tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79428225308257230792024-02-07T22:50:44.817-06:00the byrd houseMolly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-12313274893588807422011-01-24T18:32:00.002-06:002012-11-09T09:15:20.271-06:00What I Really WantWatch out, 2011, I got a lot planned for you!Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-27200514380534255062011-01-24T14:51:00.003-06:002012-11-09T09:15:37.287-06:00Back on TrackMolly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-36873131848569316002010-10-27T09:34:00.004-05:002012-11-09T09:19:32.058-06:00What I Wore Wednesday Week 2Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-36107749837582942662010-10-20T14:03:00.005-05:002012-11-09T09:20:01.383-06:00What I Wore Wednesday<br /><br />
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Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-13746372580391012010-08-27T07:12:00.003-05:002010-08-27T09:17:08.491-05:00Log Cabin Restaurant Broccoli Cheddar SoupOne of the most requested soups at the Log Cabin was their broccoli cheddar soup. Since it is my mom's recipe, I thought I would share it here. Enjoy!<br /><br />Broccoli Cheddar Soup<br /><em></em><br />Ingredients:<br />4 TB butter<br />4 TB flour<br />8 Cups Chicken Stock<br />1 pound Velveeta cheese<br />3 Cups Frozen Chopped Broccoli, thawed and drained<br />Salt and Pepper to taste<br />Milk if needed to thin<br /><br />This is easy to make. Basically you make a thin chicken gravy by browning the butter and flour (a roux), adding the chicken broth, and cooking and stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Cut the Velveeta into chunks so it will melt easily, and add to the broth, stirring often. When <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">completely</span> melted, add the broccoli, salt and pepper and heat through. If too thick, add a little milk to thin. Now if only I had a chunk of Roxanne's home made bread, hot from the oven and covered in butter!<br /><br />**** Spoke with Mom and she said that sounded about right but she never used a recipe. She said you should steam the broccoli a bit or it won't be tender in the soup. Also, she adds a secret ingredient: a few drops of Tabasco. Hope this helps!<br /><br /><br /><em>Linked to Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/.</em>Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-16246613594179255292010-08-19T16:33:00.002-05:002010-08-19T16:42:19.949-05:00Just one of those days. . .Jake forgot his Honors English paper.<br /><br />I forgot to pin Tom's name tag to his shirt. (It's only the second day!)<br /><br />Drove 20 minutes to Sam's Club; forgot my money. Decided to check out the thrift store with sleeping toddler, who proceeded to wake up and has not napped since.<br /><br />Dropped. Spilled. Forgot. Everything seems harder than it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">should</span> be today.<br /><br />And yet: my boys now sit peacefully watching <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ponyo</span></em>. Dinner, (yellow-eyed beans, roast chicken, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">cous</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">cous</span>) is almost done and was easy. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lukey</span> surely?!? will go to bead early. Project Runway is new tonight. Teenager is in love and in a good mood. <br /><br />Life is good.Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-41380306273709268992010-08-18T16:15:00.000-05:002010-08-18T16:16:05.292-05:00You have this nice pretty blog. . .so why don't you use it?!?!?<br /><br />More to come soon!Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-24071048245274311202009-08-17T12:01:00.004-05:002009-08-17T12:16:51.938-05:00Happy Birthday, lil bro!Since he is out to sea, and I didn't remember to send a birthday card in time, I want to take a moment to say Happy Birthday to youngest of us but who has the most letters after his name, by far. I am thankful to God for my siblings--they and their spouses are the best friends and uncles/aunts an oldest sister could ask for.<br /><br />Happy Birthday, Matthew Lee! We are so proud of you!<br /><br />“I bought my brother some gift-wrap for Christmas. I took it to the Gift Wrap department and told them to wrap it, but in a different print so he would know when to stop unwrapping.” --Stephen WrightMolly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-89687391626118329572009-08-13T12:13:00.015-05:002009-08-14T10:17:23.437-05:00Mother Doughs Best<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_AGjDRufQqhe442DUtOnGjfDLKjdFGOlGPAX-9YK4gZhyphenhyphendDFrk0Rf4-15wfYVFlFwVl8cJxHacvPtLpzJpH3Pk0QT7BEv9Z185V2bzpp5IcGxVCmGJwE_BZmmAp6keYftwh7Q_6QbaU/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369830745610762242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_AGjDRufQqhe442DUtOnGjfDLKjdFGOlGPAX-9YK4gZhyphenhyphendDFrk0Rf4-15wfYVFlFwVl8cJxHacvPtLpzJpH3Pk0QT7BEv9Z185V2bzpp5IcGxVCmGJwE_BZmmAp6keYftwh7Q_6QbaU/s200/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My mom always saves me when it comes to recipes. She has cooked professionally for 20 years, and really knows her stuff. I called her with an idea I had for chocolate fritters, and she convinced me to go a bit of a different route:<br /><br />Chocolate "croissants"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT_zCVPvRSJqhUUnUVbKT_8GSa5sLiZLni2h7b1RpoRsV5oGskB3laFbdT7wHXmKPYYca2RwfVugHGyQ9QfcGLnwVDiK52d4jmL27X_3fizoBzhLNTFnnhRk2rE7wuRa3pq1p7o6PDh4/s1600-h/august+12+082.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369501576557437714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT_zCVPvRSJqhUUnUVbKT_8GSa5sLiZLni2h7b1RpoRsV5oGskB3laFbdT7wHXmKPYYca2RwfVugHGyQ9QfcGLnwVDiK52d4jmL27X_3fizoBzhLNTFnnhRk2rE7wuRa3pq1p7o6PDh4/s200/august+12+082.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Strawberry cream cheese tart<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ha2-lEaKW2YXXM5McjpNhEw78ZQTWSeYFlyuFI_XfYsG4uAocgZWH4Nax7rh1NGSjyc4RjF21oO3EJC1t-QHGgYB9rH_5wgsDh6UxmXU9N_onbyLsIFEfVBzJ1OXK76jw9dqKh322bc/s1600-h/august+12+084.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369502055959341026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ha2-lEaKW2YXXM5McjpNhEw78ZQTWSeYFlyuFI_XfYsG4uAocgZWH4Nax7rh1NGSjyc4RjF21oO3EJC1t-QHGgYB9rH_5wgsDh6UxmXU9N_onbyLsIFEfVBzJ1OXK76jw9dqKh322bc/s200/august+12+084.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:+0;"></span>The dough recipe she gave me is the same they used for the cream cheese danish at their restaurant, back in the day. She still makes these quite often, mostly with a cream cheese filling, and sometimes adding different fruit fillings. But the standout here is the dough. It is super easy to make. Rolls beautifully. Bakes wonderfully. Many, many uses. Tastes--oh, it is so yummy. It is my new secret culinary weapon!<br /><br />This recipe made 16 chocolate <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">croissants</span> and one 10 inch tart.<br /><br />Mom's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Versatile</span> Pastry Dough:<br /><br />1/2 cup sour cream<br />1/4 cup sugar<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/4 butter or margarine (usually I'm all about real butter, but margarine worked fine)<br />1 pkg yeast (2 1/4 tsp)<br />1/4 cup warm water<br />1 egg<br />2-3 cups all purpose flour<br /><br />Heat sour cream, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture begins to bubble. Add butter and stir until butter is melted. Pour into mixer bowl fitted with paddle attachment. Meanwhile, add the yeast to the warm water in a glass jar and allow to proof. When proofed, add to sour cream mixture and combine. Add egg and combine. Slowly add the flour and mix until elastic. Place in a covered bowl in the refrigerator over night. May use immediately in the morning.</div><div> </div><div>This recipe is linked to:</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://annkroeker.wordpress.com/2009/08/13/food-on-fridays-blueberry-coffee-cake/">Food on Fridays</a></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.vanderbiltwife.com/2009/08/family-recipe-fridays-basic-soups.html">Family Recipe Fridays</a></div>Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-31763109864604254862009-05-08T14:47:00.002-05:002009-05-08T16:09:09.344-05:00The Story of the Baby RaccoonsSomething happened to me yesterday. Something that is still affecting me today. Not sure what the whole story means yet, but I feel that God spoke to me yesterday. He said, "never, ever, take one second for granted, because life is very short". <br /><br />I took dinner to some church friends who just had a baby. On the way back, through a slightly wooded residential suburb, a car was stopped in the middle of the road. Frustrated, noticing the driver was an older man, my former Florida resident bias against elderly drivers kicked in and I was like "Go, on!" Until I noticed the three baby raccoons crossing the road right near their car. <br /><br />I couldn't stop smiling. R. calls me "Molly Raccoon" as a pet name. The three babies reminded me of my own three boys. I actually clapped in delight.<br /><br />Then, the car in front of me pulled forward, and I SAW THE CAR'S BACK TIRE RUN OVER TWO OF THE BABIES! It was awful! A lady from across the street came running over, and we were both very upset. The two babies were both dying, one hurt more than the other, and the one that was less hurt was licking and trying to comfort the faster-dying one. So sad.<br /><br />Then, this big dude in a white truck came, and said, "Ladies, they're wild animals", and takes this sheet of hard clear plastic from his truck bed and scoops the pair to the side of the road.<br /><br />Meanwhile, me and the lady try to find the sole survivor. He was making very sad and scared noises and hiding in the bushes. I had to go, because I had supper for another friend in the car as well, but I was heartbroken.<br /><br />So I called my husband, crying. He said, "Did you not grow up in the country?"<br /><br />Yes, I know raccoons are pests to farmers and gardeners alike, but those three babies were so cute, and I saw them die RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. And how the one comforted the other. Death, right in my face.<br /><br />Life is short.Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-38657461640043005732009-05-05T08:28:00.002-05:002009-05-05T08:31:24.246-05:00"No Time for Blog, Dr. Jones"Let's face it. I don't really have the time to keep my blog up, and I would much rather read other people's daily musings than my own. Escapism, per se. <br /><br />However, I've been taking pictures like crazy, and maybe one day I will have time to post like I would like. So don't give up on me yet!Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-11163409914896479232009-03-17T13:30:00.001-05:002009-03-17T13:32:31.379-05:00The Wearin' o' the GreenT. has been so funny since he turned four last week. He just informed me that it isn't "Saint Patrick's Day, it is Saint Spongebob's Day." Guess we need to wear some yellow!Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-62257251203189657332009-03-16T10:09:00.024-05:002009-03-16T11:41:24.669-05:00Lego Birthday PartyI was inspired by Meredith at Like Merchant Ships, who shared her ideas for a <a href="http://likemerchantships.blogspot.com/search/label/LEGO%20birthday%20party">ultimate Lego birthday party</a>. I originally had big ideas for the party. I saved empty cereal, granola bar, and saran wrap boxes (among others) to spray paint and make into giant Legos for the party. I read about and planned for a Lego cake, which used marshmallows cut in half for the connectors on the Lego "bricks". Personalized key chains out of larger legos would be drilled and painted for party favors. Lego themed games would be played.<br /><span style="font-size:0;"></span><br />None of that happened. Time and a teething baby got me.<br /><br />It turned out to be the best birthday party ever.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:0;"></span><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI_Mk5tf0-L6nB6KDP468Tj7sd1JH41TGMyxMDy87KmczX3T_RQcybvfWav1HmP_ox994ixXfsYFcVk2js8Zdm8C9KQQswn6GRCfkFRmdBQ7-S5_tpZljUXZujkojHIQ54PXBkXozuxc/s1600-h/tom's+birthday+143.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313823133994135394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI_Mk5tf0-L6nB6KDP468Tj7sd1JH41TGMyxMDy87KmczX3T_RQcybvfWav1HmP_ox994ixXfsYFcVk2js8Zdm8C9KQQswn6GRCfkFRmdBQ7-S5_tpZljUXZujkojHIQ54PXBkXozuxc/s200/tom's+birthday+143.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For decorations, I put out the bigger Duplo Legos all around, and we blew up balloons in primary colors. I tied the yellow lid from a Duplo set around the mailbox, along with more balloons.<br /><span style="font-size:0;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:0;"></span><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8A9BvTh40S49_hVhYuIAdWV_LTZ__E0XkbrTp8ovSeUc2-tTZEmBTtoiPbcP9zL__fCaSRAFhQNj1tsntqQCJMqwqFIPjKk51xhjvQy8PJAXQt74eaJ4cnMhQNqJs62i5PRW0wnyiHhU/s1600-h/tom's+birthday+137.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313815498031545682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8A9BvTh40S49_hVhYuIAdWV_LTZ__E0XkbrTp8ovSeUc2-tTZEmBTtoiPbcP9zL__fCaSRAFhQNj1tsntqQCJMqwqFIPjKk51xhjvQy8PJAXQt74eaJ4cnMhQNqJs62i5PRW0wnyiHhU/s200/tom's+birthday+137.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:0;"></span><span style="font-size:0;"></span><span style="font-size:0;"></span><span style="font-size:0;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The cake was colorful and I ended up decorating it with some of the Lego fruit snacks I bought for favors. (Note to aspiring Lego cake decorators: frosting a marshmallow?!? didn't work for me!) The adult guests had lots of fun putting the blue icing on their teeth and taking pictures of the results.<br /><br /><br />We ate hot dogs (with <a href="http://www.custardstand.com/">chili from home</a>, thanks Mama and Papa Byrd!), chips, macaroni salad, corn chips and corn salsa, and cake and ice cream. It was stress-free on the food.<br /><br />The weather man was forecasting tornadoes that day. Although it cleared up before the party, we decided to set up some activities in the garage. The kids played skee ball and rode bikes, and ended up heading outside anyway to play baseball.<br /><br />I made party favor bags with bags I already had, filled with lego fruit snacks, mini gum ball machines, and Slinky's. I stapled an outdoor toy to the bag.<br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWELD1mXJLeg8R2btMFXUnFuzNYQ0spwHZpZ3KsZ3SAwSR4U7tXuwI-SAvWbt-egDjfir-2mP1kk9bMwkE1r3pXFKEJ4QP4QUqSb3spqo_3fWfW_MnMwjyqJ8jZ2O_b1vUHKb2rTRMVR0/s1600-h/tom's+birthday+139.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313818836733104642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWELD1mXJLeg8R2btMFXUnFuzNYQ0spwHZpZ3KsZ3SAwSR4U7tXuwI-SAvWbt-egDjfir-2mP1kk9bMwkE1r3pXFKEJ4QP4QUqSb3spqo_3fWfW_MnMwjyqJ8jZ2O_b1vUHKb2rTRMVR0/s200/tom's+birthday+139.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:0;"></span>So, why was this the best birthday party ever? I relaxed and didn't try to make everything perfect. We let the kids interact and play as they wanted. We kept the food and decorations simple and used what we had where we could. This will be my new birthday party <em>modus operandi</em>.<br /><br />Until baby's first party, that is.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:0;"></span>Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-77079266072745566002009-03-16T10:05:00.002-05:002009-03-16T10:07:52.300-05:00Too Gone for Too LongFaithful readers: I apologize for being away but we have been on VACATION! T.'s birthday party was last weekend (more to come on that later), and my in-laws were visiting. Now it is back to reality but we have lots of fun things planned to keep our spirits up.Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-44374545975011346942009-02-27T08:51:00.009-06:002009-02-27T09:19:55.436-06:00Sweet Potato Fries<span style="font-size:0;"></span><br />Kid friendly, daddy likes 'em, too: Sweet potato fries!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPCi0X7AIPvcC0aZaTaNU25SR7r7Cf2IUIxXziMZ_lWyEb82221ZIvE_4DG7hp_C_aAZuAZLuDEwKvZa5b5vSn6pEHUIPIYQG8FwEr_cv9J9LySXPnfQZ_H6hYBZn_fSIg_VZg6rPmxA/s1600-h/luke+puke+video+002.jpg"></a></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>4 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and washed (we leave the peel on)</div><div>3 TB olive oil</div><div>1 tsp Cajun seasoning; or: (use more if you like them spicy)</div><div>1 tsp. chili powder</div><div>1 tsp. salt</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"></span></span></span></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoSN5e-WTeMUClxORk1ZOz-v6FNQpevDCGRP8PNB7OWIUBnqWu04yjkILm0nVS6b1cb-KbqaSbdEYuvPV2ZD9-jLR2M1RqHXLMlZ0oC25xzMyXmzMp3K9SetgJUfqL5WadHvZG1xzsM8/s1600-h/luke+puke+video+001.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"></span></span></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPCi0X7AIPvcC0aZaTaNU25SR7r7Cf2IUIxXziMZ_lWyEb82221ZIvE_4DG7hp_C_aAZuAZLuDEwKvZa5b5vSn6pEHUIPIYQG8FwEr_cv9J9LySXPnfQZ_H6hYBZn_fSIg_VZg6rPmxA/s1600-h/luke+puke+video+002.jpg"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPCi0X7AIPvcC0aZaTaNU25SR7r7Cf2IUIxXziMZ_lWyEb82221ZIvE_4DG7hp_C_aAZuAZLuDEwKvZa5b5vSn6pEHUIPIYQG8FwEr_cv9J9LySXPnfQZ_H6hYBZn_fSIg_VZg6rPmxA/s1600-h/luke+puke+video+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307490315498956642" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPCi0X7AIPvcC0aZaTaNU25SR7r7Cf2IUIxXziMZ_lWyEb82221ZIvE_4DG7hp_C_aAZuAZLuDEwKvZa5b5vSn6pEHUIPIYQG8FwEr_cv9J9LySXPnfQZ_H6hYBZn_fSIg_VZg6rPmxA/s200/luke+puke+video+002.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div>Slice the sweet potatoes into thick "fry" shapes. Toss in large bowl with remaining ingredients. Roast in 400 degree oven for 30 minutes, or desired doneness, stirring once. My guys love these with pan-seared chicken breasts, hamburgers, fried tilapia, just about anything!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkehLydKxZPj_SoIfFG18kh8eCRFhMVpRICGAMHEwxk8L0GIuSPSKNOTdRXimxBXK_oAmKqeQeL1SsFKtzysyu-i7GWSWkEVRGp11oX5ScMOyYRYSvaoJO7WhsQBIcBrahbQcxtbrGmxU/s1600-h/Picture+007.jpg"></a></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkehLydKxZPj_SoIfFG18kh8eCRFhMVpRICGAMHEwxk8L0GIuSPSKNOTdRXimxBXK_oAmKqeQeL1SsFKtzysyu-i7GWSWkEVRGp11oX5ScMOyYRYSvaoJO7WhsQBIcBrahbQcxtbrGmxU/s1600-h/Picture+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307490319557427170" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkehLydKxZPj_SoIfFG18kh8eCRFhMVpRICGAMHEwxk8L0GIuSPSKNOTdRXimxBXK_oAmKqeQeL1SsFKtzysyu-i7GWSWkEVRGp11oX5ScMOyYRYSvaoJO7WhsQBIcBrahbQcxtbrGmxU/s200/Picture+007.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div>Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-41216703839269827292009-02-24T10:23:00.002-06:002009-02-24T10:29:02.306-06:00All I need is the air that I breathe. . .<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdjWFX7jFfspcai_DvM96JN0d_xtN0QV1BMlJBfyjJ9dCy6B5q6urPIra4s7cwGgs5YhgyRGYq7sWWfpwmEFdVvi81exDWkNx4tpZ025vZZ2R7YQnYZz1JnwGAKBNEkxyiQP2SFN7QrA/s1600-h/magic+house+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306401466460756786" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdjWFX7jFfspcai_DvM96JN0d_xtN0QV1BMlJBfyjJ9dCy6B5q6urPIra4s7cwGgs5YhgyRGYq7sWWfpwmEFdVvi81exDWkNx4tpZ025vZZ2R7YQnYZz1JnwGAKBNEkxyiQP2SFN7QrA/s200/magic+house+040.jpg" border="0" /></a> . . . and my little guys!<br /><div></div>Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-56834321302553340962009-02-24T10:17:00.003-06:002009-02-24T10:23:34.623-06:00GoogledA few years ago, I googled my own name for kicks. I was relieved to find very little about myself out there for public view, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a recipe on <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Default.aspx"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">allrecipes</span>.com</a> that I had submitted. Since then, my name has changed and my <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/California-Chicken-Spaghetti/Detail.aspx"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">California</span> chicken spaghetti</a> has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">received</span> 165 ratings and has stayed at a solid 4 1/2 stars. I am so glad people like my recipe, and it made me wonder: Have you ever googled yourself? and what did you find?Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-43997369617356150412009-02-20T12:05:00.003-06:002009-02-20T12:11:12.841-06:00Food on Fridays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw3XzIL_2fqQEH2EXZ_h1YS7HNLKFjiUamYFeybxxVao6ABhCpn26ZguK14bm3qbU2fkZ5YYyIJVl5-ua8ltB9W3RA-Jtodvpc5z29w75ys3MQQOTDe1ttMxMkpwdvWb6drHxvSBoYdA/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304943535359286658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw3XzIL_2fqQEH2EXZ_h1YS7HNLKFjiUamYFeybxxVao6ABhCpn26ZguK14bm3qbU2fkZ5YYyIJVl5-ua8ltB9W3RA-Jtodvpc5z29w75ys3MQQOTDe1ttMxMkpwdvWb6drHxvSBoYdA/s200/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://annkroeker.wordpress.com/">Ann</a> is hosting a Food on Fridays carnival at her blog. . .check it out for some menu inspiration!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div>Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-17883731113147214712009-02-19T09:06:00.008-06:002009-02-24T10:08:08.231-06:00Leftover Flank Steak, (or Chicken, or whatever) Ultimate Nachos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUylahyGeHQD2PJp4ahoWIgD0OTgAJb8UeMb1SLe_FO-P58ybPcBeKMrpCovzCpL_TT7WM3Z16jOVnk58LAnHz66xguNB5wOurkVOWx8dc9dP3MrHY1kLmSrcCG6LpR_om4bq1KLzvvI/s1600-h/valentines+day+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304526264079137442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUylahyGeHQD2PJp4ahoWIgD0OTgAJb8UeMb1SLe_FO-P58ybPcBeKMrpCovzCpL_TT7WM3Z16jOVnk58LAnHz66xguNB5wOurkVOWx8dc9dP3MrHY1kLmSrcCG6LpR_om4bq1KLzvvI/s200/valentines+day+025.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I love to throw nachos together and there are tons of variations, but one of my favorite ways is to use leftover steak (grilled, usually, but this time we had a large amount of broiled flank steak leftover because of a work/dinner mix-up). Leftover grilled chicken works great as well. Here is what I do:</div><div><u></u></div><br /><div><u>Nachos:</u></div><div><em>This makes one large jellyroll pan full, enough to feed our crowd of boys. You can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definitely</span> use the techniques and make a smaller amount.</em></div><div><u></u></div><br /><div>4 cups cooked meat (steak, chicken, pork) sliced thinly</div><div>4 TB cooking oil</div><div>1 TB taco seasoning</div><div>1 tsp garlic powder</div><div>1 tsp salt (or to taste, if your meat is seasoned)</div><br /><div>One can seasoned black beans, drained and rinsed and heated through</div><div>3 Cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Colby jack is what I usually use)</div><div>1 1/2 Cups corn salsa (mix one normal size bag frozen corn, thawed; one chopped <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">jalapeno; </span>1/4 cup chopped onion; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; dash salt; dash <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tabasco</span>)</div><div>One tomato, chopped</div><div>Shredded lettuce</div><div>Sour cream</div><div>Chopped cilantro</div><div></div><br /><div>One bag corn tortilla chips, restaurant style (we like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Santitas</span>)</div><div></div><br /><div>Heat one tablespoon oil in skillet for each batch of meat. Brown the sliced meat in batches in the skillet, sprinkling with the taco seasoning and garlic (reserve enough for each batch from the above listed amount), and adding salt as desired. Hold the cooked meat warm. </div><div></div><br /><div>Spread the bag of chips out on a jelly roll pan. Cover with the meat, beans, and cheese. At this point you can broil for a couple of minutes (watch closely) or continue with the rest of the toppings. </div><div><span style="font-size:+0;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8z7rnGXgnyfMgxvKBoPz_pzhgGblpug2UpKUr5-qP3DV5HUU_yQJZAGYaqutW-yoDDXBkqnnbAokeR2JBKX9BdPK5TWHRN6cFoKGCu0x8l-bsZEB3Nbrd-btB0exZO_iWmCkZ6qnFL4/s1600-h/valentines+day+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304531054827482402" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8z7rnGXgnyfMgxvKBoPz_pzhgGblpug2UpKUr5-qP3DV5HUU_yQJZAGYaqutW-yoDDXBkqnnbAokeR2JBKX9BdPK5TWHRN6cFoKGCu0x8l-bsZEB3Nbrd-btB0exZO_iWmCkZ6qnFL4/s200/valentines+day+026.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-29122175720558008512009-02-18T10:00:00.014-06:002009-02-18T10:37:29.806-06:00I *heart* Valentine's Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkWcTTtsSodPE75ZabLyLpi-qbQ3gcV1F16CJmAzAKwAmFUEho1TsDb9PlyU_r_mc7Gfwy7ZrxrQR7xuHyx1P3SkQ-KmDC8smTjhyT8auHMCholQHbMx-VLTMYigk9UIIt2hbH9NbZqU/s1600-h/valentines+day+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304171803917459906" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkWcTTtsSodPE75ZabLyLpi-qbQ3gcV1F16CJmAzAKwAmFUEho1TsDb9PlyU_r_mc7Gfwy7ZrxrQR7xuHyx1P3SkQ-KmDC8smTjhyT8auHMCholQHbMx-VLTMYigk9UIIt2hbH9NbZqU/s200/valentines+day+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I love to celebrate Valentine's Day with the family. . .we usually try to do a bit of a theme day with them. I like doing this much more than going out for a "romantic" dinner with hubby. Honestly!<br /><br />For breakfast, I made pink pancakes, heart-shaped eggs, and sausage:<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLwt_85ORgRu_7ppJfR_h11zd2tdjAgzdRGbKqcA6VslJjglbvVWyNzlu3xB3c201uRU8Pj7QP2aIGZFoignNBJ3nRO4hESFGWS7TwMmJggLL78YURTogZ4XHkKgFY-EfzQUlipMkyn4/s1600-h/valentines+day+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304172157062313746" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLwt_85ORgRu_7ppJfR_h11zd2tdjAgzdRGbKqcA6VslJjglbvVWyNzlu3xB3c201uRU8Pj7QP2aIGZFoignNBJ3nRO4hESFGWS7TwMmJggLL78YURTogZ4XHkKgFY-EfzQUlipMkyn4/s200/valentines+day+010.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p><br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0aIYVVb7V-deysIEIZENeIF-GOooyico0UKDHR5uyA_MErR-xEal_iXz_K-I8v27VcjreeA4e7EdmvY6QOfbOB0s5JBGHktPxPTQ1JS2oRk-tQqQlgynw7yjseUJM9sFmMhmAPcHXug/s1600-h/valentines+day+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304173540490182354" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0aIYVVb7V-deysIEIZENeIF-GOooyico0UKDHR5uyA_MErR-xEal_iXz_K-I8v27VcjreeA4e7EdmvY6QOfbOB0s5JBGHktPxPTQ1JS2oRk-tQqQlgynw7yjseUJM9sFmMhmAPcHXug/s200/valentines+day+023.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p>I decorated the table with a pot of tulips T. picked out at Home Depot (frivolous, but fun) and heart cut-outs I made on the computer. I also put a heart-themed quilt over the banister to display the gifts for the guys:</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIUQ0vNU1Sg9alST_tzYYkOLWCd1YBVFDvjcRIz8j6wCqLnlkkkcCzAD8y0HmyzIt4UD0ayzjFbPJVdOkRdmmYWAWBOdMGWsmaLslgM3jWr6GHbRuKOySwRV00BPQfrw6byxlAZKUak0/s1600-h/valentines+day+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304174680384502642" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIUQ0vNU1Sg9alST_tzYYkOLWCd1YBVFDvjcRIz8j6wCqLnlkkkcCzAD8y0HmyzIt4UD0ayzjFbPJVdOkRdmmYWAWBOdMGWsmaLslgM3jWr6GHbRuKOySwRV00BPQfrw6byxlAZKUak0/s200/valentines+day+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am very frustrated right now. . .why is it so hard to format on blogger? There has to be an easier way to post pictures that line up and format correctly within the post. And why do they not insert where you want them to? If anyone has any tips or tricks, please let me know. I want to post more, but the picture insertion is way too time-consuming! Thanks, M.Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-68079340980657698682009-02-13T16:47:00.002-06:002009-02-13T16:50:31.900-06:00Ten Minutes, TopsThat's about all the time I have at once to do anything these days. But, I've found that I can be productive in these ten minutes, <em>if</em> I work hard and ignore any interruptions, barring a bloody emergency. <br /><br />It's that or get up at five a.m. and I'm not quite ready for that yet. <br /><br />How about you? How do you find time to get things done while the kids are in their demanding stages?Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-35366104646555313762009-02-09T16:44:00.002-06:002009-02-09T16:53:42.027-06:00After many downloads of various <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">spyware</span> blasters, virus cleaners, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">malware</span> destroyers, I think I'm back on line. I'll celebrate with the fun one word game:<br /><br />Where is your cell? Purse<br />Your significant other? Faithful<br />Your hair? Graying<br />Your mother? Smart<br />Your father? Collector<br />Your favorite thing? Nature<br />Your dream last night? Childhood<br />Your favorite drink? Coffee<br />Your dream/goal? Heaven<br />The room you're in? Bedroom<br />Your fear? Failure<br />Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home<br />Where were you last night? Here<br />What you're not? Musical<br />Muffins? Love<br />One of your wish list items? Laptop<br />Where you grew up? Country<br />The last thing you did? Spoke<br />What are you wearing? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Slobbish</span><br />Your TV? Warrantied<br />Your computer? His<br />Your life? Joyful<br />Your mood? Tired<br />Missing someone? Sometimes<br />Your car? Important<br />Something you're not wearing? Watch<br />Favorite Store? Thrift<br />Your summer? Pregnant<br />Last time you laughed? Morning<br />Last time you cried? Afternoon<br /><br />Well, there you have it. I have lots of updates coming soon.Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-2089559863680200592009-01-20T09:21:00.001-06:002009-01-20T11:17:21.198-06:00that was fastour upstairs laptop has a bad virus. . .off to give it chicken noodle soup!Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-6896632320275333792009-01-16T10:31:00.008-06:002009-01-16T18:47:56.247-06:00It's Freezing Friday: Mama Byrd's Vegetable Beef Soup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uHckdWQ3IHLkIVVwIesC0J0AVyDTr5CBTUvKqYpU5iWZsxmNjz7NLaX79gPK7rAMqpSeOoSU9sITPnnFNAm1F6TXx6aUmjkAJ65yKy7qWkJNbUqG7aEOQRBJG_nmgcLeWSU6tIjD5vk/s1600-h/fof.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uHckdWQ3IHLkIVVwIesC0J0AVyDTr5CBTUvKqYpU5iWZsxmNjz7NLaX79gPK7rAMqpSeOoSU9sITPnnFNAm1F6TXx6aUmjkAJ65yKy7qWkJNbUqG7aEOQRBJG_nmgcLeWSU6tIjD5vk/s200/fof.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292057933446368898" border="0" /></a><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Mom/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-3.jpg" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Mom/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Mom/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Mom/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInnkbIZ6YfwH8OXf8YPZSeM037s0xv-j1ogsYamQc58gAIu9q5n4XekecyfOqdHrpg81Dt5e-ymZwIa-xbX1F0iVfOtiOcvJ9EYAILeqzxl2g334tQe8g3P_p-3M-e4366e1z_CxkTfg/s1600-h/Picture+008.jpg"><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Mom/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-4.jpg" alt="" /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInnkbIZ6YfwH8OXf8YPZSeM037s0xv-j1ogsYamQc58gAIu9q5n4XekecyfOqdHrpg81Dt5e-ymZwIa-xbX1F0iVfOtiOcvJ9EYAILeqzxl2g334tQe8g3P_p-3M-e4366e1z_CxkTfg/s200/Picture+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291930599950953090" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />R.'s mom makes the best vegetable beef soup. . .I always eat bowls and bowls of eat when we visit. It has lots of beef and a great flavor. Over Thanksgiving, I asked her how she made it, and she was sweet to share her technique. Be forewarned, this makes a huge vat of soup, so adjust accordingly. Also, I don't have exact measurements (although I think I got it close), just the method. . .<br /><br />One large (2-3 lb.) package stew beef (mine was from Sam's Club)<br />2 TB oil, for browning the meat<br />2 tsp. garlic powder<br />One can diced tomatoes, in juice<br /><br />8 potatoes, peeled and cubed<br />3 carrots, peeled and diced<br />4 stalks celery, sliced<br />1 onion, diced<br />One can green beans<br />1 cup frozen corn<br />1/2 can canned peas, rinsed<br />24 ounces V8 juice<br />salt and pepper to taste<br /><br />Trim the meat if needed and cut into dice-sized cubes. Brown in batches in large stockpot. Return all to pot after browning, season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and enough water to cover the meat. Cover and simmer at least one hour. Add remaining ingredients, along with more water to desired consistency. Cook over medium low heat an additional 2 hours or more. Salt and pepper to taste. It is good re-heated in the crockpot the next several days.Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942822530825723079.post-81216624605450833372009-01-16T10:11:00.002-06:002009-01-16T10:25:57.827-06:00Watch 'Til the End if You Dare<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyY8M_EJM1NZBMACBd5CTKIQUH871cP0yO4UBT0q_QQm6JHBHxIX1v-KA75368Ut0EDUAFx9qBrOpxrbKkFsg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Molly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435002792361615148noreply@blogger.com1