Nobody Puts Mama In A Corner!

Super Manly Super Bowl Dip!

2012-01-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

Hot Caramelized Onion Dip with Bacon and Gruyère

YUMMMMMMM

Mama was internet surfing and trotted over to the lovely

Coastal Living

website and found that they have some wonderful recipes!

This one really spoke to me...well actually screamed to me!

Oh just tell me.....who doesn't LOVE bacon!

I can't wait to try this and surprise the menfolk with this treat on Super Bowl weekend!

Run, Skip and Jump over

HERE to get this recipe!

Don't Mess With A Mama Protecting Her Baby

2012-01-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

A Mama will protect her babies at all cost! God Bless this young mama for protecting herself and her baby. She just lost her husband to cancer on Christmas day and days later faces this horrible situation.

Boys Will Be Boys!

2011-12-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

"MOM, This is fun!", says baby boy #1.

Mama yells, "GET OFF THE ICE!"

"NOW!"

"I just want to get that rock over there." says the boy.

NO!!!!

says the mama

"I can roll to it!"

NO!

says the mama once again
even LOUDER!

He finally gets tired and crawls back to the bank.

Kids...don't try this at home!

Thanksgiving in Steamboat

2011-11-22T21:57:00.000-08:00

Our wonderful friends invited us to stay with them in Steamboat for Thanksgiving.

The property is beautiful to say the least. They will soon be offering this property as a vacation rental. Please feel free to share the website with anyone looking to vacation in Steamboat, Colorado.

Trails End

Cluck Cluck Sew

2011-11-13T13:35:00.000-08:00

I love visiting Mama Allison's blog,

Cluck Cluck Sew!

Her talent, style and perky quilts just make me all giddy inside! She has wonderful tutorials that are darling and

oh so easy peasy!

Here is just one example of a great Christmas

gift you can whip up.

Go HERE to pay her a visit and learn

how to create these

sweet gifts!

Thanksgiving!

2011-11-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

I am so excited that Thanksgiving is nearing! I will be a baking, cooking, stuffing, decorating mama for sure! What fun we will have on this special day. A day where we give thanks for all of our many countless blessings.

Here I am gathering holly from the garden!

I will be bringing out our Turkey Tins again this year!

Go HERE to read how to make these cute decorations!

Please Pray, Reflect and Discuss

2011-11-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Death is never easy, but the death of a child is even more difficult to accept. It is even more challenging when that death is a suicide.
My children attend Regis Jesuit High School in Colorado. Because they attend this school, our family immediately becomes a part of the amazing and loving Regis Jesuit Community. In the course of the past 4 years we have shared mostly joy but also great sadness within this extended family known as Regis Jesuit. Last Thursday one of my son's teammates took his own life. Words can not express the enormous grief the family and community is experiencing at this time. Dominick will be laid to rest on Monday. I share with you this event not to bring you sadness, but awareness. I challenge each of you reading this post to discuss and share the topic of suicide with your loved ones. Discuss life's challenges and obstacles and how we can help each other through the most difficult times. Make it well known to the ones you love that there is absolutely nothing they could do that would change your love for them, and no obstacle that can't be tackled. Please refer to the resources provided by our school. Copy them and share them with the ones you love.
Please pray for this family and all who loved this young man. Pray for the countless others who are affected by suicide and the devastating trail it leaves behind.
Rest in Peace Dom.

Dear Parents,

Many of you have already heard the sad news of the death of one of our Regis Jesuit students. Last night, junior Dominick Doyle took his own life. Dominick was the older brother of Boys Division freshman Donovan and Girls Division freshman Aly. Early this morning Fr. Kevin Dyer and Fr. Phil Steele prayed with Dominick’s parents, Derrick and Flo, at the hospital and blessed Dominick’s body. We will let everyone know when the funeral arrangements have been made.

The devastation, grief and confusion being felt by the Doyle family is shared by the entire community of Regis Jesuit. I know how readily and generously our families will step forward to offer the Doyles the support and help that they will need to get through these dark days. Here at school, we are trying to maintain a sense of calm and normalcy as much as possible, but also to attend to those students who are most deeply affected by this tragic event. All day today, the counselors, pastoral team, and administrators are available for those who would like to talk. We told the students that anyone wishing to do that should simply ask the teacher to be dismissed.

All of us—adults and students alike—will need to be more than ordinarily attentive to each other. The adults will be here for our students and each other; the students will be here for one another. The greatest gifts we can give each other at a time like this are presence and prayer. In fact that is all we can give; there are no words that can make sense of this. We can and must simply be with one another, share the sadness, and allow God to be present in and through us. Above all, we pray that God hold his dear son Dominick close to Himself, and that God will reach through the pain of this moment to grant strength and hope to Dominick’s family and friends.

Today at 12:30 pm, the Mass in the Rupert Mayer Chapel will be celebrated for Dominick’s eternal rest. Anyone is welcome who would like to come and pray for Dominick, and for the consolation of his parents, his brother Donovan and his sister Aly. He was a wonderful son, brother, and friend and a great gift to all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

One final note: Dominick was a football player, and his father is on the football coaching staff. The family has told us quite forcefully that they want tonight’s football game to be played. They feel that will be best for our students, and we agree.

Sincerely,

PHILIP G. STEELE, SJ '66
President

Over the course of the last few days our faculty, staff and counselors have been active in responding to the context in each building. Along with our school therapist, the pastoral departments and the counseling departments in both Divisions have worked hand-in-hand with the faculty and staff to speak with students who are significantly challenged by Dominick's passing. They have additionally responded to parent concerns about individual students, holding conversations as necessary and keeping administrations in both buildings informed.

Included here are resources to give you some tools for conversations with your students at home. Please take a look at them. We believe these can be very helpful and can provide a good sense of questions and conversations to have at home.

Please continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Dominick Doyle, pray for the Doyle family and for the entire community of Regis Jesuit.

Encourage one another.
Live in harmony and peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
—2 Corinthians 13: 11-12

REFLECTIONS ON THE RECENT DEATH IN OUR COMMUNITY
Dear Parents and Guardians,

There can be no greater sorrow for a parent than to lose a
child—and, thank God, not many of you have had to
endure that experience. Few of us can even imagine
what it is like to suffer the loss of a child.

In ways large and small, the death of junior
Dominick Doyle has touched the entire community.
Some have been shaken to the core; others will
experience it less intensely—but all of us are
affected by this death.

For some of our students, this is the first experience
of the death of someone close to them. For others,
it is the first experience of the death of someone
their own age. In addition to the questions that
always confront us at such a time, the sudden
death of a young person unleashes a special
torrent of questions among his or her peers.
(Why didn’t I take the keys? Why didn’t I tell someone?
Why didn’t I reach out? Is there some sign I missed?)
And when the death is a suicide, the anger, guilt,
and confusion can be overwhelming. Those close
to the person have a special kind of loss to deal with.
But all sorts of feelings can also be unleashed in
young people not necessarily close to the person
who died, but who may already be struggling
with issues of depression, loneliness, breakups,
a relative’s death, etc.

Last Friday, when news of Dominick’s death
became known, the entire community of Regis Jesuit
came together in sorrow, support and prayer.
Some students simply sat side by side in the
hallway—silent at first, then crying, quietly talking,
praying and hugging. Some went to class, where
perhaps they were able to share their questions
and confusion. Some spoke to counselors, teachers or
coaches. The football team gathered in the field house
where they could remember their teammate, pray and
begin to wrestle with the impact of this sudden death.
Some parents came to school simply to be near their
children. Others came to pick them up, feeling that home
was the best place to be at that moment.
During mid-morning, rosaries were said in
both divisions. Shortly after noon
a memorial Mass was held in the Boys gymnasium.
Nearly a thousand students sat side-by-side on the
floor, with many parents and teachers on chairs
nearby. The holy silence of that room expressed
powerfully the reality of grief and love that no words
could express.

I write today to simply voice my awe and gratitude
to this community, and to affirm that all of us will
need to offer even more generously than usual the
precious gifts of presence and attention to our
children in the weeks and months ahead. During
school hours teachers, counselors, coaches and
school administrators can offer to parents those
extra sets of eyes and ears that are often able to
spot early signs of trouble. But they can never
replace the time and attention to their children that
parents can give. Honest conversation when the
time is right; extra hugs; family meals—such simple
gifts, but so important at a time like this.

Not many parents feel prepared to deal with
situations like this. Excuse the cliché, but it really
does take a village. You can be a great source
of support to one another. You can help each
other immensely by paying attention to each
other’s children. Ask questions. As you know,
some kids find it easier to talk to their friends’
parents than their own!

Mama Has Been Busy!

2011-10-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since my last post.

I have been quite the busy bee!

School started fast and furious with three babies in high school!

I can't even stand it!

Here is a snapshot of my life lately!

A Life That I Fully

LOVE

and

ADORE!

Baby Boy

Baby Girl #1

Baby Girl #2

Life

GOOD
VERY
VERY
GOOD

Holding on to Summer

2011-09-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday upon waking

the morning temperature was

35 degrees!

By the afternoon it was 80!

Crazy is it not?

My old bones can't take such extremes!

We have not had snow yet. My garden is still in full bloom!

I love absolutely love it!

So today I am hanging on to Summer just a little longer

even though Fall is here

and

the school year is in full bloom!

Posting up a new painting that Baby Girl #1 gave me for Mother's Day this year. It is an oil on canvas.

It is yet another wonderful painting

from a beautiful baby girl!

Squirrels Again!

2011-08-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

Well I told you I had a thing for squirrels! I remember driving to my Granny's house with my seester riding shot gun and I nearly flipped by big old honker SUV to avoid a very unintelligent squirrel running toward my car at a speed of about 20mph while I was full steam ahead at 60mph! But I saved the squirrel!

So you need to watch this video of this little girl with her dead pet squirrel. You have to get over the fact that this squirrel most likely carries all kinds of diseases and then try not to scream when she practically wipes her mouth with it's tail! Then hold your hand over your ears at the nice 4 letter word the mom throws in at the end of the video. If you can get over all of that and realize it is disturbing on many levels, then it just may be funny to you. It was to me! My favorite part is when she makes it's head move up and down! I can't even stand it! Poor Squirrel!

This is Absolutely ADORABLE

2011-08-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Oh my GOODNESS! If you do only just one thing for yourself, listen to this audio of Ree's sweet baby boy singing! It will put a BIG smile on your face!

GO HERE!

This made me laugh today!

2011-08-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

This really made me laugh today!

Koralee at Bluebird Notes

has my sense of humor for sure!

McHappy she names him!

McHappy reminds me of DEACON.

I found Deacon at the Goodwill

and gave him to Lisa!

Lisa loves Deacon!

Don't ask!

Have a McHappy Weekend!

I will look for a picture of Deacon.

Iced Coffee Served to the Babies!

2011-08-13T23:44:00.000-07:00

Well down in the SOUTH and especially in

LOUUUISIANNNA

MAMAS

SERVE

CAFE AU LAIT

the

babies

and

THEY RUB WHISKEY

their

gums

when

cutting teeth

So we took a road trip top Texas and my dear friend Colleen whipped up some of The Pioneer Woman's famous Iced Coffee!

It is a dessert by itself!

contains

one of the cardinal sins

dieting

A VERY EVIL LITTLE CAN

this

You DUMP it in like this!

It is so stinkin thick it just lies on top

in a big clump!

Throw in a SHOT of Half and Half

and

merge the two together carefully!

This is what you have!

Heavenly Caffeine!

Make sure to get some good crunchy ice!

Sonic ice is best!

It is, it really is!

So go HERE to visit The Pioneer Woman to get the recipe in it's entirety.

Missing My Loved Ones In Heaven

2011-08-13T09:56:00.001-07:00

Loosing people is never easy. The grief will come in waves. At times your emotions are calm and steady and then out of nowhere a huge tidal wave hits you and brings you to your knees. Healing comes through prayer and faith. Faith that you will be reunited again. Faith that love does continue even after death. I love this song by Josh Groban. I remember when my dear friend, Brenda played it for me in her truck after her mom and dad had passed away. We just sat and wept at the beauty of it.

Sending my love up to heaven today.

Gone Too Long! Lazy Summer Days

2011-06-20T21:34:00.001-07:00

Hello my friends!

Sorry I have been gone so long!

Summer is here and lots to do and see.

Kids at camps, football, basketball and dance.

Crazy busy but GOOD!

No homework to worry about.

Oh how we love those lazy crazy days of summer!

My favorite summer memory is sitting on my Granny's front porch after "supper" watching the cars drive by as we take turns on her swing!

Check out these porches from Southern Living Magazine!

DREAMY!

BREEZY!

and

YUMMY!

yes

said

YUMMY!

Mama is Craving Spicy Noodles

2011-05-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

Spicy Veggie Asian Noodles

Mama needed a quick spicy Asian fix last week!

So I rummaged through the frig and pulled out whatever I could find to create this easy dish.

and.....

It was GOOD

REAL

GOOD

Spicy Asian Veggie Noodles

1/2 box of wide whole wheat noodles

1 cup of fresh snow peas

1/2 small purple onion (sliced in wide lengths)

1 cup of cherry tomatoes (cut in halves)

1/2 cup of green chives (sliced in wide lengths)

1/2 cup of cilantro (slightly chopped)

1/2 cup of peanut butter (slightly soften in microwave)

1/2 cup of nonfat plain yogurt

2 T soy sauce

1/8 t red cayenne pepper

1T peanut oil or sesame oil

Combine peanut butter, yogurt, soy sauce and pepper in a small bowl. If not spicy enough you may add more pepper! Set the sauce aside.

Cook noodles according to package instructions, drain but do not rinse.

In a saucepan add the oil and saute veggies until slightly brown. Remove from the heat and mix in cilantro.

In a large bowl combine noodles, sauce and veggies. Toss to coat noodles evenly.

I usually end up adding some chinese hot chili sauce to my serving. I sometimes squeeze a little lime on mine as well. Just play around with the flavors to your liking. If you like more sauce-double it. You may also throw in other veggies or substitute the ones I chose.

This is my friend!

HOT Chili Sauce

YUMMMM

I want these NOW!

2011-05-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Look what the Pioneer Woman cooked up!

OH MY GOODNESS!

I so want to eat these babies right now!

You just have to skip over to see her

Cinco De Mayo post!

WARNING

Don't go hungry!

Consider yourself warned!

Speaking of Mexican Food

Follow this link to an older post

on my 40 second salsa recipe!

HERE

Adios Amigos!

I Don't Understand! Truly I Don't!

2011-04-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

So What is up with Beatrice's hat?

It looks as if the poor girl has horns?

I just can't take it!

Side view......not much better!

I'm thinking she is going to look back at these photos and have great regret!

No No No!

I'm just not feeling the love....but I am not a fashion queen so maybe it is just me!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

May this Easter Sunday

find you with family and friends

enjoying the day that
Christ rose from the dead.

Blessing to you and yours!

The Boogie Fog Disco

2011-04-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

A LONG LONG time ago Mama Holli

would spend her summer nights at the

Boogie Fog Disco

Astroworld!

Oh Yes How I remember the dance floor that changed colors!

We were HIP and COOL

in our Gap Corduroys and wave shoes!

SO COOL!
We danced The HUSTLE!
I made a new HUSTLE and named
it the "HOLLI HUSTLE"!
OH YEAH BABY!
I had a line of girls all lined up following my lead!
It went something like this...........

SO COOL!

Sunny Days are Here Again!

2011-03-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

Or at least for the week!

Happy, Perky, Painted

and

WARM Toes!

View from my balcony!

Oo La La

SUNSHINE

WAVES

WIND

and

SUN

The Perfect Week!

Never even left the property!

Thank you, St. Maarten!

I will be back soon!

Island Food

Recipe from Mama Ree

Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Go HERE to snatch up this recipe!

Marcel The Shell

2011-03-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

So my kids just showed me this video and I laughed so hard I cried!

It does not take much to make me laugh these days-I am so simple minded!

High School Basketball-You Gotta Love it!

2011-03-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

Baby Boy #1 is on his school's
JV Basketball team!

They were 20-1 this season!

SO FUN!

Here are my boys
ready to go in!

The Varsity team fought hard to get
to the playoffs once again!

and........

Our Varsity Boys

WON

STATE

AGAIN!

THIS IS THE THIRD

YEAR

A ROW!

It has not been done in Colorado
with a 5A school

in over 60 years!

UNBELIEVABLE!

So Stinkin Proud of all of these fine young men!
Watch out next year!
Going for a 4 Peat!
OH YEAH!

Mama LOVES to Chip and Dip!

2011-03-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

I am a total freak when it comes to chips and dips!

I can't pass up a good dip recipe!

I love the salty chips and always find the need

to submerge them in a yummy dip!

Mama Ree just posted up this to die for

Avocado Crab Dip!

and

course

she uses a

BIG

HONKER

FRITO

scoop up the dip!

YUM!

Go HERE to scoop up the recipe!

Meet Mama Simone

2011-03-05T21:22:00.000-08:00

Say hello to Mama Simone

from

Beach Vintage

She has a fabulous store

full of wonderful delights!

I love her projects!

Check out this one she posted last week.

She takes glass jars from the thrift store

and paints them from the inside!

Go HERE for the tutorial.

Mama is Bragging Again!

2011-02-25T17:59:00.000-08:00

So Here I Go

AGAIN

Posting up a new painting

from Baby Girl #1

Her art class is working on faces!

Her teacher gave her this photocopy...

and she made a graph to enlarge

the measurements.

She says it is much easier to attempt

faces if you graph and measure.

This helps you get the proportions correct. It is all so foreign to me!

I am completely mesmerized

by her work!

Mama Ree Can Cook!

2011-02-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

My Baby Seester, Joy, made this hearty sandwich last month for her cowboys! She said it was FAB!

Well she did not use that word but you get the picture!

Simple ingredients you will have
in the pantry

and very quick and easy to prepare!

Thanks Mama Ree

Go HERE to get the recipe!

This Makes Mama Laugh!

2011-02-20T14:17:00.001-08:00

Mama is BACK!

2011-02-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been gone so long!

It has been a little busy

around Mama's House!

All is good

just

BUSY

Here is a snapshot of what Mama has been up to this month!

Baby Girl #2

CHEER

Baby Boy #24

Basketball

Baby Girl #1

POMS

Disney with POMS Team

and

Baby Girl #1

Just a Mama trying her best

to keep up with her babies!

Quilting Mamas Gone Wild!

2011-01-31T10:26:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOODNESS!

I can hardly stand it!

HOW

STINKIN

CUTE

THIS!

Go HOP SKIP and JUMP

over

and

learn how to make this little darling

Go HERE

NOW

Moving no to the next quilting mama-

Introducing a talented quilter who just happens to be blind.

She calls her blindness an inconvenience not a handicap!

God Bless Her!

Home

2011-01-24T21:47:00.000-08:00

Single Papa and His Baby Girl

Singing HOME

This is so stinkin cute!

Cielo Azul Jewelry and FiFi Flowers

2011-01-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite artists!

Go HERE to visit FiFi Flowers!

Go HERE to visit Cielo Azul Jewelry

Mama Loves Candles

2011-01-19T10:14:00.000-08:00

I LOVE these candles!

This special blended scent

DIVINE

Made exclusively for Maggies, this is without a doubt their best selling candle! A unique blend of amaretto, almond, vanilla and cinnamon makes this signature fragrance a favorite among customers.

Approximate burn time per votive is 15 hours.

This candle is YUMMY!

Maggies Blend

Maggies

Sneak Peek of a Painting

2011-01-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

Baby Girl #1 is working

on a new painting!

It is not complete

here

is a

sneak peek!

Organizing, Cleaning, Storing

2011-01-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

Mama has been busy-

Cleaning

Storing

Organizing

2011

here

ready

not

Hate to put these away!

Love my old ornaments.

2011 Goals

I will be trying new recipes

Cleaning more closets

Planting new bulbs

Calling old friends

Finishing a quilt

Taking more photos

Traveling to new places

Enjoying my family

Three Batmans and a Robin

2011-01-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

Oh MY GOODNESS!

I can't even stand it!

This photo is ADORABLE!

This morning I found this HERE on Stumbleupon.

So Stinkin Cute!

Just had to share.

Have a SUPERHERO DAY!

Double Rainbow

2011-01-04T22:56:00.000-08:00

The artist Gabriel Dawe

does some amazing art with simple thread.

Go visit Gabriel Dawe's

website, you will not be disappointed!

Keeping in the theme of rainbows.....

you need to see this video

my children shared with me!

Double Rainbows Everywhere!

Double Rainbow All

The Way Across The Sky!

This guy is truly touched by

witnessing this act of nature!

Easy Peasy Fondant Recipe

2011-01-03T05:36:00.000-08:00

Baby Girl #2

LOVES

play

with

FONDANT

Go check it out

CLOCKWORK LEMON

Would Ya Look What Mama Found!

2011-01-02T22:48:00.000-08:00

OH MY

GOODNESS!

Party Food

Gone

WILD

Petite Lasagnas

I wonder just how many

of these little lovelies

I could stuff in my mouth!

Found them HERE

Can You Stay For Dinner?

The answer would be a

big

fat

YES

This talented mama

made this treat in

muffin tins!

Oh Yeah Baby!

Good Stuff

for

sure!

The darling chef is Andrea.

Go read her incredible story

of her 135 pound weight loss!

She lost 135 pounds 5 years ago

and has kept it off ever since.

She eats healthy and smart!

She proudly works

for

Foodista

Let It Snow!

2011-01-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

Finally we Have SNOW!

At Christmas we had to go

to the mountains to find it.

Today it has

found us!

If you pay attention and look closely

you can find SNOWFLAKES

everywhere

Look at how similar the branches

of this tree look like a

SNOWFLAKE

pretty

Look at these SNOWFLAKES

Mama found today!

Made from rolled paper!

YES!
SERIOUSLY!
ROLLED PAPER!

This Mama is SERIOUSLY talented!

AND
Has incredible EYESIGHT!

Just go ahead
and SHOOT me!
I could never make these
for two reasons.
1. Bad Eyes
2. No patience

Beautiful
Just
Beautiful
Go HERE to learn how
she made these creations!

Merry Christmas To All and To All A Good Night!

2010-12-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

and

Many Blessings

from

Mama Holli

NORAD Santa Tracker

2010-12-24T20:05:00.000-08:00

Just how do they track Santa?

NORAD uses four high-tech systems to track Santa – radar, satellites, Santa Cams and fighter jets.

Tracking Santa starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System. This powerful radar system consists of 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. On December 24th, NORAD monitors the radar systems continuously for indications that Santa Claus has left the North Pole.

The moment that radar indicates Santa has lifted off, we use our second detection system. Satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles from the Earth’s surface are equipped with infrared sensors, which enable them to detect heat. Amazingly, Rudolph’s bright red nose gives off an infrared signature, which allows our satellites to detect Rudolph and Santa. The third tracking system is the Santa Cam network. We began using it in 1998, which is the year we put our Santa Tracking program on the internet. Santa Cams are ultra-cool, high-tech, high-speed digital cameras that are pre-positioned at many locations around the world. NORAD only uses these cameras once a year. The cameras capture images and videos of Santa and his reindeer as they make their journey around the world.

The fourth system is made up of fighter jets. Canadian NORAD fighter pilots flying the CF-18 intercept and welcome Santa to North America. In the United States, American NORAD fighter pilots in either the F-15 or the F-16 get the thrill of flying alongside Santa and his famous reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph.

Go HERE to track Santa!

Mama Just Made This!

2010-12-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

My seeester, Mama Joy,

sent me an urgent message

to make this!
Beef with Snow Peas

Did

and

it is soooo good!

I mean soooo good!

course

the

recipe

from

The Pioneer Woman!

go HERE!

I did not have sherry so I substituted

fresh squeezed orange juice from 2 oranges.

I also added a big handful of cilantro!

Thanks Pioneer Woman!

A Sweet Bride Named Laura

2010-12-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

Long ago Mama Holli

was a babysitter

a sweet baby girl

named

Laura

and

a sweet baby boy

named

David

Proud parents of these two sweet children

are

Jan and Michael.

I became part of their family.
They watched me grow, get married
and have babies of my own.

Then tragically

Jan's life was taken.

To say we were devastated would

not even start to describe our loss.

We continue on to honor her legacy.

To honor her love for us.

To live our life to the fullest

so that we may be with her again in heaven.

My Hubby and I went to Panama

to witness the beautiful union

Laura and Aaron!

was

joyful

lovely

happy

exciting

peaceful

blessed

emotional

intimate

and

adventurous

We all felt Jan's presence

as we celebrated

love

and

life

Congratulations

Laura & Aaron

We Love You!

Oh how I miss you
my sweet sweet Jan!
I will forever be blessed
because of your
unconditional love for me.
In my heart you will live

until I see you again.

FiFi Flowers Paints For Christmas!

2010-12-16T07:26:00.000-08:00

What Beautiful

Holiday Tablescapes

from

FiFi Flowers!

Deck your halls

with

FiFi Flowers

HERE

Mama Found A New Blog!

2010-12-15T16:14:00.000-08:00

SWEET TOOTH

I found her over at Tasty Kitchen

while looking for cookies to make!

Tonight we will make these....

Yes I have already introduced these to you!

We will try to make them as pretty as she has!

LOOK AT THESE BABIES.....

This will be the next thing we try to make!

WOW!

Go HERE to visit Mama Erica.

You will leave her website

hungry and happy!

Serious Cookies For Santa

2010-12-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

Mama Holli went out hunting for
some serious Christmas Cookies
and look at what she found!
WOW!
Linking up some Serious
Christmas Cookie Recipes for you to try!

Some are mine some are not!

But ALL are good and yummy!

Strawberry Christmas Tree

Brownie Bites

go HERE

Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Go HERE

Chocolate Cream Cheese

Peppermint Bars

Go HERE

Santa Hat Brownie Bites

Go HERE

Peppermint Meringue Cookies

with Bittersweet Ganache

Go HERE

Potato Chip Cookies

Go HERE

Icebox Cookies

Go HERE

Oatmeal Cookies

Go HERE

Neapolitan Cookies

Go HERE

Fancy Chocolate and Carmel Pretzels

Go HERE

Candy Cane Puffs

Go HERE

Decorated Christmas Cookies

Go HERE

Peppermint Candy Cookies

Go HERE

Dotty Winter Tree Cookies
Go HERE

Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
Go HERE

White Chocolate Cherry
Shortbread Cookies
Go HERE

Bake and Slice Chocolate Swirls
Go HERE

Chocolate Mint Kiss Crinkles
Go HERE

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
Go HERE

Chocolate Swirled Peanut Butter Cookies
Go HERE

Cinnamon Bun Cookies
Go HERE

Merry Christmas!

Bragging on yet ANOTHER Talented Blogging Friend!

2010-12-14T22:18:00.000-08:00

How stinkin cute is this pillow!

and

if the pillow was not cute enough

then I find these.......

OH MY!

Every Single Time

I go visit

I Come Back Smiling From Ear To Ear!

Go HERE

and
you
can

smile

too

Mama Cora Is Ready For Christmas!

2010-12-14T21:53:00.000-08:00

Take a Tumble

over

see

Mama Cora

HERE

will

make

you

feel

all

warm

and

cozy

inside

Christmas Can Can

2010-12-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

My mom sent this to me this morning!

SO FUN!

Mama's Pot Roast Soup

2010-12-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

So listen up Mamas!

Here is the deal.

Pot Roast Dinner

We LOVE it Right?

YES!

It DEFINES

Comfort Food

Has

MAMA LOVES YOU

Written

All

Over

Yummy Tender Roast

Golden Potatoes

Perky Carrots

Gravy

NEED I SAY MORE?

Well if you are like this Mama

you usually have leftovers

with this big daddy of a meal.

So here is what I do.....

Freeze the leftovers!

Yes FREEZE the meat, potatoes and carrots.

THEN LIKE MAGIC

POOF

the defrosted

leftovers into a big soup pot.

Make sure the meat

is cut into big bite size chunks.

Add one 14 oz. can of beef broth,

one 14 0z can of evaporated milk

and

one can of drained corn

SIMMER ON LOW

UNTIL

THE

HOUSE

SMELLS

HEAVENLY

Thicken with water and corn starch if needed.

Serve it up with some

bread or biscuits!

TA DAAAA

Yummy for the Tummy!

Mama Julie and Her Lovely Family Tree

2010-12-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Julie

has a beautiful way to display

her

Family Tree!

You really MUST go see HERE!

LOVE THIS!

I Needed to See Some Pretty Blue Treasures!

2010-12-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

I Needed to See Some Pretty Blue Treasures

SOOOOO

hopped

skipped

and

jumped

over

HERE

see

friend

KORALEE

Mama Allison Sends Me A Recipe!

2010-12-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

Babysitter Allison

now

Mama Allison

sends me a recipe!

She found it on

BLOG CON QUESO

LOVE IT!
LOVE IT!
LOVE IT!
So here is the RECIPE!

WOW!
and
she
says
these
are
EASY PEASY
to
make
HMMMMMMMMMMMM
Hours to make these......

(GO HERE)
or

15 DOZEN in ONE HOUR!
HMMMMMM?
Ingredients

That's IT!
GO HERE
for instructions!

THANKS ALLISON
AND
BLOG CON QUESO!

Mama Is Back!

2010-12-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

Mama Holli is back to blogging!

I had a little distraction

called surgery and slept

for about 2 weeks!

But all is good

and

I'M

BACK

This Makes Me SMILE!

2010-12-06T21:14:00.001-08:00

Mama Wants To Learn How To Make These!

2010-12-03T16:30:00.000-08:00

I so want to make these and soon!

In Texas tamales are served up at some

point during the holiday festivities.

Usually my Granny would order them from

the Catholic school during their fundraiser.

You had a choice of chicken or beef, spicy or not.

She would steam them up and serve them with a big pot of yummy chili. It was a nice twist to the traditional holiday meals we consumed during the month of December.

Go HERE and see how this Texan whips up these yummy treats!

Mama's New Pie Crust

2010-11-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

So sitting in the doc's office

awaiting my appointment

Mama

finds

this

recipe

for

the

PERFECT

Pie

Crust

OH YES!

I so need this recipe!

Thanks

BETTER HOMES

AND

GARDENS

Alan Carter, pastry chef at Mission Beach Cafe in San Francisco

ingredients

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 to 1 Tbsp. kosher salt (such as Diamond® crystal)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 3/4 cups cold unsalted butter, cut up
2/3 cup ice cold water
2 Tbsp. sour cream
1 tsp. vinegar

directions

In a very large bowl combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Cut in butter leaving pea sized chunks.

In a 2 cup glass measure whisk water, sour cream, and vinegar; pour, all at once into flour mixture, and quickly distribute. Stop!

Make sure dough is slightly crumbly. Divide dough mixture into 3 equal portions (about 12 to 13 ounces each) Refrigerate for 2 hours and best overnight (finish by hand). DO NOT OVERMIX- the finished dough should break, not stretch.

Gently knead in bag to bring dough together. Form into discs.

Use at once or wrap and store in refrigerator for several days or in freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator if frozen.

photo by Richard Swearinger

How A Mama Prepares For Thanksgiving!

2010-11-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

Mama is pondering

on what pie she will bake.

It has to be

the best pie at the table.

She can't and won't take second

to Mama Lisa nor Mama Elise this year!

Mama is practicing the song

she will sing

to her friends and family.

A song of Thanksgiving

for the beautiful voice

she was given!

Mama is getting ready to play RLC.

She plans to win this time-one way or another!

No question about it!

Mama is practicing her dinner call.

The children will hear this tune from the fields

where they play.

Mama Holli calls Mama Elise

to confirm what she is bringing to the feast.

Mama Elise pretends to act like she likes

Mama Holli's pie recipe.

Secretly she and Mama Lisa are plotting

to take her DOWN in the pie contest.

Mama Lisa calls Mama Holli

to pretend that she also thinks the new pie recipe sounds good.

HMMMMMM

she ponders.....

I am going to BEAT her again!

Mama Jackie is listening to all of this.

She will be the judge this year.

She knows just who the true

winner will be!

Tune in to see who really wins!

The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care!

2010-11-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

Check out these trendy stockings!

Meet Artist Ellen Giggenbach

2010-11-20T08:20:00.000-08:00

Oh Mama Lisa

going to

FREAK OUT

when she reads this post!

This artist is right up her alley!

"I was born in Bavaria in Germany and now live in a beautiful seaside village in Wellington in New Zealand where I create my art work by hand cutting and assembling painted papers. I have a passion for mid century design and European folk art.I love beautiful colours and shapes, i enjoy working form home so I can totally loose myself in my work uninterupted (except for the odd squark from my chooks!)"

This is her studio!

and

here

sample

her

work

So Mama Lisa.....what do you think?

Pretty Cool Don't you think?

RUN HERE to her website!

Mama Found A New Cooking Blog!

2010-11-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

I love this blog! She is fairly new to cooking.

She embraced cooking shortly

after she was married.

She started with Western cuisine for her husband and then moved on to explore her mom's Chinese cuisine.

What a wonderful journey she has had!

What wonderful recipes she shares!

"Our cuisine is a deeply embedded part of our culture. When two cultures come together under the same roof the results in the kitchen can sometimes be comedic, sometimes confrontational, but more often it is a journey full of surprises and discovery. There is joy in our food. If we think upon this, it is intuitively obvious. This blog is a journey of joy and sharing, reflecting what the French like to call "joie de vivre" (joy of living). No one could be more different from one another then my husband and my mother. Yet one thing they share in common is knowing intuitively that food, cooking, and sharing can be avenues of joy in life itself. So herein, help yourself, to a little joy and , if you like it, share it with your own family and friends. Joy is something that should be shared. "

Go HERE to visit her blog.

I picked this recipe to share from her blog. I have been on a kick with bananas lately! I keep buying them faster than we can eat them so I have made banana bread two weeks in a row. So now I will try these perky little treats!

OH MY! JUST LOOK AT THESE!

WOW!

BANANA BALLS

Okay.....so who wants to

come over for coffee?

Get this recipe HERE!

Mama Martha is oh so Crafty!

2010-11-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

How

STINKIN CUTE

are these!

I NEED to make these little guys!

Remember when I tried to make these?

Martha's version....adorable

Mama Holli's version..........

well.................what can I say.....

looks like a cross between

an angry elf and an Indian.

Will

Give It a try

and

report

back

If you want to try with me go HERE

for Martha's version!

Oh This Baby Girl's Future Is Bright Indeed!

2010-11-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

Whatever you do today......

you need to at least add
viewing this video to your list!

No matter what your
religious beliefs are, you will

find this child's interpretation
of the story of Jonah
absolutely mesmerizing!

God surely has plans for this

amazing little baby girl!

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

History, Heritage, Legacy

2010-11-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

My "Granny", Annie Mae, would always take us to the cemetery to change out the flowers, rake or pull weeds, and of course say a prayer while standing over the grave of our loved ones. It was not morbid nor sad. It was a time for my sisters and I to learn about our ancestors and their lives. We would ask questions about their time on Earth and Granny would proudly answer each and every question. She was teaching. Teaching us about our heritage. Teaching us to honor our family members who had passed away before us. Teaching us to care for the graves that marked their existence. Teaching us to pray. Teaching us to not fear death, to understand it is part of our journey. She would always point to the empty grave with her name and birth engraved on the tombstone to the right of her husband, my grandfather, "Popeye", and explain that someday her body would be laid to rest next to his. As that day sadly did come that we laid her sweet body next to his, we somehow found comfort that we had known the plan all along. That we as children had been taught that death does not end life. Death is only the beginning of a new life, a life far more wonderful than we can imagine. A life that we know we will reach and be once again with those we love so dearly.

So now when we travel home to Texas, I take my children to the cemetery.
I proudly teach and pray as Granny did.

Here are some photos of some very old tombstones in the St. Mary's Cemetery. None of these belong to my family members. I just found them interesting and quite beautiful.
It makes one ponder on the lives they lived.
The hardships and moments of joy they shared.

The Pecan Trees Give Shade.

I am always saddened and intrigued by the graves of infants.

It was not uncommon in the late 1800's to early 1900's for children to die during childbirth.

I know there is a story to each and every marker.

These Czech immigrants lived hard lives. They lived off their land. They raised livestock and worked their farms. My grandfather was the last of 13 children, not including 2 siblings who died in childbirth. His father buried 2 wives and 2 infants during his lifetime.

St. Mary's Church stands guard over the cemetery.

When my Aunt Milady passed away her funeral mass was celebrated in this Church. After the mass the pall bearers carried her casket across the street to her final resting place as we followed behind. It reminded me of days past when neighbors became like family as horse and buggy were the mode of transportation. .The community nearest to your farm became your family. Granny would tell stories of how her teacher at times would have to stay over at her farmhouse when it rained. The dirt roads would become to muddy for her horse and buggy to maneuver. Each community built a Church. Each community built a schoolhouse. Together the community buried their members by walking from the Church to their grave. Our lives today are so spread out. The community as it was has changed. With that change comes gain and loss. In many ways I wish we still lived as communities. I think I would have liked those days.

Sweetest thing on this Earth!

2010-11-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Mama Holli spent last Saturday

with

Baby Girl #1

the

Mile High UDA Competition!
My daughter's team took 3rd and
they were thrilled!
As exciting as it was
to watch my daughter dance,
I found just as much pleasure

when at

the end of the day, the

sweetest and cutest

baby angel girls
walked and wheeled
on the stage

SERIOUSLY

SWEET

PRICELESS

This Mama Can Knit!

2010-11-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

Mama Carol Loves to knit!

She is a very talented Mama!

she

KNITS

PAINTS

DESIGNS

COOKS

ROCKS

HER

BABIES

Go HERE to see her blog!

Bragging on Bluebird Notes

2010-11-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

If you have not been over

visit

BLUEBIRD NOTES

then

you

are

just

plain

SILLY

RUN

SKIP

HOP

FLEE

FLY

FLITTER

OVER

NOW

The Perfect Christmas Gift!

2010-11-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

Flaked Almond Biscuits

My friend, Mama Anncoo

from

whipped these delicate biscuits up.

I think they would make the best gifts

during the holidays!

Don't you?

Go HERE to see the recipe.

Go HERE

Teriyaki Pork Ribs by Nasi Lemak Lover!

2010-11-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

Nasi Lemak Lover

presents

Teriyaki Pork Ribs

Oh I want to eat these

right

NOW!!!

Sonia writes"Sweet and sour pork ribs is a very common dish in Chinese family, but some time I feel boring keep cooking the same kind of sweet and sour, thus I play with the sauces that I have in my kitchen and came out with this very fragrant teriyaki sauce of pork ribs dish. The taste is very similar to honey sauce pork ribs that serve in outside Chinese restaurants.
Feel free to try it out !!"

Go HERE

to get this recipe!