M-I-A

I'm sorry.  I'm not even going to make up a story about how busy I have been (although I have been busy, February is a busy month in our house).  I have been sucked into the FB zone.  Those of you who read this know what that is.  And even if you don't check in and see how we are doing by a little phone call or e-mail, you have talked to Nathan or I via Facebook.

Well,  I'm sad to say but I might not keep my blog going for too much longer.  I started this to keep up with friends and family that live elsewhere, but now we have all seemed to have moved to ...facebook.  

Rachael's birthday was our big event for February, I posted those pictures on facebook.  I was posting recipes every so often on my little family blog, but I don't think that will be happening anymore.  So, for now I am not going to delete my blog, but I have nothing exciting to post that isn't already out there on the Internet.

I am however possibly thinking of keeping my journal about my upcoming adventure in weight loss surgery and possibly posting that on my blog.  Although, Im not even sure how interesting that will be.  Lemme know what you think friends.  And if I dont hear from you, I will chat with you on FB!

OBAMANATION

What the hell? Why are we having a inauguration concert when we are having a huge economic slump? And why are people rocking out and dancing on top of the Lincoln Memorial?

My heart is aching while I'm being tortured by this atrocious behavior. I'm at work and have no choice on what goes on the television. And now I have read that a cable network has purchased the rights to the actual inauguration? Seriously? Now our history has a price? I'm thinking about moving to Canada.

Instead of my tax payment I think I'm going to mail the government my concert wish list since that appears to be the business they are now in .

I could go on and on about how disapointed I am in this whole debaucle, but I have to stop or I am going to give myself an anruism.

Technology

Is it good or bad? I find myself asking that often. In my work environment it is wonderful - it can't be fast or good enough (as I am sure is the case with most of you). In my personal life such as keeping up with friends and family it is a little of both. I used to love to get letters in the mail from a friend or risk passing a note in class with the possibility of it getting intercepted by a teacher. And a hand written letter was so personable, I knew that my friend took time writing it to me, as I did he or she. But, on the other hand if I want to send my hubby a quick " I love you " I can and with in seconds have a response via text. Or if I'm lost in the concrete jungle my phone can tell me where I am going and how to get there. (Seriously, my phone has some killer stuff on it.)

When it comes to raising our children is this technology better? I'm sure this question is debated lots of places by plenty. The reason I have really been kicking this around is because yesterday my husband and I got our 4 almost 5 year old daughter an ipod shuffle. This thing is pretty neat. I can monitor what she is listening to (because I load it), limit the volume decibels, and use it for her books on CD - which by the way her and I both are addicted to. Dont get me wrong, I still think it is sooooo important to read to her - and I enjoy doing so. I am embracing the times of modern technology, but is my daughter going to miss out on things? Will she ever know about passing a note in class or know the joys of the library? The smells of the books and newly sharpened pencils? Or will she just jump straight on the internet to help her get homework done? Is this normal to feel so worried about technology taking away from the good times she could have doing things the "old fashion" way?

PS She has an akward face in this picture only because she is busy talking about her new shuffle while I am taking her picture.

One last Christmas Picture

I know, all Christmas decorations are put away and we are all trying to move on into the new year.  But I had to.  I just skipped all of December because we had so much going on, but I couldn't resist putting this in.  We had a Christmas party at the house with Mr & Mrs Clause.  The girls had such a good time.  I can honestly say it was one of my most favorite Christmas's ever!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Im so behind in my blogging, but I figure I have been busy visiting most of my friends and family whom check our blog. Pictures will soon be to follow, but for now I just wanted to wish everyone in the blog community a very merry Christmas.

The Arnold Family will return soon with some more postings and pictures!

God Bless!

Cranberry Streusel Squares

Okay. I must first apologize for this being posted right before the big day.  I also must say Im sorry again for the instructions and pictures being posted backwards ( I do realize it would be easier to follow the other way, but Im still working on this )  But believe me, you make this, all will be forgiven!

Bake 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees or until golden.

Crumble over the top of the cranberry layer.

Mix to a crumble the reserved cake mix with 1 tablespoon of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup of soft butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon....get it crumbly....lumpy .... I mush it together and separate it with a fork to get good crumbles.

Oh, and we are not done yet!

Mix cranberry relish with 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of milk - pour over cake mixture in pan.
Rerserve 1 1/4 cup of the cake mix - set aside.  Mix remaining cake mix with 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 egg.  Press mixture into the bottom of a 9x13" pan.  (I use a jelly roll - not a cake pan)
What you will need:

1 box yellow cake mix

1 18 oz jar cranberry relish ( or I just learned how to make it from scratch, but in times like this by all means buy it!)

3 eggs 

1 Tablespoon flour

1/2 cup of sugar

3/4 cup of butter

3 Tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Back to School Night

The Super Star 

Picasso

We had back to school night tonight, yes, for preschool.  I must brag about my sweet girl:  three teachers told us how sweet, patient and helpful little momma Rachael is.  We were also informed she is the school wiz on the computer (we are very aware of this ...daddy and pappa are on the computer with her all the time - Bill Gates look out!)