Tea Time with Grandma

So somehow I managed to clean the table, counters, floors, bath the kids, go for my one hour walk and still be ready at 1pm for tea time with Grandma. Trust me its Amazing!!


My clean counter - had to take pictures because tomorrow I am hoping to be able to decorate for Christmas which means this counter will be covered will all my decorations while I try to make it look nice.



And then came Grandma - honestly I am very fortunate to have such a great step mom. She is wonderful with my kids every couple weeks we get together and have tea time.
Today we planned the menu for our Thanksgiving meal and how and when we will spend time with Dawn and David.
However I am really too tired to do anything more but rest and wait for us to do more deep cleaning tomorrow and then the fun part - Decorating!

A Very Full Day

My little cutie!
So today I have been working all day long, I started with dishes, an hour walk with my neighbor then more deep cleaning. Earlier today we had our garbage emptied now its half full!


My clean laundry pile that I still need to fold and put away, at least its all clean!


Our kitchen table, I have my step mother coming for tea tomorrow so this mess needs to be all cleaned up!

My list of things to do tomorrow

1. Clean kitchen floor
2. wash dishes
3. Vacuum living room floor
4. fold laundry
5. make lunch and tea
6. put up Christmas decorations

AHHHHHH that is one huge list add to the fact that I will also being going on my daily one hour walk in the morning.
However it is raining right now so I might get lucky and get my morning walk scrubbed! At least one can hope!
We are trying to get the whole house cleaned and organized before Wil's surgery on Thursday so that way we can spend those days just getting him better.

Now for a quick book review I recently read the book "Not quite a bride" which is a hilarious book about a 30 year old woman who's younger sister is married and pregnant, and when her best friend also gets engaged she gets desperate to have her dream wedding while she is still young so she hires a fake fiance.
It just goes from bad to worse as the screw ball comedy gets more and more out of hand.
While its not a work of genius it is really good for a laugh!

Another Surgery

The picture is my husband yesterday helping our neighbors set up their new laptop posing with their cutie putie baby Samuel. At this moment he is back over there hooking up their internet to a wifi router.

Today was his Dr appointment and if you read the title of this blog what comes next won't surprise you - next Thursday Wil goes back under the knife. They are removing his tonsils and shaving down his Uvula, besides the fact that he has tonsillitis, and sleep apnea they also said that his tonsils, Uvula and something else I can't spell or say are abnormally large!
Great right? Yep married less then 8 years and going on surgery number 3! Don't get me wrong he's most definitely is the most perfect man in the whole world for me I just wish he didn't come in a broken body.
But I guess such perfection had to have a down side so failing body is what I get and trust me out of all the options out their I would take it over some of the other horror husband stories I have been told in the last several years.
They say he should be able to eat turkey by Thanksgiving his plate just might look like I was feeding a one year old (all tiny and cut up for those non parents out there).

The cleaning and the organizing took a down turn today when my very bored daughter decided to throw flour on her bedroom floor - again she lost her toys and this time I will have to go through her boxes and decide what to throw away. Which quite frankly is not hard she just loves to hold onto McDonald's toys, toys that are missing cloths and have had their hair pulled out this just gives me a legit reason to throw out the junk I wanted to anyway to clean up her closet.
Have I mentioned that I am having my sisters come in for Thanksgiving and that I am trying to clean my home?
AHHHHHHH!!!

Yes, that might also be why I am losing my mind however at least my husband should not lose his job for taking so much time off this year because of strep. Which I have been worried about.
He is also going on 4 days of losing his voice and still not being able to find it again - he really should work on that you know.

Movies, Cleaning and Organizing

So we cleaned all our VHS off our shelves, sorted and separated. Several hours later we have the shelves cleaned off and most of the VHS sorted into piles.


This is where I am going to put up our Christmas stocking's and decor for the holidays (stay turned will update with in a day or to with pictures)


This is the pile of VHS we are going to keep for now, the we can't live with out these movies and kids movies that we don't want to buy again.


These are the boxes of VHS that we gave to our next door neighbors I really hope they like them but we also told them if they don't like them that they could give them to a library, the DI or a hospital.
My feet hurt, I am dusty and very tired. Wil and I have also started cataloging our videos so we will know what movies we have, what they are rated ect.
I am still trying to clean up the home and decorate for Thanksgiving and my Sis's coming in.
Right now I am unwinding watching SG1 and waiting for my feet to stop hurting enough to take a shower however I may just give up and decide to take a bath instead a good soak sounds nice.
Not quite sure what we are going to clean tomorrow but I am sure something will be cleaned and hopefully I will get some of my Christmas items put up - I still need to buy a silver snowflake stocking holder for Gideon's Christmas sock however I think we can pick that up tomorrow while we are out taking Wil to the Dr.

:)

So I can't count... who cares?

Ok so I have a week and a half until the sis's come in.
Today Autumn learned the words: Stand & lamp. Yeah!!
Gideon practiced his sounds and slept a whole 3 hours in his own bed last night which of course is amazing!
We bought some new fishes for our fish tank and a light for our frog tank all in all they all seem very happy.
I got the guest bathroom clean today (which is amazing) and Autumn helped with cleaning the floor - pine sol is about the only cleaner I feel ok with her using.
but what is a mom to do? She needs to learn to clean and I need to not freak out about her using cleaners.
Which of course is not easy to do, she is 6 and wanting to be a big help while not paying that much attention.
My laundry is piling up and while I am trying to get it all folded and put away I would much rather be doing something else ... anything else.
Today we hit Savers and picked up another 8 books which just makes both Wil and I very very happy, one day when we have a new home I want a huge library.
We are just waiting now for Wil's doctor appointment on Wednesday to say if he needs stronger meds or if he needs his tonsils removed.
I am not quite sure which I want but he has been so sick this year I think getting his tonsils out would really help him stay working which we really need right now to be able to afford Christmas.

House Cleaning & Weight Loss

So my sisters are coming in 9 days (at least Big sis is I am unsure of mid sis's arrival date). I however am having a hard time cleaning and getting ready.
I am getting very excited to see my sisters again this will be the first time the three of us have been together in 2 1/2 years (since our family Disney get together) this is going to be a thanksgiving to remember.
Mid sis just moved and was released from the hospital (blood clots in her lungs) and big sis has lost over 20 pds in the last couple of months.
So we are all excited to get together and talk - the hard part is going to be who talks first!

I want to finish cleaning enough to do some Christmas decorating however unless I get started that won't happen.
What is not helping are my little monsters!!
Autumn three days ago decided to mix lotion and water and then paint her walls, bed and floor with the mix so instead of cleaning my home for visitors I am washing walls, sheets and scrubbing floors ... autumn lost all of her toys and learned how to clean carpet all in the same day!
She is now slowly earning her toys back and will learn how to clean her bathroom with me tomorrow.
My problem is how many more "issues" are the dastardly duo going to throw in my path over the next 9 days, not to mention that my husband is having tonsil issues and may have to have his tonsils removed.
How and when we don't know he has an appointment Wednesday with a ear, nose and throat specialist. Ironically he could have throat surgery right before Thanksgiving - Yeah!!

As for my weight loss I started at a 22 then dropped to an 18 (my last weight loss blog) I am now a size 14 besides eating less and healthier my neighbor and I are walking 5 days a week and have been for several months now.
I have more energy and feel better then I have in several years.
So I am more than half way to my goal weight and am getting very cold walking in the morning now, soon I won't be able to walk outside with my neighbor and I will have to stick to the treadmill by myself - which will be harder to do every day by myself.
However now that I have a pattern and I have alot more energy and drive I pray I will be able to continue working out on my own.
And that by next summer I will be at my goal of a size 6-8 with the energy and healthy life to maintain.

DRAMA & Whoopie Pies

The story starts two years ago we needed to move from our apartment to an allergy free home.

We found a mobile home in a nice mobile park that became a safe haven for our daughters severe cat & smoke allergies.

We have worked hard fixing up the inside, taking care of problems as they came along but for the most part we had a friendly relationship with our park manegement --- til last month.

After finally being able to buy a new mattress we moved our old mattresses out onto the porch and contacted management to find out if they still offered trash pickup (something they offered as part of park services when we moved in 2 years ago). Turns out that while they have raised park lot fee's 20 dollars a month in 2 years they have lowered the services we recive from the park.

Instead what we recieved was a "friendly reminder" that our mattresses needed to be properly removed.

Within two days we were able of course to remove them and continue on with life right? WRONG our mobile home office management team decided to invade our property (Renters Rights Violations all over the place) take pictures of our property and then send us a 7 day clean or EVICT notice - what for right?? A wagon & two bikes that you can not see from the front of our home and my CHILDRENS TOYS on our front porch - all 5 toys. --- Not kidding. Since our mobile home's Property lease is up in June our first response was to try to move into a new home by June but while the rest of the country is having major cheap houseing I was unable to find a nice home for under 150K, so our new plan is to stay for another year save up every dime, hubby is going to work over time and we will move next spring hopefully for the last time for a long time.

We have also given the office in writting a warning that they walk onto our property without written warning that we will have them ticketed and/if needed removed from our property by the police, needless to say we have talked with 3 lawyers and the local PD.

So if you are ever in the market looking for a mobile home put this place on your list of NOTS.

MEADOWBROOK VILLAGE 1240 HUMMINGBIRD ST, SALT LAKE CITY, UT

Manager Teresa Wolfe.

Since I have been dealing with such ridiculous stress from some pathetic life forms I need a stress break hence Whoopie Pies!!

Maybe you have noticed this wonderful growing trend or have been reading up on these in the news they range in different flavors, sizes and fillings but they sound yummy!!

So I am adding in some of the recipes I found
Whoopie Pie
Time: 1 hour / yield 6
FOR THE CAKES:
1/4 pound (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup buttermilk
FOR THE BUTTERCREAM FILLING:
3 large egg whites
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 pound butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
1. For the cakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until light and creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, flour and cocoa. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, and combining well after each addition.
2. Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, scoop out 12 1/4-cup mounds of batter and place about 6 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until tops are puffed and cakes spring back when touched, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before filling.
3. For the buttercream filling: For best results, follow directions carefully, paying attention to required temperatures. Fill bottom half of a double boiler (or a medium saucepan) with an inch or two of water, and bring to a boil over high heat. In top half of double boiler (or a metal bowl), combine egg whites and sugar. Place over simmering water and whisk just until sugar is dissolved and temperature reaches 180 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
4. Using a whisk attachment on a heavy-duty mixer, whisk egg whites and sugar on high until they double in volume and become thick and shiny. Continue to whisk until cool. Reduce speed to medium and begin to add butter about 1/2 tablespoon at a time, until all the butter is incorporated. Add vanilla and salt. If mixture looks curdled, continue to whisk until it is smooth. Increase speed to high and whisk for 1 more minute. Use immediately or place in an airtight container and chill for up to 3 days, whisking buttercream again before using.
5. For assembly: Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, place 1/4 cup buttercream on flat side of each of 6 cakes, spreading it to edges. Top filled half with another cake to sandwich the buttercream. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Amish Vanilla Whoopie Pies Recipe

Ingredients
1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
5 cups flour
1 tbsp vanilla
2 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks
1/2 cup hot water
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
.
filling:
2 egg whites
2 Tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup shortening
4 Tbsp flour
1 pound powdered sugarDirections
Cream shortening, sugar, salt, eggs and vanilla. Mix flour, baking powder and add soda with water and milk. Mix together.
bake 425 degrees 5-8 minutes.
.
To make filling: beat egg whites until stiff. Add vanilla, flour and milk. Beat well and add shortening and sugar.
Place cream filling between two cookies.
Enjoy!!!

Amish Whoopie Pie Recipe
Cookies:1 cup shortening2 cups sugar1 cup hot water with 2 tsp baking soda4 1/2 cups flour4 eggs3/4 cup cocoa1 cup sour milk2 tsp vanilla1 or 2 shakes of salt
Filling:1 cup milk1 cup shortening4 Tbls flour1 tsp vanilla1 cup sugar
Preparation:
Mix cookie ingredients together. Batter is slightly thick so it can be dropped from a teaspoon. Drop onto cookie sheets into small rounds, trying to keep them roughly the same size. Bake at 375 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 8-10 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet.
For the filling: cook together the milk and flour until thick. Place in a small bowl and add sugar, shortening and vanilla. Beat until spread-able.
Choose two cookies about the same size, spread some filling on one and place the other one on top, bottoms together

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
MAKES TWELVE Prep Time: 35 minBake Time: 10 min
1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, 1 stick melted, 1/2 stick softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon plus 2 pinches salt
1 2/3 cups flour
4 ounces cream cheese, chilled
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the baking powder, the baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour.3. Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop 12 generous mounds of batter, spaced evenly, onto each baking sheet. Bake until springy to the touch, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.4. Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the cream cheese. Add the confectioners' sugar and the remaining 2 pinches salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; mix on low speed until blended, then beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.5. Spread the flat side of 12 cakes with the cream cheese frosting. Top each with another cake.

Now to make this world a better friendlier place lets all go make Whoopie!!