SUNDAY BAKER

Scary Stories --Share Yours Here---!

2009-10-30T15:16:00.003-05:00

I don't believe in ghosts really. I refuse to believe that our loved ones come back and haunt us. I know that Colin is at peace and that keeps me going. However, I do think there might be something out there that can't be explained...

I can't help but LOVE a scary story! It's fun to think that there's something out there that we can't figure out keeping the hairs on our necks standing up! Colin loved them more than anything and did ever since he was a small child. The scarier the better for him. Sam is just the opposite. Scooby Doo sends him running for the hills.

I think that just about everyone has a freaky or unexplained incident that they experienced in their life. Here's one of mine:

When I was a teenager I often babysat for my 3 younger brothers. They were wild beasts. Hellions. Brats. As naughty as they come. Well, at least that's how I saw them. While my mom was gone, all I did was fight with them and threaten to tattle to my mom when she got home.

One night I put them to bed. My baby brother, Timmy, slept downstairs in the crib and the other two boys who were probably around 3 and 5, slept upstairs. We lived in an older home and for as long as we lived there I remember being freaked out of the upper level of the house. There was a hidden attic on the way up the stairs that I literally had nightmares about. The place just had a very creepy, eerie feeling to it, and my imagination didn't help things any.

So the 3 boys were asleep, or so I thought. I was laying on the couch watching tv when I heard the two naughty older boys slamming each other down, wrestling and running upstairs. Being that the baby was sleeping, I stamped my feet, and with smoke coming out of my ears ran up the stairs, 3 at a time, to scream at them to get back to bed. This was so like the beasts! Wait until I told mom!

The room they slept in was right at the left of the top of the stairs. I flew in their room ready to catch them in the act when my heart hit my feet....they were both FAST asleep. I'm talking mouths hanging open, drool coming down, eyelids stuck shut with boogers. Seriously. They weren't faking and had obviously been sleeping for awhile. It had literally only been about 1 minute between the time I heard them wrestling and the time I got to the top of the stairs.

My body was covered in chills and I flew back down the stairs so fast that I'm not sure I even touched a step! I sat on the couch and turned up the tv to the point that if the upstairs floor pounding started again, I couldn't hear it. Because if I did, I'd probably just die right there.

I stayed there until my mom came home and told her the whole story. I don't recall if she told me that night or at a later time, but she did tell me that she had heard the very same thing coming from the upstairs at other times. There was a huge house kiddie corner to ours that had been an old, old hospital. It was rumored to be haunted and later burnt to the ground. Maybe some of it's residents came over to our house to play once in awhile?

This is my "true" haunting story. Unexplained. Freaked me out and still does! I would seriously love to hear yours in the spirit of Halloween......if you DARE!!!!!

Little One's Reminders

2009-10-25T09:44:00.005-05:00

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt.

That time in my pregnancy journey has come where I'm awake most of the night with back pain and trying to accomplish the impossible feat of finding a comfortable position. Along with the insomnia comes that late-night worrying. I lay awake staring into the dismal blackness and suddenly feel overwhelmed and defeated.

What will our life be like with a demanding new child suddenly entering the realm? Who knew daycare was SO crazy expensive? How will Sam feel about sharing the spotlight? Will I be able to nurse? Will we ever get to upgrade all of the things in our home now that we have another child? Will a new baby push Colin's memory further back into my mind? ????????????

These are just some of the questions my mind battles with during the midnight hour as the due date rapidly approaches. Then as I am just about ready to explode with worry, my innocent little baby starts rolling around making me aware that he's in on this too. I can feel his little hiccups and fingers moving around. He is so so precious and I've never set eyes upon him. I love him so deeply and have yet to touch his cheeks. That's when I know that no matter what challenges our life throws at us, we will do what we have to to make it work for him. If I need to give up one luxury to afford daycare, so be it. If my patience wears thin, I'll remind myself of how Colin taught me that life is much too short to let little things eat you alive.

Despite the fears, I look down at my big belly and smile inside and out. Life will always, always throw in curveballs and upsets, baby or not. If we didn't have that, we certainly wouldn't appreciate the good parts. When the morning light starts to creep back into the room, I start to fill with that optimistic hope once again...Ahhh, we can do this.

So we have less than 9 weeks left until we get to meet him!! I'm practically jumping out of my skin with excitement...I WANT TO HOLD HIM SO BAD! My baby shower is in 2 weeks-I can hardly wait to celebrate him with family and friends. I don't know how I'll make it through work the last 2 months with all of the awkwardness and lack of sleep....yikes!

PS--One of these days I will get some new pictures up of me and my big ole' belly!

Fall Window Shopping

2009-10-17T18:01:00.000-05:00

marthastewart.com

The boys are busy this weekend and I've actually had some down time. While laundry loads have been turning and wet floors are drying, I've been surfing the net for some fun fall ideas. Here are some of my favorites:

These apple/pumpkin pocket pie molds from Williams Sonoma would make it so easy to pull off a unique fall dessert that everyone will surely be talking about. What a fun presentation they would provide!

This brownie pop mold from Surla Table would be an easy and fun way to create treats with the kids. MMmmmm brownies!

amazon.com

This little hand-held recipe computer is SO cool! It stores up to 2,500 recipes and has a touch screen. You basically just click and go to your recipe. No searcing through that stack of recipe cards, no clean up. I love this idea! However, I'm not at all in love with the price at $300. I think they'll definitely need to lower the price on this one before I'll ever consider it! Find it here .

Love the natural, rustic look of these cinnamon napkin-rings from Pottery Barn.

I laughed when I saw these eye magnets because I can imagine the look on someone's face if they came into my kitchen and these were all over the fridge. It's just the perfect thing for our goofy family. Such a silly, "eye"-catching idea.

This witch's cauldron bread bowl (filled with yummy spinach dip) is a great idea to bring to a halloween party or work lunch. It's not as hard as it looks. Go here to make it yourself.

Oh, October

2009-10-03T17:34:00.010-05:00

October has always been a magical month for me. When I was a girl, and birthdays were a day to celebrate (because we can't wait to get OLD), this was my month to look forward to that special day. It started with the leaves turning on the trees and that unmistakable Autumn wind blowing in with the scents of crispness, wood fires, and ready-to-pick apples. If you've ever been to Northern Wisconsin in the fall, you know the magic I speak of. It's amazing here with all of our forests and nature.

Then of course there's Halloween. I have no idea why this holiday has always appealed to me, but I guess it could be the fun in pretending you are something else for a night (I remember the year I went as Madonna and everyone thought I was trying to be a hooker). That and the candy and the chance you could catch a glimpse of a ghost on that ghouly night. Halloween kick-starts the Fall/Winter holidays that I love so much!

Here are some more things that I love about October:

potterybarn.com
Pottery Barn's fall decor....I don't go to Pottery Barn too often because while I adore their merchandise, I don't adore their prices. However, I just love walking through the store every fall to see their great fall decor. It really puts me in the mood to get off my behind and start decorating.

Assembling these Graham Cracker Haunted Houses. They are so cute you almost don't want to eat them.

Making and eating this Fall Snack Mix It's easy, makes a load, and everyone loves it. Trust me!

countryliving.com
Pumpkins everywhere! I love them carved, baked, fake or just as they are. I've never tasted a pumpkin bar I didn't love. We still carve them together every year. We do an extra for Colin and this year for the baby too.

Colin shared my adoration for this time of year. Even when he was really ill and weak, he insisted on trick-or-treating. He couldn't get enough of that candy!

Making crafts with Sam and the students at school. A favorite: Origami pumpkin friends. Kids just don't forget that time you spend together doing things like this. Sam still looks forward to it, though he would never in a million years admit that to his friends!

One Track Mind

2009-09-21T19:34:00.004-05:00

To those of you who enjoy my recipes, I apologize that I've been so absent lately. My brain tends to run on one track sometimes. As you can imagine, the track it's been running on is BABY BABY BABY!

Well, that and work. And Sam's homework, extra-curricular activities, and very interesting Junior High social situations . And also a house that never seems to stop getting messy and beautiful fall weather that urges me outside during my spare time.

There's just something that changes you when you have a human being growing in your womb, depending on your every move for his health. He is moving so much now, and every single time he does, I swear I fall more in love with him. If I'm getting a bit stressed at work and he kicks, I'm immediately in a better mood. I imagine what he will look like, act like....how he'll arrive into this world! I'm not so excited about laboring again, but as I go through the baby clothes I've acquired so far, I just want that little boy to put into those clothes. I want to meet him so BADLY! I have under 99 days to go...oh my!

He's turning me into a big, lumbering moose. At least that's what I feel like. The odd thing is that I'm ok with that for now. My body will do what I need it to do for him, and I can worry about losing the pounds later. Still, I'm moving quite a bit slower. If you know me in real life, you know how I move FAST all of the time. Not so much lately.

However, Fall has arrived and with it my baking desires have been kicked into full drive. I have pumpkin and apples on my mind along with casseroles and big Sunday breakfasts! I hope that you don't desert me for my lack of posting lately...I promise to come around very soon!

How have you all been? What's been on your mind's lately? Please share!

Family of 5

2009-08-28T07:18:00.006-05:00

Today is the 4 year anniversary of Colin's death. The 4 years he's been absent from our lives seems so much longer than the 10 years he was with us. How does that seem fair? Honestly, it just isn't.

When I sit and reflect back on the last 4 years, I try to analyze on whether or not my feelings of grief have changed, the way I deal with it, or really the way our whole family deals with his loss now that we've had years to cope with it. Really, I feel the same way this morning as I type this as I did the week he died. Deeply sad, regretful, empty in that spot on my heart. I even still feel anger because I still struggle with wondering why MY son had to suffer like that. Not because I had to suffer, but because he did. He in all of his innocence and wonderfulness?

I also still have an intense feeling of gratitude that I was chosen to be his mother and spend those 10 years with him. I feel happiness and humor when I think of his shenanigans and crazy sense of humor (really, only a few people could understand it!). I will think of something he said and instantly crack a smile and once again my heart is full of him. I also still feel great hope that drives me. Faith is really a wonderful gift to have. I certainly can't imagine going on through the day without the knowledge that we will be with Colin again in the life after this one.

As our family changes once again and a new baby is on his way, what is now the important thing is that Colin's presence and memory stays alive. I don't want to be Rich, Tanya, Sam and the new baby. I want to be Rich, Tanya and their 3 boys. I need people to still think of him as a part of our family. Writing about him is the only way I can try to do that. After all, I don't want to move on. I want to stay right here where I am with Colin fresh in my being and the heart of my family.

So if you're reading this, please look at his photo and think of him. When you do, SMILE because that's what he would make you do if you knew him.

Flea Market Style Decorating

2009-08-19T10:55:00.005-05:00

flea market style

I'm so thrilled for my friend Linda over at one of my favorite blogs: Restyled Home. She is not only a really wonderful lady with a big heart, but she has a great talent for transforming a room into a comfortable and stylish space. She is the new Editor-At-Large for a wonderful new magazine called Flea Market Style. How cool is that?

With someone like Linda and her talents involved, I knew this magazine would be right up my alley (not to mention that the always amazing Matthew Mead is behind this magazine!). My family is always on a budget. While working on our kitchen and soon the baby's nursery, my main goal has been to make new out of old.

I really get this great satisfaction out of taking something that appears ugly and useless and making it a part of a room in the home. In fact, my goal with the nursery and the kitchen accessories is to not buy ANYTHING new. Nothing. I will refurbish furniture, create accessories out of junk, and relish the vintage look of my new rooms!

I'll be sharing project ideas that I come across and hopefully some successful projects of my own. This new magazine couldn't have come at a better time! If you have any great project finds to share, please post them here. I need all of the help I can get here people!

Bits of Inspiration: Kitchen

2009-08-10T09:57:00.001-05:00

bhg.com
I subscribe to quite a few magazines and am constantly tearing out pictures that inspire me. The funny thing is, I rarely find a picture of a decorated room that I like completely. I usually only like one or two elements of the room and seem to always find things I don't like. I've yet to come across a room that I am totally in love with. Maybe I'm just way too picky or there isn't a perfect room?

It's been a busy summer and I would say that our poor kitchen is only half-way finished. Most of the painting is done, but all of the little details and accessories have yet to be decided. With a baby on my mind and work starting again in a few weeks, I'm needing some major inspiration. Here are a few ideas I'd love to incorporate into my kitchen:

countryliving
While my kitchen is slowly taking on a modern, urban feel, it's important to me that the most important room of the house have some cozy comfort to it. I love this kitchen because it looks like Grandma's. I want to sit down and eat a slice of fresh apple pie. A kitchen should be inviting and people should want to sit down and mess it up a bit! I also love the red and green together for that vintage feel.

countryliving
I'm trying to find a spot in my dining area for a chalkboard message center. I've always liked how they look, and I really do keep daily lists so I'd actually use it!

countryliving
Here's another example. The great things is that you can buy chalkboard paint and create the space anywhere. You can also purchase chalkboard decals and just stick them on to a cabinet door or frame it on a wall.

countryliving
I have always wanted one of those big old vintage stoves! It reminds me of Grandparent's. They had a big wood stove and she heated her coffee and rolls and warm custard pie on it up until the day they moved out. Her home always smelled wonderful!

southernliving
So clean and put together. This kitchen just looks sanitary. I also like the cookbook niche in the corner. I like to see my cookbooks and have easy access since I use them so often. We left two of our cabinet doors off and I'm creating an area/niche to display them.

housebeautiful
Dishware grouped together and displayed. I don't care to sit in a kitchen where every single thing is put away and there is no sign of any use! Grouping together your kitchenware in sets of similar colors can create that lived-in feel without the cluttered, messy look. Pots hanging, wooden spoons grouped in a crock, stacked plates on the hutch, etc.

source unknown
A desk station for bill paying, cookbook reading, snack-eating, laptop browsing, you name it. We are going to take out our hutch (and paint it for the baby's nursery) and put in a small desk area. It will be simple, but I am really excited to have a space like this! I may put the chalkboard message area above it.

this old house
I try to always have small containers of fresh, green herbs displayed on my counter top. Not only is it super convenient to grab a snip to use in your cooking, but the aroma and look of the green in the kitchen is wonderful. I especially love the look in a white, bright kitchen because they really pop! Mmmm freshness!

bhg.com
Fresh baked goods displayed on the counter! A kitchen can't be complete without them!

Boy Blessing

2009-08-05T07:13:00.002-05:00

We are having a boy! The first thing the tech asked was whether or not we wanted to know and we said yes. She put the wand on my stomach (which is a scary moment because part of you thinks there just won't be anything at all in there) and the very first thing that popped up was the obvious evidence that we are having a boy.

The three of us sat for almost an hour and watched him kick and jerk and suck his hand. We memorized every detail of his precious little being to take with us for the next 20 weeks while we await his arrival. The future...a new chapter in life that is a true blessing...what I've been wanting for so long.

So most of you were wrong in guessing a girl, as were Rich and Sam! But I knew it was a boy...moms just know those things. It's always been "Tanya and her boys" and that's not about to change. My smile can't be any wider, my heart any more full.

Oh Sweet Potato

2009-07-24T13:50:00.003-05:00

Your fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that you'll be able to feel those movements soon.

I'm 18 weeks today and it looks like I have a really hideous looking sweet potato inhabitating my uterus. Not a day goes by that I don't stop and think, "My God, what a truly amazing experience it is to have a human being growing in my stomach!" I was much younger with my other two pregnancies, and this time my mind really can grasp how special it is. That also means I worry much more. I don't like that part.

I think I've felt the baby moving off and on for the last week or so. It's hard to tell if that's what it is (it's been over 12 years people!), but for reassurance purposes I'm telling myself it is. In 11 days (I'm counting down by the hour) we'll get to meet our little one on the screen and hopefully tell whether it's a pink or a blue! Sam is going to join us in the ultrasound room also. A true family affair.

So what do you think: Boy or Girl?

Fun Around The Dinner Table

2009-07-23T08:17:00.007-05:00

tabletopics.com

As a family, we are really big on playing games. Yahtzee, Rummy and Monopoly are three of our favorites. Sam is big on trivia as well and being that all three of us are competitive, it can be so much fun. I'm always look for new things we can do to entertain us.

I think it's very important that we try to have family dinners around the table together at least a few times a week. With our schedules that we all seem to have these days, dinner time around the table is sometimes the only time together. We have conversations and catch up on each other's lives. That's why a great meal to go along with it is important to me. I want us to enjoy this special time together!

I came across this really fun idea (which I'm in no way affiliated with) that I'm in love with! It's a company called Table Topics. They have these cubes that you set on your table with topic cards (teen, family, 80's, 90's, college, etc.) with different themes.

tabletopics.com

You pull out a card and ask everyone around the table the question on the card. What a great conversation starter! I really want to do this when we have guests over as well. They even have wedding and barbecue themes. I think it's a great idea for that crowd of guests who don't really know each other and you want to help them break the ice.

tabletopics.com

Check out these cute place cards. On the back of each is a question for the guest. Such a creative idea! The only thing that threw me off a bit was the price. I think they are a bit expensive. Still, it's so much fun to find these new products that are simple and family-friendly.

Want to hear more of my ramblings? Come on over and hang out with me at TWITTER or FACEBOOK!

Kitchen Tips and Tricks (Add Yours!)

2009-07-13T15:17:00.006-05:00

marthastewart.com

Over the years I've heard some interesting tips and tricks for in the kitchen that have definitely helped me along the way. I'm always looking for new ideas because I love simple ideas that are a big help. Here are some of the tips I've gathered and used. Please share some of your best tips in the comments section and I will add them to the post:

-Cut off any green you find on your potatoes. The green part contains a harmful toxin called solanine that can make you sick if you consume it. I even verified this one at snopes.

- When cooking rice, put a folded towel between the lid and the pot. When the rice creates moisture, the towel will absorb it instead of dripping it back onto the rice. Perfect, fluffy rice every time.

-Use an egg slicer to slice strawberries for a nice, even presentation.

-I rarely buy buttermilk. Instead, add 1 T. lemon juice to one cup of whole milk and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. You now have a perfect buttermilk substitute.

-To quickly ripen bananas overnight, stick them in a paper bag with a ripened tomato. (read that at a grocery store). Bananas are not truly ripened until they have quite a bit of brown on them. That is my favorite way to eat them and definitely the only way to bake with them.

-Rub a peeled potato on your silver to take off the tarnish stains. It really works!

-Peeling onions make you cry? Make sure it’s fresh out of the cold fridge before cutting. It’s not fool-proof though, as I sometimes still cry. The easiest way is to use my food processor. I have no idea how the chefs on tv slice onions without tearing up. My theory is that they slice them so fast there's no time for crying!

-To skim fat off of the top of your soup pot, try a piece of bread. It will soak up that fat in no time.

-When it comes to baking… always use no-salt butter, unless the recipe calls for otherwise.

-Unless the recipe calls for cold eggs, I always use large-sized room temperature eggs in baking recipes.

-When it comes to baking, always measure your ingredients. It’s not like cooking…little dash of this, little dash of that. If you add too much or too little of your baking ingredients, you could ruin the entire concoction.

-Always have a clean kitchen when getting ready to cook or bake. Not only is it sanitary, you’ll just enjoy being in the kitchen more!

-Double check that you have all of your ingredients before starting. I HATE running to the store in the middle of a recipe! Lay everything out first, then start making it.

-Wear an apron (and greet hubby at the door in it). You’ll just look cuter. If you don't have one, visit The Hip Hostesses for the prettiest, flirtiest aprons. I love them!

-Always always taste your end product. And don’t stick the spoon back into the pot afterwards. That's just gross!

TIPS FROM READERS:
-To peel roasted peppers, place them in a brown bag and let them sit for awhile-from Maria

-To peel hard boiled eggs, add a handful of salt to the water once it comes to a hard rolling boil. cook and drain normally and viola! easy to peel hard boiled eggs- from Rebekah

-When bell peppers go on sale, I buy a bunch, chop them up, lay them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze. Once frozen, they can go into freezer bags and are ready to go into favorite recipes- from Lindsay

-To get shortening out of measuring cups crack your eggs into the cup first. They coat the side and the shortening slips right out- from Christina

-When boiling pasta, place a long wooden spoon over cross-wise over the top of the pot, it will keep it from boiling over - works every time- from Disneypal

-Using an extremely sharp knife on onions will keep the crying down. Apparently oils are released into the air and using a sharp knife helps keep this to a minimum- from Kate

-when you begin to mix something with a large amount of flour or sugar (and assuming you have a standing mixer, take a kitchen towel and hold it tight around the top of the mixer (careful NOT to allow the beater blade to grab the towel). It will prevent the puff of ingredients from getting stirred up and coming out of the mixer and up and going all over the place- from Stacy

-My tip for not crying when peeling onions is before starting, get a metal teaspoon, clench it between your teeth & peel away- from Millie

-When taking muffins out of the oven, place the pan on a wet towel. The steam helps release them from the pan.Vinegar is great for removing hard water stains from the faucet and sink- from Kara

-For cutting the onions, if you have a gas cooktop, turn your burner on low and cut your onions next to it, the flame will burn off the toxins the onion let's off that make us cry. Also use a sharp knife when cutting onions, this helps to keep the membranes that hold the toxins in place better than a knife that is somewhat dull- from Raelynn

-I heard if you eat an orange while peeling onions, you won't cry. Have yet to try it.Use Pampered Chef scrapers (little brown ones) for any dried on food. Won't scratch, but does a great idea cleaning counters, plates, etc.-from Glitzen

Fruity Bump

2009-07-08T13:27:00.003-05:00

I made it through the camping trip without too many dramatics or complaints...I really could've played it up being pregnant and all. Instead, I think I was quite the trooper. During that time, our little one has grown to the size of an avacado. I love hanging out at The Bump to see which fruit will represent my baby for each week. It's funny because my body is beginning to resemble the weekly fruits they feature. Now if I would only crave those fruits instead of candy bars and pasta. Oh....chicken alfredo and macaroni and cheese!!

I had an appointment this week and the baby's heartbeat was 140 bpm. If you follow the old wive's tale, I think that says boy. On August 4th we will hopefully find out at the 20 week ultrasound. I will be anxiously counting down the days until then.

Unfortunately I haven't had any time for baking lately! I am organizing my garage for a big yard sale I'm having this weekend, and in the meantime we are still working on our kitchen. Hopefully I will get some pictures of that soon to share.

I'm really loving this summer time with Sam. He's growing up so much. He is so protective of me! He keeps saying, "you aren't supposed to bend over are you mom?" and "You're not getting fat, well, if you are it's because you're supposed to!" I can't describe the love I feel for that boy!

A (Brief) Hiatus

2009-06-29T11:06:00.003-05:00

We are heading out for a week of camping. We are going to a campground that I went to often as a child. I have so many memories of running along the trails singing "Greasy Grimy Gopher Guts" and falling off of my bike a million times and scraping my knees over and over. Oh and the boys...there were always cute boys at the campground. Nothing like hanging out at the dock, catching fish with bits of hotdogs and marshmallows, and staring at the cute boy over on the other side who has no idea you are even there!

It's absolutely beautiful and very rustic. No showers (ever shower in an outdoor tent shower?), outhouses full of spiders and well, other things, and bullfrogs that make plenty of noise all night long. Sam and I call it the bullfrog's pow-wow. We laugh and laugh at it while Rich tries to sleep. Knowing that he's trying to sleep and we are annoying him only makes us laugh louder.

Being that I'm pregnant and already feeling huge and awkward, I'm not sure how mild-mannered I'll stay on this particular camping trip. However, nothing cures crabby moods like a crackling campfire with good people sitting around it sharing their humorous stories, innermost thoughts, and food. Yes, people at camping share their delicious food and that is something that is on my mind 24 hours a day lately. I have a camping menu made up that would make your thighs grow just reading it. I will enjoy every bite of it!

So please don't forget about me while I'm gone, as I will promise to come back soon and attempt to charm you with my wacky humor and stories of food that will have you raiding your pantry. Happy Summer vacation!

Chuck Norris Facts (Amusements from a 12 Year Old Part 3)

2009-06-21T19:08:00.004-05:00

We drove Sam to his first-ever summer camp today. He's been gone only a half of a day, but because I know he'll be gone all week, I already miss him. I'm enjoying his personality so much at this age that I never want it to end. We laugh and laugh together and all 3 of us have the same stupid sense of humor. Really, hang with us for a day and you might leave with a look of wonder on your face.

The weird part is that when he gets into the "real world" with situations he's unfamiliar with (like camp), he suddenly turns into a shy introvert. I wish he would show the world the clever, humorous kid we know!

His latest infatuation is Chuck Norris. He reads the "Chuck Norris Facts" constantly. He even bought Rich two Chuck Norris Fact posters for Father's Day! I know these have been around for a few years now, but I have to say that they still make Rich and I do belly laughs and especially when Sam tells them. Oh boy, those 12 year old boys:

Chuck Norris Facts (Sam's favorites):

1. When the boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

2. There is no chin behind Chuck Norris' beard, only another fist.

3. When Chuck Norris was born he didn't cry; the doctor did. You never slap Chuck Norris.

4. Chuck Norris doesn't wear a watch. HE decides what time it is.

5. Chuck Norris beat the sun in a staring contest.

6. Chuck Norris once kicked a horse in the chin. It's descendants today are known as giraffes.

7. Chuck Norris is so fast, he can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.

8. When Chuck Norris looks in the mirror nothing appears. There can never be another Chuck Norris.

9. Chuck Norris can blow bubbles with beef jerky.

10. Chuck Norris doesn't bowl strikes. He just knocks down one pin and the other 9 faint.

Now you have to admit, those are FUNNY!!!

Country Summer

2009-06-18T08:41:00.007-05:00

countryliving.com

I have to say that there just isn't anything like summer here in the country. I mean we are REAL country here with basically nothing but a McDonalds and a few stoplights. What we do have is abundant wildlife and gorgeous nature surrounding us 24/7. It's not uncommon to see a mother deer and her fawn eating in your backyard or a bear strolling down the middle of the street. I sit out in my backyard and all I hear are birds chirping and the wind blowing. It's awesome and I wouldn't trade it for a mall or a great restaurant or anything of the sort! I feel so blessed to be able to stay home all summer and enjoy it.

I still haven't purchased a new camera, but will be soon. I'm lost without it! I haven't been able to bake much because we have been working on the kitchen. It's really coming along. We have just about all of the cabinets painted and it's really starting to look great. I can't show you pictures yet, but here are a few things we picked out at Ikea for accessories:

Very sleek, modern, and simple pull knobs

drawer pulls

Modern stool

We are going for a very clean look that is modern and bright. Painting the cabinets is hard work, but it is a huge pay-off in the end! I've been shopping online for more accessories and things and will share more when I get that darn camera!

I've been feeling alright, but feel like a house already. I've also been having some shortness of breath issues which lead to panic attacks...not fun! Still, all is worth it for a beautiful and healthy child.

Goodbye, Dear Camera

2009-06-11T09:27:00.006-05:00

Yesterday Sam and I took Sophie on our monthly doggie get-together. See that giant bear looking animal? That's Noah, the newfoundland who belongs to a co-worker of mine. Sam always gets to walk Noah. They're buddies.

And of course, being that I'm the biggest clutz in the world, I dropped my beloved camera straight onto the pavement. Not a big deal, I thought, since I've done it a million times before. But when I went to take the next picture, this is how it turned out:

So, I must say goodbye to my dear camera friend and kick myself at the same time! I will be without a camera for a bit until I find a decent new one. However, I will find a way to continue posting here even if I have to use Rich's blackberry camera. If anyone has any good recommendations for a nice digital that doesn't break the bank, please let me know.

This is our first week of summer vacation and the weather has been less than desirable. Chilly and gray, it just doesn't feel like summer break at all. I don't have one single mosquito bite yet and that's unheard of by now!

White Chocolate Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

2009-06-08T07:14:00.014-05:00

There's a teacher at the school I work at who is retiring this year. Her name is Mrs. Rose. She's a truly delightful and wonderful woman who I am very sad to see go, although I know it's time for her to enjoy life without WORK! She shares in my love for baking and especially for cheesecakes. One day she told me how she had had a slice of T.G.I.F's Vanilla Bean Cheesecake and how she just loved it! I told her I'd try to find a copycat recipe and make it for her.

This is what I came up with after combing through many recipes. It was rich and delicious and presented so well. The taste was scrumptious and worth the work to make it, but the best part was doing a "small" something for a lady who has done so much for the children over the years!

White Chocolate Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
Crust:
2-1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/2 c. melted butter
4 T. sugar
1/2 t. vanilla extract

Filling:
3 (8 oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
1 c. heavy cream
1 c. sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 T. lemon juice
vanilla beans from 1 pod
1/2 t. vanilla extract

White chocolate mousse topping:
1 c. whipping cream
3 T. powdered sugar
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
4 oz. white chocolate backing squares
vanilla beans from one pod

Spray a spring form pan and set on a large baking sheet. For crust, combine the crumbs, sugar, butter and vanilla. Press onto bottom and sides of pan with the back of a large spoon. Do not bake.

For the filling, beat the cream cheese in a an electric mixer until smooth. Add in the sugar and beat until it's soft and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating for at least a minute after each addition. Add the rest of the ingredients until well incorporated. To get the beans from the vanilla bean pod:

Slice the bean straight down the middle the long way. You can see the black goop inside:

Take a small metal spoon (I use a measuring spoon) and scrape out the innards:

Pour filling into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Shut the oven off and leave the cheesecake in the oven for an hour. Stick a wooden spoon handle in the oven door to keep it slightly propped open. After an hour, remove it to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate.

When the cake is completely cooled, it's time for the delicious mousse topping:
Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar, and beat a few more minutes until stiff peaks form. Set this bowl aside. Melt the white chocolate squares. I use:

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the innards of the vanilla bean to the melted chocolate and add this mixture to the cream and beat until smooth. Fold in the whipping cream mixture to the cream cheese mixture. Spread on the cooled cheesecake. Refrigerate overnight before serving.

**I add curls of the leftover white chocolate to the top and pieces of the chocolate bar to garnish...so good!

Thank you so VERY much for the well wishes! I'm absolutely through the roof with happiness about this baby and am praying all goes well. I'll be sharing most of the milestones and pictures about it through Sunday Baker Twitters or Facebook so I hope you'll join me in my little journey! My first day of summer break officially starts today. The kitchen is half-way finished and I'm off to pick a paint color for the walls. I can't wait until it's done, but it may be weeks yet!

The Sweetest Recipe

2009-06-04T16:53:00.005-05:00

Rich and I have been working on a recipe that is the best I've ever come up with here at Sunday Baker. Here's what we needed:

1 part Rich
1 part Tanya
patience
blessing from above

We are 11 weeks pregnant! I've been waiting and waiting to share the news! We heard the heartbeat yesterday and decided it was time. All 3 of us are beyond happy and feel more blessed than ever before. As you can see from the picture, the 3rd time around the stomach pops out much quicker.....I have one pair of pants that still buttons...and I LOVE every minute of it!

Can you imagine the recipes you're going to be seeing here...a hormonal pregnant woman with an appetite for sugar that never ends? Be prepared for some doozies!

Chili Cheese Dip

2009-05-31T09:24:00.009-05:00

Cookouts and backyard grilling are once again a part of our lives, and my favorite part of a cookout is the finger foods that are usually served while the rest of the food is being prepared. In fact I usually eat so much of the appetizers that I no longer have room for a burger. This dip is so easy it's silly, yet it's surprisingly addicting and yummy, and only requires 3 ingredients. If you need to bring something at the last minute, this is perfect!

Chili Cheese Dip
1 can of "no bean" chili
1 8oz. block cream cheese, room temperature
1-1/2 c. sharp cheddar cheese (use any cheese flavor you prefer)

Spread the soft cream cheese in the bottom of a 9" glass pyrex pan or microwave-safe baking dish. Spread it smooth:

Spread the chili over the cream cheese, making layer #2:

Sprinkle the cheese over the top. Microwave for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted throughout. Serve warm. I serve this with Frito Scoop chips or tortillas.

We had a busy weekend getting ready for the last week of school (and work!). Sam had some big tests to study for and we finally started our kitchen project! My kitchen will be looking pretty rough for a few weeks but I'll still be in there baking away!

Signs of Summer Round Here

2009-05-27T16:18:00.009-05:00

Summer Blue Skies

Flowering Apple Trees. Short-lived Splendor, but Breathtaking

Old Birdfeeders with New Inhabitants

Perennials Popping Up Everywhere

Our Old Pop-Up Airing Out in the Driveway. What a Beauty.

Gorgeous Grossbeaks visiting the Seed Pile

Mr. Chippy Starting Through the Window to see if the Coast is Clear (feeder above).

Yes, summer is very close and work is done in a week and half. I have many plans on my list for this summer and none of them involve traveling on an airplane or doing anything lavish. That's the way I like it. I am starting a summer reading list...does anyone have a reading list to share with me?

Cheesy Cream Potatoes

2009-05-23T18:09:00.010-05:00

If you are hosting a cookout this holiday weekend, I'm telling you that these potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat. The creamy white sauce mixed with the melted cheese is a super combination. You can make them ahead and pop them in the oven for 20 minutes or so while the meat is grilling. They are fool-proof and really delicious! I like to serve the leftovers for breakfast the following day. My kind of dish!

Cheesy Cream Potatoes
8-10 medium potatoes (I use russet)
2-1/2 c. half and half
7 T. real butter
6 T. flour
1 c. grated cheese (mild or sharp)
salt and pepper
garlic salt
1 c. fresh bread crumbs
2 T. melted butter

Peel, wash and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Boil on stovetop just until done (fork easily pierces but not mushes the potato). Remove and drain. Put into a foil-lined and greased cakepan.

In a medium saucepan melt the 7 T. butter. Whisk in the flour until a thick roux is made. Slowly whisk in the half and half. Stirring constantly, bring the sauce to a very soft boil and remove once sauce is thick (1-2 minutes):

Remove the sauce from the heat and add in salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste. Pour the seasoned sauce over the potatoes:

Sprinkle the cheese over everything:

Store-bought bread crumbs can be used, but they just don't taste nearly as good. It's so easy to make your own. Just toast 3 slices of bread. Throw them in the processor and pulse until you get fine crumbs. Pour in 2 T. melted butter and mix well:

Pour the crumbs over the top. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and very slightly golden:

We are having the NICEST weekend! The weather is gorgeous. The trees are in full bloom and there are birds and bees buzzing everywhere. We are getting quite a bit done around the yard and house and my herb and cucumber garden is in. What are you up to this holiday weekend?

How to Welcome a Hummingbird

2009-05-19T16:09:00.008-05:00

Birdwatching is one of life's simple pleasures that I've come to enjoy. We have feeders in front of our main windows and being that we are easy to please country folk, we are always watching for the arrival of the warm weather birds. Last week my favorite, our little ruby-throated hummingbird, showed up like clock work to remind us that summer will come after all. It starts out with one and before you know it you have 4 or 5 of those little guys zipping by with a tummy full of sugar water.

Attracting hummingbirds is really easy and here are a few tips if you aren' t familiar:

-You can get a hummingbird feeder at any garden store. They usually come in red, but I've seen them in other colors as well. It is a MYTH that you need to color your water with red dye to attract them. The poor little birds don't need that red dye. As long as your feeder has color to attract, they'll come.

-The sugar solution: add 1 part granulated sugar to 4 parts water (1/2 c. sugar, 2 c. water). Make sure the water is VERY hot, but it doesn't have to be boiling. With a small whisk, stir the solution together until all of the sugar is dissolved (about 2 minutes). Let it cool completely.

- Add it to the feeder and hang it where the birds can easily see it. Hang it in the same location yearly and the same birds will come back to that spot. **Watch out! The bears like to drink this sugar water too....

-Change the water frequently (unless they drink it down before you need to) and wash the whole feeder with soapy water before changing the mix. I use a baby bottle brush cleaner to clean the inside. Always keep it full as they are relying on you now!

We hang our main feeder by the window next to the dining room table. This is where I often use my laptop and like to watch the buzzy little guys:

Spring also blessed me with a horrible head cold. I feel like I could sleep all day long. I hope this week goes by fast!

Peanut Butter & Fudge Brownies

2009-05-17T08:36:00.009-05:00

The trees are finally blooming, the dogs are shedding so bad that cleaning up their hair is a full-time job, and the end-of-the-year school crazies have begun! Finally the somewhat-warmer weather has hit Northern Wisconsin and it's amazing to me how nature seems to cure any depression or negative feelings you've developed over the long winter, right out of your body. Nature cures just about anything.

So does chocolate and peanut butter and I promise you that these decadently-thick brownies will cure any blues you have today. My favorite combo of peanut butter and chocolate never fails!

Peanut Butter & Fudge Brownies (adapted from Epicurious.com)
1-1/2 sticks unsalted butter
semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 cup all purpose flour

Peanut Butter Layer
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided, room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

7 oz. semi-sweet chocolate-can use chocolate chips (will be used for frosting layer)

Line a 13x9" pan with foil and spray or butter. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place 3/4 cup butter in heavy large saucepan. Add both chocolates; stir over low heat until smooth, just a few minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in sugar, vanilla, and salt, then eggs, 1 at a time. Fold in flour. Spread in prepared pan. Bake until tester inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes. Place pan on rack; cool completely.

Peanut Butter Layer:
Using electric mixer, beat peanut butter and 1/4 cup butter in medium bowl to blend. Beat in powdered sugar, salt, and nutmeg, then milk and vanilla:

Spread frosting over cooled brownies. Put into fridge for an hour or two to cool and set this layer.

Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
Stir 7 oz. chocolate and 1/4 cup butter in heavy small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Spread chocolate ganache over the cooled peanut butter, smoothing as you go. Chill until set, about 1 1/2 hours. Cover and keep chilled. When cutting, use the foil as an aid to help you loosen brownies from pan. Bring to room temperature before serving.

As always if you want to hang out with me then you can find me at TWEET to follow my tweets at Twitter or FACEBOOK . Have a beautiful week everyone and enjoy nature's therapy!

Thoughts and Changes

2009-05-14T20:22:00.004-05:00

Here's my REALLY lame attempt at a picture showing you how sorry I am that I've completely neglected posting lately (it's hard to take a picture of yourself looking sad without looking like a turd)...I've been thinking quite a bit lately about the direction I want to go in with Sunday Baker. When I first started this blog I promised myself that it would remain a HOBBY and something I do because I love it, not because I want to have a lot of visitors, or make money off of ads, or worry about making sure it lives up to standards of other blogs. No pressure as this blog is my STRESS RELIEF!

Then I started to get a lot of visitors, which thrilled me! It still thrills me and I don't want to disappoint. But I also don't want to steer away from what I meant this blog to be: a place to share my love of homemaking, and just being a wife, mother, friend, and a woman. I think that a majority of you enjoy all of those things as much as I do.

I will be posting much more frequently but there will be less of the giveaways and product features and more recipes, home ideas, and pictures....I know that might disappoint some, but it's what I meant for this blog to be. I hope I continue to get many new visitors because I do love it! I really enjoy the interaction with all of you and that's what makes this fun.

So, I apologize for being distant lately and hope you will enjoy my future posts. As always if you want to hang out with me even more (you poor poor soul!) then you can find me at TWEET to follow my tweets at Twitter or FACEBOOK . And, I always value your opinions, so please leave some!