Funny Dreams

Aren't dreams wonderful? My entire life has been filled with strange, full color, creative dreams. Last night I had two great dreams that made me giggle when I woke up. In one dream I got on a scale and weighed 139.5 lb.! hahahahaha! I haven't weighed 140 since...hummm...maybe 2004 or 2005? We don't even own a scale and I let go of my number obsession in 2005. Mike and I have been talking a lot lately about how we have shed a few pounds since arriving in the UK. There are not many fast food establishments for us to frequent and we eat at home most every night. Not to mention we have three flights of stairs we walk up and down a million times a day! This dream almost makes me want to step on a scale to see my current weight. Stay tuned to see if I get brave enough.

My second dream involved a visit to a small factory in Parkersburg, WV that made chocolate covered marshmallow bunnies for Easter. The factory only operated two weeks a year and I had to place an order for my bunnies. They made marshmallow bunnies in lots of shapes that I don't think would be possible in reality. Maybe I shouldn't have eaten chocolate before bed last night! I wish the factory really existed!

Liam's Favorite Dinner

There's nothing better than the smell and taste of a chicken roasting in the oven. This has become Liam's favourite meal. It always turns out so beautiful, tasty, and impressive. If you haven't roasted your own chicken before I suggest you give it a go. Your guests will not be disappointed.

1 Whole Free Range Chicken
1 stick soft unsalted butter
1 Lemon
Fresh Thyme
Salt
Pepper
Garlic

I make a compound butter with some thyme, salt, pepper, garlic and lemon zest. Loosen the chicken's skin and place the butter under the skin. Make sure to push the butter all over under the skin. Cut the lemon in half or quarters and place in the cavity with some sprigs of thyme and whole garlic gloves. Salt and pepper the outside of the bird and place in the oven. Don't forget to let the chicken rest when it comes out of the oven.

Really?

Before reading this post I suggest you read this article about super model Gisele Bundchen's recent child birth experience.

I always give credit were credit is due. All natural child birth is an area that deserves an award or a big fat diamond in my opinion. Over the years I have acquired a large group of friends that have chosen to have their wee ones with no pain medicine. They are truly amazing women! Even I considered this option for Liam's birth but decided to go with a light epidural instead. I really hate to fail and knew I would not be able to live with myself if I was reduced to begging a nurse for an epidural.

After reading this article and Gisele's comments I had a laugh. Being one of the most gorgeous women in the world with one of the hottest men by your side isn't enough? Nope! You also have the biggest pain tolerance in the World and can give birth without blinking an eye. NOT FAIR!

Now I have to get pregnant and see if I can have a pain free child birth! Yes...I am really that competitive!

Moss Green

I just wanted to stop by my pretty pink blog and get a slap of color! My morning was spent in a classroom full of digital camouflage uniforms. Personally I like the good old fashion black, brown, green camouflage that is being fazed out. There are tons reasons why camouflage is a good thing and why our soldiers need to wear such patterns in combat. IN COMBAT. If they are sitting in a class or office on a base who are they hiding from? Could we see some color? Maybe some office wear? A "I'm not in a combat zone" uniform?
Can you tell I am having a little trouble adjusting?

**Disclaimer**
This post is not meant to offend, anger, or upset anyone. These are my PERSONAL views and THOUGHTS and hope that they are taken as such. Thankfully my country still allows me to have my own opinions and I am THANKFUL to those how defend my right to do so.

Hmmmmm

As a child (and still today) I have always had a vivid imagination. As a child I would often sit in front of my mirror and interview myself as though I were famous. You can laugh. It's funny and strange but it was fun. I am pretty sure I had some imaginary friends when I was little also but Liam is on a whole different level! He has imaginary worker friends that get a whole lot done and build everything. His worker friends have gotten him into a little trouble in the past and he likes to use them to blame things on when he gets into trouble. A year or so ago he told us his arms were names Tito and Waka. Mike and I found it rather amusing but lately they have taken on minds of their own and made me say hummmmmm!

Liam asked if he could wear my watch. Mike let's him all the time but my watch is pretty and pink and expensive. Told me that Waka was responsible and would take good care of my watch. Liam then went on to explain that Tito was mean and liked to hit him in the face. Tito then pro ceded to slap Liam in the face. It was hard to keep a straight face as you can imagine. I have my fingers crossed that Tito and Waka won't get him into trouble at school.

What am I going to do with this crazy boy!?

My New Domestic Life

My new domestic life in England consists of a whole lot of driving, cooking, laundry and cleaning. WOW! Sounds a whole lot like my former domestic life in the states! All kidding aside I am really enjoying myself so far. IT would be nice to have some girls to hang out with but finding friends takes time. Especially when you are as picky as me.

I am not afraid to admit I miss my American fast food! Fast food has always been a love of mine and I can honestly say I am loosing a little weight without it. There is a Burger King and subway on base but they aren't that great. THe nearest McDonald's is over 30 minutes away. Liam is adjusting well to the lack of McDonald's but only because he likes Subway. He is having a hard time on the rare occasion that we do eat out. Yesterday we had our first English lunch experiance. We picked a sauage roll for Liam (a mild sausage in a flaky pastry) and I chose a jacket potato with cheese and bacon. Liam liked the pastry but the sausage was not a hit. Mike's lunch came with gravy and Liam soon discovered he loved gravy. His lunch ended up consisting of pasty topped with gravy. Bacon is not the same as in the states. It's more like a slab of ham. I knew what to expect but needed to try something new. Didn't like it! OH well.

My sister is coming to visit the first week of February and I am super excited! I am looking forward to a little time away with her doing girl things! Check out our family blog for pictures and adventures.

Christmas Time in Destin

The stockings are hung, cookies and milk next to the tree, and Liam all snug in his bed.

Mike, Liam and I are spending Christmas at the Sandestin Resort with my parents and sister. The house we rented is FANTASTIC and gorgeous. Everyone has there own bedroom and there are 3.5 bathrooms.

Liam was up at 6am so he could see PaPa and was ready for a "Boy Only Day". I have a feeling that Christmas morning is going to be an early on as well.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. Check back soon for pictures.

2009 CNN Hero's

In 2008 my mother-in-law Carolyn LeCroy was chosen as one of the CNN Hero's. It was a great opportunity for her and the wonderful work that she has done over the years. Carolyn started a wonderful organizations called The Messages Project which helps children and their incarcerated parents connect and bond.

The voting has begun for the 2009 Cnn Hero's. Please go to the CNN website and read about these wonderful people and vote. It's amazing to see the wonderful things people do for others.

A Lovely Day

Fall is in the air and the weather has been beautiful! Liam and I have been taking advantage of all the sunshine. The most popular activity this week has been pedalling practice. Although Liam has had a trike or bike since he was 10 months old, he has never wanted to pedal. Why pedal when Daddy will push you around? Thankfully, Liam is finally enjoying the joy of pedalling and will soon realize he can get away from mommy quicker on his bike!

Corn Chowder Yumminess!

I have only eaten corn chowder a few times in my life but enjoyed the flavors. Today I decided to try my hand at making my own. The challenge was finding a recipe that had bacon and used a rough to thicken. I ended up using three recipes to get the proportions right and ended up with a tasty chowder. This is by no means an original recipe.




1/4 package of bacon chopped and browned
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 c. diced onion
1/2 c. diced red pepper
2. frozen corn (for fresh use 3 ears)
1 potato, skinned and chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 or 2 sprigs thyme chopped
3 c chicken stock
1 c. cream, half and half or milk

Brown bacon, remove and drain. Remove all but 1 tbsp bacon grease from pot, add butter, onion and red pepper. Season with salt and pepper and cook till soft but not brown (8 min). Add thyme, garlic and flour. Cook long enough to cook out the flour taste from rough. Add chicken stock, corn and potato. Stir and raise heat to medium high to high heat, cover and boil for 10 min stirring occasionally. Lower heat to medium low, add some of the reserved bacon and cook till potato and corn are soft and soup is thick. Slowly stir in cream and lower heat to low and let the chowder thicken to your personal preference. Season to taste and enjoy.

I personally add sharp cheddar to my bowl. YUMMY!

Fun Times

Liam and I have been sick for over a week and confined to the house. The cabin fever got to us around day two but we didn't kill each other! We were feeling well enough today to drive out to Baker, Fl. Not much there except for a dog competition and my cousin Kim! Liam has never met Kim and there's no way I could pass up the opportunity. We had a great time. There's nothing better than spending a day with family!

Feeling the Halloween Spirit!

October is here! Liam and I have been feeling the Fall Spirit and decided to decorate the house. We were able to get some great stuff for super cheap at the craft store. I think it's hilarious that everything is half off and it's the first week in October.




With the Fall Spirit in full swing, Liam and I went to a Corn Maze. Liam's favorite activity was the corn launcher. I have to admit it was pretty cool and he came super close to hitting the bull's eye. We will have to ask Papa to make a launcher. The farm had a maze for kids and then a large one for grown ups. Due to my fear of being lost in a corn field, we stuck with the small maze and had a great time.

Yummy Find

This morning we headed to the Palafox Farmer's Market like most Saturday mornings. There's nothing better than grabbing some fresh produce and baked goods from great local farmers and bakers. There are only a few Saturday's left till they close up for the year and there weren't many farmer's there this morning. We still managed to grab a couple of eggplants and try some yummy samples. Liam has a keen eye for samples and spotted a stand we hadn't been to in the past. To our delight it was the Nuts Over Toffee stand. One delicious taste and we were in LOVE! Liam and I quickly agreed we needed a bag of the dark chocolate covered toffee. HEAVEN! Check out the website. The packaging if fabulous and it would make a fantastic gift. I would have taken a picture but we tore into the bag before I had the chance!

What Would Brian Boitano Make?

I am in LOVE with the new Food Network show "What Would Brian Boitano Make." Brian Boitano is GREAT! Not only is he funny but he's real. If you haven't seen his new show you are missing out. He made a great white wine sangria today and I have to make it for my upcoming Mom's Night In courtsey of Sargento Salad and Potato Finishers and Houseparty.com.

First Day of Preschool

Today was Liam's first day of preschool at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church. He wasn't too excited and kept saying he didn't want to go to school but I knew he would love it! Liam truly is my child. We went into his class and he told me good bye, gave me a hug and went off to play. No tears and no fear! I'm glad he enjoyed his first day and I can't wait to have a couple of days a week to get some stuff done. I see days spent cleaning out our storage unit and packing in my future!

Blog Name Suggestions

Now that the LeCroy's are embarking on this great new adventure, I feel I need to start a new family blog. When I started this blog I intended for it to be for me and my craziness, but the family has taken over. Either I change the name of this blog and it's direction or just start a new one for our family adventures. The second option seems to be my most preferred because I know I am going to need this blog for venting, recipes, and my new Domestic life in England.

Last night while I laid awake I tried thinking of clever names for the new blog. Most of the ones that popped into my head didn't have much zing or pizazz! I would love your help. That is if there's anyone actually reading this blog. Post some suggestions for my new blog. I would love the help and will give full credit to the person that comes up with the winning title.

Get the Passports Ready!

It's offical friends. The LeCroy's will be moving to the United Kingdom! Mike will be working at Lakenheath RAF Base till October 2012. We are all very excited and quickly trying to prepare for such a HUGE move! Mike has already sold his beloved Jeep and the motorcycle has a possible buyer. Now we are a one car family and it stinks! Thankfully we shouldn't have to share long. Mike will be leaving at the end of September and Liam and I are planning for a December 31st departure. Keep your fingers crossed that Mike will find a great rental house with room for plenty of visitors!

Mike and I quickly realized we are running out of time for those places we haven't been yet. The USS Alabama was one of those places we have been wanting to take Liam. The visit was short but at least we can say we have been. Seems they were having power issues and the power went out to the whole facility. Thankfully we were just inside the door and not in the belly of the ship like some. Not much in the way of emergancy lighting.

After leaving the USS Alabama we were pretty hungry and very hot so we headed into Mobile. Just another LeCroy Adventure with an unknown destination. We lucked out and grabbed a yummo lunch and after I decided to check out Magnolia Cemetery. Mike was a little curious. Apparently, even after all these years, he didn't know I love old cemeteries. Magnolia Cemetery is the second oldest in Mobile and had some great head stones, statues and mausoleums. Liam enjoyed his first cemetery visit.

First Camp Out

On Thursday night, Mike and Liam decided to try their first backyard camp out. We really wanted to go to a park but Liam had a bad cold. The boys set up the tent and got all set for bed but only lasted 2 hours! Apparently it was just too loud outside for Liam. They still had a great time and I guess that's all that matters!

My How Time Flies...

Sorry I have not been posting much but I had to post these pictures. The first picture was taken September 6, 2007 and the last was taken August 6, 2009. It's amazing how much they change!

So sweet...

I love my son with all my being and couldn't imagine life without that little devil with the sweet heart. Today, after driving me crazy this afternoon, Liam went fishing with Daddy while mommy rested (or read her book in silence. However you want to look at it!) When Mike told Liam it was time to head home for dinner he said they couldn't leave till he found something pretty for Mommy. He searched the whole park until he found something worthy, and told Daddy it was pretty and would make Mommy feel better. When the boys got home, Liam ran straight to me and gave me the beautiful magnolia weird looking, fuzzy thing. It's great! Although he loves to push my buttons and is often mean to me, I know deep down he loves me!