An Italian Mama Gone Crazy

2011-12-16T21:54:00.000-08:00

Being a working Mom is truly awesome... especially when I get to work AT MY SON'S SCHOOL! All three of them come into my classroom to either give me a quick kiss, ask for food (I'm the cooking teacher) or to ask for money... LOL... but it's great.

Today, we had our annual Christmas Party, with all the food cooked and provided by our fantastic ACAF members. We received our Christmas bonuses, had a White Elephant Gift Exchange, just had a chance to see and talk with the other teachers we don't get to see very often. The food was AWESOME... my friend Angie, cooks me UNDER THE TABLE! I would seriously eat her garbage... and it was wonderful because I DIDN'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING AT ALL... I got to really enjoy the day.

***

All of our Catering jobs are done... so I truly get to relax for the next two weeks... focus on my home, my sons, and just BEING...

This Christmas we aren't going to travel outside of our home, and get mistreated again... we are going to stay home, invite some friends over, and just chill. I'll be cooking the Feast of Seven Fishes with my Mama this year... not worry about some small minded people that think blogging is waste of time or that I am talking about them. AS if! It has been a wonderful, idiot free year...

***

I FINALLY get to concentrate on the Holidays, now that work is done for a little while. I need to finish my shopping. Really, I need to start my shopping... so that means I really shouldn't be on here... but now that I'm off work, I gravitated toward my blog...

***

To all that matter, MERRY CHRISTMAS...

Random stuff all jammed into one post...

2011-10-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

I got an email today from a student that wanted me to email him the recipe for Fettucine. HOW COOL IS THAT!!! Young adults are making PASTA FROM SCRATCH!!! I love my job!

Unfortunately, I didn't get the email until 3 hours after he sent it... so I hope he was able to make the pasta anyway... I've really got to check my emails more often on the weekends.

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Tomorrow is my 19th Wedding Anniversary. NINETEEN years... who knew!! Pretty soon, I will have been with my husband longer than I was single. It literally feels like just a few years...

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Has anyone else been watching that new show Pan Am? I love it. It's so old school. I just LOVE how they hold their hands out with gloves on when holding their purses... love the clothes... love the story... love it.

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Got an Ipad 2 a couple of months ago... and HOLY COW... I love, love, love it!!! It's the coolest thing. May Steve Jobs rest in peace... I sure hope he's doing some great things in heaven... because he sure did some amazing stuff down here...

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My middle son played in his first Varsity game, starting as Quarterback on Friday night... he is only a Freshman... and he did an AWESOME job... we lost... but we now have a passing game!! YAY!!!

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I gotta go... I have to ork in the morning... and I drank way too much iced tea today...

It's been so long!!!

2011-10-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

I think about this all the time. I get ready to post something on here... then a student walks into my classroom, or the dishes need to be done... or this... or that...

BEING A WORKING MOM is soooo different from being a Stay at Home Mom!!!

I was called every name in the book last January for being a blogger...

Can you believe it? It wasn't even from a stranger... it was from a RELATIVE!!! Ha ha!!!

She told me to "just stick to cooking and 'your men" and stop blogging"... she took high offense to the fact that I like being Italian, and named my blog "Italian Mama" and how dare I think I am "so Italian"... blah, blah, blah... Funny right??

I was all gung ho to continue blogging, in spite of the rashen of crap I got from "her", then the school I teach at decided to give me two more classes for the new semester... and voila!! 12 hour days doing what I love! I bet she thought I stopped blogging because of her tirade... HA!!! She doesn't know me very well...

I am still teaching Culinary Arts at my son's High School... AND I ADORE MY JOB!!! Truly adore it.
Being at work makes me happy. I don't remember what I did before!!!

I teach two classes a day, and I also run a lunchtime homework session for middle and high schoolers.

Maybe one day I'll write a book about the fun stuff that happens at our school... some of the things kids say and do are hilarious!!!

My sons attend a Christian/Private High School, and we have the greatest group of young minds... thoughtful, polite, well mannered... and soooo funny!!!

My oldest is graduating this year. {{sigh}}

He has applied to his number one choice of college... a month early... he REALLY wants to go to Azuza Pacific University... and private Christian College about an hour from here. I hope he gets in... but I just don't know how we'll swing the $48,000 a year... lots of prayer, I suppose??? We've been paying tuition for the past 12 years for all three of our boys...so this should just be a continuation... right... HA!

I need to get 8 more jobs. Fast.

Sedona and Vegas trip!

2011-07-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

We've just arrived to our first destination... Our Las Vegas Timeshare Polo Towers...This is in the lobby.

Bad shot... good day... My birthday lunch having my favorite meal... Lettuce Wraps from Cheesecake Factory... with my favorite men...

My favorite part about Vegas? The HUGE bathtub in our villa... We get a little over zealous with the bubbles...

goofball

After 4 days in Vegas... time to head to Sedona!

We tried to head to the SkyWalk... but it would have been $500 bucks just to step on it then leave... we had to get to our destination before sundown... so we ended up not doing it...;(

Wow... our first glimpse of the Red Rocks...stunning!

I was in AWE!

Then we got to our suite... 1500 sq feet of sheer bliss! This is the living room!

My domain... the great sized kitchen! Yes... I cooked on vacation!

One of the Master bedrooms... doors go out to the back patio!

One of the two HUGE bathrooms... and Triangular tubs!!! Not as comfy as the Vegas one.. but the shower made up for it...

LOVE a walk in shower!

LOVE!

Can you tell I'm a bathroom suite girl? I want what I don't have... our home bathrooms are so small, you can sit, take a shower and wash your hands at the same time!

Our master bedroom

Dining area

Our entryway!

Our lovely sinks... I'm thinking of getting these for home!

Our back porch!

On our way to Slide Rock!

2011-06-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

Hello!!!!!!!
Long time no write!!!

Just returned from a week long vacation to Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon and Sedona ... Such Fun!!!!
I am officially IN LOVE with Sedona... have you ever been there??? It was like God chiseled each and every one of those mountains out especially for all of us visitors... I loved the people, the scenery, the mom and pop places, EVERYTHING about it....

I've missed writing on here. I just completed my first year teaching at my 3 son's school... and now have a little time to spare each day, since I have the summer off...

I am going to write mostly about my cooking escapades...

You see... I'm going to start up a YouTube cooking show this summer!!! I can't wait!!!! I'm going to have my son Alex film it for me, since he has a steady hand, and an "eye" for this kind of stuff... he takes really great pictures... Soooo many people have told me I should have my own show... and since Food Network isn't coming, knocking down my door, I'm going to do it myself!!! LOL

My butt hurts right now from sitting in the car all day... Bill got us home in 6 hours... record time... so I have a ton of laundry to do... I'll post pictures of our FABULOUS suites we stayed in... and of the fantastic views in Sedona... after I find my camera...

Ciao!

It's been a while...

2011-04-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

Gosh... I am really wondering whether to keep this blog up or not...

With my new job (LOL... new, I've been teaching for 7 months now...) I just don't seem to find the time to write on here...

I absolutely REFUSE to write about my class or students... unless it's in a positive way... but even then... no one is interested in positivity, right?? LOL

Let's see... what's been going on around here...

Ummm.... I still adore my job and my students... they are all getting really good at making food, and making it really well... it's sooo cool when my students post on FB all the dishes they make at home... it just warms my heart.

My Mom and I have been very, very busy catering... it's sooo exciting getting all the bookings we are getting... we are actually turning business away!!!

William had made the decision to go on the school Mission Trip to Costa Rica next year. I am sooo excited for him! All of the students that took that journey just came back, and it seemed like a once in a lifetime trip. We also had student go to the Ukraine, and I think I am going to go on that one next year...as a chaperone. It depends on how my hip feels. The Costa Rica trip involves the students helping out in a Christian Kids camp. The pictures were incredible of the jungle, and lush greenery and all the people they were in contact with. William will have a life changing experience, that's for sure...
I need to sell 600 loaves of bread to pay for the trip. That's how I decide how I make the necessary cash to pay for big items... "how many loaves will I have to sell to pay for that?" LOL.. so at $5 a loaf, I need to sell 600...

Gosh... I've been sitting here staring at this screen for a long time now... and that's about all i have to say...

What's going on with you???

What to dwell on...

2011-03-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

So much has been going on lately...

Just this past week alone, I've cut my hand pretty deeply, my Dad has knee replacement surgery, our backyard neighbors' dog barked INCESSANTLY all day and night, I went over to talk to the nuisance neighbors instead of call the police about their SCREAMING, and too LOUD music, to get threatened AGAIN with bodily harm by the drunkards... AGAIN...

Needless to say.. it's been a fun week.

I don't want to be a Debbie Downer... so here's what went RIGHT this past week...

My Dad's surgery went well, and he's on the road to recovery...

I was offered continued employment at my job, for next school year... and recieved a GLOWING report from my bosses... that was REALLY nice...

The school bought me a chest freezer for my classroom... AWESOME!

I got to cook for the Faculty during our In Service Day yesterday.

I got to cook for our Basketball Team one last time for our Banquet and I had TONS of help and it was TONS of fun!

I was able to see Johnathon's Play on Thursday, where he sang a solo... AND HE WAS AWESOME in it!!! It made me bawl like a baby... and the BEST part??? While he sang, he stared at me the entire time... it was so special!!!!

I got to go to lunch with a sweet friend that I haven't seen in a long time...

I learned how to make tortillas... and who knew... THEY ARE SO EASY!!!!

I need to choose to rejoice in the good, and not dwell on the bad... huh???

The Blogging Teacher Natalie Monroe

2011-02-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

I've got a bone to pick... and I'm gonna pick it here...

Recently, in the news, there was a bunch of hoopla about a teacher (Natalie Monroe) writing about her opinions, observations and experiences in her teaching career. She said a bunch of stuff that was true to her, and to a lot of people in the teaching profession, as well as non teachers. It also struck quite a nerve with her Superiors, her students and with her students parents.

I gotta say this... WE LIVE IN A FREE COUNTRY... and she can write about whatever she wants to write about... ESPECIALLY SINCE SHE DIDN'T MENTION ANY NAMES... It's really no different than someone writing a novel online on a blog... just because someone sees similarities in their lives and the novel, doesn't mean the novel is about them.. ya know?

Having been accused, recently, very recently, of writing about "things I shouldn't be" writing about, like, my experiences in life, my kids, my life, my cooking, my extended family, my being Italian and loving it (I know, I know... sooooo stupid to be called out on writing ABOUT MY LIFE!!! Oh, shudder the thought!!!) I can totally understand the blogging teacher's feelings, on a much smaller scale, of course... I won't pretend to understand what it feels like to be under the nation's scrutiny. It's RIDICULOUS to call her out on her words if she didn't mention names or pictures... because really, for all we know... she could have been making it up too...writing stories... maybe thinking out loud on possible manuscripts... WHO KNOWS... WHO CARES!!!

Have you ever been to the movies and seen the little blurb at either the beginning or the end of the movie that says something like... "Any similarities in the characters lives and your life in completely coincidental" or something like that... THERE IS A REASON FOR THAT!!!!! PEOPLE ARE CRAZY and REALLY believe if a movie character has blonde hair and her name is Daphne, and drives a red car and lives in a house with a red door, THE WRITER OF THE MOVIE STOLE HER LIFE and put it up on the screen!!!

If this teacher's experience at school was with lazy kids, kids that cussed, talked about sex all the time, talked about drug use all the time and were rude, "entitled" and disrespectful... WHY IS SHE WRONG TO SAY SO???? Did she say... "Sally Saucy is a rude, entitled hag, whose parents don't give a darn about her"???? NO... she was using GENERAL TERMS... no different than a newspaper columnist writing about the state of our public schools.

Get off that poor Natalie Monroe's back!!! I, for one, feel for her! Would I write about my students? No, unless I am bragging about how fantastic they are... because they really are... but any problems I have with any students aren't going to be broadcast on a blog... but if that other teacher wants to... SHE TOTALLY CAN!!! Sally Saucy's Mama is gonna have to deal with it... and parent her daughter better, if she "see's" herself in the blog post...

What's Cookin around here...

2011-01-29T23:05:00.000-08:00

I know... I know... another food post... but really... with work and what I now do for a living... teach cooking... THIS IS MY LIFE!... LOL

Above, is the filling for some homemade ravioli I made today... Chevre cheese, mozzarella, romano, and spinach with salt and pepper...

My awesome Pasta and Ravioli maker...

My newest acquistion... a rolling pin that rolls over pasta and filling to make ravioli!!!

Isn't it lovely???

Obsession of the week... Naan... I can't stop making it... my family can't stop eating it...

My lunch was roasted eggplant and roasted peppers...

This is what my family ate... homemade ravioli...

I can't WAIT to share my Naan making with my class next week.

Tomorrow, Mama and I are catering a Race Across America dinner at my school.. to raise funds to support a special education department at our private high school.

Such a worthy cause.

I'm so proud to be a part of it.

I made 14 batches of dough to bake up tomorrow... Tomato Rosemary, Olive Tapenade and Rosemary.

My Sons are going to help serve.

The cool thing is... I get to cook it all in my classroom kitchen!!!

***

I've begun my second semester last week. I now teach three classes a day. I get paid to laugh and cook... what a job!!!

It's a lot of hard work, and I really, really, really need Teacher's Assistants... but I can handle it.

The kids are all really wonderful, especially my high schoolers, and their enthusiasm makes it all go so quickly.

I hear there is a waiting list to get into my class... that's really flattering... but I truly believe that it's the food they want... where there's food, there's people... ya know?

***

OH!!!! I almost forgot.. Alex's school baseball coach told me, my older son William and Alex, that Alex really needs to get a pitching coach... because HE ALREADY HAS COLLEGES LOOKING AT HIM!!!He's in 8th grade, and he's 5'10, and can pitch so accurately it's mind boggling... and a pitching coach would really help hone his craft...

I heard the word 'COLLEGE' and my ears perked up...

then I heard the words "Scholarship" and my ears burned!!!

So when I was stunned to silence and didn't know what to say to that, the next day, he cornered my older son and told him to tell me... and then he told Alex to tell me... LOL

Apparently Alex is a prodigy... and we didn't know it!!!

Of course, I need to get on my knee's, do some praying... and thanking... just kinda ask for guidance...

But it is sooo cool to even THINK of it!!!

Food experimentation...

2011-01-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

Here's what I've been up to lately...

I've been experimenting with making the most common store bought items... from scratch...

AND LOVING IT!!!

I don't buy pasta at the store anymore... we make all our own now... AND IT' EASIER, QUICKER, and more nutritious to make if ourselves... this was my first attempt a few weeks ago...

My men said it was DELISH!!!

Yesterday, I made homemade crackers... YES... CRACKERS... needless to say.. they are GONE!!!

I'm gonna make a new flavor today.. they were THAT easy...

No more buying cannoli shells for my catering jobs... from now on... I will make them from scratch... WITHOUT bad fats... these were lighter, flakier and tastier than the LARD made ones from the Italian store...

Rosettes...

Because they are hard to find... AND SOOOOOOOO EASY to make... and fun too!

Writer's Workshop - Too much after school stuff???

2011-01-20T21:07:00.000-08:00

3.) It has been said that kids these days are pushed into too many extra-curricular activities and are not given the freedom to play and be bored and to use their imaginations. Is this true?

Is it true?? Yes and No...

I, for one, have never pushed any of my kids into doing/playing any sport. HOWEVER... that being said, I have presented the sport in a favorable way so the child will want to play.
I believe sports are so important in a child early years. It teaches coordination, confidence, cadence, sportsmanship, among a host of other great qualities.
Not to mention the amount of memories, fun and exercise a child gets from physical activity.

We don't really do other extra curricular things but sports... and I suppose the people that complain about kids being in too many things after school have a problem with music, math competitions, and spelling bees too...

Nowadays, with parents letting the stupid, idiot producing video gaming industry, babysit and desenstize their kids every. single. day... without a break... that music, sports or spelling would be a welcome respite.
I don't believe there are a bunch of "imaginative" gamers in the world...
Constantly killing people on an idiot box, pushing buttons incessantly isn't inspiring much imagination.

So am I a fan of extra curricular activity? HECK YEAH...
Especially if it takes the place of video games...

Is it that obvious that I am not a fan of video games??? LOL

Finals Week...

2011-01-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

Finals are this week...

My boys are furiously studying for them...

Why cram? Just do all your work during the semester and then it's just review... ya know???

I never had to cram for tests in High School... while others were racing against the clock, I just re read my notes, went over some things that I didn't know well, and ate a good breakfast and got some good sleep...

I don't like putting things off for the last minute...

That's just who I am... sometimes it serves me well... sometimes it doesn't...

So I'm getting all the good breakfast items for the week ready for them, so they have a good start...

Steel Cut oatmeal, eggs, fresh bread for toast, fresh squeezed Orange Juice from our oranges out back... and lots of coffee...

My boys... waiting till the last minute to soak up knowledge...

They are my hubby's sons....:)

But I adore them all... I can't help it.

I'm back!

2011-01-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

I feel refreshed... renewed... reopened... and ready to take 2011 on...

Nothing like a good cry, or a little "shake up" to put things into perspective... HUH?

The past three weeks have been a little weird... but it's okay... I've learned soooooo much from all of it. I just know God had to speak a little louder than a whisper to me, to get my full attention.

I'm not going to go into full detail... but I am going to say that never have I believed more... the statement that...
"God wouldn't put you in it, if he didn't plan to pull you through it" or something like that...

I kinda felt like things were going along just a little to smoothly for a while there... and He felt like I needed to be pulled up by the shorts a little... LOL...

The beautiful thing about going through some turmoil... is you really see who you have on your side... who is REALLY there for you, in a big way. I've always known my husband has been a big support in my life... but boy did he really show me the past three weeks... and I wasn't even looking for it... but he just really came to my rescue... didn't point fingers... didn't say stuff like... "Well... you know... blah blah blah..." He just held me close, told me to listen to his heart beat, that it beats for me, and that he's truly on my side. NO matter what."
I just don't give him enough credit. He really knows what to say... at the right time... in the right way.

And my Father in Law... if my Hubby is my biggest cheerleader... then my Father in Law is a very close second... even on the phone... I can feel how much he loves me... and respects me... and I have to tell you... the feeling is definitely mutual.

When the enemy comes knocking at your door... it's disconcerting if you aren't ready for it. My kids really rallyed around me too... they were saying things that just really boggled my mind... they were so insightful, and grown up in their views... it was thrilling to hear them say things that most 45 years old don't grasp.

Maybe God let this mishap happen in my life... just so I can see how loved I am. Maybe I've been taking advantage or for granted the love I have in my life. Maybe I just needed to refocus on Him... and stop focusing so much on me, me, me. Whatever it was... it worked... I'm a more focused woman now. Focused on my relationship with the Lord... more focused on my relationship with my husband.. and focused on the fact that all I really need... in my life... are the awesome people living in my home... and whoever else knows who I really am... I will no longer focus on people that only see what they want to see...and believe what they deem is truth in their own minds...

My blog is open again. I won't allow anyone to censor me anymore...

Peace. Love... and tiny flowers...

A 6 foot what???

2011-01-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

Did you know there are restaurant out there that make and SELL 6 foot Burritos?

Have I been living in a cave?

Why have I never seen this before?

One showed up in my classroom today for a meeting with students...

and I was ASTONISHED to see...

A 6 FOOT BURRITO!

Unbelievable!

Six foot sandwiches... I've seen those... 6 foot long arm of Octopus on a table? I 've seen that too...

but never a Burrito...

Wish I had thought of it...

I really wish I had my camera on hand...

Baby it's cold outside...

2010-12-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

Holy Moly it's cold outside...

It's the end of the year, and I haven't done anything I planned on doing with my 2 weeks off. I need to make a new syllabus, plan a new middle school cooking class, print out recipes, write recipes, continue my novel and cookbook, clean out under my bed, get rid of tons of unused things to donate...

Oy Vay...

I actually miss work! This is too much pressure!!! ;)

I have been baking a TON of pretzel bread recently... my new obsession... and much to my kids happiness... they have been devouring it.

My Mom and I have been baking fiends the past few weeks... and catering a bunch too. It's so much fun to cook and just 'be' with my Mama in the kitchen. We have yet to find out if we "got" a gig catering an impromptu wedding on New Year's Eve... fingers crossed! It would be fun to cater and enjoy a wedding and all the music that comes with it on NYE.
We also have a huge Football Banquet for our Football team to cook for on Jan. 5. Holy Moly... I sure wish we had that thing in December... LOL... but... we have a ton of awesome people willing to do whatever it takes and help... so it will be so much fun to cook, laugh and fellowship with everyone in my classroom...

There have been a lot of Basketball tournaments lately... so we've been trying to get to a couple here and there...
I just enjoy being home so much and not 'needing' to be somewhere... that we just don't get out that much right now... LOL...

There have been a bunch of Amazon.com packages coming in... that's been fun...getting gifts after the fact... it's a great time... Like a mini Christmas every day.

Just found out my new Ipod doesn't fit ANY of my older Ipod (less than a year ago) stuff... so all my junk had to be passed down to the kids for their Ipod Touch's, and I had to buy all new junk for mine... sooooo sucks! But.. the new one has video and camera... so I'm set for any event now...in a much more compact form. Those companies just keep tweaking things jusssst enough to get every single penny out of us... huh?

***to my irked reader (you know who you are)... notice how this blog post doesn't resemble anything that may/maynot be something that irks you... Well... there are about 599 other ones just like this... why don't you focus on your own life... and leave me alone... Thank you so much for reading me... but really... you should find time to do things in your life that fulfill you and make your life better... mine is just fine at the moment... thanks... I don't need or want your opinion on what I write, post, or have experienced in my life... you do you... I'll do me.

Basketball, baseball, work oh my!!!

2010-12-08T21:36:00.000-08:00

Holy frijole!!!

Time is just flying by!!! It feels like yesteday that I accepted my position as Teacher at ACA... and now it's ALREADY CHRISTMAS?? REALLY??? How did that happen?

William is now playing basketball. He made Varsity, so games are now at 7:30 p.m. So it makes for a long day... THANK GOD he's driving himself. Did I just say that??? I did!!!

Alex just decided to play baseball at school, so now we have that too. Now life feels like it's back to normal. Johnathon is in drumline at school, and is about to play soccer for his school.

I really need three of me. I sure wish someone would come up with that already.

I still really love my class and teaching my class. I get to keep them all year, because the Ceramic Teachers kiln never showed up for next semester. Sad for the ceramics teacher... happy for me.

We are making desserts and sweets the next week, and the week we come back from break, then we get to make stuff I really know how to cook. Desserts aren't my forte'. I'm a savory girl. My Mama is gonna help me out by teaching them to make her specialties when we return from break... thank God!!!

Ugh... I am soooo tired. I need to sleep..,

My baby got his Driver's License today... Waaahhhhhh!

2010-11-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days my son will remember for the rest of his life. The day he got his Driver's License. I tried to make it a good day...

I smiled alot... although I wanted to bawl my eyes out.

I didn't yell at him as he drove me to school... even though he stops waaaaaay to late...

I made sure and said a prayer with/for him before his test.

Did I mention I tried really hard not to cry?

Yeah, that plan failed.

Right after the DMV lady came to sit in the passenger side of his truck... I excused myself to go to the ladies room, and let the tears fall in private. He's almost a man now. What the heck and I gonna do with an almost full grown man as a son? He won't need me for anything soon... THEN what am I gonna do?

This Motherhood business is so tough. You pour your entire life, heart and soul into raising these humans... and they go and get all independent on you... WHAT'S UP WITH THAT!

He is soooo very excited. I drove him home so I could get MY car, and he took HIS truck back to school.
No more "ours". {{sigh}}

So I told him I loved him, and watched him drive away...
and called the school to make sure he got there okay...
What!!! I'm his Mama! It's my right! He might be a man (almost)... but he'll ALWAYS be my little boy...

Thankful... oh... so Thankful!

2010-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

I really love Thanksgiving. It's one of my favorite Holidays. Much more so than Christmas or Chanukah.
Thanksgiving is a holiday without airs. It's simple. Eat a lovely meal with those you love, be thankful, clean up, and bask in the Thankfulness for a few days. There's no other Holiday like it.

I love how generous this Holiday makes everyone seem to feel. Homeless food pantries become full, shut in's get invited for a meal, warm clothing gets donated to those on the streets. What I truly wish, is that all of us would do this kind of stuff ALL THE TIME... all year long... but Thanksgiving is a great place to start.

I know some of my friends don't believe in God, and I respect their beliefs. But I will encourage them to just for one second, just for a moment in time, for a nanosecond... to just fathom that someone GREATER than ourselves is watching over us, protecting us, giving and blessing us with the lives we have, the children we have, the roofs over our heads, the smiles on our faces. JUST FOR A SECOND... and then to just say a little 'Thank You'. I know those friends of mine believe they are the reason for the blessings, that it comes from them, and their choices alone, that nothing divine is helping them.

I also know they believe this way because they look around and see so many homeless, hurting, starving, broken people not being helped, or cured, or given shelter. They see a world where there CAN'T be a God, because if there were... then why doesn't He HELP them?

The only answer I have to that question is... THAT'S WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR. I believe will all my heart and soul that my Saviour is EVERYWHERE, all the time. The He is omniscient, omnipresent, omniAWESOME... and he CAN and DOES help everyone, ALL THE TIME... All. The. Time.

I do not come from the belief system that "God helps those who help themselves"... no... NO... He helps EVERYONE... whether they believe in Him or not!!! He created EVERYONE in His image, and he loves me as much as He loves the person saying He doesn't exist! I am no better than anyone else because I love Him, but BECAUSE I love Him, it is my (our) responsibility to help our fellow brothers and sisters that are broken, homeless, and abandoned. THAT'S what we are here for. God put US here to do His work. We can't see Him right now... but we can be seen. WE CAN DO HIS WORK, to clothe, and feed and be a light to those who don't have as much as we do.

I love Thanksgiving because it doesn't exist as a holiday of giving things to other people because we can afford to do so. It exists to feed, and to concentrate on being thankful and giving, and in that spirit, it jolts our minds to be sensitive to the fact that we have SOOOOOOOO much, when others have SOOOOOOO little.

If I may, allow me to make a suggestion this weekend?

Take a little time to go through your closets and drawers this weekend. Grab a huge bag and start filling it with blankets and clothes and things you haven't used in a long time (a year or two) and keep it in your car. When you are driving around this weekend, shopping, lunching, laughing and spending... be mindful of the people on the street with the shopping carts as cars, or the family walking down the streets in shorts in cold weather, and hand them your unused items. Just hand it to them and say... "This is from God, not me... He wants you to know He loves you and will meet your needs... " If you have some money, buy them some food. It's such a small, simple gesture... but it's what He wants us to do.

I am so thankful for the roof over my head... I need to stop complaining about how "small" it is.

I am so thankful for my car... I need to stop complaining about how old it is.

I am so thankful for my new job...I need to stop complaining... oh wait... no complaints there yet... LOL

I am so thankful for my kids... I need to stop complaining they don't listen to me... they are teens, they aren't supposed to...

I am to thankful for my Husband... I need to stop complaining that he works too much... he is supporting all of us beautifully...

I am so thankful for my parents...I need to stop complaining they are divorced, and just enjoy them individually.

I am even thankful for my extra layers... I need to stop complaining I'm not losing them fast enough, and continue to love myself where I am.

Be thankful and mindful this Holiday Season...

Much love, health, happiness and prosperity to all...

Sandra

Chick chick chicken!!!

2010-11-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

At this very moment... I am sitting in my awesome classroom, waiting to cook chicken. Doesn't that seem like a fun thing to be doing?

My hubby just left... he brought lunch over to my classroom, since I don't leave at all on Thursdays. He leaves for HAWAII tomorrow, without me. I meet up with him next week. I can't wait for the rest.

But truth be told, I'm going to miss my class. I'm rotten. I didn't want anyone to cook with them but me... so I made up a bunch of stuff for them to do while I'm away, that doesn't involve cooking, so they will miss me bunches... LOL!!! So I have a test for them on one day, and a recipe writing task on another... isn't that terrible?

Tonight is my last Football meal to cook for my team in the regular season. I'm a little sad. It's been SUCH a great time. All the young men are so fantastic. They REALLY appreciate the food, and the effort put forth by all the parents. It's a real pleasure to cook for them.

We also had our 2nd Fundraiser this week, and it went really well! My students ROCKED IT... they even earned Tips!!!

Our next one is December 1, and we are coupling our dinner with the opening of our play... and we are making Meatball Calzones, salads, cupcakes or Cream Puffs... sooo excited!!!

I gotta get to work now to feed these boys...

Here's what's been up!!!

2010-11-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

Oy Vay!!!!!

You know what? I get paid to work 8 hours a week, and I am at "work" about 50 hours... AND I LOVE IT!

I have had sooooo many opportunities for additional income in the past two weeks, it makes me giddy!!!

But enough about work.

I wanna talk about... oh... I don't know... something else... like... OOhhh...I got a new couch and ottoman!!!

Okay... done talking about THAT!...

Now what...

Oh, our 18th Anniversary was on October 17. It was a fun day. We went couch shopping, out to lunch, grocery shopping, and came home to a lovely surprise dinner made by our boys... we didn't have the heart to tell them we were stuffed from our late lunch... so we offered to help them eat it all up later that evening. It was delish!!!

I cook all day, every day... so my life is kinda in a little box these days. I'm not complaining... it's just different.

I'd LOOOOOVE TO write about the students... BUT I WOULDN'T DARE!!!... Maybe someday when I'm old and gray... (I know, I know... that's NOW!)

Going to Hawaii soon... so there's that!!!

Oak Glen Day Away...

2010-10-16T22:02:00.000-07:00

I've made deal with myself. Since I am putting in WAAAAAAYYY more hours than I am getting paid, partly because I need to clean my school kitchen, and partly because I am the Football Food Mama and need to cook for 60 weekly... that we would go on little excursions on the weekends to break up the "Mom is working, holy cow... now what do we do with ourselves" mentality that seems to have infiltrated my little family.

My kids have NEVER had a Mom that wasn't 100% focused on them, and their needs and wants, and it's been a bit of an adjustment period. We don't have as much food in the house, their meals are eaten with me at school most of the time, and all the stuff they used to wonder that I did "all day long while home alone" aren't getting done now, and they are feeling the crunch of having to do more than pick up after themselves...
I like that they are kind of longing for the "good old days" and realizing, that I did more than just sit at home, twiddling my thumbs, waiting for the moment I could pick them up from school, and complete my life with their presence. Sometimes I find myself longing for my "old life" too, when I've been at school too long, and my feet are killing me, and I can't just go put my feet up... don't get me wrong... I have tons of freedom at work... but... I don't have "my house" at work.

Anyway, getting back to our little excursions... we went to Oak Glen last weekend... and here are some shots we took..

Same smile, same mustache...oy vay... where my wax lady when I need her!!! LOL

I smudged my upper lip to match Williams... that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!!!

It was a very bright day in those mountains... lovely...

I love this shot... he had no idea I zoomed in and caught it, then edited it to b/w. That's my handsome man!!!

Chillin'

He has such a better, wider smile than I do...

Caught him... aaaahhh... 11... still a boy, almost a teen... good age...

Raspberry picking in Snowline...

All my Men!!!

My sweet Alex... picking raspberries...

This kid just stares into your soul... doesn't he???

Oy... I adore him...

Whew...

2010-10-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a very interesting past couple of months.

As most of you know... my hubby won his election in June, and in July, he took office in his new position as BA of his Union. With that position, came a new company car, (no more work truck :( and a WHOLE lot of traveling to training seminars. Lot's of training. In the past five weeks, he's been to Denver, Washington DC, Reno, San Diego and Arizona. He's been home a total of 12 days in those past five weeks. I know... most of you women out there are saying things like... "Oh, poor Sandra...all alone without her hubby... yada, yada, yada..."... But frankly my dears...after 18 years of marriage, his being gone was GREAT!!!... Don't read anything into it that shouldn't be, I wasn't mad at him, and we aren't on the verge of divorce... I'm just an extremely independent person, and having the bed all to myself, and not having to be home on time and not having to do this or that... WAS SOOOO NICE....

He is back now. The next trip he takes is to Hawaii, and I am going with him on that one... no if's and's or but's about it.

Football is in full swing, and our team has been riddled with injury after injury. We can't understand it. I have NEVER seen this many kids get hurt each week. We have 14 kids on the DL and we only have 40 players... for both JV and Varsity... so 14 is significant... (We are a small, private school). BUT... we are having fun, and our coach is AWESOME!!!

I'm having a great time feeding the team. Each week, my Mom and I, with the help of a host of other Mama's from the team, prepare gourmet, 4 course meals for the entire team and coaches. No fast food, or restaurant stuff here... just good, old fashioned, homemade grub. This week is Pasta and Meatballs, garlic bread, roasted veggies, salad, fruit and dessert. Good stuff...

Alex is in football too. He's the Quarterback on his Jr. High team. They don't win much, but he makes at least 2 touchdowns a week. Next year, all my boys will be at the same school, and two will be on the High School Team together... such fun!!!!

I love teaching more and more each day. I have learned so much from my time teaching. Next semester will be my proving grounds.

Well... I'm tired... I'm gonna watch The Amazing Race and fall asleep...G'night.

It's been a full month now... and...

2010-10-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a month now.

A month that I've been an actual 'WORKING MOM' after staying home with my men for the past 16 years.

I've done a little crying (mourning over my past life of 16 years, and the freedom I had) and a whole LOT more laughing (I'd forgotten who I WAS, OUTSIDE of being a Mom... and discovered I still HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR!!!)

The idea for this post came from my friend Lori's blog post. She and I are in VERY similar boats... almost identical in fact... and it hit home for me...

I forgot how much I loved working. It's so true when they say "If you do what you love, you never "work" a day in your life". I. LOVE. TEACHING. I ADORE MY STUDENTS...
Graduation is going to be a COMPLETELY different experience... when I am not only crying happy tears for one child, but 50 of them... I'm going to have to bring a TRUCKLOAD of tissue...

I only teach one class a day... but I find myself hanging out at the school much longer. I forgot how much fun it is to talk to other adults. I LOVE that I get to see my kids so much DURING SCHOOL... they frequently come into my classroom to scrounge for leftovers from my class, and to give me a quick peck on my cheek... I love every second of that...

I love that the students call me Mama Shaver. Mrs. Shaver is my Mother in Law... so Mama Shaver suits me just fine... I love that they feel comfortable enough to call me that... I really love it.

My health and stamina have increased ten fold. I'm walking around soooo much more... back and forth from my class to the office, running around my huge classroom, fixing this and washing that... I'm getting stronger, and I'm getting smaller in the process... happily.

I recieved my first evaluation last week and it was AWESOME. I was nervous. I LIKED FEELING NERVOUS... I don't usually get nervous about much anymore...Motherhood doesn't allow many chances for second guessing oneself... getting nervous has no place in raising children...
Feeling nervous kept me on my toes. I loved feeling the butterflies fluttering around my stomach. It gave me something to strive for. Something for ME. It was a weird concept.

For the past 16 years, much of my life with my kids has been spent saying "no" to things they asked for. Why? Because I am soooo against saying "yes" just so my kids can have what everyone else has. They got what they needed, and few extra's and no more. Even when I was making great money in Pampered Chef, I spent much of the money I made on supplies, traveling with the kids, and just odds and ends that needed purchasing... but now... I don't know... I am saying "yes" a little more, and I feel like they are at the right age to have a little splurging done on them. I feel like now they are old enough to appreciate the gifts and little extra's they are getting... and it feels great. Don't get me wrong... I am still wholeheartedly against spoiling kids... but a few more "yes's" than "no's" won't hurt anything, now that they know how hard money is to earn and how quickly it dissipates.

I am sooo proud to have been an at home Mama for as long as I was... and even though I only work two hours a day now, I am so happy to be out in the work force again... I truly love my job, and all the students and faculty I get to see on a daily basis...

I love that God has had a plan for me, and the plan is awesome...

Yeah!!!!

Random shots of this or that...

2010-09-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo... it's been a WHILE!!!

Got some pics to share...

Here they come...

No the above DOES NOT say WE 66... it says WEBB... in bread.

Each week, I make our opponents name in bread, and give the football players a little speech about coming up to the table, tearing off a piece of it, and ripping it to shreds, chewing it up... demolishing it ... you know... to get their heads in the game... LOL

Miles of salad each week...

Alex, our newest quarterback, taking direction from Coach Heuker...

William was captain...

My sweet 64...

Get 'EM, William!!!!

Pasta night...

Fresh homegrown tomatoes, stuffed with mushrooms, onions, and celery, topped with Feta...

My baby boy... getting ready to go hit someone... HARD!!!

I love my class!!!

2010-09-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

I have the BEST group of students a teacher could ask for. They are all enthusiastic, adventurous eaters that seem to really enjoy the whole cooking thing.

We are in our third week of bread making... and so far... no one is tiring too badly from bread... It's just so important to fully learn about a food like bread, rather than skim over it lightly... I want them to REALLY know how to get fresh bread on the table... one day... they may want to make it for their families.

I get such a kick out of seeing the kids light up when they tell me they cooked for their family the night before. One student told me his Grandpa didn't want to wait for the bread to be separated into individual loaves and just baked the ENTIRE batch of dough all at once...My mind immediately went to that "I Love Lucy" episode when she tried to make home baked bread... too funny.

I feel like the registration people hand picked my class for me... what a blessing... they are all beautiful, inside and out... and the four men I have in class are holding their own very well.

I didn't know how much I would love teaching... I can't imagine NOT teaching now...

Just thought I'd share...

My students are so awesome... I love each and every one of them!!!

I'm obsessing again...

2010-09-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

I'm a tad bit overwhelmed. I get like that from time to time, especially when I start a new venture or there is a lot of change in my life...

The recent changes have been my teaching job (I only teach one class, but I'm gone all day long... why is that?), and now the opportunity to sell my food after school to anyone milling around for sports, in car pool, and the kids that are required to come into study hall instead of loitering all over campus.

I'm nervous. Will my food sell? Will it taste good? Are my prices okay... I'll make a little money, but not gouge my customers either? Will I make a profit? yada, yada, yada... my brain needs to STOP!!!

I need to just remember that I can't gage anything UNTIL I TRY IT... and until I TRY it, I can't gage anything... LOL

Last night, I was up late making out my menu and price lists. I was wracking my brain trying to come up with pretty Italian words to describe my food, and name the food. I know... I concentrate on the dumbest things... but that's the creative side of me...I like to have things "just so".

I REFUSE to sell chips, soda and junk. I CATEGORICALLY REFUSE to do so... even though it would be a huge money maker... selling that poison to kids after school will make me lose sleep at night. No way... no how... All the food is handmade, with love and know how, and will FEED them, body and soul, not just fill them up with empty calories and fat.

Here's a sample of my menu...

Breadsticks & Marinara

Freshly made thick crust gourmet pizza

Cookies & Milk

(fresh, fiber filled cookies and 2% milk)

Nutella Sandwiches

Meatballs and Sauce

Artisan Sandwiches

Thick cut bread slice and Honey Butter

Water

Iced Tea (unsweetened)

Milk

That's just a sampling. How does it sound? I would allow my kids to buy food after school if it was those choices... I'm also offering salads, veggies and dip, and a host of other goodies, that are highly nutritious.

I hope the parents that work late, will appreciate the effort and encourage their kids to try eating after school while doing their homework, so it can lessen the burden for the parents. I also hope they give them money to purchase the food. I get a LOT of kids coming in to my class asking for free food, and it breaks my heart to have to say no... but I can't buy groceries and feed people out of my own pocket... it's hard enough to feed my 3 boys... let alone a bunch of kids at school too...

Ugh... I HATE when I do this to myself... I have self doubt about every other minute... I obsess about it...and really... I just have to realize... I'M NOT CURING A DISEASE... I'M JUST DOING WHAT I KNOW HOW TO DO!!! It's a small thing in the realm of "things to worry about"... so I just need to STOP! Right? Make it STOP!!!!

I feel so much better now... having vented to you all...

I think I'll go do my stretching now... and have a nice cup of coffee... and stir my sauce... and get ready for church... and stir my sauce again...and not forget to turn the burner off... and stir the sauce again...

Happy Sunday Everyone!

William is TOPS in my book...

2010-09-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

I have to brag.

I know it will prove to be something extremely strange to brag about... but I am just flabbergasted that the event I am going to write about happened tonight...

My two oldest sons got home from school and football practice tonight about 8 p.m.. My Middle son Alex pulled a muscle in his back and wanted me to go to the drugstore to buy him some Icy/Hot... but...
my ankles are sooo swollen from the heat and my monthly visit from Aunt Flo... that I just couldn't bring myself to to get dressed to go out into in a store...

William says... Mom, if you let me drive, I'll go in the store for you, and you can just sit shotgun...

I start to decide whether I can do it, and I remember that I am out of "products" for Aunt Flo's visit...

I say... "Oh honey, you don't have to do that, I need my "products" and I can't ask you to do that for me."

AND HE SAYS....

"Mom, you're not feeling well... I'll go get Alex's Icy/Hot AND I'll pick up your "products" for you"

Did you read that clearly??? MY 16 YEAR OLD SON OFFERED TO BUY MY STUFF FOR ME...
Do you know how long it took my HUSBAND to agree to get those things after we were married?????

HOW FREAKING SWEET, and COMPLETELY SELFLESS was that????

I said... "What? You'd do THAT?"
And he said... "Yeah Mom, if you need them, and you aren't feeling well, I'll do it for you."

I almost fell over from shock. What a DOLL!!!

and...

HE DID!!!!

He totally walked into that CVS and got the stuff, and came back to the car with absolutely no embarrassment...

He is gonna make an AWESOME hubby someday...

I am soooo blessed...

William... YOU ARE THE BOMB DIGGITY!!!!

Pics of life in the past few weeks...

2010-08-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

Finally, I am uploading some pics of what I've been up to the past couple of months... Almost all of my life is devoted to food, cooking it, serving it, cleaning up after it... and just a tiny bit of eating it... LOL

Miles of Biscotti have been in my past... catering has REALLY gotten busy...

AS you can see... it's a family affair... this is our offsite kitchen we cook in...

I told Bill he looks mad here... but he says he wasn't... just ready to lift a heavy pot... and he thought I should have been doing more work and less picture taking... "Hey... who's the boss here... buddy!"

I was actually able to cook for myself once in a while... this was lunch... yummyyyyy!

Then, the following week was filled with teenaged Football players and their voracious appetites...

This, of course, was the salad course...

Many hand make light work...

French Dip sandwiches... on homemade Artisan Bread... I made 99 loaves that week...it was a BLAST!!!

Part of my classroom... just before serving up Tacos, Enchiladas, Fresh Guacamole, Fresh Salsa and a TON of other food... all made by our hands...

Dining area of my classroom. I used sheets at tablecloths, and painted ACA Eagles on them...

Ready for the men... each meal, we place big bowls of fresh fruit all over so they could graze and hydrate with great food...no processed junk...

And after all the Football Mayhem was over... I was able to concentrate on becoming a

TEACHER...

My first official scribblings on my whiteboard as an International Cuisine teacher...

What a blessing!

I'M SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!

2010-08-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

I got called into the principals office again today... He offered me a great opportunity.....

He asked me if I would be willing to open up my classroom from 2:45 ish to 4:00 ish to SELL MY FOOD to the students, teachers and parents that hang out after school...

I almost jumped out of my seat... the BEST PART... All the money I make... IS MINE!!! Basically, instead of them paying me to open up the classroom and just be there to watch kids do their homework... he gave me an open ended opportunity to make as much money as I want to, depending on how hard I want to work... WHAT A BLESSING!!! It's like handing me a restaurant... without all the over head!!!! Of course I will be paying for the ingredients out of my own pocket... but my income can be limitless depending on how I feed my customers!!!   YAHHHHOOOOOOOOO!!!!

I know, to all of you that HATE to cook, this sounds like the WORST job in the world... but to someone like me... IT'S SHEER HEAVEN!!!

I can't wait!!!

To those of you who live near by and want to grub on my food... stop by ACA after school Mon-Thurs and come and eat!!!! I'll post my menu after I make it up!!!

I LOVE MY JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

International Cuisine, yeah... that's what I teach...uh huh!!!

2010-08-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

I am officially a teacher... again. I cried yesterday (NO...NOT in front of them, I'd NEVER let them see me sweat), because I thought I was boring the students... Leave it to twenty 17 year olds to send me back 25 years of self confidence. LOL

Actually, they've been so sweet. So accomodating. They know I'm new, and they are being very patient.

Already, on my third day, I know what I'm going to do differently next week. I'm sure by my third week, I'll have it all down to a science and some sort of routine... right now... even though I've written down my lesson plans for the next month... I'm still kinda winging it, because 20 post pubescent teens can be a little bit unpredictable.

Fortunately, my kids attend private schools, and these students don't have the same type of "edge" as a mix of other kids would. Yikes... that sound really uppity, and I don't mean it to be... it just is what it is.

I have 16 girls and 3 boys, and today, they made baguettes of bread. I stayed after class and baked them all for them, and they came in at break and picked them all up and ate them... it was very satisfying seeing them so excited about the bread... it made me giddy.

Tomorrow, we make personal pizzas, but not the traditional way, with sauce and pepperoni and cheese... nope... they can have that any time.

My class is called International Cuisine for a reason, so I cut up some fresh red onion, roasted some bell peppers, cubed some fresh mozzarella, and made up a batch of fresh basil pesto... and THAT'S what they are going to make their pizzas with. Typical ingredients you'd find in any home in Italy to top a pizza... YUM!!!

If any of them turn their noses up at the ingredients...I'll make 'em wash every dish in the class..twice... LOL!!!

Next week, they are making rich doughs, and cinnamon rolls, fougasse and a starter...

So excited!!!

So far, so good...We'll see what next week brings...

OMG... I start teaching tomorrow morning!!!

2010-08-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big day. It's been 16 years since I have had a "BOSS". Normally, everytime I looked into the mirror, I saw my boss, and really like her.

Now, I answer to a Department Head and a Superintendent.

My classroom is done, my syllabus is written and turned into my dept. head, and now all I have to do, is pick out my clothes for tomorrow, find some sensible shoes, and breathe in and out, and try not to get nervous.

I mean, what the heck am I so nervous about? I've taught thousands of people to cook over the past 16 years... this is no different, right??? Then why are there a flock of butterflies swirling around my stomach???

There's so much hype coming from the staff, and the teachers about the class, that I feel like I have to live up to the hype. I know what I know. I'm not a fancy cook. I cook with simple ingredients and clean flavors. I don't do foams and I only bake bread... not sweets... I hope they are okay with that...

My hope and wish is to completely take over the school lunch program at the school, so the kids will be eating good, healthy, freshly prepared food. I'd need to hire a big staff, but it's completely doable... so we will see what the future holds. It a very small school, only about 500 students total.

I cooked for the football team all week long, and the teachers and staff came in to sample the leftovers and were just so complimentary and so grateful for fresh food. We made, Chicken Parmigiana, Pasta and meatballs, BBQ Beef sandwiches, Taco's and BBQ chicken. I get to repeat them all again for team meals on Thursday night all season long.

Oy Vay...I HAVE A JOB!!!!!
When did that happen????

Wish me luck!!!

Old drug problems...

2010-08-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

(I read this a long time ago... I don't know who wrote it... I sure wish I had... I raise my kids the exact same way as this passage... and I am sooo glad I do...)

The other day, someone at a store read that a

methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farm

house in the adjoining county and he asked me a

rhetorical question. "Why didn't we have a drug

problem when you and I were growing up?"

I responded that we did have a drug problem when we

were kids growing up on the farm or in the city. I had

a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church

on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings

and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and

community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by

my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also

drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told

a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak

with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the

preacher. Or if I didn't put forth my best effort in

everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the

kitchen sink if I uttered a profane four letter word.

(I do know what soap tastes like.) I was drug out to

pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and

cockleburs out of dad's fields. I was drug to the

homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out

some poor soul who had no one, to mow the yard, repair

the clothesline or chop some fire wood, and if my

mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a

tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to

the wood shed.

Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my

behavior in everything I do, say and think. They are

stronger than cocaine,crack or heroin, and if today's

children had this kind of drug problem, America might

be a better place today.

Update

2010-08-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

So I did some catering today. Mom and I cooked and served over 100 ladies today for our local
Women's Club. It was a lovely luncheon, and I was honored to feed those lovely ladies... they were all so nice and complimentary.

I also made lunch for all the secretaries that work in Bill office... they feasted on Focaccia sandwiches, salad, and biscotti and cream puffs. Needless to say... I'M POOPED!!!

I have to do it all over again on Sunday, when we cater a friend of a friends funeral.

School days are fast approaching, and I'm getting more and more nervous about teaching my class. Excited and nervous... two feelings that keep me on my toes.

William got his schedule today, and he, sadly, doesn't have me as a teacher this semester. He signed up for my class... that sweet kid. The Superintendent called me the other day to inquire about whether or not I would be interested in also teaching a middle school cooking class.... I was like... YEAH!!!! So we'll see... they aren't sure the class will happen yet... but soooo cool that they want me for more... and I haven't even taught one class yet!!!!

I haven't been able to write too much on here for a while... I've been working hard on my book, promising myself to write everyday now that I have a new laptop and don't have to be stuck in my super hot, no air anywhere, tiny office space... and the words have just been pouring out of me...
My poor husband has to hear each page I write, and he's a real trooper about not rolling his eyes at me.

I'm also simutaneously writing a cookbook, that I think I will change direction and write one about teaching High School Culinary Arts, with the recipes we make, and the antics the kids try to pull and some of things done and said...Of course, all names will be changed, and I'd never write about terrible things... but I think I'm in for some funny days ahead of me, and I'd love to remember it in a book. Hopefully, if and when I ever finish, I can get it sold and others will enjoy it too. I just love the idea about journaling my days... I forget about the small stuff so much.

The kids are great, winding down the summer with a visit up to their Grandpa's place for a few days... and while they are gone, I'll be going through their old clothes and purging, purging, purging, to make room for all the new clothes I am going to buy them. I am soooo sick of seeing their clothes over and over... it's time for some new stuff...

That's about it for us... Bill loves his new job, (same industry, just now in the corporate part of it) no more jeans, t shirts and hardhats... now it's slacks, nice shirts and suits from time to time... I love the jeans and t shirts, but the new duds are growing on me...

I'll have a lot more to write as the new job for me gets closer and closer...

Happy 14th Bday Alex!

2010-07-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

Alex's 14th Bday was July 27th...

So we went to the RainForest Cafe with my inlaws, and THIS was his dessert...

As you can see... Johnny is VERY excited to have chocolate in front of him...

Yes, he ALWAYS wants to blow other peoples candles out... ALWAYS...

Such a killjoy!!! LOL

Then... on his actual Birth Day... we went to Outback SteakHouse...

We are DONE with eating out this year...

You know us... we just don't eat out... except for Birthdays...

I'd rather cook our meals...

I know... I'm crazy...

Happy 14th Alex!!!

I love you!

Food Pics

2010-07-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

Warning... this post is NOT intended for the NON foodies...

The following pictures are NOT safe for untrained eyes...

LOL...

I bring you... Sandra'a Bread Fetish Post...

(Oh how I wish I still ate bread) (sometimes)

This loaf is an Oatmeal Bread loaf, that JOHNNY, my son, actually mixed and made...

I did the shaping, baking and slicing, but he measured and added the ingredients and stirred it all up.

I sliced this by hand today, and made a bunch of Nutella finger sandwiches for a friends toddlers coming by tonight, and some turkey/provolone sandwiches for my men for lunch...

This was made on Monday... I had NO food in the house except for a few cherry tomatoes from the garden and a small ball of fresh mozzarella cheese and some fresh basil...

So this is what my boys had for lunch before we went to the "$500 store" (Costco) to buy more food.

Then I found a 1/2 a bag of coleslaw mix, and whipped up a quick slaw for them to top on the sandwich...

I ALWAYS have dough ready to make pizza or bread with... so this is the beginning of a Margarita Pizza with homegrown tomatoes and basil...

And After it's all topped with cheese a ready to bake...

So then I made some Challah (pronounced Khallah) pretzels...

This was my lunch for a couple of days...

Hollowed out cukes, with a lovely Salmon Salad with fresh green onions, cranberries, celery, onion and sweet pickle relish...

YUM!!!

I didn't miss the bread at all!!!!

And yes... for those of you that live in my city... I can and will make you these things for lunch for dinner too... Just call me...

I deliver!!!

Writer's Workshop 7-14-10

2010-07-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

It happened on Facebook…write about a funny or awkward conversation you saw unfold on Facebook...

That's the prompt I chose for this weeks WRITER'S WORKSHOP at MamaKat's...

I HAD to write on this one.. because it's just sooo absurd... and since my blog posts on Facebook too, I thought I'd rehash a bad memory about it.. LOL...

I love Facebook.

I love how it has gotten me in contact with so many people I knew in High School, and all my family that live in Canada, New York, Pennsylvania and Italy...

I love all the funny banter and witty comments.

I love that messages of love and concern can be sent for all the world to see...

It's fun.

I have to be careful not to spend too much time on it though, because it can be a bit addicting...

I literally set a timer, and only allow myself 10 minutes at a time... and I make a deal with myself that I

will do 10 minutes of laundry, scrubbing, writing or exercise to counteract the sedentary 10 minutes at my computer terminal or Ipod or cell phone...

All that is well and good...

THEN....

THEN!!!!!

I got BOMBARDED to the NTH DEGREE with Farmville, Petville, Ihearts, my donkey is missing, my Cafe needs spoons, my Mafia is this, my Score is that... CRUD!!!

HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS at a time!!!

It took me sooo long to see anything of substance anyone else was writing...

so I put a (what I thought was) a benign little blurb on my FB status about how I joined a group called...

"I don't care about your farm, fish, mafia, animals or anything else on FB"

HOLY COW...

You'd have thought I shot someone's Mama in cold blood.

The backlash...

The downright HATRED I recieved was HILARIOUS!!!

One person, whom I have NEVER had bad words with, whom I assumed was a friend, we'd spoken a little over the years, and she was a Host of mine when I did Pampered Chef, got SOOOOO bent out of shape about my joining that group on FB... that she posted a NASTY message on my wall

about what HYPOCRITE I was, and how I need to be more understanding about other

people's hobbies and how "you of all people should understand how much the games on FB are important to some people's lives, because you write a blog and it posts of FB, and we are forced to read it!" then she did the unthinkable!!! SHE UNFRIENDED ME!!! LOL... which is the same as slapping someone in the face, I understand... so I really got it handed to me... huh?

LOL

For REAL... people... she truly WROTE THAT ON MY WALL!

Last time I checked... I wasn't forcefeeding ANYONE to read my blog... but... hmmm... it doesn't sound like a bad idea now... I'll have to revisit that and see how that all works... Mwaahahahha!

I got so much hate mail about how I should just "block" or "hide" the incoming game crud...

but really... I just joined a benign group that hated the incoming junk as much as I did...

I mean Holy Smokes...

Have you seen all the stuff that gets posted on FB?

People are actually praying for the Presidents DEATH, talking about how the Holocaust never happened... and my joining an Anti Gamer Group is the WORST thing that can happen????

Yikes...

It's completely absurd...

But... it doesn't stop me from clicking on my beloved FB tab... almost everyday... and posting stupid stuff about what I'm doing at that very second...

I love me some FB...

But.. alas... because of my lack of tastes for FB games... I got virtually slapped in the face...

Game on, chick that UNfriended me...

Game on...

LOL!!!!

I got the Job!!!

2010-07-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

I really and truly thought I was going to be a stay at home Mama until Johnny was in college... It's always been the plan...

Then... William's course selection paperwork showed up in the mail, and I noticed "International Cuisine" as a new course being offered, and he signed up for the course...

He showed me the paper, and said... 'Hey Mom, look at this... they must have hired someone to teach this new elective."

I looked at it... said... "Huh... yeah... cool! Cooking class is important in the teen years, especially so teens can learn how to feed themselves while in college... not to mention... it's fun too and they'll get to eat the results... and the tests..."

I thought nothing more about it... until I went to a Football Meeting, where a good friend of mine at the school took me aside and said... "Hey... just so you know... a few of us put your name in to teach that cooking class here."

I said... "WHAT?????" What cooking class!!! Me? For real?" I was sooooo elated inside... mentally making my syllabus in my head... already making menus, and designing aprons for each student...

She said... "Yep... you are perfect for the job, you HAVE to apply!"

So I did. Way back in May. After I put my app in, I kinda just forgot about it. I felt completely at peace about it... if they wanted me, they'd give me an interview and offer me the job... if they didn't... they wouldn't. It was as simple as that. Going back to work was about 8 years away...

Yesterday was my interview. It was great. My first interview in 22 years, for my first job in 16 years, for someone else besides myself as the boss of my own company. I was nervous, but not so much as to let it show... and I didn't interrupt or speak to quickly or ramble on...

I GOT THE JOB! I am now the proud teacher of one class of "International Cuisine" one hour each morning from 8-9 a.m. Great hours HUH???

I will teach two semesters, to 20 students, and I am SOOOOO EXCITED! The Superintendent of our school gave me a tour of my HUMONGOUS classroom, complete with every amenity available... it even has red and white checkerboard curtains like a restaurant...

He gave me CARTE BLANCHE to paint, purge, decorate, move furniture etc... sooooo exciting!!! I HAVE A CLASSROOM... and it's AWESOME!!!

I'm going in on Monday, when I drop William off at Football, to begin the organization.

I am sooo thankful that I'll be able to come home and continue to run my other businesses and be able to cook for busy families and organizations...

I just hope the kids like the class, and really learn from it, and want be there. I want it to be a very successful class, where maybe some students will find a hidden passion for cooking and want to pursue it in more depth. I hope to inspire the students to live graciously, and to view hospitality as an asset and something to be proud of.

Soooo... I am now a Culinary Arts Teacher... and I am soooo PROUD!!!

4th of July Food Fest!

2010-07-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

So I spent the weekend cooking, like I normally do... and loved every minute of it.

Above, is homemade Challah bread, made into cinnamon rolls ready for the oven...

This is right out of the oven...

And frosted...

I... don't eat these kinds of food anymore...

But once in a while, I make them for my hubby and kids to devour... and devour they did...

To go along with our steaks... I oven fried some potatoes, with olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh rosemary...

Low fat, and high flavor...

I don't eat them anymore either... but my family sure does!!!

Another item I don't eat... LOL...

But I did take a tiny nibble of one of these to taste... and they were good...

Mini lemon teacakes...

with fresh lemon and powdered sugar frosting...

Yeah!!! Something I did eat... portobello mushrooms, onions and fresh pea stirfry with some curry and sage...

Over a nice steak was wonderful!!!

What did you eat?

Writer's Workshop July 1, 2010

2010-07-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

Whew... I haven't done a Writer's Workshop from MamaKat's in forever!!! Time to get back to it!

So this time, I am to list 10 things that would surely put a smile on my face, when I'm not happy...

Truth be told... even though I'm cynical as all get out... I'm actually a pretty happy person most of the time... but lately... I've been thinking of wearing only black and white vertical stripes and carrying around a whistle... Why?
Because I have two teenagers, and one pre pubescent raging hormone 11 year old, and these days, I feel more like a REFEREE than I do a Mama! All the testosterone in this house is gonna put a mustache on my face and hair on MY chest if I don't do something to get out once in a while... quick... (Being an Italian woman, that concept is NOT funny!!!)

So... here are my 10 things that would make me happy, even when I'm not...

1. Never having to repeat myself again... {{when I get to heaven... and if God ever asks me what my hearts desire is... I KNOW I will say... "God... love of my life... thank you for saving me... and allowing me into your presence... my hearts desire would be to live in a REPEAT FREE ZONE...thank you, and did I mention that I love and adore you? Oh... and those three lovely boys outside my door?... THEY are the ones that will HEAR me and UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM SAYING... most of all, here in heaven... Okay?}}

2. Having a nice, big, clean, private, gorgeous bathroom to go to and be able to have a lovely soaking tub and a HUGE lock on the door, complete with loud music and sound proof walls...

3. An outdoor wood burning oven to make all my breads and pizza's in...(the foundation is laid... but the structure is yet to be built... {{I know... I know... all in good time}}

4. Someone ELSE washing, folding and putting away the clothes... (truth be told, I only wash and fold, the boys put away... but still)

5. For a crotchity old man who has nothing better to do than try to make someone else's life as miserable as his, to get his just desserts...

6. A new wardrobe that fit, since I've lost 80 lbs, I swim in my clothes... :)

7. Losing 80 more lbs...

8. Having more people order dinners from me, so they can eat a good healthy, hearty meal without having to cook for themselves one or two nights a week...

9. All the books I want to read this summer to magically appear on my door step...

10. Did I mention not having to repeat myself? Oh... I just did, huh... figures...

What a boatload of sandwiches looks like...

2010-07-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

Made a TON of sandwiches for our ACA footballers... this is only half...

Homemade olive oil foccacia, Bella Sera Balsamic Bliss dressing, mustard, tomato and lettuce.

One coach asked where I bought the bread, he loved it... and he didn't believe me at first that I never buy ANY type of bread anymore... ever... and made all the bread myself...

I get such a rush cooking for people who are foodies... and to be honest... even for non foodies...

Each of these got individually wrapped, and my Mama made her famous cookies, and they each got a cookie too...

I can't wait to cook for the entire team!

GOTTA HAVE IT...NOW!!!

2010-06-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

Do you know of or are you one of those people that just HAS to have the NEWEST ANYTHING on the market... the SECOND it comes out for sale? I have a question for you or that person you know... "HOW CAN YOU LIVE LIKE THAT?"

I came across a person today... that just totally amazed me with her CONSTANT banter about how she JUST HAS to have ANYTHING that is new, upgraded, or in season... BEFORE ANYONE ELSE SHE KNOWS has it... She likened it to being in a constant competition with her family and friends to get it first...

As she spoke, and lamented about having to stand in line a couple weeks ago or whenever it was, for the new iphone 4G, and the new Ipad that has WiFi...I was trying to ask her this question... before she rambled on and on and on about about others items I am clueless about... I asked her... "How... on your salary working at Forever 21 and Starbucks part time, can you afford to buy all these things you just HAVE TO HAVE before anyone else?" Her answer? "Credit cards".

Ugh...I couldn't help but roll my eyes... I know it was supremely rude... but it was involuntary. She then went on to tell me now "Holier than thou" I was being.. and I just rolled my eyes again at her... How can I possibly take offense from someone that spends her life buying intangible items with credits cards... just to say she HAS the newest and most up to date "whatever". Did I mention this person is 35 years old, with 2 kids and a husband?
Yikes...

I was watching the movie "The Book of Eli" the other night... and Denzel (yummy!) said a line that really struck a chord with me... something along the lines of... "We had too much, we threw away things that people kill for now."

I mean... I want an Ipad... I really do... but since I can't pay for it cash at this time... i won't be getting one... I will have one eventually... but I'm not willing to put myself into debt for it.. ya know?

I hear sooooo many people saying things like... "Oh, I deserve this indulgence... I can't afford it, but I deserve it, so I'm gonna get it anyway" or "I work hard, and times are tough, and this thing will make me happy."...

It's so sad to know someone that feels COMPELLED to go into massive debt just for bragging rights... I mean... she bought a dress for $500 a month ago, that A) she's yet to wear, and B) only bought it because her favorite actress wore it in a picture... REALLY? Do I really know people THAT shallow? She told her daughter to 'BORROW' a prom dress from her Aunt, and she can buy herself a $500 dress that's just sitting in the closet?

Thank God I only know this person as an acquaintance, and we were in a group setting when she was rambling on about her "dilemma". Another friend hit me playfully on the shoulder when I rolled my eyes, then whispered in my ear... "My thoughts exactly".

I certainly hope my kids don't turn into people like that... They don't get a lot of things other people have...but I feel like they have plenty... ya know?

Just wanted to vent...

The results are IN!!!!

2010-06-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

Well... the last two weeks have been nothing but pins, needles,pacing, phone calling, patience testing, lots of late nights and missed dinners. Why? Because my hubby has been very busy and dedicated to running an election for a Business Agent in his Los Angeles Union Local 105 Sheet Metal Workers...

AND HE WON!!!!

I am sooo proud of him! He's been in his profession for 27 years, and he's wanted to do this job, his dream job, for all 27 years... and it's finally come to pass... Sooooo many people came out to vote and show confidence in him, and the other men running for their positions... and all the hard work he's done in the past 27 years has come to fruition... and now he gets to give back and really help and uplift all the people that have helped him over his career... what a blessing...

His territory is East Los Angeles area... so it's a little farther commute than his Irvine commute... and a ~~little~~ LOT more dangerous... but he can't WAIT to get out there and serve...

I feel like I've been holding my breathe for the past 5 months... when Bill decided he was going to run in this election... and yesterday... at 4 p.m. I let my breathe out...

I made over 100 sandwiches for all the campaign workers, judges, and ballot counters, anonymously of course... and was so thankful for the monotonous job so my mind could be occupied with something other than the election...

I've been really trying to keep as busy as possible, now that school is out, so last week, I took the kids up to Mountain Lakes to fish, and we were at the beach for a week before that... and now it's all about All star baseball, and high school football.

Our new backyard "resort" is fab-u-lous... and we have been taking full advantage of that too...

Whew... soooo glad the election is over... it's sooo stressful! The really cool thing is... Bill's Uncle DAve won his re-election... so it's a double victory... he is SUCH a hard worker and pillar of strength and knowledge in the Union... sooooo awesome he won, and can now take Bill under his wing...

So that's where my head has been the past few months... and especially the last few weeks...

I'm breathing again... in... out... in... out... in... out...

Now I'm going for a swim... Ciao!

Beach Pics...Summer 2010

2010-06-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

We had a blast for our week at the beach!!!

My hubby worked all week... he's running for office in his Union... and campaigning is brutal...

But he took some time out to hang with us between meet and greets...

So I snagged some pics quickly...

Johnny is always a willing participant when it comes to picture time...

Happy as always...!

Our oldest, William... 16... and Bill... NOT 16... LOL!

Alex (14) and his twin... Bill...

Awww.... nuff said...

After seeing the TRAGIC and HORRENDOUS spill continuing in the Gulf... there were 4 big reminders off our Coastline that that can happen right here... anytime... if they don't get their acts together...

I really HATE BP...

Across the beach from where we camp... there is a HUGE bird preserve... and we had all kinds of visitors... loons, cranes, pelicans, seagulls, and... mallard ducks??? yep... Mallard ducks too...

Alex loves a camera too!

His smile just lights up my world...

And no... he's never had braces!!!

My Spoiled Kids...

2010-06-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

My kids are bummed...

They get sandwiches like this...

Everyday for lunch when school is in session...

Homemade bread... fresh meat, fresh veggies, my dressing...

And they COMPLAIN!!!

Why?

Because I am still making them for lunch when they are home now too...

Ungrateful little rodents... huh?

Would YOU eat this?

I don't make the same thing everyday, and sometimes I cook a hot lunch for them...

But really?

What if I decided to buy Lunchables and Cheetos for lunch for them... I wonder what they would say to that?

Holy Shiza!!!

I can't seem to do anything right... and quite frankly... I don't care what they think... I'm the boss, and they'll eat what I make... but I've just gotta vent...ya know???

My new outdoor dining room table...

2010-06-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Up close on the stencil I used on the table...

This cool outdoor table is courtesy of my Hubby's awesome skills with all things construction... and a little bit of cheapness and ingenuity on my part...

$10 table from Pier One outlet on the bottom... topped with a 5 foot hubby cut piece of wood screwed to the top, painted pitch black and adorned with my new favorite color... chartreuse...

I said it's my Birthday!!!! Is it your Birthday too???

2010-06-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

I am 42 years young today!!!

I love being this age...

I care less about what people think of me...

I care more about the world around me...

I appreciate my parents more and more every single day...

I have less patience... but I now have something to blame it on... Premenopause!!!

I've lost 80 lbs in the last year!!!

I will lose 80 more in the next year...

I'm not afraid of anything at all anymore... except outliving my kids and I still HATE snakes...

I have decided it's time to buy a condo in Italy with my family and vacation there every year!!!

I wish I had this clarity in my 20's... imagine how cool I'd be by now!!!

Have a wonderful Flag Day all!!!

I LOVE MY B DAY!!!

Summer time blues

2010-06-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

So school is out. Yipeee. Can't you just FEEL the enthusiasm through the computer screen? Yeah...it's palpable... I can tell.

While I am very happy that all the "What homework do you have tonight" and "You have a 20 page report due WHEN?" 's are over for a while...I no longer look forward to summer the way I did when they were all small.

Summer now means 3 p.m. drives to school for football practice all summer long. Two-a-days in August. So it severely cuts into my beach time...I knew it was coming. I knew as soon as my kid hit high school this was the "norm"... I remember when my summers were filled with early morning drill team practices (6:30 a.m.), and late night dance practices at the dance studio. There was no time for a "vacation".

Although we are taking full advantage of a vacation next week... I used to like to spread them out over the course of the summer and have little tidbits of fun in the sun sporadically. Alas...I must succumb to the schedule set forth by the school and my boys LOVE of playing sports...

I think it'll be really different in October when William is able to drive himself alone.

Speaking of William driving... he had his first official behind-the-wheel class last Sunday. The driving instructor came to pick him up. Will was ready an hour before... go figure. He was gone for two hours when the phone rang and William said "Uh... Mom... the driving instructor wants to come to the door and talk to you when we get there, so be ready."

I panic... and say "Is everything okay? Did you wreck? What aren't you telling me! Answer me young man!"

He just says "Everything is fine, just meet us at the door when we get there." Hmmmm.... I didn't like the sound of THAT at all!

So they arrive, and I see the car completely intact, and I invite the instructor (so young I could have been his MAMA!) in... which he declines because he has another student in his car...

He thrusts his right hand out to me, which I take, and starts saying things like... "Ma'am, your boy can DRIVE!"and "Thank you for making my job so much easier by buying him that big ole truck in the driveway" and
"He drives like he's been doing it for YEARS!"

I stare at him blankly. Surely he isn't talking about "Almost hit every parked car cant find the brake William!" So I say... "Really?"

"Oh yeah... he is AWESOME! He drives like a pro!"

I bite my tongue so I don't ask how old he is... but you should have SEEN William's face behind the dude. One of sheer joy and "neener neener"!!!

I laugh, and say... "Well, obviously I am riding with a completely different person in the car... but I am very proud" then I choke.

When the guy leaves, William begins strutting around the house like Nascar Driver after a win... and says "See Mom... to everyone else, I'm good!"

Lord have mercy. William... I love you. You know I do. But I see my life flash before me everytime we come to a red light... so... I will no longer drive with you... ever. Amen. Dad is doing a GREAT job with you, letting you drive at night and on the freeway all the time... I promise to take NO CREDIT at all for your good driving skills... just don't make me get into the passenger seat with you anymore... I beg of you...

My life in the passenger seat is over... AMEN!

Our Outdoor Fireplace, Dining Room is almost done!!!

2010-05-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

The side yard... just before renovations started... bad pool, beach sand, overgrown shrubbery... it's was okay while the kids were small... but now... we are ready for some serious entertaining.

During... still have beach sand... but the fireplace is coming along nicely...

Bill worked on it endlessly on the weekends... endlessly...

Almost done... still need to put seats on the planters, and plant all the banana plants, and ferns...

This fencing is SOOOOO cool... Just regular fence... with silver sheet metal on the back... gives it a very asian feel... with clean lines and modern feel... so of course... I needed to add a little whimsy...

My $10 Pier One table, that Bill built a 5 foot wooden table top for... about an hour ago... we painted it BLACK... and the accent color for this area will be Chartreuse... This is our new outdoor dining room...

Still need to put in all the electricity, shepherds hooks with lanterns and rug... but otherwise...quite functional!

I painted everything on my front porch black and brought it to the backyard... now my porch is empty... LOL

About 80% done... Bill made that coffee table from legs from an old planter and the top of a kitchen cart... my idea to do it... he did all the hard stuff like labor...

Cool huh?

Bill's idea to leave room under the fireplace seat for flowers... can't wait until they fill the area in!

We've had 3 fires in a row this weekend... last night was Smore's night!

So my patio, not pictured is going to be my outdoor kitchen, it already has a table, stove and fridge in it... Bill's next project will be the wood burning pizza oven, and Brazilian Grill, and some kitchen cabinets in the patio...

This picture is my outdoor dining area...

And this is my outdoor family room...

All we need is an outdoor bathroom... as we'll never have to go inside again!

I love Southern California!!!

Wednesday... I'm having 18 5th graders and 6 Mom's over for an end of year swim party...

I wanted to make sure and get some pics of it before the mayhem...

Fun... Fun... Fun!!!

New (possible) Horizons!!!

2010-05-28T00:38:00.000-07:00

I don't know where to begin. Soooo much has been going on! Some exciting... and some just exhausting... but fun!

Lots and Lots of sports stuff with the boys these days... double header baseball games, late football practices, end of year reports due, dinner parties with Bill's colleagues, and getting ready for Johnny's end of year party at our house next Wednesday, and my possible job...

Did you catch that last one? Yeah, I thought you might have... yes... I said JOB!!!

Was I looking for one? Heck no! I didn't plan on going back to work until Johnny was at least graduated from high school. I've been a SMOBFHM (Start My Own Businesses From Home Mom) for the past 16 years! But... William was choosing his Junior Year Elective classes from a course list last week, and International Cuisine was listed. A few years ago, his school offered a Culinary Arts class, in an AWESOME kitchen classroom, but didn't offer it the last 2 years. So when I noticed that class was offered again... I was intrigued.

Then... last week at a Parent Football meeting, a friend of mine mentioned that my name "had been thrown around" about possibly TEACHING the class... just as a suggestion. Well... I didn't hear the rest of what she was saying because I was jumping up and down like a kid in a jumper. I was sooooo excited! Just the thought that someone had mentioned ME to do that...was SUCH an honor!!! My mind started working overtime...
I found myself turning off the radio in the car on the way to carpool, and having "mock" classroom discussion with my make believe students... I was coming up with 1001 fundraiser ideas, and deciding on the final exam dinner they were to prepare... for their families...at school... UGH... it's been SUCH a week! I can't keep my mind off of it... AND I HAVEN'T EVEN APPLIED YET!

I have been out of the loop in the job market for 16 years! The last time I had a job... THE INTERNET wasn't even a normal thing! I have never worked where there is a computer at every desk! Cell phones were the size of shoe boxes the last time I clocked in anywhere! Can you believe it?

Sooo... I downloaded my application tonight and filled it out... oh...wait...was I supposed to fill it in on the computer? I did it by hand... is that still allowed? I freaked out when the "list your employers for the last 10 years" part came up... and I just had to write... "Self employed" and name my businesses...

I typed out a cover letter, and let them know what I plan on doing... and how excited I am for the opportunity to apply and be considered. Do people still do that?

How cool will it be to be able to teach at my son's high school? I think it would be for maybe an hour or so a day... pretty good hours... huh? Well...cool for me anyway... NOT so cool for them... LOL! But... my sweet William told me he'd definitely take my class... sweet huh? Then he said... "Yeah.. for the easy "A"!" Ahhh.... my sweet son...

Even if I don't get the job... it has whet my whistle to pursue other avenues for monetary compensation...at home... of course...

I love my job as Mom... but the pay SUCKS!!!

Lost... I'm totally Lost!

2010-05-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

Lost is over. It was one of my favorite shows on TV. Bill and I BOTH loved it. We had the end plot figured out in Season 2. So last nights finale wasn't a total surprise.

I do still have a bunch of questions though... but to hear other people talk about it... my questions just don't matter... I beg to differ...

1. Why did they all go back and forth from real life to the island? Did they die when they returned? Or were they already dead from the first plane crash?

2. Whose baby was that in the final scene in the church? Was that Aaron? Or Sun and Jin's child?. And if it was either of the kids... why are they dead? Why didn't they live on?

3.Did they all have to die twice? I am sooo confused!

4. Was the island Purgatory?

5. Were they all just waiting for Jack to finally die to all get together?

6. When Kate said "I've been waiting sooo long for you" How long was that wait? How many years?

7. Rose and the Dentist... when did they die? and how... did the Smoke Monster lie to Desmond?

Details people... I NEED DETAILS!!! It's driving me nuts! I'll get over it in a few minutes... and truthfully, that's what I LOVED about the show... all the questions it left me with each week... BUT... now that it's over...
I'd really like to know about 100 more details... to help me feel like it's over... ya know?

Look what I got!!!

2010-05-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

I recently recieved a very nice email... from a great company called... Simply Bags, where they sell and monogram THE MOST LOVELY, USEFUL tote bags you've ever seen!

So when Bob Shirilla, one of the owners, asked me what I wanted embroidered on my bag... I said...

"Italian Mama" of course!!!

And in just a week or so... this great big, wonderful bag showed up at my doorstep!

Of course... they offer TONS of different styles, sizes and colors to choose from... wine bags, college bags, lunch bags, kids bags, diaper bags... bags, bags and more bags galore!!!! One of my absolute faves, and one I am going to buy soon, is the Black and White Damask tote... it's soooo chic and great looking!

I'm going to use this bag for groceries, beach stuff, or maybe even all my crochet stuff...

So head on over to Simply Bags and tell them I sent ya! Don't worry, I don't get anything if you do... I just like knowing someone is talking about me... LOL

or call 1-888-815-3455

I love my bag Bob!!!

Thank you!

ABC's About me!

2010-05-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

ABC's About Me!

A--available/married: Married!

B--best friend: Mari, Mama, Hubby

C--cake or pie: PIE, FRUIT... not custard or creme... yuck!

D--drink of choice: coffee, tea, water

E--essential item used daily: Infusium 23 leave in hair treatment..

F--favorite color: Deep Purple

G--gummy bears or worms: Don't eat candy... but worms...

H--hometown: Southern California

I--indulgence: a new veggies steamer with three levels... sooo cool!

J--January or February: February

K--kids and their names: Three boys-William, Alex and Johnathon

L--life is incomplete without: Family

M--marriage date: Oct. 1992

N--number of siblings: 1 brother

O--oranges or apples: oranges

P--phobias/fears: outliving my children

Q--quote for today: "Living well is the BEST revenge!"... and "There are two kinds of people in this world... those who ARE Italian... and those who WANT to be Italian."

R--reason to smile: Another beach vacation trip coming up!

S--season: Spring

T--tag 3 people: You, you and YOU!!! (Everyone who reads this, tag yourself~)

U--unknown fact about me: Confrontation doesn't bother me in the least...if something isn't right... I'll let ya know about it... I won't go behind your back... I'll tell ya straight out...

V--vegetable you don't like: Okra, turnips

W--worst habit: interrupting when having a conversation... isn't that terrible???? I am a work in progress...

X--xrays you've had: ankle, teeth, hip

Y--your favorite food: Sushi/Sashimi, Mongolian BBQ, Italian

OUTDOOR FIREPLACE PROGRESS

2010-05-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Almost ready to get that concrete in there... Sooo excited!!!

There it is!!!

Woooo hoooooo!

Just need to stamp the ground... put in our family hand prints... date it... and wait for it to cure...

Bill is going to build a gorgeous Steel dome for the top of the fireplace... and we have some GORGEOUS heavy metal grapevine stuff that is a planter right now... that we will RE USE... and recycle to make some awesome screens for the front and back of the fireplace hearth... painted black...

Then we just need to get the wood loaded in... hook up all the electrical plugs, buy all my little white lights... and decorate for SUMMER!!!!!!

Happy Bday to my Mama!!!

2010-05-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL MAMA!!!

Who can shut me up with one "Italian Eye" look...

Who ADORES and LOVES my boys as much as I do...

Who would do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING for us... even risking jail time... LOL

Who calls this child "Cuore Mio" My heart... and the feeling... is definitely mutual... this child WORSHIPS his Nonna...

Who LAUGHS at EVERYTHING this child says... funny or not... because she deems him the funniest person alive...

Who brags and brags and brags about is child... for days...and she bakes him special treats...

Who loves my husband like he is her own born son...

Who is ALWAYS our biggest cheerleader...

Who is ALWAYS ready with a meal if I'm ill... and didn't make dinner...

Who canceled plans at the drop of a hat to babysit her boys... when they were young...

Who endured knee pain last week... and came home with me... just so she could be there when William got his truck for his Bday...

Who gave each of my babies their first bath at home...

Who walked the floors with me in childhood and in adulthood...

Who treats me like her best friend...

Who IS my best friend...

Who NEVER lets me forget she is still my Mama and can take me out cuz she brought me in...

Who is the BEST, CRAZIEST, most BEAUTIFUL Mama to ever walk the face of this earth...

Happy Birthday Mama!!!

I love you... I love you... I love you... I love you...

My life in the Passenger Seat II

2010-05-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

Three days... it's only been THREE DAYS... with his new truck... and it feels like 3 DECADES!...

I have waaaaay more gray hair than I did three days ago... I'm breaking out... and it takes me about 3 hours to calm the shakes and skipping heart beats after being in the car with a 16 year old driver... who knows EVERYTHING by the way... ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT DRIVING!!!

Today... we got to get up close and personal with a PT Cruiser... Did you know they have fine line pin striping? Who knew! I've never really gotten close enough to see in person... UNTIL TODAY!!! We almost changed lanes right into one, and I noticed the pin striping FROM MY WINDOW... that's how close we got... ain't life grand?

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the inventors of the following items...

Seat Belts
turn signals (when used... they are AWESOME)
side view mirrors
blind spot eliminator mirrors (Again... when used... FANTASTIC)
BRAKES... (if only his foot would PRESS DOWN)
BIG CARS AND TRUCKS... (I know... I'm not saving the planet or anything... but I need him safe... especially the way he is driving right now...)
Tylenol (for headaches)
Valium/Xanax/whiskey (I've never taken it before... but I may have to call my Dr. for scrip soon)
Helmets

Who ever you are... THANK YOU!

Ahem...

I know he'll get the hang of it... I know he'll get better... and I know I can't be crazy in the car and yelling and scared all the time... I know this...
But when YOUR LIFE whishes before your eyes EVERY 2 MINUTES... it's hard not to get antsy!!!

Right now... he has to drive with an adult 25 or older... but what is gonna happen when he gets his license and drives alone!!! I'm gonna be a wreck! I need to find a hobby...

Maybe I'll start applying to do a bunch of new drug company trials for a few bucks a pop... then I'll be so looped up I won't know which way it up! There's one way to cope...

Oy vay... why can't he be 4 years old again? Why?

What's Cookin...

2010-05-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Healthy Vegetarian Frittata

3 small shredded potatoes

1 cup frozen corn

4 bias cut green onions

1 medium sliced onion

1 shredded zucchini

1 sliced red bell pepper

1 tsp curry powder

1 tsp granulated garlic

1 tsp Dill Mix or Fresh dill

Saute the above until soft and golden...

Add salt and pepper to taste

In another bowl... whisk together 6 eggs, 1/2 cup Romano or Parm cheese, 2 TBS Feta cheese crumbles

and a little salt and pepper...

Spread the veggie mixture flat in the pan...

Pour over the eggs and cook until set...

Sprinkle the top of Frittata with 1/2 cup lowfat cheddar cheese

and place the pan in a 350 degree oven until cheese melts and egg is fully set...

Enjoy!

New Series... My Life in the Passenger Seat...

2010-05-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

Holy HELL!

My son turned 16 on Monday.

He's a great kid. Kind, courteous, studious, handsome, smart, athletically inclined, and he loves his Mama...

Like I said... he's a GREAT KID. So we bought him a truck for his 16th Bday. We were sooooo excited! His school requires freeway driving everyday... and since he's at school 12-14 hours a day for various sports and clubs... it made sense to us to get him a car... so we can have a life too...

WHAT THE HELL WERE WE THINKING!...

He got his permit a little late... I was tired of his lackadaisical attitude at the beginning of the school year to turn in the homework we worked so hard to complete... so for every missing assignment, I pushed the date of his Permit test one month. So he missed two assignments... which meant he had to wait 2 extra months to take his test... it doubled when he got a tad bit too lippy with me one fine day... so he didn't get his permit until April... last month, it took a couple of months for his schedule to loosen up to actually take the online class.

He started driving my car, with me, almost everyday, in town, on the way home from school. Just here in our podunk little town. Stop signs, easy turns, no traffic... pretty easy. He did a GREAT job. A GREAT JOB! I was soooooo happy that he was doing so well. In my mind... I was thinking... "Oh yeah... he's gonna do GREAT! He "gets" it!!!" I didn't have to raise my voice ONCE... I was a calm, cool and collected Mama... which, by the way... IS NEVER the way I am described... EVER!

Then... THEN... I must have LOST MY DANG MIND! He got his truck on Monday... and he texts me every day to drive his truck to school when I pick him up, so he can drive it home... cool.. no problem.

EXCEPT that his loving Father... on Sunday, while on a Home Depot run to get a new lock for his bed cover (Tono cover?), he, of course, let Will drive his own truck, and was coaching him about braking easier. Apparently Bill thought he was braking too hard.

So the next day... I get into the passenger side of the truck, and my other two boys get in the extra cab... and Will is driving home from school... on his Bday. And I notice... that we are approaching a new Lexus ahead of us... very, very quickly. Here's how the conversation took place...

Me - 'Uh Will... time to put he brakes on, honey... that car isn't moving... it's a red light."

Will - "I know Mom... I see it... Dad said not to brake too hard... I'm stopping."

Me - "Uh... You're not stopping fast enough... stop the car Will... push on the brakes..."

Will - 'I AM MOM... Dad said...

Me - DAD ISN'T HERE... HIT THE DAMN BRAKES NOW! PUSH ON THE BRAKES NOW!!!

Will - I AM!

Me and Alex and Johnny - BRAKE NOW WILLIAM.... HARD!!!!

We end up stopping 1 foot from the car ahead of us. I could SWEAR I saw the fear, whites and eye shadow color of her eyes...

When we got home... I hugged him, apologized for yelling at him... and slugged his shoulder. I grabbed his beautiful face and asked him WHY ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH DIDN'T HE PUSH ON THE BRAKE to stop the car?

"I was just doing what Dad said... easing on the brake."

I had a dilemma here. I DO NOT like it when women demean their husbands...especially to their children... so I said... "Okay... but I'm sure he didn't mean THAT EASY. I need to FEEL MY SEATBELT when you drive... Capisco? Brake EARLIER than you think you need to!"

Here's what was REALLY being said in my head... "WHAT? YOUR DAD DRIVES LIKE A MANIAC! Don't listen to him! He drives like he's got a woman about to give birth and man dying of heart attack in his car... just to go around the corner!!!! But I didn't say that to him... I would never diss my hubby like that...

Oh wait...I just did... huh? Good thing he has an AWESOME sense of humor!!! Love you honey!!!

Stay tuned for more adventures of My Life in the Passenger Seat... or also known as.. "HEY... NO!!! MIRRORS MIRRORS... CHECK YOUR BLIND SPOT... DON'T TURN THERE!!! NOOOOOOOOO!"

Williams Birthday Surprise!!!

2010-05-09T18:29:00.000-07:00

This is my soon to be 16 year old son... William.

Today is Mother's Day... and Bill and I couldn't wait another minute to give him his Birthday gift...

His Birthday is tomorrow.

16 years ago tonight... I was having my last meal before a planned C Section the following morning... on May 10th... exactly one year to the day that I miscarried and had to have a D & C... at four months...

That day would NEVER again be a day of sorrow... one year later... This gorgeous creature made me a Mother, on that very day. Yes, I do believe in miracles... and grace... and mercy... and all those wonderful things...

How can I not? I'm a Mama.

This child got his first car... a truck... used... but in great condition... There are a few nicks and scratches on it that will keep him humble. Lots of kids from his High School will be driving brand new Mercedes, Audi's and BMW's... my son... will proudly drive a 1999 Ford F150 Truck... Lariat package. We are SO okay with that...

He's driven us around town 4 times today already... and surprisingly... I am very calm and only give gentle guidance... I have completely surprised myself, and my kids...

A calm new driver, is a safe new driver... no?

Is this not the picture of sheer joy?

I can't believe he's 16. Just yesterday, I was cradling him in my arms... watching him sleep and sigh the sigh of a satiated baby... and now he owns a car. Don't blink... man... don't blink... life goes by in an instant...

This child deserves this car. He's studious, hard working, sweet, courteous, and is drug and alcohol and tobacco free. As long as he keeps that all up... he will continue to be blessed with whatever good fortune we can swing his way.

16.

Bill's work gets season tickets to the Angels games every year... in awesome seats... with reserved parking, padded seats, and waiter and waitresses to cater to your every whim. He got 4 of those tickets for tomorrow nights game, and they are gonna drive Will's new truck to the stadium...

So glad he's a good kid... otherwise my butt would be in one of those seats... LOL

Last week, at The Cheesecake Factory... my hubby ordered a beer with his meal... AND THEY PUT IT IN FRONT OF WILLIAM... and walked away...

We all got a good laugh... and shimmied the beverage over to Bill...

He looks older...

I know...

It happens all the time...

Dang hormones...

Happy Birthday William...

I love you... I love you... I love you... I love you... I love you... I love you.

What's cookin!

2010-05-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

My two older boys are at school about 12 hours a day these days, between baseball practice and Football weight lifting before and after school... so when they get home... THEY ARE HUNGRY... and our usual fare

of fresh fruit for dinner, isn't cutting it for them...

So... to stay on the path of eating healthy and staying away from meat and heavy proteins at night... I am

making them vegetarian, light meals with huge hunks of watermelon on the side...

Pictured above is my homemade Spinach/Feta Sourdough, topped with fresh olive oil and crushed garlic, low fat, high moisture FRESH Buffalo milk Mozzarella, home grown basil leaves...

and tomatoes, hot house roma tomatoes.

Sprinkled with salt and pepper, then roasted in the oven at 450 for about ten minutes until the cheese is all melted

and gooey...

I made 20 of these things... and 3 minutes later... GONE!!!

Last night was brown rice, corn, peppers and bean taco's on fresh steamed corn tortillas, with a side of fresh guacamole, topped with fresh cabbage, onions, cilantro and tiny bit of cheese...

Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring...

While I eat my watermelon, they feast on vegetarian meals...

Life is good.

Try these quick pizza's... and let me know how your family likes them!

Eat well!

Computer is back and better than new!

2010-05-04T23:22:00.000-07:00

Well my friends... if you don't have an anti virus program on your computer... GET ONE NOW! Holy cow... did my McCaffee save my computer BIG TIME... last night...

Unfortunately, my computer is also the family computer (THAT is going to change REAL soon), and my oldest son clicked on a picture on his FB page that promptly delivered 26 viruses to my computer. This the FIRST ever time I've EVER been the victim of a virus... that actually alerted me as to what kind, where, and how they got there...
Thank GOD... my MaCaffee program kept them all at bay... held them hostage, and didn't once let any of them through to my actual hard drive or files... Best $70 I've ever spent...

Bill, took my computer to his IT guy at work, who quickly ascertained that my computer had NOT fallen victim... and that my protection did it's job... and he updated all my stuff, added a bunch of new fangled programs, and cleaned my unit all shiny new... FREE!!! Sooooo love a good IT guy that gets the big bucks from a huge corporation and doesn't charge for piddly stuff like mine...

I lost sleep last night, lamenting on whether my files would be corrupted or not. I was mostly afraid for all my pictures... but thankfully, I also store them on hard copy, and on an internet based storage place too...Love you Kodak Easyshare!!!

So now I am back in business... whoo hooooo!

Thanks for all the advice!!!

What's goin on...

2010-05-02T23:37:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a week. Johnny was gone to an Outdoor Education camp for the week, and my Mama had knee replacement surgery with some complications that kept me on my toes, and talking to God more than normal.

I had the week all planned out... what to do for Mama, keeping busy so I wouldn't miss Johnny too much... meals I was going to invent... and.. well... as the saying goes... "We make plans... God laughs"

Mama is back home now... in pain, but taking her meds and healing well. She is taking her walks... and I'll be back on duty tomorrow, visiting her and helping her do what she wants me to do... I love taking care of her... we get along so well... it's easy. The only thing we fight about is her Pharmacopia of a purse... that's another story for another day.

Yesterday was Bill's Bday. He got to spend his day working on the outdoor fireplace and it's surroundings. The reason he didn't get a day off from it? We have 3 huge parties planned for June... and it all MUST be done by then... and the only way to do that is to work, work, work on it. We did go out to dinner for his Bday though... my MIL graciously offered to take us all out for the evening...and we enjoyed a lovely meal with a WONDERFUL server. She bought Bill and William (bday May 10) a bunch of clothes, and gift cards... very generous!

Bill wants a new watch... so we will be shopping for one this week. I want him to pick it out.

I did my prep for the week tonight... chopped all the onions, baked all the bread, made all the sandwiches, cooked all the meat, grilled all the eggplant and zucchini. So nice to have it all done.

This is birthday season for us... All five of us have our birthdays in the next three months... and throw in Mom and Dad's days... and it get's really expensive.

William's big 16th is in 8 days. We had originally planned (and paid for) a huge Hummer Limo to take him and 6 of his friends to the beach for lunch, shopping and then home for dinner and a baseball game... but his school decided to have a Sophomore Beach Day the day I planned the trip... so I cancelled it... and will now spend that money on something that will last a little longer for him...

He also has a HUGE surprise coming up... but this posts on FB... and he is one of my FB friends... and if he reads this... it'll spoil the surprise... but most of you can guess what it is... and you would be RIGHT!!! He'll be so excited to use it for school! ;)

How the heck did I become the mother of a 16 year old? huh?

Oy vay... I'd better go check my wrinkles...

Happy Bday Bill!

2010-05-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUSBAND BILL!!!

I love you honey!

So sorry you have to work on the Fireplace on your Bday... but we'll make it up to you!

Things I learned this week...

2010-04-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

1. That Doctors don't actually "check in" with patients in person... they 'call in" on their patients... Nurses need to get paid a LOT more.

2. That if the Doctor is hanging around the patient... that's a BAD thing... thank God... there wasn't a Doctor for miles around my Mama this week...

3. That my Mama having surgery was a huge distraction to the fact that I was without one child this week... Thanks Mama... great planning as usual! LOL

4. That you should NEVER, EVER, EVER flip off an idiot that almost sideswipes your car on the freeway... EVER...
Why? Because it MAY just turn out to be YOUR SON'S PRINCIPAL!!! (Did I mention he goes to a CHRISTIAN school? Yeah... I'm toast...Oops... my bad... AND... I'm human... sue me for being crude... it's been a hell of a week... glass houses... people... glass houses...

5. If you scratch it... it will get infected... duh!!!

6. That my sons truly miss each other when they are away...

7. That I am NOT ready for my sons to grow up and become independent people... just yet...

My new Business...

2010-04-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

BELLA SERA MEALS...
Do you hate to cook? Do you work full time and dread having to make dinner? Do you HATE that the Drive Thru window is how you feed your family most evenings? Would you like a solution to that? What if you could feed your family a nutritious, satisfying, easy to heat meal, complete with bread and dessert, knowing it was prepared by a Mom, for a Mom, who loves to cook and NOTHING is processed, from a box, and everything is handmade?

Welcome to my kitchen. I am here to serve you.

I offer a wide array of good, healthy, affordable dinners that you can either freeze and keep or have delivered fresh for dinner that evening. All you’ll have to do is put together a salad… and I can even do that for you… if you like.

I offer dinner for 1 to 25 people. If you have a special occasion coming up… and want a complete meal, that you can just heat and serve and impress your guests and ENJOY their company… I am the chef for you! My Mom and I will also cater for up to 200 people…

I use no lard, and no shortenings. I use ONLY Olive Oil or Extra Virgin Olive oil. All the breads I use are made by me, with no artificial ANYTHING! I can enrich all breads with Flax seed meal and wheat germ upon request. I use ONLY the freshest ingredients available, and if I can’t find a good quality ingredient, I won’t use it.

Save money eating this way… in your own home! These prices beat restaurant prices!

Call 909.641.5375 OR Iamchefsaundra@yahoo.com

Pasta, Meatballs (8), Fresh Sourdough, French, or Spinach/Feta bread or Garlic Bread, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, 8 cookies (Biscotti or Pizzelles)………… for Family of 4 = $29.00

Eggplant Rolletini (10)… Eggplant rolled up with luscious Ricotta Cheese w/herbs, smothered in Sauce, Fresh Sourdough, French or Spinach/Feta bread or Garlic Bread, Grated Pecorino Cheese, Cookies (8) ………For 4 = $35.00

Calzones … Choose your filling… Meatballs and Provolone or Mozzarella. Or BBQ Chicken, or Roasted Eggplant and veggies and cheese, or Ricotta Pesto and herb… (All bread is handmade, and you can choose your bread…
With a green salad and my famous Bella Sera Dressing & 8 cookies
A Calzone per person for 4 = $40.00 meal
Ala Carte Calzone = $12.00 each (no salad or cookies)

Bruschetta Appetizer– Fresh baguette bread of your choice, toasted to perfection with fresh garlic rub. On the side, will be a tomato, herb, olive oil topping to spoon onto your bread. Divine!!!! A great after school snack!
Feeds 4-6 = $15

Chicken Parmigiana – Freshly breaded chicken, homemade sauce, baked… not fried… to perfection, topped with fresh Mozzarella and Provolone Cheeses, smothered in homemade Italian Sauce, your choice of bread, cookies (8), side of Pasta and sauce… Family of 4 = $39.00

Lasagna Rolls – 10-12 rolls, filled with Ricotta cheese, smothered in sauce, topped with cheese, ready to bake or prebaked, you choose. Salad, Bella Sera Dressing, Choice of bread, cookies (8)
Family of four = $35.00 Family of six = $45.00

Meatball Sub – on your choice of baguette…topped with Provolone and Romano cheese, smothered in sauce… $15 (feeds 2-4) add Salad and Dressing for $10 with this meal!

Bresagna- My own creation! It’s Lasagna… but make with BREAD!... You have to see it to believe it. I layer fresh ricotta cheese mixed with sun dried tomato pesto/garlic/basil , or spinach/feta/Romano, or zucchini/pesto/feta between hand rolled layers of bread of your choice!!! One 13 inch loaf with salad and cookies for $28!!!

Ala Carte

Baguette of French, Sourdough or Spinach Feta Bread = $5

Side of Salad for 4 with Bella Sera Dressing = $17.00
Artisan lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded carrots, Kalamata olives, shredded cabbage.

Bottle of Bella Sera Dressing = $4

Bucket O’ Pasta Sauce = $25.00 (sauce for 6- 12)

Meatball Madness… = $30.00 meatballs & sauce for (5-10)

Sweet Hawaiian Bread braid = $6 (great for breakfast)

School lunches = I will make school lunches for your kids for the week! Delivered on Sunday evening, they stay fresh in the fridge all week! A gourmet artisan sandwich a day for your kids! $2, or $4 a sandwich… I use only NON nitrite/nitrate meats, from animals with NO growth hormones or preservatives! Lettuce, Bella Sera dressing, tomatoes, pickles, lunch meat and cheese if desired!
Your choice of bread, handmade only!

Biscotti Platter (25-30 large cookies) = $20.00
Lemon Cranberry
Almond Chocolate Oatmeal
Double chocolate Almond

Pizzelles -5 inch diameter Platter (50) $25.00

Vanilla
Chocolate
Swirl (vanilla and chocolate)

*** I also do lunches… and if you live within 10 miles of GT… I WILL DELIVER! Order must be in by 9 a.m. for same day lunch… or order ahead for a luncheon!!!

2010-04-29T07:13:00.001-07:00

My Mama has been in the hospital this week. Knee replacement surgery with a little bit of complications...

I'll write when I get her all settled and out of the hospital.

Sunday Prep... More cooking...

2010-04-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday... was my prep day for the week...

I made a bunch of my Bella Sera Balsamic Bliss salad dressing (AKA "Salad Crack" named by my friend Andrea) so we can have salads at the ready this week for dinners...

And I cut up a bunch of veggies, peppers, onions, zucchini etc... for quick stirfries. It's so nice to get all the time consuming partS of cooking over with in one fell swoop, instead of piece mealing it all week long.

It seems like so much less work... and it is less!

Made a bunch of biscotti... but healthy... no egg yolks, raw nuts, flax seed meal, good, grainy flour...

These are an old picture... but I made Lemon Cranberry and Espresso, chocolate Almond last night...

NO ONE suspects they are healthy... everyone says they taste sinful... so that's good.

Also made a bunch of healthy meatballs... I LOVE this pan... it suspends the meatballs 3 inches above the pan, so all the fat drips down and doesn't sit in a pool of fat...

I added shaved carrots, green onions, organic, non RBST beef, grass fed only... so there was MAYBE three drips on the whole pan...

Then I made a huge batch of pasta sauce...

washed and dried 10 heads of artisan lettuce and packaged them in Lock n Lock,

four batches of bread dough...

And now... I'm done for the week.

I just need to pull what I need out of the fridge, heat it up, and maybe make a little pasta or bread...

PREP...

I LOVE IT!!!

Sunday stuff...

2010-04-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

My Johnny is leaving for a week to Hume Lake for an Outdoor Education Trip.

I HATE that it's an 8 hour bus trip away...

Why can't they just go up to Arrowhead?

My other two boys went on the same trip in their 5th and 6th grade years... so it's only fair that Johnny gets to go.

As if tuition isn't enough, it cost an arm and a leg to send them to this camp...

new gear, new this, new that, not to mention the cost of the trip... all tacked on to the monthly tuition so it "Doesn't hurt as much" according to the schools finance dept... LOL!

I swear, when these boys go to college and we are paying THAT tuition... we'll be paying LESS!

I know... I've asked other parents that have graduated kids from private school...

So we are actually LOOKING FORWARD to paying for college.. I might be able to buy a new car one day... !

I'm not really complaining.. it's a choice... a privilege... I don't take it lightly...

I just get all bejiggety when all the birthdays start coming around, and we can't do as much for them... but everything is a compromise... no? In my heart, I know we are giving them an opportunity of a lifetime to experience an education that is tailor made for them, with all the advantages afforded to them within the school.

The difference between my kids and the other kids? Mine won't be getting Mercedes or BMW's for their 16th Bdays... they'll be rolling up in used trucks... LOL

Ugh... rant over...

Bill is working really hard on our outdoor fireplace area. Johnny's end of year school party is going to be here this year.. and I want it all done and gorgeous come June... so I have been lighting a fire under his butt.

It doesn't help that we keep adding in features, like copious amounts of electricity for lighting all around the area...

that just takes more time... but in the end... I think it'll be worth it.

The 28 day waiting period before swimming in the pool is up... and every minute today... they have been BEGGING to go swimming.

I may say yes... because I KNOW it will only be a few minutes before they realize that just because weather outside is 75, doesn't mean the pool is... it's more like 55-60 and they'll jump right out... complain it's cold... and get my clean tile all wet...

I am soooo not one of those Moms that lets their kids swim just for swimming's sake... it's cold...

no one needs a shock to the system like that... unless you are in the Polar Bear club... there'll be plenty of hot weather to come... they can wait...

I've got to go do my Sunday Prep now... then I'm off to church tonight... and last minute shopping for Johnny's trip...

A little piece of my heart will be camping this week... my baby... I may be a little weepy...just sayin'

Just a little note...

2010-04-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

I'm having a little giveaway at my other weight loss blog... if you wanna come on by and join in... I'd be honored...

it's at...

http://www.eatabiglunch.blogspot.com/

You can see what I'm giving away there...

Thanks!!!

Remember this toy?

2010-04-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

Remember this toy?

If you don't... you are obviously younger than 30 or 35...

But when I was a kid... they actually sold these things TO KIDS...

What were they? A "toy" made of either tempered GLASS or HEAVY RESIN... that when one flicked the hands up and down in a fast motion... the balls would hopefully hit each other and bounce to the opposing side and do the same...

Did I mention they were HEAVY, and HARD... and DANGEROUS???

I must have had, in my childhood... at least 5 of them at any given time.

My little brother and I would hurt ourselves so much with them, my Zia kept taking them away from us by throwing them in the garage, way up high so we couldn't reach them...

Did I mention that this particular Zia is 4'3" tall?

Yeah... by the time I was 8 or 9... I could reach them...

She was just trying to protect us.

We jammed our fingers, hit our heads accidentally with them, swung them over our heads and broke windows...

They were these heavy balls on tiny strings with a tiny plastic ring holding the strings together...

Catastrophe was BOUND to happen.

When I asked for another pair after an initial waiting period, so my parents would "forget" how stupid and dangerous those Click Clack's were, my Mama got hip to my jive and told me

the company got into trouble and no longer made them.

That didn't seem too far fetched to me... we caused a LOT of damage with those insipid things...(which incidentally, I loved... the toy... not the damage) (except that one time my brother got one right between the eyes... THAT... I liked...he cut up my jump rope... and when he hit himself in the head... Karma was on my side...)

Then... we went to Woolworth's... and there they were... and she just said... "NO!" when she saw me eyeing them.

No explanation that they weren't discontinued... just "NO!".. and back then, kids had the good sense to understand that "NO!" was the final answer, and not another word was spoken about them...

Until the other night... when I had a dream that I was a kid, playing with them... and getting hurt... all over again...

and I called my Mama up in the morning to reminisce with her about that toy...

Instinctively she said... "No!"... "You will NOT BUY THEM FOR MY GRANDSONS!"

I wasn't going to...

But I shut up... said... "Yes Mama" and hung up the phone...

Some things never change...

Shoes for a better butt? Really?

2010-04-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

I have officially seen and heard everything now... when it comes to what people will buy and sell.

Let me first preface this post by saying... If you have, or plan to own these shoes and products I am about to mention... don't get all up in my grill about how you love them, or how I should just shut up... this is my opinion, and it's meant to be satirical in nature... chill out...

Ahem..

Shoes... that make your butt and legs look better... hmmmm.... remember the 70's? Yeah.. nothing is really "new" anymore huh? Remember Dr. Scholls? Those clunky, wood bottomed, leather across the toed "leg shapers" that sounded like a Clydsedale horses were within 10 feet of you? Yeah... I owned them... and they were UNCOMFORTABLE AS ALL GET OUT... I was 10 in the late 70's... and my older cousin told me the shoes were a "miracle" and that I should get them... whatever she said was like listening to God himself... boy was I dumb...

So now there are these commercials touting that these sneakers are made in such a way that it will exercise the butt and legs...

Really?

Are we gonna go "there" again?

They. are. shoes.

What exercises the butt and legs? EXERCISE... WALKING... SQUATS... etc...

I want advertising agencies to STOP thinking we are all stupid know nothing's that will buy ANYTHING they put out there...

Oh... You own a pair?

And?...

Is your butt not touching the ground anymore?

Are your legs back to the shape they were in at 18?

You wanna know what I wish they would come out with?

A freaking bra that will ACTUALLY make my boobs not be 4 feet long anymore...

It's really annoying when I need to scratch my knee, and I have to move my once perky, now stretched beyond recognition breast out of the way...

Why doesn't Madison Ave come out with an advertising campaign for a bra that makes boobs up tight and outta sight... without surgery!!!

Oh wait... I know why... IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! Just like I feel it's impossible that a shoe can do, what an hour a day at the gym can do.

Unless those shoes have weights sewn into them... I don't see how they'll work... but they sure don't have a problem with charging $100 for them!!! or more!!!

Look... if you own them and love them... great... I hope your butt tightens so tight that you can bounce a feather off of it. I hope your legs get so shapely, they ask you to be a leg model for pantyhose...

I just get cynical when they make things out to be something they aren't...

Don't even get me started on anti wrinkle creams... and breast firming butters...

Lord have mercy!

Progress and prep...

2010-04-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

The backside of the new Fireplace. All that wood is for the forming of the area around it so cement can be poured. Bye, Bye beach sand...

This is the stamp we used ALL over the fireplace. Next... I need to buy a cement stain, and some cement water colors to faintly color in the grapevines, and to give the cement coating some character. It's pretty gray right now...

So while the fireplace was getting worked on... I went about my Prep for the week...

So I made all the bread for sandwiches...

And all the bread for breakfast for the week... just slice and toast... this is Raisin/Cranberry cinnamon bagel bread. It's FULL of flax seed, whole wheat flour, no yeast, just my starter, yogurt and other yummy things...

And I made another batch of Butternut/Corn/Pea Slurry.... I thinned this down with some homemade stock...

it's in the fridge waiting for dinner bowls...

Then I sliced all my onions for the week, bbq'd all the chicken, made a 2 bean chili soup, made a mayo free coleslaw (yum) recipe will be here soon, and made 4 batches of dough...

I'm pooped... but I feel ready for the week now. We have 5 baseball games in 4 different cities and dinner's need to be healthy, ready, and on the fly... so preparation is my saviour...

Time to take the kids to school now...

The next two days will be my last two days driving my own car... my oldest will be commandeering the steering wheel from now on...

Has anyone seen my suit of armor, and our crash helmets... and those industrial strength seat belts?

Hey... where's a good tank when you need one!!!

I want...

2010-04-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

I know I shouldn't wish my life away... I know it won't do any good... but why... oh why.. do kids have to grow up!!!

I remember when the boys were all small... and I thought I was never going to be able to shower again at a decent hour... or I was always going to be destined to rock them to sleep forever... that they would "need" me for everything forever... and I'd never be a woman again... with thoughts and dreams and goals and aspirations...

And then BANG!!! Fast forward 11 years... My men are 16, almost 14 and almost 11.

Oh... how I wish they were small again. I would love it if a tiny person would pull on my blouse and bend over and ask me to wipe his behind... in the kitchen... with the entire length of toilet paper trailing behind him...

I would LOVE it... if when they needed a bath... I could pile them all into the bathtub and have splash time again... and say things like... "No Johnny, don't drink the bath water... and No... Alex... no peeing while washing... that's what the toilet is for."

I NEED someone to ask me to read him a story.

I MISS being asked to "Marry me Mommy" every single day.

I miss having a baby boy sleeping on my shoulder...and sighing the sigh of a satiated, clean baby... while his bottom lip quivers in his sleep.

I miss my baby boys. They are getting so big... so independent. One is going to be driving in one week. How the hell did that happen? It just can't be!!!

I want naked little boys to run around the house again... laughing about being naked... and screaming... Mama!!! I'm naked!!! You can't catch me!!! While I playfully scold them to go put their clothes back on.

I want to step on Legos again. I want there to be too many toys cluttering up my house. I want tiny chairs, and Little Golden Books all over the place.

I want them to fit in my lap again. I want to have to get a babysitter again.

It's weird... when they were little, I always seemed to be going somewhere where I needed a sitter. Now... that I don't need a sitter... I never go anywhere anymore...

When I used to long for time "away" from being a Mama, when they were little... I now long for MORE time... for the Mama time to last just a little while longer.

They wash their own clothes, they can cook their own food, if I'm not available, they can reach things on higher shelves than me. They don't need me for anything anymore... and I'm heartbroken about it.

Luckily... William will hold my hand, kiss me in public, even at his High School, and tells me he loves me... but I know it's only for a little while longer... until a *sigh* girl takes his heart... Alex tells me his friends like me, and think I'm "cool"... but once again... only until the 'girl' takes his heart... and Johnny... thank God... he's still young enough to think I'm still the living end... but he has two older brothers that are making him grow up faster than normal... it's inevitable...

I'm going to be phased out... all too soon.

I'm. Not. Ready. It's too soon. I was just holding them and cooing at them just yesterday... or maybe that was 16 years ago... yeah... it was... it seems like a dream...

I need more time... I need to reinvent myself... so I can occupy my time when they are on their own...

Is it too late to be Cindy Crawford?

American Kids VS. Italian Kids.

2010-04-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A RE POST... I LOVED IT SO MUCH, I THOUGHT IT MERITED ANOTHER GO...

I know... I know... My kids are Americans, as am I... BUT! My kids are experiencing things that only truly, really ethnic families can relate to in their lives, and how they are brought up.

My children didn't have the luck that I had growing up, by being brought up by immigrant parents, and living in Little Italy (my house) for 24 years. They are, however learning to love their Italian Heritage, savor it, live it when they can, and really get into it.

I try to make my home and bringing them up as close as I can to the way I was brought up.

My son Alex LOVES listening to his Nonno talk. He LOVES the accent, and tries to mimic it all the time.

So last night, I was googling around and stumbled across this little ditty and I thought it was so funny and so right on the mark when it comes to my kidlets!

So here goes!

***

American Kids: Move out when they are 18 with the full support of their parents

Italian Kids: Move out when they are 28, having saved enough money for a house and are 2 weeks away from getting married... unless there's enough room in the basement for the newlyweds.

American Kids: When their Mom visits them, she brings a Bundt cake and you sip coffee and chat.

Italian Kids: When their Mom visits them, she brings 3 days worth of food, begins to tidy up, dust, do the laundry and rearrange the furniture. (yep)

American Kids: Their Dads always call before coming over to visit them, and it's usually only on special occasions.

Italian Kids: Are not at all fazed when their Dad shows up, unannounced, on a Saturday morning at 7 a.m., and starts pruning the fruit trees. If there are no trees, he'll plant some!

(Oh my God, that is SOOOO MY PAPA!)

American Kids: Always pay retail and look on the internet or yellow pages when they need to have something done.

Italian Kids: Call their Dad or Zio (uncle) fand ask another Dad or Uncle's phone number to get it done... cash deal...know what I mean? (Done that a few times in my lifetime!)

American Kids: Will come over for cake and coffee and only get cake and coffee. No more.

Italian Kids: Will come over for cake and coffee, and GET antipasti, wine, a pasta dish, a choice of two meats, salad, bread, a cannoli, fruit, espresso, and few after dinner drinks.

American Kids: Will greet you with "Hello" and "Hi"

Italian Kids: Will greet you with a hug, a kiss on your cheek, and a pat on your back.

American Kids: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.

Italian Kids: Call your parents Mom and Pop.

American Kids: Eat Peanut Butter and Jelly on soft mushy White Bread

Italian Kids: Eat Genoa Salami and Imported Provolone with sundried tomatoes and roasted red peppers on crusty Italian bread.

(OMG, I pack that in my kids lunches every day!)

American Kids: Like Hip Hop and new Music

Italian Kids: Worship Tony Bennett and Sinatra (Uncle Frank)

American Kids: Think that being Italian is cool

Italian Kids: KNOW that being Italian is cool!

Things I learned this week...

2010-04-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

1.I learned... that no matter how much I fought it... no matter how long I delayed it... I am a Mother of a driver...
Having never taken a drug stronger than a Tylenol... is Xanax in my future? or Valium? yikes!

2. The closer my William gets to driving independently... the more nervous I am becoming. I want to place a law in place in Southern California... NO CELL PHONES.. NO TEXTING... NO DRINKING AT ALL... NO DRIVING ON THE STREETS FROM THE HOURS OF 5 AM - 8 PM... while he'll be on the road potentially... so he is safe... Dear God... keep him safe!!!

3. I learned buying our teen son a truck is a much longer process than I anticipated. He is precious cargo... and it needs to be large, clean, mechanically sound, not too great of a stereo, MUST have air conditioning, and not too old. I want him safe... I want him to be proud of his ride... but at the same time... I want him humble too.

4. I learned that I am very happy when my floors are all cleaned... 80% of my home is now tile... and mopping it sucks... but when it's done... it's divine!!! I love the smell of bleach!!!

5 I learned in the last month... that a person I thought was a friend... REQUESTED that her son not play on my husbands baseball team... I'm not upset about her request ... she has every right in the world to do that (heck, I've even done that before... but not without telling the coach first... what I'm upset about... was her inability to tell us, or to have given us a heads up last year that she was unhappy with the way my hubby was doing things... some people are cowards (and she REALLY needs to be careful when she is talking smack about someone and LOOK AROUND because I was three feet from her when she said it to a mutual friend...and I don't take too kindly to having my hubby talked about or my kids)... and choose to do things underhandedly and under the guise of "not wanting drama or confrontation". Whatever... for that one person NOT wanting him to be his coach... my sweet hubby got 10 others REQUESTING that he be the coach, and dozens of phone calls before the season asking if he was going to coach and if he does, could he please pick their son...
I learned that she is less of a friend than I thought before. I won't lose any sleep over it... at all. She can suck it! AND... if she can do better... she and her hubby need to get off their high horses... and COACH... so they can be perfect... and her kid can play the position he wants...

6 I learned that I am happy that I am not afraid of confrontation. Confrontation does NOT mean yelling, screaming and bashing... but telling someone immediately when a concern arises... and nipping it in the bud...in a clear, calm, concise manner... so as not to put the other person on the defensive... I learned that THAT type of people are the kind of people I crave to have around me.

7. I learned that I have three really unique, great, sweet, generous boys... and a hubby that was willing to spend all last evening replacing ALL FOUR OF MY BRAKES until 11 p.m. just so we are safe... I heard my brakes squeak, and he was on it immediately. I love having a husband that can fix, build, make and create everything!!!!

Writers Workshop 4-15-10

2010-04-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

Writers Workshop at MamaKat's

"Write a letter to a Reality Star of your choice"

Easy.

Here goes.

Dear Kate, Having NEVER seen an episode of your "reality" show John and Kate plus however many, I don't have a lot to go on as far as history. All I know about you is that you have a gaggle of kids, your picture was splattered all over the place for a while, you are getting divorced from John, and now you are dancing on one of my favorite shows... Dancing with the Stars.

YOU... are a hag. If you acted like that on your show... I GET why you are getting divorced. Having a bunch of kids does NOT excuse you from having basic good manners. Need I remind you that YOU chose to put your life on camera for the world to see... why are you now surprised that Papparazzi are all over the place?

I haven't seen one smile on your face that looks real. It's like you are incapable of feeling actual feelings. I sure hope you do differently with your kids.

Never mind the fact that you can't dance, and you are incredibly rude and narcissistic with Tony, I can't figure out why you haven't been voted off!

I hear from people that you are worrying about how to raise your kids. Here's a clue... YOU RAISE THEM... the best you can... no matter where or how much money comes in. Money doesn't determine how well your kids turn out...

To me... you got celebrity for doing nothing more than having a bunch of kids. I know lots of people with a bunch of kids, that don't have TV shows, that have to scrimp and save, and JUST DO IT... that aren't totals hags.

Quit whining and get on with being a Mom!

You might have to get a real job...!!!

If you treated your husband the way I keep hearing the way you did... you should have thought of what it would be like raising the darlings alone...before you bashed him.

I hear he's not such a peach either... and I have to no respect for a man that takes the crap the way you shoveled it.

It's getting more ridiculous these days... making celebrities out of people that do horrible things. Tiger Woods mistresses are being made out to be celebrities and given photo shoots, and talk shows....

WHY. WHY. WHY. WHY. WHY!

Go raise your kids Kate... be the Mom you say you are... get off the TV... and... bye bye...

Random and (gross) shots from Spring Break!

2010-04-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

While the boys and I were out and about last week for Spring Break... I, of course, had my camera with me...

Thank God!

There are some pretty strange people in the world... and unless you get out there and see it for yourself... you'll just never know...

Soooo....

Allow me to introduce you to a couple of sick tickets I ran into while fishing and and at an amusement park.

Now... last week was warm. It was about 85 the day I took this picture... and everywhere I went this lady was right there too. What she was wearing wasn't so much weird... but the fact that she CONSTANTLY complained that her boots were getting wet was really annoying.

SHE WAS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE LOG RIDE AND WATER SPOUT FEATURE while complaining... helllooooooo.... MOVE! or ... wear appropriate shoes for the weather!

I mean... REALLY? IT WAS 85 DEGREES!

This next one.. I apologize for the vulgarity... but I had HAD ENOUGH! This dude... bent over right in front of me ONE too many times... and since I had my camera... I HAD TO CLICK...

If I had had a printing dock in my car... I would have printed it out and HANDED IT TO HIM... just so he knew what sort of commotion he causes when he bends over... INCESSANTLY in front of people...

and yes... I do believe he scared the fish away...

You're welcome.

Sunday Night Prep!

2010-04-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

What's been cooking around here???

Well... first... let me say... THANK GOD my kids can cook... because I didn't cook ANYTHING for 7 days while I had my weird fever thing going on.

I'm all better now.. and have begun my Sunday night Prep.

Four loaves of Sweet Hawaiian Breakfast Bread...

These should last all week long, if I just allow one per day out of a hiding place. My men love toasted it and eating it with a little butter and jam or sometimes... just plain!

Aren't they pretty?

And... today, for our big lunch... we ate William's prized Rainbow Trout... He was so happy to see it all dressed up... after I finished gutting the thing...

Salt, pepper, onion, lemon, fresh parsley... YUM!

It's all ready for the oven!

15 minutes at 375 and we will be in business!!!

Now I'm off to chop my onions for the week, get some beans soaking, make all the lunch sandwiches, and brown up some chicken!

Then... all week long... all I have to do is put dinner together! All the hard stuff will be done!

Our fishing trip...

2010-04-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

Took my men fishing today.

Daddy, of course, was at work making the dough, and since I had to cancel our camping trip to this exact place, the least I could do was take them fishing there... so I did.

We have this lovely camping timeshare nestled 3200 ft up into our local mountains, complete with every amenity... heated pools, 3 lakes, paddle boats, hiking trails, arcades, restaurants, mini golf, laundry, hookups, cabins and of course, RV camping... too.

It only takes us 20 minutes or so to get there... and it's JUST enough of a getaway too help us feel refreshed...

So after the requisite picture taking...

and saying "Cheese"...

I let them go have a ball.

Okay, I snuck some shots in...

And they fished... and fished.... and waiting... and waited...

And waited...

and waited...

Until FINALLY... SUCCESS!

a HUGE 3 lbs Rainbow Trout!

That sucker cost us... about $40 bucks when you add in the gas, permits, gutting... etc...

but you know what?

Who cares... really...

We were together...

They had fun, I got some sun...

All was well...

So we are on our way home, and Alex asks me about when my Dad would take me up there to wade in the creek. It's one of my favorite childhood memories with my Pops. He asks... "Hey Mom, is the creek really cold? is it clean?... sooooo

I pulled over, and let them see and feel for themselves!

When I was a kid, you could drink right out of the creek and it was so crisp and clean... it was like healing water... no to much anymore...

He doesn't look almost 16... does he?

Across the creek, is the side of one of our beautiful San Bernardino Mountains... made of this, gorgeous rock and shale... always shifting with each earthquake....

I love this creek.

There is one park of it, at the top, by a lovely waterfall, that is COVERED in raspberry bushes...

I used to pick and eat to my hearts content when I was young...

It was a good day...

A very good day...

That smile proves it!

Consolation Prize

2010-04-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

I had to cancel our camping trip TWICE this week, because of my ongoing fevers... (Yes, I am still getting a fever every four hours... just 100 or so... but still...like clockwork) and it's my boys Spring Break... and I just couldn't do NOTHING... so I took them to The Cheesecake Factory (my fave) for lunch, and to a local amusement park, (No... not Disneyland... $500 for entrance and then God forbid anyone gets hungry or thirsty... nope...their education first... Disneyland later... LOL) for a little fun.

I was feeling better... so I said... what the heck...

So they rode rides...

And we took pictures

I forgot I had my sunglasses on... They are prescription, so I enjoy sight so much I forget to take them off...

besides... I wasn't wearing any eye makeup anyway...

They obliged me my manic picture needs...

And smiled for me...

And posed for me...

And were able to ride all the rides as many times as they wanted... there were only 100 people at the park... the workers said no one knew they were open, because they usually aren't open during the week... except this week... for Spring Break...

They rode this log ride AT LEAST 30 times in a row...

Tomorrow... they wanna go fishing...

Wish me luck...

Progress!!!

2010-04-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

Yes!!! The Fireplace is ALMOST finished! Bill is going to design a cool sheet metal hood and stack for the top, then we are going to apply the Meditteranean/Tuscan touch of slapping on some stucco to make it look super rustic...

It's a two way fireplace... see through, with an option to close either side... The back side will have seating for about 6 comfortably... and the front (this side) is comfortable for about 10-12 in front of it.

One side will hold the wood... the other will hold the cooler or fridge...

Ahhh... the pool is allll done!

We got a grey plaster and the water looks like a turquoise jewel!

Bill fixed the lights, and as soon as the fireplace is done, we start on the cascading waterfall into the pool we are building ourselves... yes... I mean "we" this time...

It's all finally coming together...

Finally.

I better go make my bed and show you my new tiled bedroom!

Rob Doran!!! YOU ARE A MASTER!!!!

My new blog!

2010-04-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

I have to say.. I am LOVING the new blogger. I also have to say... I CAN'T STAND Wordpress right now... sooooo... I completely switched my entire 'Let's Eat and Lose Weight" blog over and back to blogger. It was a total pain in the neck... but I did it... little by little.

So my new weight loss blog is at http://www.eatabiglunch.blogspot.com/

I have recipes, true stories, facts, deep stuff, light hearted stuff, affirmations, food facts, and confession on that blog. Needless to say... it has really helped me shed these 75 lbs, knowing I have a place to convene with friends and followers, and fellow LDL'ers and commiserate and share joy also!!!

Sooo... won't you check it out? It's not a DIET site per se... it's more a peek into my head... (scary place though it may be) and my journey thus far...

I would be honored if you would read me... click to be a follower if you like... even if you don't have any weight to lose, there are TONS of ways to get healthier and live with more vitality and less fatigue.
Weight loss is just one benefit of my eating plan... there are soooooo many other benefits also...

I look forward to hearing from you...

Sandra...

Writer's Workshop 4-1-10

2010-03-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

The Prompt.

***

List 10 things blogging has taught me.

***

MamaKat 's Writer's Workshop is in full swing...

Away we go...

***

1. There are a LOT of incredible writers out there... who are funny, concise, heartbreaking, soul lifting, hilarious and beautiful... most of them women... which makes my heart sing.

***

2. To enjoy my camera more.

***

3. The courage to send my writing pieces to publications I would never have before.

***

4. That people ACTUALLY read me... religiously... and notice when I'm not around as much... this baffles me to this day... that someone WANTS to read me... I always feel honored and loved...

***

5.That just because you can't drop in on the blogging friends everyday... doesn't mean they aren't important to my life... my blogging friends are very special to me... and it's a phenomenon I am still getting used to.

***

6. A lot of people still don't "get" blogging... and continue to look at me a little strangely.

***

7. People behave around me a lot more now... and I don't like it. People know if they do something to me or around me noteworthy, it will be blogged about.. LOL! I'll never use names.. (well... I can't say "never"... it depends on the crime...) but I will mention what was done...

***

8. My kids have to constantly ask... "Mom... are you gonna blog about this?"

***

9. uploading pictures in backwards order SUCKS!

***

10. Printing a book from my blog is the best way for my future family to really know me... when I'm gone... it's incredible.

New Floor goin in!

2010-03-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well... last week was the pool... this week is the tile in our Master Bedroom.

We have been "Floorless" for about 6 months now... and I've had it...

We tore out the old, disgusting emerald green carpet that was in our room, 6 months ago, and I told Bill I wanted to just have cement in there for a while, so I can get a feel for the look and atmosphere I want in our room... and I have decided on 18 inch Italian Tile. I just picked it out this morning, and our friend and Tile Guy, Rob Dorn is installing it as I type.

No, we didn't hit Lotto, nor do we ever get money back on our taxes... it's just time to get this crud done, so we can get on with some fun living...

***

I read, every single day... about everyone going to Disneyland, and day trips here and there... and here we are... chained to our house because of all the sports and commitments to different organizations.. and since I have to be here all the time...dang it... I want it to be beautiful... NOW!

***

My hubby, Bill, has done the other 1200 square feet of tile installation all over the house... and he finally decided to say... "Hey, you do tile... why don't I hire you to do it for me." MUCH TO MY PLEASURE!!! Bill does beautiful work, don't get me wrong... he completely remodeled our kitchen all by himself, 5 years ago... all of it... From this... To this... no help... this picture was taken before all the decorating was done... I can't find that picture, and the kitchen is too messy today to photograph... LOL he built our backyard Cape Cod Style Patio, he is building our new outdoor fireplace, he remodeled our guest bathroom everything... but finally... he cracked that wallet open and decided to let someone else do a little for us... Yay Bill! *** So... I am chained to the house for a little while again... but I don't mind... we are making our house even more of a home... and I can't wait... Pictures forthcoming!

Weekly prep...

2010-03-29T04:24:00.000-07:00

Breakfast bread for the week...

and a huge loaf of sourdough... for the week...

***

It is necessary for me to have a head start on my week... every week...

With Baseball practices, and games all over Southern California, volunteering, and running my businesses... the LAST thing I want to do is worry about what to make, for breakfast and dinner.

***

So I sliced up 8 onions, chopped up a bunch of peppers, shredded a boatload of carrots, washed 10 heads of lettuce, sliced up three cucumbers, and made all the lunch sandwiches for the week...

made four loaves of Hawaiian Sweet Bread and Sourdough Loaf for knoshing... (for my men, I am no longer eating bread of any kind)

in just a couple of hours last night...

I have to keep hitting hands and knives away from this bread when I make it... if I didn't keep a careful watch over it... it would literally be gone in one night...

So, I need to wrap each one up, and hide them in different places in the fridge and freezer, so they can have a nice big slice of homemade Hawaiian Bread Toast in the morning... with their eggs and coffee...

***

I'm almost to my 2 year Anniversary of not having purchased a loaf of any type of bread... no bagels, brioche, rolls, cinnamon rolls.. nothing... but homemade bread...

Now... when my family eats bread elsewhere... they say they can taste the difference, and don't like it much...

Yeah... I know... I'm setting my future Daughters in law up for failure...

I can't help it...

I don't want my family eating any processed foods with unnecessary sugars and preservatives... and this is my way of contributing to their health...

I'll just have to provide cooking classes for their future wives... or have them over for dinner all the time... and just love her in spite of her not being able to cook.. LOL

***

Yeah... that'll go over really well HUH???

Ha!

Johnny's Play

2010-03-27T17:29:00.001-07:00

I did it! Finally! My first video upload!!! I sure hope it works!

If I did it right... this is Johnny, singing one of the leads in his class play...

"American Ideal" a take on American Idol, with a biblical twist.

Johnny plays "Will Win" a guy who ADORES himself, and feels he is a total blessing to everyone he meets...

In the end, which you won't see, a young girl sings a song that teaches the other three contestants a lesson in humility, and love for God over themselves...

It's kinda long... but indulge me... I'm so proud of him...

THE POOL'S DONE!!!!

2010-03-25T14:04:00.001-07:00

Pool... before renovation... after pulling the winter cover off... yuck!!!

The awesome plaster guys company... free advertising never hurt anyone... right??? They were sub contracted out by the AWESOME CRYSTAL POOL GROUP... 1-818-582 -3003... ask for Sean Khan... The pool is filling up now...

After... I chose grey plaster to match the house... and blue tiles to match the boys living with me... otherwise... I would have totally chosen purple tiles... for real...

The pool is actually about 30 years old... and now doesn't look a day old...

Yahooooooo!

Now if I can just get my husband to finish the fireplace and cement around it... I CAN HAVE A PARTY TO CELEBRATE!!! \

Writer's Workshop 3-22-10

2010-03-24T23:12:00.000-07:00

Writer's Workshop

3-22-10

***

"If repeating something healthy and inspiring to myself several times a day helps... then I'm gonna do it"

***

I am a HUGE proponent of affirmations said to a mirror. Huge!

Self talk is SOOOO important to people... especially women.

***

On my other blog here, I mention self talk A LOT... always giving an assignment to go look in the mirror and tell that person staring back at you, that she is special, and worthy of good things, and is loved... etc...

***

There are plenty of people in the world that want to put down and stomp on our hopes and dreams, and make us feel badly about ourselves...

WE don't need to be one of them...

***

I like to repeat that... I love myself... where I am at... at this very moment... imperfect, overweight, happy and in it to win it.

I don't make myself wait to be "better" or "thinner" or "younger looking" to have good self esteem and to tell the world that no matter what... I matter and am relevant... no matter what I look like or how I'm dressed or what kind of car I drive... or the size of my house...

***

I don't love myself more now... 75 lbs lighter... than I did 9 months ago, 75 lbs heavier...

I look at each pound lost, as a pound that was put on to teach me something about myself.

Everything is allowed to happen for a reason.

We learn and grow and become better with each passing day... and loving the creation that "is" is honoring God and ourselves.

***

These are some favorite affirmations I have taught women to say over the years...

***

If one is single, and looking for love... "I am worthy of a great man, who fills my heart and soul with love and kindness. I am worth a man who works, and takes care of his business. I do not need to settle for Mr. Right Now... Mr. Right is what I am worthy of".

***

If one is struggling with Motherhood or Wifedom... "I love my children... and it's okay to doubt myself, and to question how I do things... it's okay to say "I'm sorry" to my kids...

I am and will be a good Mom/Wife... I'm not finished yet..."

***

If one is struggling with self esteem or her Looks... "I am a strong, confident woman, with great taste, a zest for life, and people who love me. I am worthy of kind words and my looks are more than just my outer shell... I will let others see "me" with my words, and actions... and I will be even more beautiful because of them..."

***

What do you say to your reflection?

I'm horrifed.

2010-03-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

I don't normally post things like I am going to write...

I can't believe it is 2010... and I felt compelled to write about this subject...

Know this before you read this...

I voted for Obama... and I would do it again.

I am happy about this HealthCare Bill. Something had to be done for all the families I know that have children that can't get healthcare because their father's lost their jobs, and the kids have pre existing conditions and can't get insured to get their medicine.

I don't pretend to know all the in's and out's of what this Bill will do for/to our country... but I feel like GIVING something to someone isn't a bad thing... TAKING from them is...

I state again... I don't pretend to know EVERYTHING it entails...

For all I know... it could be the worst thing to happen since the Holocaust... at least that's what everyone is making it seem like.

***

That being said... before you pass judgment on me... for being a baby killing leftist...

1. I am against abortion... and I am a Democrat...

2. I come from a UNION household my whole childhood, and I now live in UNION household now... and I've been a Stay at Home Mom for 16 years, thanks to Union wages, compensation packages, healthcare packages, and forthcoming retirement packages.

3. I believe that no one should assume what kind of a person I am, just because of my political affiliation.

4. Just because I vote Dem... doesn't mean I agree with everything Dem... I actually agree with some Republican views also... I am able to see both sides of a coin... and I don't have to shout hatred and one sided views and epithets at people, or post my views daily.

5. You may not agree with me completely... but it doesn't change WHO I am. My political affiliation is only a very, very, very small aspect of who I am... what I believe, and has NOTHING to do with my FAITH IN GOD.

6. oH YEAH... I am a Democrat... and I am a Christian... bet that just pisses you off... huh?

I believe how I vote HAS NOTHING to do with my faith... sorry... it's just how I feel. I know you may feel differently.. and that's okay too.

***

Why am I posting all of this?

Because I just watched the news... and was disgusted that BLOGGERS are sending out addresses and directions to Congressman's homes that voted for the Healthcare Bill. Death threats are being made... IT IS RIDICULOUS!!! What has all of this come to?

I am embarrassed for the bloggers... and DO NOT EVER condone threatening people, any people, even people who believe the POLAR OPPOSITE of my views.

***

I, am not my voting party. I am a person... who loves God, and tries to live a good, upstanding life. I want the best for my kids, just like everyone else.

I don't judge other people for spewing their beliefs all over the place, and don't ever comment against other peoples beliefs. I take my views to the polls, and put my opinion in writing, in my cubicle.

To each his own. Live and let live. I have a choice on how I act and react to things.

Threatening people and posting their personal information and saying they need to die, is just wrong... in all forms... it is wrong...

***

I know... that my "followers" will drop... because I am a horrible, left wing, baby killing Democrat (I've actually been called that at a polling place before)

But know this... you liked me when you didn't know my stance on politics... what's changed?

Can't we agree to disagree?

I have LOTS of Republican friends... and we are able to talk, and debate, and laugh, and still love each other... and it sickens me that some bloggers can't be that way... that they are so blinded by their politics that they can't see EVERYONE has validity in their beliefs... and NO ONE is right... about everything. ***

Rant over.

I think it's a sad state of affairs when people blog and post families addresses and ask their readers to go to those houses and send a 'message'.

It's abhorrant.

It's unChristian.

It's bad form.

It's evil.

and

It needs to stop... before kids get the same ideas in their heads, and start doing it more often to someone that 'makes them mad".

What goin' on around here...

2010-03-21T19:42:00.001-07:00

It's been a strange week.

Lots of construction... fast, consistent construction...from Crystal Pools and Spas, I might add...

they have been awesome so far...

Not even a week yet, and the pool is almost done!!!

So I've been cooking...

Fresh, homemade pizza...

Olive Tapenade Dough, with pesto base, fresh tomatoes, red peppers, shredded zucchini, onions, green onions, and fresh mozzarella...

Attended THE PLAY... the one Johnathon has been practicing and singing around my house for, for the last 4 months... He was a lead role and sang so beautifully... I made a Flip video for here... but it won't load... And the demo guys came and made my pool look like this... soooo cool. The tile is already on now... I just need to get a picture of it... No, this isn't what the end result will be... LOL... I chose a blue Italian (of course) tile. *** More pics to come... I need to go make lunches for the week...

I love Purses!!!

2010-03-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know me in person... I AM A PURSE FIEND!

I must own... about 200 purses... no joke.

***

There was a time, before all the private school tuition started to really inflate, when I would literally buy a new purse a week.

Sometimes from Target... sometimes from Coach... it didn't matter... if I could stuff it with all my junk and it was cute... or purple... it was mine...

***

The boys used to tease me and say... "What kind of new purse did you buy this week Mom?"

when they were little...

Now... they ask... "So... uh... Mom... are we going to eat this week... or did you get a new purse instead?"... LOL

***

Truth be told, I haven't bought a new purse in almost a year.

That is.. until today.

HEY... shut up... I went a LONG time without a new one!

***

Ever heard of Vera Bradley? I fell in love with her purses about 5 years ago, when I was in New York and I saw a woman carrying one on 5th Ave. I literally stopped her in her tracks and asked her where she got the bag...

She was very sweet, and directed in the direction of my newfound Nirvana... The store she bought it from...

and that was it.. I was hooked.

***

Some of you may say they look like granny bags... but I don't care... I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them.

They are quilted... and luscious... and I own 4 of them now...

I pushed my Coach, and Vuitton and Pucci to the side, and have made room for many more Vera Bradleys in my future... and they are so much more affordable than those other brands...

Don't get me wrong... I have tons of $20 purses too, that I wear often... but these Vera's... I tend to stick with.

***

I'm a big girl... and I don't wear a lot of color in my wardrobe, if at all... so my accessories are where I get some color in... and Vera is right up my alley...

***

The reason for this post?

Because I bought 2 of them today...

I know.. I know.. I can't wear two at a time... but one was ON SALE!!!

Those are two words that feed my soul!!!

So below are the purses and the patterns I now own...

Saddle up in Purple Punch... LOVE!!!

Messenger in Hue... LOVE!!!

Just bought this one... Libby in Puccini... LOVE!!!

And this Mailbag in Meditteranean Blue... LOVE!!!

***

My name is Sandra... and I am a purse- a- holic...

***

Shhhhh! Bill hasn't seen the debit off our account yet!!!

I'm not in trouble yet!!!

Yippppeeeee!

(truth be told... he won't even care...)

Getting our Pool redone!!! Finally!

2010-03-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

]

This is our pool after the last rain storm and wind storm... Pretty huh? When we bought our house, it came with the pool. It was built in 1984 and it looks like it...

The Jacuzzi tile is ripping off, the pool sweep broke, and this is what we uncovered

under the cover today...

Lovely.

That's why I am soooooo excited to have a company come out tonight to begin our Pool Renovation!!!! Crystal Pools in Los Angeles will be draining this monstrosity...

Bye Bye ugly pool! And this is the progress of our new outdoor fireplace... almost done! Just need to put the pretty tile on the face,and build the flew... and put down the cement ground... *** Sooo... progress is being made... slowly but surely!!!

Writer's Workshop 3/11/10

2010-03-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

What lights my fire? Five things that I am passionate about...

Go see MamaKat and see more passions

(other than raising my kids and being a Mama, I have a lot of other passions... being a Mama goes without saying)

***

1. Well... from yesterday's post... it's obvious it's bread baking. Not regular baking in general... I intensely dislike baking cookies and making cakes and desserts in general... but baking bread...

is my passion.

I have often dreamed of opening up a place that specializes in Artisan Breads. A place where customers can come in... grab a cup of tea or coffee, with a great book, and eat my sandwiches and dunk their bread into Olive Oil and just... "be".

I have recently delved into the world of sourdough and catching my own yeast from the air, and not using commercial yeast at all, and now use my own leavening... and it's been such

a pleasurable journey. The patience it takes to make a starter, and feed it, and keep it alive, is much like the patience needed to take care of a newborn, and it's a patience learned and perfected with each "child".

My bread making and baking has matured in the last couple of years, and am now in the process of having a wood burning stove built to be able to stoke up heat to 850 degrees and really create breads that rival good bakeries.

I am praying one day to duplicate the oven in a bakery one day...

***

2. Writing... probably my first passion I discovered when I was very, very young... about 7 yrs old. Putting pen to paper, and now finger to keyboard, is intensely satisfying...

Finding the time and energy to continue writing my novel and cookbook is the most difficult part. Writing a blog is easy... each page doesn't have to build upon the previous one, a few hundred words, and the work is complete. Because my novel and cookbook are so close to my heritage and my upbringing, it's difficult to write and cry from happy memories all the time.

***

3. Crocheting... since I was 6 years old... I love it. My Nonna taught me, in my living room of our tiny house all those years ago... and it's the one thing she and I shared that has lived on. I didn't know her well, like my other hundreds of cousins did, we lived far away... but that one thing stuck. My Mama sees me crochet and sees me hold my hook exactly like her Mother did, and it brings tears to her eyes. My Nonna died with her crocheting in her hand, sitting up. I love how peaceful I feel when I am making something. I love how I can think of her when I am working on a piece. It's the only piece of her I am able to hold on to... and it's a precious gift, and I keep it alive so I can feel just a tiny bit closer to a Grandmother I never really got to know very well... When I am stitching, I can remember bringing my little blankets I was making in grade school to her house when we visited, and how proud she would be, and all the face grabbing and face kissing and looking at my tiny, perfect stitches, and her pride... A couple of times, we would sit and crochet together, on her plastic covered couch. She didn't understand one word I said, and I didn't understand her Sicilian dialect, I spoke Calabrese, but we bonded over yarn... even for a short time... it was precious.

***

4. Photography... especially creating digital books from the photos. It's a new passion of mine, and I would spend HOURS and HOURS doing it, if time permitted...nuff said...

***

5. Reading... There is never a day that goes by, that I don't have a book on my bedside table ready to devour a few pages at a time just before nodding off to sleep. It's another passion of mine that goes waaaaay back to when I was a very young girl... My Mother was and is an avid reader, and I know I inherited the passion from her... and I thank her for it every day... when I ask God to bless my Mama and keep her well.

***

So what are your passions?

Do tell...

Tuesday Tastings... Bread... always bread...

2010-03-09T16:53:00.001-08:00

I bake bread.

Lots and lots of bread.

For sale, for home, for my catering company, for life...

I bake bread.

You all know... I haven't purchased bread from a store in almost two years...

and I'm gonna start taking some pictures of the bread I make, and showcasing them on Tuesdays on here...

I'm trying to condense my blogs a little...

So here goes.

Above, is what's called a Fougasse. This one is an Olive Tapenade flavored bread, topped with sea salt, brush with olive oil and sprinkles with sesame seeds and a little basil and tomato blend dried herbs...

These, are my Blueberry bagels... I make 24 at a time, so my boys always have fresh bagels to eat for breakfast. I usually make cinnamon/raisin, but they were getting sick of them... so I switched it up a little. They don't like a big hole in the middle, because their cream cheese falls in it.. so I make them with just a pucker...

This is the Fougasse in the oven...

And this is tonights dinner for them...

Feta, tomato, pesto, buffalo milk mozzarella and olive oil

Fougasse, folded over onto itself. I'll split this 4 ways, and add a nice bright green salad and they can have a light, tasty supper...

***

If you live closeby.. and would like to order any breads... ever...

just let me know... and I'll bake them fresh that day...

***