Please help me find this!

I am looking for a recipe from this old Betty Crocker cookbook. My mom had this growing up and we used it all the time! We had one recipe in particular that we loved! A few years ago, my mom wrote down the recipes she wanted out of it and then threw the book away. Now, as my sister and I look through them, we can't find the one we loved!
Do any of you have this cookbook? Would you be willing to share a recipe with me?

Photo Story Friday--Hawaiian Vacation

This month marked the one year anniversary to our dream vacation to Hawaii. Are you jealous? That I got to go to Hawaii? Well then, you probably haven't heard the whole story!
As I already mentioned, we went to Maui last December. It just so happened that a storm vacationed there the same week. I'm talking the biggest storm Hawaii has seen in over 50 years! Still jealous?

It rained and rained and rained. There were more than 60 mph winds in some areas. The schools were closed. The power was out. All of the traffic lights were down, which means traffic was a nightmare. We managed to find one supermarket that was actually open, where we were able to buy some food and a few candles (flashlights were sold out!)

This was the only long sleeved shirt I packed. I wore it a lot! Two souvenirs I bought for myself in Hawaii were a rain jacket and a hooded sweatshirt! Is that bad?

This particular stormy day, we decided to drive the road to Hana. This is a very narrow road and you pass a lot of cool waterfalls on your way. Supposedly some of the waterfalls are cute and little and there is one called the Seven Sacred Pools. Well, all we saw were huge, angry, dirty waterfalls. There were definitely no pools. The water was raging! At one point in our drive, we were driving through several feet of water. At another point, there was a huge boulder in the middle of the road and I think it took at least 5 guys to lift it and carry it out of the way. We talked to some of the locals after the fact and they were shocked that we had done the road to Hana in this weather. And even more shocked that we actually made it. Stupid tourists.

The actual storm only lasted a day or two, but the aftermath was bad. Really bad. A lot of restaurants had signs up that said they didn't have any food. The beaches were closed. The Kihei beach was completely washed away. There was a huge drop off where the beach was supposed to be. Some lifeguard stands were toppled over. Cars were smashed, some were washed away. There were tons of buildings completely flooded. There were some mudslides. Really bad.

The day after Hana, the rain had stopped. We decided we would try to find an open beach where we could try body boarding. We did find one and we pretty much had it all to ourselves. We had fun playing and body boarding. My brother went down the beach a bit to see if he could find any good snorkeling spots. He ended up getting slammed into a coral and cutting his foot wide open. Off to the ER with him. His Pauly Shore lookalike doctor wanted to know why the heck he was in the water! Stupid tourists.
At one point in the trip, my brother tried to take us to his favorite snorkel spot. Wouldn't you know it, the whole area was closed due to an old World War II bomb that was found and never detinated. What are the odds, seriously?

We had prepaid to go on a boat out to Molokini Crater. This is supposed to be one of the best snorkeling sites ever. Our first few tries they cancelled it all together. On our last day we could possibly go, they said they would take us. We went and this was my very first snorkeling experience ever. I saw some octopuses and lots of fish. I really liked it. I thought it was so cool! Apparently, it wasn't. I guess it was really bad, in fact. So bad that they refunded our money. Guess I didn't know what I was missing...

My first snorkeling adventure

We went snorkeling the next day at a different spot. I got to swim with turtles! I really liked that! I think that was my favorite part of the whole trip! I've been told that the clarity that day really sucked, but once again I thought it was great. (Maybe it's good to not know any better? Then you won't be as disappointed!)

We did have one more mishap. We stayed in a condo amongst hundreds of condos. It just so happened that some lady had trouble with her unattended washing maching and her unit and the two below hers flooded. Could our luck get any worse? Yep, 3 condos out of hundreds, and 2 of them were ours (not the one with the washing machine, though!)

Some of the group

Just so you all know, these types of problems are not uncommon with my family. Our vacations usually bring rain. Luckily, we are the type of people that make jokes and laugh about it all. We laugh about this all the time! And we all hope to go back some day and have a much better experience!

You are all wishing you could come on vacation with us right about now, huh?!

We did have a lot of fun, too. We did some great shopping. We went to a show in Lahaina and it was awesome! It was called "Warren and Anabelle's Magic" and I highly recommend it if you're ever in the area. The magic was awesome, but so was the comedy. I laughed the whole time! I will totally go to it again when I go back.

We actually flew to Oahu for the last few days of our trip and there we were able to go to the temple, the Polynesian Cultural Center and a Luai. We also did a shark excursion where we went out in the ocean and got into one of those big metal cages. That was awesome. I am deathly afraid of sharks and it was crazy! There were sharks everywhere!!
Oh, the memories. Wow, this ended up being a long post. Is anyone still with me?

Meanwhile back at the ranch, or rather back at my house, things did not go well. I had my sister in law babysit my kids. Her week was filled with chaos and puke. You can read her side of the story here and here.

Want to play along?

The Blog Frog

Have you noticed my new widget? I've had it up for a week or two now. I like it. It shows who visited last and most per month. It's from this site called The Blog Frog. They have a few more widgets to choose from. They also have an online directory and can help you find some of your friend's blogs. You should go check it out, especially now. Why, you ask? First, because it's cool, and second because they are giving away $200 to Target! And just in time for Christmas.

Oh, the things I have learned...

I had a very eventful day on Friday. Ok...lets cut eventful and just say BAD! (Someone needs to teach me how to do that strike through word thingy).

Anyway, through it all, I learned a few things. I have decided to share with you what I learned.

I learned that if you get a message in your inbox on Facebook from a friend and you open it, it might really be a blast of viruses waiting to devour your computer.
I also learned that it is awesome to have a husband who knows enough about computers to remove more than 30 viruses and have my laptop up and running again by Saturday night. (Thanks babe!)

I learned that it is possible to flood your entire kitchen floor using only the water dispenser on the fridge and a small plastic cup.

I learned that 2 eggs can actually make quite a HUGE mess on the kitchen floor. And although it was only two eggs, I thank my lucky stars there weren't more to be found.

I learned that a very small tube of sunscreen found in the diaper bag can make quite a mess as well.

I learned that all of these previously mentioned messes can be made in a very short amount of time. I think you can move especially fast when you have an accomplice.

I learned that it is possible to close the van door on your pinky finger and have it completely smashed flat, without actually breaking the bone. I also learned that the doctor will put a splint on it for weeks anyway. (That was Parson, if you're wondering.)

I learned that you cannot leave your dvd player going and your car lights on for 5-7 minutes while you run in the house without having a dead battery. I also learned that following the colors on the battery and jumper cables is not always the best choice when hooking them up. You might need to take a closer look than just the colors.

That was my Friday's events in chronological order.

I learned a few things about my girls as well. I learned that Abbie is the instigator. I learned that in the phrase "fight or flight," Abbie is definitely my fighter and Ellie is my flighter. When in trouble, Ellie wants to do what I tell her to and get the heck out of there. Abbie will just sit and glare at me very stubbornly, with a look that says, "So, what you gonna do about it?"

Both of my girls have the two year old tantrums mastered as well. Joy. I have yet to learn how to deal/react to those in a way that makes them stop. But I am still learning. One day at a time, right?

Wordful Wednesday. Butterfingers!!

I have been very unmotivated lately. With everything. Not writing much, not feeling like I have much to say. Dealing with sick kiddos and not feeling 100% myself. Behind on housework and laundry...none of you all really want to read this, right?
I did, however, manage to get all of my Christmas decor out, my tree up, and my lights on my house last week. Yeah for me. And I went shopping. That's always a highlight for me.
Okay, onto something more fun. Or rather something more delicious. I'm talking possibly the most delicious thing ever. Seriously. Scrumptious. Butterfingers. Have you ever made them? Everyone I know loves them. LOVES them! I have tried others, but still think this recipe is the best. My sisters and I make these all the time and they are everyone's favorite. (We have been making them for years and I honestly don't know who to credit this awesome recipe to.) They are highly requested. They are perfect for every and any occasion. Have I talked them up enough yet? Maybe this picture will help.

Great! Now I am totally craving one of these!

You want the coveted recipe? Just because I love you all so much, I will share.

1 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2/3 c. peanut butter
2 eggs
2 cubes butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
2 c. oats
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt

Spread in cookie sheet. (it will be really thick. And speaking of that, if you ever decide you want to double this recipe, make sure you have a really good, strong mixer. A few mixers have perished with this one!) Bake at 350* for approx. 15 minutes. (you don't want to overcook this yummy goodness!)
When cool, spread a layer of peanut butter on top. Then spread chocolate frosting over the top.

You will probably want to taste them immediately, and I don't resist that temptation. So...go ahead! Let me know if you try them!

Wordful Wednesday

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! From my little Indian and pilgrim to yours.
May your company be wonderful, and your belly be full!

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Do you Black Friday?

I do! I love hunting out the ads for the best deal on Thanksgiving night. I love going out well before the rooster crows and getting the best bargains! (And that's saying something, because I am NOT an early riser by any stretch of the words!) Very few things in life give me greater pleasure than getting something I really want for a great deal! I LOVE it! I love telling my hubby, "and this would normally cost $XX, but I found it for $X!!"

I think part of why I love shopping on this day is because I have money to spend. I am almost expected to spend. I am not just spending frivolously. It's for Christmas, so it's ok. I think of everyone on my list and what great things I will find at a great deal. I started going out years ago and think of it as a tradition now. Sometimes I go by myself, sometimes I talk my sisters into going with me.

Don't worry, I'm not one of the crazy people that will steal the Wii out of your cart as I run you down with mine. Nope, not one of those. But trust me, I've seen them. I know a lot of people that hate this kind of shopping. My mom and my husband, for example. I think they would each take a bullet before they would brave any store on this dreaded day. I, on the other hand look forward to it. It gives me some kind of strange high.

I have to admit, there have been years that I have been disappointed with the black Friday (lack of) deals. I am hoping this year retailers will have some great stuff, making us want to spend.

So, do you Black Friday?

Twilight Craze!

Okay, so I went to the Twilight movie last night at the midnight showing. Holy madness! 14 screens sold out weeks in advance, masses of people, people completely decked out in prom attire, with tattoos and glitter on their faces. No big deal, right? For some of these people, it was definitely a big deal!
Not for me. I haven't read a word of the books. (I know, probably one of the only people that haven't. I haven't read Harry Potter, either, for the record...) I haven't seen a movie trailer of any kind. I would have to be dead to not have heard about any of it, but honestly I knew very little. I knew there was a girl named Bella and two boys named Edward and Jacob. I knew Edward was a vampire and there was some type of love triangle going on. That's pretty much it. My sister got tickets to this midnight showing weeks ago for my mom, my 3 sisters, and two sis-in-laws. Oh, and me, of course.
I have to say, I enjoyed this movie a lot! I really liked it. I almost want to know more of the story. There were definitely moments in the movie where everyone started laughing, or reacting in some way which didn't make sense to me. I had to lean over and ask my sister what I had missed. Is it too late to start at this point? Seems kind of late to jump on the bandwagon now. I am definitely intrigued... Maybe you'll see me in my prom dress at the next midnight premier...ok, probably not...

Spreading Some Love

My friends over at MommyGossip-Gno are doing some great stuff! Especially today! Go see what's going on, you might want to participate!:)

Happy Brithday Dad!

My dad. Grandpa, or Crappa as my boys called him early on. Fixer of everything. Answerer of all my medical questions. Pitcher of our softball team. Awesome boat captain. Teller of jokes. Sweet roll maker, Mmmmmmmm. Hard worker. Teacher of many. My personal tutor, growing up through all my school years. My personal nurse and chauffer in my trying and complicated pregnancy. Lover of sports, biking, hiking, and nature. Supporter and fan of all his kids/grandkids.
Growing up, I thought my dad could do anything. (Sometimes I still do!)
Love ya dad! Happy Birthday!:)

Wordful Wednesday

Who gave my babies permission to grow up?

And get into my lip gloss and bras?!!

Photo Story Friday

Some of you may remember this post. Well, I think it's about time for an update in status. That's right friends, there's nothing like a California vacation to help you go right up the ladder! While in California, this is what Joshua told me: "Mom, you've squeezed into first place and now you're tied with Grandma!!" Add in as much enthusiasm as you can possibly muster, and that's probably still not as enthusiastic as it was said. Somehow I have remained in that tied position for a whole month and Joshua reminds me of this often. I'll take it for now...we'll see how long it lasts.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Wordful Wednesday

We were able to go on vacation last month to California! It was so much fun! We took literally hundreds of pictures! And here they are. Just kidding, here's a few of the highlights, though.
First up, Disneyland and California Adventure.

Silly Joshua!

Cute Parson.

The 3 and 4 D rides were a hit! We especially loved the Toy Story ride in California Adventure.

Stick bug in California Adventure. We walked right by him 3 times before we noticed him!

I have to tell you, my favorite rides were the Toy Story and the Soarin California in California Adventure. Of course, I didn't get to do any of the grown up rides like Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, or any of the big roller coasters.

We then went to the USS Midway Museum. This was pretty cool. The kids got a little bored after a while, though.

We got to see the San Diego Temple. Beautiful!

We went to Sea World! And we all LOVED it!

The highlight for Josh was talking me and Parson into going on this raft ride and then blasting us with the huge water cannons. We were soaked!

Lego Darth Vader and R2D2.
Legoland was very cool. I was absolutely amazed at the things they had built out of legos! They also have a water park and some really fun rides. We loved it!
We managed to squeeze a lot into the week we were there and we had a great time!
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Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween everyone! Here are some of my favorite 2008 Halloween pictures thus far.

Giant candy corn in California Adventure

This is made out of legos! At Legoland, of course!

Ellie with vampire teeth

Scary me and my little butterflies

Ready for the party!

Train ride with the butterflies (they really were happy!)

Pirate Parson

Cowboy Josh

All the cousins at Grandmas big annual Halloween party, complete with carnival games, a train ride, awesome food, and of course, a Frankenstein pinata!!

We have been to some great places and parties this year and had some great fun!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Wordful Wednesday

I think I have mentioned before how I love to watch my husband play and interact with our kids. He is an excellent Father and our kids adore him. Here are a few pictures from our recent trip. We were at California Adventure and it was closing time on our last day there. They allowed just a few people on for one last ride.

I love the expressions on their faces! I love to capture moments like this!

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