Gavin's Tail Twister #36: I'm Not Copying You!

Over the Christmas holiday, we went on a little vacation. We happened to take one of Sammy's friends with us. While in the hotel room during the very little down time we had, all of the boys (Sammy 12, Gavin 8, and Kevin who was also 12) made spinner! What is a spinner you ask? It is a piece of paper that is folded origami style to form a small 2 inch square that when you flick opposite corners, it spins. If you color the top with bright colors, it really looks cool.

The boys must have made about 15 each and occasionally would ask for us to pick which one was the best. So there was a who made the coolest looking spinner competition going on daily. Gavin did not win the first competition and was not happy. I secretly tried to find out which ones were Gavin's so I could pick his to win but he wanted to win fairly.

On this particular day after coming in from the pools and water slides, both Kevin and Gavin set out to make spinners. They sat across from each other folding spinners and then trying to color them the best they could so they could win the next "coolest spinner contest". I was putting stuff away and noticed Gavin frequently glancing over toward Kevin as he worked diligently to color his spinner. Gavin would glance over to look at Kevin's spinner and then look down to his own spinner ... glance over, look down to his own...glance over, look down to his own spinner. It was almost as if he were comparing or maybe even copying Kevin.

At that very moment Gavin spoke up and said..."Kevin I know it looks like I am copying you but I'm really not....your probably see me keep looking over and are wondering why I'm looking at your spinner."

No answer from Kevin. He was too busy to care about what Gav was saying.

Gavin continued explaining..."Really! I'M NOT COPYING YOU. I, I, I'M JUST INSPIRED BY YOUR WORK!"

Ha Ha Ha! I hope he never uses that line in school!!

Gavin's Tail Twister #35: Waking Gavin!

One night I was laying with Gavin and having some pillow talk with him. He asked that I wake him at 5AM.

" Oh and Mom when you wake me, do it like this." He rocked me gently and said in a sweet tiny voice "Gaaavin, Gaaaaavin, it's tiiimme to get uuuupppp." "Don't wake me like Sam does."

"And just how does Sam wake you?" I asked.

"Well!" "Well Sam usually says in a yelling voice 'GAVIN!!!! GET AUH-UUP!' in mid air, right before he body slams me."

"No he does not!"

"Yes he does Mom and when he lands on me, his butt is positioned perfectly by my face and he lets out a big fart while his whole body weight keeps me paralyzed so I have to smell the whole fart!"

I laughed and laughed at the thought. The things kids will make up.

The following morning I woke up early and gently tried to wake Gavin to no avail. I came down stairs to find Sammy awake and told him the story Gavin told me about Sam's method of waking Gavin in the morning . Sam just laughed and laughed but never denied it.

At about 6:30 AM Gavin comes barreling down the stairs just a fussin' at me. He wanted to know why I did not wake him at 5. I explained that I tried unsuccessfully. His only response was "Why didn't you just body slam me?"

Between he and Sammy, I can't tell whose telling the truth! Hee Hee! It does conjure up a pretty funny picture in my head though.

Gavin Tail Twister #34: Don't Eat The Cranberry Sauce!

This Thanksgiving, we celebrated as usual with my entire family. Dad, 4 of the 5 siblings and even my Step Mom. In addition, this year one of my sisters boyfriends entire family joined us. They had sold their home and were in a temporary apartment so we asked them to join us and they did. There were tree ladies in the family... the mom and the two sisters each of whom made a dish... twice baked potatoes, fresh green bean walnut salad and cranberry sauce. All of these dishes were ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! And I'm not just saying that. The food was awesome!

We set up two long tables with a round in between. The round table is where Sam and Gavin both sat smack in the middle of everyone . No problem there until Gavin goes for seconds and comes back with turkey and cranberry sauce. Before he sits down he with his loud voice commands every one's attentions to deliver important information.

"Everyone, everyone! I have to warn you if you go get seconds DON'T! I SAID DON'T EAT THE CRANBERRY SAUCE. I TASTED IT AND IT IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE!!!!"

My eyes were wide open in disbelief. I couldn't believe that Gavin had just insulted one of our guests. I looked at the sister that had made the cranberry dish who by the way was sitting smack next to me and said "I am sooo so sorry!" She busted out laughing and was very gracious about the delivery of Gavin's news. The majority of the evening was spent talking about food in general and how delicious the cranberry really was. She wasn't buying it though.

My brother called several days later to tell me how awesome Thanksgiving Day was and how awesome all the food was and he said and I quote "especially the cranberry sauce" but he really meant it!

Gavin's Tail Twister #33: I'M IN A CRISIS!!!

Early Christmas Shopping ? Yep! Today Canadian Man and I got up early to go to an arcade auction. You read correctly...an arcade auction where they auction gaming machines and pool tables. We were going early Christmas shopping so we took our kids over to the neighbors to play for a couple of hours. On the very short drive to their house one street over, I turn to Gavin only to see his hair sticking up like a turkey's hind feathers.

Three blocks away from the neighbors: "Gavin, I told you to comb your hair."

Gavin's mouth immediately dropped open and his hand rose up to the exact point of the spike. It wasn't a little turkey-like it was so long and spiky that one could almost mistake Gavin for a Cha cha cha chia Pet. It reminded me of the that time Sammy (big brother) put peanut butter in Gavin's hand and then tickled his ear so peanut butter would be all over Gavin's head and hair when he awoke. When Gavin got up the next morning, there was nothing laying that hair down except a full head scrubbing.

"OH MY GOD mom why didn't you tell me to comb my hair earlier." Gavin was pushing his hair down really hard.

Two blocks away: "I did tell you three times. Here put this on." I handed him chap stick for his lips because his lip edges were red from being out in the wind the day prior.

Gavin ignored my request. His eyes were furrowed and he was in distress. He even started to get panicky and resorted to licking his palms and trying to paste the spikes over to one side.

One block away: "Here Gavin put this on " I repeated.

Half block away: Now even more panicky and pushing down harder on the hair. "Mom, I'm can't do anything you say. Can't you see, I'M IN A CRISIS!!!"

Rolling up the driveway: Teee Heeee! "Gavin no big, when you go inside, just go to the bathroom and put some water on your hair and then comb it with your fingers just like you do every morning at home."

Putting it in park: "I can't!"

Parked: "You can!"

Doors opening: I can see Gavin nervously fidgeting before getting out of the car. His eyes are searching his brain for a solution to his problem which may result in potential heckling and embarrassment if he has to enter someone else's home with that head.

My final glance: Gavin exits the car quickly and pulls the back of his jacket over his head so no one could see his hair as if he were trying not to get wet in a thunderstorm. As he darted into the house to head to the sink, I thought to myself ... I wonder if Gavin would have cared about his hair so much if one of the kids he was visiting wasn't a GIRL... quick thinking Gavin...she would have teased you more than her brother and yours too. That probably was a crisis in his little mind. So cute!!!

Samuel's Tale Twister #3 : It Sounded Good!

My son Samuel (11) made his middle school basketball team this season. He was so excited when he heard he had made it that we went right out and purchased a new pair of basketball shoes and a basketball hoop to practice on.

Day one of basketball practice: "I wanna quit basketball!"says Sammy.

My response was "Oh really, was it too much work for you?" (Hee! Hee! under my breath.)

"Yes all we did was run. We ran 3 miles and we had to do each lap under a certain time otherwise everyone had to run more. We did NOTHING with a basketball!"

Day two: "I am sick!"

Day three: "I think I sprained my ankle! My leg hurts!"

"Where?...Here ?" I asked.

"Ouch, owe-ch! Yes and yes." Replies Sam.

"Sam that is called shin splints. You need to stretch before you run. This will all get better as you do it more. " I said.

"All we did was run a bunch today too. I don't see what that has to do with basketball."

"It is called conditioning Sam. That is so when you get on the court you will be able to play for longer periods of time. I am sure the coach doesn't want you to get into a game and be tuckered out before the game gets going. You knew you would have to do some conditioning before you joined the team! We talked about how doing other sports that strengthen your core and give you balance are great for getting you ready for next baseball season. "

"Yea, well, it sounded good!"

"Ah ha ha ha! Yea Sammy, kinda like it sounds like a good idea to plan to go to the gym at 5AM until the alarm goes off and I have to get out of bed."

Gavin's Tail Twister #33: Your Fat!

It was the day before Halloween and I had not made any attempt to participate in any Fall Festivities. No pumpkin, no cob webs, no spiders, no candied apples... oh and no candy. I thought to myself...Maybe this is the year I should just skip Halloween. I wonder what the kids will think if I do that. Will that scar them for life, label me bad mommy for life or maybe they won't even notice. It was Sunday afternoon and tomorrow was Halloween. I had about 6 hours before bed time to figure it all out. Sammy (11) at his age is ok with most everything as long as he gets to get together with his friends to roam the neighborhood on Halloween night. Gavin on the other hand is all about "CELEBRATING LIFE!"

Gavin and I were in the car about to head home when Gavin finally said with an accusing bad mommy tone "MOAMMM! Tomorrow is Halloween and we have not carved a pumpkin yet and we have no candy! We gotta go to the store NOW!" I could see him in my rear view mirror as he cut his eyes over my way with what looked like a child's disgust. His brow was furrowed and his jaw was clinched. I'm not scared of a little 8 year old so I attempted again. "It is so late and our pumpkin would only be out only one day. Maybe we could do a couple of pumpkins next year."

"NO! responded Gavin. (Loudly I might add!) We have to carve a pumpkin and put out decorations today so we can be ready for all the festivities tomorrow." He was not going to buy into my trick. I guess we are not skipping this holiday. I am pretty sure there would be some mental long term scarring for Gavin.

So....I turned the car around and headed to Kroger only to find zero...yep zero pumpkins available for purchase not even the plug in kind. I drove on to Fresh Market... same story. I knew my only real option was to go to the dreaded pumpkin patch where the trunk or treat was taking place at that exact moment. There was going to be no parking and there would be tons of people everywhere. I was worried Gavin would be sucked up in the excitement of trunk or treat with the big jumpy activities and want to side track. We got there and I tried to get out of getting the pumpkin one more time. No chance! Gavin was so focused on the patch and getting that pumpkin that he was trying to keep me on his mission and told me "Do not to even think about going over to the church for other activities Mom". "Well OK then" I replied. We got in and out under $12 and in 30 minutes. We ended up with one carving pumpkin and 2 small cute pumpkins to draw faces on. We got home and Gavin went to immediate carving mode, drawing all over the pumpkin face and then shedding tears over his crooked mouth. Gavin even got the drawing on his small pumpkin done.

Sammy comes in the door and Gavin immediately picks up the two small pumpkins saying in a very calm soft tone with no inflection on any work "here Sam draw a face on your pumpkin...hurry up we don't have time to talk about it...tomorrow is Halloween." Sam immediately was looking around questioning for what we brought back for him "Why did I get this one, what are my choices." Sam said dismissing Gavin's urgency. Gavin replies "we have one big one to carve, a tiny little one for me and this bigger on for you. Oh... and yours is bigger (pause) .... 'cause (pause) ... well 'cause you're fat! The insults never stop between brothers and I love it because it makes for some pretty good blog topics.

Gavin's Tail Twister #32: Brotherly Love!

Tonight I am on call and Angel (the nanny) is staying late with her 21 month old because Canadian Man is not home until late and I need someone to stay in case I get called to the hospital. The baby was trying to go to sleep, Gavin was doing his homework and Sammy was on XBox with his friends hooting and hollering.

I politely asked Gavin to walk upstairs and "tell you brother to please hold it down because the baby is trying to sleep."

"No mom!" Gavin said.

"Please Gavin just tip toe up and close his door and ask him nicely please hoot and holler not so loud. The baby is trying to sleep. If you say it nicely he will listen."

Gavin stood up and looked at me, rolled his eyes, and said: " How about just "Shut Up and Be Quiet!"

That is brotherly love!

Gavin Tail Twister # 31 : THEY HUG ME BETTER THAN MY OWN MOTHER!

This week has been a tough week! Everyone is in trouble in our house. Both boys and "That Canadian Guy" (usually he is My Canadian Man)... not today. I am not happy! I came home after a tough day, my head hurt, my eyes were bulging and the young-ins were yapping and I just wanted to be left alone to go to bed early.

We all shower one by one and got ready for bed. I go to the sun room as usual where Sam is getting some help from his Dad on his homework.

Gavin comes in after his shower and yes already with his school uniform clothes on for the next day. He begins to thread his belt through the belt loops when ...

"Gavin, what are you doing with your school clothes on?" Canada Man said.

"Oh!" With eyes wide open, lips stuck out as to acknowledge our displeasure and head tilted to the side like a birddog that has just spotted a bird, Gavin answers his dad. "I'm getting ahead for tomorrow so I can sleep in and I am supposed to be in bed in 1 minute exactly so I've got to hurry. "

"Gavin go put your PJ's on and lay your clothes by your bed!"

Gavin looks at me for help and says "I can't mom, I,I,I.."

I interrupt and say to Gavin. "Your pants are too tight. Go change your clothes and put your clothes by your bed!"

"But Mom, I am already ready!"

" Well you won't be able to sleep properly tonight, you'll be uncomfortable and they look tight."

Gavin's reply "No they're not mom. I like them like this. They, they ,they hug me better than my own mother does! (There is a long pause as Gavin wraps his arms around his pants.)

Gavin looks at me and says" Mom, give me a hug."

I attempt to give Gavin the best hug ever so I can beat those pants for the best hug competition. Gavin stepped back and rolled his eyes up towards the ceiling as to be digesting my hug and comparing it to the hug he is getting from those tight pants. After a long hmmmmmmmm Gavin's final words were: "Nope I like my pants better (rubbing his belly and pants)!"

I chuckled as he ran off to try to get in bed with out us putting the kibosh on his plan to hit the snooze button a couple of times and then jumping right out of bed already dressed so he could enjoy a leisurely breakfast and still make it to school on time.

And after I smiled, no one was in trouble any more.

Gavin Tail Twister # 30 : IT'S A NATURAL RESOURCE IN THE SOUTH!!

So today I started the morning with Zumba (That is Latin Dance Aerobics Class) and coffee with a friend at Starbucks. I came home around noon and relieved My Canadian Man Bill of his fatherly duties so he could go to the golf course for a round of golf. I gathered up a quick errand list and headed out the door with Gavin (8) to go grab brunch and master the tasks on my list.

Gavin's first words when we got into the car was "I'M STARVING!" "Me too Gavin." I said and off we went. In my mind we were mainly out to run errands but in Gavin's mind we we off to spend quality brunch time. His recommendation was McDonald's. "I don't think so!" is my response. I gave Gavin some choices and those choices didn't include McDonald's. We finally mutually agreed on Cracker Barrel. When we arrived we did the usual things like shopping in the front for our favorite nick knacks and candy of course. We were then seated and ordered our food after which we both managed to attain "GENIUS STATUS" on the triangle golf tee game that God knows had a billion germs on it because every kid and adult wants to see if they are genius.

The food came and of course it came with a plate of biscuits. We both ate about half of our food and a biscuit. Then we packed the remainder for Bill to eat later. In the take home box was chicken and rice some macaroni and cheese some shrimp (yes shrimp from Cracker Barrel! Yuck!), last but not least a tasty biscuit that Gavin would have eaten if I had not stopped him. Since he arleady had one, I made him put it in the box for his dad.

Off we went again to finish our errands. Finally on the way home an hour later, I could see Gavin hiding something in the back seat. After I asked what he was hiding several times, I glanced back and could see the take home box was cracked open. In that moment, I knew what would be missing.... you guessed it... the biscuit!

"Gavin, I thought we were going to save that biscuit for dad?"

"Well I was getting hungry."

"You could have waited to get home and had a fruit snack. You really should have saved that biscuit for dad because you already had one."

"Yea but I was hungry and you know Mom it's a NATURAL RESOURCE IN THE SOUTH!"

Ha ha! You are so funny Gavin!

Watch This #2: Are You Tired Of Your Job? You Could Be The Next You Tube Partner. Watch This! Generation You Tube on 20/20

It is free to market yourself. Watch how others have done it and make a GREAT living at it too.

Click Here to Watch: Generation You Tube 20/20

Pretty Cool!!

Watch This #1: Does Diet Really Make a Difference? Watch The Last Heart Attack - CNN Dr Sanjay Gupta Documentary

Then decide for yourself.

Click HERE to watch The Last Heart Attack .

I'm Back! Had to mentally check out for a couple of months due to the house fire. We are all alive and well. More of Gavin's Tale Twisters, recipes and details on the fire to come.

Gavin Tail Twister #29 Jackie Robinson

On one Friday evening, we decided to go to Mellow Mushroom. Gavin (8), Sammy (11) and My Canadian Man (Bill) went ahead of me to get a seat and to order. I came from work 10 minutes after they got there. When I arrived, Gavin was in full swing talking at Bill getting right up in his ear so he could hear really well and when Bill would turn his head the slightest bit, Gavin would physically put his hand on Bill's cheek and pull his face over to reel his attention back in to focus on what Gavin was telling him.

Gavin's topic... Jackie Robinson.

Apparently Gavin read a book at school all about Jackie Robinson. So he regurgitated what he learned....ALL OF IT.

The mini Biography on Jackie Robinson by Gavin Martin went as follows (say all of Gavin's part with a lisp):

"Did you know that Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play major league baseball. "

"His dad died when Jackie was young and his mother had to worked as a house keeper to support her 5 children and they live with family to make ends meet."

" Yea and when he went to sweep the side walk as a kid, he would pretend that the broom was a baseball bat."

"Oh and you know he ran track, played basketball, football annnndddd (said just like it is spelled) in college."

" Anndddd Jackie Robinson played in the Negro Leagues before the was recruited by the Brooklyn Dodgers."

" Branch Rickey, Vice President of the Brooklyn Dodgers, asked Jackie to come an play with the Dodgers. Rickey thought segregation was wrong and so he recruited Jackie to play."

" It was very sad that Jackie had very few friends on the team because he was black. His best friend on the team was Pee Wee Reece who was Dodger's team captain. "

"There was a petition being signed to get Jackie kicked off the team because he was black and Pee Wee Reese refused to sign it. "

"Other teams sent out death threat to Jackie and his family because they wanted Jackie to quit."

"Jackie helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 1955."

About this time I tried to talk about something else. Gavin cut me off so quick. Jackie facts were still running ramp-pit in his head.

"Anndd he was the first black person to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame."

Then a friend of our came and joined us but did not get to talk because Gavin demanded we hear about Jackie. Gavin had such passion about Jackie and his life story that none of us could break up his fact giving mission.

"You know he died in 1973."

Sammy finally pipes in and says "No he did not. He just died like in the 90's."

I think Gavin was a little upset that until now Sammy could care less about what he was saying. Sammy was engrossed in his IPad until company arrived at the table. Then Sammy probably just wanted to make Gavin look stupid. Gavin wasn't having any of that! This was Gavin's platform for attention and he was not going to let Sam ruin it.

"SAAAM he did not! " Gavin said loudly. "He died in 1973."

Sam said loudly back "Gavin NO HE DIDN'T! He died a lot later."

"Uhhhhgh! Sam I just read the book. I know when he died."

A real argument was beginning to ensue.

"OK OK boy I'll look it up. Stop fussing. " I said.

I looked it up on my handy phone.

"Well You were both wrong he died in '72 but Gavin you were pretty close."

And Gavin adds "Sammy, you were still really wrong!"

Those fights will never stop!

Gavin was pretty happy about being so close he felt the need to feed us more Jackie facts.

Jackie also was bla bla bla .... and so on .... and so on....

The husband and I were thrilled by the knowledge he had gained that we did not want to discourage him from talking about Jackie but we couldn't take it any more.

We were looking for a break in Gavin's one sided conversation. Finally a 1/2 second lull and Gavin starts back up when Bill interjects trying to be kind and not hurt Gavin's feelings "Gavin we are so impressed with your knowledge of Jackie Robinson and we appreciate you sharing ALL OF IT with us but could we maybe......"

Gavin cuts him off and says "GIVE KNOWLEDGE A REST?"

Ha Ha Ha Yes Gavin that is just what we were thinking GIVE KNOWLEDGE A REST!

We have not heard about Jackie's life since and are afraid to ask. One thing is for sure... all synapses are firing in that brain of Gavin's.

Gavin Tail Twister # 28 : IT'S NOT WORKING!

The set up: Tonight Gavin was brushing his teeth and readying for bed and I was doing the same. It was a long busy second week of school and little Gavin's eyes were red and tired but Gavin will not go to bed on his own especially after our recent house fire. So after Gavin brushed his teeth, he waited pacing side to side waving his tired arms and watching as I proceeded with my what seemed to be for ever evening ritual. You know you get to those middle age years and there is so much regular maintenance that goes into taking care of your self... like all those creams you need to apply for everything. Heel cream, elbow cream, neck tightening cream, eye cream, a different face cream after a toning cream ...ehiy ehiy yiey. But before applying these creams, one must properly wash and prepare for the big application otherwise you can't properly sleep knowing you took a bunch of short cuts. Jalo would never skimp on maintaining her beautiful skin, so why should I?

The story: I was washing my face with the Soni-care face brush which is great by the way! It is a 30 second scrub and after I rinsed my face, I proceeded to apply more special face cleanser so I could get in another 30 seconds. When Gavin realized I was going for a second wash he lost it....

"Ah MOM! Why are you washing your face again ....I am tired and wanna go to bed".

" Well Gavin, I am trying to keep my face looking young."

"You don't need to do that Mom."

"And why not?"

(With slight sarcasm and the accent on the word WORKING) Gavin says " BECAUSE IT'S NOT WORKING MOM!"

I began to laugh .

"NO MOM REALLY , YOU LOOK THE SAME AS YOU DID YESTERDAY. REALLY IT ISN'T WORKING!"

"Ah ha ha! You are so funny Gavin! Come on, let's go to bed."

THE FIRE STORY: What are the odds?

Finally I am back online and I have my life some what back in order... at least enough to start typing again. For those of you who know me personally know about the loss of our home to fire started by a bolt of lightening. So...you ask yourself does that ever happen?...What are the odds?

Well The National Lightening Safety Institute reports those odds to be 1 in 200 homes will be struck per year. The good news is that just because your house is struck by lightening does not mean it will catch fire and burn down.

I know you want to know what the odds are of a person being struck. It is 1 in 28,000.

My next blog entries will tell the whole story piece by piece. I will also tell you what you should know about your policy, what to do if something like this happens to you or someone you know, and how to safeguard and keep a log your belongings in the event of a fire.

Recipes: The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever

I finally did it! I came up with the perfect cheese sauce for homemade Mac and Cheese.
Pay close attention because a great macaroni and cheese is not as easy as one would think. One of my favorite dishes is Mac and Cheese and I have struggled for years to get the recipe perfect. Hopefully I can impart all the tricks so you can enjoy the same great results and learn some new cooking words while you are at it.

Ingredient List:
2 Tbs Unsalted Butter
2 Tbs White Flour
1 1/2 Cup  nonfat milk warmed
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups grated pepper jack cheese (16 oz.)

6 cups cooked elbow macaroni

Crumbled bacon for garnish


Perfect sauces originate from a perfect Bachamel Sauce first. First you have to make a Roux, turn that into Bechamel Cream Sauce and then add cheese to make your perfectly Cheese Sauce to which you add your macaroni.

Roux is a combination of unsalted butter, cooked with flour until the flour itself is "cooked out" at which time you get a nutty aroma.

Here we go: Making the Roux- Heat 2 Tbs Butter with 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Add 2 Tbs white flour. Stir with a whisk on a medium low heat that allows some bubbling but not burning. If it turns dark brown or burns, toss it out and start over! No one wants to eat brown macaroni and cheese! The only brown color should be the tiny flecks of cayenne pepper. Cook stirring constantly until a nutty aroma appears. This should take about 5 minutes. Getting to the nutty aroma stage is a must otherwise you will taste the uncooked flour in your sauce.

Heat up 1 1/2 cup nonfat milk in the microwave for 1 minute. Heating up the milk is equally as important as making the Roux. I am not sure why this works so well but trust me IT IS IMPORTANT.

Slowly add warm milk to roux while stirring continuously over low-med heat. The Roux will expand as you add the milk to create a smooth silky sauce. Do not add more milk until the bit that you have added has been absorbed by the roux mixture. Once all the milk is added stir over low heat until desired thickness is achieved. Add additional non fat milk (warm of course) if you want a thinner sauce.

Add 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper

Add 2 cups shredded cheese. I prefer Pepper Jack. But, you could use Colby and Jack or even cheddar. You can use what ever you like. Stir mixture until cheese is all melted.

Fold in cheese sauce to 6 cups cooked macaroni. Serve immediately with crumbled bacon on top or Transfer to a baking dish. Top with crispy fresh crumbled bacon and set aside. Bake at 350 for 30 just before serving.

Makes eight 1 Cup Servings.

Awesome!!!!!!

Gavin Tail Twister #27: You Look Like You Lost Weight!

Last night I asked my kids to write a simple note to their uncle for giving them money for the good grades they made this year in school. Sammy (11) wrote a simple 2-liner. Short and to the point. Gavin sat down to write his 2-liner and got frustrated writing just the word "Dear". He immediately moaned "what do I write Mooaom...."?
I was busy and paid Gavin little attention responding "Just say 'Thanks Uncle Dave. Your the best Uncle I've ever had and most handsome too...' Something like that Gav. It is not that difficult." Gavin's head went down as to accomplish a written task and then off he ran.
Later as I was packing the card in the envelope, I decided to read what he wrote. It went something like this:
"Dear Dave,
Thanks for the money you gave me for my grades.
Love,
Gavin
P.S. You look like you lost weight."

Ha! I guess he thinks that complement is the same as "your are most handsome too".

Mango Season Is Here! (Buy KENT Brand)

It is nearing the end of June which is our family's favorite time of year because it is MANGO SEASON! Our children love mangos and almost everyone who tastes this fruit thinks they have died and gone to heaven. There are many growers of mango in the world but our favorite is Kent. Why? Because the fruit is sweet and smooth with very little fiber strands.

How do you pick a good mango? First of all if you are lucky enough to have the Kent variety available to you, you pretty much can't go wrong. pick fruit with lots of red color. ( You don't want ones that are all green.) Make sure there are no bruises or brown spots.
They should be firm to the touch. If you are buying ripe mangos, make sure the fruit bounces back when you push on it or don't buy it.
If the fruit is not ripe yet set it in a dark cool corner wrapped in news paper for 3 days. Once ripen store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It won't be there that long...trust me!

Coming soon....pictures of the perfect mango.

Gavin Tail Twister 26: Bubby (In An English Accent), Pick A Card...GEORGIA (Screaming)!

The Set Up: We went to Disney World in the middle of June. Mistake number one! The four of us stayed in a hotel with two king size beds, a dresser, a desk, and a chair with ottoman. Mistake number two! We bought Leg-gos to occupy the kids while in the room.That took up all the floor space in our room for four of five days. Mistake number 3!

On this particular day, Gavin (age 7) had talked all day. Of course we let him because we were at Disney's Animal Kingdom. He was so excited , he couldn't stop asking questions and commenting on everything. Boy he has a lot of thoughts!! By the time we back to our room, only six hours later, I had to lay down and my Canadian Man had to sit and watch Sport Center in what seemed like peace and quiet. Gavin kept on chattering. He got a card trick at the magic shop and every 5 minutes was asking me to " pick a card any card"! Oh by the way , I am his new assistant and will reap 25% of all profits he makes at any of his magic shows. So far I am still $28 in the hole for the so called "trick cards".

We let the kids spend their money where they wanted and guess where that was? Yes, it was at the game booths at Animal Kingdom. Gavin won 3 stuffed animals, one of which he gave to a crying little boy whose dad couldn't get the basket ball into the basket. That child was sobbing and the poor dad felt awful. Gavin ran to us and said "hurry dad give me one of my stuffed animals". Bill retrieved one and handed it to Gavin who ran to the little crying boy and proudly presented it. That was a proud moment for us. Next Gavin attempted his hand at the basketball game and was lucky enough to sink two baskets which won him an even larger stuffed animal..Yea!!...It was amlarge purple and blue stuffed Iguana. Name: Bubby (said with an English accent like in Harry Potter)!

I had just gotten out of the shower and Gavin hits me with " pick a card, any card!"
"Gavin give me 5 minutes to get dressed and I'll play."
In a whiny voice say " no nooowh... pick a card!"
My response " no ice-cream for you tonight for not listening the first time!"
Gavin promptly responds "noooo! OK I'll listen" as he makes a u-turn out of the bath area.
Later that evening when we were getting big brother Sammy his ice cream, Gavin said "I want ice cream!"
"No you lost your ice cream privilege."
"Oh yea that's right I did." long pause....."Mommy, why did I loose my ice cream privilege tonight?"
Long pause ........Mmmmmm I can't remember but it was something.
A few minutes later I remembered... "Oh yea it was because you did not listen to me when I asked you to give me five minutes to get dressed. "
"Oh yea..." He turned his head down to his trick cards that he holds so dear and says under his breath "it was worth it!"
"What did you say Gavin?"
"I said it was worth it!"
I was getting upset that he thought his punishment was "worth it!"
I mean Mom is "I deserve the punishment because I did not listen!"
Gavin ate no ice cream, stroked Bubby's head all evening.

The next day Legos littered the floor in a billion pieces. Bubby was flying through the air across the room. Bill and I just sat in our bed. Bill watching Sports Center and I staring straight off in the distance. The boys were playing catch with Bubby's life. They giggled incessantly. Yes, the natives were getting restless!
We packed them up to go shopping, play putt putt and get a bite to eat. Bubby came along for the ride and so did those annoying cards. It was Bubby this and Bubby that... and if that were not enough Sammy started trying to find cars with Georgia plates. Every time he saw one he would YELL...GEORGIA! This was a game he had never played and was so excited about it.

Gavin Tail Twister #26: Acting Like A Pregnant Woman!

On this particular day, we had multiple repair people in the house and we had Maggie (family dog that I did not want...that is another story!) in the laundry room because one of our repair guys really did not like dogs. As the repair guys were leaving, I could hear Mag's barking and carrying on behind closed doors. I asked Gavin my seven year old son to check it out. He went into the laundry room only to fine Maggie had made her way into the master bath and was noticeably upset by something. I inquired with Gavin about Maggie's status. His response was "I don't know what is wrong with her but she is ACTING JUST LIKE A PREGNANT WOMAN!"

My curiosity peaked and I bit...hook,line and sinker! So I asked "And just how does a pregnant woman act?"

Of course Gavin style involving his whole body, shook and flailed while he let out intolerable moaning sounds as if to be in a state of panic. I did not worry that maybe he had seen something like this on TV. I figured if he had he would have been laying down flaling and he wasn't ... he was standing.

And now when ever anyone in our family acts short tempered or unreasonably ill, this saying always follows..."Stop Acting Like a Pregnant Woman!" That will put a smile on your face every time!

Gavin Tail Twister #26: I Like Pie

Gavin Tail Twister #25: Not Thank You!

So every year at the end of school, our kids bring home all their papers and classwork. I usually look through all of the piles of papers and keep what I think they may enjoy looking at when they get to be say maybe in high school or college or even to flash up on the big screen during some great event of their lives. This year I found a cute little note my son Gavin(7) wrote to my husband and me for this years open house which by the way for what ever reason we did not attend.

The letter goes like this...

Dear Mom and Dad

Thank you for going to open house.

I love you for going.

You are the best parents ever!

If you don't get this, then

NOT THANK YOU!

Since we did not attend, I guess the Not Thank You applies!

Thanks for your honesty Gavin!

American Idol Pool: Scotty Wins!

Here are the results for the 2011 American Idol Pool. Girl Called Gregg is the winner with 120 points. Sorry YoYo!

	Week 1: Pick 1 To Leave (11 left) 25 points	Week 2: Pick 1 To Leave (9 left) 25 points	Week 3: Pick To Leave (8 left) 20 points	Week 4: Pick To Leave (7 left) 20 points	Week 5: Pick To Leave (6 left) 15 points	Week 6: Pick To Leave (5 left) 15 points	Week 7: Pick To Leave (4 left) 10 points	Week 8: Pick To Leave (3 left) 10 points	Finale Week 9: Pick The Winner (2left) 10 points	SECRET GUESS (Pick The 2010 American Idol) 50 points
Voted OFF	Naima & Thia	Pia	Paul	Stefano	Casey	Jacob	James	Haily	SCOTTY	SCOTTY
Random Knowledge	Naima +25	Stefano	Haily	Jacob	Jacob	Jacob 40	Haily	Haily 50	Lauren	Pia
Magic 8 Ball	Says No no to Stephano	Stefano	Haily	Stefano Total=20	Jacob	Jacob 35	Lauren	Lauren	Scotty 45	Casey
Smedium I Wish	Naima +25	Lauren	Stefano	Haily	Jacob	Jacob 40	Scotty	Haily 50	Lauren	Pia
Swim Mama	Naima +25	Stefano	Haily	Jacob	Jacob	Jacob 40	Lauren	Lauren	Scotty 50	James
Lady Called Greg	Thia +25	Stefano	Haily	Stefano Total=45	Jacob	Jacob 60	Lauren	Lauren	Scotty 70	Scotty 120
Big Country	Naima +25	Cassey	Haily	Stefano Total=45	Jacob	Jacob 60	Haily	Lauren	Lauren	James
Yo-Yo	Naima +25	Paul	Paul Total=45	Stefano Total=65	Jacob	Jacob 80	Haily	Haily 90	Lauren	Pia
G. G.	Haily +0	Haily	Haily	Jacob	Jacob	Jacob 15	Haily	Lauren	Scotty 25	James