Thou shalt have the raddest friends ever. . .

Our adventures in San Antone and Austin. . . .

The inaugural San Antonio Rock N Roll Marathon

Nov 2008...photos/tidbits from hanging out with my favorite ladies in the universe. . .

Carb loading the day before the race. Somehow this delectable meal didn't make another appearance on race day....I don't ask questions I am just grateful.

How DOES she DO THAT?! In jeans, no less. She is called Wonder Sue for a reason.

Sushi Goodness...make that greatness.

From left to right: Judy, Judy and Judy.

Done and DONE! Commence partying!

This is not another Judy picture. . . we are showcasing our running shirts...From left to right: Diamond Deb, Lightening Leen, Glitter Gonzalez and Wonder Sue.

Happily going about our Spa business.

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So . . . have been playing catchup with my bloggies b/c of a whirlwind of travel and well. . . just life . . .and so have been meaning to post some pics of my trip to San Antonio/Austin where my bestest gal pals and I surprised our girlfriend, Kathleen (aka, the eldest of the group, one foot in the grave...) for her 30th B-day. . . somehow this backfired b/c that meant that we had to run the 1/2 marathon she was there to run...D'oh! All who know me know that I think training is overrated...but we had an absolute blast.

Some highlights:

* Going hoarse screaming "More cowbell please!!" for 13.1 miles.

* Kathleen doing perfect leaping split jumps through out said mileage....

* Britney Spears belly roll a la concrete-mid run, doing the robot, thanking hot firemen for being hot firemen, high fiving every cheerleader ever born b/c one must, Elvis sightings everywhere, shots of double caffeinated goo every 30 minutes (and one 24 hours later for good measure).

* Sharing my sweet ipod running mix with anyone in a 25 foot radius whether they liked my karaoke version or not. I like to think I do RAGE justice

* Random acts of Sue and Debbie Miller throughout the course.

* Running like you are 30 (I was running more like a 29 year old, but Leen NAILED it! Sweet!)

* Re carbo-loading... a lot. Don't want to waste away to nothing here.

* SPA DAY!!!!

* Having the parents take "Judy" pictures. What, what!?!

* Personalized t-shirts, M & M with Leens cheshire grin, mapped out cupcake and cookie bar outings...well basically everything that Sue touches is golden and badical.

. . . Couldn't resist . . . this might be the wackiest Deb face to date!


Did I mention that we just did a 1/2 marathon?



My pre-breakfast the day after the race. MMMmmmm GOOD!

Matching bracelets are the New BFF necklaces.


I am a firm believer of the"When you can't choose between two cookies, do three", rule. Wait, I made that up?! It should definitely be a rule... and since I don't have to give up thirds until Lent I am all set.

Foot re-circulation. Don't know what it means, but I'm a subscriber.

Our new friend, Juan . . . in a million . . .Home of the raddest breakfast burrito value in all of Tejas!

We get chauffeured to breakfast...just another random thing that can happen when we are together. . .now those construction workers we harassed en route...they should have seen it coming.

Post race snack. . . strictly used for replenishing those carbs I lost along the route.

Little-isms

Today Little and I were out and about running errands and we happened to pass the mall...so Little notices this (some sort of internal homing device?) and immediatly starts negotiating to go to the mall as one of our stops.

Little: How about we go to your store and then I go to my store? We go to 2 stores!
Moi: We only need to go to the grocery store, remember we need milk?
Little:How about we go to the mall and then we go to your store?
Moi: Sorry, you don't have any money . . . we can't go.
Little: I need some money.
Moi: You can earn money by doing chores and you save it up so when you want to go you have money.
Little (scheming): How about you give me some money?!
Moi: You have to earn it.
Little: How bout I pretend a' go to sleep and then you wake me up and say "SURPRISE!!! and give me some money!" (she then proceeds to pretend to be asleep and is waiting for me to wake her up with her well thought out plan).
Moi: . . . No.

I know I am supposed to be watching traffic and all the mama-jamma behind me. . . but the mirror in front makes a better Little finder than anything. Pure comedy people.

This evening we were driving out of our neighborhood and the moon was directly above our car. I looked up and told Little to also look up so she could see it. She said "There's the broken moon . . . Jesus needs to fix it! He forgot to do it".

I heart my 3 year old! What a character!

Mo' betta

I made the muffins from the other post and they were delish...but I can't help but reminisce about my first blueberry muffin love. These changed my life and opened my eyes to the delightfulness of blueberry muffins!


The BEST Blueberry Muffins
Wendy Barlow

Sift the following ingredients together in a large mixing bowl:
2¾ cup flour
¾ cup white sugar
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt

Add the following:
2 large eggs slightly beaten
1 ½ STICKS of butter melted
¾ cup buttermilk
1 TBS. pure vanilla extract
1 ½ tsp. pure lemon extract
1 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries
*Line 24 muffin cups with the cupcake liners and fill half way.

TOPPING:
¾ cup quick oatmeal
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
½ stick melted butter
Lightly press into the batter

Bake in a preheated 375’ oven for 15-25 min
Let cool in pan for 10 min
Makes 24 muffins

Mmmmm . . . Fall foods. . .

I am not a big pancake person but this time of year brings the celebrated pumpkin pankcakes to IHOP....they are ridonkulously good...so found this delish looking recipe online...can't wait to try it!

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Adapted from Martha Stewart and Baking & Books

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon pumpin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon wheat germ
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of ground cloves
1 cup milk
6 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
2 tablespoon melted butter
1 egg
Extra butter for cooking and serving the pancakesmaple syrup / confectioner's syrup

Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Add wheat germ, nutmeg; and a pinch of ground cloves. In a separate bowl, stir together the milk, canned pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and the egg.
Fold mixture into dry ingredients.
Melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat; pour in 1/4 cup batter for each pancake.
Cook pancakes about 3 minutes per side; serve with butter and syrup, or with confectioners sugar.

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Also...this sounded sick delicious....

Easy as Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

1 15-Ounce Can Pumpkin Puree
1 14-Ounce Can Coconut Milk
1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar, Packed
1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
2 Tablespoons Bourbon
2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
Pinch Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Okay, now this is a real tough recipe, so are you ready? … Take all of the ingredients, and mix them together in a big bowl until smooth and homogeneous. Chill if not already cold, and process in your ice cream machine as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer into an air-tight container and freeze until solid before serving. Whew! After all that work, this ice cream sure hits the spot!

PS: Not too keen on making a traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving this year? Just make a batch of this ice cream, smooth it into a pre-baked graham cracker crust, and freeze until firm enough to slice. Perfect to make ahead of time, too!

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The next is not just a fall food..but looks delicious and I am on a roll..hungry eyes....

Blueberry Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe
SND Note: Coat the blueberries with a dusting of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom. Also remember to evenly distribute the blueberries across the muffin cups.
Streusel Topping Ingredients
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, slightly softened and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Muffin Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
8 ounces sour cream
1/4 cup milk
3 cups (1 1/2 pints) fresh blueberries, stems removed
Directions
For the topping, in a medium bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Add the butter pieces and combine the mixture with a fork until the topping resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place paper liners in muffin pans. In a separate medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
With an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. At low speed, beat one egg in at a time, then add vanilla, sour cream, and milk until combined. Add 1/3 of dry ingredients at a time and beat until just combined. With a spatula, evenly fold blueberries into batter.
Scoop batter into muffin pans and fill each cup to the top. Sprinkle topping evenly over batter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a cake tester or wooden skewer comes out clean.
Makes 24 muffins

Yummy Sugar Cookie Goodness

These cookies are delish...crispy and buttery on the edges and soft in the middle. They can't be rolled...so not good if you are wanting to do cutouts.

4 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 c butter, softened
1 c powdered sugar
1 c sugar
1 c vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 c sugar for dipping

Sift the flour, b. soda, salt and cream of tartar into a bowl and mix well. Beat the butter, c. sugar and 1 c sugar in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add the oil and beat until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and mix well. Chill, covered until firm.

* The dough will be wet and light...this is how it is supposed to be.

Shape the dough into 1 inch balls and roll in the remaining 1 cup of sugar. Arrange on a cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes or until light brown (I undercooked so they were less crispy). Cool for 2 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Makes 7 dozen cookies
Frost (frosting recipe to come!) and serve!

Little's Dope-a-licious Lullaby

Just a flashback for those of you who tracked my journey to rap this for my newborn Little.

Oh. . . the shame of the preggerific fat and fabulous Deb bouncing all over the place. . . rapping like only a white woman can. . . from the conference room to the primary presidency meetings. . . it brought so much joy into our lives while it lasted.

Shout outs....

There are quite a few people in my life who deserve a shout out. . . So this is my own version of Little's Skootle shout out prayer (see so grateful posting a few weeks back). . . .

1: These gals:

Sue, Wobin and Leen (From left to right)....I don't know how in the little city of Slidell, LA I would end up with some of the raddest, funniest, most talented, witty, (flexible), craziest, danciest, most loving, got-yer-back type of BFFs in the universe. And if that isn't enough...these chicks can do a 3 day email conversation about cupcakes. In heaven did you guys get tailor-made to be my friends?! You gals were meant for me.

2: Bashas Supermarket

They offer babysitting in the store.

Seriously.

I am now a loyal customer for life.

Now one of my favorite things to do....ie, roam the supermarket aisles to dream about culinary delights; will not be Mcallus Interuptus by requests for Skootles, Cheetos, and whatever other items are within her reach. No more tantrums! I get to stop and free-read about Brangelina cover to cover without being pulled away by a screaming toddler. Oh the simple pleasures in life.

PLUS...they have plasma screens around the store just in case you are one of those worrying types that needs to peek in (I am not, but I love to spy).

3:The students at Paul Mitchell in SLC, UT...namely Rhiannon and Celeste.

They saved me from the head shearing of the century and were able (after 45 minutes of coaxing, caressing and a load of serums and detanglers) to get the round brush [Little was nice enough to implant in my scalp]...OUT. Angels, I tell you. Oh yes...and they didn't charge me.

http://www.paulmitchelltheschool.com/pmsp/index.cfm

4: KBAQ, 89.5

Thanks for keeping it harmonious in my car.

McCall calls it Princess music.

I call it sanity in the making.

5:Brothers

Somehow I got the ultimate hookup and got 5 of these bad boys. They rock. My family is the best and for some strange reason I got just about the best sampling of cool dudes ever (plus the married ones also hooked us up with some fab sis-in-laws). Less emotional than chicks, but just as loving and they pack a meaner punch :)

* In case you are wondering...this is Josh, taking his card losing punishment like a man...and shocking himself into oblivion with the bug zapper. Random and lovely . . .

There are many many other things and people I am grateful for (I could blog a few postings on Wendy and how heaven sent she is for being one of my greatest friends and the worlds greatest listeners...)but I have to get on to my next set of things for the day....just wanted to share some appreciation for some things that are on my mind this morning!

Awesome

If you ever need a really great laugh please check these out...I LOVE quotes...even better are quotes making fun of quotes... It doesn't get any better than this (Unless, of course, there was a way for quotes to make fun of quotes, making fun of quotes....man, my head may explode).

http://despair.com/viewall.html

Fun with Little

Little BoJangles

Lovin' riding in Daddy's rental convertible...makes her hair blow...

Doing "baby scared" with mom

High flying Jangs. . .

Smilin' Dames (well...more like a smirk from Little)

Posing with the very scary Tiki mask (thank you Backyardigans!)

Lovin on Daddy

Little getting ready for Church

Lovin' some Robert

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood,

and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

Looking for something adorable?....

http://girliegirlsboutique.blogspot.com/ . . . my ever talented sister-in-law, Mel's, online store.

One of these days I will post a pic of Little in some of the dresses she made...they are stupid cute!

Reality TAG! . .Bethany ROcKs!

**** Pure woman of genius. . . ***

. . .just wanted to give Bethany a shout out for keeping it real amongst all the sugar coated picture perfectness. Thanks for a reminder of our humanity!!


Here is my bedroom right now:

Authors note: This little exercise in keeping it real actually helped me hang up approximately 30 items that were strewn across surfaces. . .didn't want to wholeheartedly fix the problem, but made a small dent nonetheless.
Also...this self awareness will never make a lateral move into me posting really fugly pics of myself (funny, yes...really truly frickin ugly, no!). Cellulite and other body abnormalities (real or imagined)... are still not what I want to be known for on the www and beyond.

Goodbye Amanda!

My dear dear friend is going . . .goodbye. . .

but no time here for us to cry. . .

for she has 'ventures yet to come . . .

and visitors from where she's from. . .

To forge a path and find a way . . .

and live and love and laugh and play. . .

there's goodness now and will be found . . .

no doubt she'll see . . . it will abound . . .

My friend is going. . .but not forgot. . .

we'll miss her here. . . but all for naught. . .

More friends and fun will come her way. . .

but that won't lessen missing her today.

Some pics of the coolest gals in Laveen bouncing Amanda off to Sac Town! . . .

Tamra and Amanda

JLJ and Amanda

So Grateful . . .

Tonight while Little was saying her prayers she thanked Heavenly Father for the following:

" . . Grandma,

her uncles,

Josh,

Daniel,

skootles (skittles),

mommy and daddy,

her candy,

mimi and papa,

Dana,

mommy,

poppy pony

..... and skootles."

I'm not sure ... but I may have even left out one of the skootle shout outs.

It's so adorable to see how her little brain processes and evaluates relevant information and I am just grateful that I made her list (twice, woohoo!!).

{I am also grateful that I have passed down the fine appreciation of those fruit flavored confections...taste the rainbow!}

Tag. . .I'm it!

I've been tagged
Tagged...by Wendy

10 years ago I :
1:Was having the time of my life at Ricks college
2: Thought I was pretty grown up.
3: Considered my parents my best friends.
4: Was better at living in the present.
5:Had way better legs.

5 things on today's "to do" list:
1: Go to Wendy's
2: Figure out what to do with my life
3: Do about 65 loads of laundry
4:Figure out what is biting McCall in her room
5: Bug Bomb said problem to #4


5 snacks I enjoy:
1:Leftover dessert of any kind (just polished off the peach cheesecake that Wendy gave me...this should be the I heart Wendy blog!)
2:Uncrustable PB & J . . . don't judge me
3: Goldfish crackers
4: Easy cheese...I don't buy it anymore after I realized it only takes me like 4 minutes to drain that bugger.
5:Lunchables. I don't know...i have an addiction with processed food.

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1: Go to culinary school
2: get the ladies fixed
3: get the mom belly fixed
4: hire a trainer so I could fix the thighs and butt on my own
5: Travel the world for at least a year.

5 places I have lived:
1:Anaheim, CA
2:Okinawa, Japan,
3: Virginia Beach, VA
4: Slidell, LA
5:Ann Arbor, MI

Five jobs I have had:
1:Barista at the Palladium Coffee House in Slidell, LA
2: TeleSurveyer/Housewife aggrevator at Western Watts in Rexburg, ID
3: Barista at the Underground in Rexburg, ID (I think I was the only one who knew how to use an espresso machine in the whole city)
4: Pest Control Sales...door to door...Fort Worth, TX
5: Staffing Manager for OfficeTeam/Robert Half Int'l


I tag...
Whoever. . . does anyone read this blog-o-mine?...

Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.

Just the right amount of cuteness . . .

Little, TaylorBug & BriBella

I exercise all copyrights on their collective cuteness and subscribe that they get it from me.

More pics from my birthday week . . .

A view from the top. . . Camelback Mountain... For all you haters who think Arizona isn't GORGEOUS...take a bite out of this!





Two fabulous and cute ladies and one super cheesy Deb . . . I tried/failed at doing the head snap to look adorable and nonchalant at the last moment...Koren managed it just fine and I missed the mark completely. Maybe by 30 I will perfect it and take a normal picture.

When I can't hang out with my favorite Sue in the universe I will take her husband, dad, brother and brother-in-law in exchange. It's almost the same...almost.

A side of Deb at 28 years 363 days old. I have my mouth open, yakking . . . is anyone surprised by this? It's not a great pic...but there are so few pics of me floating around these days (I think that happens when you become a mom...you are always the taker and not the takee?..) that I take what I can get.

Side note....an absolute treasure of a friend told me to make a list of things I am going to do before I am 30. . . which I guess is not too far away.... so I thought I would follow her advice and start the list now and add to it as I come up with it...

So far here are some things that I've thought of:

• A backpacking trip (I got left out as a child on all my parents trips into the Uintahs . . .)
• Take another dance class (Latin Ballroom or Swing)
• Yoga/Pilates . . . to help me lose 4% body fat (BTW, I WILL NOT publish your post if you argue with me on this. It needs to be done.)
• Take a parenting class (I think this will help me find inner peace as well if I am not constantly threatening my almost 3 year old . . . there are better ways to go about this...)
• Read through the Book of Mormon, start to finish. I know that I have done this throughout my life but I think it's about time to delve a little deeper.
• Go to the temple at least 1 time every month (Wohoo. . .I am on track already!!!)
• Join a running club. . . which will also help me accomplish . . .
• Run a marathon. Operative word, RUN . . . which means that inevitably I will have to train.

A moment of patience now= a lifetime of breakfast in bed . . .

Little has skills to pay the bills :)