The Pioneer Apron

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Tuesday Tunes

Must have I think for any workout playlist:

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Little Sister Is Gettin' Hitched!!!

My little sister is gettin' hitched!

I still can't believe it. Her and her fiance have been in so much in love for so long. He's so good to her. He really is an amazing man. AND he just humors her when she's going off on her rants ("Yes M, I know M, Okay M.") Cracks.me.up. He's her perfect match and I can't be happier.

The kicker? She got engaged beginning of December and her wedding is...

February 22, 2014

As in 30 something days from today!

Its been busy busy with all the planning but she has so much support and so much help planning. Her dress is breathtaking (and a freaking steal!). The maid of honor dresses are lovely (in an Apple red color):

Her centerpieces are designed and set. The menu is set. The flowers are set. The decorations are set (she's doing a rustic/winter wonderland theme). Shoes are set. Its all coming together. And the closer it gets, the more excited I get for it!

MY LITTLE SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED!

We are planning the party and her dinner beforehand. We are still trying to find a DJ so we are all coming together and putting our heads together to figure it out. I still need to write my speech and hope I can get through it without bawling!

Her shower is this weekend, Saturday actually. And while I wish I could be there, she knows I just can't. I hope she knows I am there in spirit. This is just another example of how living away sucks. So many things I am missing and wish I could be there for. I am also just in shock that she is getting married. I remember her being a flower girl at mine! And now its her turn. Where did the time go you know???

Thursday, January 09, 2014

Thursday Tunes

My absolute favorite song. Can't get enough of it!

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Addiction

Addiction.

It tears families apart. Ruins lives. Causes massive amounts of stress. And really when it comes down to it, just causes massive amounts of pain. It eats away at the person addicted and tears apart the families involved.

I used to see addition go through families and I would think to myself "how sad" but it never really affected me personally. My brother and sister were unfortunate to have lost a very good friend to an addiction and that tore them up inside. My cousin lost her brother to an addiction. Then it hit my family directly.

Its hard to watch someone go through that. Its hard to watch the person struggle daily to stay clean and off of it. Its hard to watch them battle the internal demons that they have. Its hard to watch them fight. Every single day its a fight. And it will be until the day he dies.

Its really hard as the big sister. I feel like I should be doing more, I feel like I should be there more. I have had days where i just cry because I feel so bad for him. So bad that he was sucked into this hell that only he can pull himself out of. So sad that this is happening to my little brother, my only brother.

Will he ever be truly happy again? Will he ever smile again? Will he ever love himself again? Did he ever? Will he ever find happiness? Will he ever feel secure enough in his emotions to talk to us instead of resorting to that?

I don't know. But all I can do is pray everyday that he will be. He tells us that he disappoints us but he didn't. We might be upset and sad this is happening but mostly we are worried. Worried that something terrible could happen to him. Worried that this might consume his life to the point of no return.

We all wish we could change this, make him be clean. Make him realize that this is the way. And he knows that. But that is the terrible part of addiction. You can know this is bad, you can know this is terrible. But it consumes your life and takes over your soul. We can only stand back and be there for him, make sure he knows that we help him, help him when we can, be there for him.

Doesn't stop the hurt of wishing we could do more though.

Sunday, January 05, 2014

Juicing...my new obsession

So everyone who reads this knows that my 3 day juice cleanse just didn't work out. LOL I just could not go that long without food.

For Christmas I got a juicer...the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor to be exact (if you're in the market for a juicer, this one is awesome! Highly recommend it!).

I use two websites for now for juicing recipes, but am open to new ideas always. I don't eat near enough fruit and veggies in my life so at least this way I am getting some of what I need. Can always take steps to being healthier right?! So thinking one juice a day...easy. Which so far it has been. Except for cleaning the dang juicer, its been good. So far I have juiced:

Mean Green

1 Cucumber
2 Green Apples
6-8 Kale Leaves
1/2 lemon
1" ginger
4 Celery Stalks

Carrot Apple Ginger

3 Carrots
2 Apples
1" ginger

The carrot apple ginger is my absolute favorite, by far. It was during my "cleanse" and it is now! Debating on making one in the morning or going for a Purple Power Juice....

I use two websites so far for recipes, Reboot with Joe and freutcake. Reboot with Joe has a TON of recipes. And looking over some of them, they leave a tad to the imagination of the taste buds. But then again I am a creature of habit and don't necessarily like trying new things! So honestly debating on challenging myself to try a new recipe once a week. Don't judge a taste by its sounds right? I mean the beet juice sounds just lovely! But then again I have never tried it so who knows.

Whatcha think?

Friday, December 13, 2013

Friendships

How many people out there are lucky enough to have lifelong friends? Or even childhood friends that have stayed with you throughout the years? The friends that just get you and you know they will be there no matter what?

I remember growing up and I'd fight with one of my friends my Mom would look at me and say "Sweetie, none of this matters. There will be a handful of people that you will always have around and those will be your true friends." And, as much as this kills me to admit, she was right. I am still friends with those girls to this day so obviously our fights weren't too crazy!

One of the cool things about being in the military life, and also can be one of the major downfalls, is making all these new friends...with the understanding that there will be a time that you or them will have to say goodbye. As adults, we keep in contact via phone, text or Facebook but for the kids, its really hard. I've really watched my son struggle with the move and making new friends and it hurts my heart. Because he doesn't understand WHY he can't still see them all the time. Or WHY we can't just go to see them. He'll see them in a couple weeks and I know he is bursting at the seams about it. I know he's young and there will be friends that come and go but I really hope that he keeps these friends, these childhood friends, as long as I did.

I have been in Seattle for about two weeks now and have spent an awesome time with my friends (#amazingfriends....LOL H!!!) but it sucks that once again, I am leaving them. These women can make me laugh like no other. We know that regardless of whatever ups and downs we have, we are there for each other. And that is a major upside to military life. That you get to meet amazing people like I have. But I also don't forget the friends that have come and gone from various bases. M, J, C and S, my four best friends from GA and WA. The three girls that we can go months without talking (which btw never happens with S or I get the "What the heck jerk!!!" message!) and we pick up like there was never a lapse in time.

Really no point to those entry other then sitting here thinking about how much I have missed all my girls and thinking about how blessed I am to have people like that in my life. People that I know will be there for me always. People that I hope when we're old and senile we can laugh at all the crazy memories we have together.

Friday, December 06, 2013

I met Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond!

So coming to Seattle has its perks!

I was on Pioneer Woman's FB the other day and saw that she was going to be in Seattle promoting her new cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks, A Year of Holidays, and she would be available for book signing and pictures! So yes, I jumped at that chance because anyone who knows me knows I LOVE her and her recipes!

So yesterday, Tall Guy came home from work and we instantly left for Town Hall in downtown Seattle. I was thinking we would be late but as we were walking in, so was she! She was with her sister and her nephew, who is too adorable, and they walked into their area. It took everything in me not to go EEEE!

So we went into the auditorium and waited for the presentation to start. She came out and did a slideshow about her background and showed some pictures of the kids, Ladd's jeaned behind and her good eats. Then the book signing started.

I bought a ticket so I was in the "priority" line and towards the front so that made me really happy. When we left, it was crazy long and there were people waiting down the stairs for a chance to meet her. Not to mention the people who didn't buy a ticket and had to wait. But she said she was signing every single book so I wonder how long she was there last night!

It was my turn and we snapped this photo:

EEEE!

We chatted for a couple minutes. I told her "From high heels to tractor wheels" rings very true for me lately! I went from Seattle, WA to Abilene, Texas which is downright country! So that was a total change for me. She goes "Then you know exactly what I mean then!" I said yes! Its a whole different world. She laughed and said "Well you're back here now then?" I said yes. And she goes "Well then you're where you belong huh?" I laughed. (Growing up outside Cleveland, albeit a crappy city, still a city then to Seattle, WA then to Abilene, Texas...yeah, culture shock!)

Overall, she is just as sweet as she seems on her blog and her show. She is so down to earth and she is absolutely beautiful! I hope I get to meet her again one day!!

Monday, December 02, 2013

Whats new?

So what's new...

Well for one, I moved to Texas in September. That was a big change. Going from Seattle, WA where its a big city and beautiful and amazing in every way...to middle of nowhere Abilene, Texas has taken some getting used to. And honestly, it hasn't. About the only positive thing, that is really sticking out in my mind is that my kids are knowing their grandparents for the first time in their lives. And they are loving it! Their first Christmas with the kids nearby and they are over the moon with joy about it. And it really makes me happy that my kids are finally able to have that experience given how close their parents were with their grandparents. Now if only they can be near my Mom and my side of the family, that would be amazing. Oh and another positive thing is that its new and its something to explore, albeit how tiny it is. LOL I am really happy that its something new but I still miss the city. Tremendously.

Speaking of kiddos, that brings me to the next thing. So we get there and Little Miss doesn't have a specialist she can see. And Tricare, our amazing insurance *insert sarcasm*, won't authorize us to take her to Dallas, at all. We have tried fighting the system, we have tried everything. There is not a single specialist in the area that can treat her GI issues. And the one Doc they sent me too, I waited 4.5 hours and he still never came in the room, filthy room, I might add. So now we are taking her back to Seattle to her old doctor so we can get some answers about what is going on with her.

I also got a job. I have missed working I will tell you that! Its nice to be back earning my own cash. And its an awesome job, working for Amazon taking calls from home. So if you live in a servicing area for them and are looking for a job I highly recommend Amazon! I love everything about it so far. (Actually on my 25 minute lunch break while I type this!)

So for the time being, I am dividing my time between Seattle and Texas. I am currently sitting in my friends apartment in Seattle because of school and will be here until the 15th. I miss my kiddos but the good thing is I can see them everyday. It'll just be nice when I am finally done and never have to be away again.

I go back to Texas on the 15th and then back here for Little Miss's appt on the 26th. Guess I can't stay away from Seattle too long huh?

Monday, September 02, 2013

It sure has been a minute!

So the bags are packed.

The truck is on its way.

We are relocating to Texas.

*Pause while it processes that I am literally homeless at the moment*

Its hard to do this on so many levels. Its hard to leave Seattle. Its hard to leave my friends. Its hard to leave my school!

I will be back every three months which will be a good refresher from from the heat.

At the moment me and Little Miss are hanging out with Tall Guy until the 15th and then we head out via plane. We have completely taken over his house. Everywhere you look there is girl or baby stuff. Glad he doesn't mind cause then I would just feel crappy. He's loving all the food I am cooking too. Yesterday we had PW's Sour Cream Bake and tonight I am making N's Ham and Potato Soup.

Maybe I should start blogging again regularly you know? Keep a record/diary of this. Really miss blogging but never have the time! Its crazy!

With that I am going to go finish reading my book and watching Kitchen Nightmares. Lots of Netflix are in my future.

Monday, August 12, 2013

A Picture That Made a Proud Momma Tear Up....

Little Man had his Cub Scout Pack going away BBQ this weekend. I took a few group shots of them all and then as I turned around I heard one little boy say "Group goodbye hug!" All of them grabbed Ethan and gave him a huge hug goodbye (Little Man is that teeny tiny sliver of blue shirt on the right). I snapped this as it was happening.

He's going to miss them so much.

Monday, August 05, 2013

Family Recipe: Pudding Things

Simple name huh? Not entirely sure how it got its name or if its just a made up thing with a really simple name (as its pudding) but I think its funny.

Tall Guy's family makes these all the time. Christmas, Sunday breakfasts or just because. So the other morning he made these for breakfast. And they were super delicious! Not only are they delicious but they are super simple. The only disclaimer I give is that they are very filling and very rich. So while that plate shows 4, I was only able to eat like 3.5. Which yes, holy crap 3.5. But once you get going, you can't stop! LOL

Recipe after the pictures! Enjoy!

Recipe: Pudding Things

Ingredients:

2 Packets COOK AND SERVE Pudding

Whole Milk

Whipped Frosting

Crescent Rolls (for 2 boxes of pudding, use two canisters)

Cook Pudding to directions on box.

Fold crescent rolls back onto themselves to form a square and place on an inverted muffin pan, cook according to package.

Melt a portion of the frosting in the microwave.

Fill crescent roll bowls with the cooked pudding and drizzle with frosting.

Pair with a cup of coffee or some milk!

ENJOY!

Saturday, August 03, 2013

Closet Cookings: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken

Just like Pioneer Woman's recipes, I have yet to make a recipe on Closet Cooking's site that I didn't like. Their flavors are amazing, their recipes are delicious. Great website!

Tuesday was my birthday (big ole 2-8, getting old!). So for dinner, Tall Guy made me Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Stuffed Chicken Breasts. I've had this a couple times with him making it and each time its amazing. This time he actually remembered to season the chicken breasts! The jalapeno's were sliced a tad larger then before too. We tried to have baked potatoes with it but we ended up buying bigger ones so they needed about 2 hours to cook, yes cooking fail. So this picture, via my phone, doesn't even begin to do it justice!

Its so delicious I had leftovers for breakfast the next day!

Recipe below!

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken

Chicken stuffed with jalapenos, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and wrapped in bacon; it's like chicken jalapeno poppers for dinner!

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

4 small chicken breasts, pounded thin
salt and pepper to taste
4 jalapenos, diced
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
8 slices bacon

Directions

Lay the chicken flat, season both sides with salt and pepper, place 1/4 of the mixture of the jalapenos, cream cheese and cheddar on the chicken and roll them up.
Wrap each chicken breast up in 2 slices of bacon and place them in a baking dish.
Bake in a pre-heated 400F oven until cooked, about 25-35 minutes.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Wowza, this summer!

I feel like I am slacking in this department, more so then ever. This summer has been crazy busy. With visitors and activities and just plain getting out of the house...its been rough to sit down and blog. We are having an unusually warm summer so I spend a lot of it outdoors in a pool. Much better then our non AC home!

So instead, here are some more pictures :D

Went to American Lake and had a blast. With beautiful views the entire day!

Last week kicked off Cub Scout Day Camp 2013!

I walked around with the Girl Scouts and Caleb (Tag Alongs) and we had a blast. Here they are shooting Bottle Rockets.

Little Man had a blast with Archery!

Started my school shopping early this year...4 boxes of crayons for a buck? Hell yeah.

And yet...so much more still to get. I have a 2nd grader already!??

Monday, July 15, 2013

Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce-Pioneer Woman Recipe

Last night for dinner I made Pioneer Woman's Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce.

This meal...was delicious. It took a little bit for the white wine to condense but wow. The flavor was delicious, very rich. Very filling too. The only thing I didn't do was half the chicken, so there were only 4 breasts. I might try this again and make some chicken tenders maybe? Not sure. But this will definitely be something I make again!

The Cast of Characters

Cooking the chicken!

Bag Salad...woot woot!

Chicken cooking in the sauce

My meal, yes my chicken is cut up like a child's LOL

For those that don't want to go to the site for the recipe, here it is:

Pioneer Woman Chicken with Musard Cream Sauce

4 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Butter
3 whole Garlic Cloves, Minced
1 cup Brandy (or White Wine If Preferred)
1 Tablespoon (heaping) Dijon Mustard
1 Tablespoon (heaping) Grainy Mustard
1/4 cup (to 1/2) Heavy Cream
1/4 cup (to 1/2) Chicken Broth
Salt And Pepper, to taste

Preparation Instructions

*Amount of cream and broth has slightly decreased; add more as needed.

Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so that you have eight smaller, thinner chicken cutlets. Salt and pepper both sides.

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook cutlets on both sides until nice and golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and keep on a plate.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic to the pan and saute it for a minute, stirring to make sure it won't burn. Next pour in the brandy (or wine if using) being careful if cooking over an open flame. Then just let the booze bubble up and cook until it's reduced by half.

Throw in the mustards and stir to combine, then pour in the cream. Stir in chicken broth, adding more if the sauce seems too thick. Taste sauce and adjust whatever you think it needs. Add chicken breasts back to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Allow sauce to cook for another few minutes, shaking the pan if needed to move things around.

Serve chicken with a green salad, spooning the sauce over the top.