MondayZ Memorable MomentZ 1/26

• I was a brave soul this past week. The first time I took Caroline AND Sophie into the sauna by myself! In fact, it was Sophie's 1st time ever! She has missed it in the past because of her early bedtime routine. They both did great; I use a big deep tub, so they stay cool even when I throw water on.

• Once again I must elaborate on Caroline's bedtime ritual :) Here is a cute video of her saying her prayers. By the way, the prayer I'm teaching her is the same one I said as a child. See photo - my mother made this wall hanging :) It's one of those traditions I am passing on to my girls - that I hold very tender to my heart. We have been saying this prayer for a few months now - but just recently did she start saying it with me!
• Caroline now blow dries her own hair.. hanging over the whole house humidifier!
• It's been so neat to watch Caroline becomes friend's with Josie, Doug & Danielle's cute daughter. Other than a couple of kids at daycare, this is the first child she is getting to hang out with! While we hang out as parents of course! We've had a couple of playdates together - and we're really looking forward to getting out this summer to do more together! Look at how cute these 2/3 yr olds pose together! Makes my heart melt!
  
  
• Caroline has been a bigger challenge these days. Sadly she has taken a step backwards and is having accidents in her panties. Ive tried encouraging.. and even scolding, and nothing seems to be working :( It seems like she is just being lazy. Prayin this will pass soon! Im all ears for recommendations!
• Lastly I captured a precious moment of daddy with his girls on the couch. The girls just love cuddling with their "baydos" (Finnish saying for blanket - Im sure my spelling is way off) watching Nickelodeon Jr. or Sprout TV shows. Sisu came to their feet wanting in on the love too.

Recipe of the Week: Parmasen Crusted Chicken with Sage Butter Sauce

This chicken dish is to die for. When you cook this you will have a party in your mouth! hehe I strongly suggest you serve it with a strong green vegetable on the side to balance the richness of the sauce.
This is my own picture - I know I could use some lessons on photographing food. For now I will ace the cooking thing :) ENJOY! I assure you, you will not be disappointed!

Parmasen Crusted Chicken with Sage Butter Sauce

4 Chicken Breasts, Boneless, Skinless
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Egg Whites
3 Tablespoons Shallot, minced
2 Teaspoons Cornstarch
1/2 Cup Dry White Wine
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
1 Cup dry breadcrumbs
5 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Cold,
2Tablespoons Dried Parsley -cubed (divided use)
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
2 Teaspoons Dried Sage
1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Salt, White Pepper, Cayenne Pepper
1/2 Cup Parmesan, grated

For the chicken: Lightly pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2 inch thickness.
Blend egg whites, cornstarch, and half lemon juice with a fork in a wide, shallow dish. Set
aside.
Combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and zest in a second wide,
shallow bowl.
Individually dip chicken brests first in egg mixture, then in crumbs.
Pat crumbs on both sides of chicken- it's ok if some crumbs fall off.
Set crusted breasts on a wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes to set crust.
After 20 to 30 minutes, saute chicken in oil in a large, nonstick, ovenproof skillet over
medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Carefully turn with a spatula and transfer skillet to a 450 degree oven to finish cooking.
Roast chicken until done, about 8 more minutes.
While chicken is roasting, prepare sauce.
For the sauce: Saute shallot in 1 T butter in a small saucepan over medium heat just until
soft, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add wine, cream, broth, and remaining lemon juice.
Simmer until reduced by half, 8-10 minutes.
Whisk in remaining butter, one tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly.
Add sage and seasonings.
Place roasted chicken on a plate and top with sauce.

CLICK HERE for PDF version of this recipe

Obama's Victory .. from an outsider

I couldn't help myself here - I just have to share the editorial below. It's amazing how blind people can be right here in America. For the record I am trying very hard to think positive.. and ugh.. even HOPE for change (sorry, saying the word makes me gag!!), but the fact is I'm a screamin Conservative and most of what I hear out of the mouths of Democrats makes my blood boil. I wonder if Liberals out there are ready to get what they are asking for - socialism at it's best is brewing. And I don't know about you, but I've never heard of one example of a country/state that socialism equats to a successful and thriving society. Why can't people be more responsible for themselves? There is so much more satisfaction in my opinion. If you argue... how about throw me ONE government ran program that is a true success? I can name thousands that aren't.

Enjoy...

Daily Mail (UK) Editorial: A British View of Obama’s Victory

The London Daily Mail Jan 6, 2009

A victory for the hysterical Oprah Winfrey, the mad racist preacher Jeremiah Wright, the mainstream media who abandoned any sense of objectivity long ago, Europeans who despise America largely because they depend on her, comics who claim to be dangerous and fearless but would not dare attack genuinely powerful special interest groups.

A victory for Obama-worshippers everywhere. A victory for the cult of the cult. A man who has done little with his life but has written about his achievements as if he had found the cure for cancer in between winning a marathon and building a nuclear reactor with his teeth.

Victory for style over substance, hyperbole over history, rabble-raising over reality.

A victory for Hollywood, the most dysfunctional community in the world. Victory for Streisand, Spielberg, Soros and Sarandon.

Victory for those who prefer welfare to will and interference to independence. For those who settle for group think and herd mentality rather than those who fight for individual initiative and the right to be out of step with meager political fashion.

Victory for a man who is no friend of freedom. He and his people have already stated that media has to be controlled so as to be balanced, without realizing the extraordinary irony within that statement. Like most liberal zealots, the Obama worshippers constantly speak of Fox and Limbaugh, when the vast bulk of television stations and newspapers are drastically liberal and anti -conservative. Senior Democrat Chuck Schumer said that just as pornography should be censored, so should talk radio. In other words, one of the few free and open means of popular expression may well be cornered and beaten by bullies who even in triumph cannot tolerate any criticism and opposition.

A victory for those who believe the state is better qualified to raise children than the family, for those who prefer teachers’ unions to teaching and for those who are naively convinced that if the West is sufficiently weak towards its enemies, war and terror will dissolve as quickly as the tears on the face of a leftist celebrity.

A victory for social democracy even after most of Europe has come to the painful conclusion that social democracy leads to mediocrity, failure, unemployment, inflation, higher taxes and economic stagnation. A victory for intrusive lawyers, banal sentimentalists, social extremists and urban snobs.

I've had some great comments on my Facebook page if you care to see how this excites people.

2008 Top Tens

So.. have you wondered what was most popular? Check out the following link - Nielsen dishes out all the TOP TEN Trends for 2008. Kinda fun, Kinda interesting!

Trend Index: 2008 Year-End Summary

Other Top Tens that just might intrigue you..

• TIME
  
• BEST of YOU TUBE by Huffington Post
• Technologies we need today (ya think?)
• Election Sites to Bookmark
• Consumer Reports - vehicles

And if you are just looking for top ten any time of the year, check out TOP TEN LINKS

Tuesday's Tribute

A Jay and Deb Production.

Over the past few years I have really fallen in love. Its a new love, or maybe just a deeper love. Say what?! Well, I LOVE cooking! So this week's Tribute goes to my favorite recipe source of all time!

My awesome neighbor Staci is the person who turned me on to their magazines and I am forever grateful! I started out with Cook's Illustrated and last year they introduced Cook's Country. I am not exactly sure how they compare as sister magazines/websites - but they are ALL GOOD! The recipes are simple, but pretty much all from scratch - which is what I prefer. And to date (knock on on my head wood) I have never had a bad recipe. In fact, it would be no exaggeration that every recipe has been absolutely, incredibly delicious! I am so in love on their recipes that I even pay the $14.95/year online membership to have digital access any time!

They both take a unique approach in their magazines when publishing a recipe. They describe how they tested the recipe to make it just perfect! So you learn from their mistakes! Another neat feature is that they have a section that does testing/ratings for kitchen equipment and food!

So if you are looking for inspiration and want to bring phenomenal meals to your table or want to learn in a fun fashion - check 'em out! You will not be disappointed! Your friends and family will be in awe at your talent! And well, if you cant swing the $$ ... just stay tuned to my blog! I plan to start sharing mouth watering and tantalizing, tasty recipes on a regular basis!

LINKS:

• Cook's Illustrated
• Cook's Country

Wait... I'm sure I should be getting paid for this - shouldn't I?

MondayZ Memorable MomentZ 1/19

This past week was a rough one to say the least... so my memorable moments feel weak. I hope to have a better outlook and spirit this week. So.. the moments I'm going to share are all about the videos!

• On 1/15, Caroline said "I love Sisu" for the first time while playing/petting her. What's up with that timing?! She has never even said she loves mommy or daddy!
• Ace of Fakes is Sophie's new nickname! Everyday I'm amazed at how well she pulls off a fit to get her way. This picture taken of her at the landing 1/3 the way down... it is what she does IF we do not carry her down the stars. Note: crocodile tears!
• I have mentioned Caroline's bedtime ritual .. tonight I managed to catch it on video! She was AWFULLY tired - so there is some drama and even possessed behavior, but nonetheless it's cute or funny at the least!

• Here is Sophie .. I did not even realize she knew what a high five was! Caroline coaxed her - take note to Caroline's last comment rewarding her with ice cream! hehe

• And again... Sophie displaying her amazing ability to let you know how she REALLY feels! Hey.. if you understand this language, drop me a line, would ya?
• And... again.. Sophie takes the prize for the most caught on tape moments! Here.. she is so bored she is blowing bubbles with he mouth/spit! LOL Bad quality video, sorry.. its from my cell phone - all we got these days!
  

So that's all I got... boy I'm glad it's a new week. But I must say... I'm optimistic becuz my girls are getting older so surly this week will deliver even better drama than last!

Tuesday's Tribute - SISU update

A Jay and Deb Production.
I'm a day late getting my Tuesday Tribute out as it was a sad day. In the afternoon I was hit with a stomach virus and was laid up on the couch while Scott took SISU in for her check up after the surgery she had on 12/29/08. I asked so what's the diagnosis? Scott "cancer". Me "your kidding". Scott "I wouldn't kid about something like that". I went numb hearing the rest...
It seems that sore in her mouth was merely a coincidence. The material that was removed below her eye did test positive for cancer. There is no option for surgery as it seems the cancer is in her eye socket and jaw. I, like many of you are probably going to say too, "how?!". God only knows - dogs getting cancer is no different than humans. The doctor stated she could write up a referral to bring her to the clinic at UGA, but gave serious warning that cancer treatment, even consultation, can be very expensive. Surgery is not an option based on where the tumor started - eye socket/jaw. And since this has been going on since October '08 it is very likely it has spread into other bones, or even her lungs. I have heard a couple of wheezing sounds from her, but not sure if it's related. On the other hand, she was equally willing to write a prescription for pain management.

These are photos of how her eye looks now, and as healed as it's going to get:

Today I did a consult with Dr. Grumbs, our regular vet to get his insight from the results. His prognosis based on other animals he has treated was not good at all. He said we need to be prepared for the tumor to grow back rapidly. It could be weeks, it could be months. And like cancers we all know, typically it is not what takes their life. One day... sooner than we will be ready for, we'll have to put her down to save her from any more pain. We are going to start her on Rimadyl for the inflammation and Tramadol for the pain. Now the only time she seems to show any discomfort is when she yawns - she tilts her head oddly.

So.. my Tuesday Tribute is to my sweet dog SISU. She will be 6 yrs old on April 6th and she is 80lbs of love! But, I am overcome with hurt thinking about losing her. She is a GREAT dog and anyone that crosses her path shares the same admiration. She is our protector and playmate to our girls. Ok.. the girls are toddlers, so she is their torture toy much of the time! But she takes it.. we trust her 100% with the girls, she is truly an amazing dog. We got her when she was 3 months old - here is a photo the first night we brought her home, meeting Bailey. Bailey had a seizure and had to be put down back in '06.

Here is a classic treatment she gets from the girls:

And being she is a lab - she LOVES the water. And what a hoot it is to watch her! She jumps off the dock over 10' at times, has learned how to climb ladders - and when we get tired of playing with her..she rolls the ball off and plays with herself! It really is incredible to watch how smart she is! We even invested in a "Hyperdog" sling shot... giving us the ability to get the ball down to the water from our deck! Oh the fun we have with her!


And lets not for a moment forget what a BALL-AHOLIC she is! This dog will fetch a ball 50 times if you are willing! And... even when it is hit with a racket across the neighbor's yards! She lives up to the name SISU! Most of the time we have to make her stop and rest - otherwise she keeps going and her back end/legs go out. Her determination .. is well like her, one-of-a-kind. Her blood line was registered, and award winning. We have often wondered if we wasted her skills!
I do not know what lies ahead. It breaks my heart to think of days without throwing the ball or watching her play in the river in the backyard, or the water down at the cottage. And the girls.. I can't bear the thought of how they will miss her. As of now, her spirit is not broke - she lives to catch a ball and be loved. She jumps around if you play to get her excited about squirrels running on the back deck. She is not giving in by any means, so I must find some strength.. and console my heart with prayer. SISU we love you! And brace yourself... all your remaining days I plan to spoil you to the best of my ability!

Below are some pictures I took of Sisu and the girls today .. just a typical morning in our house :) They love to snuggle with her... once in awhile Sisu actually likes it :)