NOSCO Cupcake Queen

I belong to MOSC (Marine Officer Spouses Club) here, as well as NOSCO (Naval Officer Spouses Club of Okinawa). I served as a rep on the NOSCO board for a year and a half, but now I'm just a regular member. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer and donate time and money to charity, as well as social and cultural events, too. I take advantage of what I can. NOSCO is broken down into "coffee groups" that have a common workplace or community, and the chaplain spouses group is one of the biggest, if not the biggest as far as participation. Back when I was on the board, I was asked what we did to have such high numbers. I had to think about it, and admitted that I didn't think it was anything we did in particular, it was just that as "pastors' wives," we are used to being involved with the ministry and fellowship, and that it seemed to just be understood that involvement came with the territory. I wish I could have been of more assistance with fabulous ideas to help them with recruitment, but that was all I could figure.

Anyway, each month, one of the coffee groups takes a turn hosting a social event for the NOSCO membership as a whole. This month it was the chaplain spouses' turn to host, and they selected a cupcake night. I happen to love decorating cupcakes. I love this book, even though I have yet to make enough of them to justify the purchase. Needless to say, I was excited about their choice.

A professional cake decorator came in and taught us all kinds of tips and techniques. I didn't remember to bring my camera to get pics of some of the creations (from beautiful to bizarre) OR me standing with the group holding my winning, sakura cupcakes.


But here they are at home, properly staged on their matching cherry blossom platter. As beautiful as they are, the thought of eating all that frosting and fondant makes me ill. I would scrape it straight in the trash. These were for my kids, though...and they loved it!



I had to take a pic of these cupcake wrappers the instructor brought. I'm going to have to go to Jusco and buy my own, since they are personalized and all.

Cupcake Queen...another title to add to my repertoire.

Bookclub!!!

Does belonging to a book club sound pretentious? How about one that reads the classics? Yeah, I kinda thought so too, but I don't care...these ladies are so awesome. It's not so much about reading the book (although that's kind of essential) it's about the insight you gain and share...and friendships you develop.

To tell you the truth, I'm not exactly sure how I ended up with an invite to this one...and by looking at us, it's not like we are super-homogenous...other than we're all Mormon. (OK...you're right, that does dictate a certain level of homogeneity right there.) But throw the Mormon thing out, and we are a diverse group of ages, backgrounds and places in life...and I love it! So much so, I imagine myself doing a screening for future members...

"What can you bring to the table? Oh, you are a feminist empty-nester with socialist leanings? No, we already have that one covered. Next..."
"Oh, you're a Southern, widowed teacher? Nope, that slot is filled too. Next!"
"A Latina mother of 5 who served a mission and is into sci-fi?" We've got one of those. Next..."
"Hot, single, blonde scuba instructor/detective who packs heat for her day job? Sorry, try again when ours moves."

I'm obviously just kidding (about excluding people who are too similar...not about the makeup of our group...those details do accurately describe some of our members). I know that everyone is not that one-dimensional, that we all have different perspectives to add, even when we are very similar otherwise...but do you get why I love this group so much?



We're not all pictured here, but I forgot to take more pics as others arrived.



But I did take pics of some of the food.


I should mention, this was part two of The Count of Monte Cristo. So naturally, French food was in order. Last month we had things such as Monte Cristo sandwiches and fancy French pastries. This time, Troy was AWESOME and made creme brulee for me. In two varieties...chocolate and regular. Everything was delicious.

While we ate amazing food, we had a very inspiring discussion on justice vs. mercy...including our experiences with forgiveness. Mostly how freeing it is to forgive. There was much laughter and tears, and at the end of the evening, I felt closer to all of them. Not to mention I was in awe at how brilliant we all are. I think we could have solved the world's problems right there in my living room.

If you are not a member of a bookclub, I would encourage you to find one, or start your own. Feel free to use my interview questions. You're welcome.

Easter Traditions 2011

Easter was really late this year...and it's a good thing, too. It gave Jake and I a chance to get home to enjoy it with the family.


Flashing gang signs while waiting for the hunt.



Jake was worried how he was going to find his basket on crutches, so I went easy on him. Turns out the shoe basket was too easy. He found his first.



Coree was next...clever girl.



I'm pretty sure we do the dryer every year. 25% chance you'll find yours there.



Patrick over-thought his. Not that we haven't done the dishwasher, but he was climbing on counters and being ridiculous.



The coat closet was the last place he looked. OK, well...I guess that's true for any place you hide it.



Cliff was thrilled to learn he had a surprise Easter basket and hunted enthusiastically.



Charlotte was hoping for Whiskas. Bummer.



He was a little sheepish that he hadn't gotten me anything...



He needn't be. I was prepared with two of everything. ;^)



Easter basket hunt 2011: Success. Notice the utilitarian baskets? I got rid of the Easter baskets. They took up too much space. These work just fine and are useful more than one day a year.

Next on the agenda? The Jerusalem dinner! Here's some of what was on the menu this year:

lamb and barley
mustard glazed rack of lamb
flat bread
hummus
nuts and dried fruits
asst. cheeses and olives
grape juice

And since we didn't get any honeycomb from my dad this year, Honeycombs will have to do.

This is what it looked like.



The rack of lamb was new this year and it was a huge hit.



Even Coree ate some!



It was so awesome to sit around and listen to everyone rave about how this is their favorite tradition. You know, we try different things, and some stick and some don't...but I'm glad this one did. We don't do everything perfectly, we don't do near as much as some people...but I love the memories we've created...and I love this family so much.



And this guy? He's my hands-down favorite. I couldn't have done it without him.

Anatomy of Valentines Day

It starts with chocolate chip scones...



Followed by the traditional Godiva truffle exchange. (Not actually planned...but do we know each other or what?)



Then Cliff broke the "don't spend too much money on flowers which are going to die" rule. But I still love him. {They are beautiful.}



I'd much rather spend a fraction of the money on beautiful shrimp, which will also just end up disappearing...because it's a much more delicious experience. {He is beautiful.}



That's what I'M talkin' about!

Christmas Eve 2010

I spent the day finishing up the baking, and then we drove around the neighborhood in the rain, dropping off packages of goodies. We didn't sing for anyone this year, though...it just kinda worked out that way.


The kids were full of anticipation for the traditional, Christmas Eve gift exchange. This is a tradition we started many years ago...and who would have known it would turn out to be such a favorite. This was probably the first year I didn't know who everyone had drawn. I did know a couple (because they needed help with online ordering or ideas) but it was kind of fun being surprised with the rest.



Jake just turned twelve last month and is now a Deacon at church, which means he helps to pass the Sacrament on Sunday...wearing a white shirt and tie. Even though he just got brand-new zipper ties last Christmas, he wanted real tie-ties. He felt he needed to learn to tie his own tie to be legit. Cliff surprised him with a collection of three. Very nice.



And Jake surprised Coree with a Webkinz Sea Otter, which was on her list to Santa. It is adorable.



Coree's gift to Patrick was very clever. He had asked everyone for only money for his trip to NYC over spring break. Coree wanted to give him $20...but in a surprising way. (She said plain money would be lame.) I tried to help her think of some kind of candy that would be New York themed. 5th Avenue bars don't exist here...we thought of taping a "New" onto a package of York peppermint patties...but Patrick doesn't like peppermint patties, and Coree insisted that he like the candy, too.



At first he looked at the box of Gobstoppers with polite appreciation. Then Coree told him to open the box. She had opened and re-glued the box so that the $20 bill was right there in the punch-opening.



Get it? SHOW stoppers? Trip to Broadway for drama? Very clever, no?



I didn't know who Patrick had, but I was there when he shopped. I didn't see what he got, but he was very confident in what he was purchasing.



A couple of books that he's probably looking forward to reading, too. Well played, Patrick.



And Troy knows how easy I am to shop for. A Yankee (or Salt City) candle that smells like food. Always in good taste.



I was lucky enough to draw the Cliffster's name.



And knew he was eager to get "The Pacific" series.

We've never set a dollar limit on the gift exchange...we've just left it up to the kids, but they do have to buy the gifts from their own money. It's always worked out fine. Some years gifts are more expensive than others, and it's very touching to see them save and search with their person in mind. Every morning when Cliff puts on his nice watch, he thinks about Jake and the fact that he probably spent all the money he had on it, just because he wanted to get Dad something really good.



We put cookies out for Santa. Not really...this is just to show you most of the things I made. There are a couple of varieties missing here that I gave away before taking this photo. Pictured are (Clockwise from 12): Creamy fudge with and without nuts, peanut butter truffles, oreo truffles, mini-chip snowballs, 3 varieties of butter spritz cookies, outrageous cookie bars and Oreo fudge. Many of these things were new for me this year, and I just have to ask....homemade truffles....where have you been all my life? Oh my goodness! Same with the snowballs. They are like Mexican wedding cookies, but with mini chocolate chips instead of nuts. Now THAT'S what I call an improvement!



As usual, the stockings overflowed...and NO, I did not get the Stewart tartan ones sewn again this year...so Troy will leave on his mission before I've had matching stockings for the whole family on Christmas morning. I have failed as a mother. *sigh*



And here's the haul under the tree. Funny how much less space the presents take up as the years go buy. As kids get older, their toys get smaller...and more expensive.



Now where is the cat going to sleep? Hopefully she won't be spiteful and it will all be intact in the morning.

Thanksgiving Pt. 2...Feeding Frenzy

Thanksgiving feast, 2010

The Menu:

Turkey
Pan Gravy
Creamy Whipped Potatoes
Mr. Bennett's Stuffing
Candied Yams
Asian Green Bean Salad
Elijah's Corn
Parkerhouse Rolls
Cranberry Orange Jello Mold
Deviled Eggs
Relish Tray
Veggies and Dip
Pumpkin Pie
Dutch Apple Pie
Sparkling Cider


Company's here, and we're ready to nom.



I'm not a green bean casserole fan. I think cream of mushroom soup with green beans sounds ridiculous. I eat it with the same enthusiasm as I eat ham (only to be polite). I do however LOVE fresh green beans. I sought out a better alternative online. Behold, Asian Green Bean Salad. Perfection. It's going to be in the regular line up.



Returning from last year, Susan's sister's Jello cranberry sauce mold. Jello and cranberry sauce in one. This is celestial Jello glory, my friends. It has fruits, nuts AND vegetables. I will be handing this one down to my family for generations.



Doesn't it look great with the sweet potatoes and stuffing? Since I like my stuffing crunchy, I spoon it from the crock pot into a baking dish and let it brown in the oven for a bit.



Jake is ready to get his nom on. See the corn up in the corner? Well, I had been so excited about all this fancy stuff on the menu, corn didn't even cross my radar. Little Elijah came into the kitchen while I was getting everything put on the table and said, "Don't forget the corn." Luckily, I had a couple of cans in the pantry. It was popular, actually. That green bean salad? Not so much...but I thought it was pure heaven, and that's what counts.



Deviled eggs and mashed potatoes with half n half and cream cheese. Yep. That's what I'm talkin' about.



Rolls, glorious rolls. I did a batch each of white and wheat. Although I didn't shape them the traditional way...I tried Parkerhouse. Didn't care for it. I'll be going back to my traditional dough ball method.



And of course, I have to get a pic of everyone before we eat. Brandon was still delivering his papers, so we had to go ahead without him. I made it perfectly clear that this was going to be the serious shot. Looks like Patrick and Elijah didn't get the memo.



Here's the silly shot.



You can barely see the homemade gravy in the bottom right corner. Liquid gold, I tell you. Sometimes, I want to cook a turkey just for the pan drippings to make gravy. That sounded much more rational before I typed it outloud.











We nommed until it hurt, then relaxed a bit and watched a movie before dessert.



Like grandpa, like grand-daughter.



Another shot of the pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie is so awesome...why should it just be relegated to Thanksgiving and Christmas? I'm making one for my next birthday. Maybe even two. It's a promise.



But I also made a deep-dish, crumb-top apple pie. Except, I used canned pie filling because it would take about $15 worth of apples to make this pie here, otherwise. It was still excellent.



There's Brandon! I promise, he really did eat dinner, too.



Jake's perfect dessert creation...pie with icecream, whipping cream and cinnamon and a cherry on top. You know what they say, "Go big or go home." And Jake goes big. (Hahahahaha! I crack myself up! GOES big! Don't worry, we made sure he ate lots of vegetables, too.)