleep, only to feel like crashing by 11:00am. Recharged slightly with a veggie sandwich and watched a few International House Hunters while waiting for the laundry machines. I'm going to need a Diet Coke to make it through my shift tonight.

DS12 got his bike ride in and logged in his notebook. Today he went over the 50 mile mark! I'm so impressed by his dedication when it comes to exercising.

DS15 is suffering from allergies but still working on his films. I need to lift myself off this chair and see what he has painted for his latest homemade prop.

I'll continue plowing through Moanday and I know tomorrow I'll feel better.

Random Thoughts For Thursday 8/18/11

How about some completely random stuff?

Cheese Its have no sugar. So why do I find them so addictive?

Took awhile but the wasps have found the hummingbird feeder I moved just a few feet this season. We will have to move it again and hopefully confuse the wasps, but still welcome the smarter birds.

I never knew what those numbers meant on my washer until my son pointed out to me they refer to the time duration of the wash. I've had this washer for 10 years and this never dawned on me.

We're getting a refund from the dentist. I love our new dentist! I'm worried we'll lose her when she has her baby. They sent an email saying she's cutting her hours after maternity leave, but I'm worried she'll decide not to come back at all. Then again, I bet she has dental school loans to pay.

We're having spaghetti tonight for supper. As much as I want to enjoy the homemade sauce I made from the tomatoes from our garden, at the same time, I feel like protecting the jars. "No! You can't have my precious sauce!! It must be saved!!" I'll get over it and enjoy it.

Can I shop vac my laptop keyboard?

DS15 asked me what time zone the north pole uses. Good question! I love when my kids ask me something I have no clue about. We both get to learn in the process. The beauty of homeschooling! Whenever those who don't get it, ask me, "How can you teach them stuff you don't know," I try not to grin. I hope they someday find their own inner autodidact.

Despite my efforts, I am a homeschool snob. A family at the pool a few weeks ago asked me about homeschooling. They seemed really interested and impressed, but yet couldn't commit to it for their family. Last night the dad came up to me and said, "There's a really good website for you to use with your son. It has instructional videos..."

"Is it Khan Academy?"

"YES! It is. You know of it?" I knew at that moment I was a veteran. Ya dude, been there, done that.

Also last night a mother said to me, "I could never homeschool. They don't listen to me." My heart broke. I wanted to tell her my children listen to me because I listen to them. But how do I say this without sounding judgmental? Its hard to share your parenting style with others without sounding superior as well. I wanted to tell her, my kids really do love and respect us 100% because we have always loved and respected them, unconditionally. It wasn't that difficult.

I stopped being random there didn't I?

Breaking news! There's a chore war going on right now! I just heard DS15 tell DS12, "I cleaned the sink so you're left with the toilet." (I didn't ask them to clean the bathroom.)

"DUDE! That's not cool! Not cool! I wanted the sink." You snooze you lose DS12. DS15 beat you to it.

I actually would prefer the toilet. It seems cleaner than the sink.

DS15 is now cleaning the toilet himself. Interesting. Apparently he doesn't mind doing it even though he cleaned the sink.

Enough randomness. I'm really just procrastinating running to the grocery store.

Have a great day!

Just finished making basil, onion, garlic, marinara sauce and my taste buds have reminded me why its worth all the effort to grow tomatoes in my garden.

In The Garden Today

Should I clean up the house or clean up a garden bed? I decided to go with the garden bed because its so nice outside and butterflies can't keep me company inside without being in mortal danger from Yumi.

Look at how my tomato plants surprised me! I couldn't believe how much fruit I found on those withering, disease ridden plants. They are going out with a bang and perhaps I'll make some sauce after all. If I were a cat or dog, I confess, I would roll around in tomato plants. I love how they smell. I will have to research what to do with this bed after this growing season. With so much blight, I know I shouldn't grow tomatoes there again.

After looking over the rest of the beds, I decided to rip up most of the zucchini plants that were not producing. I saved a few plants that still have baby squash still trying to grow, but for the most part, the zucchini bed has now become the fall bed for Swiss Chard and my garden favorite, Sugar Snap Peas!! I hope they do well in their new spot. The old Swiss Chard bed I'm still harvesting from, but the peas have long been gone. Their remaining dried up vines are providing nice shelter for the Swiss Chard.

Next to go will be the old Swiss Chard/Sugar Snap pea bed. I will plant garlic there for next year.

Ripping apart the old garden is bittersweet. I'm emotionally attached to it after sweating over it all summer. In hindsight, I should have planted melons, but for years now our summers have been cool. You would know it the summer I decide not to plant melons, its brutally hot.

Having A Wonderful Weekend

I have the best husband. Just saying. I know how blessed I am to have such a great man, who takes care of me so well. He really knows how to pick out good roses too!

DH and the boys also got me Badger Balms and Badger Lip Balms. I love Badger products! (For the record, I am not being paid to say this on my blog.)

My other current present is the new Cage The Elephant CD! Awesome!!

I have a few books on order and we're shopping the market for an ice cream maker.

This afternoon we'll celebrate my official birthday meal out at Red Lobster for lunch. I know the boys are looking forward to those cheddar biscuits.

We may catch a movie this weekend too. We'll see how it goes.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend too!

Creepy Dude Creeps Me Out On My Birthday

I decided to wear a new blouse I recently bought myself, along with my favorite denim skirt. Doing so would make me feel good about myself, and I want to look pretty for when my husband comes home from work.

I had a notice the book I requested was in from the library, so I threw on my green flip flops and ran to the library.

Creepy Dude was at the desk, checking out. He turned to check me out. I was browsing the new book shelf, waiting for my turn, when I heard him begin to speak to me. I did not make any eye contact with Creepy Dude, but he began to tell me how I have on a nice green blouse. He told me my skirt should be green to match my blouse. He told me he really liked my green shoes. Creepy Dude, they're flip flops. You're either easily impressed or you have a fetish for green.

The entire time by the way, he's not using his library voice. Do Creepy Dudes have a library voice? The entire first floor heard him.

Inside my head, for a second I was mortified. I do not like unwanted attention other than from my husband. Why didn't I wear my burqa? Seriously, for a moment I was horrified, but then I quickly got over it. I can look good but no one gets these goodies except Soul One!

I looked up and made eye contact with Creepy Dude. I said nothing, but gave him a little smirk. The librarian looked like she wanted to rescue me, but she didn't have to. Creepy Dude left when I wouldn't engage his conversation.

Why is it every time I buy a new shirt, someone says something to ruin it for me? I once wore a dark purple satin blouse on a date with my husband. The hostess at the restaurant made a comment to me about how all I needed was a red hat. No offense to Red Hat girls, but I was a ways away from being officially old enough to join. Nothing like being told you look old to take the wind from your sails while on a date with your husband.

All that really matters is that DH will come home tonight and want to squeeze me. I'll tell him about Creepy Dude so in case he doesn't realize it, apparently I'm eye candy when dressed in green.

 

Maybe some retail therapy is on order? This 50% off coupon is calling to me from my purse. An early birthday gift for me from me? I think, YES!

ICU 8/11/11

“This week we want to…”

I'm looking forward to sharing my birthday weekend with my family. We'll probably have lunch out, but nothing else is planned. I want to relax and just go with the flow.

I haven't had the chance yet to pull up the garden and plant fall veggies. Maybe this coming week we'll get to that. 

“The kids are…”

DS15 is still working on his films. I was kicked out of the house so he could shoot scenes yesterday. :)

DS12 has been working on fixing up his room. He loves that he has the top bunk. I've been finding him up there reading more often. We all need a reading nest.

“I am learning….”

Food preservation techniques and all about chili peppers. I've also been looking for more recipes to use our garden produce.

“I am struggling with…”

Two words - Time Management!!

“This week is the first time….”

I tried a Lara bar - Chocolate Chip Brownie. Wow! How can these be good for you? They taste like candy! They're almost too sweet. I may have to look into how to make my own snack bars.

“I am grateful…”

The weather has cooled off and we've had a bit of rain. Having the windows open and feeling the cool breeze is exactly what I needed. Plus the ant invasion has subsided now that they can find water to drink outside.

“A fun thing I’ve done recently is…”

I've set up a Pinterest account. I'm just getting started but I can tell I'm going to love it. I'm a very visual person. Pinterest is a virtual pin board where you can post images. You can follow others who share your interests, or link up with friends. If you want an invite, let me know or follow me at https://pinterest.com/dawninger/