Jodie Really is Martha Crocker

Kit Kat M&M Cake

Yes, This is an actual photo that Jodie took of the cake she made. She made it with the leftover Halloween candy that she had and she's taking it to her daughter's school festival tonight for someone to win. I would sure love to win that contest..........er, un, actually, no I wouldn't. We couldn't have this cake in our house.

Anyway, here is the recipe:

Kit Kat M&M Cake
2 1/3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. Sunny D (I've never tried actual orange juice)
2/3 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. sour cream
2 eggs (or 1 egg and 2 whites...sometimes it depends on how short I am on eggs. It works a little nicer to use the egg whites, but let's face it...I'm way cheap.)

Cream together butter and sugar. Add remaining ingredients except eggs and mix well. Add eggs and beat for two minutes. Bake at 350 degrees until top springs back.

The amounts of this recipe work great for 2 8" rounds. Another hint, too...when using this recipe to make cupcakes, fill the tins and then let them sit out for at least 15 minutes. They will get a nicer (higher) top on them.

For the frosting, I used my normal sugar-high buttercream...
2lbs confectioners sugar
1 1/2 sticks butter (or if you want it to crust, use 1 stick of butter, 1/4 c. shortening)
some vanilla
pinch or so of salt
milk

I place everything in the mixer except for the milk, and then add the milk until I get the right consistency, and then whip it till it's fluffy. If you add too much milk, add some more confectioners sugar.

Cool and trim the cake so that it is level, then fill and ice the outside and top. Next take your Kit Kats (I needed 4 of the large packages,) break them into two bar sections, and start placing them around your cake. When you are done, spread M&M's on the top, making sure that you cover all of your icing. And then finally, tie a bow around the cake! Voila!

Sunrise, Sunset, Sunrise, Sunset...swiftly moving on...

I don't know about you but my days and nights are flying by. It is the first week in November and I'm pretty much booked through the end of the month. Trying to fit it all in before we are too old I guess.

Dinner was a healthy one last night. Salad, grilled salmon and baked potato. No sugar, wheat or flour anywhere. Then, I went home. By 9:00 PM I wanted a snack, I went into the fridge to get the low carb cheese and saw the entire leftover pizza that Larry and Timmy had. I had 1 slice. I felt terrible after having such a good day, but in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't that bad.

Back to work this morning and exercised. I even peeked into the sauna for about 2 minutes, man it was hot in there.

Living La Vida Low Sugar

Today, Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 is my first attempt to live a day without processed/artificial sweeteners or sugar.

So far, so good. I had oatmeal from the cafeteria today with walnuts and no brown sugar. It surely did not taste as good as it usually does, but I managed to eat it along with a 20 oz bottle of water. This too is a change because I typically have a 20 oz Diet Pepsi with my oatmeal each morning.

Mid-morning snack at 11:00 AM consisted of a hot green tea and a bag of sliced apples.

It is 11:30 now and I am okay. I will head down for my Cardio Body Blast at 12:00, then figure out what to have for lunch.

OMG, I'm Back Again...

I'm back, baby. I recently had an article posted in Progressive's national employee newsletter and it prompted a comment from someone that they loved reading my blog. It only takes one, they say. So, I am going to come back to writing my thoughts on living in this crazy world.

Miss Me?

Does anyone check this blog?

I'm Sick (Whining)

Last night was Friday night and I had a wonderful fish fry night out with Larry's brothers and cousins. I woke up this morning, full of phlegm, a stuffed nose, sore throat and laryngitis! Great. And Larry is gone to Oberlin for a track meet today.

I managed to make Timmy and myself from toast with jelly for breakfast. Then, I set up both of his train sets for him to occupy himself. Sesame Street and Bob the Builder have been on all day.

I had a bologna sandwich for lunch and realized that Timmy must have a bug because twice today, his diapers was soaked, and it was not #1. The second time it happened, I hobbled upstairs to the tub to get him cleaned up. After the bath, he slept from 1:15 to 3:15 and I slept most of that time as well.

We came downstairs and I made a frozen pizza that the smell made me nauseous so neither of us ate it. I made Timmy noodles with butter which he ate and I still need to eat.

It is almost 7 and Larry should be home by 8-8:30, I cannot wait for him to come home and take care of me. All I want is some ginger ale and a little attention.

Tonight

It is Sunday night and I am waiting for Larry to come home from the University of
Findlay where he had to take 15 girls to compete in an indoor track meet. I am watching "Survivorman" and surfing the Internet while I wait.

I came across a quote from Tom Cruise where he is talking about V-Day and how his wife is an "extraordinary woman". You know what Tom? We are all "extraordinary women". We are women who raise children, keep houses clean, work, maintain friendships and family and on and on and on...........I don't know why he irritates me so much. Is it that my husband doesn't say that I am extraordinary? I am not sure. I know my husband is grateful for all that I am and all that I do for us, but "extraordinary" isn't really in his everyday vocabulary.

I wish Tom would crawl into one of his many homes and shut the heck up forever.

Valentine's Week

It's Valentine's Week at the Nosse house. The 17 valentines treats are made for Timmy's class party on Friday. I have delivered plates and napkins to the daycare for that party. I just have to wrap small gifts for teachers.

We had a mini-Valentine's day party with the four Nosse children on Saturday that included some gifts, pink milk and pizza. We videotaped the kids singing and we played with them. It was a very fun night.

This Friday we have no plans but on Saturday, we're paying pack Amy by babysitting the Skolny3 over night while they go to Columbus for a Valentine's weekend away.

I must admit, I do like this time of year.

I finished "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" that I would recommend. Now, I am reading the best-selling "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society."

Summary:

“ I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways."

___________________________________________

So far, this book has been very enlightening about the German invasion and how these people were really terrorized by them, but the story is told in a wonderful way. Read it and you'll have me to discuss it with.

MJ

Highlights of 2008

Looking back at 2008, there are a number of highlights that make me smile and appreciate my wonderful family and friends....

- Mom's surgery was a success early this year.
- Larry was named Lake Erie League Coach of the Year for track.
- In July, Timmy, Larry and I went to Mexico for a week at an all-inclusive.
- My twin nieces were born in October.
- My 20th class reunion and Facebook have brought out old friends.
- Late night fires with our neighbors have started a wonderful tradition.
- Valerie visiting this summer and spending time with her.
- The George Michael concert in Toronto.
- Timmy was aware of Christmas this year.
- Girls nights with my wonderful, generous, caring friends.
- Our long awaited new shed was built.

Here's to all of you and a wonderful 2009 for all!

December 26th

Larry's mother has been gone 10 years today. We thought about her often today. This morning we went to St. Philomena in East Cleveland for her mass but the church was closed!

We drove out to All Souls to visit her grave on the very sunny, yet very cold winter morning. Then, we went to lunch with Larry's two brothers and family to drink a toast to her and make sure we marked the day with family.

This date also marks my sister's birthday. We went to Bahama Breeze for dinner and wished her happy birthday and happy dinner out without the kids.

Happy Christmas.

Christmas night. Larry and I watching "Kitchen Nightmares" amongst the toys for Timmy in the living room. The holidays this year were different for us. We enjoyed ourselves.
Timmy was so excited Christmas morning opening his presents. He kept asking, "What's in there?" to which he answered himself, "Gifts!". We set up the tripod this morning so hopefully we captured the first Christmas he had a clue what was going on.

Christmas Eve we made 4 stops at Larry's Godfather's for lunch at 12:00, on to mom's for sibling exchange at 2:30 (all siblings in town), then on to Aunt Mary Kay's for traditional Christmas Eve. Finally, on to Larry's family at 7:30. We arrived back home @ 10:30.

Christmas Day we were up and out to Mom's for brunch, then back home to play with toys and watch tv and rest all day. I even got to start my book club book and take a nap. What a great Christmas Day.

Tomorrow, we're off to Larry's mom's memorial mass. It has been 10 years.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Kohl's Friends and Family Pass - 12/11 - 12/14

Save an extra 15% on everything or save 20% if you spend more than $100 this weekend.

http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/c/tag/hBJPSinBBZVhBB7XhlPBfRBsnzd/doc.html?email=&cm_ven=Cheetahmail&cm_ite=kohl1&cm_lm=cm:

Book Club

My neighbor friends convinced me to start a book club with them. Hmmm. I like to read and am pretty literary. OK, I will join.

Thank goodness I wasn't there for the chosing of the first book entitled, "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle". I read the summary: "This riveting saga of an American family captures the deep and ancient alliance between humans and dogs, and the power of fate through one boy's epic journey into the wild."

Ok, if you know me, you'll immediately know the problem. But I am going to keep an open mind and read this book I have just over a month to do it.

Wish me luck!

December thus far

Ah, it is December...it was ushered in by us down in Columbus visiting Jason and Wendy after the Thanksgiving holiday. We shopped at Polaris and we had Timmy's photo taken with Santa in the mall. After dinner, we drove through the festival of lights that is very similar to the lights at Oglebay in West Virginia.

This past weekend, it was Dory's 5th birthday and pierogi day with the brothers and cousins on Saturday. We had a great day until it was time to leave and I had to drive home from the snow belt. Luckily, the roads got better as we drove toward home sweet home on the lake.

Sunday morning we went out to purchase our Douglas Fir tree at Lowe's. It is now "falling" inside the house and Larry thinks it might be our worst tree ever. I guess we'll wait and see. The mantle is decorated in silver and Dept. 56 houses are lit above the cabinets.

This week brings my work holiday party as well as a high school get together on Friday. Our favorite party of the year is on Saturday night at Hillbrook and then off to the Italian Club for the family Christmas party where we'll celebrate Jeanne's birthday. Should be a whirlwind weekend.

The Pink Ladies Pledge

Heather and I were talking about apples last week. She mentioned the Honey Crisps and Pink Ladies are her favorites. I never had either one of them. So, when I was in Heinen's this week, I saw the Honey Crisps were $2.99 a lb so I picked up the cheaper $1.99 a lb. Pink Lady. I had it at work for a snack and it was good, very sweet. Actually, too sweet for me. I hope to try a Honey Crisp soon.

Class Reunion Photos

Check them out, if you have any questions, let me know!

http://mjephotography.printroom.com/ViewGallery.asp?userid=marke81&gallery_id=1340248

One More Note -- My SIL

My SIL Laurie went to high school with me but back then, we were in different circles. At the reunion on Saturday night, I sat with her and walked with her and talked to our classmates. It was evident that we are much more than sisters in law. We are family and friends. When we were talking to others, we knew what each other was thinking and where each one of us had come from. I knew how confident she was in herself and how she wanted to see everyone and she knew how I felt about friends. We are glad we went and I am glad that she is my friend now, rather than in high school.

20 Years Later - Reflections

My 20 Year Reunion was Saturday night at Maggiano's in Beachwood.

The photo is of my longtime friend Rita and myself. Rita and I met in the 4th grade at Immaculate Conception. We went on to Notre Dame Academy, riding the bus together, getting through class together and listening to Rick Astley together. Now, we're both done with college, found our soulmates and have our babies. I am thankful for much from my days at NDA but one of the things I like best is my long time friendship with Rita - the nicest girl you could possibly meet.

I am also thankful to NDA for all the things I learned there. Most importantly, I learned the value of working hard to achieve a goal. My classes were difficult, but I studied and got myself through. I learned good study habits that helped me to manage my college career and thereafter.

About Who I Am...
I'd say that I have always marched to the beat of a different drummer. Since late gradeschool when I wore blue leggings to class and spoke valley girl with Val and Nicole, I have always been the odd one out. In highschool, I had photos of the Cleveland Force in my locker. I listened to Paul Anka and James Taylor as well as the Go-Go's. I wore my lucky Force had during exam week. Notre Dame, being an all girls school encouraged women to be themselves and be unique. I used that encouragement to ignore what others thought and do what I wanted.

I think I am hung up on why I don't have very many friends from high school. Over the past couple of days I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter. The people I spent my time with all shaped my life in some way. What is important is that I moved on to college, developed lifelong friendships and from there have made and kept so many friends since.

So, like if you read this, you're probably wondering I wrote all this stuff. I'd say it is because your 20, 30, 40th reunion does kind of mark a milestone in your life and it prompted me to do some reflecting. And that's all I have to say about that.

What I Have Been Thinking and Doing Lately

1. No matter how many tasks that you check off your list, the list never ends.
2. Puking even 2 years after having a baby really stinks.
3. I cannot wait for the election to happen so I don't have to hear about it
4. Our new shed is awesome.
5. Our neighbors, the Dan and Terri are going to be our great friends for years.
6. Timmy does a great impression of his grandfather making coughing noises.
7. Deciding on a small business with no electricity and permits is hard.
8. Making the high school football playoffs sucks for coach's family.
9. 20th high school reunion on Saturday, not buying anything new, but must color hair.
10. Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner.
11. Wireless Internet is awesome, sitting on couch with computer rocks!