My Heart Will Go On...

Although temps reached 65 today, James pulled THIS out of our pool because of the sub zero temps last week. The Titantic would not be safe in my backyard.

On the plus side, margaritas anyone...

Day After Sale...

Well, we survived the holiday without any casualties or accidents. That's always a big deal.

Santa was good to everyone here, including me!

I guess I can't bitch about my husband not listening to me anymore. Now, what will I bitch about?

Oh, & then, there was wine...

Holiday Program...

Eddie had his first "holiday" program at Preschool last week. It was cute, except when you're father is in attendence & coaxing you while your mother tries to take pictures.But, he truly enjoys class & his friends.

We even did some crafts & got to meet The Big Guy...

Have You Seen This Website...

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones

You should go there now!
And be sure to check out "Pearl" the landlord...

The Boy is Officially 4...

Wasn't sure if he'd live this long. He talks nonstop, & is finally potty trained!Julie was unavailable for the holiday weekend, but I think this cake was well received...

We love you big guy. Congrats on making it this far, & we look forward to MANY more...

Question...

James was coming home last night from a buddy’s house. He’s been ill since Sunday. Can you see where this is going?
He had to pull over to the side of the road…

“Does a hillybilly shit in the street???”

Anniversary Flowers...

For those of you that were there & may not remember, it was 12 years this past Sunday.

Yes, I have a 13 year old & can do the math. Get over it...

James went duck hunting for the 1st time Saturday, & came home with these. They are not a frequent site at our house. Guilt can be a good thing...

Annual Halloween Parade...

This is what happens when the sun is in the eyes of your hung over mother...

Can't find my cheerleader.

Can't center.
The bottom right corner, in the purple is my 8 year old (at least their float won 1st place).

And, my son is fuzzy...

Reason #892 It's Great to Have a Teenager...

Your mother gets to dress you for 80's day at school...

That's My Boy...

Go figure he can eat a donut faster than other 3/4 year olds...

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

And, with it comes the onslought of commercials for various toys that my kids NEED!
Eddie is a normal kid that wants everything he sees on TV. I understand this desire as I used to circle everything under the sun in my mother's annual Sears & JC Penney catalogs.
But, last night he hit a new level of want. We were watching "House" (don't judge me on what I let my 3 1/2 year old watch on TV) when a commercial for some riding toy that hooks to your TV for road effect came on. That's when he announced "When I was a baby, I wanted that." Seriously? Because "that" didn't even exsist when you were a baby. You didn't even know what "that" was.

The boy has issues...

Blogging is Hard...

So I'm not very good @ updating. I have LOTS of good thoughts/ideas, then never record them here. For that I'm truly sorry. I'm also sorry that James & I went to dinner Saturday night & i only had my camera phone. Please excuse this lousy picture. At least it's large enough for Morgan's Mom to see. I tried to brighten it the best that I could, but it was a bar, & I enjoy take out bar food; just ask my friend Lucky.

BTW, that's only 1/2 the sandwich...

Let's get down to it: this is a Blackened Fish Po Boy. It was AMAZING. It came with french fries which were fair, & an olive relish that as very nice; black & green combined, so you got salty & mild mixed with carrots. The blackening season was just what I liked, not to strong, but a kick. My mother asked me what made a sandwich a Po Boy, & I did not have an answer for her. So, I most definitely researched it for her. You can read up on that yourselves in case you're ever on Jeopardy!...

Happy Birthday...Mr. President...

Be sure to sing the post title, or else it loses all meaning.

Anywho, Friday was James' 38th birthday. So, we both took the day off work, & got to go out to breakfast AND dinner...childless.

Breakfast was held at a local favorite, plus I had a coupon (HELLO Polock). I tried Claire's Harvest Benedict, & it was very good. The fire roasted garlic tomatoes were a nice addition to tranditional hollandaise sauce.

But, dinner, it was at my favorite place. On your birthday, your meal is free, so we only go here twice a year.

James tried to filet with lobster tail. Pretty much he orders this every time. He said is was good as usual.I tried the filet with the swordfish steak, blackened. I was impressed with how tender the filet was. I don't usually order steak out. The swordfish was done excellently as well. But, the rice pilaf, that was super boring.

Oh, plus, on your birthday, you get a free dessert. James took home the key lime pie & said it was AWESOME...

Eight Years Ago Today...

I went into labor @ 2am & gave birth to this blonde bombshell. She is my only child to be considerate enough to be born @ a decent hour (5pm...just in time for dinner!). The other 2 had other plans.

It's been a rough rode @ times: illness, writing on cars with rocks, constantly forgetting a lunchbox, coat, herself (she fell asleep on the bus once & didn't get picked up by the daycare.

Anyway, it's been worth it too. She is so much fun now & coming into her own personality. She may fight with her big sister, but she's awesome with her little brother. AND, if you need a toilet scrubbed, she's your girl!

Happy Birthday Rachel. You've earned it...

Bad Parenting?

It's 8pm & James has a sweet tooth. With the toddler in bed, the teenager in her room & the soon to be 8 year old in the basement playing computer games, we sneak out to McD's for a McFlurry & ice cream cone. For the record, I inquired if we should tell the girls we were leaving the house. His reply, NO; then they'll want something.

Well, the teenager calls James on his cell as we're paying @ the drive-thru window. He giggles @ me while talking to Natalie as I'm shushing the girl @ the window telling us our McFlurry will be right up.

Is that wrong?...

Reasons it's Great to Have a Jr. High Student #342...

They read your old books...

Long live the '80's!!!

True Love...

On our recent trip to Holland, MI, we drove through Indiana on the turnpike. We've traveled this route before & my husband has NEVER stopped in South Bend. He is an avid U of M fan, & can't be bothered with such sentimental drivel. Well, the Gods must have been looking the other direction that day. Not only did I get to see the Notre Dame Campus (YEA Rudy!), but we even ate lunch @ the Legends of Notre Dame restaurant right on campus.

I had the Tilapia Po Boy sandwich. It was nothing to write home about, but I did get to see pictures of Joe Montana, Brady Quinn, & Jerome "the Bus" Bettis, so it was worth it.

And, just so you know, James left his U of M baseball cap on the entire time...

I Do Not Bake...

But, on a whim, I tried this recipe. OMG! I'm Suzy Fucking Homemaker! Who knew? They came out awesome. I can screw up premade school fundraiser cookie dough cookies. But, God was looking down on me, & these came out great. I'm looking for other fruits to use this recipe with from now on...

First Day...

Yesterday was my baby's first day of Preschool. He got to ride the bus & everything! But, he is in the afternoon class, which means no more nap time (THE.HORROR.)

Preschool is hard...

It's a Keeper...

Back to school also means quick weeknight meals. Tuesday, before open house, I tried this recipe based on the fact that I already had these exact ingredients on hand, &, they ALL ate it. My hubby & Rachel even went for seconds, & Natalie (Ms. Picky-Pants) told me it was a keeper. Who knew?

Anyway, I refer to it as my own Semi-Homemade, 30-Minute Meal creation...

P.S. Tonight is Taco Lasagna from my friend Morgan's Mom. I'll let you know how it goes, but, they all eat actual tacos. So, it should be fine...

Back to School...

That's right state of Michigan, my kids are already back to school today! With that comes classroom birthdays. Also, my daughter has a September birthday, so this is my chance to start a precedent. In the onslought of paperwork we received last night at open house was a copy of the classroom rules. Regarding birthday celebrations they requested that nonedible treats be brought in. i.e. pencils, erasers, stickers & the like. Having a child with a food allergy, I was elated! Finally, a school activity of sorts that is not surrounded by food. So, my question to you, oh creative internet minds (particularly Julie) is what should I send in that the entire class would enjoy? Boys & girls alike. Keep in mind, we are dealing with 7/8 year olds.

Discuss...

Holland, MI Dining Experiences Part II...

Our second night in Holland was more amazing. We rented a speed boat & chilled on Lake Michigan for 3 hours. Then, we got cleaned up for dinner. We were recommended The Piper by the general manager at our hotel. Let me just say how great it was. Different than anything we've been to in Toledo. We had a view of Lake Macatawa, the sun was setting, & the food was like something straight from the Food Network!

We started with salads. James tried the summer stack without much success. He got a rotten tomato slice. I had the bruschetta toss. It was edible, but nothing fantastic. The white cheese on top is mozzarella di bufala. It was completely unrememberable.

The entrees were much better. James tried the evening steak special. Beef tenderloin & prawn skewers. This was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen! It had color, height, & was VERY flavorful. I was truly impressed...
I tried the artichoke ravioli. It was o.k. But, a bit too much vinagrette on top. It was overkill. But again, presentation was very nice...Finally, it's not vacation without dessert. I am a sucker for tiramasu. Whenever I see it, I have to try it. This had an added bonus of being made with mascarpone. Now, I've heard of this numerous times on the Food Network, & if it's good enough for Bobby Flay to use, it's good enough for me to try. It was amazing. Lighter than regular sour cream. There was a frangelica hazelnut cream sauce on the side too, & it was bursting with light flavor, adding tremendous layers of enjoyment!All & all, it was a great experience made better by the fact that I didn't have to cut up anyone else's dinner, or use the powder room while my meal was still hot & fresh!

Holland, MI Dining Experiences Part I...

We started our evening at a local favorite. The Crazy Horse Steakhouse & Saloon. James could get a steak, & I could try something new...

Appetizers anyone? These are PRETZEL crusted mozzarella sticks. Very nice crunch. Something different from run of the mill mozzarella sticks.

SHOCK! James tried the Cowboy Ribeye. Essentially a steak with a baked potatoe & fried onions on top. He said it was very well prepared, but honestly, he grills a good ribeye at home too.

Now, I tried the South by Southwest Tilapia. I chose veggies & smashed red potatoes (yummy) for the sides. See that dollup in the middle of the fish? That's chipotle-lime butter, & it is AWESOME! Overall a very elegant dish & the flavors blended very well together. The butter helped calm some of the heat on the fish making it more enjoyable to eat.

That's it for this installment. The next entry is a more "up" scale establishment...

And the Winners Are...

This is the finalized "block party" playlist (alphabetically by song title, because I'm THAT anal about some things, in order to mix up genres):

All Night Long (All Night) : Lionel Richie
Dancing In the Streets: David Bowie & Mick Jagger
Down On the Corner: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jenny from the Block: Jennifer Lopez
Our House: Madness
Saturday In the Park: Chicago
Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting): Elton John
Summer Nights: John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
Summer Nights: Van Halen
Summer of '69: Bryan Adams
Summertime: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Summertime: Kenny Chesney
Summertime: New Kids on the Block
Summertime Blues: Alan Jackson
When the Sun Goes Down: Kenny Chesney

My biggest disappointment was the fact the Kid Rock's "All Summer Long" was not available on iTunes. That is the song that started this entire search. Plus, it was a VERY narrow search. They had to be songs that involved streets, summer, or Saturdays since this is for a BLOCK party, in the STREET, during the SUMMER, on a SATURDAY night.

I know. I can get weird sometimes.

Well, I'm on vacation all next week, so don't party too much while I'm gone. I will be checking in after Wednesday...

Summertime Music & Memories...

We are having a block party this Saturday. I was trying to make a CD (the modern day mixed tape) to play. But, I've hit a road block in the theme music department. So, I turn to you, oh internet Gods & Goddesses, for suggestions.

So far I have the following songs:
Summertime - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams
Dancing in the Streets - Bowie & Jagger
When the Sun Goes Down - Kenny Cheasney
Our House - Madness
Jenny from the Block - J. Lo

What makes you all think "summer," or "party in the street?"

Let the memories flow...

Editing Question...

I love this picture, but unfortunately, it was taken while in the bathroom. I would love to lose the TP roll on the wall. I do not have Photoshop, & am not talented in the photo editting department.

Any helpful insight? Or, if you could make changes & email it back to me, that would be great...

There's a Pattern Here...

YEA! More carbs.

So, we went to the Olive Garden last night, & I am in love with gnocchi. I've tried it once before at a local place called Stella's, & it is divine.

The sauce on the veronese is delightful (creamy & flavorful), & the veggies supreme!

Good summer eats...

Rules of Etiquette...

A certain hillbilly that shall remain nameless needs your help. Last night he inquired to me if you wore a pair of underwear for only 3 hours, could you wear it again tomorrow?

Your thoughts...

Yes, THESE are the kind of conversations most poplular in our house.

Last But Not Least...

You've got to love a meal that combines 2 of my favorites things: seafood & carbs. This is a Maryland Crab Cake Sandwich. A crab cake...on a bun...HELLO!

Needless to say, I loved it!

FYI, the tomato was safe...

Vacation Food #2...

I love a buffet. All you can eat? Come on. That's heavenly. Especially for an adverterous eater like me. So, imagine my delight to be given the opportunity to delve into the breakfast buffet @ Kalahari.

To the left is the carb lover in me: biscuits & gravy...yum! But, upfront & to the back are the "city girl" in me: eggs florentine & quiche...yep, that's the good stuff baby...

Vacation Food #1...

When you are married to a self-proclaimed hillbilly, BBQ is in your vocabulary.

O.k. so the picture is not with my camera (I forgot), but it is the Georgia Pork Sandwich from Famous Dave's website. I had mine Tennesee style which means they add coleslaw on top of the BBQ...very tastey.

I give it 2 thumbs up...in a circle, even though it does not abide by my "eat somewhere you cannot eat @ home" theory...

Confessions...

I have a problem. I LOVE M. Night Shyamalan movies. The drama, the suspense, the twist at the end. I LOVE it. "Unbreakable" is one of my favorites. So, imagine my delight to go see his lastest outing, "The Happening"! Unfortunately, it left something to be desired, & was the biggest let down ever!

On the flip side, it may be worth a rental if you are ever so inclined to be hit over the head about global warming...

Vacation...

It's finally here!!! Well, @ 5pm today anyway.
We have James' company picnic @ Cedar Point tomorrow, then Kalahari Resort for 2 nights, & then Cleveland to visit Susan & the new babe!

Have a super work week everyone!!!

Lost Quiz...

Summer Employment...

Any ideas as to what a 13 year old can to for $$ besides babysitting? Preferably only 3 days a week, or in the evening. I have to get my babysitting out of her too...

Thirteen Going on Thirty...

Today is my oldest baby's birthday. She is officially a teenager, & we are officially old.

There are so many little things about that day(s) that I remember. I remember it was a Tuesday. I remember that she took 32 hours to make her apperance. I remember that she arrived @ 11:24 PM. I remember the group of family & friends that had gathered @ the hospital anticipating her arrival (we didn't know she was a she).

When I was about sixteen years old, I wanted 2 boys & a girl. That way my girl would always be my baby. Now, I am so glad I had my girls first. I love my son in ways only a mother can, but my girls "help" me SO much. I am hard on them, but it's worth it, & it shows.

Tonight we are taking her to the Olive Garden to celebrate (YEA! She picked a "real" restaurant). And, just so you're aware, the going right of passage in the form of thirteen year-old birhtday gifts...By the time Eddie is thirteen it will probably be a car!

Happy Birthday little girl. It's been a great ride...

I Love the Internet...

While reading my Entertainment Weekly this weekend, I was referred to this post, & it's hilarious...

http://fourthgradegladiators.com/awesome/

ENJOY!

Favorite Mother's Day Present...

This is from Rachel. She is a Brownie. This is why I am not a leader. I have no imagination, & no skill for such things. But, I sure do love them...











I got a lot of other beautiful things. Some requested, some not. They are all very thoughtful. But, if I had to pick one, this would be it...

Pimp My Living Room...

It's design time at Fer Food. Just a little break from the norm. I need you to weigh in. We purchased a new couch, & now I'd like to update the living room to go with it. I'm moving into adulthood by trying to match colors & concepts instead of willy-nilly pieces, & I'd like to break from mid-west ideals into contemporary style.

Here's the couch:

I'm looking to add an area rug underneath, so here's a close up of the accent pillows for color:

My first choice of places to shop is Overstock since their shipping is only $2.95. Let's face it, that's less than a gallon of gas. While I know good style isn't always cheap, it doesn't have to be expensive either. So, I'd like to stay under $200.

Next is the wall. Don't laugh. I once thought this looked good.

I've decided it's time to purchase some REAL artwork. I truly like this site as it's handcrafted originals & not that mass created crap found in stores.

So, that's it for now. Let the creativity flow...

I Love My Neighbors...

Free wine, & a sense of humor...

Day (Overnight) Trips...

I like to go places. I am not one for sitting around (of course I like to spend $$ too). This past weekend we attended A Day Out With Thomas at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI. It may only be an hour from our home, but I felt it deemed worthy an overnight hotel stay, & coinsiding dinner out.

I have a long standing rule that when we eat out of town we cannot eat somewhere we can eat at home. Based upon our hotel's directory we chose Kiernan's Steak House in downtown Dearborn (which has been greatly revitalized; you should check it out!). I tried the Veal Kiernan with rice pilaf. I have to be honest, it was NOT the best damn meal ever. It was edible, but for the price, it was only "fair." Rachel thought the rice was "the best!"

Unfortunately, I do not have any photos as I felt completely uncomfortable eating here with my children (& we were the youngest patrons in the joint). James & I have eaten upscale before, but without the kids. The girls of course LOVED the atmosphere & secluded booth. The toddler, not so much. He has more of a flair for Denny's & Chili's; places where he can be LOUDER!

Introducing "Fer Food"...

It has recently been brought to my attention that my obsession & consequential "love" of food merit skewing the original purpose of this blog.

So, from now on I will be bringing you "Fer Food - In Search of the Best Damn Meal Ever." With the occasional witty insight into my home life.

But, for now, I will leave you with a thought.

There are no pictures for this meal, but I'm sure you can imagine it.

We decided to reward Natalie for making the cheer squad by letting her pick a restaurant for a celebratory dinner. My lovely 12 year old chose IHOP. Not my kind of place for dinner. I DO NOT eat pancakes. Word of advice, never order a Philly Steak sandwich at a place called INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES...

Another Fun Food Date...

Did you miss me? Did you think I fell off the face of the earth?

Well, I didn't it, & here's what I've been up to. We had another lovely date night. Since I'm on this japanese kick, we tried out this newer place.

I started with the lemon drop martini...

and chased that with a Stoli Orange Gimlet (which wasn't as good).

Dinner was very satisfying. I tried the sesame salmon...

Oh, & I tried the eel! Ironically, it tasted just like chicken.

AND...I cannot forget to mention the barely 20 year old waitress was giving James the eye. Now, he thinks many woman are checking him out, but this time, it was for real. I even noticed, & confirmed his suspicions which blew him away. We had a good laugh about it. Or, perhaps it was the drinks...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA...

I don't know which is funnier. His uniform, or the fact that this is what he does on his lunch hour.
http://www.guardcarphotos.com/index.cfm?action=main.viralLife&consumer_ID=3298196&barcode=KWW3TXNYA2

Grown Up Dinner Outing...

We have a neighbor who is having her mouth wired shut for some dental reasons. She chose to attend a new restaurant in town for her "last supper," & invited us along. It was a new type of cuisine for us, & VERY tasty. Plus, we got a show!

We tried sushi:

James had the filet:
(it was like buttah...)

I had the red snapper:

Then, there was the show...

I'm so glad we went. It was a lot of fun!

McNiel Look-alike Meter

O.K. Now I know this thing is wack. Rachel looks totally like James, not like me!

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Dynasty - Blank family tree

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

Morgan's Mom has created a monster... At least it's the pretty, before she was crazy Brit Brit.

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities

No Fair!!!

I've actually always known Eddie looks more like James. I guess this proves it. But, I tell folks Eddie is WAY cuter...

Weekend Rewind...

Funniest site of the weekend: driving to dinner, jamming to Def Leppard in the new family truckster.

We are SO uncool.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

Just read an article. Some people need more to do.

Happy Friday, all!

Birthday Recap...

We ate here.



I had this..

My babies bought me these (with grandma's money)...

All and all, a very happy birthday...