Thankful

"Peyton, what are you most thankful for?"

"Momma, I'm thankful for you. I love you to infinity and beyond. That's even farther than California!"

Oil Change Oil Schmange

There are times when I don't like to be upsold. When I'm sitting in the car with two crabby kids before lunch time waiting for an oil change, that would be one time, for instance. And why as me if I'd like my lights checked? Windshield washed? Tires checked? Am I paying for it? Then DO IT.

Ok, I'm done ranting now. I think.

Recipe of the Day --- Brown Sugar & Pecan Pancakes

It's fall, and what's more fall-like than ooey gooey pancakes with yummy pecan and brown sugar flair? And better yet, it's SIMPLE! Surprise your kids with these delectable pancakes and they're guaranteed to chow 'em down!

Ingredients---

2 cups pancake batter (I prefer Krusteez)

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans (I grind mine down in a food processor for a few seconds)

1/4 brown sugar

Directions---

Mix the pancake batter to desired consistency, add the pecans and brown sugar. Cook on LOW in griddle until lightly browned. Cover with pure maple syrup and a dusting of brown sugar. Voila! You have yourself a quick, yummy, and sneaky protein-packed pancake breakfast!

Recipe of the Day --- Monster Cupcakes

• So it's fall...which means bake-a-thon season for mama MJ. Today's recipe is for super cute monster cupcakes. Nothing compares to from-scratch cake and frosting! ENJOY!
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• White Cake

• 1/2 cup water
• 4 ounces white confectioners coating or vanilla chips
• 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup flaked coconut
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Directions

In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat; stir in confectionery coating until melted. Cool for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg yolks; mix well. Beat in coating and vanilla. Combine flour and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Mix well. Stir in the coconut. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into the batter. Separate batter into bowls, the number of bowls depending on how many colors of batter you want. I usually make green, blue, yellow and orange cake batter. Line cupcake pans. Fill cupcake liners with the various colors of batter. Get creative...it's never wrong to have a mash of colors make up one cool cupcake! Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Icing

1 & 1/2 lbs Sweetex Shortening
1/2 lb White Oleo or its also called White Margarine (Room tempature)
4 lbs Powdered Sugar
3/4 Cup Water
2 tsp. Vanilla extract (white vanilla)

In large mixer beat Sweetex and Oleo until blended well. Slowly add while mixing on low Water and Vanilla and beat well. Slowly add while mixing on low to med powdered sugar. Beat until icing has a smooth non grainy texture (until Sugar is mixed well) Separate frosting and dye to whatever colors you wish. I've added a photo of my cupcakes as a reference.

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Buck Up Soldier

Somebody's been watching the Military Channel around the children...and hint hint...it's not momma! Case in point ---

Whilst playing with his new army men I bought him, I overheard Peyton say "Die Germans, DIE! We Americans are TOUGH and will shoot you up!"

It's time for another talk with the boy. And by "boy" I mean daddy, and by "talk" I mean not watching violent shows around our young and impressionable boys.

Holy Guacamole!

Has it really been a couple years since I've blogged? Geesh....this motherhood gig is more time-consuming than I thought. Here are my two years in a nut shell.

I lost 100 pounds.

I was featured in Women's Health Magazine highlighting my weight loss.

I became a personal trainer.

I finally bought my kick-ass Nikon DSLR.

I am venturing into family and child photography.

I have lost friends.

I have gained better friends.

I have wanted to kill my husband via a slow and painful method.

I have loved my husband so much I thought my heart would burst.

I have enjoyed being a "stay at home mommy" to my baby cubs.

I have felt inadequate for not holding a "real" job.

I decided I wanted a third baby.

I changed my mind on wanting a third baby after a day spent with my two neanderthals.

I now dye my hair from necessity rather than vanity.

I blame my kids and husband for necessity of hair dye.

I am an extreme couponer.

I sent my firstborn to preschool. ***sniff sniff***

But hopefully the most significant thing I've done in the past few years is be a great wife, nurturing mommy, stellar friend, and formidable foe.

Hope you're ready for more MJ...I'm back baby, and ready to blog away!

5x7 Folded Card

Seasonal Chic Christmas Card

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