Library Animal Ambassadors

Well I am so not perfect got the time wrong for Animal Ambassadors at the Library today it started at 2:30 pm not 3:30pm. Well Nikita is just happy to be here with her friend and to spend time with her friend before she leaves to visit family for a few weeks.
Tomorrow we have tentative plans to go swimming with friends if that doesn't work out Nikita wants to go to the movies to see Monte Carlo with Selena Gomez. Larry and I have been to Monte Carlo in 2007. All Larry was interested in doing was checking out where they ran Formula One, which we saw. We went by the Casino but we didn't get to go and check it out. I just got a call for a friend of Nikita's inviting her to go over to her house to hang out tomorrow. Boy all week nothing now Friday so many things to maybe do or not to do. This summer so far is turning out to be not so bad. I am hoping to have Saturday free all day if Larry has the day off he and Nikita will go to the beach. Nikita has invited a friend to go we will see if she can and if I get a day off or not.

Kids Girls to be exact

This summer has just began and my house seems to be the place to be. We go to the pool, library, the school to play or run errands with me. I am told by Nikita that I am boring and no fun to be around. Her friends say different. Today Nikita's friends went to the school and played for an hour came back to my house had a snack now they are all giggles upstairs and they want to stay late. If Larry gets home at a decent time he will take them swimming. All girls are leaving at 5 or 6 pm. Thank goodness, the giggling and chatting I keep telling them if they don't want me to hear it talk lower cause I can hear everything.
Tonight I am making Spaghetti with meat sauce for me and Larry and a burger for Nikita. Nikita won't eat anything with tomatoes.
I don't remember at age 11 having so many emotions that one moment Nikita is happy next thing I know she is sad. I have been told she is going through hormone changes. I see Nikita's friends doing the same. I have chosen to do organic on most everything that I can, because I have heard recently that girls are reaching puberty as early as 7 yrs. old. That is scary to hear. A lot of it is all the hormones and stuff in products. I am glad that we started to do organic in I think 2004.

Big Bank & my current problem with them

Several months ago we refinanced our house and got a FHA Loan from Lending Tree and they sold our loan to a Big Bank and they made changes to the loan without notifying us. No our payment didn't change. This is what happened. When we signed the loan documents there was an escrow account set up to pay our property taxes. We did not want this but were told we have to have this to get the loan, okay we then agreed and signed the documents. When the loan was sold the Big Bank added to existing escrow account Home owners insurance as part of the loan. They did not inform me or Larry about this at all. For months now Larry has been trying to talk to someone and try to get answers to no avail. Larry gave up on it for a while then, decided to change insurance companies 1) less a month 2) maybe this will make them listen to me. Guess what they did listen and notified new insurance company and got paid by them too. Larry tried again to fix this to no avail. Big Bank  now is trying to reinstate old insurance company. Larry said can you deal with this Joyce you will probably get better results. Well I contacted first "old insurance company", they have agreed to pay some of the money that Big Bank paid them but not all of monies they will prorate us is what I was told. Then I preceded to call Big Bank to try to resolve escrow for Home owners insurance. This is what first person said we should have notified you, but maybe we didn't. I asked shouldn't we have to sign new documents for changes, sure we can refinance your house for you again. At that point I was like WTF (in my head not out loud). I then asked questions tried to make her understand to no avail. I told myself you will not give up on this run around like they did to Larry, so I asked for a Manager she put me on hold and a Supervisor came on the line. I was firm and didn't yell at this people or even curse. I got the run around from the Supervisor then she said we are Big Bank and we don't need to inform you, this is how we do things!!!!! I tried so hard not to want to reach through the phone and strangle her. I have an HOA that I pay every month that should cover this and she keeps saying no it doesn't. At this point I will tell you I had to go to the bathroom so bad I was fidgeting all over and Nikita asked what was wrong. The last thing I said to the Supervisor is that I don't think this is legal and I will find out if it is or isn't and if it isn't "I will be doing what it takes to change this for my family". I got off the phone and you can guess what I did next. 
After these conversations I looked up FHA on the Internet and called them. There information center in Washington D.C. said that the Big Bank was wrong and what to do next. I talked to Larry and first he didn't want to follow thru to the end he just wanted it to be over, which is what I think Big Bank wants you not to follow thru. I told Larry I will handle it. Like I need more stress in my life :) . I will update soon on my progress. I need to rest now, since Nikita is at a friends having way to much fun. If I didn't make sense sorry, I do have occasional brain farts!!!!

Library & Lunch

Today we are at the Hunt Library. We are trying to incorporate some education into summer. Nikita has a friend that she brought with us. We are going to try to come to the library once a week. Next week the library has Animal Ambassadors. Tomorrow we will start planning tentative plans for July. For lunch today I am using my fun money and we are going to Soupplantation.

Lazy Day

Well today we are being lazy, watching movies and resting. I have done to much for the last few days so I need to rest. I wish I wasn't in pain 24hrs a day. I do what I can even when I am in pain, I am a Mom, wife and a woman I just endure even when I don't think I can. The doctors have suggested I be medicated almost all the time, but first & foremost I am a Mom to Nikita. I am also afraid that I could become addicted to the medicines.That is why I take them only when I have help and do not have to be responsible for Nikita.Which only happens usually on the weekends when Larry is home. I wish for Nikita's  sake I had more energy and that I could do more, but I do the best that I can.

Busy Day

Today will be a busy day, so far we (Nikita & Me) went out to breakfast at Coco's. It was so yummy, Nikita had scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit & cinnamon roll. I had scrambled eggs, bacon & Strawberry French Toast. Then we went shopping at Target and got stuff. Now I will relax for 30 min. then start baking for a BBQ we are going to tonight. Then clean up from baking and other chores. Tonight we are going to a BBQ called a "Winnie Burn", The Tres Rios Power Squadron puts this on for there members & their family members. We BBQ hamburgers, hot dogs and everyone brings side dishes, chips and desserts. Me I am baking brownie chocolate chip bars.

swimming is funny

the girls need me to make up games for them at the pool, so they will not argue who is right or wrong, and how to play this or that.

Swimming & Stuff

Today, Nikita has invited a friend over to go swimming & to have a picnic at the pool. When we are done we will come home and have fun by watching a movie called Flicka 2. If there is more time for fun before she gets picked up I have some ideas to keep them busy. They can do crafts, play a board game or play games on the computer. Let's hope I can make it till 5pm when Nikita's friend will be picked up.

Father's Day

First I want to wish all the Dad's out on he internet and beyond Happy Father's Day. Also Happy Father's Day to Larry & Jeremiah. Below is my families story currently on Father's Day!
In April of 2003 I lost my Dad James F. Welsh to Lung Cancer. I do wish that my daughter Nikita was was 3 yrs. old when he died. I wish Nikita was able to share many years. with him but that was not to be. In 2004 Nikita and I were lucky that Larry got a Liver Transplant for he was close to death several times but fought his way back to us. Every year that we have with Larry are precious even when he acts like a butt head. On Father's Day this year again it is also Larry's Birthday. Well guess what he wanted for his birthday? Tires for his car, which he got. Some years for birthday's etc... We get practical items because it is necessary. I did offer to make him dinner tomorrow night but he wants to go out, which is nice because it give me a break too. Larry is a great Father to Nikita & Jeremiah. Larry also is a Grandfather to 3 adorable kids from Jeremiah & his wife Amie.

Chicken Curry Salad

Chicken Curry Salad 

 2 cups cooked chicken (diced) I use leftover chicken

2/3 cup celery (thinly sliced)

1 cup grapes   (red or green seedless) sliced in half

½ cup cashew nuts whole or cut up

1 cup mayonnaise

¾ tsp curry powder (no salt added)*

Salt & Pepper to taste

In a bowl put chicken, celery, grapes, cashew nuts, salt and pepper mix together. In another bowl put mayonnaise and curry powder and mix. Add mayonnaise mixture to chicken mixture and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate for 3 hrs or overnight, before serving.

Makes 3 2/3 cups

Baking & Freezer not working right & life

On my agenda today is baking chocolate chip cookie bars, second batch is in right now. I am baking to say thank you to the ladies at Gordon H. Beatty School office & for Nikita's teacher to also thank for all he has taught her this year. We do not thank our teachers & administrator's nearly enough.
On Sunday I did a big meat buy that I do every 3 weeks. Put meat in freezer and some areas of freezer isn't freezing. The freezer is staying very cold. I called Monday morning to schedule an appointment for a repair and of course my extended warranty ran out almost 9 months ago. The first available date was Wednesday morning from 8 am - 12 pm. Currently waiting for them to arrive. Can't wait to see what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost. It seems that everything is breaking at my house, Larry needs dental work that costs a fortune. We are already are in debt, I cut back everywhere I cook 6 sometimes 7 days a week. I am sick to death of bills and things breaking!!! I am just so mad cursing and complaining isn't helping, I just don't know what will.

Low cost & Fun to do for Summer

Here is something to do for Summer that is low cost $1.00
http://www.kptmovies.com/Content.aspx?page=110

Chili with Beans

Chili with Beans

3 lbs ground beef use lean beef or ground turkey

1 cup dark Chili powder

2 TBS cumin

2 lg. garlic cloves minced or chopped

½ tsp salt

1/4 tsp of black pepper

15 oz can tomato sauce + 1 ½ cans of water (use can to measure water)

1 15 oz can red kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans. Drain and rinse*

4 oz tomato paste

Stove top Method:

Use large Dutch oven or 5 qt pot. Brown beef or turkey on high add garlic after browning, stir add chili powder, stir add cumin and stir. Add tomato sauce and water and stir, add tomato paste and stir. Cook covered for 20 min on low stirring occasionally. Add beans cook on low covered for 10 min.    

Crock pot version:

I first browned the ground beef then added it to the crock pot and all the rest of the ingredients. I cooked it for 6 hours covered on low and I found it was same taste but thinner. I would recommend that you use ¾  can of water instead of 1 ½ cans or cook it 2-4 hours longer on low not covered to your desired thickness.

When I made this it was thick if you like thinner chili add more water. I prefer thick chili

Serving suggestions: serve over rice, pasta or baked potato, or serve with corn bread.

Possible additions to top of chili: Cheese, onions, sour cream, ranch dressing etc…

 * If you don’t like beans don’t add them it still tastes good both ways.

Makes approx. 5 qt

Shopping/Dinner Planning for the week

Just got home from Grocery Shopping. Put everything away, and now I is time to rest. Dinner for tonight is Teriyaki  Chicken bowls with veggies. Tomorrow I get the night off we are going out to dinner. Tuesday evening we will have Pot Roast. knowing me I will make this Monday morning so it tastes better for Tuesday night. Wednesday I will be baking a lot of chocolate chip cookies, so for dinner we will have Pork chops. Thursday night will be remainders (left overs). Friday night  Breakfast for dinner or hot dogs. Saturday not sure yet. Sunday Father's Day & Larry's Birthday not sure yet Larry will let me know what he wants sooner or later that I am sure of.

Stuff

Well today we have to run an errand then Nikita has a Girl Scout event this afternoon. Nikita hasn't decided to renew as a Girl Scout yet or not.
Larry is working today. I have been real busy this week with stuff at Nikita's school and I took yesterday off from doing pretty much anything and everything.

June Gloom

I am looking outside and it looks like we are going to have a storm, the weather people are calling June Gloom. It just looks so yucky today.

Pears & Apple Salad w/Blue Cheese

Pear & Apple Salad w/Blue Cheese

1 head of Boston lettuce

3 oz of organic spring mix w/baby lettuces

1 d’anju pear thinly sliced (core removed)

1 Fuji apple thinly sliced (core removed)

1 rib of celery thinly sliced (optional)

½ cup grated carrots

¼ cup walnuts

¼ cup of blue cheese crumbled

Vinaigrette see below

 (if you don't want pears and apples to brown you can toss them with a little lemon juice and or a little vinaigrette)

Wash lettuces & tear them into a large bowl, add pears, apples, celery & carrots, Gently toss, add Vinaigrette when ready to serve, then toss and top with walnuts and blue cheese.

Vinaigrette

¼ tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp cider vinegar

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper or 4 grinds

1 TBS + ½ tsp honey

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

In a bowl add mustard, cider vinegar, salt and pepper and whisk to blend. Add honey and whisk to blend in again. Slowly add olive oil whisking continually until combined. If you add all oil at once it could separate.

It is a bit sweet and a little sour but it works great with the salad.

Serve with French baguette or your favorite bread warm with butter.

Serves 4 

Do you buy or use Organic?

My question today is do you buy or use Organic?
I buy almost 80 or more percent organic, I try to use if I can't get it organic I use natural. There are some products that I don't get organic and or natural, don't know why I chose to do this but I do. I guess it is just that I found a product and don't want to change it. Recently I have found that I haven't been able to get some organic meats because of prices of gas and shipping costs. I have searched online for sources but to only find out shipping is outrageous I understand the cost but I can't afford it. I have tried natural and it is ok but I prefer organic.
I have many physical problems, Larry had a Liver Transplant in July of 2004, and Nikita has ADHD & OCD. I have found it helps all of us not to have all the hormones, antibiotics & preservatives. I do not force my way of thinking to anyone I feel that people have to make there own choices. I do believe it helps Nikita she isn't on medicine and hasn't been for about 3 yrs. Nikita gets Behavior Modification and tools to help her focus. It is not perfect we have our good days and bad days, just like anyone else.
 I hope that in time prices will come down on organics, but I would rather give up some extras we used to have before we started organic because I know for me and my family it is best for us.

Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad

 1 lb penne pasta or farfalle pasta

1/3 lb of mozzarella cut into 1 inch cubes

1/3 lb of ham cut into 1 inch cubes

 ½ lb carrots

8.5 oz. canned artichokes in water

12 oz bag of broccoli cauliflower florets

1/3 lb of salami cut into 1 inch cubes

1/3 lb of provolone cheese cut into 1 inch cubes

10 oz grape tomatoes cut in half

3 oz cut in half black olives

4 cups Italian dressing*

Cook pasta according to directions, drain artichokes & olives. Steam broccoli, cauliflower & carrots to tender crisp. Add to 32oz bowl along with meats & cheeses. Pour dressing over all food except tomatoes then refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Before serving add 

Tomatoes and mix. I add tomatoes later so the fridge doesn’t take away the good taste of the tomatoes.

  

Makes about 30 oz. (I have a 32 oz bowl so that is what I used)

I did not add salt and pepper I thought the dressing had plenty, but if you think it needs it add it.

*Use your favorite Italian dressing