Monday, November 30, 2009

He Who Throws Stones...

...must be a son of ours!

This past week, the boys got to throw some rocks into a small stream. After they got a few good throws in, I grabbed my camera.


I asked Willard to look at me, so I could take his picture, but he was SO EXCITED that...

He.
just.
couldn't.
take.
his.
eyes.
off.
the.
next.
rock...

Here is Maynard. He was a stone throwin' fool. And he had to pee. Imagine the torment he had to go through...hold my wiener...throw a stone...hold my wiener...throw a stone...

He eventually peed on a small sapling.


Randy was "down shop" chopping wood and spending time with his Dad, and he had no desire to be stuck in a truck with me-the crabby ol' wench. I sure have been crabby these last few days! So, I asked my Mother-in-Love to come with the boys and I into the mountains while we were up for Thanksgiving. She was so patient with me!

These two shots were taken in Hannan Gulch, in the Rocky Mountains. I put more "artsy-type" (as Randy would call them) photos from the week on my Photography Blog.


Sunday, November 15, 2009

A Face Only a Mother Could Love?

I like animals.

I don't consider myself an "Animal Lover", but...I like animals.

Last month was Maynard's 4th Birthday, and that weekend, we took him to Dinosaur park. He just loves going there, and it is also great exercise.

We started up the stairs and I saw something on the stairs. Randy and I were trying to decide if we should pick it up, or if we should let it go...then, the boys noticed we had stopped, and they were all inquisitive. We asked a few people coming down the stairs if they knew of a certain riddle about SNAKES...

Here is the little guy we adopted:
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He is a Great Plains Milk Snake, and he is probably less than a year old.

After we got his home all settled in, we talked to the boys about the rhyme:

Red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow. Red touches black, you're OK Jack.

They both went around telling people about him, saying...Red touches Yella, you're a dead fella!

Look at this face! How adorable!
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He is a darling little thing. And honestly, I never knew I would actually ENJOY having a snake as a pet. He is very inquisitive, when the heat lamp is off, and he is very tolerant of the boys. They are allowed to hold him and, honestly, I use it as leverage. If they choose to not listen, they don't get to hold him.

There are some precautions about owning one though...he is a natural escape artist, and even though he can't reach the top of the tank yet, we are going to get some clamps here shortly. We don't want him to get lost in this mess of a house! He also has bacteria on him that could make us sick, so we are very thorough with the hand washing...before and after!

His real name is Jack, but they call him Slim Cooley. (From Ghost Town at Sundown by Mary Pope Osbourne.) His favorite food is crickets (for the moment) and he spends his evenings on long stretches up the glass, that eventually end in a topple over of some sort. His favorite colors are red, black, and light yellow.

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Sunday, September 27, 2009

Land Ho!

Remember when I commented on how we were raising sailors?

While working on the "s" sound and the "a" sounds today, my son says, matter-of-factly, Hey Mom, "a" (the short sound) and "s" make A**.

Oh dear, what have I done?

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

They are Definitely Related!

*in my haste, this was actually posted on my other blog...whoops...I moved it here though!

Both the boys are very expressive. Willard uses lots of words and motion, and he can't stand still-it isn't possible. Maynard uses emphasis and big gestures and big eyes.

If you ask Willard what he dreams about, be prepared:

I woke up and I felt the ground shake (shaking his head back and forth)...I looked outside and it was a Tyrannosaurus Rex! But it was a different Tyrannosaurus Rex...it had a sail on his back. And then I went in the basement-we didn't live in this house-and I started to shiver (he shakes) and it wrecked right through the kitchen. In the morning, everyone was killed, except our neighbors (they just moved in, and he is pumped about that), and not Trace (a friend of his). Then I helped everyone build their houses back up.

Then, Maynard comes running out of the bathroom, arms spread out as wide as they can go, eyes big:

We saw a MASSIVE pider! So we TILLED it (slapping hand down), PITD (picked)it up, put it IN THE TOIWET (making a dropping motion), and FWUSHED it down!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Looks Innocent, Right?

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Wrong.

We only have 1 bathroom. We have a rule where, if someone is in the bathroom, and you can't hold it...then you can pee outside. This is a rare occasion, but it works...I mean...worked. They are supposed to pee next to the garage.

Earlier, Willard was going poop. Maynard went in there and told him he had to pee. I overheard and told him to go pee outside. He gets his shoes on, and walks to the door. The door opens. It stays open. Closing doors isn't common around here, and it seems around 30 times a day I have to bark at someone about shutting the door. I glance up and bark...Shut the door!

Then I hear liquid. On concrete.

After a second, I realized he was peeing on the sidewalk. I hopped up to find him standing in the doorway of our back door, peeing. My camera was laying on the counter, and I snapped two pics.

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I asked him why he didn't go out next to the garage. He said, "It's too hot out 'dere."

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At least he missed the Welcome Mat!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Grasshoppers

They are EVERYWHERE!

I don't really like them, either. I know they have their place, but, I prefer that place to be far away from me! I scream like a little girl when they land on me too.

Have you ever tried to walk with two boys down a sidewalk FILLED with grasshoppers? Let me tell you...it takes forever. But it is so darn cute when they "spook" them and they jump up and scare the pants off the boys....they yell out a squeal, then giggle, then find the next one. Unfortunately, they have also become, how shall I put this..."less than benevolent" toward them, so inevitably, I have to grab their hands and guide them and keep saying "keep away from the grasshoppers!"

Have you tried to walk past a flower garden with grasshoppers EVERYWHERE:

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(insert shiver here)

Why do they look at me like that?

Although, I have figured out a way for all these critters to be kept under control.

I know that there are many chicken farmers that keep their chickens locked up (not so much around here, but...go with me on this)...why not let the little birdies go free range for a while and plump-them-up the good old fashioned way!? Maybe even get movable fences to protect them from predators...Just a thought. Fresh air and exercise + grasshopper population decreasing = Win/Win Situation!

One Tough Cookie

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Maynard is a climber. Before he turned two, he was climbing up obstacles at the park. He is no stranger to falling, bumping, and tripping. He is also the younger brother, so he gets his fair share of "tough love" from Willard.

Knowing this inherited trait would manifest itself in many ways, when we decided to get "bunk" beds for the boys, we knew that the tall ones just wouldn't work. We opted for the loft-style, where the top bunk is less than 5 feet off the floor.

Willard sleeps on the top bunk. Maynard sleeps on a mattress underneath, since he is always moving-even in his sleep! Many mornings we (I use this term loosely, since, well, I sure like my sleep!) have found him sprawled out in the middle of the floor, snoozing away.

Maynard is also very stubborn. He has to be the one who decides what is going to occur in his little world. Something as simple as, do you want the green bowl or the yellow bowl has turned into a nightmare, so, I just set out a couple and have him pick without saying a word...I've got to pick my battles!

He has been asked not to go on the top bunk, but being the strong-willed boy he is, he is determined to be up there. He manages to bring all sorts of toys, sticks, blankets, up there too. And shoes.

Before he went to bed last night, a crash is heard from the other room. Not just a thud sort of crash, but a ting-tang, walla-walla-bing-bang crash. It sounded as if he bounced back and forth between the wall, the door, the ladder, and the floor.

I rushed to their room, almost before all his limbs were on the floor. He is behind their closed door, so I had to push him over to get in. I hunched down by him and he just laid there screaming. I asked him to lay still and show me where it hurt. He pointed to his forehead, and then crawled into my lap, and slowly, his crying slowed. I sat quietly, and rocked him for a couple minutes. Then he whimpered, "Tan you pwease det me oudda here?"

I picked us up, and went to the living room. I sat on the couch, and he, still in my lap, nestled up to me and peered into my eyes.

All the emotions and memories of him as a young child came flooding back to me-instantly. We had cuddled hundreds of times before last night, but because he is a ball of energy, the cuddles are but moments, wriggly, loud moments.

Still and Quiet, (two words I don't think I have ever used to describe him) he laid there, looking at me.

I asked him if his fall scared him. He nodded, still peering. I said, "You must have been really scared." He nodded again.

He kept looking. Then I realized something.

He trusted me.

This little boy, who earlier in the day, told me he hated me cause I wouldn't make him some toast before dinner, trusted me...The mother who makes him brush his teeth. The mother who isn't a big fan of mud or mud puddles.

I haven't felt that "feeling" in over 2 years. I stopped nursing him almost 2 years ago, and I guess I forgot what that feeling was like--the one where they look to you as their only sense of hope in their lives.

We stared at each other, quiet and still, for a couple more minutes. I kept an eye on his forehead for a mark, and his eyes...were they dilating correctly? Slowly, his gaze shifted from my eyes to my neck. He started asking what "dis" was, as he pulled on my neck, and "what's dis?" as he poked my collar bone. Although, I felt 10 years older, I proceeded to tell him why my neck is the way it is.

Now that he is ready to talk I asked him, "Are you going to be okay?"

He sorta whined and said, "Yeah."

I said, "You know, you are one tough cookie."

He groaned, almost like he was giving in to a repeated demand..."OHHHHHTAAAAAY, I'll haf a tootie." (Said like cookie, but with the "t" sound.)

I chuckled a bit, partially because he thought I actually offered him a cookie. (Which is another reason why he hates me, since I don't feed him a constant supply of tooties, especially right before bed!), but mostly because of the tone of his voice.

I then tried to explain what the phrase "tough cookie" meant. I think he really tried to understand, especially when I likened it to when you drop a cookie and it doesn't break. Fortunately, he wasn't all that bummed about not getting this cookie, probably cause he wasn't in the mood to say, BUT MOooOOOmmMMMM...

And as fast as he fell, he sat up, kissed me on the cheek (complete with smooch sound!), and jumped off my lap and went about his night.

He sure is one tough cookie.

Monday, August 24, 2009

I wonder what he will get for Christmas?

Willard has been playing and wiggling this his loose tooth for a couple weeks now...to the point where it sorta creeped me out...as if it were going to land on me one day while he was talking. (And I am not even afraid of teeth!)

He lost it on Friday Afternoon:
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He sure looks cute, and he has a little lisp now too! I am surprised I even got him to smile and stay still long enough to take his picture! We were at the park.

So, after it came out, Willard started talking about the Tooth Fairy. I am sure that somewhere in the last few months he heard about "her", because this is the first tooth that he has mentioned her.

Now, we are the crushers of all things magical. No Santa Claus here people!

So, we told him the truth, and he wanted to argue with us about it.

I was half tempted to let him sleep with it under his pillow for a few days to see if she would have showed up.

But after discussing it, he seemed OK with it, since, well, he was getting a dollar, instead of some measly quarter from a fake fairy.

Mom = 1
Tooth Fairy = 0

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Raising Sailors...

After commenting about this on another blog, I thought I would post this here, since it is quite comical.

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We try hard not to curse in front of the boys. We are not perfect parents, and it happens. In fact, the more we tell ourselves to stop cursing, the more we do it. The general rule for the boys is, if you are going to say "those" words, you can say them in their room so we cannot hear them.

The other day, Willard and Maynard were cleaning their room. I got the vacuum out for them and Willard did half the room, and Maynard was vacuuming the other half. There was a backpack on the floor, and Maynard asked Willard to..."move that son-of-a-B*#^%".

We were sitting in the living room, looked at each other and just giggled. He was, indeed, in his room. (Although, he was yelling because the vacuum was loud.)

Then we told ourselves we NEED to stop swearing, etc...but the vicious circle continues!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Dinner Conversations

Maynard has been trying really hard to integrate into adult conversations. He manages to come up with some clever ideas and thoughts.

Tonight's Observation: The Ceiling Fan

"That fan goes around just like a tornado. But, its not a tornado, its a fan."

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

And P...

Listening to Maynard sing the alphabet..."ABCDEFG, HIJK(tay) LMNO and P, QRS, TUV, WX(ets), Y and Z. Now I know my ABCs, next time wont you sing with me?...beep beep."

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Monday, July 13, 2009

Willard tells a story.

Our oldest son has been making up some crazy stories...He will be the PERFECT fisherman!

Here is one from tonight, during dinner:

Back when we were in Montana, near Spearfish, I saw lightning hit a house, and inside were 3 kids, Carlin (cause he likes cars, so car...and lin...cause that is what his nickname is), Junior, and Picky (cause he likes to pick things off trees)...There were 20 people in the town. The kids hid underneath the table, and they had cuts and scratches that were made by the nails under the table and they came out ok...no one was injured in the whole town.

And there was this little boy named Sarah, and he was 2 and he lost his family at the store, because they were startled from the thunder...He lived in a house that was green with a blue roof. After the storm, he saw a police. The police saw him sad, and brought him home.

The neighbors had four kids. Nick, Jason, Marlin Junior, and Salty (cause he likes to eat salt for breakfast.). Then, when they woke up, it was nice and quiet, then they hear (he makes a siren sound). The police station had a siren that goes around in different directions...They look out their window...it was an F5 tornado...it kept getting closer and closer and closer and then it smashed through the basement and through their house, but they were in the closet...When they woke up, the whole neighborhood was beestroyed, and there was still debris falling from the sky, and the flood was still running fast, and they had 16 trampolines to pick from. And they had a big house with 3 bathrooms. After 16 days, they were going to move to Rapid City.



So, after Willard tells his story, Maynard has to tell one:

(A recap of Willard's story:)
I saw a human in a store, and I saw somebody lost, and then there was a police. He took him to his home...it was a long story.

One time he wanted to go swimming with fish, and he saw a fish jump up. And he had a long fish, and it jumped up, and he throwed it over there, and he caught it, and he pulled it up, but it was too heavy. But he got it up, but it was bad, and it had sharp teeth! It was a grouper. And he cutted the teeth off...that's funny...then he ate his eyes, then he ate his face, then he cooked him up for his family, then he ate him. Then he wanted to catch a whole bunch.

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Sunday, July 5, 2009

Fireworks

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Last night, while watching the fireworks, Maynard found a cricket.

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I guess he was chasing it around, trying to get it...

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He ran over to me, (knowing that I am not a big fan of crickets) and said loudly:

Mom!......If I see that cricket......and it comes over to you...... I'll KICK IT IN THE FACE!

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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Thighs...

It is amazing how innocent Willard is when he slaps my thigh and when I asked him why, he says, "I like the effects of it...how it jiggles."

Later on, Maynard kept sneezing...Come to find out, he stuck a bead up his nose...(we got it out...) When I asked him why, he said, "so it will stop the bleeding." I don't even remember the last time he had a bloody nose...odd.

Monday, June 8, 2009

If I Ever Get Mad...

Willard came up to me holding a picture from our wedding.

He said, "If you ever get mad, just look at this."

I asked him, "Is it supposed to do something?"

He said, "It will make you happy."

I couldn't agree more!

I love you, Randy!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Photos from the Weekend

I have a few photos to share from this weekend:

A blue flower near Rapid Creek:
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A daffodil from down the street:
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More daffodils:
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A tulip from our front yard:
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Willard playing at the park:
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Maynard playing at the park:
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Some random stranger that was a product of my camera focusing wrong at the last second:
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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

You Can't Handle the Truth!

I'm sitting on the couch, leaning over my laptop on the coffee table...Maynard comes up behind me and grabs my love handles and asks me..."Why are dees so bid?"

AHHHHH KIDDDDDSS!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Traveling

We went to Montana for a few days this last week. We got back last night. After the boys went to bed, Randy and I snuggled on the couch and then went to bed.

This morning, Willard comes up to Randy and says, "Guess what happened on the way home daddy?"

Randy: "What happened?"

Williard: "I spewed in the car. I think its because I ate too much"


Since when is it called "spewing"?

Thankfully, I had purchased a dish pan tub so they could keep their toys/water bottles/sunglasses in, and he used that.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Snakes

This past weekend at the Kid's Fair, we got to see an informational teaching on snakes. Our boys were enthralled, hanging on every word the instructor (who also happens to be a friend of ours) said. They learned about snakes (More specifically: The Garter Snake and the Rattlesnake) that live in South Dakota, and how you can tell the difference.

Tuesday Morning, I overheard Willard and Maynard chatting (This is my new hobby!):


Willard: Do you know how to tell the difference between a rattlesnake and a gard'ner snake?

Maynard: Uh Huh!
(Even though Maynard says he knows, Willard continues:)

Willard: Well, see, a rattlesnake has a long tail and a short neck, and a gard'ner snake has a long neck and a short tail.

He keeps going:

Do you know why he is called a gard'ner snake?

Maynard: Ummmm.

Willard: A gard'ner snake is called that because it likes to live in the garden.

Friday, April 17, 2009

5k-illing me!

Remember when you were little...when someone pushed you on the swing until you went so far up into the sky felt as though you were soaring? Then, on the way back down, it felt like your stomach was going to shoot out through your face?

I still need a push sometimes. A thrill, a goal, a reward. So...here I sit, with sore calves, thighs, and cheeks, and it might just be the death of me.

Not really.

I have never been a "runner". I was good at running across the road to my cousin's house, or even down the road a bit to my Grandparent's house. In grade school,(before my thighs started touching), I probably was a fast little squirt, but honestly, I don't remember much from that time. Maybe its because I ran right into one of my cousins, at full speed...I may have knocked a screw loose.

Come to think of it...I never really *had* to run. I only had to run a few feet for the vault in Gymnastics. I was even in Track and Field my junior year at VHS. But I did the "Field" part. One of my only memories of those few weeks was when I pulled both my quad muscles trying to sprint/race one of my coaches to the concession stand.

I just don't run.

So why did I start training for a 5k? I have no idea. It sounded like a good idea at the time. But, its seems I am the most hideous runner out there. I stomp, breathe really heavy, and the "girls" bounce everywhere. (Is there some sort of tape or something that can hold them two down? My sport bras don't seem to work all that well.)

I even catch myself *attempting* to sing along to the odd array of songs I have on my MP3 player. One of the trainers at the gym was actually surprised I had music from 2009 (Michael Buble', Maroon 5, etc). He thinks I am stuck in the past. But really, I just don't get out much. And I like music from the 60's 70's and 80's!

The poor people at my gym probably cringe when they see me. They had every intention on freeing their mind, reducing stress, and getting in shape. But instead they are stuck next to me...a sweaty, stomping, panting, middle aged lady. One who can't keep her boobs from attacking each other and sings odd 80's songs (like, Putting on the Ritz, by Taco) while spilling water on herself.

They will have their revenge though...once I am out on the open run, they will pass me and say, eat my dust or something like that. I just hope they don't fart. 'Cause I would laugh so hard, I'd start to cackle, and you can't cackle to Cruel Summer...that would be just wrong.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Fun in the Snow!

Over the last few weeks, we have had 3 snow storms. We are under a Winter Weather Advisory" as well, until tomorrow night. Love this weather! (I hope you can sense my sarcasm!)

This past weekend, we all went outside and decided to make a luge course in our little back yard. We had a blast! Below are some videos of us taking advantage of the white stuff!!!

Randy:


Willard:


Maynard:


Myself:


We wish the course would have lasted a little longer. We would have played forever, except we were hungry! The snow has melted most of the bottom part, but it was the most fun I have had in the snow in over a decade! (Yes, I am that old!)

Monday, April 6, 2009

OSTRICH ME!

Since we have had these 3 snow storms these last few weeks, I have felt just bleh. I want to stick my head in the snow and wait for the plow to accidentally jump the curb and plow through my living room so there will at least be a path!

I was joking with a friend this morning about my house and that if someone tried to loot it, they probably couldn't find anything anyway!

Right now, if someone walked into my home, they would think that it had just been robbed.

I just threw out 2 broken glasses that were in the dust pan.
I just ran 2 loads of dishes, and the counters are still filled with crap.
I need to tackle my dirty clothes piles, but they might just tackle me.
I am surrounded by calculator printouts and tax forms.
I am trying to get my computer cleaned out so it doesn't take forever!
My bedroom looks like I have been hoarding paper for years.
The last time I used my sewing machine, I was mending. (Still fun though!)

I feel like a lousy everything...Wife, Mother, Friend, Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Aunt, etc, etc, etc..

But, I have lost 17 lbs!

I guess there is some good news!

Friday, March 27, 2009

The Good, The Bad, and the Blue.

Today, I had to run a quick errand, and the sun is shining bright! (Take that Blizzard!) The boys wanted me to take them for a pedal bike ride. I explained to them that I needed to clean the house today, and that it was too cold anyhow. Willard asked me if he could help, and I said, sure, if he wanted to.

Then we passed by a blue mustang, and Willard said, "Look mom, a blue mustang! Blue is Dad's favorite color!" I said, "Yes, Willard, blue is Dad's favorite color, but if he could, he would prefer an Electric Blue Mustang. Its brighter.

Willard says..."Well I would like an Automatic Blue Mustang, cause it shifts for you."

So, after all this, Willard and Maynard are having a conversation:

Willard: Do you want the good news or the bad news? (He is saying this in a somber sort of voice.)
Maynard: Da bad news.
Willard: If we help mom around the house, we won't get to play.
Maynard: Oh Tay. What's the dood news?
Willard: The good news is, if you want to play instead of help...well that is what the good news is!
Maynard: Oh.

So, when we got home, I asked Maynard:

Mom: So, I hear there is good news and bad news."
Maynard: Uh Huh. The bad news is, we don't wanna help you. The dood news is, we wanna help you.
Mom: So, which news is it? The dood news.

Mr. Optimist.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Sparkles.

Willard has been FULL of his fun phrases lately!

Tomorrow, when I look in the mirror, I hope to be excited for my *sparkles*!

Yesterday after playing in the dirt all afternoon, I gave the boys a quick shower.

As I was helping them get dried off, Maynard looks at his wet, wrinkly hands and says with big wide eyes:

"Look Mom! My hands are sparkly!"

"Really?", I ask.

"Yes, and my feet have sparkles too!" He exclaims, as he tips up on the outside of he feet to look at the bottoms.

I can't wait to tell these stories to his kids!!!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

A Great Maynardism

Today, I was putting clothes into the washer, and Maynard came up to me and said politely...

"What the hell are you doing, Mom?"

I was a bit surprised, but I remained calm...

"Boy, Son, maybe you should ask me a different way."

So he said, without missing a beat:

"Excuse me, Mom. What the hell are you doing?"


I am going to chuckle about that all day long!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Venison Recipe

I adapted this recipe from my friend Nancy's brine recipe that she made for a MOPS meeting this year.

I took the thawed venison, rinsed it well, and placed it into a vacuum sealer container. This recipe will work in a bowl as well, as long as the bowl or container is large enough to fill with enough water to cover the meat. Also, make sure you have room to put it into your fridge over night or longer.

I used about 10 oz of steak meat for this recipe.

Place the following into a small glass or cup:
1 Tbsp Salt (Sea Salt is what I used)
1 Tbsp Sugar
1 tsp Pepper
2 Cloves of Minced Garlic

Add some warm water and stir until mostly dissolved. Pour the mixture over the meat and add enough water to cover the meat and cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid. If you are using a vacuum sealer, vacuum seal it.

Place into the fridge and leave there overnight. I left mine in longer, since it was harder for me to do it during the day.

Right before cooking, take the meat out of the brine and pat dry. Drain the brine, except for the pepper and garlic...save it for later... Place the meat onto a cutting board or plate and sprinkle this side with pepper and garlic powder (not garlic salt).

Take your pan and put a little bit of EVOO in it and turn it on high. Wait for the pan to get just about smokin, then place the meat, seasoned side down in the pan. Sprinkle this other side with pepper and garlic powder. By the time you are done seasoning this side, the other side will be browned. Using Tongs, flip the meat over to brown the other side. If you are making a roast, turn to brown all sides.

I have never made a roast with this recipe, but, if you have made any other kind of roast, I would assume you make it the same way.

So, both sides of the steaks are browned...now, turn the heat down to medium and add one medium onion, diced up.

When the onions get semi-transparent, add about 2.5 cups of water to make the gravy. Also, add the bits and pieces from the brine that you saved from earlier.

The water will come to a rolling boil.

Take a tablespoon or so (I am amazed I can even cook with these sort of measurements) of corn starch and place it into a glass. Add a bit of cold water so that it makes a watery mixture. Add this slowly, a little bit at a time, while stirring it. Corn starch will thicken when it gets to boiling temperature. Keep adding more mixture until it's thick enough for your family.

Check the meat...venison is best done when it is medium well.

Keep in mind that I don't add salt other than in the brine, since I add it at the table. If you cook with salt, don't salt the meat until it is browned.

We enjoy ours over smashed potatoes (boiled potatoes, smashed with a potato masher, no butter or milk added) with steamed broccoli.

I hope you like this as much as we do!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Note to Self...

Always, Always, Always make sure the toilet seat is down before you sit!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Do as I say, not as I do...

My husband and I have a very unique relationship. Unique in the way that we react to each other, ask each other questions, talk to each other, and tease each other. He pretends to be the male chauvinist, and I pretend to be the slave wife.

One of Randy's famous phrases that he uses on all of us (remember this is all in jest), is: Hey Hon (or Son, if he is talkin' to the kids), I got a job for you...(then he would say something like, go to kitchen and grab the remote for me, or run out to the truck and get me my hat, or something along those lines.)

Now understand that my husband is very polite, and has great manners, but because the two of us mesh so well with each other I instinctively just do them (with a snarled face, or a curtsy or something). More often than not, he is joking, and just wants to see if he can get me to do things. The boys, well, they just like helping.

Tonight, after dinner, Willard was offered a cookie since he finished his dinner. Randy and I normally have a glass of milk with our cookies (is that where the pounds have come from?) so he walks up to me and says:

"Hey Mom, I gotta job for you. Why don't you go to the fridgerator and get me a glass of milk."

I was a bit stunned, and tried to keep a straight face. I ducked behind my husband, got my giggling and grinning out of the way, then offered to let him dunk his cookie in our milk, since there was NO WAY I was getting up...

Kids I tell ya!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Noses Stay.

Maynard has a runny nose...allergy related.

Randy was grabbing a tissue, and asked him, "Is your nose running?"

Maynard said, "No."

Dad says, "Is it walking?"

"No."

"Is it jogging?"

"No, Dad. It isn't runeen, whauteen, or joddeen, it tays."

Noses "stay" I guess =)

Saturday, January 10, 2009

My Helper

Today, Maynard came with me to clean our church. He was on mirror duty. He was pretty excited to help, and, despite the little grubby handprints that I had to wipe off afterward, he did great. He also emptied all the garbage cans.

So, after helping me today, I thought he might want to help me put a load of our clothes in the wash. He and Willard already are responsible for their laundry-for everything except the soap...I just haven't figured out a way for them to do that without making a mess. Normally, neither of them have issues with this chore.

Well, when I asked him, "Maynard, would you like to help me with a load of clothes?"

He replied, "yeeeeeeee(think "e")eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeno."

I guess he had to think about that for a few seconds!