Who Needs A Dog When You Have This?

Tuesdays with Dorie Rewind: Arborio Rice Pudding

I'm still a week behind with TWD, but the positive side to it is I can read all of the tips from the other bakers' experiences.   For instance, I had to cook the pudding for 55-60 minutes instead of the recommend 30 minutes that was written in the cookbook.  I was made aware of this problem by reading the comments from other bakers.  Apparently the is a typo in the recipe.  Dorie herself left a comment on the P&Q stating that this was the case. 

I love rice pudding.  I enjoyed this recipe and I didn't even use whole milk.  I just used what I had which was 1%.  I did end up adding cinnamon to it though because it just didn't seem quite right without it and I absolutely love cinnamon.  It's my favorite spice.  

I didn't care for the chocolate version.  It was way too chocolaty for me--and I love chocolate.

  

Thanks to Isabelle from Les gormandises d'lsa for choosing this recipe.  Visit the Tuesday's with Dorie Blog for more information.

On This Day You Have Been Spared

My body feels tight and tense. My back is sore. My legs ache. My abs have been strained, and my arms feel the aftermath of a near tragedy. But I am grateful because today I have witnessed divine intervention in the lives of my two little boys. To you, Jonathan and Erik, my dear boys, I write this post. Someday you will be able to read it and know that the Lord has sparred you from great injury and quite possibly from death.

This weekend we have experienced a fair amount of snow. On Saturday, your Dad and I picked you up from a friends house after eating in a restaurant near Hirshhorn. During the dinner, the snow began to fall as it had earlier in the day. By the time we got you into the car, there was snow and ice on the ground. You won't remember this, but the house we live in is on a hill with a long, narrow road winding to it. On the way back we were stuck three times. Two times we were bailed out by other Americans. There weren't any Germans driving in our village that night. The last time we ended up parking in some kind person's driveway and walking home. Monday morning (today) I looked out the window and saw that it was snowing again. Having no desire to drive in the snow I decided not to take you, Jonathan, to preschool. Instead I envisioned a fun day at home, cleaning up, baking cookies, and playing in the snow.

Snowy Day: View From the Kitchen

Snowy Day: View From the Backyard

Jonathan, as usual you were full of energy and enjoying playing with and bossing Erik around. You two ended up coming into Mommy and Daddy's room to play. In our room we have a very large and beautiful black chest of drawers with a marble top. It's quite heavy. I would guess that it's at least two hundred pounds empty.

As I stepped out of my bedroom to throw in a load of laundry, Jonathan, you started to pull out the drawers. I normally stop you right away so that you don't make a mess or break anything, but for some reason I didn't say anything. As I started the washer in the room next door I heard a great thud. At that instant I knew that something terrible had happened. I don't clearly recall any screams, but I do remember Erik crying, although I'm not sure if it was right away.

Since the laundry room is so close to our bedroom it only took a couple of seconds for me to enter the room. Upon entering, to my shock, I saw that the entire chest of drawers had fallen on top of both of you. I can't even write this without crying. I don't know if the image will ever leave me. I never dreamed that such a heavy, sturdy piece of furniture would tip over like that. I can only guess that you were trying to climb up the draws.

I immediately lifted the dresser as high as I could. Thankfully Erik crawled out right away and although you were crying intensely, I knew you were all right. Erik, you were on the opposite side of the one I was lifting, and Jonathan you were right under where I was. I could only see the bottom half of your body. I was screaming your name frantically hoping you could get out because it was all I could do to lift up the dresser. I also hoped that Alexandra, who is like a grandmother to you boys and who lives in an accessory apartment in our house, would hear me and come to our aid. I just kept wondering if she was home and if she could hear me screaming.

I finally decided I would have to try to pull you out. Looking back at it now, I'm not sure you knew which way was out. Somehow (and I'm not really sure how now) I held the dresser with my left hand and tried to push in the drawers. Then I tugged on your leg. And that is what did it for you. You wiggled out from under the dresser just as Alexandra came to see what was happening. I honestly cannot say how I kept the dresser off of you enough not to crush you while I pulled on your leg.

This is the chest of drawers. Strangely enough, not even the vase broke. In fact, it landed upright.

I was shaking and crying after it was all over. Alexandra was very comforting and I am glad she came. She later told me that at first she tried to ignore the screams thinking that I was just scolding Jonathan. She later heard me scream, "Help!" I don't recall screaming that, although I was thinking that I should. All that I can remember is screaming, "Jonathan" and wondering if I should scream for Alexandra specifically. I just didn't know what to do.

All you were concerned about afterwards, Jonathan, was the candy cane that fell out of Daddy's top drawer.

Of course I must mention that you did say, "I sorry Mama" several times. No Jonathan, I'm sorry.

All you and Erik have is one scratch each, not even deep enough for blood. The only blood I saw was from a little scab on your face, Erik, that came off. You both have been hurt worse falling onto our tile floor. I'm still in shock and awe over the whole experience.

The two of you that night. The scratches on your faces are from other injuries.

You can't even see the scratch it's so light. (Later on a small bruise developed around the scratch.)

We truly experienced a miracle today. Your Grandma McEwen prays everyday for angels to watch over us and that no harm may befall us. You were sparred this day. I am so grateful that you two are safe from harm and that I still have the chance to raise you.

Besides knowing that your father and I love you, the thing I want you to learn the most is that your Heavenly Father loves you. I want you to grow up and have a strong relationship with Him and with our Savior, Jesus Christ. You will not always be sparred pain, because we have come to this Earth to understand that there are opposites. Good and evil. Pleasure and pain. But choosing to follow the plan of our Heavenly Father will allow you to experience the most joy and peace in your life. Know that prayers are heard and answered. Use prayer as a tool to build strong ties with your Father in Heaven. We are blessed to be a family whose ties go beyond the grave. We have been sealed together in a Holy Temple allowing us to have that privilege.

You were not the only ones who were sparred today. If anything had happened to either of you today, I don't know how I would have been able to live with the guilt. This whole experience almost seems surreal to me now. Like it was all a bad nightmare.

Tuesdays with Dorie Rewind: Kugelhopf

Things were going along smoothly with this bread until it was time to add the butter.  Then, without even checking the recipe, I threw in the two sticks I had left out to bring to room temperature.  The only problem was I only needed one! I panicked for a moment until I realized that I could just double the recipe.  

I'm glad I did because my bunt pan is kind of big.  The only thing I forgot to double was the raisins. It's too bad because the raisin part is the tastiest!

Martinstag

On November 11, the Germans celebrate St. Martins day.  (To lean more about it click here .)  The teachers at Jonathan's preschool had us make paper lanterns.  In the evening we met in the village of Hirschhorn and all of the kids and parents walked around with the paper lanterns and sang songs.  

We ended at the Turnhalle were there was a bonfire, rindwurst, brezels, gluehwein and tea.  We washed our "hotdogs" and  big pretzels down with our own bottled water.  It was a fun and interesting way to celebrate the day since it was also Veteran's Day.  

I didn't know who St. Martin was until I looked him up on Wikipedia.  I thought we were celebrating the end of WWI and that St. Martin must somehow be connected with the war.  I was totally wrong.  

Here are some pictures of Jonathan and Elijah (a little friend of Jonathan's who was staying with us for a few days) with the homemade lantern.

Halloween Party Poopers

For months Landon and I thought about cool Halloween costumes we could wear as a family. Maybe we could be people on a Safari searching for animals (our children), or maybe we could be a family of super heros, or maybe we could build off of last year's theme of a knight, princess, dragon and ?

None of this took place since I wasn't feeling well on the night of our branch Halloween party. It was a bummer since I had been looking forward to it. The kids had been sick too, so I kept Erik at home while Landon took Jonathan to the party. Jonathan insisted on wearing his old bumblebee costume. I thought it was funny of him to choose that costume, but we didn't spend much time trying to talk him out of it. I didn't get any pictures of him in it, but I shot quite a few of Erik in his spider costume and captured a video of Jonathan practicing saying trick-or-treat.

On the 31st we were invited to go to a party, but the kids were still sick with a sinus infection. I thought we would just have our own party and carve pumpkins, but alas the commissary was sold out. (Darn that procrastination habit!) We ended up shuting the rolladens and pretending not to be home after we realized that a few kids were actually going to come to our door for candy. We were somewhat unprepared for that (after all, Halloween isn't a German holiday) and Landon and I wanted to watch a movie, although I think we actually ended up spending time playing in the stock market. In any case, despite being party poopers, we had an enjoyable time.

These are last year's jack-o-lanterns.

A Series of Naughty Events

Jonathan and Erik were playing in the living room last night while I was putting away groceries in the kitchen.  I stepped out to check how Erik was surviving "play time," when I found this:

I ran over to the couch to rescue Erik from a potential disaster.  How did he get up there you ask?  Is he a wonder baby with the ability to climb up the couch as well as the stairs?  Of course not. The older, naughtier muchy was responsible for lifting his brother onto the couch.  He had never done that before, so I was surprised to see their impish little faces staring over the couch. Just look at them having a good time:

And thus began a series of naughty events.  After the couch episode, I found the ringleader and his sidekick out on the balcony.   At night.  In the middle of November.  Without any clothes on. Well, Jonathan had clothes on, but Erik did not.

Not much later, I heard Erik scream and cry out in disapproval.  Do you see that wicker basket in the back left corner of the picture?  I turned around to find that Jonathan had put Erik inside and shut the lid.  Erik didn't approve of this game.

I can only conclude that Jonathan is trying out his new found strength by lifting/dragging Erik everywhere.  This morning when I was dressing the boys, I heard Jonathan threaten Erik.  It went something like this:  Erik, no [XYZ or I'll put you in the there] he mumbled as he gestured toward the basket.  Apparently he didn't like Erik eating the couch. 

I've Been Tagged

A--Attached or Single: Attached

B--Best Friend: Landon is my best friend, but I have so many wonderful friends from high school, college and now who I love to pieces!

C--Cake or Pie: Or?!? Both!

D--Day of Choice: I love Saturdays because Landon doesn't go to work and we usually don't have any set appointments. I also really enjoy Tuesdays because of Tuesdays with Dorie.

E--Essential Item: My computer--the nonessential, essential item!

F--Favorite Color: Pink

G--Greatest Accomplishment: As a teacher, my end-of-year math test results at a failing school (as defined by "No Child Left Behind.") Every fifth-grade student had 80% or higher (except Jose who was learning English, and McKay who was a great kid and a hard worker--his score will always be a mystery to me, but I know it won't define him) and my third-graders who averaged 90%. (Good thing I didn't finish out the 2004-2005 school year, right Cherie?!?)

H--Hometown: St. George, Utah

I--Indulgences: Anything sweet

J--January or July: July--I love the 4th and the 24th. I also enjoy warm weather.

K--Kids: Jonathan and Erik

L--Life is incomplete without: The gospel and my family.

M--Marriage Date: December 28, 2004

N--Number of Siblings: Three: Yvette, Marcie and David

O--Oranges or Apples: Depends on the day.

P--Phobias or fears: Embarrassing myself!

Q--Quotes: This is the day the Lord hath made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it. (Proverb)

R--Reason to Smile: The gorgeous sunrise I watched a couple of days ago.

S--Season: Summer

T--Tag 5 Friends: Michelle E., Michelle O., Melissa, Erica, and Amberly
U--Unknown facts about me: I've been listening to a lot of classical music (in particular piano music) for the past year and a half.  Now I can't listen to music on the radio for more than five minutes without feeling irritated.  Even songs that I used to enjoy get on my nerves.

V--Very favorite store: (Online) Amazon

W--Worst habit: Procrastination--I'll start working on it tomorrow.

X--X-ray or Ultra Sound: Ultra sound...more likely to find out good info from an ultra sound than an x-ray.

Y--Your favorite food: Roast "beast," cooked carrots, and mashed potatoes

Z--Zodiac: Libra

Veteran's Day & Tuesdays with Dorie: Rugelach

I am a week behind in my TWD posts. A lot has been happening in the past couple of weeks. I thought I would be able to do two posts today to catch up, but it was unrealistic. I'm barely getting this post as it is.

This week's recipe was fabulous! I love these little "cookies." Check out the Tuesday's with Dorie website for other posts on this recipe.



I'd like to take a minute to thank all of the veterans! I'm so thankful for people who are willing to sacrifice for the freedom of other people. We had a fun and unique way of celebrating today which I'll have to post about another time. Again thank you servicemen and women past and present!

TWD

Between Landon's eye surgery and life, I did not have a chance to do TWD this week. I've been looking forward to making Rugelach, so I'm going to try to post two experiences next week.

The Better to See You With

Yesterday Landon had PRK, the archaic form of lasik eye surgery. We were hoping that our former ward member, Matt Hammond, would be performing the surgery. He only does them on Mondays though, so we were assigned someone else.

Before the surgery, Landon was given the chance to take Valium to help relax him. He opted not to take it which I thought was pretty brave.

Today at the follow-up eye appointment, the doctor told Landon his vision was about 20/20. It's rare to have that good of vision so quickly. So besides some pain, and wearing sunglasses all of the time--a minor inconvenience--the surgery was well worth it!

Election Day Jitters

Please note that this is my blog and my opinion. If you have strong feelings about one candidate or the other, you may not want to read this post. If you do, and would like to comment, that is fine...but please keep it civil.

What kind of memoir would this be if I didn't post about one of the most historical elections in U.S. history? A win for a Obama means the first African American U.S. President, and a win for McCain would give us our first woman VP. Pretty historical either way.

First of all, I have to admit that I have never felt such great anxiety over an election before. Yes, actual anxiety. I didn't even feel this way when the election in 2000 was was drawn out for so long. This time, I am seriously worried about the state of our Union--either way.

McCain/Palin

Let me start by saying I was a Mitt Romney fan from the beginning. He had a great record of turning things around, balancing budgets, and he was a squeaky clean--probably about as squeaky clean as any politician will get, he loves America and he is a Mormon. I admit--unlike others who like to hide reasons why they are endorsing certain candidates--that it was a neat idea that our country could move beyond the religious prejudice it once had against people of the "Mormon" faith, but alas, this was proven false from the beginning in Iowa. Of course, I was worried that if he did get elected, any dumb thing he did would be misconstrued, and many people would blame his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I digress.

McCain: He has been too liberal for me in the past on some of his positions (amnesty for example), but I have no doubt that he truly loves America.

Palin: On the radio the other day, I heard an older Republican woman say that she thought Palin was, "an inexperienced little girl." This infuriated me. First of all, she is a GROWN woman with five children, AND THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA. She is only two or three years younger than Obama. You have to admit that if she were a man, we would not be having this discussion. Also, she is not going to be President. She will be VP. It is highly unlikely that McCain will die the first day in office like everyone makes it sound.

I do worry that there will be a lot of riots from Obama worshipers if McCain wins. I hope this is not the case. I also think that we are headed into an economic downturn no matter who wins. No one will be able to magically turn things around. The entire world is headed in this direction. Here in Germany we have experienced one economic plus: the dollar has become a lot stronger in the past couple of months. Can you believe it? It must mean that Europe is not doing all that well, and if you listen to the news you already know that the Asian markets have taken a downturn.

Obama/Biden: I believe the future of this nation is at stake if Obama is elected. His ties with radical people who do not love America scare me, as do his military policies. The fact that leaders of unfriendly countries are hoping he wins is not a good sign. His economic policies are aimed at and mislead the masses, and his narcissistic personality, coupled with the undying loyalty of some of his supporters and the media, is something that should be greatly feared. I was somewhat reluctant to publish this post incase Obama wins. Paranoid you say? Perhaps. But there is already a "truth squad" that was formed by some sherifs and prosecutors in Missouri to go after anyone who "engages in any misleading ads or statements about Senator Obama." What's next?

Biden: This guy cracks me up. He is always saying something that he shouldn't. First he said that he ABSOLUTELY DID NOT want to be chosen as VP, but if he [Obama] asked him of course he would if he [Obama] thought that picking him would help him win. Then he says that Hilary is just as qualified if not more qualified than him to be VP. This was after he was chosen to be the veep. In an interview with Obama and Biden, Biden was asked what he thought of Palin as the VP choice on the Republican ticket. He answered that he really didn't know her, and that he was still trying to figure out why Obama chose him to be VP. This guy is too much. More recently he said that if Obama is elected, he guarantees that the world is going to test him in the first six months. Why did Obama pick this guy???

This country is divided. No matter who wins, we will still have our differences of opinions. Let's just hope that we don't "fall" because of our division.

P.S. 

IF ANYONE TURNS ME INTO THE "TRUTH SQUAD" I'LL HAVE TO PUT A HEX ON YOU!!! Double, double, toil and trouble...just kidding.

In all seriousness did you know that Shakespeare borrowed real text from witches to write M****** a.k.a. "The Scottish Play?" I just have one word for this: SCARY.