Eaton Edibles

Beer Bread

2010-03-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

I must first start by apologizing to any Pampered Chef or Tastefully Simple reps that read my blog, but I feel my friends and family should have this recipe.

I have searched high and low and finally found a recipe for beer bread. Myself as well as Elly love the stuff, but I always run out of the mix before someone has a party. Another thing, I dislike paying shipping costs on food. (or anything else for that matter)

I found the recipe on recipezarr, but as usual I tweaked it a little and finally Elly gives it her approval.

Beer Bread

3 cups flour

3 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 cup sugar

1 can beer

1-2 Tlbs of butter

THE KEY TO THIS RECIPE IS SIFTING THE FLOUR. You can sift once, but for best results I sift 3 times.

Sift ingredients into bowl I usually do 1 cup of flour and add 1 tsp of baking powder in between to make sure evenly dispersed. Put in all dry ingredients and add beer. Mix until blended (do not over mix) pour in bread pan and put melted butter on top. Bake on 350 for 1 hour

Note: I do no have a sifter I just use a strainer to sift the flour. You can also use a wisk. The flour should not be packed.

It is yummy!

St Patricks Day

2010-03-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

Dave at work has started a tradition of taking Lisa and I out to corn beef and cabbage. It was delicious. Thanks Dave!

I decided to start a Eaton tradition myself. Green mashed potatoes. Since I worked today I also stopped and picked up some Siever's Ribs. Corn and mashed potatoes are Elly and Parker's favorite sides. It took some convincing, but they ate them all up. Against my sister's dislike for pictures of food, I still decided to attach one (Sorry Gina)

Hair

2010-03-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

I am not one to keep things the same. I am always looking for something different. This winter it has been my hair. While it takes a lot of work with my natural curls, I did wear it straight occasionally and I also colored it brown. Elly found my crimper from my middle school years and decided she liked that look.

Super Bowl

2010-03-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

Well why I am behind, I do want to post about this years Super Bowl. While my Indy Colts were beat, we had a great night. I made homemade meatball subs and potatoe casserole and went to watch the game with Dad. Mom was working and we took a plate to her. It was great watching the game on the big screen, just wish the outcome would have been better. Parker helped with the subs, but Elly made the cupcakes all by herself. I then turned them into mini bosten cream pies. One of my dad's favorites.

Wizard of Oz

2010-01-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

We are soon to have a celebrity on our hands. Earlier this school year Parker and Elly were in the talent show. Both took to the stage very well, Elly was a natural and loved it. She tried out for the musical Wizard of Oz and made it. She will be the Munchkin Coroner that declares the Wicked Witch to be Dead! It will be April 15-18. All family and friends should reserve the date. Parker decided that he did not want to do the singing part and have that many practices (or wear makeup). I did not push it. It will be a lot of work, but I am really excited Elly wanted to take part. She had to sing lollipop guild when she tried out.

Spinach Salad

2010-01-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

Elly's favorite food is salad. I should say her favorite food is french dressing. I always thought I was doing good even if she drowned it in dressing, but I recently found out that iceberg lettuce has zero nutrition. So we have started adding dark greens to our salad. When I worked at Rax (the good old days) I liked spinach salad. I made it this week with homemade honey mustard dressing. Dressing had onions, honey, spicy mustard, cider vinegar, olive oil and sugar. About equal parts of each. It was delicious. Elly just ate the spinach mixed in with her iceberg lettuce. We are having baby steps, but on the track to healthier eating. Parker still does not touch the stuff. He eats apples or grapes instead.

Happy New Year the Eaton's are back

2010-01-16T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hiatus is over. I had planned on digital scrapbooking this past year and the pictures are just sitting on disks. I have decided to try the blogging again this year. The pictures are from the kids 2009 birthday's. Parker is now 7 soon too be 8 and Elly just turned 9.

Hiatus

2008-10-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

Definition: a break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.

As many of you could probably tell, I have been on hiatus from my blog. I am trying to decide if I want to keep it or just use it for recipes. I am going to shutterfly blog my kids information into a book that can be put into print. I might even do that with my favorite recipes also. Sorry for those who were loyal watchers. I am still in a decision making process.

Alfredo

2008-09-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe that is supposed to be Olive Garden's Alfredo. I of course have changed it a little.

4 Chicken Breasts cooked and in 1 in cubes (I only use 2)

1 lb egg noodles

1 cup mushroom

1 pint heavy cream

1 cup butter

2 tlbs cream cheese

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

(1 tlbs of salt and a dash of pepper)

1. cook the noodles as directed on box/bag. (I prefer thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta)

2. for the Alfredo sauce melt 1/2 of the butter, all the heavy cream and all the cream cheese in a small pot. add the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.

3. simmer for 15 to 20 min on low heat

4. saute mushroom in remainder of butter and add to sauce. (I like to also add shrimp and saute my shrimp and then my mushrooms when shrimp is done. I also add 2 cloves of fresh garlic. Stan and Kim Zumbahlen's Jasper County Shrimp is best)

4. top with fresh Parmesan cheese and garnish with broccoli YUM!

Note: Zumbahlen shrimp is available this weekend turn north off of Hwy 130 between Newton and Dietrich follow the sign

Three-Cheese Garden Pizza

2008-09-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

When at the Pampered Chef Party last week we had Garden Pizza. I liked it, but like usual I never follow a recipe. I am always trying to change it. To this I added ranch dressing after the garlic and I also topped with chicken. Wade said it was blog worthy.

RECIPE:
Three-Cheese Garden Pizza
Ingredients:
1
package (10 ounces) refrigerated pizza crust
1
small onion, sliced into rings
1
medium zucchini, sliced
2
plum tomatoes, sliced
1
cup mushrooms, sliced
2
garlic cloves, pressed
1
cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1
cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1/4
cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1
teaspoon Pantry Italian Seasoning Mix (A must spice in every kitchen)
Directions:
1.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Using lightly floured Baker's Roller™, roll pizza crust into a 14-inch circle on Large Round Stone. Bake crust 7 minutes. Remove from oven; place on Stackable Cooling Rack. (I skipped this step)
2.
Using Ultimate Slice & Grate fitted with v-shaped blade, slice onion, zucchini and tomatoes. Slice mushrooms using Egg Slicer Plus®. (I added chicken)
3.
Using Garlic Press, press garlic over crust; spread evenly. (I added a thin layer of ranch dressing) Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over crust; top evenly with onion, zucchini, mushrooms and tomatoes. Grate Parmesan cheese over vegetables using Deluxe Cheese Grater. Sprinkle with seasoning mix. Bake 15-18 minutes or until crust is golden brown; remove from oven. Cut into wedges using Pizza Cutter.

Yield: 8 servings Nutrients per serving: Calories 210, Total Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Carbohydrate 21 g, Protein 12 g, Sodium 450 mg, Fiber 1 g

Cook’s Tips: For best results, layer vegetables over the pizza in the order as directed in Step 3. Prebaking the pizza crust will help keep it from getting soggy when topped with vegetables that have a high water content. Sprinkling some of the cheese on the crust before topping the pizza provides a barrier between the crust and the moist toppings. Fresh zucchini is available year-round at most supermarkets. Select small zucchini, which are younger and more tender than the larger ones. Choose zucchini free of blemishes with a vibrant color.

©The Pampered Chef, Ltd. 2008

Persimmons

2008-09-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

While done canning, I still have to do something. Melany and I picked up persimmons and made persimmon brownies and then and I made persimmon cookies.

When ground persimmon pulp turns brown. While opening the seeds we found spoons, knives and forks. I guess like everything else this winter will be full of surprises.

Apples

2008-09-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

I am done with my apples. And I can say I am done canning. The apples this year were as good as ever. Another big thank you to Jay and Kathy for letting Parker and I pick them.

Fall Festival Fun

2008-09-21T18:25:00.001-07:00

Notice Elly giving herself bunny ears (yes we have reached the age)

Newton Eagle Proud

Love those Drums Landon Rauch

I love parades, add food and games and it is a great day. Or at least the time I spent on the Newton square was a good time. I worked the Friday morning bake sale and helped in the Newton Jr Woman's Shake up stand a couple of times. Thanks to all who supported the local stands.

Elly loves the camera and is already noticing a "Man in Uniform" I must admit. Cole Farley wears a uniform well.

Isn't Traci beautiful? I think she is on Kia. Maybe next year Elly will be able to ride Emma.

A parade is not complete in an election year without politics. (The kids know it as... more candy) Lisa I do not know how you knew where to be and when, but I didn't go anywhere that I did not see you. And it is nice to know you are a Eaton Edibles follower :-)

Elly informed me that by next fall festival she wants to be a tumbling cheer girl

And then came the fun

Bull Riding 8 seconds Baby

Hitting and getting away with it

More Canning

2008-09-21T18:10:00.001-07:00

I always try to can something new. This year there were a couple of things. However, I am looking forward to eating the pears most. Once again Jay and Kathy let me come down and pick fruit from their tree. I am going to do apples this week, but the pears look delicious and they were good before I canned them. Yum All they need now is a plum tree.

Parker loves salsa, but not the big chunks of tomato and onions. I pureed some today and thickened it w/ tomato paste. I put it in little jars 1/2 pint. It was good. One jar did not seal and yes... I had to sample it.

Another first. Chili base

Food tip: When using a pressure canner add a little vinegar to keep the white film that develops on the jars

Pampered Chef

2008-09-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

Sandy Zumbahlen

618-783-3256

Friday Night was girl's night out at Toni Zumbahlen's. She had one of my favorite parties, Pampered chef. I at one time think I had everything, but the cookware. Now there are a few things that I am missing, but filled in some of the gaps. I am getting a new knife and the metal mixing bowls with lids (great inventions). Thank you Pampered Chef lady, Sandy Zumbahlen. Anyone wanting to have a great party with fabulous food. Give her a call.

Dundas Chowder

2008-09-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and it is time for chowder. Oh how I love chowder, but not just any chowder Dundas Ruritan Chowder. There is no better. Those people in that small town know how to do it. Elly and I headed down after soccer. I took my chowder bucket. The same one used only for chowder since I was married to Wade. I have went with my mom to get chowder since I was Elly's age. Now Elly is going with me. But we still went to have a bowl with Mom and Dad fresh before we froze the rest for winter.

We saw Aunt Shirley too. She was lucky enough to get someone to carry hers for her :-)

Garlic Parsley Chicken Under a Brick

2008-09-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

I did not get the picture of the first meal, but this was what Lisa and My leftovers looked like for the next day at work

I was watching Rachael Ray over the weekend and could not resist trying this recipe. It needed more salt, but after I added salt even the leftovers were excellent.

Recipe:

4 large cloves garlic, cracked away from skin

1 cup flat-leaf parsley, a few generous handfuls

1/2 cup Marcona almonds (Spanish peeled, toasted nuts available in bulk section of many markets) or, toasted slivered almonds (I used toasted almonds)

1 lemon, grate 1 tablespoon zest then cut into wedges

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs

2 tablespoons grill seasoning blend (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick) Extra-virgin olive oil, for liberal drizzling

Preheat a heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high to high heat and preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Combine the garlic, parsley, almonds and lemon zest in food processor (I would also add 1/2 tsp salt) and pulse to grind into a dry paste. Loosen skin on chicken and layer 1/4 of the mixture under the skin on each piece of chicken. Wash your hands, grease the breasts with a liberal drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and season with grill seasoning. Place skin side of the breasts down in the skillet and top with another, smaller skillet. Weight the pan with a brick. (I used a cast iron dish) Cook to crisp skin, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the pan to hot oven and roast for 15 minutes. YUM!

Congratulations Kathy

2008-09-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

Kaitlin Grace

Congratulations Kathy and Tom on your new baby girl. I love her hair :-)

Happy Belated Birthday

2008-09-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dalton!

September 10 was my Nephew's Birthday. Sorry it is late, turtles move slow and so does Aunt Jyn.

In Loving Memory

2008-09-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

IN LOVING MEMORY OF AL WOOD

Last Friday I went to visit my Grandpa Wood as I mentioned in an earlier post. That evening he took a turn for the worse and on Monday he passed away. I will treasure our last conversation and I am glad he is now at peace with God.

Memories...When little my Grandpa would always pop real popcorn on the stove and we would have real butter on it. Every year I could count on peaches and apples waiting on me that he made sure came from the best orchard of the year. And most of all I will never have a rhubarb pie that I don't smile at how he helped me to get it out of the garden and ready to take home.

Who Knew?

2008-09-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

Who knew you could can potatoes? I was doing my morning walk with friend, Melany and she told me she canned potatoes. I had never canned potatoes, but being my favorite food I knew that was going to now be on my yearly list. And then.......(scary music)......she said she pressure canned them. I have a pressure cooker, but not a pressure canner. I am nervous putting my chicken and beef in there and now I have to put glass jars. Well, she was gracious enough to let me borrow hers and I tried it. I now have potatoes and another thing on my Christmas list.

In previous posts I said I was done until apples. Not true. I have now canned more juice, pickles and potatoes since then.

Yesterday I tried canning a jar of roasted tomatoes. I will use this to make a soup that Wade and I had for our 10 year anniversary in St Louis at Citizen Kanes Steak House. I just now have to recreate it from taste.

Food tip: When wanting a rich and tomato base roast the tomatoes in the oven for 1 1/2 hours on 350 stirring every 15 min and use only the meat of the tomatoes. Puree and use as the base of the dish.

Visit With Grandma and Grandpa

2008-09-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

I went to visit with my Grandpa and Grandma Wood today. Grandpa had given me rhubarb from his garden. I made him a rhubarb/strawberry pie to show him how good the rhubarb was this year. Grandma treated me to lunch. We both had the salmon at the Old Tyme Steak house in Olney. It was delicious. Thanks Grandma!

(Photo at Atwood Gardens)

Al and Leatha

60 year Anniversary

Girls Lunch

2008-09-02T05:52:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I was able to eat at one of my favorite places, Solid Grounds. I start watching what I eat today so last week I gorged myself. I ate a full Issac, chocolate chip cookie and a berry smoothie. Yum My friends Kathy and Melany had never eaten there. They too of course thought it was delicious. Wes liked that they had tootsie rolls in the napkins.

Kathy is going to have a new baby next week. Her third. :-)

Isn't he adorable.

Poll Closed

2008-09-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

Well my first amateur poll closed with a disappointing 61% not wearing helmets and only a little over 30% of kids wearing helmets. While it is only a mom's pole... Dr. Dave would be so disappointed to hear the results. (Dr. Dave Kowalski is the kids pediatrician. We thanked him a few weeks ago for saving Parker a trip to the emergency room or worse.)

WEAR A HELMET IT SAVES LIVES.

Perfect Sunday

2008-09-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

If ever I had a great and relaxing day it was this past Sunday. The kids and I started the day at church. Since Dec. with my back, I was unable to sit for an hour. Now that I am better I was able to take the kids back to Central Christian we had a great morning and they learned the meaning of tithe since they made their own money from the watermelons. It was great to be back with my Church family.

We came home and ate Tomato bacon mixture on grilled bread. Then off to the river. It was so peaceful and fitting to spend the day in a beautiful place of God's creating with my family I have been blessed with. There was a waterfall over some logs that made a great sound and the breeze blew as the kids played and I relaxed. We had a family water fight and splashed and laughed.

Back home to visit with some friends and then Wade took us out to dinner at El Racherito.

Truly a Perfect Day.

Weekend Dinner

2008-09-01T07:31:00.001-07:00

We had a new chef this week to help out. We have enjoyed the company of Rich Swearingen this summer for several of our cookouts. Like most of the nights he has been over, we did not eat at the designated time Sat either. Wade was called out to work. Parker, who is his dad's shadow helped me get the fire started and Rich offered to start the steaks. When Wade pulled in the drive we were just about ready to eat.

Menu:

Steak

corn on the cob - last time fresh :-(

baked potatoes

7 layered salad -peas (really six layer)

and Elly's Peach Pie

Note: Good lookin Single Women....Rich is back in Southern IL and is available.

Peach Pie

2008-09-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

We could not resist the Peaches from the Peach girls at the farmer's market this week. Elly and I made peach pies. One fresh to eat and 3 to freeze for later. It was delicious.

Food tip: We add cinnamon to our peach pies and top with sugar for that extra sweetness. Yum!

Back to the Square

2008-09-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

After buying the patch last week, the kids went back to the square with a new load of melons. We of course kept the biggest for next years stock of seeds. Although there were plenty of big melons to go around.

2- 40lb

1- 35lb

We told the kids they could keep some of the money, but they are going to open a savings account with the rest. Elly was dreaming of what car she will buy when we were sitting at the square and cars drove by. She liked a purple car, but wants a convertible. This is what we came up with. Many more melons from now of course.

A Midweek Trip to Grandma Kris's and Papa Elton's

2008-08-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

Wade had to work at 10pm last Wed night and to keep the house quiet so he could get some rest we took a mid week trip to Grandma and Papa's house for great Monical's Pizza and some fun.

Papa Elton took his new tough truck to pick up Aunt GiGi and Kaden and their fun riding toys. (Look careful. When the battery was out Parker was the official pusher)

The adults. (Elly likes the camera as much as her mother.)

Kaden can't wait to climb the tree like big cousin Parker.

However....Parker likes being able to hide in a tree.

Barkley made the trip too. After chasing Scooby around and not knowing which kid to follow next. He needed a drink.

One of my favorite moments. Parker reading to Grandma Kris.

Watermelons...Watermelons

2008-08-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the patch and found lots and lots of watermelons ripe and ready to be picked. We loaded up the truck to the brim. After some discussion Wade and I decided to let the kids have an Entrepreneurial lesson. He told them he would sell them the watermelons for $$ and then anything they made after that would be theirs to keep. So we headed off to town. They got the concept first thing. They knew just how much they needed before they earned a profit. They each made money and thought that was great!!!!

A rare look at The Watermelon King's secret patch.

1-$3 or 2 -$5

While earning money is good, they also learned the lesson of giving. They headed to the high school to donate their left over melons to the football team. Wade said that watermelons make you strong. So the Eagles should be tough next week and our opponents should look out.

First Day

2008-08-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

School started this week and while Parker is now in First and Elly in Second it was still a difficult day to see them go off on their own and know I will only get to here about their day in five minutes even though they are gone for hours. We have quite the morning ritual. First a little TV and milk to get woke up, then breakfast (Parker's first he likes to have 2...1 at home and 1 at school.) then teeth brushed and this year I was able to take them to school on their first day. We then had open house that evening. It was a full day.

Waking up and taking it easy

Pop Tarts and Rice Krispies

Breakfast of Champions

Kelly will be so proud to see them brushing their teeth

Shoes make the outfit

Showing off the back packs

Joe's for the first day back to school lunch Yum!

Mrs. Robards

Mrs. Holsapple

City Wide

2008-08-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Elly and I went to the City Wide garage sale. It flooded memories of when my Grandma Cunningham and I used to garage sale every Sat. morning. We would then pick up and Elderly lady named Helen and take her to get groceries at the Old Red and White building. And if I was good we always went to Hardees for a coke. If my grandma was still living she would be proud of the bargains we found.

Elly found a Barbie Airplane for 25 cents. Her Barbies went to Kentucky for the horse races first.

We also found Parker a box of dinosaurs. It was a full Jurassic Parks in the driveway.

I of course found bargains too. A sugar and creamer to match my dishes, shelves for Elly's closet and two stools that match my kitchen table. It was a very fun morning. While we did not go to Hardees for a coke, we did make it to the Church Fiesta a good time was had by all.

The Time Has Arrived

2008-08-17T19:18:00.001-07:00

The Watermelon King

It popped that is a good sign.

Yes, it is a little late due to all the rain and flooding, but the watermelons are ready. Wade picked the first watermelon this week. It is a bumper crop year. In the clearing he said there were a few, but there was more in the cover. I counted over 60 so I do not know how many will be in the more. I am guessing over 200 this year. We planted 100 hills in about an acre area.

The Eaton's have many traditions, but Wade the Watermelon King is one of my favorites and I don't even really care for watermelon. HA We have lots of watermelon pictures so I am sure more are yet to follow. Two years ago we had enough for the Newton Eagles football team to stock their coolers. I hope we can do that again. And yes... Ray we remember how to look both ways to cross the highway and you can look for one to show up on your doorstep. :-)

Tomatoe Bacon Squares

2008-08-17T19:07:00.001-07:00

This time of year there is usually an abundance of tomatoes and peppers. I only like tomatoes if they are cooked so the traditional tomato and bacon sandwich is out for me; however over 10 years ago when I was determined to have everything Pampered Chef made Heather Street (I can't remember her married name) gave me this recipe.

You can use hungry jack flaky biscuits and use the mini muffin pan as the picture shows or if you just want a delicious lunch, use Pillsbury crescent rolls or a Pillsbury pizza crust and make into a pizza and use the mixture for the topping.

recipe:

8-10 slices of bacon
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 large tomatoes or 3 regular tomato peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon of dried basil
2 TBS mayonnaise
1 garlic clove or 1 tsp of already prepared garlic
3 oz or 3/4 cup Swiss cheese shredded

1 pkg biscuits, pizza crust or Pillsbury crescents

Mix together all ingredients and spread onto crust or dip into tins.
bake for 15 min for mini muffins and 20 min for pizza

Sleep Over

2008-08-17T18:34:00.001-07:00

Parker and Elly had their first sleep over that was not family. Ali and Dale Bierman came for the night. They are great kids. I would claim them as well as their little brother Wes any day.

Produce

2008-08-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

My vacation is about over and the kids start back to school this week. What have I been doing? Putting up produce. While it was not Florida. I do enjoy canning and I have enjoyed just being at home with the kids. The Eaton's put up over 130 bags of sweet corn and I have done 70 jars of a variety of salsa, juice and tomatoes. All done until Apples are ready.

Thanks Mom for coming up and visiting with me during my first day of tomatoes. Sure did make time go faster.
Tim said the shucks would not hurt the cows. Elly and Parker have a great time looking for the bull when they go to the pasture.
Our corn process is interesting. Thanks to Wade's brilliant idea we use the turkey cooker outside to boil the corn.(This keeps heat and humidity outside) Then we chill in coolers and tubs with ice and cut in the house with corn boards from Rural King. Lots better than the traditional knife and cutting board method. It takes 8-10 ears of corn for each bag we put up.

Food Tip: When putting up corn, lay newspapers on the floor and cover the cabinet. You can just roll up the sticky mess for easy clean up.

We also had home made fries with Granddad Bill's garden potatoes...YUM!

Thank you Katie

2008-08-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Being a working Mom has its advantages and disadvantages, but having someone you trust watching your children sure does help. Katie Dhom has watched Elly and Parker for two summer's now. She said she will be back at least part of next summer too :-)

Parker's favorite thing about Katie is she takes him swimming. Elly could not narrow it down to one (she is a girl you know) She liked that Katie took her miniature golfing, but mainly she just liked Katie coming everyday to play.

Thanks for a great summer Katie!

A Matter of Life and Death

2008-08-13T04:46:00.000-07:00

I told the kids when they took their training wheels off I would get a bike. Well it has been since Spring and since I am on vacation this week, and I finally knew which bike I wanted we went to Wal Mart yesterday and bought a bike. When out at the van Elly says...Mom you forgot your helmet. So back into Wal Mart to get a very cute matching helmet. I get home and get it fitted and look like a dork. Wade said I looked better in that than the alternative casket. HA HA very funny I said. Well.... we take off for our first ride to the Bierman's. Before we get to the busy road (Like any are busy out this way) I told the kids to stop. Well as I ride behind I see Parker try to stop with his feet and then press only the front brake and yes... Straight over the handle bars into a double flip entwined with the bike. He hit head first on top of his head. My heart was pounding and I was sure we were headed for the hospital. Road rash on the legs and I would not let him look anywhere else, it took a few minutes for both our hearts to stop pounding and it is a site I will never forget. When we got home, it is a good thing he can not see his own back there would have been more tears. It is covered down one side with road rash. We got band aid up and Wade is going to remove his front brake, which actually broke in the fall and leave only the back break. In honor of this close call I thought I would include some statistics.

When toddlers and just learning to ride with training wheels our pediatrician said how important helmets are. I was amazed at how Parker's worked. I thought this cheap $10-$15 dollar piece of plastic is going to help? It does!!

*There are 85 million bicycle riders in the US.

*About 540,000 bicyclists visit emergency rooms with injuries every year. Of those, about 67,000 have head injuries, and 27,000 have injuries serious enough to be hospitalized.

*1 in 8 of the cyclists with reported injuries has a brain injury

*Bicycle crashes and injuries are under-reported, since the majority are not serious enough for emergency room visits. 44,000 cyclists were reported injured in traffic crashes in 2006.

*A very high percentage of cyclists' brain injuries can be prevented by a helmet, estimated at anywhere from 45 to 88 per cent

*Direct costs of cyclists' injuries due to not using helmets are estimated at $81 million each year.
Indirect costs of cyclists' injuries due to not using helmets are estimated at $2.3 billion each year.

*Helmets are cheap. The typical discount store price has risen from under $10 to about $20, but there are still models available for under $10 at major national retailers including Target and Wal-Mart.

statistics found at: http://www.helmets.org/stats.htm

WEAR A HELMET IT IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH.

The Beach

2008-08-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

No it is not Florida, but it is Embarrass River. Sometimes I forget what is right in front of me or should I say what is right behind us. I am lucky enough to have the river right in my backyard. Because of all the rain, we did have to go up river to find a sandbar. I should tell you: Objects may appear closer than they actually are. Wade told me it would take 30-45 min. When down at the steps to the River I could see the sandbar and asked him why he said it would take so long. Current- it is the best exercise machine available to man.

However; we made it. Elly and Parker made sand castles or should I say a Fort and a Princess Palace with natural moat with some cool sand castle toys I had put back for the right occasion.

While we did not have sea shells, we had lots of muscle shells.

Wade's Quote for the day: "You want to go to the Beach... follow Me"

Who Said...

2008-08-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

Who Said Work had to be All Work and No Play? This was Wachovia's formerly AG Edwards annual lake party. We had a lot of fun. Elly and Parker could not wait to go tubing on Lake Sara. Doug Schultz and his beautiful wife Michelle were excellent hosts. Thank you to his parents for letting us use their dock area. After the boating excursions we had Witt's Pizza. Excellent Chicken Cesar. (I highly recommend) The Schmidt family made their famous homemade ice cream and chocolate sauce atop a delicious brownie base. The Price family brought an excellent fruit tray with creamy sweet dip. Lisa brought her highly requested Mexican dip that was gone in seconds and I brought cheese dip to complement the Mexican dip.

After dinner the kids enjoyed fishing.

Catch of the day!

The professional who helped remove the fish.

Mexican

2008-08-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me...knows I love El Rancherito. I eat there often. However; until the Newton's sister Restaurant Puerto Vallarta is open, I continue to cook Mexican at home. Monday we had Tacos. Food Tip: When making one meal try to make it into two. Tacos at our house on Monday translates into Enchiladas on Thursday. I make tacos like anyone else with the package seasonings and browned hamburger. We also have sides of sour cream, homemade salsa, refried beans and Spanish rice. After dinner I then make the enchiladas from the left overs: Recipe below.
Knorr's Spanish rice made by Lipton is the closest thing I have found to El Rancherito's rice. And very easy too.

Enchaladias:

Mix leftover taco meat with 1 small can of tomato sauce
(add onions and green peppers optional)

Spread refried beans on soft shells

Put meat mixture in center and roll up
Continue and layer into a 8x8 dish

Top soft shell rolls with leftover rice.

Cover in leftover salsa. This keeps everything moist.

Top with Fiesta or Colby Monteray Jack Cheese.

Cover with foil and it is ready for dinner the next day or two.

When ready to cook. Uncover and cook for 30-40 min on 375 degrees.

Garnish with more salsa, sour cream and lettuce.

Call Me Fern

2008-08-07T04:44:00.000-07:00

Well we fired up the fire pit again and invited Brad and Cindy Davidson over for Chicken. The menu consisted of 4-H barbecued chicken, baked beans, bobs vegetables, mushroom and onions and cole slaw with apple pie and ice cream for dessert; however, Wade reminded me last night after they left...Didn't you make a salad? Of course I did, but I left it in the fridge. Sorry Brad and Cindy. It was semi homemade. I used bagged cole slaw with homade dressing extra green peppers and celery.

I say call me Fern because growing up I heard that a lot. That was my mom's grandma, my great grandma and she was evidently one of the best cooks especially pies, but she always left every cabinet door in the kitchen open... something I am guilty of when cooking and she always forgot to put something on the table...seems I do that too. Well I don't think any of us went hungry.

4-H barbecue chicken: 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 TBS oil, 1 TBS water, 1 TBS Salt and a dash of pepper

Apple pie was made from apples I picked at my neighbors Jay and Kathy Green. I make the pie filling every other year when their apples do well. Thanks Jay and Kathy still enjoying them.

Tip: make 3- 4 pies at a time. They freeze well and are great to pop in the oven when having company.

Strawberry or Bubblegum?

2008-08-07T04:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we went to Robinson Smile Center to see my good friend, Kelly Hemrich. She tickled our teeth and not one of us had a cavity. Ya-Whoo! and Thanks Kelly! But who knew there was now so many flavors to choose from. No gritty minty flavored stuff at the Smile Center.

What A Weekend!

2008-08-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

The kids wanted a sleepover at Grandma Kris and Papa Elton's before school started. After swim lessons on Friday we met at the famous rest stop between Olney and Newton. Waiting for them at Grandma Kris's was a flying turtle. Great deal at Amazon last week...Free shipping and 23% off. I think there was Nintendo DS trade secrets also. They had a great time, but ..... The fun did not stop there. When I went to pick them up on Sat. Aunt Gi-Gi was there and wanted to go swimming. It was once again a perfect day for water.

We first made a pit stop for riding toys. Where were these kind of toys when I was growing up?

It was a howling good time or there was a traffic jam- not sure.

Hours of relaxing and splashing good time.

What is a day out without food? McDonalds for lunch and El Rancherito for supper...Perfect!

Debate

2008-08-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

Why do I do this to myself? I was surfing the airline websites for trips to Florida. One of the best places I found on Earth and found a flight from MidAmerica/St Louis to Orlando for $29 there and $89 home. I am off all next week. I guess that just leaves the question of should we stay or should we go? While the answer will probably be stay.... Can you believe that deal??? WoW!

Back to the Bolander's

2008-08-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

Elly started her first two years and Parker his first year of swimming lessons at the Bolander's with Micha. This year we returned for another year. This time with younger Sister Mallory. Once again Parker and Elly had a wonderful time. I was quite surprised at their improvement. Elly has even began to dive. But it brings tears to my eyes to think that they are growing so fast.

A Great Day to Go to the Pool

2008-07-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

We went to the Olney pool with the Sower's, Keri, Judd, and Lexie today. We had a great time and good snacks. Keri and I even went down the awesome slide. We wore the kids completely out and hopefully they sleep good tonight.

Sunday Dinner

2008-07-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Food Tip- Ribs have a dry rub of 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 Tlbs garlic powder and 1/2 tsp red pepper -before ribs are done brush on TGIF Jack Daniels sauce that can be found by googling TGIF Jack Daniel Sauce

Sunday Dinner: Baby Back ribs, Fresh Corn on the Cob, Bob's Vegetables : Garden potatoes, green peppers, onions and carrots, Dessert for Me: Sweet Potato w/ broiled marshmallows

The Eaton's are proud of their new fire pit put in this year

Excellent Chef with terrific fire starter helper

Always helpful :-)

CRAW DADS WITH DAD

2008-07-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

Wade and Parker have been gathering crawdads with Brad Davidson. They then are fishing on the river. That has become Parker's favorite past time. He think he might be a professional when he grows up.

Horsin' Around

2008-07-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

Elly's dream of riding horses has come true. We started lessons last fall at Sigel, but after the gas prices rose and me already driving to Effingham for work... Toni told us about Traci. She is wonderful and has the perfect horse named Emma that Elly and I have fallen in love with. Traci's love for animals and patience in giving lessons has been a blessing for Elly. Thanks Traci!

Special Days

2008-07-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

For the past two weeks I have been working for Lisa...(Who went to CA, Lucky Girl) Elly and Parker had special days with Grandma Barb and then switched. They had individual attention by Grandma and Grandpa and the other with Katie. I think there was some pizza man and Dairy Queen involved too. When at Grandma's there is always some baking or gardening fun.

WE NOW HAVE A BLOG

2008-07-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a couple of friends of mine that I read their blogs regularly... The Eaton's now have a blog. Hope to update with family fun and cooking tips here and there. Just do not expect anything fancy.