The Rat's Pajamas

15 May 2013

The joys of IEPs

We had to go to yet another IEP yesterday. :) I usually hate these things, but it turns out they wanted to modify his IEP..in a really good way. They applied for an aide for him, so that he can go hang with the neurotypicals more. He still needs someone to keep him on task, help with transitions and the like...but this is awesome news. I always knew he was smart..his looks get in the way. :)

14 May 2013

A Walk in Weiden, Part 2

I went to Dehner's (garden center) and Norma's (small grocery store) after my walk around town. That croissant (schoko-nuss) tasted way better than it looks. It was like a carnival game getting it out of the dispenser...I lost. There was a beautiful one in the back, but it just would not come out. The Bacon Peps we discovered the first time we went to Norma's back in February....I love bacon anything. The Dehner's has a small craft/home decoration section. That is where I found the crepe paper.....I haven't played with crepe paper in forever.....flowers...that is what they are destined to be...if I can remember how to make them. :) The tea pots and buttons are fabric...too cute to pass up.

A Walk in Weiden, Part 1

I decided to get out of the house today. I'm not comfortable taking pictures of places yet...not sure if it would be rude. So I'm sticking to nature shots. I'm thinking of re-naming my blog "Auto Focus" for the fact that is the setting my camera is on and will probably stay on. Maybe I'll figure out how to do it manually.....after I unearth my manual.

13 May 2013

Mushrooms

These photos are brought to you by the letter "T"...as in Teri. Thanks for telling me how to get photos back on my blog. :) It wouldn't be Germany and I wouldn't be me if I didn't post a few mushroom photos. These were taken in my backyard last week. Yes, that is grass....green grass. Not rocks, not "dormant" grass...real green grass. Billy is happier than a pig in shit. :) We are all happy. We love Germany. It is beautiful. Weiden is a great town to live in...if you feel like being an expat...come here.

21 April 2013

I guess I should post something.....

I'm just enjoying being in Germany. Oh...I just love Germany. The bratwurst, brotchen, brezen...it's green (even covered in snow). :) We now have all our stuff (car included), so I've been un-packing. It's been a busy two months. We had to get a house, our two kids in school (one was a challenge), figure out how to get where we needed to go....lots of little things....okay, where all the German grocery stores were in our town. I am a grocery store whore. It's a sickness....one Hubby and Jr don't mind...they like food. We try to pick something new to try everytime...okay, for them to try. I'm still a picky eater who loves food. I know it is just wrong. We bought flowers and plants yesterday. They have to go in pots....I'm used to that. I'm just happy knowing they won't die from the heat. :) I've been reading a crap load.....two different libraries to chose from....you can check out as many books at a time that you want. I'll have to start of all the books I've read so far....mostly fluff and that is okay. You need to read what you will enjoy or it is a chore. Reading should not be a chore. I'll try to start posting more....pictures I can't promise. Oh...there is a church down the road, so we get to hear the church bells.....nice. I do miss the cannon on post though.....only got to listen to that for two weeks...it was awesome....ka boom (as wee one liked to say whenever it went off). :)

11 January 2013

Happy and Sad

Man...blogger is being such a bitch this week. I can't upload from my computer. Well, I'll have to do it without pictures...argh. 2013 is shaping up to be a really good year. We are moving this year...after many years of trying...we are getting stationed in Germany for a third time. I'm so excited I might piss myself. We've been waiting since September for this assignment.....I didn't want to get my hopes up and have them dashed (like the two previous times). We are due to move in early February. So I've been busy destashing and more destashing....because things you want come at a cost. I will not be able to keep my shop open while we are in Germany. I've found a few nice ladies to take some of my stock for their own shops. It has been hard, but it needs to be done.

Yesterday, was a good day...we got our transportation dates. I now know how quickly I need to get rid of stuff. :) I read a really good quote on a blog the other day...it has put it in perspective for me. :) "You will find that it neccessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy." -C. Joy Bell C. As a military family....we have a weight limit....I thought it was funny. This was the other totally awesome thing that occcured yesterday: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2013/01/army-master-sergeant-selections-announced-011013w. My husband made the E-8 list and will be promoted this year. I'm so proud of him...I knew he could do it. :) I guess that is all for now...that crafty closet needs a crap load of work. :) Happy New Year!

25 November 2012

Cyber Monday Shopping Idea List

25 October 2012

My Sister Is Getting Off Her Butt....

and is getting serious about her shop. Happy, happy..I always knew she had it in her. :) Okay...she has a blog just for her shop (but as of two minutes ago still didn't have a link to her shop....silly girl. :) Here is the address to her shop blog: www.unpretentiouspeacock.blogspot.com She hasn't listed anything in the shop yet, but she does have a few pictures of things to come. I'm so proud of her and really excited. So, if you can go over and take a peek....I'd really appreciate it.

28 September 2012

Cool Stuff from Target

Okay, I think I've got this down...I do like that you can change the order of your pictures....found that out by sheer chance. :) Apologies for not being around. I was prepping for Handmade U and I returned from that on Sunday evening. It was great, but that is another post. Today, I want to discuss the above. :) All these goodies were purchased at Target (weeks ago.....I just learned how to upload on my new computer). I'm not sure if you can still get the soup or crayolas....but they are pretty cool. Good thing my hubby and Jr love tomato soup. :) Cupcake themed cryola crayons...frigging adorable. The best of the lot- the Apple Fritter Bread. I love this bread and I think that was loaf three and I am on loaf four right now. It can be eaten toasted or not.....delicious stuff. I haven't tried it yet, but it might be worth trying out as french toast. They have other flavors...Blueberry Struesel (not bad), Mocha Marble (next on the list), and there was a Pumpkin one on Monday. I'm not sure if all Targets will offer the bread...it may only be the ones with fresh groceries.....our Target was updated in June. It isn't a Super Target, but it isn't bad. :) These photos were taken weeks ago....so the cool stuff in the Dollar Spot hadn't come in yet. You will want to check that out right now as well. :) I love Target!

20 August 2012

Holy crap...I'm so out of shape

Well, I've been exercising every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday since wee one started school. I'm so tired...someone put me out of my misery...not really. I really did need to start exercising. I'm just waiting for that burst of energy crap they talk about....not happening here...I can't do shit for hours afterwards. I'm not getting anything accomplished and I have so much that needs doing. :) I did clean up my crafty pantry thing the other day...kind of....far from what it needs to be...but you can walk in there and some what find things. It took hours. The etsy shop has to go on the back burner (yet again) as I'm prepping for Handmade U.....vendor goods come first and I just got my supply list for classes. It's less than a month away. I'm glad that I got some of it done this summer. I'm so excited about going.....the classes will be a challenge.....I'm not a journaler, but I do like learning new artsy things. :)

07 August 2012

One Down, One To Go

I'm back......summer went too quickly (for once....it usually drags). Even with multiple TDYs, we managed to get some family time in....a trip to UT and a quick trip to Phoenix last week. The boys and I went to Vegas one weekend, wee one had horseback riding on Thursdays, and we got in a bunch of thrifting this summer. I hardly read or cooked this summer...no crafting at all. Happy news...I'll be attending and vending at Handmade U in September. I'm also Sponsor #8. :) There are still slots available...go here to find out more: www.rach-ology.blogspot.com . Should be a good time. School started for the oldest child yesterday and tomorrow for the little one....sweet freedom. Not really....I have much to do....prepping for Handmade U, working on my neglected shop, organizing my crafty crap.....to top it all off I offered to go running with the lady across the street..oy. I haven't done that in years...but my fat ass needs the exercise. :) Hey, I bought a swim suit for the first time in 9 years last week....I can do this running thing. I think I'll go have a ding dong now. :)

01 June 2012

Summer Break...I'm taking one

This photo was taken in Phoenix over Spring Break. At one of the many animal related trips we took. :) My kids have been out of school for exactly one week so far and I'm already going insane. :) I feel bad that I haven't blogged much and don't want the added pressure of feeling I need to. This is my month.....I have a birthday and anniversary...it is supposed to be happy month. I've shut down my shop for the summer as well. I'm hoping to just enjoy doing nothing in particular. Have a great summer!!

07 May 2012

Holy crap...

I don't blog for a month or so and everything has changed. Egads. Let's see...since March 12th- I've read eight books, baked a crap load (scones, muffins, cakes, quiches), drove my boys to Phoenix to meet my parents for Spring Break, went to two zoos and one aquarium, we had a quick 10 day visit with my hubby (before he left for another 7 week TDY), made two wreaths, donated a bunch of stuff, and watched a lot of tv. I haven't made much (other than the two wreaths) ,but I'm hoping to...I bought two different journal kits. I've never made one, so it will be a good challenge. I'm alive and tired. I have enjoyed the baking. We need soldiers though....I miss baking for soldiers.....maybe our next duty station (if we ever get out of here). I can't make any promises, but I'll try to blog more. :)

12 March 2012

Best Soup Ever (so far)

I've made this soup four times. That is how much I like it (and it has been soup weather here in Southern AZ...quite a bit in the last month or so....it's that friggin wind). It is Creamy Potato Leek soup. It has 5 ingredients and is pretty simple to make. It is a bit chunky, but we like it that way. I top it with cheddar cheese. It reheats well. I like the slightly green part of the leek as well....crazy I know.

CREAMY POTATO LEEK SOUP

8 potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 cups chicken broth

1 pound of bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

3 leeks, sliced

1 cup heavy cream

1. In a large saucepan or stockpot, bring potatoes and chicken broth to a boil. Cook until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, reserving 3 Tablespoons of grease and set aside. Sautee the leeks in the frying pan with the reserved grease 8 to 10 minutes.

2. When potatoes are tender, stir in the fried leeks, heavy cream and bacon. Stir to blend and remove from heat. Serve hot.

Here is the orginal link: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Creamy-Potato-Leek-Soup-II/Detail.aspx

That way you can read the reviews (in case, you like to make substitutions....I don't). Go make a pot....it is that good. That is saying a lot coming from me the Food Lover Who Doesn't Like To Eat. There is no salt and pepper in the recipe...I add both...I add freshly ground pepper to the broth and potatoes while boiling. The salt I add as I'm scoopping it into the bowl. If you have a Trader Joe's nearby....go and get their sea salt and pepper grinders.....they are refillable and are only around $3.00 each. They have a smoked salt and a pink salt ones as well. I love Trader Joe's. :)

02 March 2012

French General, Part Two

Well, here it is....the rest of French General. Wee one (after the stomach bug made it's rounds through the family) brought home a chest cold and felt the need to share that as well. Hubby is gone.....for weeks and weeks.....oy. Someday I will feel 100% and get my shit together. I do have a really good recipe to share...I have a picture to go with it....it needs to be downloaded. So simple, yet something I have yet to accomplish. Have a great weekend!