Saige has Soul

Well, my daughter has officially become a paid worker (and it doesn't involve running after kids and wiping noses). Saige is literally at her new place of "employment" as I write this. It's so weird to say that out loud. We were not looking for it, we weren't talking about it, nada. It came upon us like most things do...as God's intention. Being in the hotel, we have been going to dinner most nights and Friday was no exception. I Googled some restaurant reviews in the KMC (since I was in desperate need of something different than rustic German dishes) and Touch of Soul was on the list. "Family atmosphere, Southern American food, English speaking".


Sounds perfect! So we ventured off and the minute we walked in, I felt the South all around me. The rooms were sectioned off like a house, the American Flag was hanging all over the place, portraits of Soldiers old and new were framed throughout, and there she was...Mama West.


She immediately walked up to us and said "Well hey there honey. First time?" we said yes and she said "Well welcome...and sit where you like" Two seconds later she was introducing herself and telling us we may want to sit away from the mirror cause she knows "that baby's gonna wanna touch it and it's wobbly...not his fault, he's just a child and children like to touch." I was instantly drawn. She was no nonsense.


I could tell I was gonna be making many trips in my future. The menu was simple...fried chicken, ribs, fried pork chops and all the fixins...plus real.sweet.tea WITH ICE! On the front page of the menu, Mama's bio was there for all to see. Child to a family that cooks, and a culinary graduate in French cuisine.


Her passion was to show her love through feeding people. And she was the only cook for the whole place. One waitress and her. Talk about a personal touch.


I thoroughly enjoyed my pork chop, smothered cabbage, green beans and mashed taters. It reminded me of the many southern places we visited while living in GA. So good! Once we were finished, we said our goodbyes and went to pay...I should have known that Mama wasn't about having a credit card machine up in there. She didn't even sell liquor. So, George took the boys and hunted for a Geldautomat (ATM) while Saige and I sat at the front table and chatted up Mama. She told us her story about how she moved here in '95 to help her single father son raise his girls. 15 years later, her grandkids are graduated from college and Mama runs Touch of Soul in Ramstein. She explained that she loves it here. "It's like the old fashioned way of living, that's not all fast." Boy am I glad she stayed. The three of us girls were there a good 15 minutes laughing and talking about anything that came to mind. As George pulled up, we said thank you again. Out of nowhere, Saige blurted out something that shocked me instantly..."You know if you ever need any help here, I would love to work here." She continued to say, "It's so fun here". Mama's response, "Can you come by Sunday?" I felt like I was in a tennis match watching this go down. After the awkward smile I had on my face, I said "Well, what would she do?" She just wanted her to help make drinks and help Michelle (the sole waitress) out since she had to come in late. Saige was grinning ear to ear. Mama had told us in our chat earlier how impressed she was with our kids and she could see the love within our Family. I think she saw what I already knew...Saige is a gift to have in your life. So, they went over some details and times. She will come in on Friday and Saturday evenings for a few hours (She can't work on Sundays typically because of softball). And get 5 euro an hour (about $7.50). A little padding in her pocket and some good Mama wisdom every week. How could I say no to that? I didn't. I know she will enjoy it and do a great job. I can't wait to hear about her day when I pick her up. In the meantime, here's some research on Mama and her Touch of Soul. I know my peeps (Saige's other moms) want to get the 411 on this action, too. It takes a village you know. And Mama just moved in!!

I'm peeved I didn't have my camera at dinner...but it looks like I'll have more chances to snap these two hard at work soon!

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=140&article=49069

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=23108901

Proud Momma,

Foodie Friday

I recently stated on my Facebook page that Burger King was in the market of selling Funnel Cake Sticks now. This is not only WRONG on so many levels, but it is dangerous to my well-being. I love a funnel cake from the "once a year fair/carnival" like the next girl...but to have it taunt me everytime I drive to the BX is just plain rude. I had a few comments about how oily and evil they were...so I decided to make myself feel better about the 9 piece I had the other day and find something that could top it.

Enter today's Foodie Friday:

If you thought funnel cakes were bad for you...get a load of this!!

Deep Fried Coca-Cola

I am not kidding!

A guy named Abel Gonzales Jr. came up with this concoction for the State Fair of Texas this past year. No $hit!! First, he deep-fries Coca-Cola-flavored batter. He then drizzles Coke fountain syrup on it. The fried Coke is topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar and a cherry.

I don't know what I'd do without that cherry.

So if you're feeling froggy....DO IT!! (please with a cherry on top, of course)

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups Coca Cola
Oil for deep frying

Topping:
1 cup Coca Cola syrup
whipped cream
maraschino cherries

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and baking powder.
2. Mix in eggs and Coca Cola and stir until a smooth batter forms.
3. Preheat oil in a skillet or deep fryer.
4. Pour 1/3 cup of batter into a funnel or turkey baster and in a circular motion pour batter into the hot oil.
5. Fry up for about a minute on each side and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve while still warm and top with Coca Cola syrup, whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

I love me some Coke and even some fried batter on a few things...but I must draw the line somewhere.

If anyone tries this...I desperately need a review.

"How do you like me now?"...said the funnel cake stick.

courtesy of http://www.recipesroom.com

A Dozen for JD!

Well, the middle one has officially entered "pre-teen" status. My not so little JD is 12 and on his way...

I love celebrating his birthday because he always gets super excited and he's so genuine with his reactions (that's all the days actually). Anyway, this year (as most) it was pretty low-key. While the big kids were at school, Teage and I quickly got working on his cake. What a big helper...

After they got home, we enhanced the celebrating by going to the FRG Christmas Party. It was nice and they all had a great time decorating cookies and such.

They even had a Holiday photo spot...which I couldn't resist.

After we snuck out of the party early, we headed to Chili's for dinner (his choice)...but by then all he wanted to do was get home and open presents. Of course, we had to do the cake first.


I love how in this picture he is basically telling Teage to back off the cake.


But, as all good parents know and do...we relit the fire and let Teage get a turn. I'm screaming "Back up, you're going to burn your face off!"


First gift...open it up brother!


It's a...pair of shoes?! Ahh...the fake smile, which let's me know my plan worked!


He said, "OH...shoes, thank you". Open the shoes, JD. "What? Another present?" (Teage could hardly contain himself)


And the struggle begins...


He wanted the Lego Indy Jones Games 2 on the Wii, BAAAD! He was so happy...

OK, on to the next one. Now, let me just give you the comparison. Here he is getting his Visa Gift Card...

What is up with that? His reaction is like he almost is disgusted with it. He could care less about this cold hard cash right in front of him (ahh, the innocence). Hilarious.

Finally, the next gift...from Teage and Saige! (Again, Teage was about to burst!!)

I guess Shorts is a boy type movie. All I hear is about the Booger Monster...mmmmm!

I think he enjoyed his day. I can't wait to celebrate again when we get to PHX...Dave and Buster's is gonna rock.

Birthdays make me so nostalgic. I think about how fast time zinged by and how much growing up has taken place. How did it go from here to now, SO FAST?


HAPPY BIRTHDAY my J-dle Deedle...

Thanksgiving Line-up

It's hard to believe that Turkey Day has come and gone. I feel like the Time Traveler's Wife. All the holidays seem to run together these days and all the days I'm playing catch up to the next one. So let's spend a little more time on this fabulous Holiday, shall we? It's all about the food here (which I love) and unbuttoning your pants (in no particular order). I unbuttoned mine right after the mac and cheese. But, you can do this at any time really.

Speaking of mac and cheese....here is our line-up of the all-stars that made the menu list this year. Don't drool on your keyboard people...I don't do replacements or refunds.

The appetizers (or pre-game, if you will)...consisted of a relish tray, mexican dip, and a Fam Bam craze....bacon wrapped brown sugar smokies, YUMM!


Once that was over, it started with the Pie...Pumpkin to be exact...Mrs Smith's if you have to be nosy. That sucker needed to bake and get out of my way.


Next up to bat, Saige helped me make the Candied Yams. She's got mad peeling skills, but apparently doesn't want anyone to take her picture while she's doing it.


In Okinawa, they don't grow orange sweet potatoes I guess...because I never saw a ONE. They are into the Benimo, purple sweet potato. Apparently, it saved thousands of starving people when Okinawa was hit with a famine period hundreds of years ago. They make candy and ice cream out of it even (amongst other things). But, you can imagine my thrill when I finally got to make my traditional yam recipe! Sweeet!


Playing shortstop...the Corn Souffle. I think about my seester when I make this dish...because it is sprinkled with thyme and oh so delish!


Keeping it all together, the Down Home Macaroni and Cheese! You all know it, and love it...


Somehow, I managed to leave the Green Bean Casserole out of the photo list, but it was SO there! You can see it below somewhere, I'm sure.

Add a little Zucchini and Tomatoes (my total fave and everyone else's kryptonite, but since I was cooking...too bad, it's on the list).


And the cranberries and turkey skin to round out the outfield.


This year's MVP, the Turkey!! I did not cook my turkey this year (so I guess it is technically disqualified as MVP), we ordered it deep fried through the Officer's Club on Ramstein. With the miniature size oven space the Germans rock and the 220 voltage in my house, I thought it best to just order it this time and save myself the agony with trying to fight the turkey. It was awesome!!!


JD couldn't wait to get busy on that bird...

Ok, so here's the real MVP...my homemade rolls! They were the best thing on the plate...hands down. I'm making more tomorrow...


And that's the line-up...gravy and all.

It was a pretty intimate dinner and I'm so glad we got to eat together for our first one here. We went around the room and said out loud what we were thankful for...


JD said, "I'm thankful for all of us to be together and the Indiana Jones game I want for my birthday"

Saige said, "I'm thankful for my Family and our home."

Teage said, "I don't wanna..."

George said, "I'm thankful that we're done saying thankfuls so we can eat...ok, and for all of us being loud, healthy, and happy together."

Amen to that!


After we did "cheers" about ten times (Teage insisted and YES that is sparkling apple cider in the kids' glasses...only), we ate our dinner and laughed and continued to be the loud people we are. Who said Thanksgiving as to be all prim?...I think I spent at least 10 minutes trying stop Teage from pouring apple cider on his brother due to a sibling rivalry moment at the table.

It was perfect and totally in the Fam Bam tradition.


After dinner, we watched movies, talked to Family on the phone, and there was some Lego building involved. Next morning, George and I headed out to the BX about 6:30 (not in a line, just as regular customers) and picked up some things we had eyeballed in the ad...I'm so glad my hubby likes to shop with me. It makes the receipt total not seem as evil. Then we had a nice lunch and headed back home to the kids. A couple hours later, Saige and I headed back out and bought our movie tickets to see New Moon finally. It was good (personally, it was a little peak and valley to me)....but the ending left you wanting more which is always the point, I guess. While Saige and I were waiting for the movie to start, we went into the credit union to make the electric payment and they were doing a hourly gift card giveaway, so I entered for the following hour (to Saige's huge dismay "Mom, you're not gonna win"). So we went back by at the top of the hour just to see and I WON!! $30 Visa card to me....what can I say, I have good karma! Needless to say, Saige was in shock and said "That is so cool, I think you won because I was saying you wouldn't" Kids are so funny! I just shook my head and was like "Yeah I guess that's it, but next time how about we be more positive....cause your mom's a WIENER!!!" HA HA! Saturday...will consist of downtown, the Christmas Market, and more Fam fun. Until then....

We hope everyone's Holiday was just as much fun and full of laughter & memorable moments like ours. We miss all our Family and Peeps all over the world and want you to know that you are always with us no matter what Holiday or where we are. Love to you all...

Next up...my boy's birthday!!!

Love Ya ♥

Low Key...

This past week was the first week in a while where things have been low key. No painting and I got to do some crafting and mess with the photos I sent off for in the mail. I also managed to start organizing my recipe box, or lack there of. I have so many recipes that I need to transfer onto cards...but, the most important thing was I found my corn souffle and candied yam recipe for this Thursday. WOO HOO! The hubby's gonna be kissing the ground I walk on...

Anyway, this past week...JD had a skate party at school. They were promoting healthy behavior...so why not free roller skating? He had a blast and by the end of the party, he was doing tricks on his skates (who does he think he is?). Anyway, he kept giving me this look as he rounded the corner by me...



Saige spent her time feeling the music and admiring all the "young kids"...I guess because she is so OLD? (again, who do my kids think they are?)


I started to have my fill of that whole scene about 15 minutes in and decided to leave their butts there and take Teage to the park across the way. No one was there and it is HUGE. I see a grandiose barbecue in my future there. I was fooling around trying to get him with some sun flare (see post below on sun flared photos). This was my second choice by the way...



The sun was just going down for the evening (it was only 4pm...so weird) so it was perfect light. I stalked him as he wielded his magic sword throughout the forest to get to the playground. He's so much fun...all the days!



During our forest adventure, we also scouted for some ideal marshmallow roasting sticks. This weekend, we finally put that fireplace to its best job...

I didn't have the graham crackers stocked for S'mores (Saige was peeved), but like I say..."You gotta crawl before you walk"...let's enjoy the marshmallow at its finest before we start adding frills! They thanked me later!!



All in all, I thoroughly enjoy a good low key week/weekend. I look forward to some more Fam Bam chill time with a little Turkey and dressing added to the plate, literally!

P.S. Why is it every time I pass the camera onto my husband, he manages to only take pictures that have my chest front and center? He's so predictable LOL!! I now have 5 or 5 photos of me roasting a marshmallow with no marshmallow in sight or my face for that matter...Dude!!