It has seemed that the movies that have come out lately have not been very good, until Christmas comes around, then a flood of interesting flicks have popped up. Brandon loves going to the theater, I'm not such a big fan, but for certain movies I'll make an exception. (especially free ones) It makes me sad that movies come out on Christmas day. Is it so terrible to spend one day with your family? Goodness! That's besides the point though. We saw Marley and Me and the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Marley and Me was a surprisingly good movie. I had my doubts, but they did a great job of getting the feel of the book on screen. So, if you're a dog person, it's definitely one you shouldn't miss. Ben Button on the other hand is an interesting story, but about an hour too long. Everyone in the theater seemed as if they were getting restless by the end. They really should have hired an editor. Brad Pitt did an amazing job, but I like his ex-wifes movie so much better! If you're wanting to see Button, just wait to rent it. Your tush will thank me. Which is gross, so tell it to keep it to itself.

Welcome to Sunny Florida

We're back folks! Yes indeedie. We went home for the holidays to spend time with family, and such wonderful Christmasy things (like gorging on mexican food as much as possible.) Christmas day was the only day we didn't get mexican cuisine. If it hadn't been Christmas, it would have been a sad day. Apollo had a great time getting to be the proud "owner" of a yard for a week. He asked for one for Christmas, unfortunately for him, Santa couldn't fit one in his bag of toys, so he got a toy tire, a squeeky monkey, and some chewy things. Apollo managed to chew through 3, yes three, nylon harnesses in this one week. Petsmart has named the leash aisle after us. On top of that, he learned he can clear a 3' high gate much to our surprise. I guess we can't use the baby gate anymore. The things a puppy and their owners learn in a week. Other than that we had a good safe trip and now we're home. We drove through the front which has already hit Texas and is headed our way. It was quite the rude awakening to be in Louisiana, and the weather to be frigid and wet, and arrive in Florida to hot and humid. Bleh. Especially when you're wearing a wool coat.... Anyhow, thats enough for now. Tomorrow I'll show a MSM gingerbread house! Ok, I'll show the pictures of what we made, I doubt I'm going to be up to explaining everything, we found instructions on about.com if you're interested in making a new years gingerbread house.

hiatus

PDR will be on hiatus for a few days for Christmas. It's ok though, Martha Stewart Mondays...um I mean Make Something Monday will return after the holiday...as well as my other posts about nothing in particular. So, all of us at PDR (which is really one person, but, her family wishes too I'm sure) would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. I hope it's a wonderful time of friends, family, fellowhsip and safe travel!

cake wrecks

I've had a few people lead me to the website cakewrecks.com. If you haven't seen it, you should go check it out sometime! Its a blog dedicated, for the most part, to poorly designed cakes. Well, I have a story for them! I came across this news story about a denied cake design, and a family who was so offended by the lack of understanding. Here's the catch, they named their son (who is currently 3) Adolph Hitler. Yeah...and apparently in the past they've been denied as well, because the father requested a swastika to adorn the cake. (I think people should have to take an exam before they become parents, and if they fail they get neutered. This is why I won't run for president.) The father says he named him after the dictator because no other child would have that name. Duh. He continues to argue that just because he'd named after him, doesn't mean he will become him, he had multi racial friends at his cake-less birthday party, so clearly he's a-ok. He also put on the table that with obama as the future president, Americans should be more tolerant because he's bringing change to the country, and so the nation should tolerate their child's name. First of all, you're dumb for naming your child after Hitler. Secondly, if people keep turning you down when you want a cake, stop asking, no one will make you one, make your own darn cake. Thirdly, you should be neutered, now. Thanks and gig 'em.

Make Something Monday

Hello again blogger buddies! Monday has come again, and I have something you can make. Yes you! Its an inexpensive Christmas wreath! I'll be honest, part of the reason for the low cost was due to the fact that everything was on sale, but everything is still on sale, and probaby even better sales are going on now! I went to Michaels (of course) but you can probably go anywhere. First, you start off with a plain 'ol wreath. You can buy any size, I got the smaller one (for $1.50!). You'll also need a glue gun, pointsettas of your size and color choice, and ribbon (also of your size and color choice. This is my little montage of stuff, in case you weren't sure what a glue gun looked like. I never want to assume. Anyhow, then, all you do is pluck the flowers off of the stems and glue them down to the wreath, wherever you like. Then, with the ribbon, make a bow. Many websites offer instructions on how to do so if you're like me, and didn't know how. Such as http://www.offray.com/howto.html (I did the floral bow fyi.) Anyhow, in less than 15 minutes and for around 5 bucks you too can make this...today! *cheesy music* (I know its crooked, but it's windy here and not worth fixing right now.)

chocoloco cont'd

ok, the last post was getting really long, and in my opinion, a little confusing. So, I thought I'd share the icing recipe in its own special post. Why? Because I can. So, here it is....

Wilton Buttercream Icing (yields 3 cups)
1c. solid white veggie shortening
1tsp. flavor (I use butter flavor, but whatever you use, if you're trying to get white icing, make sure the flavoring is clear. You can find clear vanilla, I have some)
4tbsp. water
1lb pure cane powdered sugar (approx. 4 c)
1tbsp meringue powder (you can find wiltons at michaels, hobby lobby, or joann fabric)
a pinch of salt (this is optional, but I use it to cut the sweet factor down a bit. We were encouraged to try popcorn salt, because its very fine, and blends well into the icing. But you can use what you like!)

Cream shortening, flavor, and water
Add dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until all ingredients have been thoroughly mixed
blend an additional minute or so until creamy (not whipped)

*To make chocolate
Add 3/4 cups of unsweet cocoa powder (or 3 1oz squares of chocolate, melted) and an additional 2 tbsp of water. Mix until well blended.

If you've got icing left over, you can refrigerate it for a couple of weeks, until you need it again :)

Chocoholics beware

I thought about saving this for next MSM, but I thought I'd share it now. I don't want all Mondays to be about cooking. Our life group (aka Sunday school...I don't know why the church we go to renamed it) hosted a 'supper six' in which 3 couples got together for dinner, just to get to know each other a little better. Our class is really large, and its just hard to get to really talk to anyone. Anyhow, we had ours this Thursday, and we were asked to bring dessert. I know I could have purchased something, but that's not my style. I made a cake. (I know you're surprised.) For the first time since beginning making good looking cakes, I made a chocolate cake, and on top of that...(well literally, but that's not what I mean) I made chocolate butter cream icing. Oh yes. The recipe (to follow) sounded really good, so I wanted to try it out...on unsuspecting people, who don't know me very well. Oh my goodness, this recipe is a chocolate punch to the groin. Not even kidding! I like chocolate, don't get me wrong, but I don't like really rich chocolate...I may be disowned from my family now...anyhow, and this cake is bill gates and oprah combined! I almost used dark chocolate cocoa powder, but I'm glad I didn't, because that may have been lethal. Brandon really liked it, and I think one other person may have had some, but I didn't get their opinion. Another lady brought some french silk pie, and my cake couldn't compete. So now, we have 3/4 of a cake that I won't be eating that will probably go to waste, like all the others. I've already altered my copy of the recipe to reduce the chocolate, so I can maybe try it again. However, if you like chocolate to punch you in the face, here is the recipe as I found it.

Colettes Chocolate Cake

2c Sugar
2 Eggs at room temp.
1c Milk at room temp.
1c unsweet cocoa (yeah...1 cup)

1c veggie oil or butter (softened)
1tsp salt
2tsp Baking powder
1tsp Baking soda
1tsp Almond extract
2.5c Flour
1.25c Strong hot coffee

1. Preheat Oven 325 F, Grease pans



2. Combine all ingredients (minus the coffee)



3. Mix at low speed until blended



4. slowly add coffee while mixing



5. mix until smooth



6. bake 35 min.



7. cool in pans for 20 min.



8. invert on cooling rack, ice when cooled

Pushing buttons

Do you ever get in that mood when all you want to do is push peoples buttons? So much so, that if there are no people around at the time, your poor pet gets it? Maybe that's just me...anyhow, that's not the type of button pushing I'm talking about. Mandy (a fellow blogger and scrapbook extraordinaire) has (well, two blogs) a blog designated for her crafting, and made a cute little button for supporters to add to their blogs. Even though, you can access her websites from my "branches" section, she has a contest going for cool people who use her button on their blog. (her button is much prettier than the text) She'll make personalized note card for a randomly selected buttonier. I like her, buttons, and notecards, so I figured I'd at least have 2/3 of these, which are good odds :) Also, I like passing on information beneficial to people I like (I make up lies if I don't like you...just kidding...or am I?) Since most of my readers tend to enjoy crafting in one form or another, and funny stories, I thought y'all might also like to check out her blogs!

(I just discovered that the button takes you to her and her husbands blog...but she has funny stores there too, especially about a dog, a quick errand and pizza)

make something Monday

It's 'make something Monday!' Yay! You're probably wondering what I'm talking about, because, let's face it I've never had 'make something Monday' before. Tradition must start somewhere, and it is starting now! Woo! This week, we're making something in the kitchen! As some of you may know, I have had some issues in the past coming up with new and interesting recipes that don't use 450 ingredients and take 4 days to make. (I like to use hyperbole if you can't tell.) I like to cook, don't get me wrong, but I am by no means the type of person who wants to hang out in my tiny kitchen longer than I must. At the same time, I don't want to just eat t.v. dinners either. Rachael Ray does have her lovely 30min meals, which I have tried, and like, but that's not what I'm sharing today. I know, I'm a tease. This week, we're traveling to Louisiana (you didn't even know you were going anywhere!) with a spicy Jambalaya recipe!

What you'll need:
· 8 ounce(s) turkey andouille sausage, sliced 1/4 inch thick (I couldn't find Turkey Andouille, so I used regular, its not as healthy, but oh well)
· 1 green or yellow pepper, chopped
· 1 can(s) (14 1/2-ounce) stewed tomatoes
· 1 cup(s) uncooked instant brown rice
· 8 ounce(s) chicken tenders, each cut crosswise in half (not cooked)
· 1 bunch(es) green onions, sliced (optional, we don't like onions in the Elms house)
· 1/2 c. Water
· some Creole seasoning

Now, in two magical steps, you'll have wonderful jambalaya

1. Heat 12-inch skillet on medium until hot. Add sausage and pepper, and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Stir in tomatoes with their juice, rice, chicken, 1/2 cup water; heat to boiling on high. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes or until rice is just tender. Remove skillet from heat; sprinkle seasoning over top and stir in.

And there you have it! Dinner in less than 30 min. Take that Ms. Ray! The Andouille I got has twice the sausage you need for the recipe. You can of course, double the recipe if you'd like, or you can cut up the remainder and add them to mashed potatoes (seasoned with Creole seasoning) for another quick and tasty meal or side dish to blackened grilled chicken!

update

Apparently the most disgusting puke ever got whatever was bothering Apollo out of his system and he's back to normal! I can handle poo and I can handle puke, but when they intermix...(which if my children puke that, I probably won't be sticking around to clean it up since we'll be heading toward the emergency room)...it's just wrong! Thanks for the advice and support!

In other news...well, not really "news," I was looking for some Navy paraphernalia for my mom-in-law when I came across a website that offered numerous sayings that could be placed on pretty much anything. I've selected my favorites (some are a little naughty) to share with you courtesy Cafe Press.com.

• If you won't stand behind our troops, stand in front of them
• Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? Over
• My cockpit is enormous (only really funny because it has the plane Brandon wants to fly on it, which is a P-3 Orion)
• I'm only wearing this because my flightsuit is in the wash
• duck and cover (it has a rubber ducky wearing a sailor hat aka cover)
• Pull stick forward, house gets bigger. Pull stick back, house gets smaller
• Remove before flight (there are red flags on the landing gear that you must remove before flight, so they'll work properly, but they've put them on keychains and shirts)
• I get to mess with government property
• "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.." - Ronald Reagan
• Hello my name is... Olive Oyl

oy vey

Well blog world folks, Thanksgiving has come and gone once again. I realized the other day, that I have not celebrated the holiday in the same location in the past 5 years. In '04 I was in San Antonio, '05 Brenham, '06 Amarillo, '07 Los Angeles, '08 Pensacola. This year, however, we ate out at a nice restaurant down town. The food was absolutely wonderful, but I hated knowing that the people there were missing out on family time because of people like us. On the flip side, I hope they earned time and a half, plus great tips to make up for it just a little. I would have been willing to cook, but Brandon's family wanted to eat out, I think to make things easier on me. Now, I don't have to worry about eating Turkey until I explode.

Black Friday, I always avoid shopping if at all possible. Crowds frighten me. So, we went to the Naval Air Museum. Since moving here, it was our 5th time and yet we still experience new things! If you get the chance, go, its free and well worth the time! (Product placement aside, lets get down to the 'lovely' story to follow. If you've got a weak stomach, you may want to proceed with caution.) Poor Apollo couldn't go, and was stuck in his crate all day long, as well as half of Saturday. He was understandably not happy about this, and I'm not sure if it was because of the stress of these couple of days, or if he ate something, but he was a sick puppy come Saturday. I won't go into the gory details, but let's just say he had (and still has) the runs. He couldn't hold it in the box, then tried to hide it, by eating it, because I think he thought he'd get into trouble. He did that Saturday and Sunday evenings while we were asleep. Gross thing to wake up to. Then last night, he just went insane in his box! Whining and biting at the door and trying so hard to get out, because he had to go. We don't want to let him out when he "yells" so he doesn't think that's appropriate. Just a couple of whines and we'll come if he needs out, but he just kept going and going. Brandon has 4 tests in the next 2 days and needed sleep, so I got up at 3:30 in the morning to let him out and sit with him, so he wouldn't cry anymore. Oh my goodness, the smell that met my nose when I opened the bedroom door, I just don't want to relive that! I cleaned him off and the crate and took him outside, he did his business, and then we went back inside. As soon as he came in, he hurled all the um...sick...he'd been hiding by eating, all over the carpet. So 4:00 I'm cleaning up puppy puke that smells just awful, while fighting off the dog from eating the used paper towels. (At least his temperment is the same) Not a great morning for me...ugh. Poor little guy. If after today, he's still having um problems, I'm going to take him to the vet. I'm hoping whatever is giving him problems is out now.