Our high school has a form we have to sign about giving our son's name and phone number to the military (when they turn 18). I always say "no" on these forms. I was very firm about it this year since Nick was turning 18.

I know.  At 18, he is an adult and can do (almost) anything he wants - even join the military.  I have nothing against the military.  It's just one of those items on my list of things that the boys can not do until I die.  (they know about the list and have even added to it).

Tuesday, Nick turned 18.  We had dinner.  We sang "Happy Birthday" to him.  He blew out the candles.  The phone rang and I answered.  It was someone asking for Nick.  (he has a cell phone and no one ever calls the home phone asking for him, so it was a little strange)

Me:  Who's calling?

Him:  It's ______ from the US Marines.

Me:  How did you get his name and phone number?

Him:  From the high school.

Me:  That's interesting.  I filled out a form asking that his name and number not be given out to the military.

Him:  I'm sorry.  I will put down that he is not interested.

Me:  Yes.  You do that.

I know I have no right, he is 18, an adult.  He can make his own decisions (he would have said no, by the way).  My question is why have this form when you are not going to honor the parent's decision?

I haven't spoken to the school yet.

I'm waiting to calm down.

Saint Nicholas Day

There are many stories about the life of St. Nicholas.  I found my information here.  The following is a quick summary.  Click on the link to read more details.

St. Nicholas came from a wealthy family.  His parents died when he was very young.  He grew up in his faith and strongly believed to give to the poor.  He became Bishop and was know for his generosity, love of children and concern for sailors.  Under the Roman Empire he was persecuted for his faith.  He went to prison.  He was released and died on December 6.  The anniversary of his death became a celebration known as St. Nicholas Day.

There are many variations of the story of St. Nicholas. He gave money for three poor girls dowries, he helped children, gave to the poor. Do a little research.  You will even see how Santa Claus evolved. 

We just started putting our shoes out for St. Nicholas in the last couple if years. It's a fun tradition and the kids love it. 

Do you have any special traditions you do with your family during the holidays?

Time to make the lunches

Do you remember the commercial from the 80's about Making the Donuts?  It was a commercial for Dunkin Donuts, where the guy got up early and all he thought about (and said) was, "Gotta make the Donuts."  He woke up early, didn't seem too enthused about it, but, he did it.

That's exactly how I feel about making lunches.

My mom used to complain about making lunches for us when we were growing up.  We got to an age and she made us make our own.  I didn't see what the big deal was about making lunches.  It's not THAT difficult.  Put things in there that you would want to eat for lunch the next day.  Easy, right?

Then, I had kids of my own and had to make lunches.

It all started out fun.  Making a lunch here and there.  Putting in things that you know your child will eat (and that will survive in a paper bag/lunch box until lunch time).

Then came the requests.  Those were a great help because after awhile, you run out of fun ideas.  Unfortunately, the ideas stop and I was left on my own again.  Lunch making is now the time I dread.  I feel like I'm making the same lunch for all of the kids.

Just like in the Dunkin Donuts commercial, I have to keep going. Come rain, sun, sleet, snow I still have to make the Donuts....I mean the lunches.*

*those are links to two different commercials. Check them out. 

Yummy Cupcakes

I finally found a delicious cupcake recipe from scratch.  Yes, using a box mix is a lot easier to make, but, I was looking for something healthy.  In other words, I wanted to know ALL of the ingredients in my cupcake.

I found this recipe in the newspaper a few years ago and love it.

The Perfect Cupcake

1 1/2 sticks of butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 T warm water
1 t vanilla extract

Oven to 400 degrees.  Line your muffin tin.
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Alternate adding eggs and flour (starting with and ending with the egg), beating until each is thoroughly mixed.
Divide batter into muffin tins.  Bake until fully cooked and golden, 15-17 minutes.  Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes.  Put on wire rack to cool.


A few side notes:

I don't add the full cup of sugar (surprise, surprise).  If you are going to frost them, there's your added sugar.  :)

I have also made these cupcakes and substituted coconut oil.  They turned out delicious! (and healthy, too!)

B A Bay

For those of you that watched the Three Stooges you probably recognize that title. If not, then watch this here.

When I was growing up, I remember watching this episode and singing along. I don't remember singing it THAT much.  Maybe my brothers were singing it, too?  I don't know. 

I remember my Dad came home from work one day and asked us to sing the song. Apparently he heard us sing it so much that he was singing it all day long at work. Unfortunately he only knew one line ("B-A-Bay) and sang it over and over.  I think he figured if the song is stuck in his head, he might as well learn the whole song. I thought it was funny that he was singing it. I didn't think he heard it that many times. I don't think he was too amused about singing it. Especially when he only knew one line of the song. (Luckily he had a sense of humor)

You're probably wondering why I brought this up. Obviously there's a story behind all of this singing. 

 Well, I was having a similar experience last night. Bella is learning to play the recorder this year. She happened to find one inside the piano bench and started playing. She only knows two notes: A and B.  She also knows a song using those two notes. It goes like this:

B  A   Blues
Got me in the groove
Every body singing
B  A   Blues

Hearing Bella play and sing this song over and over (and over and over) reminded me of my Dad singing the Three Stooges song. I knew I would get this song stuck in my head.  I was already singing along with her (and without her).   I would probably be singing it for a couple of days. 

Although, after watching that clip..."B A Bay, B E BE, B I Bicki Bi, B O Bo...."

You know you've hit rock bottom when you go to the grocery store like you have just rolled out of bed (because you pretty much have just rolled out of bed).  In sweats and boots, haven't combed your hair or washed your face.  Hoping and praying that you don't see anyone that you know.

Palmer Candy Cane Cups

If you like peppermint (like me) and chocolate, you have to try this candy. 

Found this bag at the dollar store. 

Bite sized chocolate candy cups. They look a lot like the Reese's peanut butter cups but, instead of peanut butter, these are filled with peppermint candy. 

How good is it?

Lets just say that I don't plan on sharing.