Mi casa loca

Spicy Dr. Pepper Shredded Pork

2011-05-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

This is SOOO yummy! I do not take credit for this recipe, I'm just sharing it! It's uh-maze-ing! It's what I'm making for dinner tonight. This may be a long weekend, but remember why. Thank a service member, or their family for all they do.

xoxo- Ali

Mar 23 2011

Posted by Ree in All PW Recipes, Cowboy Food, Pork, Tasty Kitchen Featured

It came to me in a vision, this bizarre decision to cook a pork butt in Dr Pepper.
Then again, so did my decision to get a Basset Hound.
First of all: pork butt. It isn’t a pork butt at all, but a pork shoulder. Second, it’s just a wonderful cut of meat. It cooks up moist and tender and results in so much meat, you can either feed a crowd or stretch the meat into at least two or three different meals for your fam damily. Third, I loved Johnny Johnson in fifth grade and he didn’t love me back. And finally, this fun and sweet/spicy concoction of Dr Pepper and chipotle peppers really did turn out to be a lovely combination.
If you haven’t ever tried it, cook up a pork shoulder sometime soon. You’ll be amazed at how much you can do with the stuff.

Here’s the pork shoulder.

But as you can see, my local butcher calls it pork butt.
Huh huh. I said “pork butt.”
I’m mature.
Go ahead and unwrap it and I don’t care what they say—give it a rinse if you’re so inclined. I can’t not rinse pork. I can’t. I can’t not.
I expect the USDA to egg my house tonight.

Grab a big, fat onion. Cut it in half from root to tip.

Peel off the outer layer…

Then cut each half…in half.

Separate the onion wedges and lay them in the bottom of a big pot.

Generously salt and pepper the pork, then lay it on top of the onions, fat side up.

Crack open a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, then dump ‘em right in.

These are spuh-ICY, so if you’re a little on the wimpy side in terms of spice, you can do half a can.
Chipotle peppers: smoky, spicy, flavorful. Such a distinctive flavor. Clears sinuses. Heals relationships.

Next, things get really weird.

Crack open two cans of Dr Pepper and pour ‘em right into the pot.
I also threw in a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar, but you can leave that out if you’d like.

Weird! But I’m feeling strangely optimistic.
At this point, you’ll want to cover the pot with the lid and put it in a 300 degree oven for at least six hours. This is definitely a “low-and-slow” cut of meat that benefits from cooking for a long period of time over low heat. Our goal is for the meat to absolutely fall apart into a great big mess of wonderfulness.
Three or four times during the cooking process, take the lid off the pot and carefully flip the pork shoulder over to the other side, ending with the fat side up and allowing it to go at least an hour after that.

Oh, dear me. That looks good.
Now, after six hours, you should fork-test the meat. The meat should easily be pulled apart with a fork; if you meet with any resistance, just put the lid back on and return the pot to the oven for another hour. As is the case with pot roast, brisket, or any slow-cooked meat:

If the meat’s still tough, you ain’t cooked it long enough.

I just made that up. I’ll be selling t-shirts soon.

Remove the pork from the pan and set it on a work surface. I know this looks crazy and possibly a little frightening, but all of that color is going to result in such flavorful meat.

You’ll want to strain off as much of the gloopy fat from the top of the cooking liquid as possible. (And of course, you can refrigerate the meat and liquid separately, then remove the hardened fat from the liquid once it’s cold. But that will require your making this a day in advance, and I’m not always that on top of things.)
(Actually, I’m rarely that on top of things.)
(Okay, never.)

Here’s a peek at the fall-apart nature of the meat.

So what you want to do is work with a couple of forks and gradually remove and shred all the meat.

Keep going and going and going until all the meat is shredded.

A pork shoulder results in a lot of meat!
Note that you can chop it up with a sharp knife if you want the meat pieces to be smaller. But I’m gonna leave it as is.
I’m lazy.

Now, whether you do it now or the next day after the remove-the-hardened-fat process, return all the shredded meat to the cooking liquid.

Keep it warm until you’re ready to serve. Mmmm. This looks so delicious.
You can do absolutely anything with this meat: sandwiches on Texas toast, nachos, even pizza.

But I’m going to go the warm flour tortilla route. And when you put the meat on the tortilla, be sure to include the cooking juice; it’ll bring some spice and flavor to the mix.

Shredded lettuce, diced tomato…
(I’m counting the days until I can plant tomatoes this year. I’m dying.)

A few sprigs of cilantro…

And some grated pepper jack cheese, just to drive the whole spicy point home.

A good spoonful of salsa’s good, too.

Fold. Bring to mouth. Insert. Snarf.
Utter deliciousness. This was a late dinner last night, and I’m so excited to have the leftover pork for the rest of the week.
Enjoy this, guys!
Here’s the printable:

Recipe: Spicy Dr. Pepper Shredded Pork

Prep Time: 5 Minutes | Cook Time: 6 Hours | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 18

Print Recipe 3"x5" Cards 4"x6" Cards Full Page

Ingredients

1 whole Large Onion
1 whole Pork Shoulder ("pork Butt") - 5 To 7 Pounds
Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 can (11 Ounce) Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce
2 cans Dr. Pepper
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Peel the onion and cut it into wedges. Lay them in the bottom of a large dutch oven.
Generously salt and pepper the pork roast, then set it on top of the onions in the pan.
Pour the can of chipotle peppers over the pork (include the sauce.) Pour in both cans of Dr Pepper. Add brown sugar to the juice and stir in.
Place lid tightly on pot, then set pot in the oven. Cook for at least six hours, turning roast two or three times during the cooking process. Check meat after six hours; it should be absolutely falling apart (use two forks to test.) If it’s not falling apart, return to the oven for another hour.
Remove meat from pot and place on a cutting board or other work surface. Use two forks to shred meat, discarding large pieces of fat. Strain as much of the fat off the top of the cooking liquid as you can and discard it. Return the shredded meat to the cooking liquid, and keep warm until ready to serve. (You can also refrigerate the meat and liquid separately, then remove hardened fat once it’s cold. Then heat up the liquid on the stovetop and return the meat to the liquid to warm up.
Serve on warm flour tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, avocado slices, salsa, and whatever else you’d like.

I'm back...

2011-05-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

Well I left for a little while and went to tumblr. Although I enjoy that site for some eyecandy of crafty things, I feel the need to be back here. This is where I have come to vent for years. I have had many projects that I have done and will have to post pictures soon. My yard is the biggest project and I am going for yard of the month. Who have I become?! Yard of the month? Me? Yep! I embrace who I am. I am a Mama to 3 amazing boys that adore me and think I am the best chef in the world. Ha! I love to garden and love to make dinner for my family. I love for my husband to come home to a clean house. I try my best to play the role of the 50's wife. It is my desire, not a request. I tried to Homeschooling and didn't do so great. I really do wish I could. Maybe later in life, despite what others may think. So many people have problems with the thought of Homeschooling I want my children raised with strong values that just aren't backed up in public schools. I am not the best teacher I admit, but will work on that. My middle son starts kindergarten this next school year. He is excited and I think it will do him good. I will work with my youngest and then we will see what the next school year brings. Being Military, who knows where we will even be.

That is all for now- Ali

Going Public

2010-12-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

Funny how much can change in 24 hours....
After looking for cheaper housing so we can afford to send Asher (our oldest) to private school, then Ezekiel (our middle) next year, and the hoops we are trying to jump through to get into this school, the evaluation for my 1st grader and the fact his future teacher doesn't have the time to speak with me has pushed me over the edge!

I discussed with my husband my want for sending our children to public school, at least for Elementary. It's just more practical for us at this time. I feel pretty good about it. I think there will be less pressure on him and he will feel more confident. I want my children to continue their love of learning. 1st grade is too early to feel overwhelmed in school. Next year Ezekiel will go to Kindergarten and they are both excited that we live close enough to ride their bikes to school. I have always wanted to walk my kids to school! I think this will be great for all of us. I would like them to go to the Christian school when the oldest starts middle school, but that is some years off, for now I'll work on taking things day by day.

xoxo- Anita Break

Where is my mind?

2010-12-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

I keep forgetting to Blog and that it helps me vent to just this screen or my friends that keep up with it, or even random people that stumble upon my page. I must remember to come back. I will try to do this at least once a week.

Well I bought my Christmas cards TODAY. I was planning a Family photo card this year for something different, and THIS was going to be the year I started the yearly letter. NOPE. Maybe next year.
So much has happened since I wrote last. My Mom went back to Texas, my husband came home, the school year started (I am still homeschooling) we found a home for our Basset hound Molly and now have a new family member TEXAS. He is a Catahoula Lepord dog. We love him and he has been accepted as a family member by even my husband! I have lost my mind with homeschooling. I had the best intentions for my children, but feel I am failing them. Asher is doing great, but I am running around in between the instructions I give him chasing after Ephraim (now 18 months) and into EVERYTHING. There isn't anything this boy can't climb! Ezekiel will be starting kindergarten next year, so he is good.

After many breakdowns Paul and I decided to send Asher back to school this year after the Christmas break. We decided on Private Christian school again, and are excited about him going back. He has to be evaluated, to see if he is ready to join their class. I am beside myself, because if he's not ready, it will be my fault not his! He is a smart boy, but I don't want to push him or overwhelm him. If he's not ready, then he will go next year and just be in 1st again. I guess we will see on Jan. 3rd.

Zeke (my middle son) turns 5 Dec 31st along with my best friend, that will be 35! Welcome to our mid-thirties!

xoxo- Anita Break

We don't talk about Fight Club

2010-04-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well.....we got a puppy! Did I plan on this? No! She is so super cute (Basset Hound) and stole my heart. What is one more thing to add to the mix? The baby and puppy play with each others toys and are really cute together. My Mom and I finally had a fight and made it through. I hope it is all behind us now. Paul has been gone 3 months and we still have 4 to go. I ordered his homecoming signs the other night and that makes me happy! Feels like a step closer. They will take 6 weeks to arrive. The boys and I planted some seeds yesterday and will be planting them in the back yard soon! We will have Squash, zucchini, eggplant, carrots, corn, tomatoes, green beans, jalapenos and rosemary!

Also we have had a series of bloody events with Ezekiel (4), last Wednesday Asher (6) dropped a big dog bowl on Zeke's face! Right between the eyes! ( long story, but it was an accident) Head wounds bleed A LOT!!!!! Took him to Urgent Care, they decided to just use the tape to close it. Thank God, no stitches!!! It took me and 2 nurses to hold him down while Doc put stinging medicine on wound though! His biggest concern was if he could still go to Karate that night. Oh, I also taught him to say "We don't talk about Fight Club." Oops! I forgot to mention that I started Karate too!!! ANYWAY.... Then, Monday Zeke stabs the roof of his mouth with a whistle and is bleeding like crazy again!!! I tell ya, never a dull moment at my house! I wouldn't change it a bit, well... maybe less blood!

I'm excited, I'm learning to blog with pictures!

I stole some of what my friend Blogged about her choosing to Home school because she read my mind!!! Here's a shout out to http://www.theclanmccawley.blogspot.com/

So let me start my little update by simply saying...
1. No, I am not worried about socializing my children b/c they will be home-schooled. I don't WANT them socialized in our screwed up modern day version of Sodom and Gomorrah, that's WHY I am homeschooling.
2. No, I do not think that I am better than the wonderful teachers that dedicate their lives to our children. I think our system is broken and they do the absolute best they can. I just want something different for my kids.
3. No, I do not think my kids will be weird. And who cares, really, if they are? All kinds of folks make up the world, so what on earth would this world be like without some really cool weird kids to invent all the stuff that makes our lives so convenient? (Pretty sure Bill Gates was a total weirdo geek. Would LOVE to have his brains and money.)
4. Yes, I know I'll be busy. Pretty sure I am right now, since I have 3 kids that are 6, 4, 10 mos. and a puppy. What's one more to the chaos? Heck, it can't get any more crazy.
5. And finally, I'm tired of trying to explain dieting, earrings in boys, broken rules, crappy school food options, "no those pants don't make you look fat," why they don't pray before meals and how to fend off mean bus brats.
6. Oh, and one more finally. WE know that we can't raise our children in a bubble, but we can raise them in our faith, with our values and with the education we wish them to have. And this is how we choose to do it. Not as an indictment of our school systems or any other family's choices. Each family has to do what it takes to make their unit work. And this choice is ours.

My kids and I are excited about our decision and Asher knowing what is out there loves that he is Home Schooled! He tells me ALL the time!

- Anita Break

I'm changing my name

2010-03-05T05:41:00.000-08:00

Good morning. I have been up all night with my 9 month old because he is producing so much so much snot he can't breath. He has an ear infection and a cold. My oldest has a stomach bug, but has now stopped throwing up. My middle son is somehow NOT sick. I wake to hear my older two in their room playing and my Mom shushing them. I thought how nice, she's trying to keep them quiet so I can sleep (because she knew I had been up all night with a fevered baby). I hear her shush the 2 more times, so I get up and see what's going on.

They are in their room playing with Bakugan www.bakugan.com/collection/index.html . These are their new obsession! (Warning: Do NOT step on these, they will make you scream obscenity's). Grandma is in "her" room, sleeping!!! Silly me, I thought she was here to help. Isn't that what we discussed? hmmm
I tell them to go down stairs and please watch cartoons, little brother is sick and Mama didn't get much sleep last night. They go down, I turn on cartoons, pop waffles in the toaster and give them yogurt.

NOW I'm awake. I think it's best if we meet at least once a week for my blogging session. This will keep harm from others. I now need coffee and hope at some point today I can get a nap!!!
Thanks for listening to me vent. Ah Grandma is awake now, and STILL shushing!!! I might have a breakdown!

-ANITA BREAK

Bump in the night....

2010-02-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

I can now breath a sigh of relief......My Mom is now HERE! The freaking out, cleaning and preparing is now done. She pulled into town last night after driving from Austin, Texas. She had booked ahead a Hotel 20 minutes away from my house. She thought she would have one last night of peace and quiet. HA! I hadn't seen my Mom for almost a year and a half! She couldn't be THAT close and me wait another night to see her. Already the night before I couldn't sleep. I was like a kid the day before their 1st day of school. I was so excited and nervous.

My boys and I packed our things and went to spend the night in Grandma's Hotel! (My boys LOVE staying in Hotels!) Well, there was ONE king size bed and a pullout sleeper love seat. My older 2 slept on the pullout. My Mom, my 8 month old and I took the bed. We watched t.v. for a bit, then decided it was time to sleep. I turn off the t.v. only to realize how thin the walls are when we hear the t.v. from the next room over. I try forever to go to sleep and forget about the loud t.v., my Mom's snoring and the possibility that she might roll over on my infant during the night, or inhale him! I manage to drift off to until a noise awoke me.

What was it you ask? A knocking? Muffled voices? Oh, that's a head board and those are more like moans. Crap! I preferred their loud t.v. I won't be having any sex for 6 more months! (My Husband is deployed.) So, between the snoring and and sex acts next door I did not sleep well! Today was my oldest sons 6th Birthday! It was great and busy! We are now at home and all in bed asleep, except me. My Mom is rooming with my youngest. I am sleeping with my door open so I can hear him if he wakes. I can NOT use the monitor due to my Mom's man snores, that I can hear from across the hall anyway. She's gonna wake the baby! I'm gonna have to move him either in with his brothers or with me. I HAVE to sleep with my door closed and my Mom's door closed! I may have to stuff a sock in her mouth!!!

I must TRY to sleep now. BTW I give myself a little pat on the back for blogging 2 times this month. I will improve. This will be my therapy for the insanity that I'm sure will come, caused by my Mom living here for the next 6 months.

Nighty night.

Homeschooling

2010-02-09T19:29:00.001-08:00

Well, here it goes.... another attempt at blogging. Will I keep up with it this time? Stay tuned.

Let's see, last Blog I had just signed up my oldest for Kindergarten ,was waiting to have a baby, and waiting to move. Here is the update on that.
1) I had the baby June 7, 2009 and yes we did name him Ephraim. He was 8lbs 15oz and 21 inchs! He is now 8 months old! His 1st tooth broke through yesterday. He is an amazing baby!
2) We have moved into our new base housing! I go up and down these stairs too many times a day! It's nice though and we like it!
3) Asher started Kindergarten at a public school, I was not impressed. We took him out and placed him in a Christian Private School. Loved it! Lets face it though, we cant afford to send all 3 of our children to Private Christian School. My Husband was about to deploy, we were on a Family Vacation and I mentioned Homeschooling. My Husband was completely on board and super supportive. I have been Homeschooling for about a month now and am loving it! Although we are going through a lot with missing Husband/Papa we have each other.

So I sit here with my glass of wine and think this might be a good way to end the day. Not everyday, my life isn't that exciting. Just a place I can come to rant and get things off my chest.
Yes I like that idea.
Cheers, to wine and blogging

Cervix Says....

2009-05-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

Again, it's been a little while. I am all healed and big pregnant! I have only gained 30 lbs. at this point and am 35 weeks along! Starting 2 nights ago, in the evenings I contract every 20 minutes until I go to bed. Fun! Getting closer. I go on the 12th for my last ultrasound and to get my cervix checked! I'm pretty sure he has dropped because he looks lower and I can breath better now! I have to pee all the time, so it's just a guess. I am to the waddling stage but I only do this at home! My lower back feels like I have a knife stuck in it most of the time and I have constant foot cramps in my arch!

Non baby related news... I registered Asher for Kindergarten yesterday and he will be starting in July! It's a year round school, so we are excited about that. I also found out that the new base housing we are waiting to move into is 5 houses down from us, has no back neighbors and there is a park almost directly behind our house!!!! Plus a wood fenced in backyard!!!! I am no longer looking to buy now or to move off base. This house has all that we are looking for! 2 car garage 3bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, fenced backyard, Living room AND family room! We are due to move in August sometime! I can't wait!!!

By the way we are naming our 3rd boy Ephraim and not many people like it. We don't care! That is his name. My Mom, Dad, and Mother-in-law all dislike this name with a passion. People keep trying to give us other names to use or say they will call him Efy! NO YOU WILL NOT!!! I will punch you in the face, and I will give your children a horrible nickname! That's pretty much it for me at this time. I will post sometime after Ephraim arrival.

Love- Ali

Bye Bye Gall Bladder

2009-03-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Well, as usual it's been a while. I do have an excuse this time! I have a Doctor's note!!! As you know I am pregnant with our 3rd boy. My other pregnancies were easy and "uneventful". THIS ONE... not so much. I was feeling what I thought was major heartburn for a while. This pain seemed to go all the way through to my back! I chalked it all up to the joys of pregnancy.

We had my oldest sons 5th Birthday party and then went to a movie that night. I was miserable! I yawned and let out this painful yelp! Paul asked if I was alright as did our friend that was with us. I was embarrassed to make such a noise and in a movie!!! After the movie Paul made me go to the Emergency room (it was late). I am so glad he made me go. We had to drive 30 minutes to get there and by that time I was almost doubled over in pain. I was scared too and started crying. They emitted me quickly because I was 26 weeks pregnant!

They take me to Labor and delivery to monitor me and the baby. The baby is doing good. They seem to think I have GAS! Really? I disagree. I hope it is gas! Then all will be fine. They give me Mylanta and check 30 minutes later. Not helping the pain!!! So I'm they take my blood and a urine sample. All check out just fine. Now they give me an Ultrasound, but to check out my Gall Bladder. What do you know...they see something. They think I have a Gall Stone. I'm put on I.V. and will be staying the night. With the I.V. I have to pee ALL the time!!! It is SUPER painful to get up and move.

So I am moved to a postpartum room the next morning. There I ask if I can have a catheter, so I don't have to keep getting up. I HATE catheters! This is how much pain I was in! I am now on antibiotics to see if it helps so I don't have to have surgery. NOPE! So I am put on Demerol to help the pain! WOOHOO! I'm Loopy! Then of course I pass out for a while. I needed the sleep anyway. So the next day I am scheduled for surgery.

The surgery goes great! I am now put in the most fancy room yet, a labor suite!!!! That night I start contracting every 2 minutes. I freak, the best I can on drugs. They ghive me a shot to make them stop. They stop and don't come back!!!! I am released the next day. All the time my wonderful husband is by my side! My boys were there all but the night of the surgery. The baby and I are doing great. I'm healed for the most part, but still can't do all that much. I am blessed to still be carring my baby! If you want to see a surgery like mine go here... http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1merv_laparoscopic-gall-bladder-removal_shortfilms

Party!

2009-02-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about Asher's Birthday Party!!! We live in a small town now, and on a Military Base. I have been stressing out about many things including Asher's 5th Birthday Party! Where do we have it, who to invite,blah blah blah. Since we live on base, if we decided to have the party at our house.... we would have to go to the main gate and sign people in. I AM NOT leaving my sons party to sign someone in! So having it at our house is OUT!!! Places that host kids parties are limited in this area, so they are pricey and for 10 kids, if you go over 10 then they charge an average of $10-$15 a kid! Most places were about $150 and up for 10. Then we have to think about food and such. So that's out!

My husband said "let's have it at a park and have a pinata and pizza". He was nice and calm about this like that was the answer to my problems. What if it rains?! The parks around here aren't that great. So, I go on line..... I see a picture of a really cool park in a near by town. The name of this park is not listed. The exact location of this park is not listed. So at the fear of sounding like an idiot I call the parks and recreation #. I tell them I am looking to book a park I saw on there website, but don't know the name of it. The guy said "Is it a big wooden one?" YES!!! He tells me the name and connects me to who I need to talk to to book it!!! $25 for the Big Pavillion for 2 hours on the day I want!!!! Now we can invite ALL the people we want to and don't have to leave anyone off because of price!!!

I make things too complicated most of the time. Thank you honey for such a great idea! Although I found the AMAZING park! Now we can decorate the pavillion and order lots of pizza, have great party favors, and a home made cake for cheaper. Plus everyone will be there and have a blast!!! I am so excited!!! Off to find party favors and a pinata!!!!

Bad Bad Blogger!

2008-10-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

I don't even know why I keep trying to keep up with this thing. This time I will do it! I'll keep you all posted. We are back in and living in North Carolina! We are on base in a 3 bedroom with a great yard. I have some old friends here that I have kept in touch with and now we are close again! I am unpacking and making this house our home. Asher will be starting school in July (year round here) and I can walk him to school!!! i HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO LIVE CLOSE ENOUGH TO WALK MY KIDS TO SCHOOL. Oops, I didn't mean to do that, but I'm not retyping it. I need to get up and make breakfast and coffee! I will at some point put pictures on here too.
Love- Ali

Hurry up and WAIT

2008-07-31T16:43:00.000-07:00

I am so bad at keeping up with this thing! Sorry about that. We ARE back in, but still don't know when or where we are moving. We are both still working to keep money coming in. We are wanting North Carolina, so we'll see what happens. I am packing here and there, just some things we can do with out for a bit. WE are ready, but I know it's all in the God's time not ours. Two of my best friends are pregnant and due about the same time (end of August beginning of September). I would love to be here for the births, but again we'll have to see. As always I will keep you posted and let you know. Also, one day I will take the time to set this thing up right and put up pics with my blogs. Wouldn't that be nice?!
xoxo- Ali

Finally something to report....

2008-07-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

Well we sure have been busy around here! Paul is back in the Marine Corps! We don't know when or where we are moving yet but will let you know.
I have found my biological Grandma ( with some help of an amazing woman, freeadoptionsearchangel.blogspot.com ). My Mom, Paul, Asher, Zeke and I meet her July 12th! I can't believe it. I have long for this reunion for many many years! I can't believe it is about to happen. I have been printing my research for her about our family. I need to get some old pictures together to show her. I'll keep you posted with all things!
Xoxo- Ali

poopy puppy

2008-05-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

Funny...I don't recall getting a puppy, but I must have one because Zeke was just cleaning poop off my carpet! I should have a blog dedicated to poop. My life and the poop that comes with it! Being a Mom seems to be getting messier. When they were babies, there was of course spit-up and "explosive" diapers. Now there are spills of all sorts of things, paint/ crayon on walls, poop on the floor, overflowing toilets from putting WAY too much toilet paper in, wet bathrooms from "cleaning", soap smeared on the mirror. I could go on. I must admit most of it brings a smile to my face after the initial shock of whatever the mess may be at the moment. Also there is the went sheets from Asher not sleeping in diapers and not staying dry the whole night, there is also Zeke peeing his pants or pooping in them (he's not in diapers during the day). Ahhh yes, we were in a store the other day and sure enough he pooped his pants! I had to take him outside to change him into dry pants. What fun. BUT, I can laugh at these things later in the day. I will love to share these stories when he is older. I really must start writing these moments down in a book for them. Haha I will have it printed and give it to their wives for a wedding gift! haha

Where do I begin?

2008-04-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, my Mom was adopted. I want to find her birth mother. I have so many questions and just want to know my background. Do I have cousins? Do we look anything alike? Where are they? Are there medical problems I should be aware of? I have some info, but anything online that says it's free really isn't or just not helpful. I'm just not sure if I have to shell out money for someone to get the info for me. Will it be worth it? What if I pay $150 and she is no longer living. Does anyone know where to start? I also found out I can not request info on my Mom's adoption from where she was adopted from, just her. Why not?! I'm family! This frustrates me to no end. I have been looking here and there for years. Over the past few days it seems all I can think about. At least my mind has been taken off the waiting we are doing with the Military.
( Update on that... we should now know something mid May, as long as the paperwork gets there in time.)

Poops Ahoy!

2008-04-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

I must share with the Mommies out there and show what may be in store to the soon to be Mommies (Kat). So..... last night I still had some folding and hanging to do. I let the kids take their bath in my tub so I could multi task and still watch them. My Mom was over and we were talking, I was putting clothes on hangers and keeping an eye on the boys. I look over and Zeke is making his poop face.

I said "What are you doing?" I walk closer and see floaties. "GROSS!!!!!! Get out, get out, get out!!!!! I pull them out and tell them to "stay still and don't move!" My Mom says "See you later, good luck with that". WHAT???!!!! She left!!! How do I get this out?! It's not the most solid of poops. Asher never did this! I start letting the water out and had to fish for poop with a cup that I didn't want to keep. I managed to get it out and then cleaned the tub and then my boys got back in to get the poop water off them and finish their bath. All this and they were still asleep before Paul got home! Woo hoo! What a night. Ya know.... my Mom never called to see if I survived. Ah the joys of Motherhood ; )

Look it up!

2008-04-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

What?! This is really getting ridiculous. I mean really!!! So, here we are waiting to hear news about if Paul's paper work is going to get where it needs to be on time and two days after it should have been there we find out it hasn't even left San Antonio! They had a question about one of Paul's tattoos. Mind you, they took a picture of all of them and he had to write the meaning of them all. The one they have a question about is in German. He already wrote down the translation. Um, can't they look it up for themselves? What's the problem?!

So here we are wondering what we should do. Do we continue waiting or do something here in the civilian world. Hmm, it is something we daily and are pretty much stumped. We have to take the Marines off the table if we are going to move forward. I'm not sure if we are willing to do that. We said if he for some reason isn't accepted back in then we would look to something else. So I guess we just enjoy our extra time here in Texas until we know what we are going to do.

I'm a masterbaker

2008-04-03T12:23:00.001-07:00

Before I start this I must share with you what came out of my 4 year olds mouth yesterday. We were on a walk and Asher was on his bike, two cars ran a stop sign and I said people just don't pay attention! Asher then said... " You have to pay attention, and don't be a SPAZ!" Asher is very animated and he had his hands up in the air. I laughed so hard half way down the block and tears came to my eyes. How true! Just pay attention, and don't be a spaz!!! Asher is BRILLIANT!
What is going on?! I tell you I am about to lose my mind! So, the news yesterday from the Marine recruiter was that Paul's paper work isn't yet where it needs to be! It needs to be to the right people by the 8th in another state! We were supposed to know something last month and then it was pushed to this month, and now we may not know anything until who knows when.

The problem is his package has to be passed around to here and there and it is getting stuck along the way!!! So what can I do? I bake! I have already made oatmeal raisin cookies and next is banana bread. When I get stressed I bake, clean or work out. Maybe Paul is toying with me because we have been eating yummy baked goods and am starting to see results from the working out. Although I think I'm just working off all the cookies and cakes and such. Haha. Oh well.

I just want to know what we are doing, where we are going and well that we will be alright money wise. What do we do in the meantime? Pack? We are on month to month starting this month and we will be moving soon Marines or no Marines. I was really looking forward to the Military packing and moving us. I guess I was a bit spoiled in that area. I would rather sell our piano then Paul and I trying to move it ourselves! As usual I will keep you posted.

No Foolin'

2008-04-01T09:16:00.001-07:00

Well today is 19 years ago that my Grandma died. Also when I was not yet 2 I fell from a balcony and stopped breathing and dislocated my jaw. My Mom beat on my chest and shoved my jaw into place. She didn't take me to the doctor because one lived in our complex and he said I was fine. Telling this story, it's easy to see why my Dad didn't believe her!!!!

I told my friend Amy Gaido about my Grandma's passing the day after and she said "Haha April Fool's". I started balling and said that was yesterday and hung up. I was in 7th grade. I don't really like April Fool's day as you can see I have good reason. BUT, today is also a dear friends Birthday. Happy Birthday Mistorm. I love you Stormy Pie!!!

As for our longest month ever, it is over and April begins. This month I have been waiting for for a few reasons:
4/2) My friend Yvette finds out the sex of her baby!
4/9) My friend Kat finds out the sex of her baby!!
around the middle of the month we find out if Paul is excepted back in the Marine Corps!!! That is huge news for us and will let us have an idea of what our future holds and if we stay here or move. Hmmm. I'll keep you posted. Also the countdown for my friend Vee's husband Kirth to return from Iraq, he just left a few days ago.

Shhhhhh

2008-03-31T18:45:00.000-07:00

It is 8:45 and the boys are asleep!!! I did it! We are really trying to get the to sleep by 8 and it happened tonight, bath and all. It may have something to do with neither of them napping for longer than 10 minutes today, but they are asleep and Paul will be home in in just a bit. Woo Hoo! Me time is so nice, I don't get it much. The time when the kids are asleep and ALL the house work is done and Paul isn't home yet. I like it.

You see, there is nap time (most days) when they sleep for at least an hour or so , but that is not me time. This time consists of house work like folding and hanging clothes. You know the quiet chores. I should be reading right now, but this is my time and I will do with it as I please!

As for my weekend.... It was nice. It started out with a date with my BFF. We went to the store and bought frozen food (we didn't want to cook), we also got some weird A&W root beer float drink in a bottle. Yes, I know something told me YUCK too, but we tried it. Me (not being pregnant) will not ever put this in my mouth again! We watched bad reality t.v. and had good conversation. I miss girl nights and it's something we should do more. Paul is home so the story is over.

Longest month ever

2008-03-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

This month is taking forever!!! As you all know we are waiting to hear back to see if Paul will be excepted back in the Military. We will know sometime next month. This has been the longest month in the history of the world! We are just ready to know what is in store for us and where we will be going. We are ready for a change.

It has been nice being back home for this year and seeing family and friends. I did think it was going to be a lot different to be honest. We thought the kids would be able to see more of their Grandma's and I thought I would have more time to see my friends. We didn't want me to have to work so I could stay home with the boys, but I am having to Nanny 2 kids in our home. It has been a blessing, but we are ready to get back to the life we know.

Thanks for hanging in there with me and I will continue to keep you posted.

Hello God, It's me Asher

2008-03-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Last night we had our nightly routine dinner, bath, prayers, and stories. Well Zeke was asleep and Asher just would not fall asleep! I had some things I wanted to clean up and do before Paul came home. I told Asher this and for him to go to sleep ,I would come in and check on him in a bit. Seconds later Paul is at the door and I got nothing done that I wanted to. I hear something down the hall, I go to investigate and just as I thought it was Asher out of bed peeking around the corner.
I let him come out and hang out for a little while and then his brother woke up calling for me. Paul brings Asher in to tuck him back in. Paul still has to eat dinner. I get Zeke back to sleep and Asher still wouldn't fall asleep. Paul tells Asher I need to eat, you go to sleep. We go to the kitchen and can hear Asher talking. We go in and ask "What" and he says, "I'm talking to God". We then of course go back in the hall to listen in on his conversation. So cute. He hear a noise from our loud neighbors upstairs and he said "What was that God?". Then he starts so sing a song he doesn't know all the words to. We just keep standing there listening. We finally go back to the kitchen and Paul eats. Then we are headed to our room and we still hear Asher! This child is NOT going to sleep! What is going on?! Fine, we are tired so Paul brings him in to sleep with us. Asher wins last nights round. Sometime in the middle of the night Zeke joined us too.

Pickle Pizza

2008-03-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

Can I just say GROSS!!!! As some of you know I am a Nanny for 2 kids. Today they brought pizza for lunch. Nothing gross about that, until I unwrapped it to heat it up. I thought I was going to throw up! My mind went to my bestfriend Kathryn and how badly I wanted to tell her about this because she hates pickles and I love to torture her with anything pickle. She is pregnant, so I will lay off the pickley things until she has the baby. I need to tell her not to read this blog, but after she sees the title I don't think she will. And just once more EEEEEEWWWWWW! Pickles don't belong on a pizza!

Must have coffee!

2008-03-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we NEEDED coffee, you know those mornings. Anyway the day before Paul had to go to the store because we were out of coffee, and when he returned home we realized we had one coffee filter. That worked out well, until yesterday when we NEEDED coffee. I went to the kitchen half awake to make coffee and NO coffee filters. We forgot to buy more. I tell our dilemma to Paul and he says "Can we dump out the one from yesterday?" I thought "gross.... that might work." Well just to let you know, you CAN reuse a coffee filter at least once. Haha We love our coffee.

As for everything else, we still don't have word about Paul getting back in the Marines. We should know by mid April now. The delay is hard for us, because it's just such a long process. We keep thinking maybe this is because he is supposed to find another job. He has been looking. We are a one income family of 4, so this is hard to find. We looked into moving to a small town and living the "simple life". We went to Smithville on Saturday and went to a park and drove around looking for houses for sale or rent. I really like the idea of a small town, but finding a job close enough to commute is difficult.

Also since the last time I wrote we were all Baptized! We did it as a family, and it was great. Paul went 1st then me, then Asher and then Ezekiel. The boys did great! I'm glad it was just putting water on our heads and it didn't involve dunking us, because I can't imagine the boys being alright with that! haha I know I keep saying it, but I will try to write more. Oh, goodness I forget to mention Asher turned 4 and had a Cowboy party! I will have to post pictures at some point too. AND, my Mom moved to Austin!!!!! Welcome to Austin Mommy!
Until next time- Ali

Little Trekies

2008-02-16T15:40:00.000-08:00

In the title I am referring to my little ones. They L-O-V-E Star Trek (the original). They are obsessed!!! It's really funny. We just rented a Star Trek movie. I will now be on the hunt for Star Trek "action figures" for my oldest. His Birthday is next week. He's going to be 4, I can't believe it! He is so tall and has the biggest feet for his age. He just had his hair cut and looks like a little man. So handsome.

As for my small freak out yesterday, I am feeling much better. After talking to my husband and KNOWING this is what he wants to do. He was with Marines all day yesterday and he just feels "at home". It has been nice to be out for a bit and to be back home in Texas, but duty calls. We still won't hear anything until mid March, but we feel good about it. Where will our next home be?! We miss Okinawa, but we'll see where he is needed. We will continue to enjoy our time here and visit with friends and Family before we PSC (Marine lingo for move). I will miss my Mom, Paul's Mom and my Grandpa. My Grandpa is 92 and starting to go down hill a little. I miss being so close to them, but we don't see eachother much because I Nanny. We moved to Texas to be close to our Family, but now need to do what is best for ours.
Mama G

Partial Panic

2008-02-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

I am in a partial panic. Paul is on his way to turn in his package to try to get back in the Military. I should feel relief ( and do to some extent ), but I'm a bit nervous too. These are the questions I have running through my head... Are we making the right choice? Is this what we should really do? Should he get back in? Should we stay here and just figure it out? We have been out almost 1 year and things just aren't going the way we thought. Paul was pretty much on track with how things would be, but I was expecting better. So here we are about to step back into what we walked away from. The Marines has become a part of us and does have a lot of benefits all around, just that one pesky thing about going back to Iraq. AAArrRRRGGgGG!

Is it worth it? We were able to spend more time as a family when he was in before. We were very blessed by Paul not being deployed much. He can retire in 10-12 years. He wouldn't even be 50! When he retires we plan to R.V.!!! Woo Hoo! Yes, I a m serious. Are we an old married couple or what. This sounds fun to us. I miss the security that the Military has medically for my boys. Also, no matter where we are stationed, I will have a friend there! This is comforting to me. I would LOVE to go back to OKINAWA, JAPAN but doubt we will to live. We should have some response by mid March and I will let you know. We need your prayers to calm my heart. If he is excepted, I will be leaving my BFF again. She is about to make me an Aunt and I want to be here to see her become a Mommy! I can always fly in right. I love you Kat, and WILL meet my niece or nephew ASAP. If you have a planned birth, I will be there.

Hmmm

2008-02-12T11:53:00.001-08:00

This is just to keep you all posted.. Nothing new to report. I thought it would be nice to keep you in the loop. We don't know what we are doing for sure. Paul is turning in his package for the Marines, but that's as far as it gets. That will happen at some point this week. We still won't hear anything until next month. So, hours have been reduced at his job, I'm still watching the kids here and our lease is up in about 2 1/2 months. FUN! We need to figure SOMETHING out! I would love to stay here and be here for my BFF to give birth and my Mom moving here to Austin. Maybe I will be and maybe I won't.

Welcome to my world. This a day in my shoes. I know things could be worse. We are all healthy and we have a roof over our head and food to eat. I AM thankful for all we have, I just don't know what is going on! I feel myself not really caring what we do or where we do it, we just need to do something that will support a family of 4. I am blessed to get paid to stay at home with my boys. The space is a bit cramped, but we're o.k. WE want for me to be able to stay at home with the boys until they are in school. That has always been very important to us. I don't want to sacrifice that if we don't have to.

I am also planning our soon to be 4 year olds Birthday Party. My goodness.
That's all for now...

Where am I? What are we doing?!

2008-02-02T11:44:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry, what?! In my absence a lot has been going on. In or out of the Military? As of now we are out, but may get back in. I say we, but I mean my husband. He will be the one raising his hand and swearing in AGAIN. We have talked about this many many many times and it has never been taken off the table of possibilities. Why? We found ourselves asking this too. We kept going back to it, the benefits was one reason, but the boys and Paul are covered right now. It's not just that. It's not the pay. What is it?! It's become a part of who we are. Can it really be THAT simple? I guess so. It's not that simple to except that thou. That may not make sense to you, but it does to me and this is my blog. So there!
We have lived the civilian life and there is a piece of us missing. Military families can understand this in full. It's not just the benefits, it's the friends you make, the travel, and the excitement of where are we going to live next (even thou this can leave you unsure as well). We had some of the best time in the Military. There is a community that you don't find anywhere else. It's missed and it's who we are.

This may change and Paul may end up taking the job offer I didn't even mention, but we'll see. As for today this is the plan.
"Once a Marine Always a Marine" Whoever said this couldn't have been more right!

Plungerrific!

2008-01-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry for my absence. I have been busy and wanted to come back with something fun to report. Nothing too fun to report, but a lot is going on. Paul (my Husband) is x military and was close to getting back in. We are sure we know what we are doing.... and then, there is a message left on his cell. "You'll never guess who called me today". I make 2 wrong guesses and then I guessed right. Out of left field a company he interviewed with months ago, calls with a position for him and they are ready to bring him aboard. WHAT?!

We were moving. Okay, so we aren't moving to Washington State now. I'm a TEXAS girl anyway and would freeze to death. I wouldn't be able to drive 1/2 of the year anyway. God's plan is always better than mine, even if I don't like it at the moment. All in all this works out for me nicely. My BFF is pregnant and now I get to watch her grow, and just be here for her. I was in Japan when I was pregnant. I want to throw her baby shower!!!! You saw it here, your shower ( at least one) is mine to give!!! Fun. I think I will start planning now!

My Mom may move from San Antonio to here! Paul will be off on the weekends! I do love Austin and TEXAS is my home. I just need to work on seeing my BFF more often. I am not revealing her name until she is in month 3. I do think all of Austin already knows, but still.

This is already long so I'll make this short. Why the title? Well yesterday, my almost 4 year old screams a horrible scream from the back room. I run to the back looking for him. He's in my bathroom. I think Oh God he's hurt, he never cries like this. I open the door and he's ...... wait for it...... holding the plunger as the toilet is overflowing. " I tried to fix it". Water is all over the floor and has now soaked my bedroom carpet! I'm laughing and holding Asher with him in my lap, as we sit in the tub. All he was trying to flush was a booger. I know that may be gross, but it could have been much worse. Then my other son and the 2 other kids I watch come running in to see what has happened. I scream, "Get out, yucky". They leave and I swing Asher as far as I can out of the bathroom. Then, I jumped to safety. Called the landlord and all the kids cramed into the bathroom to watch him "fix" it. I had already cleaned the floor and plunged it myself. He did nothing, but plunge a clean toilet and dry the rug with a fan.
All is well. I will try to spruce my site up soon.
I hope some of this brought a smile to your face.

Fort builders

2008-01-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

I have decided this site will be to inform friends and family, but mostly to share the daily joys of Motherhood. I am a stay at home Mom and am entertained every minute of the day. Mind you entertained doesn't always mean funny! I also watch to other children here in my home. We had a craft day the other day with real canvas and real paint. By real paint, I mean acrylic.
Let's review... four kids acrylic paint. Do you see where this is going?! As I was cleaning up, 2 escaped the kitchen. One of mine and one not. Paint on the carpet! Mine went for the wall. THE WALL! Did I mention we rent?! I cleaned it the best I could and all the children are still alive. They may even get another craft day.
Then last night my two boys were "getting ready for bed". I heard my oldest (4 next month) whisper to his younger brother (2). I decided to peek in and see what they were up to. It was the cutest thing, they were building a fort between their beds. Then they made a gate at their door. They were so proud, but I had to shut the town down and get them into bed. We'll see what todays adventures will be.
-Mama G

First time blogger

2008-01-15T12:04:00.001-08:00

This is my first time blogging. I have meant to set one up for a long time. This way family and friends can keep up with the goings on in our lives. I will at some point post pictures. I will do my best at staying on top of this and keeping you up to date. This somehow seems better than sending out a mass e-mail. I have some friends that blog and have loved the idea, so here is mine!