My Opinion...

Please read the story about Biden's Dog before you read my blog enrty.



Lots of people make my blood boil but this story really got to me. Yes, people should save animals from shelters but some people aren't up for the guessing game that comes with some shelter animals. I don't believe in puppy mills and I can't stand the mall pet shop, but I do not fault people for choosing to go to a breeder for their animal of choice. Last time I checked this was a free county (well it was before the socialists took office). With the freedom of America, comes the freedom to choose lots of things. If I choose to pay top dollar for a dog that is my right. Is it wrong to buy a brand new BMW instead of saving a used car from that sleazy lot down the street? Should I by pass shopping at the mall so I can save something from the thrift store?

In my 28 years, I have owned some rescue animals and some animals purchased from a breeder. They were all loved equally and were a part of our family. Let's stop bothering people because we don't like who they bought their dog from and worry more about the state of our Country.

One last parting thought. Please know when you support PETA you are supporting animal KILLERS! That's right folks! While we lived in Virginia Beach, a bunch of PETA people went around to shelters to "SAVE ANIMALS" from being destroyed. Where were those poor animals found? In a dumpster in North Carolina. There are lots of wonderful people in this World saving animals. Support them...not PETA!

The LeCroy Challenge- Week 1

The first week of our family challenge is coming to an end. It has been a little tough but we have done a great job. Liam is still wondering why we are driving by McDonald's without getting nuggets! Thursday night we did decide to make a teeny tiny cheat and go out for an ice cream cone. We only went out because I had a coupon for a buy one/get one free. Liam really enjoyed the treat and so did we!
To help us out I created the diner menu to put on the fridge. Gave me something to do and it looks cute! Who knew I had a menu wizard on my computer!
I hope next week goes as well as this week. Stay tuned to find out.

Party Invites

This is a picture of Liam's birthday invitations. I did that super cool wording on the icomic program on my macbook. Took me a couple days to figure it out and get it they way I wanted, but I think it looks pretty sweet! Graphic designer I am not! Found some fun "Monster Traction" stickers and there you have it! Forgot to take a picture of the flip side. I managed to steal some super cute wording from the internet:

Let’s get it in gear to celebrate
Liam’s 3rd year!

We’ll play some games and eat cake too.

We look forward to spending this special
time with you!

Stay tuned for more!

Planning Has Begun!

  Liam's third birthday is fast approaching.  It's hard to believe that my tiny baby is going to be 3!  Birthdays are super special in my book and I like to go all out!  Last year we had a safari themed party with easily 15-20 kids plus parents. This year, like most everything else, we are downsizing on the number of people.  No fun will be compromised in the downsizing of this party!

  This year's theme came straight from Liam.  He has made up his own term "Monster Traction" to explain anything cool with big tires.  Daddy's jeep, Papa's truck, Tractors, etc.  When asked what he wanted his birthday to be about this year he was quick to say "Monster Traction!"  I designed the invitations and ordered a monster truck pinata.  Now I am on to menu planning and cake conception.

  Liam has made the request for a "Monster Traction" cake.  I tend to be a little TOO ambitious sometimes and told him I would make him a monster truck cake.  I have practiced once but it really didn't look like my vision.  Please keep your fingers crossed that it will all work out.  And keep your fingers crossed for nice weather.  Our new rental is way too small to have more than 6 people inside! hahaha! Not sure what my back up plan is yet!

  Keep your eyes out for future posts on the construction of "Monster Traction" cake! 

Real Housewives of...

  I love the Real Housewives of New York and think it's 100 times better and dramatic than Housewives of OC.  Tonight they showed the preview for R. H. of New Jersey!  I have always heard people joke about Jersey mall hair and I am looking forward to seeing it in it's natural habitat.  Couldn't they have gotten a little further from New York for the next series though?  Aren't some of the R. H. of New York ladies from Jersey?

  Hopefully they will start casting the Real Housewives of Pensacola soon so I can get in on that series.  Think they would be interested in my idea for "The Real Playgroups of ..."  Most Americans do NOT understand the real work that goes into planning a play date or the dynamic personalities that make up the average playgroup.  Plus, there's always some kind of underlying Drama!  Anytime there are more than 5 women in a group there is bound to be drama.  Hell, we are women and we could do what every other "reality" show does and create us some good momma drama!

  Fingers crossed!  

I Have a Husband?

  Have you ever been a single, married mommy?  In the last 5 years I have had a whole lot of experience as a single married person and mommy.  Before Liam came along it was a lot of fun and I never really noticed Mike was gone till bedtime.  I lunched and dined with friends, shopped, and traveled.  Once Liam came along the appeal faded fast!  I know a lot of military mom's who have to deal with deployments every six months and they don't get to see their hubby's at all, so I can't complain that I got to see Mike every once in a while!  But it still sucks!  Especially when you didn't marry a military guy for this exact reason! hahahah!  

  Mike is finally home and now I have had to start the adjustment period.  Getting used to feeling someone else in my bed, being woken up early by an alarm clock and shower, cooking a full dinner, and dealing with Liam's behavior changes!  For some reason Liam does a complete 180 when Mike is home.  He refuses to sit and eat dinner because he knows he can scam Daddy into giving him a snack before bed.  The eye rolling and being mean to Mommy, braking established rules, and being different.  It's hard to train a husband to be a hard ass when he is all mush on the inside! hahahaha!  I have to hand it to him though because Mike is finally using the naughty corner and Liam's world is crashed when Daddy puts him there!

  To all those Single Married Mommies out there stay strong!  It will come to an end one day...and then the waiting for him to leave so you can get everything back to the way it was begins! hahahahaha!  Sometimes I think it's easier when they aren't home, but it sure is nice to not be alone.

The LeCroy Challenge

  One of my favorite things in the whole world is eating out.  Food has always been a love and passion of mine and almost lead me to culinary school.  Over the last 7 years Mike and I have eaten all over and even in a few countries.  When we were living in Virginia Beach, it wasn't unusual for a friend to call me about to ask for a restaurant recommendation.  But times are lean these days and the economy is in the tanker.  Unfortunately for me the budget won't allow me to support my favorite local establishments.  

  Today is the first day of our family challenge.  We have pledged to not eat out for a whole month!  Stick around to see if we can stand strong!

**Disclaimer- My parents and in-laws will be coming into town at the end of the month for Liam's birthday. So we are not counting FREE eating out! :)

Free and Fresh Kumquats?

Today we made a wonderful discovery in our backyard. Finally an upside to this rental home! The neighbors behind us have a kumquat tree along their fence line behind their outbuilding. Mike and I noticed it while we were along the fence pulling on some nasty vines that are taking over some trees. When we looked up we saw little orange prizes hanging on one of the trees. The three of us proceeded to grab the ones we could reach. It's sad that this tall, beautiful kumquat tree is hidden away behind our neighbors building. There is no way these people can get to the tree because of all the nastiness. So, is this stealing? Or simply taking advantage of a wonderful situation?

The Great Pee Off

Today was one of those days you wish you had your camera! Liam is in the throws of potty training and has been doing really well so far. His buddy Bryce has been an official BIg Boy for a while now and Liam likes to keep up with him as much as possible. Liam and Bryce managed to "mark" at least 4 trees while at the park today. If Byrce had to go Liam followed. Byrce even stood there and cheered Liam on a few times. They were so hillarious! Must be nice to be a boy!

The Not So Great Substitute

  Every day we are confronted with how unhealthy we all are and how we all need to change! Change how we cook, eat, exercises.  If you know me very well you know how much I love junk food and fast food.  It's SO tasty!  Who doesn't like McDonald french fries?  Yummmmmm! Back to the point.  

  When I cook I try to cut out the good stuff where I can without effecting to yummy factor.  Egg beaters are a staple in our house and I use them in everything with no adverse affects.  Today, while making banana nut muffins, I decided to substitute applesauce for the oil.  I have seen it done and recommended over and over.  How bad could it be?  I first tried this in funfetti cupcakes.  Mike and I could tell the difference but Liam was none the wiser.  My biggest indicator that they were different you ask?  The cupcakes wouldn't come out of their little papers.  I could not figure out what I had done wrong.

  Today I found my answer...NO OIL!  Clever me and my applesauce practically ruined my banana nut muffins.  The beautiful little muffin made with love refuses to be freed from it's paper!  Today was the first day I have cussed at a muffin.  Sad isn't it?  No longer will I be substituting while baking just to cut fat.  There are some things you just shouldn't mess with!

The Leaky Box

I have found myself a little depressed after a quick trip to the fridge.  This sadness has been brought on by a rare, but very serious alignment, L.B.O.W.S. (Leaky Box 'O Wine Syndrome) It was one week ago today that I opened my fridge and discovered a big puddle in front of my Box 'O Wine. The unusual yet wonderful aroma in the fridge confirmed what my eyes were seeing. Bob's days were numbered and I was for sure to loose at least one glass of wine.

In a one drinker household, the revolution of the box wine industry has been a god sent.  Sure I can finish a bottle of wine by myself in one sitting, but it isn't pretty! There are plenty of pictures to prove the above. Technology has made it possible to cram 4 bottles of good wine in one box, and make it stay fresh for a month! Genius! The best part for me is that my favorite Box 'O Wine comes from TARGET! Yes ladies, that's right. In Pensacola, Fl I can stroll in to Target and pick up an outfit, diapers, accessories, toaster over, flowering shrub, flat screen TV and a BOX 'O WINE! Whoever says America is not a wonderful place to live has never been to Target!

Good Bye sweet Bob the Box 'O Wine. You have been a wonderful and steadfast friend. You have gotten me through many lonely stress filled nights, and helped me to ignore Liam's bad behavior. You will be missed my friend. 

(And for those of you that know me...I will be calling the company to let them know my box leaked A LOT! Maybe I can get a coupon out of it!)

What's For Dinner?

  I don't know about you, but the last thing I want to do when my husband isn't home, is cook dinner. There aren't a whole lot of things that are easy to fix for one person unless it's a convenience meal or take out. My personal favorite is take out but not during these tough economic times! Tonight I share with you my favorite go to quick, one bowl meal. All the ingredients are really just suggestions. The Fully Loaded Potato can really be made with whatever your heart desires or have in the fridge. The potato is a microwave ready potato that cost me $.50! Tonight's meal consisted of deli turkey meat, bacon, cheese, sour cream and some green onion. Some other fun suggestions; chili, leftover steak, chicken, or veggies. It tastes much better than my picture depicts! I was too hungry to make it pretty tonight! Enjoy!

Cheese Balls!

If you have nieces or nephews and have ever wondered what to get them as a gift here's your answer!  This giant vat of cheese balls is courtesy of Aunt Meg and Uncle DJ! It's about half as tall as Liam!  At least it will help keep his hair orange!  This picture was really supposed to be at the end of the previous post but I couldn't get it to work for me.  

Life With a Red Head

Every Mommy in the World is convinced their child is the cutest and sweetest in the whole world. We have the right considering all the hard work we put into having such adorable kids. Life with an adorable red head is a little different. Every single day of Liam's 30 month life have been filled with silly questions, having his hair touched by strangers and fawned over. I only wish I was making this up!

In a typical day we are usually asked "where do you get that beautiful red hair?", "do you have red hair in your family?" We have been followed through stores, stopped and chatted to for way to long about some strangers family history, had people hunt us down in a store so they could show their spouse or friend Liam's hair! I know I am sounding mean but he isn't a freak show. Some attention is great and I love having the cutest kid (in my opinion anyway) but he is really starting to hate the attention. This worries me because my dream is for him to be the Oscar Meyer Wiener kid!!!

In the last 6 months I have been making up stupid answers to some of the stupid questions we get and even have Liam answering sometimes. "Where do you get that red hair" the mailman! So funny hearing Liam say that... even though I am sure some people think it's horrible! But the newest answer might be my favorite and we can thank Aunt Megan and Uncle DJ for the inspiration! So the next time Liam is asked where he gets his red hair I hope his answer is...

Cheese balls!

Yum Yum Yum!

Liam loves to help me "cooking" and today was no exception.  We made one of my super yummy peanut butter and chocolate pies for a dinner party this evening.  As you can see he got his first chance to have the mixer beater all to himself.  Typically, I am a mean mommy and don't let him but since there are no eggs in my recipe I let him go at it!  I am still perfecting the recipe but if you would like a copy just shoot me an email!  I will post a picture of the pie later.  Hope you have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Environmental Alert

  This is a public service announcement for the greater Pensacola area. There has been a new hole in the ozone layer detected over the E. Yonge St. area. Please be advised and wear extra sunscreen!

  Cleaning is one of my least favorite chores in the WHOLE world! Then again, I am sure it is the bane of most people's existence. I spent most of my day on Wednesday cleaning our new rental house. Unfortunately, I am not finished! For most people 5 hours would be enough to clean a house from top to bottom, but the fridge was so dirty it took me 45 min. I am half a gallon of bleach down and the place at least smells clean! 

  Liam was able to stay with my friend Brooke and her son Bryce all day. I can not tell you how wonderful it was to not have to deal with entertaining him while cleaning! She brought the boys over for lunch and when Liam walked in he said, "where the pool mommy?" I had been in the house for so long I didn't smell all the bleach! hahahaha! 

  Keep your fingers crossed I get the place clean before Saturday Move-In! Also keep your fingers crossed that most of our stuff will fit in this little house! 

Bedtime Sneak

  Liam has been sleeping in his big, big boy bed that my dad built for him (the grown up version of the crib my dad had made for him).  Every night Liam has been asking for me to "leave me door open juuuussssttt a wittle bit pease mommy!"  As all mom's know this is just an invitation to roam around instead of sleep.  Last night, Liam only came downstairs twice.  I shuffled him back to bed and didn't hear anything else.  Silly me for thinking he was in bed!  My mom headed upstairs at 9pm to go to bed (my parents go to bed early!!!!!!) and came back downstairs giggling.  I head upstairs, peek through the crack in my parents bedroom door and what do I see?  Liam laying on my mom's side of the bed with piggy and abba watching TV!  My dad was sound asleep and didn't know Liam was laying quietly in my mom's spot!  He is such a little sneak, but it was adorable! 

Coming Home

   I am so excited to announce that the LeCroy Family is headed back to Pensacola! As most of you know,  we had to move in with my parents in Ohio and live in limbo for a few months. Mike is going to be traveling for work till the Air Force gets on the ball and opens the position at Eglin AFB.  This change is exciting and sad at the same time.  Liam is such a Daddy's Boy and has been missing their daily play, but at least he has had Papa to do boy stuff!  We will only get to see Mike every couple weeks or once a month depending on his assignments.  Thankfully we will be back with our friends and playgroup to keep us busy!

  As soon as I get the new house settled I am recommitting myself to the blog. I have a bunch of ideas and I am sure I will have plenty of Liam stories to share!

Bruschetta 4 Ways

Do you get into the habit of making the same thing every week?  I do find myself making some of the same things every week and I am trying to be better about finding new good recipes.  Here's one of my favorite new quick dinner solution: Bruschetta 4 Ways!  It's as simple as making some traditional bruschetta and instead of just topping bread top grilled chicken, grilled portobello caps, and pasta!

1 can of Organic diced tomatoes

1/4 c. chopped fresh basil

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

Mix together and season with salt and pepper to taste.

* For the chicken and portobello mushroom add the mixture at the end and top with fresh mozzarella cheese and close the grill lid till warm and the cheese is melted. 

* For the pasta it's best to add the olive oil (increase oil amount to about 3 to 4 tbsp) and garlic to a deep skillet and let the garlic cook for a minute but do not burn it. Add tomatoes with juice and let simmer for about 10 min. Remove from heat and add basil and pasta. Eat and enjoy. (If you want a whole lot of yummy flavor make the sauce the day before and let it mingle in the fridge. Then warm it up and add the pasta.)

I hope your family will enjoy these simple dishes and maybe they will even make your life a little easier!  

Update Your Cupcakes

Cupcakes are the dessert staple of childhood but that doesn't mean you can't gussy them up a little!  My 2 year old Liam has been begging me to let him "cooking" for two weeks and has had his eye on a chocolate cake mix in the pantry.  It truly makes me happy that he love to cook already but it is hard for the control freak in me to let go and have fun sometimes!  Liam is a great helper but insists on "me do that" and in my mind that equals a MESS!  But since my car is broken down and we had no place to go today I decided to make a mess!

Now I know that you have seen cupcakes made in ice cream cones before and this isn't an original idea in the least but it's always been my favorite!  The first time I made ice cream cone cupcakes was in third grade for my birthday class dessert.  If my memory serves me right there was a little cursing on my mother's part due to the falling cones in the oven!  Thankfully today I had better luck and they are in miniature!

To make these little beauties go to Walmart and pick up a box of Joy brand Kids Cones.  I picked them up one day thinking they were regular ice cream cones but they are tiny and adorable!  I used a flat bottom 9 x 9 pan and checked the bottom of all the cones to make sure they were clean and flat to ensure they would stay upright.  Fill with about 1 to 1.5 tsp. of cake batter and bake.  I would suggest using the time on the box but check them to make sure you do not burn them.  In my oven it took roughly 18 to 19 minutes.  Let them cool completely and frost.  The little runs down the cone make them look even more realistic.

I hope this idea will brighten your day and make your next party a little more special.  Everything in miniature is better!