Dear Velveeta

To whom it may concern,

Growing up I only knew one kind of Macaroni and Cheese, and it was Kraft. We rarely used it as a side dish, but instead added hamburger meat, corn, & green beans to make it into a meal. I thought I was getting the good stuff until later in life I tasted the sweet nectar that is Velveeta Shells & Cheese. You became a staple in my home for many years, until my hubby and I decided we needed to shed some weight and filed for a restraining order.

Recently, we once again invited you back, but this time we went for the "healthier" option. And let me say...it just plain sucks! It's like you didn't even try! Also, there is only a 30 calorie difference per serving, and when a serving is over 300 calories is it really worth having the 2% variety?

So, I once again ban you from my house because, let's face it, my butt isn't getting any smaller and your low cal food isn't getting any better!

A crap ton of fun

Sorry for the weird title, but I'm in a weird mood...and it made me laugh!

My wonderful little sister was in town the past two weeks, and it has been such a blast!! She was such a huge help with the boys, and it was nice to talk to an adult all day without having my phone permanently attached to my ear.

We didn't do anything big, but had many laughing fits reminiscing about our childhood and being stupid just for the sake of being stupid. It was great!

We also had the opportunity to help out with a retirement party for a friend of Eric's that has completed 20 yrs of service in the Army. Carolyn, his wife, and I decided about six weeks ago that the traditional phallic shaped cake had been done enough...it was time for *cough* bigger and better things. So after much deliberation, here is the end result:
I was so happy with the end result, and I wouldn't have gotten this far without the help of The Cake Cow, aka Jessica G. (not sure if she wants to take credit for helping me or not). I practiced making different elements of the cake twice, and made changes as I went along. I used white cake with chocolate butter cream for the base of the cake, and red velvet cake with vanilla butter cream for the top.

We had a BBQ at the beach the day before the big party, and the boys had their first encounter with the ocean.

Cooper is now a huge fan of water, and even had a blast on Monday at the pool at the Ranger Camp with Eric.

I have a lot of catching up to do with blog posts, so please be patient with my comments...they're coming, slowly but surely!

Carter vs. Carrots

Not sure which one won...

Never say Never

My distaste for cooking is something I don't try to hide. My sister even mentioned that she told her kids to be grateful they have one home cooked meal a day b/c they could be living with me!

It's just not something that I've ever really enjoyed doing on a regular basis. I've always seen it as a mundane chore, therefore I rebel, kick, scream barter to get out of it. I admit that I have, on occasion, enjoyed making dishes for parties or functions. But, the everyday need for this has made me despise cooking like the ever growing piles of laundry that spontaneously multiply (and consequently never makes it out of the basket).

However, I made dinner twice in the past 4 days (and made corn bread & banana bread). Eric has a 4-day weekend, so I signed up to work all 4 days, and I've enjoyed switching roles. Now, I didn't make anything fancy (today I made chicken stir-fry) but when given the option of taking care of the boys or cooking...I chose cooking.

It's nice to have a change of pace, and after 5 straight days of diapers, bottles, and crying...the stove and work was what I needed. (What am I going to do when Eric leaves in September for 3 months?!?!)

Don't be alarmed, this isn't something I plan to take on full time, but it wasn't so bad. After all, I am not ready to give up my throne as the Queen of TV dinners!

Happy Birthday to my homegirl V!!!

Most of you remember my buddy Vanessa, the one that helped throw me the baby shower and did a blog post about it, well today is her 25th birthday (I'm not saying how many times she's turned 25, but she still looks it!)

Last year I schemed while she was at clinicals and helped her kids make a giant birthday card for her out of poster board folded in half, and she loved it. So, I knew I had to step up my game this year, and I think I accomplished that.

I picked up her two youngest on Monday after school and we ran to Walmart to get cake supplies and each one got to pick out a card. They picked a strawberry mix & a devil's food mix, and each one picked out candies & sprinkles. Then Wednesday I picked up the oldest from soccer practice and we headed out for his turn to get supplies.

With much discussion from the kids, they wanted a star & heart shaped cake that was stacked like a wedding cake. And, I have to say how impressed I was with how well the 5 & 7 yr old kept the secret from Vanessa.

Thursday I started on the cakes, and it took all day because I had to take frequent breaks. I decided to do a square cake on the bottom that was a mixture of the strawberry & chocolate, and I was very pleased with the outcome, before the kids decoratedSo Friday, Vanessa had to work 6a-6p, so I got the kids off the bus, went over homework, and then started decorating.





Vanessa called to say she was getting off early so we rushed to finish and clean up before she got in the door. And here is how it turned out!
And here is Vanessa opening up her cards. The youngest picked a singing Hannah Montana card, "because Mom likes Hannah Montana," the next oldest picked a Little Mermaid card "because Mom knows that song," and the oldest picked a hilarious card with those green and pink bunnies on it that are crazy.
She knew I was up to something but I'm pretty sure she was surprised, and appreciative that I had a pizza in the oven and she didn't have to cook after a long day of work.

What can I say Vanessa, I love ya girl!! I wouldn't have made it through Nursing School without you, and I'm a better person having you in my life!

Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby

While shopping at Wal-Mart or Publix, I often find myself grabbing the generic brand of almost everything because I can be quite frugal. This is often the better choice because of the price difference, and most times the brand name product isn't visibly that different. I practically lived off of the Publix brand of Diet Ginger Ale the first 15 weeks of this pregnancy, and don't mind grabbing a Wal-Mart brand soda if it is available.

I'm not sure if you could call them "cravings," but there are certain things that I have started to prefer. Orange anything being the main offender. I have always loved orange juice, but now I have to keep Sunny D in my fridge and a case of Diet Sunkist in the pantry.

Our last trip to the store I decided to give the cheaper brand a try:


They are both the most disgusting soda ever!! I don't have to worry about them going to waste because Eric will eat or drink anything that hasn't spoiled, but now I'm CRAVING 'good' orange and grape soda.

So, take heed, and stay away from these drinks!!! Your mouth will thank you!

What off brand have you bought, and then regretted???

If at first you don't succeed...

I have been VERY fortunate in the fact that every place we have moved, there have been loving people to adopt me into their family here in Florida. I still have many Ohana in Hawaii, and have grown very close to my friend Amber & her parents. They have always treated me like one of the family and I love spending time with them!

Every Christmas they have "Girls Bake Day" which I have been able to be a part of the past two years. The girls start baking early in the morning, but by about 2pm someone is normally drunk or passed out on the couch/some one's room.

This year we are starting early, and no boys are allowed until 4pm, so we can finish all our projects and enjoy the rest of the evening.

Everyone brings a fun treat to make, and we all have tins to take a little bit of each thing home. The only real holiday 'treat' that I do is a black bottom banana cream pie, but you can't really take that home in a tin. So, I'm on the lookout!

I got a recipe from a girl at work that looked VERY promising. And, seeing as the first time I do a recipe it takes me forever, I gave it a trial run last night. They are called Choco-Caramel Delights. It is a baked chocolate cookie rolled in pecans, with caramel in the center & chocolate drizzled on top. Here is how they turned out:.
They look awesome!! But, they don't taste so awesome. With all the potential I was hoping for something really sweet, but they were kind of bitter. And, I triple checked the ingredients before I added them, so I didn't add salt by mistake or forget the sugar. Also, I'm not a fan of pecans to begin with...I prefer peanuts. And, Eric wasn't a huge fan but said they were 'edible,' which by his standard is not saying much at all (this is the man that ate a worm to gross out boy scouts at a survival demonstration, and also ate a moth on a dare).

So, I'm debating on giving up on the recipe completely or trying to tweak it. I think there is potential there. I also thought of substituting the pecans for coconut, and trying to find a better chocolate cookie recipe. Any ideas??

Or, do you have a fun cookie/treat recipe that you do every Christmas that an amateur baker could handle?? If so, please email me at: way2cool2bcocky (at) gmail (dot) com

I have a confession to make...

I'm having a secret affair with the McDonald's Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Bagel. It all started in 2004 while Eric was deployed and the Lowe's store I worked at had a McDonald's in the shopping center. Of course it was innocent at first but I soon began to be a daily ritual since my lunch hour was from 0900-1000 (the shift was 0500-1400).

I soon called it quits when I started my diet a few years ago, and I thought it was a nice clean break since I had closure...but I guess I was wrong.

I slipped up a few weeks ago, and now often find myself fantasizing about it at all hours of the day...and reminiscing about all the wonderful minutes we shared as I devoured it. And lately, it's been all about the Lucky Charms too :o)

I guess what I'm really trying to say is.....oh well, I'm going to embrace my cravings b/c today I am in my 12th week of pregnancy! The first 11 weeks I was honestly waiting/worrying about having another miscarriage, and I only told my work b/c of there being certain patients that I need to stay away from. I know that I'm not completely out of the woods yet, but at least I feel comfortable sharing this wonderful news!

Oh yeah...did I mention it's TWINS!!! I had my first ultrasound today, and I suspected it when my stomach started to pooch out at 9 wks, but I was losing weight because of how sick I've been.



Eric is SOOOOOOOOOOOO excited, and has the ultrasound pictures already in his ruck sack to bring to work with him in the morning.

My due date is 25 March, but twins are lucky to make it to 36 weeks, so it could be as early as February. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers!!

I can't do it Captain, I haven't got the time

I'm going to call my time spent being vegetarian a success, considering I set out with the plan to stay meat-free as long as I could stay healthy. The staying healthy part ended during my time in Seattle. I was doing pretty good until Mother's Day and I kept getting really dizzy & feeling all around weird, and I knew that I wasn't getting enough protein. It's one thing to be at home & have your meals planned and have access to your protein powder & zone bars, but I hadn't had any of that in over 5 days...and wasn't even eating every meal.

I gave in and ordered some shrimp, since they have more protein than chicken, and started feeling better within an hour. Then Eric's brother wanted to have us over the next night for burgers and the last thing I wanted to do was have his family accommodate my special preferences with everything else that was going on.

Then, during my trip to Missouri I just said the heck with it. I had some great pulled pork & slow-cooked brisket that was to die for!

Oh meat, how I missed you :o)

I think 5 months was a pretty good run, and I probably saved at least one animal...don'tcha think?

Are you sure that's not meat?

I have been searching for some great meat alternatives, and have found one I love!! Everyone raves about Boca Burgers...but they got nothing on Morning Star Farms! So far there is no comparison, Morning Star wins hands down.

The only problem is the commissary is the only place that carries it, locally (even if the base is a 24 mile drive). I love all of their burgers, and Eric and I were both completely amazed at how much the mini corn dogs & sausage links tasted like the real thing. In fact, we finally got Eric some turkey burgers b/c he was eating all of my vege burgers! I wasn't too thrilled with the spinach artichoke bites b/c they were really bland, but everything else is great!

So, no matter if you are a vege or meat-lover, I would definitely recommend giving these a try. Hide the package from your family, and I swear they will never be able to tell the difference!

I almost threw in the towel

Things have been going a hundred miles an hour lately with the start up of my last semester of Nursing School, Eric's change in positions @ work, and new lifestyle (I know I'm super hot, but I'm talking about becoming vegetarian...sorry ladies!)

My stress level has hit a new high, but I thought I was handling things pretty well. Then, when I got my visit from Aunt Flo, she was insanely out of control...like nothing I have ever experienced before (flow wise)! So, I'm thinking I might be a tad anemic so I'm scheduling an appt with the doc for some blood draws, b/c you can't be too careful. School hasn't been too difficult, but we'll see what tune I'm singing after my first exam. I have been in a funk the past few days and it all seem to hit the fan yesterday.

Being the woman that I am, I let some completely stupid set me off, and poor Eric was the only one around to take the heat. We talked...I cried...and he gave me the motivation I needed, like always. I wanted to give up b/c it was too hard and put it off til after school, but he reminded me that this was do-able, and he wants to help me anyway he can. (sorry ladies, he is soooo taken!)

I was completely ready to give up on the vege thing b/c of stress & some quite hurtful remarks I have received from various people. But, being the that rock he is, he gave me strength and told me to "drive on!" (it's an Army thing). We went to the commissary Saturday and both truly stuck with our diet plans. We normally sneak some kind of crap into the cart, but we held strong and got what we needed. We found some awesome buys and new things to try (tofu is WAY cheaper at the commissary, and they have the kind that doesn't have to be refrigerated!!)

I have also found the Subway of Mexican food, Moe's! They have a million different vegetarian options, and it's in the area near where I go to school and have many of my clinical rotations. The Vege-Delite from Subway was starting to get old ;o)

Out with the old, and in with the new!

The past few months have brought many changes in my life, but most recently would be my beloved PDA. It had been a dear companion since my summer rotations through the ER, L&D, and last semester. But, it decided to crap out on me for no apparent reason this weekend...right before the semester started, Monday. I had no choice but to replace my old friend with a Palm TX. Now, if my occupation had been anything but the current "moocher" status, this wouldn't be so difficult...but I am thankful that I had enough money left on my student loan, for the semester, and the school bookstore carried something that would work.

This new semester has also split up a 3 semester partnership with Vanessa since we are now on different days with different instructors. We were both kind of upset, as were many other students, b/c we are now out of our comfort zone and working with different people. But, this ended up being a blessing in disguise b/c Vanessa's husband is going TDY for over a month, so I will be available to help get the kids to & from school on her 11 hour clinical day. She keeps insisting that she is going to pay me...but I keep telling her no! It's only going to be a few hours, one day of the week. Plus, she was there for me this summer when Tyler passed away very unexpectedly, and spent so much time with me while I cried...b/c that's what friends do!

My hair has gone from long to some blonde to short to slightly orange to light brown over the past few months, and I still don't think I am quite done. I still think that I might go black. I think it would look great with my cut, and I could pull it off. Or, I was just thinking about thick blond highlights throughout...I'm not sure which will be harder to maintain...

The first days of being vegetarian were quite challenging, but not b/c I was craving meat...my body was adjusting, and it didn't like it at first. For 3 nights in a row it felt like I had a rock in my stomach at night, and I wasn't sleeping well. But, now I am feeling great, and have plenty of energy to exercise!!! I have been trying lots of new recipes, thanks blue violet, and making sure I get the needed protein through other food combinations. I had stopped consuming caffeine in December, to include chocolate (b/c it contains more caffeine than soda), but this came to an end Sunday. I started getting migraine Saturday while helping V finish her son's room, and b/c I don't get them frequently enough the docs won't give me migraine meds. So, when one hits I can only take Tylenol and, previously, load up on caffeine. I tried the Tylenol and was able to finally fall asleep, but when I woke up Sunday for church I couldn't take the pain, so I gave in...and the chocolate bar combined with a soda did the trick, mostly. I am still going to try to stay away from it, but since this is my last semester of Nursing School...we'll have to wait and see.

The local 24 hour gym has proved to be quite therapeutic for me! I was very skeptical at first, but I enjoy being able to work out at 2 am if I can't sleep! It is a very small gym, but I bring my notes with me and read as I do the stationary bike. Plus, with my current gym jams, I can't sit still while listening to them anyway!

I won't be posting as often due to my schedule this semester. I have class/clinical 4 days a week till April, then I have 4 weeks to complete 120 hours of practicum (working with a nurse on her schedule) til I graduate May 5th!! I love reading all your blogs, and will continue to do so...just don't be too upset if my comments are a few days late ;o)

Does my tail make me look fat?

My buddy V always welcomes my dog, Koa, to her house b/c her dog, Molly, is quite utterly in love with him...and they wear each other out!! So he came with me yesterday while I helped paint her son's room, and when her boys got off the bus the first thing out of her son's mouth was, "he used to be big, but now he's little!" Then when when our friend Kelsey came over I asked her if she thought he lost weight, and she put him in a sit, and we all noticed that his fat roll that used to sag over his tail was gone. Go, Koa...even though you had no choice. Eric has even started running with him and he is up to one mile, which is great for his knee.

My poor dog has the same problem that most of us do...he just loves to eat! I finally buckled down and bought him weight control food, and he only gets 1/4 cup, twice a day, and I guess it is paying off. I admit that he does get table scraps, but probably not what you are thinking. His favorite food...carrots, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. So, if he can lose weight, so can I!

I have been meat-free for about a week...and have lost 3 lbs. I don't think it is a direct reflection of my vegetarian choices, but rather how focused I am on what I am putting in my mouth b/c of the increased need for protein. Plus...have you ever seen a fat vegetarian?? (don't answer that, ignorance is bliss!)

So, now we are headed to Vanessa's again to put in the wood floors. We agreed that all of my slave labor with redecorating her kids rooms will be paid by her having to carry at least 2 of my future children. I think it is an even trade ;o)

It's been decided...

I brought up my desire to be a vegetarian to Eric tonight, and he is all for it...as long as I get the needed protein in other ways.

I am going to try being a lacto-ovo vegetarian. We'll see how this goes. I think I am going to keep a food diary just to make sure I am getting everything I need.

Eric will continue to eat meat, and I wouldn't expect him to stop!!! I just feel really strongly about this, and want to give it a shot. Wish me luck!

AND, if you have any good recipes please email me!!!

Things are looking up!

I have to admit that I was pretty bummed about Eric having to work today. We always have fun cooking and stuffing our faces together in our PJs. So, I plan to go out to the Ranger camp to eat dinner with him in the chow hall, and stop by one of the houses out there to socialize & eat some more. I had also planned to hit up V's house just b/c we can't seem to go more than 2 days without seeing each other...but she is moving her dinner to a neighbor's house since her house smells like paint.

So, I started the pie's and cream puff squares last night, and they turned out so good!!! I know I put on a confident front, but failing is my biggest fear...which often results in me fearing to try new things. I have seen this really cool design on a lot of wedding cakes, and have always wanted to try it...so I did, and I think it turned out pretty well. I won't ever be a professional, but I don't think it looks totally retarded either!

I won't add the garnish of whipped cream, banana, & strawberries until I get out there b/c I have to drive 17 miles of dirt road! I completely finished one last night and brought it to V...she said she is going to claim it as her own ;o)

I am so thankful for the little successes that give me the courage to try new things!!!

"Fat Bottom" Banana Cream Pie

Here is the recipe for the previously mentioned pie from Pampered Chef. But I bolded the adjustments I have made that work out great.

• 1/2 pkg (15oz) refrigerated pie crust (1 pre-made graham cracker crust)
• 12 oz whipped topping (16oz, so there is plenty for garnish)
• 6oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk chocolate for the sweets lovers!)
• 1.5 cups cold milk
• 5.1 oz vanilla instant pudding
• 1/2 tsp rum extract (I don't use b/c it is too strong!)
• 2 medium bananas (2 Large)
• Strawberries for garnish (one carton will make 2 pies)

I am going to give you the directions like I make it...b/c that is just how I roll!

1. Preheat oven to 425 for pie crust. Bake 10-12 min or until golden brown. Cool completely
2. Combine 1.5 cups of whipped topping & chocolate chips, melt & stir. Remove 2 tbsp for garnish. Spread remaining chocolate mixture in bottom of pie & place in freezer while preparing pudding. (I put my bananas in before putting in the freezer, so they are 1/2 submerged in the chocolate)
3. Combine milk, pudding mix, & rum extract. Whisk 1 min or until begins to thicken. Fold in 1.5 cups of whipped topping
4. Slice 1.5 bananas; arrange slices over chocolate mixture in crust. Spread pudding over bananas. Refrigerate 30min
5. To garnish, cut tip off bag with remaining chocolate mixture & squeeze over pie in decorative design. Pipe rosettes at edge of pie. Garnish with remaining 1/2 banana & strawberries, sliced.

*Calories per serving: 470

The hunt is finally over

This year I will be spending Thanksgiving dinner in the chow hall with Eric...he has 24hr duty (and all the other instructors are working their 30hr shift, or just coming off one). I originally thought about driving to TX to see my sisters...but then I would be leaving Eric alone for a whole week. So, I am going to suck it up and make the best of it. I will probably hit up Vanessa's house (and bring a pie) then go out to the Ranger camp (and bring 2 pies)...his company commander lives out at the camp, and people will be meandering in & out most of the day.

I found a recipe for Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie (Pampered Chef) about 6 years ago, and it was love at first bite. (go ahead and laugh...I did!) We make only make it for Christmas & Thanksgiving b/c it is about 1000cal a piece...so we like to save it for special occasions. I also made it for a dessert auction in HI, and it was the highest bid @ $50!! (then I made the winner another one b/c I felt guilty about how much they paid for 1 pie!)


One of the main ingredients for this pie is instant vanilla pudding (I love not actually having to bake anything).

While remembering the last time I tried to make this, I recalled how empty the shelves were the closer it came to Thanksgiving. So, I asked Eric to pick up the pudding on Saturday on his way home. He came home empty handed and said they were out, but not to worry b/c he remembered we had some in the pantry. I groaned b/c I knew that there was, in fact, pudding in the pantry...but it was banana cream pudding (grabbed by mistake last time while looking for vanilla). So, we tried again yesterday on our way out of town, and was able to snag 3 small boxes...but that wasn't enough. We headed to Fort Walton Beach for the movies, and after seeing Twilight (I know...but Eric hadn't seen it yet, and we brought 2 girls from church), we hit up the Wal-Mart there, and finally got enough.

Who knew that vanilla pudding was a staple for Thanksgiving? I can see turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing...but vanilla pudding? Does anyone else but me make their holiday desserts with vanilla pudding?

I also want to thank a great fellow Army wife, Jeannie, for this blog award!!!

Mmm, mmm, good

So, I don't have a lot of self-control when it comes to food...I know this, and try to take measures so I won't have to make the decision whether or not to eat bad things. Well, they were selling 6 packs of full sized candy bars @ the commissary last time we went, and I found myself eating 3 in one day. I asked Eric to take them to work...and he said he would hide them somewhere I wouldn't find them. Well, I didn't go looking for them, but of course I don't cook when he is gone...so I went in the freezer to look through my stash of TV dinners, and found the stash of candy bars by accident.

Some good did come out of this...frozen snickers. I have LOVED snicker forever, but frozen, it is a good thing I only discovered this now. You have to try it!