Roll Tide, Roll

We did the "loop" this Thanksgiving - sometime I'll have to explain exactly what the loop is - and ended in Troy.  James really wanted to stay an extra night so we could actually watch the Auburn-Alabama game IN Alabama.  With a lot of Alabama fans.  With a lot of people who would act crazy with him.  Maybe even someone who would act as crazy as him mom.  

Missing from this chaos are Uncle Tony and me, who also had our colors on.  If you check out the far left edge of the picture on the right, you'll see something that doesn't fit.  It was a lonely day for Barrett and Aunt Joanna, but they were good sports.  Uncle Keith had a good day with Tech winning over Georgia for the first time in 8 years.  (Even if he didn't get to see the end of it when CBS cut away to start our game - how frustrating.)

In the end, though, he was outnumbered and it was all about our game.  In the end, I don't think anyone at our house was quite as crazy as James's mommy.  (I was very careful not get to copies of my mother's pictures.)  And in the end, it was a very great game and we're still #1.   Florida win or not, national championship or not, it's been a great season.

 

The Best Carrot Cake Ever

I used to work with a woman named Pam at Prentiss Properties way many years ago. She gave me this wonderful carrot cake recipe that I absolutely love. I lost it for about seven years once, but she was kind enough to send it to me again. (Then, of course, I found it on that same index card I first wrote it on.)

These aren't all the ingredients, but they are the ones that make this recipe special. The original recipe doesn't call for raisins, but so many people use them in carrot cake so I'm including them here. I figure tossing in about half a cup would do it. (I don't include them.)


Ingredient List:
Cake
2 cups sugar
1.5 cups vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 cups plain flour
2 tsp soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
3 cups grated carrots OR 2 small jars baby food carrots (I use half of each - the baby food is the key)
1 cup chopped pecans
Icing
1 16 ounce box powdered sugar
1 8 ounce package cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 tsp lemon flavoring

Mix sugar and oil. Add the well-beaten eggs and mix well.

Sift and add the flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. (I haven't sifted in .... ummm, you don't need to know how long...I gently measure the flour, add the other ingredients and mix them together before adding to the batter.

Add the carrots, baby food and chopped pecans. You won't believe how moist this cake is. The batter will be a slightly orange-tinged color.

Bake in 3 greased and floured layers (I have come to depend heavily on that spray with the blue lid) at 325 degrees for approximately 30 minutes. Let cool before icing.

I am just not sure there is anything better than cream cheese frosting. Mix the powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter and flavoring. The recipe calls for lemon, but I seem to always be out. Vanilla works just fine. I also always double the recipe because I always seem to have a bit of a dip in the middle of my layers. Extra frosting does a great job leveling those out. (And, everyone could use a little bit extra of that little bit of heaven.)

Alas, the picture of the cake itself will remain a mystery. We have that whole issue of those settings, but we had another little issue tonight. I pulled out the wrong cake pans. The ones I used don't have perfectly straight sides. (I am not really sure why such cake pans are even made, but I'll ponder that another night.) Do you know what a layer cake looks like when the sides are not perfectly straight? That's right. A Christmas tree. Only without a point or a topper. So, since there's not picture just use your imagination. It's a beautiful, creamy white, perfectly level cake (because it has all that extra frosting in the middle). I also happen to know it tastes good because I had to hack off all those limbs from the sides (You know I'm all about recycling - they just couldn't go to waste. As a matter of fact, I think those pans are getting recycled next trip to the thrift shop.)

Enjoy!

CBT's Special Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISTOPHER!!

YOU ROCK.

Happy Thanksgiving

Below is an excerpt from "A Thanksgiving Day Proclamation" by Abraham Lincoln as edited, abridged and strike and changed for 2008:

"The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with blessings.  To these blessings, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity,, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing military. and navies of the Union. 

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders or of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than theretofore.  Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.  They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people.  I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwells in the heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.

We have much to be thankful for.

James's Milestone

The long-awaited day finally arrived.  James got to sit in the FRONT seat.  He's not quite twelve, but we had eight little boys including Christopher to get home for Christopher's birthday party so we couldn't quite get everyone in the two vehicles we have.  He was so excited - he kept saying the view was so different.

The funny thing was he is so light he didn't even trigger the airbag, which was what we were worried about.  Doubly funny because my workbag turns it on.  He's growing up.

Christopher's Party

When all was said and done, CBT's party was....well, it was a success.  As has been his tradition for the last several years, he decorated the cake after I got the initial coating of icing on it.  He just never trusts me to do it the way he wants it.  Can you say control issues?

 

                                    

All my worry and concern about the activities were for naught.  He took control immediately and off they went for a light saber war while we got lunch ready.  We then had a session on how to use a compass, which he had asked me to lead.  Seemed appropriate given the Indiana Jones theme.  (Keep in mind we had Indy soundtracks playing in the background the entire party.)

Once we had the experience with the compass under our belts, we headed out to the woods.  We saw the creek and with the help of James, we found the remains of a deer.  Not many of the bones were left, but they were fascinating.

                                          

We found the skull, which Michael was not afraid to display.

                                         

We had a quick lesson about how bones fit together, where the spinal cord would go and what it would do, and we closely examined its teeth.  It was very interesting.  (I know, we're still working on getting all those camera settings working together all at the same time.)

                                       

After a quick lookout, we headed back to the house for cake and gifts.

                                           

We had a really good time and can't believe Christopher is already eight.  Next year would someone please remind me to trust Christopher with the invitations, the cake decorating and the plans?

Happy Birthday, Aunt Joanna!! Pt II

Should have known Joanna could find any picture at a moment's notice.  She had a good picture of both of us so rather than depend on the kids....here we  are!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Joanna!!

It's Aunt Joanna's birthday.  We don't announce ages here.  Let's just say she is younger than I am.  Joanna is my brother's wife and she is a very cool lady.  She is a terrific teacher, unbelievably creative, and looking dang good these days.  

I couldn't find a picture of her in my thousands of pictures - I have some in my head, but just can't remember which years, events, etc.  (I know that's why you're supposed to add those keywords when you load your pictures...whatever.)

Instead, I found a picture of our offspring.  Joanna and I both had to have a second child so we would have one that looks like us.  Barrett, the one who looks like her, is standing next to Christopher in the front.  

Happy birthday, Joanna.  I hope it's a truly great one.

Truly a Good Day

It's late and the almost birthday boy is in bed.  (Yes, still shooting in Manual.)  With a few moments to myself I have a few observations.  I've been particularly prolific the past few days.  Don't misunderstand; I don't really think I have that much more to say, I just choose to do this over all the over things I need to do.  In spite of a very long to do list, today has been, well, it's been a truly good day.

As I think back over the day I realized it's been a good day because I've just been a mom today.  I didn't do a single (not even looked at a) solitary work e-mail.  I did errands this morning - a drop off at the thrift store and a Christmas shopping expedition to the frame shop.  Rushing back home so Keith and James could make cycling practice and CBT could make a birthday party.  That gave me some alone time.  At my house, alone time is defined as dropping off the 10,000 magazines we gotten in the last 60 days or so.  (When you internet shop because you don't have time to regular shop, you get kazillions of magazines.  I think I'm keeping that industry afloat just with my recycling efforts.)  Then, there's the stop at the gas station and, of course, the return to the grocery because I forgot those frozen hash browns that go in the casserole for tonight's covered dish.

Whew!  Finally home alone for 2 hours.  This is where I confirm that I have issues.  I have to rotate through tasks to keep from getting bored with them....wrap gifts for 30 minutes, clean the bedroom for 30 minutes, scrapbook for 30 minutes, read e-mail for 30 minutes.  (Oh, I hear some of you - I know you can get your room completely clean in 30 minutes.  Just keep your thoughts to yourself.)

During one of these rotations, which also included vanilla cupcakes with white icing because not all little boys like the chocolate birthday cake with chocolate icing, I got reconnected with one of my best friends from high school.  My guess is that she lives less than a couple of hours from here.  Sad that we've been so close and not in touch, but very cool that we "found each other."  

Time to pick up Christopher and I realize that the candles I purchased yesterday aren't in the bag.  Get Christopher home and go BACK to the grocery store - this is the 3rd trip for those of you counting- to get my candles.  (Worth the trip.  They have a kind of checkerboard pattern.  James picked them out.  Sorry - another rabbit trail.  Probably pics later.)  Now, I'm starting to run out of time to get the casserole done for the dinner tonight.  Fortunately, the recipe says it only takes 10 minutes of prep time and then bakes for about 55 minutes.  

I start said recipe and read lines like "mix then layer" and "cut 4 chicken breasts in bite-sized pieces."  Now, I don't who they hired to cut their chicken, but I couldn't cut 1 chicken breast in bite-sized pieces in 10 minutes.  Finally, the chicken casserole is done.  The cake is done and iced (with CBT's assistance).  The cupcakes are done.  It's time to go to dinner.

It's a covered dish dinner for Hermann and Linda Alb.  He is the doctor who started the mission in Guatemala and, of course, Linda is wife.  We love the Albs.  We also love has they help us to quiet our spirits and just be still.  I wish you all could have heard him speak tonight.  He just makes you want to serve others because of what God has done for you.  It was a tremendous end to my very hectic, but very excellent day.

Addendum:  For those of you wondering how the plans for the birthday party are coming.  I'm told it is still under control.  I have been assigned a "session" on how to use a compass and there was something about Elvis impersonations.  (You see how little hair this child has, didn't you?)  Again, I was told, "You just get the pizza and have the cake ready."  I shouldn't doubt him.  He did do most of the invitations (except the address) and he did handle the decorations.  Stay tuned.  This should be fun. 

Distractions

No pictures tonight.  All my effort went into The Photography Experiment so you'll just have to settle with words.  Use your imagination.  It'll be good for you for a couple of short minutes.  

It's finally the end of the week.  A very, very long week.  I made sure it finished with a bang.  I had lunch with TG- hadn't really seen her since June.  She was on both Guatemala trips with James and me.  Seeing her was a great was to take my mind off everything.  She told me about an unbelievable sale that the Liz Claiborne shoe store was having - another great way to take my mind off things.  James went with me after dinner tonight to run errands and was so absolutely precious.  He went around the store helping me find shoes and purses.  One lady told me "he was too cute" as if I didn't already know that.

As we were driving home, I was thinking about how sad the blog sounded last night and then about the story I told a few work friends yesterday afternoon to lighten the mood.  One of the ladies has worked really hard and lost a lot of weight.  I am really impressed and proud of her.  

As we talked yesterday the discussion turned to losing weight and my lack of success so I relayed how a recent doctor's visit went.  My doctor mentioned to me that studies have proven the only true correlation to long life is being skinny.  I asked him if he knew what a 90-year-old actually looked like (and usually felt like).  I am not so sure that I aspire to that, especially if it means starving myself.  I've seen those people on TV who live on 1,000 calories a day in the hopes of living to 100.  

(You know what I'm thinking.  I'd do that then get hit by that proverbial bus....all those sweet potato casseroles missed for nothing.  I digress.)   

Well, my doctor is a persistent guy so he kept it up.  At our age...now I'm really not at an age where's it appropriate to refer to my "age" that way - it gets very offended....it's all about portion control.  I protested, "My portions are very nicely sized.  I take very small portions. I just like lots of them because there are so many things I like."  He seemed a little disappointed at that point.  

Unfortunately, he anticipated my next line of offense when I started talking about exercise he offered that professional weightlifters could WORK HARD for a year to put on 5 pounds of muscle.  So, I guess I needn't mention my theory of working out causing my fat to turn to muscle and weigh more....ok, probably not.

I'm not sure we ever really got on the same page.  I think it broke down somewhere around not having the same long term goal, but at least he cares.  Maybe I'll bring him sweet potato casserole back from Thanksgiving.

Tough Days

I have wanted to blog this week, but not really.  My friend Molly, who should probably be named my best friend Molly (or bffM in reciprocity), has continued to update her blog with stories of our trip last weekend - molly-blogs.  (Anything titled "MollyMath" has got to be good, right?  She has pictures of me today with one super-duper awesome lens.  (Speaking of, I think my new 50mm lens showed up today.  I can't wait to play with it.  I hope you can tell a difference with the pictures - please tell me that you can tell the difference even if you really can't.)

Honestly, I have been in a little funk this week.  We have been expecting a layoff all week.  I haven't been so worried about myself as I have about the many friends I have from work.  Everyone has been so anxious as rumors have circulated.  I have been so thankful for Pastor Randy's messages on suffering and how God uses that in our lives to bring us back to Him.  My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you- plans for your welfare and not your calamity."  I know that even seemingly bad things are ultimately for my (and His) good.  But, still I have been worrying about my friends.

Today was "the" day.  I still have a job, but so many people that I have grown to care about over the years don't.  It's every bit as hard as I thought it would be - did you know you can't actually reach through the phone and give a hug?  

The weekend should be a good distraction.  We have dinner plans tomorrow night and Christopher's birthday is Sunday.  I keep trying to get him to help me plan the activities, but he keeps assuring me that "everything is under control - you just need to worry about the pizza and the cake."  Right.  Eight 8-year-olds and I just need to worry about the food.  Stayed tuned for what hopefully turns out to be some better pictures.

Couldn't Have Said it Better

Last weekend was the big photography class trip.  I have to admit I was dreading it a bit beforehand.   I should have known better because traveling with Molly is always fun and easy.  She knows me so well - maybe too well.  

I was afraid we were off to a bad start when we couldn't figure out how to turn on the computers.  My Mac laptop at home has a very obvious on/off button.  The MAC thing there did not.  After our dubious start, we did alright.  It turned out to be pretty fun and I actually learned a lot.

I am even starting candisnaps - a new blog to make myself practice.  (Candi is a tribute to Molly who has called me that since I was 5 - as has everyone else who has known me that long.)

Because she did such an excellent job describing our adventure, I'm just linking to her site for her November 18th post (after I previewed it, of course - anyone who has known me that long knows things).  Thanks for a great trip, Molly.

mollyblog

"Arabama's #1"

I haven't really gloated this entire season.  Except that one minor slip the week after the Georgia game with a couple of guys in the office - actually just one of the guys who just didn't gracefully acknowledge their whuppin'.

Yesterday we had a prospective investor in from Japan, who during the meeting, mentioned that "Arabama is #1".  [James, note the use of the who/which clause.]  That comment, of course, led to the immediate discussion that maybe not after today.  Which, of course, led me to the conclusion that whatever gloating I wanted to do I needed to get in TODAY before 3:30 EST.    So, here it is....BAMA's #1!  BAMA's #1!  BAMA's #1!!

Boy, does that feel good.  It's been a long time.  It is fun to watch an Alabama game.  It's fun to have to guys play good games - to look like they've been coached in the basic fundamentals.

However it turns out today, let it be known that I'm a Bama fan and, at least for these few hours, I'm gloating.  

My Favorite Things About Halloween

I always get a sugar pumpkin at Burt's Farm to make a honest-to-goodness, from scratch pie.  It's a little messy, but so good.

It's not a short process.  You cut open the pumpkin and clean it out.  It takes a while and my hand is always killing me when I'm done.  The receipe doesn't mention it, but you don't want to do this in your favorite white blouse....not that I know this from experience.  Place cut sides down  in shallow baking dish with small amount of water.  (You'll know if you don't have enough water, because you're kitchen will begin smelling like something is burning- again not because I know this because of personal experience.)  Cook at 350 degrees until tender.  Scoop out cooked pumpkin.  I find the skin just pulls off.  Whatever works for you.

I'd like to share with you my favorite recipe.  It comes, of course, right out the recipe book from Burt's Farm.

1 c cooked pumpkin (see above)              1 cup sugar

1 c milk                                                         2 eggs

3 tablespoons plain flour                          1/2 stick butter

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon                         1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg                                1/4 teaspoon cloves

1 pie shell

Mix sugars, flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves together.  Set aside.  Mix cooked pumpkin, milk, eggs, and melted butter together.  Pour pumpkin mixture into pot.  Pour sugar mixture into pumpkin mixture.  Stir until completely blended.   Cook on the top of the stove on medium heat, stirring constantly to keep from sticking.  After mixture becomes thick, pour into pie shell.  Bake pie on 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until center of pie rises.  Cool before cutting.

I

It's a lot of work, but so worth it.  Even the little guys like it.

I also love the smells of each season.  My favorite Yankee Candle for Fall is Spiced Pumpkin.

Of course last but certainly not least, is trick or treating with the boys.  James decided he was too old, too cool or something this year.  Christopher on the other hand spent a lot of time on his costume.  I think he did an excellent job with his Indiana Jones costume.  We had a wonderful time together - we hooked up with a few friends we knew from baseball who chose to dress up as girls.  I think that Christopher even more adorable.

Do You Know What Today Is?

I should be getting the trick or treating post up and I will.  Just not right now.  I am really enjoying the freedom of "owning" a blog.  I blog when I want about whatever I want.  Several of you right now are snickering.  That's ok.  It's my site and you can snicker all you want. 

Last night very smart, amazing second child (see October 25th post) was explaining to me the relationship between Martin Luther and Halloween.  There were a few things lost in the translation until I got an e-mail last night from a group from who we buy things from time-to-time.  Today is Reformation Day.  491 years ago Luther posted his 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg Church.  I think you can see the relationship.  (CBT, as he is frequently referred to in writing because Christopher has a lot of letters,  was probably thinking his mother very dense to not get this.)

Well, the group that sent the e-mail advocates having large families.  Obviously not something that went down the path we them on, but it did make me think that Reformation Day would be a great day to share some family photos with you.   For those of you who are family, how many do you recognize?  I would love for you to post a comment on this one and let me know.

 

Who would have know that this "hot mama" would have gone one to become one mean, hard AP English teacher?

CBT says this little girl is tiny (and Papa skinny mini then).

Doesn't this look like a stereotypical 60's family?  I am concerned that CBT thinks Daddy is holding Uncle Tony.  That was a bad haircut.

Any guesses here?

Quality isn't great, but can you figure this one out?  The family history for this one has been tough.

Unlike this one where someone in this pictures has traced the family history quite far back.  Maybe that's another story for another day.

Extra credit here.

I have always loved this one.  Can you tell where this one is taken?  Historic place.

Feel free to share this one with other family members - the site's not restricted any more.  I know you're reading because you e-mail me - post a comment for this one so others can share.