Our cartoon-

Several people have asked about our cartoon. My friend Janette Louden, who is an amazing artist did it. I thought that it would be something different for the cards. If this might be something you are interested in next year, let me know and I will get you the information.

Sure love those Christmas cookies

Today we are making Christmas cookies. The list includes requests from everyone. Darren wanted peanut butter kisses (no I didn't put pb on my lips for him to kiss). Rylee wanted peanut butter reindeers. Mason wanted sugar cookies (thanks pillsbury). I wanted to try something different so I picked eggnog snickerdoodles (they are so good btw). Oh yeah, Ayden didn't have an opinion...

HAHAHA

I just want to write this down so i don't forget it....

When you point at a Santa and ask Ayden who he is she says, "Santa, Ha Ha Ha" Instead of HO HO HO. It's too cute...

let it ...stop snowing

Today was a snow day. We got about 10-12 inches since midnight last night. School was cancelled and Darren didn't go to work. Since we don't own a snow blower, it took Darren and I an hour to shovel and then him by himself another 45 minutes. As we were shoveling, I asked him why don't we have a snow blower. He said because he never had one growing up???? HHMMMM? Should I take his Christmas present back and get him a snow blower?

Things that bring me joy--post office online

I am very excited that I just ordered Christmas stamps from the usps.com and it cost a $1 and they bring them to my house!! I don't have to take children out of the car and go stand in line!! YAH POST OFFICE!!!

I am dreaming of a ....

I want to know why in my mind I have this ideal of what Christmas looks like and then reality is so different. In my mind, Darren and I aren't arguing over the Christmas lights. We are all sitting around eating cookies underneath the tree sipping hot chocolate. My perfect scene forgets about who made the hot chocolate and cookies and all the other details. Oh well, I need to let go and focus on the real reason we have Christmas! Maybe if I do that I won't care about the ideal "Christmas".

Christmas with the Tolins

We had a great time with my family this weekend for the Tolin Christmas. It was fun to be together and let the kids open presents and let them run around Mimi and Papa's house. I will post pictures soon....

Stuff that Mason says

I just think it's so cute the things that my kids say and don't realize it's not right. For example, Mason says "teeter tots" for tater tots. It's so cute I don't want to correct him. They both say "bether" instead of better. Rylee said, "flupe" for flute for the longest time. Now she doesn't. Another example that she is growing up.

Should I be worried?

This is what I saw when I got Ayden out of bed. Should I be concerned??

Christmas Tables at church

We have a lovely tradition at church called Christmas Tables. Ladies decorate tables and provide food and then there is a speaker and some singing. Despite the nasty weather there was a great turnout. I was a hostess (with a lot of help) of two tables. I had the black, white and red table and the fruit table. The favors were CD's that Darren made (thanks Darren).

Things that bring me joy---rain

I am very grateful that we got rain instead of the several inches we were suppose to get, especially since Darren's back is messed up. About an hour away got 8 inches of snow!!!

Santa Christmas cookies

I am "baking" these this weekend. They are ohh soo good.

Here is the recipe...

Santa Claus Nutter Butter Cookies
Using store-bought peanut butter sandwich cookies.

Ingredients:
Nutter Butter Sandwich Cookies
Pillsbury canned white frosting
Red sanding sugars (hat)
Vanilla chips (mini size) (decoration for hat)
Chocolate chips (mini size) (eyes)
Red Hot candies (nose)

Directions:
Here's what we did...

Hat: Spread white frosting or melted white chocolate over top part of Nutter Butter cookie.

Beard: Spread bottom of Nutter Butter cookie.

While still moist, sprinkle part of hat with red sanding sugars, leaving a brim of white. Add vanilla chip on hat for decoration, chocolate chips for eyes and red hot candy for nose -- use a dab of frosting as the "glue.

----I use white chocolate bark and dip it in for both beard and hat. I think mini chocolate chips are too hard to get on so I just use black decorator gel.

turkey day is gone so should the leftovers...

This is from the FlyLady emails...it made me laugh...
MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!!

Today is Tuesday, December 2 and your Thanksgiving leftovers are
officially six (6) days old. According to the USDA, turkey leftovers
are good for four (4) days. It's time for them to go. Gravy should
have been tossed after 2 days; stuffing has to go too…its time is up
after 4 days.

Do not attempt to stretch the time on this; they are officially too
old to be good for anything except the trash, you don't want to be
sick. Do not attempt soup with that carcass. Do not feed your dog or
cat any leftover meat. Simply toss it, all of it, including side
dishes and cranberries. Just because there is no mold and it still
smells good, doesn't mean it is safe to consume

i have been in denial

about my Starbucks hot chocolate obsession. I didn't want to know how many calories or points...

Hungry girl brought it to my attention today....darn it

Hot Loco
Oh my. This is one completely crazy cup of cocoa. A 12-oz. serving has 23 grams of fat and a POINTS® value of 10*. For ONE SERVING OF LIQUID?!?! FYI, the Salted Caramel Signature Hot Chocolate at The 'Bucks is even worse -- a Tall made with 2% milk and topped with whipped cream racks up a whopping 480 calories and 24g fat (POINTS® value 11*)!
Serving Size: Tall with whipped cream, made with 2% milk
Calories: 450
Fat: 23g
Sodium: 110mg
Carbs: 56g
Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 47g
Protein: 11g

POINTS® value 10*

I was thinking it was like 4 points...oh I was so wrong....sadly.....

I've been tagged...

So this is my fourth folder, my fourth picture....




This is perfect because I was just thinking of taking a picture of Rylee in her favorite dress. She could wear this dress every day. This was a picture of last Christmas when she got it from Aunt Shannon and Uncle Ryan. You can't tell from the look on her face that she loves it so much.

So I guess I have to tag three more...

Sara
Tracy
Holly

Have fun.

Elmo Live!!

Ayden and I went to see Elmo Live Sunday afternoon with Addi and her mom. It was a lot of fun to see the girls excitement to see all the Sesame Street characters. I don't think that they got the "story" of it but they loved the dance and music. Can't wait to do it again!!

Things that bring me joy----Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a great time of year. It brings me joy because

1. You get to stuff yourself silly with food and then you get to say "it's the holiday's" and that is a good enough excuse for people to not look twice when you have a plate with 3 desserts on it.

2. You get to spend time with family. In this day and age we need an excuse to just get our families together because we live so far away from each other. We had a great weekend spending time with Darren's parents and seeing my family including my Mom's side of the family.

3. You get to thank God for all that he has given and done for us. It's a special holiday that everyone in the nations does this together. If only it could be everyday...

Blessing mix

For a fun festive mix

Mix together

Bugles-Shaped like cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, a symbol of our nation's abundance

Pretzels-Arms folded inp rayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country

Candy Corn- The sacrifices of the Pilgram's first winter. Food was so scare that settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn a day.

Nuts or Seeds- Promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence

Dried fruits- Harvest gifts from our bountiful land

M&M- Memories of those who came before us to lead us into a blessed future

Hershey's Kiss- The love of family and friends that sweetens our lives.

http://holidayorganizer.com

My phone

I lost my friend my phone today. Really my phone was dead, beyond dead this morning. I stopped by Verizon (the one by the new Target (they are really nice by the way)) and they got me a new phone but no phone numbers. I don't write anyones numbers down anymore. My advice to you is to write them down. I also don't memorize anyones phone number not even my sisters. So you need to call me if you are reading this so I will have your phone number....really...

Christmas Help

Yesterday at Sears we stopped in to get vacuum bags. That's the only thing we bought. As Darren was checking out, the girl asked if we needed a gift receipt with that?! So if you want to give vacuum bags as a gift this Christmas, please know that gift receipts are available at Sears!!????

National treasure or Thanksgiving feast

The kids went to weight watchers with me on Thursday because Darren had to work late. So we sat in the back and the activity was to think about what you were going to eat before Thanksgiving dinner. So my kids drew their own plates. We were walking out and Mason says very proudly, "Here's my turkey, mashed potatoes and I would like eagle meat." I started chuckling. We then got in the car and said, "Mom, I am kinda embarrassed that I said eagle meat." I told him he didn't need to be embarrassed. Even though I wanted to tell him that he might be arrested if he ate eagle?!!

How about some kid pictures instead of Dog...

I had to take a picture of Ayden in these shoes because they are pretty much too small and I knew that this would be the last time she wore them.

Ok another post about my dog----I didn't know that I was gonna be one of "THOSE" people

I am one of "THOSE" people that actually bought clothes for my dog. Yoda now had a coat. I am telling you (Darren doesn't believe me) that when he is outside for more than a minute he shivers. He has no fat on him and his fur coat is not really thick. So therefore I bought him a coat at old navy. Darren is embarrassed to walk him in it. What do you think?!!

Chicken Burritos

This recipe is from a Taste of Home Quick cooking cookbook and they are so good and plus it makes two and freezes well.

1 large chopped onion
1/4 chopped green pepper
6 tbsp of butter
1/2 c all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles
2 tbsp chopped jalapeno peppers (I never put in)
1 tsp of ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp of garlic powder
1/2 tsp of salt
1 can (15 oz) chili with beans
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese cubed
8 cups cooked chicken cubed
24 flour tortillas (6 0r 7 inches)
6 cups shredded Colby-monterey jack cheese

In a large skillet, saute onion and green pepper in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in broth. Bring to a boil: cook and stir for 2 mins. Reduce heat; add the tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and seasonings. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Stir in chili and cream cheese until cheese is melted. Stir in chicken.

Spoon about 1/2 cupful down the center of each tortilla; sprinkle each with 1/4 cup Colby-monterey jack cheese. Fold ends and sides over filling. Place in two greased 13 X 9 baking dishes. Cover and freeaze one casserole for up to 3 months. Cover and bake the remaining casserole at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until heated through.

FROZEN BURRITOS: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes or until heated through.

Enjoy!!!!

How is Yoda?

Yoda, the new Kochersperger dog, is fitting into the family pretty well. Maggie the 12 year old beagle is tolerating him. He is really good with the kids. He is playful but not too annoying. He is doing well about going to the bathroom outside but I still don't trust him. At night, when the kids are in bed and I sit to relax, he sits on my lap which is exactly what I wanted. He did do something I don't think I have ever seen, he drank pee out of Ayden's potty chair today. Disgusting!! Overall, he is a good dog. I just hope that I don't start looking like him...you know they say that about people and their dogs. Someone already said we have the same color hair!!!

The Kochersperger Boys

I don't know if any boy loves his Daddy as much as Mason loves Darren. He loves to be by his side. I hope that never goes away. I have a feeling in about 10 years it will. We will try to remember to cherish it now.

Things that bring me joy - Friday Fun day at KBC

Friday November 21, at 3:30 -5:45 at Kenosha Bible Church for kids Kindergarten through 2nd grade. I love it because the kids have tons of fun and the parents get a break. For more info go to
http://kenoshabible.org/kids.asp

"Coffee" snobs

Rylee and Mason and I stopped by Starbucks last night. I got them each a kids hot chocolate. I was waiting for my drink and they went to sit down. I got my drink and walked up and Mason talking about his drink said, "This is from Ethopia." Rylee said, "This is from Peru." I had to laugh. Wonder where they got their discerning palette for hot chocolate??? They were just repeating what they heard from their Dad about his coffee.

Got Extra Candy!!

I decided it had to go today. I am donating it to church to use for Awana games. If you have extra candy you would like to donate, let me know and I can take it to church for you, (no I really will take it) they especially want the little kind (like bubble gum, hard candies, etc(not the good kind in my opinion))

Voting 2008

I voted for President today.

I took 3 little girls with me to vote. Maybe some day one of them could really be president.

Today I saw women standing in line to vote with their sons. I saw people of all nationalities standing to cast their ballots and voice their opinion. I saw a Phillipian family, African american, Asian young woman. Our community is fairly diverse and it was amazing to see all of us standing in line.

Thank God for this country and for the right we have to voice our opinion and that everyone here has the same opportunity!

Free stuff on election day

You get a free cup of brewed coffee at Starbucks if you voted



and a free scoop of ice cream if you vote too.

Fall

This is a couple weeks ago at the zoo. It was a beautiful day probably 75 degrees. I was looking at the pictures and it was weird because all the leaves were on the ground and the kids are wearing short sleeves. Unusual for Wisconsin.

Free kids meals

I was just thinking if there was any restaurants that would have free kids meals on Halloween and I got an email today from Texas Roadhouse.

Join Texas Roadhouse this Friday for a Spooky Halloween Celebration! Bring in your little ghosts and goblins to fill up on Hand-Cut Steaks and Award-Winning Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs before a night of trick-or-treating.

Kids that come dressed in their Halloween costumes will receive a free Kids' Meal.* Offer valid on 10/31/2008 only. Minimum purchase of one adult entree per free kids meal required, Ranger Meals excluded

Halloween The Incredibles

Dash-Violet-JackJack



We had a great Halloween but it was very windy making it very cold. We had a really busy day. Rylee really didn't like her wig. Ayden was really funny with her mask. She liked wearing it. We went trick or treating around the neighbor and then to church to watch a veggie tales movie. Ayden won the costume contest for most unusual toddler costume.

Addi turned 2

Ayden was invited to her first birthday party. Addi turned 2 and had a chuckecheese party. Ayden had so much fun as did Rylee and Mason. Unfortunately Ayden blew out Addi's candles for her.

I have a new "man" in my life that I rescued from death row

This is Yoda (previously known as Reggie). We have been looking at getting a new dog. I look at Petfinder.com all the time. Darren was really trying to talk me into a big dog and I just didn't want to do that right now in our life. I love big dogs but I just didn't have the time to deal with one. I also didn't want a puppy, once again the time thing.

So anyway, I went to meet "Reggie" to see what his temperament was. We tried him out for a night and saw that he got along with Maggie (she ignores him) and he wasn't too needy or hyper.

He is so ugly that he is cute. And his ears made us think of the perfect name.

The ladies at the rescue organization and awesome for all they do for animals. They go to Chicago and get dogs off death row(about to be euthanized) and rescue them. In fact when I met the ladies to give them money, they had just come from Chicago with 30 animals in the back of their van.

We are working on house training him (he is doing surprisingly well, way better than a puppy).

A good Fall salad to try

Super easy and very fall tasting.

1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons canola oil
4-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash ground nutmeg
1 medium red apple, chopped
1 medium green apple, chopped
6 cups torn green leaf lettuce
6 cups torn red leaf lettuce
Directions:
In a large salad bowl, whisk the first 10 ingredients until blended. Add apples; toss to coat. Place lettuce over apple mixture (do not toss). Refrigerate; toss just before serving. Yield: 12 servings.

from taste of home website

Freecycle---Why I love it

I love freecycle.

It is the best way to get rid of stuff. Once I decide to get rid of something, I post it and usually it is taken from my front porch in two days. I don't have to go to goodwill I just put it in a bag and it's gone.

I decided I wanted my media holder (dvd's) gone and it was in two days. Darren just moved it on my porch.

Also reading peoples "wants" helps me to go through my junk and give it to someone who needs it.

Plus things stay out of the landfills...

housing market

I have wondered who the people are losing their houses. On Nightline the other night they showed a family in this situation. If you have a chance to watch it i will post the link. The article (video clip) is called Underwater Mortgages.

http://abcnews.go.com/nightline

This to me is craziness. A full time student took out a mortgage for $300+. These are the people that we are going to be helping out with their mortgages...That's a joke!!

Day at Green Meadow Farm with Mason's class

We had a really great time at a farm about 45 minutes away. The cutest was the piglets. Mason wimped out and wouldn't milk the cow. Pictures to be posted soon.

30 POUNDS!

I can't believe it but I finally lost thirty pounds. I have been doing weight watchers since January and all summer I have been so close to 30 and today I finally did it. This is photo is from last October. I am down 3 sizes. I have about 17 pounds until goal.

Toliet Seat

I am very tempted to post a picture on here but I am not going to!! You are welcome. WHY OH WHY does my son get poop on the toliet seat? Or should I say HOW OH HOW? It's not just a little bit, it is smeared all over!!!! I am sorry but I don't get it. I am going to make him scrub the toilet when he gets home but I don't even understand how or why??? (Then I will really scrub it) It's so gross to go into the bathroom and see that. Rylee would have never done anything like that?! These boys are another breed. Does anyone know how much those toliets are at the airport (ohara) that have the covers that automatically come out? I think I need to invest in one. I think they flush too...don't get me started on that one.

school projects--why I don't like them

I don't like the pressure of having to let the kids do the project yet the teacher expecting it to be good. Not a big fan of homework in general...they've got the kids all day long for crying out loud...and these projects are the worst. At least Rylee gets excited about them and it's not like I am pulling teeth to get her to do them. Rylee has to do a time line and they have given us several weeks but I just wanted to vent on how much I dread them. Thanks I feel better!! Actually I will feel better when the project is done.

Things that bring me joy....restaurant.com

Have you tried restaurant.com? I suggest that you try it. Darren and I like to go to Wine Knot in Kenosha and you can get gift certificates for $25 and you pay $3. There is a slight catch. You have to spend $35. I have done it several times and have gotten tons of food for $12 or so. Last night it was a little more but we each got a "little plate" and then a "big plate". Oh and I got macademia nut crusted halibut and it was SOOOOO good.

Olan Mills

We got our pictures taken for the church directory today. The pictures didn't take too long but they weren't that great. Ayden pretty much looked like a deer in headlight and Mason looked silly but Rylee did a great job. I liked what I picked for the kids to wear so I took some pictures of them on the front steps.

Today was the Oprah Show!!

Today we had a great time at the Oprah show. It was a really neat experience. We got to see an show with Dr. Oz and walked away with a book and a box of nuts. Tracy drove up for just the afternoon and Sara and I drove down. It was a great day away from the everyday.