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Here are some pictures from the last Round (and still blurry from a cell phone - sorry). We made it a family baking day with me, my husband and 10-yo daughter baking our hearts out.


This first picture is of cookies that we determined too fragile to ship - Chocolate-Cherry Bar Cookies with Hazelnuts. Quite delicious! The recipe is from America's Test Kitchen.

For our box, we made Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter cookies, and Chocolate Chip Biscotti - about 10 dozen total.

Here's our goodie box, all packed up!

I hope you decide to join a team and cook for a member of the military this Christmas!

Aprons Made / Aprons Received

I neglected to share pictures of aprons that I both made and received in the Passionately Pink and the Hot for Chocolate Swaps.

Irma made me this adorable apron in colors that I really like together. I let T wear this one when we baked for the troops. (sorry for the blurry pictures) I also received some yummy chocolate and other goodies that I will be using this week for Thanksgiving!

I made this Kitschy Corset Apron (pattern by Brassy Apple) for my Hot for Chocolate partner using Robert Kaufman's Confections Cherry Cupcake Dot in blue with Chocolate Confections accents.
My sweet friend Lana created this amazing Mermaid pink apron for me (I'm posting her picture, too, because mine is so blurry), so I wore this in my baking marathon. She made a matching hand towel AND potholder in the cute mermaids. WOW. She has great stuff in her Etsy store, too -- think of her if you run out of time to sew something special this year.

I made a second Kitschy Corset Apron, this time in Zebra with Hot Pink accents. PERFECT for a Passionately Pink apron, don't you agree??

Sickness Reigns

Oh, illness has hit the household, again! My sweet husband became violently ill on Monday and was transported via ambulance to the hospital. He ended up staying until yesterday. Unfortunately, we're not quite out of the woods yet. His flu symptoms are all but gone but we were shocked to find last night that his right lower leg is bright red, angry looking and on the verge of erupting into those open wounds he is susceptible to. I'm so disappointed, I could cry! Just praying we can stop any breaks in the skin from happening. All prayers appreciated.

Mama's Cauliflower Spaghetti

Last week, I made a recipe from my childhood that I haven't eaten in years. My mama was raised in an Italian neighborhood of New York, and she picked up lots of yummy recipes that I managed to learn through osmosis. It's a simple, vegetarian meal that I loved more and more the older I got.

Cauliflower Spaghetti:

1 large or two small heads of cauliflower
small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves/2 tsp minced garlic
1 lb. spaghetti (I used multi-grain)
olive oil
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon salt

Preheat oven to 400. Rinse and divide the cauliflower into flowerets, place on a silpat-lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil and put the pan in to roast (around 20-25 minutes. (If I'm in a hurry, I've also just boiled the cauliflower and pasta at the same time, veggie first, but roasted tastes better.)

While waiting for the cauliflower, fill a large stockpot with water, then add the salt and glug of oil; prepare pasta as directed. DO NOT overcook noodles. Next, in a large skillet, saute the onion and garlic in olive oil. Add one or two ladles of the pasta water to the skillet; drain the spaghetti and add pasta to the saute. Remove the roasted cauliflower and add to the pan, too. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and more olive oil if dry, and ENJOY!!

Proud Wife of a Veteran

Here's a picture of my sweet husband while he was in the middle of advanced Army training. We got married very young, on his 20th birthday. Within a few years, we had two kiddos and realized that we couldn't afford to raise them on high school degrees. Mike decided a great way to earn money for college would be to join the military; he did and then we found out we were pregnant with Child Number 3 while he was in basic training!

Michael spent two years training for his military intelligence career and then was stationed in West Germany. The three little darlings and I flew over to finally live together after a long two years. Of course, his unit was very busy and gone on lots of border patrols ... yes, the border between East and West Germany. We were living in Nuernberg, Germany when the wall came down. Due to the sensitive nature of his work, we never did make it to Berlin. Actually, we didn't get to travel much since he was low-paid E4 and we had such a large family.

I recall our family being such an oddity since most German families only had one or two children. We lived "on the economy" - in a German neighborhood instead of on-base with other American families - and they were as fascinated by us as were with them. We tried to learn the language where most didn't, so most locals were tolerant if not kind. My darling worked long hours, was away from us A LOT, and then his unit was one of the first ground troops that crossed the border into Iraq during the first Gulf War. So many other American families went "home" while the guys were deployed, but I couldn't afford four airline tickets to the US so we stayed put during those dark months, banded together with other remaining families, and lifted our soldiers up in prayer constantly. We had to go past armed guards to shop at the Px, our cars were checked for bombs whenever we entered and exited base, and there was barbed wire and more armed guards outside Trevor's elementary school.

The lack of communication was hard. There was no internet or Skype back then; we had to settle for notes hand-carried by someone visiting the unit and those treasures were few and far between. I worked briefly at our regimental headquarters as a civilian, and I think more of my letters went through than most. My husband saw and endured things I can only imagine, all for his family and our country.

Thank you to all who have served and are serving. Your sacrifice means so much. Especially, thank you, darling. You're my hero.

White Christmas Flirty Apron Swap - Christmas Carol Creations

H
i friends! I'd like to invite you to join my Christmas Flirty Apron Swap!! I love everything about Christmas ... the lights, decorations, parties, special church pageants and plays, how everyone is just a little nicer, and I especially love the sounds of the season. So, in this year's winter swap, participants will put on their creativity caps and create an apron representative of their partner's favorite carol! I hope you can join in the fun.

(click on an image to register)

Deadline to Register: November 15
Partners Sent: November 17
NEW Swappers: mail to Shawnee before November 30
All Others Mail After: November 30
But Mail Before: December 6

Create a handmade "White Christmas" apron - an apron created based on one of your partner's favorite Christmas carols - and include a note about how you spend Christmas along with $15 worth of gift-wrapped goodies to round out your special package.

If you have anything you'd like to donate for a giveaway, just let me know and I'm happy to highlight your shop or blog in exchange. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Here's a button that you can put on your blog to help spread the word. the more people involved in the swap, the more fun it will be!

you gotta hop out of your reader to get the code!
<a href="http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/2009/10/holiday-gift-swap.html"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/4088058451_347192a1aa_o.jpg" /></a>

so get out there spread the word and let's have some fun!!

AFTER YOU REGISTER, jump over to the Flirty Apron Swap Blog and comment so we can see who's IN!!

National Tie One On Day - November 25

PUEBLO, Colo. – Of all the special days throughout the year, Thanksgiving is the most personal. A time when we feel thankful for the joys and blessings in our lives, for many of us, words of thankfulness can be difficult. National Tie One On DayTM offers a unique expression of gratitude when words fail us.

Celebrated on the eve of Thanksgiving – November 25 this year – National Tie One On Day is an opportunity to share our bounty by wrapping a loaf of bread or other baked good in an apron, along with a note of encouragement tucked in the pocket; then “tie one on” (an apron, of course!) and deliver the wrapped bundle to someone in need of a kind gesture.

“What with technology replacing face-to-face communication, the act of writing a note and hand delivering it with an offering, is an expression of kindness in itself,” says EllynAnne Geisel, creator of National Tie One On Day, “and bread is the ultimate expression of this, because it is the basic comfort food.”

“Give us this day our daily bread isn’t just a prayer,” says Geisel. “The words are also a reminder that to have more than daily bread is to be blessed.”

Bread Machine Challah

Place ingredients in machine pan in this order (water first, yeast last)

1 cup warm water

2 eggs, beaten

½ cup vegetable oil

4 ¼ – 5 ¼ cups bread flour (reserve ¼ cup)

2 ¾ teaspoons salt

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon dry yeast

Process on Dough/sweet program. As dough forms into a ball, add additional flour if it seems wet/sticky.

Divide the dough into *three sections and braid into a loaf. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Put bread on sheet. Allow to rise until about double in size. Brush with egg wash (1 egg + 1 yolk, beaten).

Bake at 350 degrees 30-35 minutes, until crust is nicely browned.

*For 2 smaller loaves, divide into 6 sections


For additional information about National Tie One On Day™ visit Geisel’s website www.apronmemories.com.

Recognized by Chases Calendar of Events, National Tie One On Day™ is sponsored by Mom Bloggers Club, American Sewing Guild, The Women’s Museum, McCall’s Pattern Company, Stampington & Company, Aunt Martha’s Colonial Patterns, Inc., Simplicity Pattern Company, National Association of Baby Boomer Women, Creative Machine Embroidery, SewNews, Apron-iCity and The Fabric Shop Network.

It's a Zoo Here

My house is bursting at the seams with animals and I can't take it tonight! We have a tabby cat and our mastidane puppy. However, our middle daughter needs us to watch HER tabby cat for a couple of weeks. Which is okay even though he doesn't really like our cat; he's not afraid of the dog who just wants to play with him. The final straw, though, is that our oldest daughter needed us to watch her puggle while she's out of town for four days ... Evil Sadie is baaa-aack!
That dog thinks she's the head of every house. It's sad, really, to see her standing over Apollo, growling, while he's flat on his back ... he's three times as big as she is!! But he's just a sweet puppy who wants to play, and she wants to be in charge. So, I have to spend all my time refereeing them, locking them in their kennels (and listening to whining), or taking them for a walk - which is HILARIOUS as I'm being pulled in two different directions. And, they're both SO STRONG.

I really need to sew tonight but I'm so distracted! Hurry up Sunday night (Tara's flight is at 5pm)!

Shawnee's Menu Plan Monday

It's a strange week in the Halligan household this week, but having a menu planned will certainly keep us grounded a bit.

Monday (T at a puppy practice): leftover chili and quesadilla
Tuesday (T at scouting event): Pinwheel Flank Steak**, potatoes, salad
Wednesday: Three Cheese Tortellini, salad
Thursday: Cheesy Chicken Bites**
Friday (T at puppet performance): Three Packet Pot Roast**, veggies, rice
Saturday: French Dip Sandwiches, veggies
Sunday (community group): Navy Bean Soup

** meals from Chill MAMAs supper swapping group

For more menu ideas, visit OrgJunkie.com!

Back to Future Trivia Answer

Yep, the date Marty first went back in time is also the date in 1985 the rest of nation was turning back their clocks, the end of daylight savings time for the year. We ALL went back in time. =)

Happy Halloween and Back In Time

Happy Halloween!! We're just getting ready to go trick or treating, and then back home to watch a Back to the Future Marathon!

Here's a little Back to the Future trivia: What is significant about the date that Marty first goes "back in time"??? Hint: it's related to what's happening in the USA tonight/tomorrow at 2:00 AM.

Bake Some Goodies for the Troops

It's time to bake for our military. I joined the latest round of Baking Gals and will send a box of cookies out sometime between November 2 and 11. If you'd like to show support for a service member, sign up at BakingGals.com.

I was thinking about hosting a team next round. I find Christmas to be a delightful time to get the kids together and bake for a good cause (plus, then the extra calories aren't just laying around to gather on my hips). Anyone interested in joining me??

Menu Plan Monday

Can you believe it's the end of October already? This whole year has just zoomed by! The weather has definitely turned, so it's time for some comfort, cozy food. It's also Supper Swapping Week around here, so I've got 12 meals to make up and exchange for different ones by the time we're all done.

Monday: Three Cheese Beef Enchiladas (whole wheat tortillas) and broccoli-slaw
Tuesday: Sweet and Sour Pork over brown rice
Wednesday: Cauliflower spaghetti
Thursday (Supper Swapping night): crockpot soup of some sort
Friday: Halloween party with jack-o-lantern pizza
Saturday (Halloween): our traditional Chili and cornbread
Sunday (All Saints Day): candy, of course

Soup Gone Wrong

This week, I had my Chill MAMAs over for Sausage Lentil Soup and an evening to talk about our first year of Supper Swapping. The evening was made a bit stressful because my honey helped me out.

First, let me say my husband is an AMAZING chef and loves to cook. I asked him to start the base of onions, veggies and sausage before heading to work at noon, then I would finish the soup after work before my guests arrived. Unfortunately, he called me to say he MIGHT have left the pot on low but was sure he hadn't. So, I didn't run right home. MISTAKE.

The good news is the house was fine and the dog wasn't overcome by smoke, but the stockpot may never be the same and soup was ruined. So, less than two hours before dinner, I said a prayer that all would go well, then had to pick up T from day care, run to the store for more sausages and quickly whip up a yummy soup.

You know, it worked out! We ate a little late but the Carey brought a veggie tray for an appetizer, and Kameo made us virgin Pina Colada-tasting slushies from ice, a can cream of coconut and a can of pineapple chunks. Kameo also brought home-made wheat bread. Kat had me warm up Hawaiian Rolls (yum), Patricia is experimenting with all things pumpkin this week and graced us with two desserts, and then Kris rounded the evening out with our drinks.

We talked about the likes and dislikes of the year; only a few flops. Everyone's continuing on and I know it will be a great year!

Busy Week, Quiet Saturday

Did everyone else have a busy week? I always forget how hectic autumn can be when I'm in the middle of summer. So, I tend to over-schedule once things get ramped up again. Not as bad as last year but here's a sample of what I mean.
Mondays -- There's a terrific puppet ministry at our church and this is first year that T was eligible to join. She's loving it! Practices are Monday evenings from 5-6:30 pm and then we'll have several performances in the next few months. It's Heros on TV, too, but I'm not loving it as much this year.
Tuesdays -- One Tuesday a month, T has Girl Scouts. This is the ONE activity she would not give up when we were talking about schedules that year. We found a new troop since we moved half-hour from the last one, and they're sweet. (I'm their new Cookie Mom, but that's a post in itself.) This week we were all set but illness got the leaders' daughter. So, next week is the first official meeting of the year. This is also the only night I love TV in the week -- of course, there are THREE shows on at the same times that I love. Thank goodness for DVRs on two sets!! My favorites are The Biggest Loser (yeah Abby, boo Tracey who I thought I'd love), NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service), and their new spin-off NCIS-Los Angeles with Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J.Wednesdays -- The only thing going right now is that T has school choir right after school for an hour. This week, I had my Chill MAMAs over for Sausage Lentil Soup and an evening to talk about our first year of Supper Swapping. The evening was made a bit stressful because my honey helped me out. Read more here.

Thursdays -- Ok, one more activity for T but just for a few weeks. Her new school offers Enrichment Classes like the old one did, and they're so fun. Parents and teachers volunteer their time to share their knowledge with the kiddos. T's very excited about her Advanced Arts and Crafts class for 45-minutes after school into December. This week, they made adorable hand-stamped cards.
Fridays -- Shockingly, we normally have nothing going on Friday nights. This week, T went to her new friend's house after school and had a wonderful time. Then, we headed to the local dog park with her Tualatin best friend and their labrador, Buddy. We spent an hour or so letting them run themselves ragged and stayed until just after dark. That is SO necessary for our sanity as a family; it's so not fair to our dog to keep him in the house, and he gets rowdy if he's not exercised enough. The fun part about the dog park is we've met two of Apollo's littermates, Suki and Inga. They both live nearby, unbeknownst to us, and we met there. The puppy above is a new friend, a Great Dane puppy named Henry. He's only two months older than Apollo but he's HUGE!

Saturdays -- T and I have been attending morning Puppy Obedience Classes with our sweetie. Today was "Graduation Day" and we somehow didn't fail. He only stole the class props a few times, didn't have an accident on the floor like those silly beagles =), although he couldn't fit through the tunnel so was given a free pass there, and we didn't have any cool tricks to perform other than "Sit" and "Shake". Next level classes are starting next week and I'm trying to decide if we're going to keep it up or have a short break. We really need the help, though, and it DOES wear him out.....Sundays -- We attend church regularly and I volunteer every other month in the nursery. We're also getting ready to host a small group in home in the early evening. Small groups are a great way to make our big church seem smaller, and to make new friends who are also believers.

Add in regular exercise, bible study, crafting, dog walks, sewing, LAUNDRY, and that's a typical week for our family! How does that compare to yours?

Today was super special ... T had two girlfriends over and they are so good together. It was a fun day. Now, we're watching Twilight and I can't wait for bedtime. =)

Menu Plan Monday

Yummy food for this week:

Monday - (Joyful Noise night) Chicken Parmigiana over Spaghetti
Tuesday - (Girl Scouts) Honey and Spice Pork Kebobs* with Veggies
Wednesday - Sausage and Lentil Soup
Thursday - Lil Cheddar Meatloaves* w/Baked Potatoes
Friday - chinese takeout
Saturday - handmade pizza
Sunday - Teriyaki Chicken*, Beef Stew

* meals are from my Supper Swap group


For more menu planning ideas, visit http://orgjunkie.com

Quick Women of Faith Update

I had a marvelous time again this year, volunteering at Portland's Women of Faith event behind the scenes. This is my 10th or 11th year volunteering, and my third as a runner for the speakers/talents. The funny part of working with the speakers is that I never get any good pictures or autographs! But I get to talk and be with them; every one I've every worked has been so real.

My assignment for the Friday Feature (daytime) was Sandi Patty. I really like her as a person and I so appreciate all she's worked through with God to come back as a performer in the Christian community. My favorite earlier music of hers is from the album LeVoyage and is called Little Narrow Gate.


The next several shots are from my cell phone and SO BLURRY!! But, they're the only tangible memories I have so I'm posting!

These are the six Talent Runners for this year: Brenda A who was our "Wrangler" (head honcho), Julie S from Gresham, Heather P from Spokane, Me, Brenda S from Salem, and Bev who also flew down from Spokane.

This is one of the Sign Language Interpreters, Liska. She also is the one who snapped our group shot.

Interesting note about these two shots; we're sitting in the backstage Speaker Catering lounge where we did NOT usually hang out. However, we were all on standby because of a suspected pipe bomb found in an upstairs bathroom at the arena. I didn't know there was a problem at first, and so actually managed to bumble right onto the scene. Three of us rode on the elevator with a police officer (who was responding) and joked a little about all the "rowdy" women who attended the event (we were kidding). Then, we come off the elevators right in the middle of the area that was surrounded by yellow caution tape. Not wanting to duck under said tape, we of course walked right up to the bathroom doors to move the end of the tape and walk around. I shopped for a few minutes, then we were all called on our radios to quickly report back downstairs. Then speakers were all sent to wait on the shuttle buses, we runners were allowed to sit in the lounge, and eventually everyone was evacuated - 10,000 participants! SO, no Friday night portion of the event.

However, what was intended for evil did NOT prevail. Women showed up bright and early on Saturday and were not scared away. The WOF team managed to re-work with schedules and the worship, the speakers, the dramas, the concerts ... all were amazing. Such truths were shared and again lives changed through a gathering of Christian women.

This is my only "star" photo, snapped during the book signing at the very end of a very long day (came an hour earlier and stayed an hour later). The woman in the foreground is Lisa Harper, a gifted and FUNNY bible teacher. I'm so sorry you can't see her very well; she's as beautiful outside as she is inside. This is her first year on the tour and I look forward to hearing her many more times. And what a sweetheart! I shadowed her most of Saturday and she was just so gracious and kind to everyone she met.

In the background, you can almost recognize the other Lisa -- Lisa Welchel, best known nationally for her nine years on The Facts of Life, but she's also an accomplished Christian author on various mom-friendly topics including discipline and homeschooling. This was her first time in Portland and I believe she's also going to become a regular addition to the Women of Faith program. Both ladies were so wonderful.

I hope if Women of Faith comes to a city nearby, you are able to attend!

Dog Food Taste Test

Well, Apollo's veterinarian says it's time to transition him off of the puppy food. He's only four months told, but giant breeds like him will grow too quickly on puppy chow. So, we went to the local pet store and they gave us several samples to try. We set up a taste test of the following high quality dog food brands:
HOLISTIC SELECT

WOLF CUBWOLF KING
EAGLE PACK SUPER5MIX

I set up a simple test, loading the food onto four paper plates and wrote the brands on each one. Once he was hungry for din-din, we had him sit and quickly set down all four. SO FUNNY!! He really sniffed and snuffled each one, then set right to eat on Wolf King (made with real bison). Once that was gone, he headed over to Wolf Cub and gobbled that down too. Finally, with apparently some room to spare, he split the rest of his dinner time equally between the remaining two.

So, Solid Gold's Wolf King it is!!

Breast Cancer Awareness Apron Swap

I'm excited to let everyone know registrations JUST opened for a very special Passionately Pink Apron Swap. I hope you'll join me. Even if you don't have time to join, please consider blogging/tweeting/inviting your friends. Breast Cancer Awareness is a worthy cause!

Sassy/Flirty Apron Swap - Passionately Pink Apron Swap
Last Day to Sign-up - October 10, 2009
Last Day to Ship Packages - October 30, 2009

This special apron swap is for Breast Cancer Awareness. You will make TWO Passionately Pink aprons in this swap – one for your assigned partner and will include at least $15 worth of pink goodies to make a fun package; the second apron is for you to somehow leverage for The Cause. Half of the $10 registration fee will be donated to Breast Cancer research, half will be held for prizes and angel packages. If you have something you'd like to donate as a prize (preferably pink or breast cancer logo'd), then contact Shawnee and your registration fee is only $8. REGISTRATION INFORMATION HERE.

Menu Plan Monday

Finally, I'm posting our menu again.  Having a planned menu save so much time and money, I can't believe I got out of the habit.  Time to shape up for fall, huh??

Monday - Taco Salad
Tuesday - Buttermilk Chicken*, Faux-tatoes
Wednesday - Crockpot Beef Stroganoff* over wheat noodles
Thursday - Honey Pork Kebobs*
Friday - Sweet and Sour Meatballs* over brown rice
Saturday - Baked Macaroni and Cheese*
Sunday - Homemade Beef Noodle Soup
 
* meals are from my Supper Swap group


For more menu planning ideas, visit http://orgjunkie.com