You know how sometimes you say things to your kids and then you think...'I. CANNOT. BELIEVE. I. JUST. SAID. THAT!'? I end up laughing at myself so often, I thought it would be nice to give you a chance to laugh at me too. So here it is...the ten craziest things I've said to my kids this week (in no particular order).
(To Baby Bug) Get my foot out of your mouth.
(To Baby Bug) You are going to choke on that headband.
(To The Bean) Kitty poop is NOT A TOY!!!
(To Baby Bug) Yes, that [etching in poop she smeared on the wall] does look like mommy. Now wash it off.
(To Monkey) You can't marry mommy...why? Because it's incestuous, and I'm already married to daddy.
(To Monkey) Apples don't feel pain when I skewer them, but your sister does.
(To Monkey) Because teddy bears are not anatomically correct, that's why.
(To The Bean) Just because it smells like bubble gum doesn't mean it tastes like it.
(To Baby Bug) Stop wiping your butt on your bed.
(General Announcement to all Children) It's like Mommy's computer has a speeeeeecial kind of leprosy which makes it so that if anyone under 18 touches it their hands fall off.
Showing posts with label Ten Spot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ten Spot. Show all posts
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sunday Ten Spot: Quotes from Homeschoolers
It's September, and even though our kidlets are homeschooled year round I still think of September as back to school season (maybe it's all the commercials). So, in celebration of homeschooling during the school-iest time of the year, here are some quotes from famous people you may not have known were educated (in whole or part) outside of the system....
"There are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something."-Thomas Edison [Homeschool graduate]
"Don't let schooling interfere with your education." - Mark Twain [Self-educated after age 11]
"Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort." - Jane Austen [Homeschooled by her father and brothers]
"I don't like obvious things." - Reid Barton [Homeschooled since 3rd grade; four time gold medal winner at the International Mathematical Olympiad, winner of the Morgan Prize]
"The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding." - Leonardo da Vinci [Self-educated]
"We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." - Ben Franklin [Only had 2 years of formal schooling]
"Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality." - Beatrix Potter [Educated by her governess]
"I could trust a fact and always cross-question an assertion." - Michael Faraday [Electrochemist, primarily self taught]
"One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood." - Agatha Christie [Homeschooled by her mother]
"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." - Ansel Adams [Homeschooled after age 12]
"There are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something."-Thomas Edison [Homeschool graduate]
"Don't let schooling interfere with your education." - Mark Twain [Self-educated after age 11]
"Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort." - Jane Austen [Homeschooled by her father and brothers]
"I don't like obvious things." - Reid Barton [Homeschooled since 3rd grade; four time gold medal winner at the International Mathematical Olympiad, winner of the Morgan Prize]
"The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding." - Leonardo da Vinci [Self-educated]
"We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." - Ben Franklin [Only had 2 years of formal schooling]
"Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality." - Beatrix Potter [Educated by her governess]
"I could trust a fact and always cross-question an assertion." - Michael Faraday [Electrochemist, primarily self taught]
"One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood." - Agatha Christie [Homeschooled by her mother]
"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." - Ansel Adams [Homeschooled after age 12]
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sunday Ten Spot: Dance Dance Revolution
The Top 10 Dance Songs of All Time
Please note: I do not dance, at all, whatsoever due to the fact that I am the most uncoordinated person on earth. I have actually literally tripped while standing still so I avoid tempting gravity altogether. I do however enjoy some good dance music-like these songs....
Please note: I do not dance, at all, whatsoever due to the fact that I am the most uncoordinated person on earth. I have actually literally tripped while standing still so I avoid tempting gravity altogether. I do however enjoy some good dance music-like these songs....
10. The Macarena (Los del Rio)
Come on-admit it. You know this dance. You could do it in your sleep. Seriously, I was like 12 when this song came out and even I knew how to Macarena-I didn't know what all the dirty words in it meant though. That I learned much later (thankfully).
9. Days Go By (Dirty Vegas)
I think this is the very first techno song I ever heard and I still love it. Something about that electronic voice modulator thingy is just awesome.
8. Heart of Glass (Blondie)
This song may have come out before I was born, but it is eternally cool. Most people may think of Stayin' Alive, or KC and the Sunshine Band, but when I think disco this song is IT for me.
7. Sandstorm (Da Rude)
You will either love or hate this song-but even if you hate it you won't be able to keep your toes from tapping...that's why this trance-techno masterpiece has been remixed so many times (I am especially fond of the Darude/Cosmic Gate Exploration of Sandstorm Space Mix).
6. Smurf Rave (Happy Hardcore Techno)
If you like techno or smurfs and you haven't heard this yet-please do. It's just cool on every level.
5. Groove is in the Heart (Dee Lite)
Come on-it has groove in the title! You know you want to every single time you hear this song.
4. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) (Dead or Alive)
I definitely like the old school version way better (aren't the originals always better?) but this song in almost any form is dance-worthy.
3. Can't Get You Outta My Head (Kylie Minogue)
And by "you" she means "this song". It really sticks with you-after you hear it you will be dancing around 'la la la'ing to yourself for weeks, but it's totally worth it.
2. Around the World (ATC)
This song is awesome enough that it almost, almost makes even me want to dance. It's just such great techno and is totally mixable. I love ATC/Eiffel 65 and ATC/Vengaboys remixes because they never fail to put a bounce in my step.
1. Rockafeller Skank (Fat Boy Slim)
Come on-admit it. You know this dance. You could do it in your sleep. Seriously, I was like 12 when this song came out and even I knew how to Macarena-I didn't know what all the dirty words in it meant though. That I learned much later (thankfully).
9. Days Go By (Dirty Vegas)
I think this is the very first techno song I ever heard and I still love it. Something about that electronic voice modulator thingy is just awesome.
8. Heart of Glass (Blondie)
This song may have come out before I was born, but it is eternally cool. Most people may think of Stayin' Alive, or KC and the Sunshine Band, but when I think disco this song is IT for me.
7. Sandstorm (Da Rude)
You will either love or hate this song-but even if you hate it you won't be able to keep your toes from tapping...that's why this trance-techno masterpiece has been remixed so many times (I am especially fond of the Darude/Cosmic Gate Exploration of Sandstorm Space Mix).
6. Smurf Rave (Happy Hardcore Techno)
If you like techno or smurfs and you haven't heard this yet-please do. It's just cool on every level.
5. Groove is in the Heart (Dee Lite)
Come on-it has groove in the title! You know you want to every single time you hear this song.
4. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) (Dead or Alive)
I definitely like the old school version way better (aren't the originals always better?) but this song in almost any form is dance-worthy.
3. Can't Get You Outta My Head (Kylie Minogue)
And by "you" she means "this song". It really sticks with you-after you hear it you will be dancing around 'la la la'ing to yourself for weeks, but it's totally worth it.
2. Around the World (ATC)
This song is awesome enough that it almost, almost makes even me want to dance. It's just such great techno and is totally mixable. I love ATC/Eiffel 65 and ATC/Vengaboys remixes because they never fail to put a bounce in my step.
1. Rockafeller Skank (Fat Boy Slim)
Check it out now....funk soul brotha....Oh yeah. If I could dance at all it would be to this song. Yes I know it's cheesy and it doesn't make any sense but it may or may not get me to make arm movements (what kind I'll never tell) and for that I am eternally a fan.
What do you dance (or wish you could dance) to?
What do you dance (or wish you could dance) to?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday Ten Spot: In the Tubes
Top 10 Internet Videos
10. Hamster Dance (Remix)
You don't have to tell me that I'm easily amused...but seriously? There is a hamster with a light saber in this video.
9. Evolution of Dance
It seems like every bad dance that ever existed is in this-talk about a classic!
8. Ok Go-Here It Goes Again
This concept is just SO COOL! Let's jump around on a bunch of treadmills? It sounds stupid, but they really pull it off.
7. JK Wedding Entrance Dance
Okay, I know this is stupid but this video makes me cry. It's not a sad video, I just think it's so sweet that people can be that happy when they get married.
6. 24 Hours of Mom Sayings in under 3 Minutes
All the stuff moms say, condensed and set to music-maybe our kids would listen better if everything we said came in that format.
5. Sarah Palin Rap on SNL
This is SO FUNNY-especially to watch Amy Pohler who was probably 15 months pregnant dancing around like that.
4. Man Trying to Experience Labor
He didn't last very long-and they didn't even try to make him pee a grapefruit!
3. Jim Breuer-The Joy of Parenting
I love Jim Breuer's newest stand up!
2. Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog-Laundry Day (My Freeze Ray)
I love NPH and I love Joss Whedon so naturally I love Dr. Horrible-but even if you don't have an appreciate for them, this video is really cute.
1. Jim Gaffigan-Hot Pocket
The. Funniest. Stand Up. EVER!
10. Hamster Dance (Remix)
You don't have to tell me that I'm easily amused...but seriously? There is a hamster with a light saber in this video.
9. Evolution of Dance
It seems like every bad dance that ever existed is in this-talk about a classic!
8. Ok Go-Here It Goes Again
This concept is just SO COOL! Let's jump around on a bunch of treadmills? It sounds stupid, but they really pull it off.
7. JK Wedding Entrance Dance
Okay, I know this is stupid but this video makes me cry. It's not a sad video, I just think it's so sweet that people can be that happy when they get married.
6. 24 Hours of Mom Sayings in under 3 Minutes
All the stuff moms say, condensed and set to music-maybe our kids would listen better if everything we said came in that format.
5. Sarah Palin Rap on SNL
This is SO FUNNY-especially to watch Amy Pohler who was probably 15 months pregnant dancing around like that.
4. Man Trying to Experience Labor
He didn't last very long-and they didn't even try to make him pee a grapefruit!
3. Jim Breuer-The Joy of Parenting
I love Jim Breuer's newest stand up!
2. Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog-Laundry Day (My Freeze Ray)
I love NPH and I love Joss Whedon so naturally I love Dr. Horrible-but even if you don't have an appreciate for them, this video is really cute.
1. Jim Gaffigan-Hot Pocket
The. Funniest. Stand Up. EVER!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday Ten Spot: Techno-Love
Top 10 Tech Stuff I Love
I doubt I'll shock anyone when I say that I have a semi-dependency on technology. I think all of us do to some extent these days. Here is my top 10 list of tech stuff I use and love.
10. Web MD
Wanna know what that weird red dot on your arm is? An at home remedy for colds? How high a fever has to be before you should call a doctor? Web MD knows, and it's telling Moms everywhere. It's the 21st century replacement for old wives tales.
9. Yahoo Answers
I LOVE Yahoo Answers. I get to give advice to total strangers and feel like I'm helping. Then I get to ask questions and get other people's advice/the benefits of their experiences. It's so much fun!
8. Email
Who can live without email I ask you? Seriously-imagine every email you send and receive a day...now imagine that each of those messages took four days to send and receive. Crazy, right? While I still believe there is still a call for written messages in certain situations (birthdays, Christmas, letters to politicians) I don't think I'd last very long if I had to send everything snail-mail style.
7. Facebook
Yes, I Facebook. Every day. Several times a day. That's how I keep in touch with my family, share pics of our kids, and keep up with what everybody is doing....well, that and play Cafe World.
6. MP3s
Soooooooo much better than cassettes, and even better than CDs MP3s are like having the magic keys to the kingdom of music. You can find any song you've ever heard (and lots of songs you haven't) online, then put them on your player, on your computer, on your phone, or even on a CD if the mood strikes you.
5. Cell phones
I'm a recent convert to cell phone land. I didn't actually get a cellphone until about six weeks ago, and I already can't live without it. Plus the convenience of being able to call hubby from the grocery store has saved us enough money in gas going back for forgotten/last minute items to more than pay for our services.
4. Blogging
I couldn't live without you bloggy friends. Well, okay that's a little dramatic-but my life would definitely be less cheerful if I didn't have the ability to hop into the blog world, visit my internet pals and share about my day. I'm still going strong on my 'one post per day' New Years Resolution and I have to say it's really the most fun I've had in a long time-and I don't care if that makes me a giant nerd or not.
3. Wikipedia
Wikipedia is the greatest. True it's totally fallible, but if you're looking for basic information about ANYTHING (and I. do. mean. anything.) it's there just waiting for you. Want to know who that actor was who played that kid in that thing you once saw? Wikipedia can tell you, because it's just that awesome.
2. Google
How did we survive before Google? I seriously don't even know. Being able to type in anything you can possibly think up and receive a million answers in less than a second is life-changing. Where is the closest grocery store? How much did milk cost in 1942? What are the names of all of the Chinese dynasties? What is the ending to the book I'm reading right now? Is that movie good or not? Google can tell you where to find anything you could possibly want to find. There is only one piece of technology better than Google...
1. DVRs
Watching shows when they're actually ON and sitting through commercials is so 1999. Why not just set your DVR to record your show automatically, watch it whenever you have time, and fast forward through all the commercials? There is only one problem with DVRs-not enough recording space!
I doubt I'll shock anyone when I say that I have a semi-dependency on technology. I think all of us do to some extent these days. Here is my top 10 list of tech stuff I use and love.
10. Web MD
Wanna know what that weird red dot on your arm is? An at home remedy for colds? How high a fever has to be before you should call a doctor? Web MD knows, and it's telling Moms everywhere. It's the 21st century replacement for old wives tales.
9. Yahoo Answers
I LOVE Yahoo Answers. I get to give advice to total strangers and feel like I'm helping. Then I get to ask questions and get other people's advice/the benefits of their experiences. It's so much fun!
8. Email
Who can live without email I ask you? Seriously-imagine every email you send and receive a day...now imagine that each of those messages took four days to send and receive. Crazy, right? While I still believe there is still a call for written messages in certain situations (birthdays, Christmas, letters to politicians) I don't think I'd last very long if I had to send everything snail-mail style.
7. Facebook
Yes, I Facebook. Every day. Several times a day. That's how I keep in touch with my family, share pics of our kids, and keep up with what everybody is doing....well, that and play Cafe World.
6. MP3s
Soooooooo much better than cassettes, and even better than CDs MP3s are like having the magic keys to the kingdom of music. You can find any song you've ever heard (and lots of songs you haven't) online, then put them on your player, on your computer, on your phone, or even on a CD if the mood strikes you.
5. Cell phones
I'm a recent convert to cell phone land. I didn't actually get a cellphone until about six weeks ago, and I already can't live without it. Plus the convenience of being able to call hubby from the grocery store has saved us enough money in gas going back for forgotten/last minute items to more than pay for our services.
4. Blogging
I couldn't live without you bloggy friends. Well, okay that's a little dramatic-but my life would definitely be less cheerful if I didn't have the ability to hop into the blog world, visit my internet pals and share about my day. I'm still going strong on my 'one post per day' New Years Resolution and I have to say it's really the most fun I've had in a long time-and I don't care if that makes me a giant nerd or not.
3. Wikipedia
Wikipedia is the greatest. True it's totally fallible, but if you're looking for basic information about ANYTHING (and I. do. mean. anything.) it's there just waiting for you. Want to know who that actor was who played that kid in that thing you once saw? Wikipedia can tell you, because it's just that awesome.
2. Google
How did we survive before Google? I seriously don't even know. Being able to type in anything you can possibly think up and receive a million answers in less than a second is life-changing. Where is the closest grocery store? How much did milk cost in 1942? What are the names of all of the Chinese dynasties? What is the ending to the book I'm reading right now? Is that movie good or not? Google can tell you where to find anything you could possibly want to find. There is only one piece of technology better than Google...
1. DVRs
Watching shows when they're actually ON and sitting through commercials is so 1999. Why not just set your DVR to record your show automatically, watch it whenever you have time, and fast forward through all the commercials? There is only one problem with DVRs-not enough recording space!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sunday Ten Spot: TV Moms
The Top Ten TV Moms (as far as I'm concerned)
10. June Cleaver (Leave it to Beaver)
She is the one-the classic TV mom who set the standards impossibly high for every stay at home mom on and off TV. The one who created nostalgia for Super Moms who never existed...and yet no TV Mom list would be complete without her.
Memorable quote: "Once a boy, always a boy."
9. Norma Arnold (The Wonder Years)
A sweet, down to earth woman with a boatload of patience, Norma Arnold was June Cleaver...only not a cyborg.
Memorable quote: "More potatoes, honey?"
8. Lucy Ricardo (I Love Lucy)
The fun and funny mom we all wish we could be, there is a reason that everyone loved Lucy.
Memorable Quote: "Well, I'm your Vitavigavegivat Girl. Are you tired, run down, listless? Do you pop out at parties? Are you unpoopular? "
7. Kitty Foreman (That 70s Show)
Kitty Foreman is the best possible mix of frank and funny. She's not afraid to tell it like it is, but still gives her all into loving and caring for her husband and kids (and her kids' friends). I'd let her be my mom.
Memorable quote: "Red: Pork chops? I thought we agreed to stick to a budget! Pork chops aren't cheap!
Kitty: Well, you know, on the way to the market, I tried to run over a cat. But they are just so darn speedy! "
6. Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch)
Carol was a super cool mom who had it all together (it didn't hurt that she had a housekeeper) and and always had the best advice. Don't play ball in the house? Classic.
Memorable quote: "Carol: What are you going to wear, Mike?Mike: Oh I don't know... my cowboy boots...
Carol: (in her best John Wayne impression) Well ya better wear somethin' else, or you're gonna get arrested!"
5. Amy Matthews (Boy Meets World)
Okay, I can't have been the only kid growing up in the 90s who sometimes wished Mrs. Matthews was their mom. In the last few seasons of the series she was a rock for her entire family during hard times, and through out the series she was always so understanding and patient and loving...the great picture of motherhood in the 90s.
Any mom who can withstand five boys bent on destruction deserves a medal (and a vacation). Lois shows us the moms we all are sometimes-full of maternal love, and at the end of our ropes. Plus she gets extra points for super creative disciplinary techniques.
3. Laura Petrie (The Dick Van Dyke Show)
Mary Tyler Moore created a sweet, funny mom whose love for her husband matched her love for her children. I think that's the thing I love most about her-she portrayed the most realistic relationships at that time (both with her TV husband and TV son). That, and the little rebellious kick that was her iconic capri pants amid a sea of TV moms' skirts, makes me love her.
2. Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)
A single teen mom might not be who some people consider one of the best TV moms, but I love her. In a world where teen moms are used in the media for either after-school-special type lessons (ala 7th Heaven) or for the personification of ghettoness (ala Jerry Springer) she paints what is, to me, a realistic portrait of being a hard working, responsible person who loves their kid and just happened to start a little earlier than her peers. Plus she's super funny.
1. Marge Simpson (The Simpsons)
Yes, I know she's a cartoon-but she's still the best TV mom ever. She's not super funny (at least not on purpose), she's not super perky, and she's not super human...and that's what I love about her. Marge tries her very best at everything and loves her family absolutely unconditionally, all while the writers use her to poke fun of the Super Mom image. I love neurotic Marge and everything she represents.
Okay, I can't have been the only kid growing up in the 90s who sometimes wished Mrs. Matthews was their mom. In the last few seasons of the series she was a rock for her entire family during hard times, and through out the series she was always so understanding and patient and loving...the great picture of motherhood in the 90s.
Memorable Quote: Morgan: Mommy, if my dolly's cold, can I put her in the toaster oven?
Amy: No, honey. That would be a mistake.
Morgan: Mommy?
Amy: Yes?
Morgan: I made a mistake.
Amy: [runs over to toaster oven and pulls out doll] Cory, didn't you smell that?
Cory: Yeah, I just thought we were having plastic for dinner.
Any mom who can withstand five boys bent on destruction deserves a medal (and a vacation). Lois shows us the moms we all are sometimes-full of maternal love, and at the end of our ropes. Plus she gets extra points for super creative disciplinary techniques.
Memorable quote: "Just remember, any kid who makes fun of you is a creepy little loser who will end up working in a car wash."
3. Laura Petrie (The Dick Van Dyke Show)
Mary Tyler Moore created a sweet, funny mom whose love for her husband matched her love for her children. I think that's the thing I love most about her-she portrayed the most realistic relationships at that time (both with her TV husband and TV son). That, and the little rebellious kick that was her iconic capri pants amid a sea of TV moms' skirts, makes me love her.
Memorable quote: "Oh Rob!"
2. Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)
A single teen mom might not be who some people consider one of the best TV moms, but I love her. In a world where teen moms are used in the media for either after-school-special type lessons (ala 7th Heaven) or for the personification of ghettoness (ala Jerry Springer) she paints what is, to me, a realistic portrait of being a hard working, responsible person who loves their kid and just happened to start a little earlier than her peers. Plus she's super funny.
Memorable quote: "Lorelai: Hey, isn't that your naked guy?
Rory: Oh, yeah. Marty, hey! He's not my naked guy.
Lorelai: Well, you don't really want a communal naked guy, nowadays, you know, it's too sketchy."
1. Marge Simpson (The Simpsons)
Yes, I know she's a cartoon-but she's still the best TV mom ever. She's not super funny (at least not on purpose), she's not super perky, and she's not super human...and that's what I love about her. Marge tries her very best at everything and loves her family absolutely unconditionally, all while the writers use her to poke fun of the Super Mom image. I love neurotic Marge and everything she represents.
Memorable quote: " ...and that's the life of Mozart. Thank God he died young. I gotta get dinner on the stove."
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Sunday Ten Spot: Mmm Mmm Good
Top Ten Things I LOVE To Cook For Dinner
10. Chili Pie
Make some cornbread. Make some chili (out of a can, I won't tell!). Pour chili over the corn bread, top with cheese and sour cream, and enjoy. This is a meal you can make in under 20 minutes and goes well (in my opinion) with a nice Caesar salad to lighten it up (and make your overall meal a little healthier).
9. Nacho Beef Dinner
This is a super simple DELICIOUS Mexican dish and it's a go-to staple in the House of M. All you have to do is brown a 1/2lb of hamburger and dry Mexican Rice a Roni rice, add in one can of corn, one can of black beans, 1 1/2 cans of water, and the seasoning packet and bring everything to a boil. Once it's boiling, turn low and cover. Simmer for 15-17 minutes or until all water is absorbed, top with cheese, sour cream, and tomatoes. Eat with chips or rolled up in a tortilla.
8. Breakfast for Dinner
Every couple of weeks we'll have a night where we have breakfast for dinner-usually scrambled eggs with fruit salad and toast. It's a lot of fun, and it keeps dinner simple and light (so it works well if we had a really heavy/really late lunch).
7. Grilled Chicken Salad
Marinate chicken in lemon pepper marinade for about two hours (or poke holes in the chicken breast with a fork and marinate for an hour). Grill, slice into strips, and put chicken on top of spinach with some cheese (feta, mozzarella, Parmesan) and thin apple slices (we like red delicious), put a little bit of lime juice and some walnuts on top. Fruity and healthy and quick (after the marinating part).
6. Pot Roast
My pot roast LITERALLY falls apart-it's the perfect meal for a colder rainy day (which happens a lot in the Pacific NW). All I do is rub the roast (I use chuck roast because the fat makes it tasty) with salt and pepper and sear it on both sides, Then I put it in the roast pan and stick a little bit of garlic down in between the fat and the meat. Then I pour 12 ounces of soda over the roast (I use Diet Pepsi, most people I know use coke or even beer-just something carbonated and a little syrupy will do). I cook it in the oven at 250 for two hours. After two hours, I pull it out and put about 2 cups of water in it. Then I cook it for another hour. After the hour is over I pull it out and add baby carrots, diced potatoes, and onions, turn up the heat to 375 and let it cook for another hour-then viola! Yummy (simple) pot roast!
5. Quiche Florentine
I have the recipe for Quiche Florentine here because we have used it often as a homeschooling too. It's delicious, it makes a great learning tool, and it makes the kids love spinach. 'Nuff said.
4. Vegetarian Gyros
This dish is so simple (are you noticing the pattern here?) and yet SO good for you and probably the yummiest thing ever. All you have to do is spread some hummus and tzatziki sauce on a pita, layer some spinach, feta, and tomatoes on the top and enjoy. Grown ups can eat it rolled up and the kidlets can eat it cut into quarters (like PIZZA!).
3. Home Made Chicken Noodle Soup
This is always a hit with everybody, especially when we're sick (Monkey calls it "sick soup" but really it tastes great) and doesn't take much to make. Boil some egg noodles, drain them and set them aside. Saute some celery, baby carrots, and garlic (good for you when your sick!) in butter with a little bit of salt until just cooked. Add in chopped up pieces of chicken breast and continue sauteing until chicken is lightly browned on both sides. Add chicken and vegetables to noodles, add one can of chicken broth and half a can of water and stir until heated-then enjoy!
2. Cheese Tortellini in Pesto
I will not even TRY to get you to believe that I make home made tortellini. I'm a busy woman, and I have no desire to try to spoon feed you an image of Suzy Home Maker that is, let's face it, not me (or anybody really). I buy a five cheese blend of tortellini that has both white and spinach pasta, boil it until cooked, add some pesto and stir it. I top it with shredded Parmesan and usually serve it with garlic bread and a salad. This dinner takes roughly 10 minutes to make and is SOOOOO good. Seriously so good.
1. Take Out/Order In
It's my favorite because it's the simplest and in case you haven't noticed yet, simple means a lot to me.
10. Chili Pie
Make some cornbread. Make some chili (out of a can, I won't tell!). Pour chili over the corn bread, top with cheese and sour cream, and enjoy. This is a meal you can make in under 20 minutes and goes well (in my opinion) with a nice Caesar salad to lighten it up (and make your overall meal a little healthier).
9. Nacho Beef Dinner
This is a super simple DELICIOUS Mexican dish and it's a go-to staple in the House of M. All you have to do is brown a 1/2lb of hamburger and dry Mexican Rice a Roni rice, add in one can of corn, one can of black beans, 1 1/2 cans of water, and the seasoning packet and bring everything to a boil. Once it's boiling, turn low and cover. Simmer for 15-17 minutes or until all water is absorbed, top with cheese, sour cream, and tomatoes. Eat with chips or rolled up in a tortilla.
8. Breakfast for Dinner
Every couple of weeks we'll have a night where we have breakfast for dinner-usually scrambled eggs with fruit salad and toast. It's a lot of fun, and it keeps dinner simple and light (so it works well if we had a really heavy/really late lunch).
7. Grilled Chicken Salad
Marinate chicken in lemon pepper marinade for about two hours (or poke holes in the chicken breast with a fork and marinate for an hour). Grill, slice into strips, and put chicken on top of spinach with some cheese (feta, mozzarella, Parmesan) and thin apple slices (we like red delicious), put a little bit of lime juice and some walnuts on top. Fruity and healthy and quick (after the marinating part).
6. Pot Roast
My pot roast LITERALLY falls apart-it's the perfect meal for a colder rainy day (which happens a lot in the Pacific NW). All I do is rub the roast (I use chuck roast because the fat makes it tasty) with salt and pepper and sear it on both sides, Then I put it in the roast pan and stick a little bit of garlic down in between the fat and the meat. Then I pour 12 ounces of soda over the roast (I use Diet Pepsi, most people I know use coke or even beer-just something carbonated and a little syrupy will do). I cook it in the oven at 250 for two hours. After two hours, I pull it out and put about 2 cups of water in it. Then I cook it for another hour. After the hour is over I pull it out and add baby carrots, diced potatoes, and onions, turn up the heat to 375 and let it cook for another hour-then viola! Yummy (simple) pot roast!
5. Quiche Florentine
I have the recipe for Quiche Florentine here because we have used it often as a homeschooling too. It's delicious, it makes a great learning tool, and it makes the kids love spinach. 'Nuff said.
4. Vegetarian Gyros
This dish is so simple (are you noticing the pattern here?) and yet SO good for you and probably the yummiest thing ever. All you have to do is spread some hummus and tzatziki sauce on a pita, layer some spinach, feta, and tomatoes on the top and enjoy. Grown ups can eat it rolled up and the kidlets can eat it cut into quarters (like PIZZA!).
3. Home Made Chicken Noodle Soup
This is always a hit with everybody, especially when we're sick (Monkey calls it "sick soup" but really it tastes great) and doesn't take much to make. Boil some egg noodles, drain them and set them aside. Saute some celery, baby carrots, and garlic (good for you when your sick!) in butter with a little bit of salt until just cooked. Add in chopped up pieces of chicken breast and continue sauteing until chicken is lightly browned on both sides. Add chicken and vegetables to noodles, add one can of chicken broth and half a can of water and stir until heated-then enjoy!
2. Cheese Tortellini in Pesto
I will not even TRY to get you to believe that I make home made tortellini. I'm a busy woman, and I have no desire to try to spoon feed you an image of Suzy Home Maker that is, let's face it, not me (or anybody really). I buy a five cheese blend of tortellini that has both white and spinach pasta, boil it until cooked, add some pesto and stir it. I top it with shredded Parmesan and usually serve it with garlic bread and a salad. This dinner takes roughly 10 minutes to make and is SOOOOO good. Seriously so good.
1. Take Out/Order In
It's my favorite because it's the simplest and in case you haven't noticed yet, simple means a lot to me.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sunday Ten Spot: Watch This!
Underrated Movies I Love
10. Enemy of the State
Everybody loves Will Smith, but very few people love this movie. It's just not one that makes very many top tens, but I think it should. This "big brother conspiracy" movie, also starring Gene Hackman, is fast paced and fascinating-certainly worth a watch and definitely worth more credit than most people give it.
9. Jersey Girl
Yep, it has Ben Affleck in it. And yes, Jennifer Lopez-but only for a minute I swear. Still, in the end, I happen to think that this funny and heartwarming movie about a widower and his daughter is one of the best Kevin Smith movies ever.
8. National Lampoon's Van Wilder
It's not Shakespeare. Fine. Is it crude? Absolutely-but it's about college kids so I think that kind of goes with the territory. At its core though, Van Wilder is about a guy with a big heart who stays in college by purposely failing everything. Ryan Reynolds makes Van Wilder such a hilarious and yet sweet character that it becomes a lot easier to look past the sex jokes-plus the end makes you want to say awwwww.
7. Shaun of the DeadThe tag line says it all-"A Romantic Comedy. With Zombies." There might be zombies in it but the real point of this movie is beyond that, and scene by scene it is absolutely HILARIOUS which keeps the movie from being preachy or too zombified. I know it's not for everyone but I happen to love Simon Pegg and British humor...if you like either one and don't mind a little zombie action you should definitely see this movie.
6. Layer Cake
I know what you're thinking-you've never heard of this movie. You and pretty much everyone else...but it's awesome. Basically it's about a drug dealer trying to get out of "the life". It's definitely for mature audiences only (it IS about drug dealers so there is lots of, you know, drugs violence swearing etc.) but the ending will blow you away. Bonus-you get to see Daniel Craig pre-007.
5. Office Space
While plenty of people have seen this movie, no one seems to love this movie and I don't know why! Maybe I'm just a huge nerd, maybe I worked in a cubicle too long, but I think that the story of three guys breaking out of the cubicle and sticking it to the man (in a nerd way) is freakin' awesome.
4. Big Fish
When people tell me they haven't seen this movie I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little upset. It is so wonderful I just watch it over and over and over again. Big Fish is about the tall tales a father told his son all of his life. While the father is on his death bed the son comes to him and wants 'the truth', and in return we are taken through many of the fantastic stories of his father's youth. This movie is charming, and everyone should watch it at least once.
3. Serenity
Okay, in my world (full of SciFi/Joss Wheden dorks) this movie is a BIG deal. An awesome, fantabulous big deal that most of the rest of the world is missing out on. I still haven't forgiven Fox for marketing Firefly (this movie's founding TV series) as a "space western" and murdering it in its first season...not because the description isn't accurate (it totally is) but because it is better to let people come to that conclusion themselves rather than limit the amount of people willing to watch. Still, if you can start out with an open mind, I promise Serenity won't disappoint anyone interested in action/adventure.
2. Accepted
No one I ever ask has seen this movie and that just makes me want to run out and buy you all a copy. I LOVE this movie. This movie is about a kid who doesn't get accepted to any colleges so, rather than face disappointing his parents and being humiliated in front of his classmates, he decides to make up his own college. Besides having a (subconsciously?) pro-unschooling message, it's just plain funny.
1. Lady in the Water
A modern day cross between a thriller and a fairy tale, this movie is enchanting. In it a man finds himself in the midst of an ancient bedtime story come to life, and he and his fellow apartment dwellers join in the story, learning more about themselves along the way. I cannot recommend this movie enough and yet at best people have never heard of it because it gets eclipsed by M. Night Shyamalan's other movies (The Sixth Sense comes to mind).
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday Ten Spot: Excuses, Excuses
Eventually we're all going to need an excuse for some reason so here-have some of my old stand bys.....
10. I was up all night with the baby.
9. I have something in the oven right now.
8. The kids are ALL sick right now (*cough*)
7. Sure, I'd love to! Let me ask Hubby.....[Pause for effect].......yeah, he said we couldn't. Too bad really-catch you next time!
6. Forget? Of course not! I was JUST about to step out the door, but you-know-who (insert kid/animal here) started having separation anxiety issues. I'm on my way right now!
5. Oh darn, doctor's appointment.
4. The babysitter can't make it/we have no babysitter...otherwise we totally would.
3. The kids are sleeping so I have to be really quiet.
2. The kids are crying and I can't hear you.
1. The check is in the mail.
9. I have something in the oven right now.
8. The kids are ALL sick right now (*cough*)
7. Sure, I'd love to! Let me ask Hubby.....[Pause for effect].......yeah, he said we couldn't. Too bad really-catch you next time!
6. Forget? Of course not! I was JUST about to step out the door, but you-know-who (insert kid/animal here) started having separation anxiety issues. I'm on my way right now!
5. Oh darn, doctor's appointment.
4. The babysitter can't make it/we have no babysitter...otherwise we totally would.
3. The kids are sleeping so I have to be really quiet.
2. The kids are crying and I can't hear you.
1. The check is in the mail.
The cool part is, these are all true at some point so they're virtually undetectable-use them all you want!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunday Ten Spot: Leading Women
The Ten Best Female Characters of All Time [according to me]
10-9. Rory and Lorelei of Gilmore Girls
Separately as characters they were pretty good but not nearly as good as they were together. Together they created a back-and-forth pop reference based relationship that was almost a character in and of itself.
8. Kat of 10 Things I Hate About You
Yes I know this is based on Taming of the Shrew, and nine times out of ten I side with the Bard over remakes, but I'm going to have to go with modern society on this one. This 90s retelling paints a portrait of Kat (the shrew) that is just so honest and colorful and is, even to this Shakespeare-lover, so much more compelling than her paper counterpart. So sue me.
7.Carmen (of the Opera by the same name)
This fiery, fickle, femme fatale is one of the great female characters. Not great because she possesses much virtue, but she is certainly larger than life and she paints a portrait of the negative side of femininity taken to the extreme.
6. Buffy of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Just the idea of Buffy is awesome-what would happen if a valley girl teenager was suddenly The Chosen Vampire Slayer? See-it even sounds funny. Managing to be quirky, witty, and girly while being complex, poignant, and sympathetic is not an easy feat for one character, but I think she manages to do it.
5. Jo March of Little Women
One of the major reasons why I wanted to grow up to be a writer (mission...kind of accomplished?), Josephine March is a dynamic and charismatic female character who, despite her dreadful dreadful actions toward Laurie, we can all love.
4. Temperance Brennan of Bones
Calculating genius Bones solves super complicated murder cases with her logic and still manages to turn up the temp with Hottie McHotterson Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) proving that smart chicks can be sexy too.
3. Scout Finch of To Kill A Mockingbird
One of the best, most human narrators in all of fiction Scout both tells of and embodies the reality of growing up and the struggle to believe in the goodness of people while facing some of the most ugly things that people have ever done.
2. Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice
One of my very favorite female characters, she was definitely ahead of her time. Head strong, independent, and witty to boot she was feminist before it was popular and yet not afraid to love Darcy with her whole heart (in the end).
1. Scarlet O'Hara of Gone With the Wind
How could she not be on this list? How could she not be number one? Scarlett O'Hara is a legendary female character-I would even go so far as to say she herself is the epic of this story. Determined, shrewd, and brutally cold hearted she is not a particularly likeable character in my opinion, but she is still written in such a way that you can absolutely understand all of her many dimensions, and so frankly my dear I don't give a damn.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday Ten Spot: Leading Men
The Ten Best Male Characters of All Time [according to me]
10. Booth of Bones
I love love love this character. He is the ultimate man's man, but with a squishy underbelly of romanticism. He's the ultimate in tough with a heart of gold. Plus David Boreanaz? Seriously people.
9. Hamlet
The true Great Dane, Hamlet captures the epitome of angst and the contradictions of the human condition. Shakespeare sure knows how to write 'em.
8. Sherlock Holmes
A pretentious, ill tempered, insecure genius. He's a complex character that I always love to hate.
7. Soames Forsyte of the Forsyte Saga
Is he a bad guy, or is he a victim of a disintegrating Victorian society which no longer has a place for him? I can read this book a thousand times and never quite picture him the same way.
6. Sidney Carton of A Tale of Two Cities
A very dynamically written character, I always start out irritated with Carton and yet by the time he sacrifices himself for Lucie's sake I never fail to be convinced of his virtue.
5. Mal of Firefly/Serenity
Yep, he's on the list. You're probably going to wonder why...and why he's ranked so high-between Carton and Winston Smith. The reason is because he's actually a supremely developed character. Yes, he seems shallow and sarcastic on the surface, but between Joss Whedon and Nathon Fillion the character of Mal developed into a 'modern day' knight/cowboy character that I really love.
4. Winston Smith of 1984
I don't think I have ever felt as badly for another character as I do for Smith. His plight is so tragic, and the humanity of this character is what makes this novel brilliant and gut wrenching.
3. Mr. Darcy
Oh noble, intelligent, forthright Darcy. Oh superior, snooty, human Darcy. I personally find him the most swoon-worthy fictional person ever.
2. Sir Percy of The Scarlet Pimpernel
The fop who-underneath it all-turns out to be the most heroic, intelligent, dashing, romantic character. To the best of my knowledge he was one of modern literature's first "undercover heros" and he certainly sets that bar high.
1. Heathcliff of Wuthering Heights
If you read this book you WILL feel intensely about Heathcliff. You will think that he is the most evil character ever written, or the most wonderful tortured romantic character ever written, but you won't be able to push him aside or only think about him for a minute. Books have been written on the subject of Heathcliff, and the truth is that you will see what you want to see in him because he is just as multidimensional as an actual human-if not more so.
So what do you think are the ten best male characters of all time? Weigh in~if you leave a link I'll come visit!
10. Booth of Bones
I love love love this character. He is the ultimate man's man, but with a squishy underbelly of romanticism. He's the ultimate in tough with a heart of gold. Plus David Boreanaz? Seriously people.
9. Hamlet
The true Great Dane, Hamlet captures the epitome of angst and the contradictions of the human condition. Shakespeare sure knows how to write 'em.
8. Sherlock Holmes
A pretentious, ill tempered, insecure genius. He's a complex character that I always love to hate.
7. Soames Forsyte of the Forsyte Saga
Is he a bad guy, or is he a victim of a disintegrating Victorian society which no longer has a place for him? I can read this book a thousand times and never quite picture him the same way.
6. Sidney Carton of A Tale of Two Cities
A very dynamically written character, I always start out irritated with Carton and yet by the time he sacrifices himself for Lucie's sake I never fail to be convinced of his virtue.
5. Mal of Firefly/Serenity
Yep, he's on the list. You're probably going to wonder why...and why he's ranked so high-between Carton and Winston Smith. The reason is because he's actually a supremely developed character. Yes, he seems shallow and sarcastic on the surface, but between Joss Whedon and Nathon Fillion the character of Mal developed into a 'modern day' knight/cowboy character that I really love.
4. Winston Smith of 1984
I don't think I have ever felt as badly for another character as I do for Smith. His plight is so tragic, and the humanity of this character is what makes this novel brilliant and gut wrenching.
3. Mr. Darcy
Oh noble, intelligent, forthright Darcy. Oh superior, snooty, human Darcy. I personally find him the most swoon-worthy fictional person ever.
2. Sir Percy of The Scarlet Pimpernel
The fop who-underneath it all-turns out to be the most heroic, intelligent, dashing, romantic character. To the best of my knowledge he was one of modern literature's first "undercover heros" and he certainly sets that bar high.
1. Heathcliff of Wuthering Heights
If you read this book you WILL feel intensely about Heathcliff. You will think that he is the most evil character ever written, or the most wonderful tortured romantic character ever written, but you won't be able to push him aside or only think about him for a minute. Books have been written on the subject of Heathcliff, and the truth is that you will see what you want to see in him because he is just as multidimensional as an actual human-if not more so.
So what do you think are the ten best male characters of all time? Weigh in~if you leave a link I'll come visit!
Sorry this is so late-I thought I set this for today, but apparently I set it for next Sunday-aaaah! Good think I checked before midnight!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sunday Ten Spot: Procrastination
Ten ways to avoid doing chores during nap time
10. Play Guitar Hero
9. Catch up on your DVR recordings
8. Read a good book (or a bad one, in a pinch)
7. Look up "housework" on Wikipedia
6. Facebook
5. Do a cross word in pen-start a new one if you mess up
4. Complete at least one whole phone conversation without interruptions
3. Take a bubble bath
2. Blog
1. Nap!
Do you have a list this week? Link below and I'll come visit!
10. Play Guitar Hero
9. Catch up on your DVR recordings
8. Read a good book (or a bad one, in a pinch)
7. Look up "housework" on Wikipedia
6. Facebook
5. Do a cross word in pen-start a new one if you mess up
4. Complete at least one whole phone conversation without interruptions
3. Take a bubble bath
2. Blog
1. Nap!
Do you have a list this week? Link below and I'll come visit!
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