Ketchup. It's the new applesauce...

Chloe would eat pureed would chips if I dipped it in applesauce. Some of the combinations that have resulted from this discovery are anything but appetizing...  

This week, I found another one of her weak spots.  This just in:  ketchup is the new applesauce...

I gave Chloe ketchup for the first time a couple of days ago.  It was a hit.  I tried to show her how to dip her little piece of hot dog in it, but she thought scooping it up and eating it directly off of her fingers was a better technique.  

Hey, who I am I to judge?

So this morning, when she wasn't exactly in the mood for scrambled eggs, I had an idea.  Lots of people put ketchup on their eggs, right?  Probably because their momma tricked them when they were 13 months old.  Whatever.  She ate her eggs.

One day I read on McMama's blog that her kids dip their broccoli in ketchup.  Dude. Gross. Is what I thought at the time.  Sorry, MckMama.  I get it now.  It's so not about the ketchup.  It's obviously all about the broccoli.  

My grandpa used to eat peanut butter and ketchup on his pancakes, so gross obviously runs in our family, too.   "Grandpa, that's disgusting!" I would say.  "It's good.  You should try it."  He would reply.  Yeah.  Probably not.  I don't understand why anyone would do that to pancakes. It's just wrong.

So, it would seem I have a new trick up my proverbial sleeve.  Now when Chloe decides she'd rather pass on the spaghetti, I'll be pulling out the ketchup instead of the applesauce.  Because let's face it, spaghetti and applesauce?  Not so different than grandpa's breakfast.

I hurt myself with the macaroni salad...

It was good.  I couldn't help myself...  I didn't even bother with the meat.  I literally ate two entire plates of assorted salads.  Don't judge me, okay?  I can't eat chocolate.  If pasta salad makes me happy, I will eat buckets of it.

What a great weekend.  It's kind of nice not having many plans on a holiday weekend. I mostly did what I wanted when I wanted.  Frank got a lot done.  Aside from partying a little too long (read: refusing to go to bed) on Friday night, Chloe had a great weekend, too.

I kicked off the weekend with a two hour massage on Friday afternoon.  Heavenly is putting it mildly.

I can't even remember what I did on Saturday morning... Maybe a little grocery shopping? Apparently, the massage induced coma lasted into the waking hours.  On Saturday evening, Frank golfed and Chloe and I hung out with Ginger, Joy and the boys...

Sunday we went to a new church.  That is a long story that I won't go into, but the moral of the story is when God tells you to do something, do it.  The same year that he tells you.  Not because bad things will happen if you don't, but because the right things will happen if you do.  I could be speaking prematurely, but it *might* be our new home...

After church, I got to break away for the afternoon.  I hit the outlet mall and got  a few new outfits.  That's always fun!  They had some screaming deals.  So I did what any creature of habit would do.  I bought the same things I already own, only in a size that insures that I don't wear them around my ankles...  Yep - I've lost some weight and have basically no shorts or capris that can be worn without a belt.  Synched tight.  Yesterday while shopping, I was wearing a pair of bermuda shorts that are too big.  I had a belt on, and they were still sagging.  I literally looked like one of the 13 year old boys that I used to teach, with my draws saggin' something fierce.  I was cracking myself up.  It was ridiculous.  

Enough of the play by play of my weekend.  I'm sure you're on the edge of your seats to know what happened today, right?  I ate a bucket of macaroni salad and then I exploded.  The end.

In other news, I found out my brother will be here on June 9th!  I cannot wait.  I haven't seen him in over a year.  In fact, I think it's been close to two years.  I was pregnant for Chloe the last time he was in town.  I can't wait to see him, but I am super excited about Chloe meeting her Uncle Matt for the first time.  I think they will be fast friends.  Just over two weeks!!!!!!

Well, I hope all of you found joy in the small stuff this weekend, too.  Salad,  clothes that fit, friendly faces and what not.

American Idol Finals

sniff...

I can't believe it's over.  I've definitely never been this obsessed about American Idol.  If you didn't get a chance to stop by last week, check out my post here.

Wardrobe:

Randy - I'm not sure what you were thinking - but somehow, it works.

Kara - Nothing too exciting.

Paula - Neon.  Though, I've seen her more Prom Worthy about 8 times during the season.

Simon - Button it up.

Vitamin water commercial - pretty funny.  The deer copying his backside, "all we do is work!" And the bunny?  Too cute.

And down to business:

Adam Lambert - Mad World

Wow. Smokey. I don't know about the trench.  At first, I thought it was a dress and I had two mini-flashbacks.  The Korn concert and Jane's Addiction.    Randy thinks he's on Sesame Street, again.  A for Adam.  C for cheesey.  Last time he was on, he played the xylophone...  The babbling Paula is back.  I'm not making fun, just stating facts.

Kris Allen - Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone

This is one of my all time favorite performances of his.  Once again, it was flawless.  My prediction is he wins it.  I know I should probably wait to hear more, but I know there are a very few that will base their voting on tonight's performances.  It would make a heap load of sense that Danny's votes are going to Kris, and if that happens, well - sayonara Adam-san.

Adam - My Change is Gonna Come

Did he sing this song before?  I need my Tivo. I missed what Ryan said before he sang. Chloe is hogging it, with her refusing to go to bed self.  Let's tie Kara's hands behind her back and see if she can say a word.  Honestly, girl.  Simm. Er. Down.  

Kris - What's Going On

Yeah - this is new material, right?  What did I think?  In a word?  Eh.  I didn't think it was that spectacular.  Yes - I agree Simon. Too laid back.

Adam - No Boundaries

hmm...  I don't like the song.  It definitely doesn't seem Adam's style.  ugh. Yeah, no.  I wondered if this was going to be a repeat of the Blake v. Jordan.  Remember that one?  Blake stood no chance with that silly song...

Sandra, quit lying.  Kentucky Grilled Chicken is not fantastic, or vantastic, which is what it always sounds like your saying.  I don't know, maybe it is.  I haven't eaten it.  I have two things to say: 1.  A little late getting on the health train, eh KFC?  and 2. Who would go to KFC for chicken that you could make on your back porch?

Kris - No Boundaries

Yeah - I knew it.  This song is so much more up his alley than Adam's.  If I'm being really honest the song isn't that great.  I think Kris did a fine job and I don't quite understand why no one wanted to give him any feed back on it.  One last attempt to point votes in Adam's direction?

And here's Carrie Underwood to demonstrate that this is, in fact, a singing competition that can be won by someone with ABSOLUTELY NO DANCING ABILITY WHAT.SO.EVER.

Kris will win.  

Please come back and visit.  I will miss you all!  Thanks Boo Mama, for connecting me with all of the other Idol fanatics!!  It's been fun.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta watch...

GLEE!!!!

Which I'm loving, by the way!  It's like Boston Public meets The Wonder Years!

WFMW - Thawing Cool Whip Fast

I got a screamin' deal on some canned buttermilk biscuits the other day.  They were on fire sale, due to the "I burst into flames tomorrow" expiration date issue...  So I bought 6 cans.  And I had coupons.  he he he...  Who's laughing now Pilsbury Dough Boy?

I digress.

I had some canned biscuits to get rid of so I made a quick and oh so easy Strawberry Shortcake. The recipe could be my Works for me Wednesday tip.  Oh, SO EASY!

Canned buttermilk biscuits

frozen sliced and sugared strawberries

Kroger brand cool whip

Talk about easy.  I decided after dinner that I would whip this up.  I thought I had taken the cool whip out of the freezer yesterday, but I hadn't.  How to thaw the pesky frozen cool whip quickly????

Google.

So I floated the cool whip (in the container, of course) in cold water while I was baking the biscuits.  About 10 minutes was enough time to have plenty of mostly thawed cool whip around the edges.  It was enough for 2 helpings.  Okay, more like 4.  We like the cool whip over here... I'm guessing 30 minutes would have been enough time to thaw the whole thing.  Maybe warm water would have sped up the process a bit.

So there you have it!  10 minutes sure beats the 4 hours that the container recommends!

Click on over to We are THAT Family for more great tips!

Holy Blonde Hair, Look What I Found!

If I love it, I link it...

I came across some noteworthy stuff this week....  I only wonder if I'll be able to find/remember it all.

It's not a linky-day if I don't link to Angie, so I'll kick it off with this.

MckMama's Free Will post makes me wonder if she goes to Greg Boyd's church.  That would be cool.  I love that guy.

This post over at Shaun Grove's blog, aka shlog, (clever?  um, yes.) rocked my freakin' face off. Seriously.  I'm right now planning a scheme to have this read from the pulpit at every Sunday morning service in every one of the fifty nifty United States.  No, I'm not.  But wouldn't that be something if I had those kinds of connections?

If you have that 'I'm lost in the mall and can't find my mommy' feeling, 'I know God will never leave me or forsake me, but I think he might have anyway' feeling, or maybe just the good old fashion - 'I've fallen and can't get up' feeling, this post by Kacie is for you.  

Check these out, people.  You won't be sorry.  

Happy Reading Ya'll.  

American Idol Top 3

And Pauler's hiding.  Neat.  Okay, I heard she's admitted to a drug problem.  I didn't listen to the newscast, so I don't know the details, but I sure hope she's going to get it figured out.  I will start praying for you instead of making fun of you, Pauler Paula.

I was looking forward to 3 songs each, looks like we'll have to settle for 2 each and a whole lotta bla bla blabity bla from the judges.

Danny Gokey - Dance, Little Sister

I'm usually totally turned off by a song I don't know, but I definitely see why she chose it for him.  It fits him quite nicely.  I wish he'd stop dancing, but he sounds pretty good.  Looks like Danny is on tonight!

Agreed, Kara.  Jiratey.  Pretty sure that's not how you spell that, if it's even a word, but I'm guessing you know what I mean....

Shucks.   I forgot about Glee.  I was gearing up to swear off TV for the whole ding dang darn summer.  May have to re-think that one...

Kris Allen - Apologize

Before he even starts, let me say - I don't know about this.  I hope he kills it.  Suddenly, out of nowhere, I'm pulling for Kris.  Well, not nowhere.  Last week, what with all the funny business and  all but trying to FIX the stinking show?  Yeah - I tried to vote for him.  And I don't vote. Ever.  Well once every four years, but not with the phone...  I say tried, because I couldn't get through - which made me feel pretty good about his chances...  I digress.  I apologize.  I know, it's too late to apologize.  Never mind.  Did it start off a bit low?  I figure it's because of the high parts later.  Yep.  Wow.  I'd say he did pretty dern good.  I don't know about killing it, though.  I have to say - I do agree with the judges.  I expected him to do a little something different with it, but it was still good. 

What in the world?  Every last one of the judges is actin' a complete fool!  Hush up already.  Oi, this is going to be a long night.

{Speaking of long night, Chloe decided she didn't want to go to sleep, so she's watching with me, and every time I pause it, she pitches a huge fit.  Seriously?  It's my turn, sister!}

Adam Lambert - One

Hmmm....  I did have the chicken skin, so I think that means it was good, but oddly enough, I wouldn't say that I loved it.  I didn't think that it was the best song Simon could have picked. He sang it near flawlessly, as per usual, but I'm not over the moon.

{Simon, it may be a huge upset if Adam isn't in the finals, but it won't make a lick of difference with the boy's career, so what does it really matter?  Answer me that one.}

Danny Gokey - You Are So Beautiful

Whew, Danny!  Look at you with your high notes!  When he first started, I wasn't so sure - but I'm definitely diggin' it.  And Chloe is singing along, so I'd say she'll be dialing up her Elmo cell phone later.  Except, please Jesus - let her be sleeping by then, please, please. Amen.  Wow.  I'd have to say he nailed that one.  Nice work!

Kris Allen - Heartless

Kanye, what? I don't know this song off the top of my head, but I can't believe Kris is about to sing a Kanye West song.  Please don't let this be a kamikaze mission.  Okay, sounds pretty fab to me, but so did last week's...  Oh good, the judges love it.  Phew!

Adam Lambert - Cryin'

I think this song choice could come back and bite him.  Ever notice how sometimes the song you wouldn't want to sing on your way out sometimes ends up being the song you have to sing?  That being said, it would be pretty shocking if he doesn't make it through to the finals, in light of a "rocker" being voted off last week.  I'd say it's safe to assume he'll be getting a lot of Allison's votes.

And on with the singing...

 

Is the back up singer off key?  It don't sound too good, whatever the malfunction is.  Yeah - I don't know what was up with that, but I certainly wasn't blown away.  At least not in a good way.  My mouth fell open with that first attempt at harmony, and well  I couldn't shut my mouth until he finally shut his.  I cannot wait to hear what the judges say.  REALLY?  No one is going to say anything about that?  

Whatever.

Alright, now that the whippersnapper is in bed (For the ENTIRE night, In Jesus' Name) I re-watched Adam's last performance.  It might be one of my least favorite Adam performances of all time.  It wasn't good, ya'll.  What an unfortunate night to stink up the joint.

I have no idea what will happen tomorrow.    I honestly have no problem with any one of these fine fellas winning.  Despite tonight's choke, I think Adam has been worthy of it all along. Danny has been one of my favorites since I laid eyes on him.  Kris, while he's never been my favorite, totally deserves it and would probably be my BFF if we knew each other IRL.  I heard his uncle or cousin or something on Family Life Radio today.  Apparently, he has a whole mess of kin up here in yankeeville.  Who knew?  Anyway, according to Uncle What's His Name  he loves Jesus like what and is beyond the Real Deal.  Now that, I'll vote for.

I can't wait until tomorrow!

I think Boo Mama might be sitting this one out...  I sure hope she puts Mr. Linky on the job, I do love a good American Idol blog carnival...  If not, go to last weeks post on her site and check in with all your favorites that way.  That's what I'm gonna do...  

I'm happy to report that a certain someone seems to be sleeping.  I'm also horrified to report that I forgot that I fed her an early dinner so we could go watch Auntie Kels kick the soccer ball, and I do believe she was starving and that's why she wouldn't sleep.  One hearty snack and a good long drink later and she was ready for bed.  

Oops.  Sorry punkin head.

Pretty Much The Best Thing That Has Ever Happened To The Universe

Pretty strong words, don't you think?  

Apparently, the New Cherry Dr. Pepper is pretty darn good.  The above statement is what my sister (age 16) used to explain to me the level of satisfaction the new flavor of Dr. Pepper has brought to her life.

Oh, to be young again.

Who am I kidding?  I probably would have used some equally overly dramatic phrase to describe it if I had the opportunity to try it.  Sadly, caffeine doesn't exactly agree with me these days, so the only Dr. Pepper I get the pleasure of consuming is of the decaffeinated variety.

Chloe is up with a cough that rivals the bark of a dog, so sooner than later I may be really sad about the caffeine situation...

Sigh.

I guess you'll know how it turns out if this post is later followed by a live blog of whichever episode of Sesame Street we watch to pass the time.  I'm guessing that series would be less popular then the American Idol version.

So, if you'll excuse me - I have to see how using a Cheez It cracker for a tire works out for the Twiddle Bugs.

See what I mean?  Pray for me.  If Chloe goes to bed soon, that would be pretty much be the best thing ever to happen to me tonight.  

Hands down.

American Idol Top 4

Mixing it up on Idol....  Duets? Better yet, Rock duets? This I've got to see...

Oh my mercy Adam is kicking it up a notch!  I didn't even know that was possible.

And Slash, I don't even know what to say.  Well, since I was a huge metal fan (HUGE) once upon a time, I can speak intelligently on the subject.  

But I won't. 

In fact, I'll just keep pretending that I didn't spend a lot of money going to concerts like Korn, White Zombie, Pantera, and OzzFest.

Yes.

I went to OzzFest.

I do not recommend it.

No condemnation, people.  Jesus forgave me and you should, too.

Speaking of no condemnation...

Adam - I'm taking it to new heights with my guyliner and manscara - Lambert Whole Lotta Love

Alright, listen.  I realize most people who find their way to my blog probably do not have a history with the heavy metal, but please tell me you can see talent when it stares you down and sticks its tongue out at you.  That was crazy good, yo.  Crazy good.  That a capella part?  What? UnBelievable. 

{Okay someone get Kara some medication, quick!}

Allison - My hair and lipstick match perfectly - Iraheta Cry Baby

Is it too low in parts? I guess it was just the beginning.  Wow.  That was pretty good.  A lot of hollerin', but like I said last week, if I hollered that good - I'd be doing a lot of it.  

Oh and Holy Boots! I would not want to met those boots in a dark alley.

Kris and Danny - Wouldn't it be AWESOME if they did a Casting Crowns song?  I would just die.  - Renegade Styx

I agree completely with Randy - the harmonies where sick.  (Slang for excellent for any of you without a 22 year old brother.) I think Danny sounded good, but Kris didn't blow me away at all.  Powerful and compelling?  Yeah, definitely not.  

{Where are they with those meds?}

Kris Allen - Come Together

I'm so glad he changed his mind.  I think Revolution would have been not so good.  Let's see what he does with Come Together.  Oh my word.  I'm LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY that Kris said he almost wanted to pee his pants!  All I can think is, Kris!  You don't want to pee yourself you just do it.  You don't think about it.  When you're overwhelmed or scared silly or whathaveyou - it just comes out.  Now, if he'd said he almost peed his pants.  Wouldn't have been funny.  But since he said he almost wanted to pee his pants, I'm about to pee mine.  Great, now you're all thinking that I'm the one that needs the medication.  You might be right.  

Moving along.

Okay - I pulled myself together and I'm loving this!  Loving it.  Wow.  For starters, I have chicken skin.  (read: goose bumps)  That.  Was.  Hawt.  I loved it.  His vocal were tight.  He was into it.  I loved the arrangement.  He worked it out, dawg.  So good.  And I really think Revolution would have been cheese E. 

{Pauler has word of the day toilet paper and I'll give you one guess.  Compelling.}  

What, Simon?  Really?  Are they freaking trying to throw the competition again?  Have I bumped my head?  I would say was my ice cream bad, but I haven't had it yet.  What in the world?  I need to watch it again, I guess.  My first reaction is usually right.  Am I alone?  Am I deaf?  What is going on?  ** I watched it again and stand by my original reaction.  **

Whatever.

Danny - this could be the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life - Gokey  Dream On

First I would like to state that this is a really hard song to play on Guitar Hero.  I think it will be 132 times harder to sing live.  Would you like to join me in prayer?  Oh Danny, I hope you know what you're doing...

Hmmm....  For a second, I thought he was going to nail it.  The chicken skin even came back for a sec.  Then I got irritated by his annunciation, then the chorus came, and I thought he might be bringing it back around. But then he missed some notes, and then he blew it on the last...  the last...  whatever you want to call it.  You saw it, you know what I'm trying to say.  That was not so good.  Eek. Honestly, it (the song, not the end) was a lot better than I thought it was going to be, but it wasn't amazing.  Not even a little. (or perfect or that great, according to Randy.  I agree, Dawg.)  Yes, Simon, horror movie - that's what I was looking for. That last whatever was horror movie worthy.

{Oi, Pauler's cup runneth over.  Again.  Didn't they say she had some announcement?  Is she pregnant?  Isn't she a little old for that?  Yeah, that's probably not it.  Never mind. Oh, and Kara.  More early Aerosmith?  Crying and Crazy are both newer Aerosmith.  Is that what you meant to say or did you bump your head, too?  It hurts, doesn't it?}

Allison and Adam - What will they sing?...  Slow Ride!  This is the Guitar Hero Theme Song!  At least, around here it is!

Oh, Adam...  Give Brett Michaels his pants back!  I'd say they did much better than Danny and Kris.  It was pretty good.  I have to say for both duets, they did a really great job staying together.  That's gotta be tricky.  I'll also have to say I'm glad it's a solo competition.  

{Pauler, a shirt that does it's job is also a beautiful thing.  Just sayin'.}

My TiVo cut off.  I didn't get to hear what Simon said about the final duet.  Did Pauler have an announcement?  Help a sista out.

Only two more weeks, friends.  I'm really quite sad.  I get more comments for AI posts than the rest of the week combined.  Whatever will I do to lure you all back?  I saw a commercial for the Bachelorette.  I can't do it.  I just can't.  I seriously would feel less icky at another OzzFest.  I'm not even joking.  So, if you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them!  

Don't forget to click on over to BooMama and see what everyone else thought of Rock Night.

Until next week, Rock On.

Stacy London Would Have A Heyday In My Closet

I need an intervention, a controlled burn, or maybe I should be arrested by the fashion police.

I seriously considered calling Big Mama for advice while I was attempting to clean out my closet.

"Yes, Texas?  Could you connect me to Big Mama?  No?  What about Beth Moore?  I think she knows Beth Moore.  Connect me to Beth and I'll have her forward the call."

The funniest thing is, when I got online to see what everyone was up to today, I find that Big Mama cleaned out her closet, too.  The difference is she actually gets rid of stuff...

Back to the dilemma at hand.  I am a certified pack rat.  Pack. Rat.  If it isn't junk mail or the Sunday paper, I keep it.  Period.  

Birthday cards from when I was 11?  Check.

Papers I wrote in high school?  Check.

Our wedding napkins from 10 years ago?  Check.

I'm aware that it's a sickness, but I'm not a fan of the drugs, so here I am with my sick self.

When it comes to clothes, I have multiple elaborate systems to purge old, obsolete clothing. These systems fail me repeatedly.

For instance, last year, I collected 4 huge storage containers of clothes with which I was ready to part.  My mom priced them for a garage sale, I played Taps and then it was time for the garage sale.  It was to be at my step-mom's house.  

It never happened.

So the marked, mourned clothing went into my closet.  I've dug through it seven times, since, and have resurrected, ( from the dead, people) two pair of capris that would have otherwise gone to some skinny garage saler.

In some crazy twist of fate, more of the clothing in the garage sale closet fits me than in my actual closet.  I don't quite understand the math of it all, but I'm twenty pounds lighter than I was when I got pregnant with Chloe.  If I figure out how it happened, I'll surely let you know....

So, now - as I clean my closet, I feel completely justified in my fear of:

A. throwing anything out, for fear it might be just what I need, at a later date.

B. selling anything to size 10 strangers.  (Because let's face it, size 10 and I will meet again,  just not in time to wear the super fun clearance scores from the end of season sales last year.)

Here's what I needed to ask Big Mama:

1.  Will flare legged jeans ever be in style again?  And if they are, will I be able to stand the weird (loud) noise they make when the legs rub together?

2.  Will the not-so-long t-shirts ever be missed if I huck all 173 of them into the bonfire?  I am what my grandma used to call "long waisted".  I have a long torso, grandma. 

3. What about the poncho?  Is it gone forever?  If it comes back will it be too late for me?  I'm already afeared to wear the leggings, in case I might look like a 12 year old.  

4. What about my purple Gap khaki type pants?  Should I wear purple pants?  They also have a bit of a flare, so go back to #1 and begin again.  What about my red Dickie pants?  They're more of a boot-cut, but should I be wearing colored pants at all?

I'm sure I could go on and on.  Do you see my problem?  Praise God my ADD kicked up and I moved onto less stressful pastures...  

I think my bed is covered with turtleneck sweaters, though.  That could be an issue a little later.

I'd like to return this digestive system, please. It's defective.

I forgot that my tummy always used to hurt.   What is this cruel joke that my digestive system has been playing on me for the last (almost) two years?

Tonight was the second night that I didn't nurse Chloe before bed.  She had no complaints with the weaning, and surprisingly, I was the one who was a little sad...  It was a long year, and 95% of me is doing a really obnoxious celebratory dance, but the other 5%?  She's a little sad...

Until I begin to realize that nursing was not only the best thing for the little darling, it apparently had more perks for me than I even realized.

I've had issues that point to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) for quite a few years.  I've never been officially diagnosed, which is fine, since the diagnosis is basically the result of ruling anything else out, anyway.  One of those, "Hmmm....  yeah.  I don't know?  We can't seem to put our finger on it.  Well....  Let's call it IBS.  Yes, definitely!  IBS it is!" sort of diagnoses.   

I hadn't really even noticed those symptoms had gone away, until the last week or so.  When they came back...

Sigh.

So, it would seem I'm back to feeling, well, crappy a good portion of the time.

Awesome.

I don't know if we'll have any more children or not, but if so - I just may nurse for two years!