Ugh - Frustrated

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 26

I have been trying most of today to upload and post pictures. I choose my files and they look great. I upload them, and Blogger turns them. So when I try to post them they are turned sideways.  FRUSTRATED!

Carmen's expression is how I feel right now.

So..

So tomorrow is another day.
So sorry.
Blessings,
Jerry Ann

State Trip

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 23

Stephen had his State Band competition in Tampa last weekend.  The band ended up third, which was disappointing, but they did their best.

Choctawhatchee High School Band  This is their YouTube of their full performance. Their official name is the Style Marchers.  They do have style!  They had to cut it to 6 minutes for the competition, but it is a very impressive show.

 Me, Beth and Julie - we call ourselves "the Besties."

This is at the Tropicana Field in Tampa after a all day outside field semi-finals.  My hair!

Me, Stephen and Carmen

We were so very proud of him, and his band.

Well, I am off for a shopping day...but wanted to post a small bit about last weekend.  There is more.  Much more.

Happy...

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Great Finds

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 20

I cleaned a corner of the garage the other day.  Yes, just a corner.  I will post the before and after later (much later at the rate as I am taking forever on it.) But in this corner of the garage was a shelf.  And on the shelf, lots of junk.  I threw away most of it (old gardening gloves, old craft paint and brushes, etc).  But then I found this:

It really doesn't look like much.  And to anyone else looking at these items, I am sure that they would dispose of them just as quickly as I did the other items on the shelf.  But, if you look closely, you will find a measuring tape, two crocheting needles, a crocheted bag, and a cup made of tin and old clothespins.

What you don't know is that these are my Mom's crocheting needles that I have looked everywhere for after she passed.  So 6 years now, lost and now found.  Joy. Leaping joy!   The bag is from Germany, and is used for shopping at the bakery or butcher shop.  You have to carry your own bag (Germany has a handle on the re-use bags---we in the US should take note), or purchase one and they can be expensive.  My mom used this one all the time.  Measuring tape was from my Dad.  He would keep this in his pocket just to measure whatever, because you never know when you come across something you need to know how long it is. ha.  The cup.  That cup was a Father's Day gift to my Dad that I made when I was in the Brownies.  Yes, Brownies.  So I had to be 5 to 7 years of age.  Crazy.  It is made from a soup can with a top cut away, clothes pins that have been taken apart, glued, and secured with copper wire.  It used to set by the land line telephone (remember before cell phones?) in the kitchen with lots of pencils that were sharpened by a pocket knife.

Now it sets by my moms coffee cup, right where I can see it daily.  Treasures found.  Really.  I had no idea that my mother kept this after all those years.  As I am going through rooms, buckets and bins, I am discovering more of these things.  Many things I am disposing.  But these items today, brought back a smile, giggle, and tears.

What do you treasure?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Disney 2008

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 18

Do you feel the magic? What? The magic of Disney!  

Carmen and I love Walt Disney World in Orlando.  We want to go again.  I don't think Stephen wants to go again.  He wants to do Universal (and so does Carmen).  I think there is something to do with Harry Potter there.  But David is in Bagram and it will be a while before we go again.  And we have gone since these photos were taken, but I thought I would go down memory lane and take you with me.  All of these photos are from our July 2008 trip.

 David and I at the Boardwalk.

 David, Carmen and Stephen with their carnival wins.

 At Cinderella's Castle breakfast.  I love this photo.

 Not strong enough. 

 Nope, David can't do it either.  

Love them.

The rest are our attempts at making fish faces.

David's blow fish.

 Mom! 

 Carmen kept making herself giggle.  

 

 Finally.

I love this part of vacations. Just being silly.  Happy memories.  Although, I am ready to feel the magic again - very soon!

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Time Flies

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 16

Wow. Time really does go by quickly.  Years are flying by.  Faster as we get older.

I have been looking at my digital photos trying to find specific photograph.  When I find it you will be the first to know. But in the mean time, another trip down memory lane.  This one goes back a little further in time, all the way to November 2000.  Carmen is about to turn 8, and Stephen is about to turn 4.  I love the beaches here on the Emerald Coast.  No matter the time of year, sunsets are always beautiful.

 Playing in the sand. 

 Carmen.

Stephen.  I get this look more often now that he is 

almost 16 than when he was 4. 

Love your children.  Hug them. They grow up in a blink of an eye.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Dexter

NaBloPoMo 2012 -Day 15

Dexter is the name of our dog.  We have had him now for almost 5 years.  He is a great dog, very loving, friendly (most of the time), and playful.  He is some sort of rat terrier, and is about 25 pounds.

We have taught him some tricks to do for treats such as: speak, sit, lay down, roll over, stand up, twirl (stand up spin), and bang-bang (play dead).  He knows what the difference is with his ball (tennis ball), bone (chew bone), and rope (play rope).  He is very smart.  I believe that he has trained us well. ha.

He likes to go for car rides.  He is like most dogs when riding in the automobiles of their owners, sticking his nose out to capture every smell.

Please excuse the photo quality (taken with my phone and backwards at that, but being safe -at stops).  Here he is nose out the window, acting like a regular dog.

And no more than 5 minutes later, he is sitting in his seat.  He acts like he needs a car seat.  I swear, he is a person sometimes, well most of the time.  He certainly acts like it, especially riding in the car.  He will get bored with the smells and sit for a while.  He will lay down and nap if he is tired, or we are going farther than he expected.

He is family.  We love him.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Homecoming 2012

Well, we all grow up, eh?

Stephen.  Almost 16. Homecoming 2012. 

And with his date - far right -(Christina) and friends.

Life is about having fun, right?

Love this photo.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

P.S. I don't like looking at how old my children are getting

...means that I am getting older as well. Pooh. 

Progress...

Progress...I believe that I have acquired some recently.

Progress in thought that I have adjusted to the new routine of not working daily.  Well, sort of.

I had the privilege of meeting my hubby in London in September.  Wonderful.  We haven't seen one another for about 4 months.  So it was a good break from his work in Bagram Air Base (Afghanistan), and for me to confirm the decisions that we have been making.

David and I at the Tower of London

Yes, we did all of the tourist stuff, and many museums. David is a geek of sorts, and loves armor and history. I love the Queen, and everything about the Monarchy.  So we compromised and got to see what we both wanted to see around the city of London.  We didn't really travel out of the city.  We took our time each day and discovered things that we would not have gone to if serendipity hadn't occurred. Walking everywhere in London wasn't easy, but it was fun to do especially with David.  

But most of all, I really enjoyed just spending time with my best friend.  Talking about our past, present and future.  We enjoyed the time with one another.  David is now back in Bagram (prayers always appreciated), and I am back home with the kids and their schedules.  It was really good to be connected with him again.  I think both of us were a bit lost without the other for a while.  

The camera ad above is my new camera (got it for my birthday)...and yes, we took lots of pictures in London.  By lots, I mean 1928.  Yes, that number is correct.  My dear hubby took most of them, and the majority of them are pictures of items in museums (like game pieces that the Romans had played).  I did tell you he was a geek right?  I do love him, so very much. It is taking forever for me to sort through them though.  ha. Such is life, right?

On another note, my IV therapy's have been going very well, (I do them once a month for about two hours) and I believe that I am doing better with the day to day of living with Lupus.  The daily stress is gone from work although I truly miss the daily activities of the church.

I am changing my habits to healthier ones with my diet.  I am trying to be PRODUCTIVE.  My Mom was German, and stated that "We must be productive!" every day. ha.  I do try, really I do.  Sometimes I have convinced myself that I have been productive if I am up and showered.  And depending on my fatigue level, that is good enough for me.  Our family goes by the Spoon Theory with my health, if you are unaware, please click on this link.  http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/
Christine does a wonderful job explaining hidden illness and how we deal with it on a daily basis.

So, progress. I just wanted to update all of you.  Life is good, today is better than yesterday.

Have a great week.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Changes

Changes.  There are always changes.  Seasons of life.  Birth. Youth.  Single Adult. Married. Children. Divorced. Widowed. Death.  We can count on these things, just like taxes.  ha.

Changes are once again happening around our house.  Carmen has moved back home from college.  Summer is almost upon us.  Another year has gone by.

My hubby has accepted a job offer to do computer work in Afghanistan.  He will be gone a year, and that is to begin very soon.  We are trying to accept the next year joyfully, gratefully, anxiously.

We were talking tonight, and he said to me, "I'm not nervous about my physical safety, I am nervous about missing you."  I melted, and try my best not to cry.  I somewhat held it together.

My precious daughter said this, "My mother landed the lead role in a Nicholas Sparks movie.  My standards have been set."  I lost it with her.  This meant the world to me.  We (kids and I) have struggled for the right man to be in our lives, and we have found him.  God blessed us, and we are truly grateful.  I am grateful that my daughter has a Godly man in her life, and that she has a standard for marriage.


We try to do our best daily. Moment by moment.  I just try to keep up.  We all do right? 


Prayers for traveling mercies appreciated.  Prayers for our most immediate needs to be covered.  I know that we will be provided for, always have been.  Prayers for David with endurance, strength and time to pass quickly.


Blessings today and always.


Jerry Ann

Thanksgiving Thoughts and Recipes

Wow...it has been forever...I am so sorry.

Lots of wonderful things were cooked for Thanksgiving, but the main reason for the holiday for us is family.  Whether or not you are truly family doesn't matter.  Just grateful for friends, family of friends, and my precious family.

Carmen was home all week from Auburn, and Tori was here from Spring Hill.  Stephen was at school until Tuesday, and spent the night with a friend.  So he finally made it home on Wednesday evening.

I am still trying to eat healthy, and so far lost 9 pounds.  Healthier foods have been key in this life style change, and we reflected it at Thanksgiving as well.  Carmen actually complained when I told her that I wasn't making my Dad's oyster dressing.  So, I ended up making it, and it turned out just like his.  I have tried in years past, but has not turn out right.

This year it was perfect.  We made tons of gluten-free items for Tori, and what we made, the rest of the family enjoyed without realizing the difference.

 Top Right: cranberry sauce (out of can), pink stuff, pickled okra, olives, 

mashed potatoes, turkey, gluten-free dressing.

Top Left: Giblet gravy, green bean bundles, oyster dressing, carrots and parsnips.

It was really good, for us anyway.  

Pink Stuff:

1 cup small curd cottage cheese

1 small cool whip (lite)

1 small can fruit cocktail (in water or light syrup)

1 can mandarin oranges

1 can pineapple tidbits

1 regular package sugar free jello - I used raspberry flavored.

Drain fruit, pat dry if needed.  Mix jello with cottage cheese, fold in cool whip.  Fold in fruit, and chill for at least one hour.  

Carrots and Parsnips:

Peel and cross cut carrots (large bag), and parsnips (there were 4 med-large).  Try to make as even in size as possible.  Toss in 1 tablespoon of olive oil with leaves from 4 thyme, add salt and pepper to taste.  I roasted on the top rake while the turkey was finishing for 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees.  Serve hot.

Green Bean Bundles:

2 pounds of whole green beans.  Boil in salt water for 4 to 5 minutes.  Pull out, and place in separate bowl with ice (to stop cooking).  Cut center cut bacon in thirds (not cooked).  Take 5 to 6 green beans and place in the center of a single slice (1/3) of bacon.  Roll (stretch if needed), and place seam side down in casserole dish.  Repeat until all green beans are rolled and placed in dish.  Add 1 1/2 cups of beef broth to bottom of dish.  Sprinkle the top with brown sugar (1 tablespoon - to 2 tablespoons), and pepper.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until beans are fork tender.

Oyster Dressing:

Saute 2 yellow onions, and one full stalk of celery (with the leaves for more flavor) in some olive oil.  Add salt and pepper, and cook until translucent.  Add parsley (about 1/2 cup), and stir.  3 days before cooking, bake cornbread (I used Jiffy corn muffin mix), and biscuits (1 sheet pan - side by side).  Leave out to dry out (cover with tea towel if needed).  Crumble into mixing bowl, add onions and celery.  Mix well.  Add dry sage to taste (we use a lot), and more salt and pepper if needed.  Chop 2 pints of oysters (drain), and add to bread mix.  Use broth from neck, and onion tops.  I also used some chicken broth until soaked into the bread. stir until thoroughly mixed. Spread into casserole dish and bake until top is brown and crusty.  

Tori's Stuffing:

Tori's mom sent her a care package to our house with some yummy jams, jellies and croutons for dressing that was gluten-free.  I did the same thing with hers as I did the oyster dressing without the cornbread, biscuits or oysters.  She really enjoyed it, as did David (apparently he doesn't like oyster dressing).  

Sorry to say that I only took pictures of the crock pot breakfast casserole and desserts which I will post later this weekend.

I hope your Thanksgiving was as enjoyable as ours.

Blessings, 

Jerry Ann

Cute Stuff

I am on vacation this week, and it has been somewhat okay.  We have an older vehicle that needed belt repair for a long while, and this week the battery decided it was time to stop working as well.  Repaired to the tune of $420 later.  But I am not going to let that ruin my time off...too much to do...and do it joyfully.

This is what some call a staycation...staying at home while I have vacation from work (bonus - I am not sick). I have goals, and a list of priorities to accomplish this week.  Weekends never seem to be long enough for my organizing, and the week just piles stuff back up. So it is a never ending circle it seems.

Anyway...one of the goals this week was to empty out my pantry.  I knew it was bad, but really had no idea how bad it truly was.  Jar of Alfredo sauce: expiration Feb 2006!  Yep, that plus a lot more.  2 large black garbage bags full, and some time later = organized.  For the moment anyway.  I had the kids help, and hopefully that will play into keeping it for longer than 3 days.

 NOTHING on top of the refrigerator!!! I love that.

A two drawer system (that I found in the garage), and some other tubs (that I can't find the lids) organized the chips and pasta.  All of my baking ingredients are on one shelf (sugars, cocoa, marshmallows).  It may not look like much, but, oh what a beautiful sight it is for us.

I also added a cutie to my scrap closet.

This was a bonus Decor Elements from Stampin' Up from a couple of months ago.  I LOVE their design and ease of application.  If you need anything from Stampin' Up - Julie is great - and you can find her here:

www.craftasticpassion.com

But isn't it the cutest!  Most people won't see it, but I do from where I sit in the office.  I need to get some small chalk and a chalk ledge so that I can get some great use out of it. 

Well, back to it...still have more to get done...and it is already Thursday!  Have a great day.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

VBS

Our vacation Bible school began yesterday...and I am officially in charge. I have been doing fine until yesterday - ha.  I am a good organizer, getting supplies, rooms ready, ordering what is needed, etc.  Getting up in front of people (even the majority of them children) really makes me nervous.  I have so far survived two days, but I have a great official director who has done this for years, and she makes it look very easy.

I will post pictures hopefully tomorrow, but I just wanted to update all of you of our happenings.

Oh, and cooking has been placed on hold for the week.  I plan to work up my menu (and grocery shop) next week so recipes should come along shortly.

Have a blessed week.

Jerry Ann

Endings and New Beginnings

I am so sorry that I haven't posted in a long while.  We have been busy with Carmen and Stephen's graduations.  Finally have a moment to post some pictures of all of the events that have kept us occupied for the past several weeks.

First was Stephen's graduation.  He has attended Liza Jackson Preparatory School since Kindergarten.  This hit me emotionally far more than I realized it would.  Alex, and Nico have been consistent friends through middle school, and we are thankful for their friendships.  Stephen is going to be (hopefully) the Stylemarchers at Choctaw High next fall.  He has had a rough year, but survived, and we are all truly thankful.

Carmen graduated with Cum Laude Honors, National Honor Society, French Honor, International Baccalaureate program, Yearbook staff, Wheelettes Service Club, Indian Scholar, and Anne T. Mitchell Award recipient for 4 years.  Lots, that meant she worked hard (not really - she is really gifted in a lot of areas, which irritates me and Stephen.) and awarded for her work.

Carmen will be attending Auburn in the Fall, with some scholarships (Yeah!!).  We are transitioning this summer (I guess), and will be busy with getting her ready to be on her own.  

So, again, thank you for your patience.  I will be updating more now (hopefully), but haven't been cooking, let alone time for posting.

Have a great summer!! 
Blessings.

Spanish Mackerel & the Gulf

Stephen had the pleasure of going fishing with our friend Tommy and his son Larkin.  

They caught about 10 Spanish Mackerel's, and brought all of them home for us to eat.

 Tommy sent this picture via his phone, blurry, but still a good photo of the boys.

Tommy filleted the mackerels that they caught for us. 

We kept them cold until ready to cook that afternoon.

I rinsed them, and patted dry.

I used garlic infused oil, pepper, and lemon juice, and let marinate for about 1 hour.

I placed them on parchment paper on a baking sheet, and broiled for about 12 minutes.

The mackerel turned out moist, and really flavorful.

I served it with some sauteed kale and Pancetta.

It was really yummy.

Fresh fish is the best, especially from the Gulf.

Enjoy!!

My Baby Girl's Senior Year

I wanted to do something special with Carmen for her High School Graduating year.  She didn't care for the traditional school class rings, nor did I, only wearing mine for my Senior year in High School.  I considered it a waste of money, and not something to carry with you forever.  She did agree with me, but wanted to have something to symbolize her high school years.

I love Tiffany & Co. (what girl doesn't?)!  We looked online (their site is really wonderful), and had chosen this one but in pink sapphire instead.

We traveled to Atlanta this past weekend, just Carmen and I, for a whirlwind trip.  I thought that it would be special for her to have time with me (and selfishly - me too), and for her to "shop" at Tiffany. 

We went into Tiffany & Co, and went to the counter where her "ring" should be. Tried on several, and then discovered that they didn't have the pink sapphire in stock.  They could order it for us, and ship it, but that isn't why we traveled all the way to Atlanta.  (Yes, I know that it isn't that far of a drive, but driving longer than 2 hours for me is difficult and terribly tiring.)  Carmen really did want to be wearing her ring that very day.  It was disappointing, until I pointed out that her high school color was green, and they had that in stock.

  Yep! 

The box and the bag.

I truly think that Carmen would have been just as happy with just these two items.

Opening (excuse the quality of the photo - in a restaurant)!

Love her expression.

Do something special, and out of the ordinary for your children.  It doesn't have to be all the time, just once in a while. (oh, and it was actually cheaper than the traditional class ring.) It really speaks volumes for communication, and love.

Blessings.

Jerry Ann

Our road to college...

Carmen has decided to look in the State of Florida for colleges to attend.  And, if I may add, thank you God.  Money alone is enough justification, but add travel costs, especially now with gas prices, helps in finding one that is right for her and us.

I will say, I thought I was ready for this transition in our lives. I have been encouraging Carmen to look at lots of different schools, in and out of state. She has applied and has been accepted at LSU, Auburn, FSU, and Spring Hill.  All are absolutely wonderful schools, and well worth every penny just not our pennies.  FSU still may play in her decision, but right now, she isn't feeling it.  Feeling it?  Really? 

She is 18.  An adult, I suppose, legally anyway.  But, if she continues to not be able to locate a place in her home town, how is she supposed to locate things at a university?  I want to let go, and let her find her way.  How do parents do this?

How do we do this?  Train them up - right?  Let them go?  They are not ours, but God's - and for His purpose.  I know this.  I trust in Him to guide her path, and ours.  He has done an incredible job with Carmen so far.  I can't wait to see what her future holds. 

College...her new adventure...and it continues...

Travel and Weather

Oh my...in the travel to Houston from Florida...we went from 70/80 degrees temperatures to a 20 degree decrease in about 5 minutes.  We could "see" the front come through.  Remarkable.

On Friday in the drive home, it didn't get above 40 until past Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  The water ways, in the "coastal plains" were covered in a fog or mist.  The rivers and lakes that we passed were all like this picture.

This was taken at a rest stop outside of Lake Charles.  Foggy, cloudy, rainy and cold are the adjectives to describe our drive.

I really like this shot.  It was at the same rest stop, and this was across the lake. It was a really good drive.  Rainy, and cold but we had heated seats!  We are from Florida, and we did NOT take jackets or regular shoes (I wore my flip-flops!!).  These were a real blessing.  The conversations that David and I had were wonderful, and I will treasure that time alone with him.

Blessings.

Hutch

Origins of this hutch are unknown.  My mother had it shipped (bought approximately in 1955 - Germany) when she moved to my father's family home in Texas.  It was part of a set with a credenza (which she had, and I have now).

Mom left it with my grandparents when she moved.  It is 7 feet by 5 feet and inches, and approximately 25 inches deep.  So considering its size, I can understand why it wasn't moved.  After time, she couldn't move it (my grandmother used it). When Mamaw passed, Mom wanted it shipped, but it was too costly.  Time passed, and Katrina and Ike hit Houston.  A tree fell on the home and due to many reasons the hutch was exposed for the past 5 years.

My Uncle and Aunt sold the land that the house is on, and my Uncle Jake graciously offered to take it apart and store it until I could travel with a vehicle large enough to accommodate it.

We decided to rent a large enough SUV or mini-van so that the hutch would not be exposed to the elements any further.  We rented a Ford Flex.

I have to say, that this is one of the most comfortable vehicles I have ridden/driven in a long time!  It is very boxy looking from the outside, but oh, the inside...7 passengers...and all could have the same amount of leg room---it isn't tiny!  Oh, and the heated seats and Sirius radio are wonderful extras. 

Hutch....sections of it laying in our garage.  After hearing about this for the majority of my life, and not remembering what it looked it, I could not stand it any longer ----we started cleaning it and trying to find a wall to place it against.  

It has two drawers that were lined with felt and blocks positioned so that your silver could be stored.  It was too far gone, and we decided to remove the felt lining.  It was a tedious task, but well worth it.  We took care to remove as much of the glue as possible.  

This is the base.  We cleaned the pieces with Murphy Oil Soap mixed with hot water.  The interior pieces were gorgeous, and showed what the piece should look like without the exposure.  We moved around the dinette table in the kitchen (it has drop sides) and moved it against a short wall.  We placed the base piece along the largest part of the wall.

 Hutch empty with side doors opened.

Doors opened and loaded with the majority of my Mom's table linens, and china.  

It needs to be cleaned again, and I will more than likely clean it with the oil soap several times before applying anything else to it.  I am in awe of its size, and every time I walk into the kitchen I touch it.  I can't help myself.  I am thrilled that David and I took the time to clean it and reassemble it.  It has meant so much to reconnect with my Father's family, and for me to connect in a different way with my Mom.  I  don't know what she went through, and only she and the Lord Almighty will ever know.  But I love that I can pass this down to Carmen and Stephen, and share a story of family. 

Blessings.