In The House of Ginger

Put the Drum in Drumsticks...

2011-05-26T15:32:00.000-04:00

What you need

1/4 cup basting oil

Mix 1/4 cup Canola oil, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/2 tsp garlic powder.

Let sit for five minutes.

1/4 cup McCormick BBQ seasoning (I like to use the sweet ones but any will do)

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

Mix all ingredients above. Set aside.

3 lbs Chicken drumsticks. Can also use chicken split breasts and thighs (bone in).

Direction

1. Add chicken to BBQ seasoning. Tossing to coat. Marinate covered, 6-8 hours in refrigerator. I like to marinate mine for 24 hours. Tossing half way through time.

2. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Transfer chicken to baking sheet. Bake 2 hours, or until internal temp reaches 165 degrees. Remove from oven. Preheat grill to 400 degrees. Place chicken on grill and turn down grill to mid-low. Close lid. Grill for 3 minutes turn over and grill for another three minutes. Remove from grill and serve.

You can also broil the chicken. Adjust rack to 6 inches from heat. Broil chicken 5-8 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

South Carolina Girl's Trip

2010-04-25T13:25:00.009-04:00

Charleston, South Carolina. What a city full of history, architecture, food, hot looking guys, and boohags.

The houses where out of this world, colorful and beautiful.

This is the jail house that freaked me out; literally. My friend and I went on a haunted ghost tour. Half way through it, I chickened out and ran out. I think it took me more courage to run out on my own more then anything. The history behind this place was CRAZY!!!

Me sitting out side of Battery park.

More pictures of Battery Park

The cemetery's there where great. They were everywhere. In neighborhood, behind houses, churches, in the middle of no where. You would just be walking and there one would be.

Now, here is a story. My friend Emily and I started asking around for a good place to have dinner. We were told to go to a place called Justine's, it was across the street from the fire department. As we were standing in line to go into the restaurant (45 minute wait). These good looking firemen kept us entertained. What a sight it was.

Needless to say I was not happy with the food.

My friend Emily and I. Friends for 21 years. WOW!!!

Thanks for one of the best trips of my life. When can we do it again?

Chocolate Mousse for our Chocolate Cake....

2010-03-07T14:19:00.006-05:00

That is what Jack-Jack and I have been saying all week. "Chocolate mousse for our chocolate cake." But, you have to say it with an English accent. I don't know why, you just do.

I'm so obsessed with my chocolate cake recipe(below) that I've decided to make some chocolate mousse to go in the middle of it. And can I say, hello heaven. Talk about divine, it does not get any better then this.

This is how obsessed I am with my chocolate cake that I can't stop thinking of things to go in the middle or on top of it. Strawberry cream filling, topped with strawberries. Raspberry cream filling, topped with raspberries. coconut cream filling topped with roasted coconut. Orange cream filling topped with orange zest. The possibilities are endless.

I've decided that when I open up my Bed and Breakfast/restaurant my dessert will be based off of this one chocolate cake.

Here is the Chocolate mousse recipe to go with the chocolate cake.

2 cups chilled heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
7 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped

Garnish: lightly sweetened whipped cream
Special equipment: an instant-read thermometer

preparation

Heat 3/4 cup cream in a 1-quart heavy saucepan until hot. Whisk together yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a metal bowl until combined well, then add hot cream in a slow stream, whisking until combined. Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until it registers 160°F on thermometer. Pour custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and stir in vanilla.

Melt chocolate in a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a pan of simmering water (or in a glass bowl in a microwave at 50 percent power 3 to 5 minutes), stirring frequently. Whisk custard into chocolate until smooth, then cool.

Beat remaining 1 1/4 cups cream in a bowl with an electric mixer until it just holds stiff peaks. Whisk one fourth of cream into chocolate custard to lighten, then fold in remaining cream gently but thoroughly.

Spoon mousse into 8 (6-ounce) stemmed glasses or ramekins and chill, covered, at least 6 hours. Let stand at room temperature about 20 minutes before serving.

Cooks' notes:• Mousse can be chilled up to 1 day.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

2010-03-04T15:32:00.005-05:00

A week ago it was my turn to host Bunko night and our theme was Martha Stewart. I decided to do Martha's Chicken Cordon Bleu. Or I should say Emeril's Chicken Cordon Bleu, I figured since he made it on the Martha show it is still a Martha's recipe. After studying the recipe I decided to stick with the main ingredients but revise the instructions to better suit me and the time limit that I had.

I started the morning of my party and went to town by pounding 8 chicken breast (doubled recipe) to the proper size (1/4inch thick). It took about 40 minutes. Of course I would pound a breast then add the cheese and prosciutto to the chicken then roll it by holding it together with tooth picks. Place on cookie sheet. Repeat process with remaining chicken. When finished, cover with plastic wrap and put in fridge. About 20 minutes before cooking I then dipped the chicken into the flour, egg, and bread crumbs. I figured I would have more time to bake the chicken instead of pan frying them. Baked for 35 minutes at 375 degrees and turn over half way through cooking time. Remove toothpicks and enjoy. I have to say my way was easier and it gave me time in between to do the things that I needed to do to get ready for the party. Feel free to do it Martha's way. Either way I think you will be truly satisfied.

4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (4 to 6 slices)
4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto or Black Forest ham
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Emeril's Original Essence or Creole Seasoning
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup fine unseasoned dried bread crumbs
3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Cut each piece of chicken in half horizontally and place each piece between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound out to a 1/4-inch thickness.
Place the 8 chicken pieces on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Divide cheese evenly between 4 pieces of chicken. Arrange prosciutto slices evenly over cheese; top with remaining 4 pieces of chicken. Tuck in any cheese or prosciutto that extends over the edges. Secure chicken pieces together using toothpicks along the edges to form a "sandwich."
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
Place flour in a shallow dish; season with 1 tablespoon essence. In another shallow dish, mix together eggs and milk using a fork. Place bread crumbs in a third shallow dish; season with remaining 2 teaspoons Essence. Dip a chicken "sandwich" in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip chicken in egg mixture, followed by seasoned breadcrumbs; transfer to a plate. Repeat process with remaining chicken "sandwiches."
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken "sandwiches" in skillet and cook, until browned on one side, about 4 minutes. Turn chicken and cook 2 minutes more.
Transfer to prepared baking sheet and place in oven. Cook until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove toothpicks and serve immediately.

Starting A-New

2010-02-21T13:10:00.007-05:00

I've decided to not end my blogging. However, I feel I don't have many things to blog about I would like to try and start blogging once a week by putting up a weekly recipe. I've tried to do this a while back but I did not keep up with it. I'm trying again.

I don't know if I will be good at keeping up with what is going on in the Benson house hold but I will try. You might find better luck by checking out Justin's blog.

"Made with love." That is what I tell Hannah when ever she asks me, "mom, how did you make this? Or mom, what is in this?"

"I made it with love." That is how I look at cooking, weather I am creating something my own or following along in a recipe I try my hardest to do my best. I try and put all that I got into the dish that I am making. Sometimes I might not have had that much love that day and it just didn't turn out right. I don't stop, I find another recipe and I keep going.

Cooking for me is a passion, and hope someday to make it a career. My family and sometimes my neighbors are my ginny-pigs. Thank goodness I have more hits then I do mishaps. Of course my neighbors would never know that.

I would like to share with you all my talent and give you a recipe once a week that I hope you will enjoy. Remember, when you make it with LOVE it tastes so much better.

We all love chocolate and I have found the best chocolate cake recipe that you will EVER have!!!! I find it to be better then any restaurant cakes, it is that good. All I have to say is there is a LOT of LOVE that goes into this recipe.

Giant Chocolate Cake with Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache and Edible Flowers
Cake:

Instead of using edible flowers you can sprinkle the cake with shaved chocolate(my favorite), or garnish it with raspberry's, strawberry's, there is just so much you can do with this recipe.

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup boiling water
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ganache:

5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) chilled butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup sugar
Edible flowers* (for decoration)

Special equipment:

1 12-inch round cake pan with 2-inch-high sides

preparation

For cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 12-inch round cake pan with 2-inch-high sides with nonstick spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper round. Spray parchment paper with nonstick spray. Dust pan with flour, tapping out any excess. Sift 2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into medium bowl. Sift cocoa into another medium bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over cocoa; whisk to blend. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and eggs in large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add butter to egg mixture and beat until blended. Beat in cocoa mixture. Add buttermilk and vanilla; beat to blend. Add dry ingredients and beat on low just to blend. Transfer batter to prepared pan; smooth top.

Bake cake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 35-38 minutes. Cool cake completely in pan on rack. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.

Place chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla in medium bowl. Bring cream and sugar to boil in medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Carefully pour hot cream mixture into bowl with chocolate. Let stand 1 minute. Whisk until melted and smooth. Chill ganache until thickened and spreadable, about 1 hour.

Carefully invert cake onto large cake plate. Gently remove parchment paper. Spread ganache over top and sides of cake and allow ganache to set, about 1 hour. DO AHEAD: Cake can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before decorating.

Decorate cake with edible flowers. Cut into wedges and serve.

* Available at some supermarkets and at farmers’ markets. Use only those flowers that have been grown without pesticides.

Check it out...

2010-01-14T15:21:00.004-05:00

My hubby got bored the other day and decided it was time he had his own blog.

Fine-by-me, now I don't have to have mine anymore. I think I'm done blogging.

CTU Photo Blog

Our Family

2009-11-12T12:14:00.010-05:00

Took last weekend at the Manassas Battle Field Park.

Our Trick-or-Treater's

2009-11-01T17:14:00.002-05:00

Sad to say this season has come and gone. I will miss it!!!

Trunk-or-Treat

2009-10-27T16:48:00.005-04:00

I was in charge of our Ward Trunk-or-Treat and I have to say it turned out GREAT!!! I was quite proud of myself. It was easy, fun, and a great way to mingle and get to know people. The food was great, and the kids had a ball playing games.

Since it was raining outside the parents lined up in a circle around the gym and we had the kids parade themselves in. Honestly, I liked it better then going outside. Now that it is over my mind is already working on our Ward Christmas party. There is never a brake.

Angie: The Cave Woman Jenn: Snow White Ginger: The Gypsy.
Hananh: Some type of Unicorn BreAnden: Cleo Patra
Picture back drop that I made Justin saw out. I love the witch, I had it for years and finally got Justin to cut out the cats for me.
My fall table.
My scary spider table.
My witch table.

Sunday Best

2009-10-27T16:41:00.003-04:00

The past Sunday Justin and I went to a wedding. The Groom was a friend of Justin (work pals).

It turned out really nice, besides the outside ceremony where we all froze our butt's off. Other then that the wedding was fun

Justin, The Groom and a friend....
Playing dress up.
A beautiful couple.
The dress I just had to have.

Good new's, Good new's, Good new's

2009-10-02T14:58:00.002-04:00

For those of you who are Twilight fans it doesn't look like we have to wait long to see Eclipse.
June 30, 2010 is the opening date for the movie. YEAH!!!

Also, just found out if you have read Stephenie Meyer's, The Host, that to is being made into a movie. YEAH!!!

I love it. Can't wait!!!

Look Pictures

2009-09-19T19:30:00.005-04:00

WOW

2009-09-19T19:22:00.002-04:00

Hey, look everyone I actually did something on my blog. Maybe I might get in the mood soon and post something.

Two words....

2009-06-18T12:13:00.001-04:00

Paula Deen. We all know I love this lady, but thank goodness I don't cook her recipes all the time. I would be in BIG trouble.

Last week I went to a friends baby shower and made some yummy Orange Brownies and they were just to die for. Of course being a Paula Deen's recipe it is only right that is be fully loaded with butter and sugar. Just one bite will send you into a sugar shock.

Orange Brownies:

Makes about two dozen brownies

2 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1tsp salt

1 cup butter, softened

4 large eggs

2 tsp orange extract

2 tsp orange zest, divided

1 cup confectioners' sugar

2 tbl orange juice

Garnish: fresh orange rind

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 13*9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, and salt; add butter, eggs, orange extract, and 1 teaspoon zest. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended. Spread batter into prepared pan, and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in center. remove from oven, and pierce brownies with fork.

In a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, orange juice, and remaining 1 teaspoon zest; stir until smooth. Pour glaze over brownies. Cool, and cut into squares. Garnish with fresh orange rind, if desired.

Just call him Master Sargent

2009-06-17T19:21:00.005-04:00

Justin has been in the military for 14 plus years and he has worked so hard at what ever it is that he does. It's like, "if I tell ya, I have to kill ya," type thing. I have no clue of what he does. Only that he works soooo hard and he has the ribbons and medals to prove it.

Just this month and after studying his tale off he finally made E-7 or to you civilians out there Master Sargent. I can't tell you how proud I am of him. He makes me proud to be an American, he serves his country well.

I love him with all my heart. Speaking of love our 11th anniversary is this weekend, YEAH us!!!

P.S. The picture of Justin is from two years ago so it doesn't show the new stripe on his uniform yet, that will happen soon, his pin on.

Where to begin

2009-06-17T17:01:00.033-04:00

It's pretty sad when I don't even remember my password to my blog; it just shows that it's been a long time. And to be honest, I still don't feel like doing this, but I know I must before we leave for our family vacation to Michigan.

Where to start?

Month of May:

I hosted Bunko this month and I was so excited, I love to host things at my home, get groups of people together with good food and fun. I love to to entertain and I know it was only Bunko but I love to decorate and I know I went over board but o'well.

Bunko Girls
My table decorations.

Moving on:

BreAnden got the chance to do a golf camp for one day, something that her school and our community here on Piedmont hosted. She first started off learning how to put. But first, I went along since one, parents were required to be there and two, I wanted to drive the gold carts, which was just AWESOME!!! BreAnden had a fun time considering how cold it was outside.

Bre's golf couch, and the girl's we went along with.

Still going:

Hannah had a birthday, she is now six and some days I wish she were 18, no I did not just say that. She's GREAT!!! No really, it is going by too fast. We had her party at Chucky-Cheese and it was so nice.

Bare with me; not done yet:

Jack-Jack, the name says it all, the kid is CRAZY!!! His favorite movie is Konfu Panda, it's funny to watch him while he is watching the movie. He does the moves and can pretty much say it word for word. It also shows how much I let my kids watch movies.

Jack getting ready to do his moves.
Hi-Yay
Shock-ie-bouy
Someone who is proud of himself.

Like I said Jack-Jack's name says it all.
One thing Crystal light is good for is 5 calories a serving, the bad thing it leaves one heck of a stain.

Where did this kid come from? I had no problems like this with Hannah, and Bre.

Just keep going, just keep going:

BreAnden had her first piano recital and she did a fantastic job, I am so proud of her as nervous as she was she did GREAT!!! She has a great teacher (Angie) who did a fantastic job teaching. Can't wait for the next one.

Good bye May, hello June:

The Benson's went camping and I can't tell you what a GREAT time we had. We drove three hours down to Natural Bridge and camped right off of the James river in a beaaa-u-ti-ful campsite. We also went with a great group of people from Justin's work and just had a blast.

It rained on our drive down to the site but 20 minutes before arriving it let up in time for us to set camp, cook dinner, let the kids play and hang out and roast marshmallow's by the fire. Then it started to rain again when we all went to bed and woke up to a pretty day.

Me stuffing my face, that is what camping is all about.
Yes, I have a thing for roasted marshmallows.

This is just day one of these two getting dirty.

Our camp-crafter Brendan, he taught the kids how to make bracelets.
Jack had his 3rd birthday while we were out there.

The kids swimming in the James River along with the snakes. Mom was in safer grounds.
Jack with his birthday rice crispy treat cake.
Now, I'm so proud of myself and I know my dad is too. I made thee most yummiest Dutch-Oven Berry Cobbler (secret family recipe), it was just to die for. The kids wouldn't appreciate anything this good so that is why they got stuck with the rice crispy treat, thanks Jeanelle.
This what comes after eating my Berry Cobbler, happy faces and licking plates.

In the end and after three days of camping, we were all ready for a shower and real toilets that flushed. When can we do it again?

I'm still not done but I've spent over two hours doing this, stopping here and there to feed dinner to the kids, they don't need to eat.

I still have pictures from Jack birthday party but I have to down load them, who knows when I will get around to doing that.

Enough for now.

Florida baby

2009-04-07T14:51:00.020-04:00

This past week had the wonderful time going down to Florida to visit with Justin's family, and to celebrate Bre's birthday. We also got CRAZY and took the kids to Disney and Sea World.

Bre turned nine, hard to believe. It was nice to be around family for one of our kids birthday's.

We caught Grandma digging into the cake. One piece just wasn't enough.

Here are the kids at our Hotel, it was very nice. Thank you Uncle Mark.

This is were our Disney trip begins. With waiting in lines!!!

Justin and his cousin Elizabeth on Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride.

Jack falling asleep while waiting in line for the Pirates of the Caribbean.

The girls sitting, while waiting for the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Out of all the Disney Characters these are the only two that we got to meet.

Elizabeth on her I-phon, lets count how many times she is on this thing. 1.

The kids playing in Flounders Cove or whatever it was called.

The kids on the Tea Cups, I refuse to go on this ride, matter of fact I have NEVER been on it and don't want too.

Elizabeth, 2.

Waiting in line to go on the race cars.

Bre was so excited to be driving that she couldn't stop smiling.

Sitting waiting for the parade to start.

In the end we made it on a total of eight rides though out the whole day, it was CRAZY crowded. The kids had fun!!!

Sea World

We got to see Shamo, the kids though she/he was just cool. Of course we (me and the kids) had to sit down in the soak zone and we did get soaked once really good.

While waiting for Justin and the kids to go on a ride, Jack and I sat around watching these people. Whatever they were, they were pretty cool to watch.

The kids again, playing in a water park.

Jack having too much fun.

Our group shot, Jack still sleeping. Dana Justin's sister, her daughter Lorelie, Elizabeth, me, Hannah, and Bre.

Jack playing and getting dirty at Grandma's house

In the end our trip was GREAT, it was so nice to see family. However we will never to to Disney in March/April again. Sea World was not that bad.

It is good to be home after spending 15 hours in the car round trip.

I'm so glad when Daddy comes home...

2009-03-17T12:04:00.004-04:00

After being gone for 100 days, Daddy is finally home. He came home early Monday morning. The girls didn't think he was coming home until Tuesday, it turned out to be a big surprise to have the girls come off the bus and see there dad standing there.
It is so good to have him home.

Whats new

2009-03-07T18:57:00.009-05:00

Today was such a beautiful day, I know from looking at the pictures it looks cold but it was actually close to 80 degrees outside. I took the kids to a park where I told them not to get dirty; I was only kidding myself. They had fun though and that is all that matters. It was so nice to have good weather for a change. Can't wait for tomorrow when it's supposed to be 83, bring out the swim suits.

The boy can sleep anywhere, must be nice.

A week ago I took the kids on a road trip and made our way down to our old stoppin grounds. Hope Mills, NC. We had a fun time meeting up with old friends, it was so nice to see so many friendly faces. Sad thing though, I took the camera with me and all the pictures I took where of me and my friend Shiann at Olive Garden celebrating her birthday. Sad, I know, I've already been chewed out and I'm also kicking myself in the butt for not taking more. It just gives me another excuse to go back down.

Just a little snack

2009-02-18T11:40:00.004-05:00

I run up stairs to change into my work out clothes come down five minutes later and find this...

I'm ready for Spring

2009-02-04T17:45:00.002-05:00

I can't wait for the warm weather. For some reason this winter I have been cold and just can't seem to get warm. Even when I'm in my home I walk around with my coat or bath robe on and a hat and thick socks. I do keep my house between 69 and 72 but more on the 69 level (due to high electric bill). But still should I be this cold?
The only thing I can blame it on is my husband being gone, the house is a lot warmer with him home.

Come this spring things will change:
1. Warmer weather, I can kick the kids outside and waste some energy
2. The wonderful smells of spring is in the air, flowers blooming, trees coming back to life, and grass growing.
3. I can finally shed off the extra layers of clothes that I have been wearing and put on my shorts; time to start working on that tan.
4. I can open the windows and let the fresh air in.
5. But most important that is when Justin comes home.

How much longer until Spring?

Snow Day...Finaly

2009-01-28T10:06:00.003-05:00

We have waited all winter long for snow and it has finally graced us with it's snowy flakes. About time!!!

My piano player

2009-01-24T12:08:00.004-05:00

BreAnden and her teacher Angie doing a duet together and Bre playing solo. Bre is doing so good.

Outside fun

2009-01-23T15:16:00.006-05:00

Jack and his friend Ryan having a boys day.

2009-01-22T17:17:00.009-05:00

No, we did not get a dog.

It has been at least three weeks since the kids have been outside to play. It has just been too cold and today was the first day in weeks that it seems like it's been past 35 degrees. So we kicked our selves outside and the kids found a frozen stream to play on. Of course they fell down, landed on there bums and got right back up to do it again.

Christmas Night Dinner

2008-12-30T17:17:00.004-05:00

What kids think of

2008-12-30T17:06:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T10:17:00.006-05:00

Holiday Recipes

2008-12-21T09:15:00.005-05:00

Every Christmas I make my Banana Nut Bread an old family favorite and new this year is our families favorite Orange Zeppole's.
Enjoy from the Benson's.

Banana Nut Bread:
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
4 large ripe bananas
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup chopped nuts, if desired

Place oven rack in lowest position. Heat oven to 350. Grease bottoms only of 2 loaf pans, 8 1/2 X 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, or 1 loaf pan, 9 X 5 X 3 inches. mis sugar and margarine in large bowl. Stir in eggs until well blended. Add bananas, buttermilk and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients except nuts just until moistened. Stir in nuts. Pour into pans. Bake 8 inch loaves about 1 hour, 9 inch loaf about 1 hour 15 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Loosen sides of loaves from pans; remove from pans. Cool completely before slicing. Wrap lightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days.

Orange Zeppole:
1 stick butter
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 TBLS orange zest
Vegetable oil, for frying

Orange Sugar:
1 TBLS orange zest
1/2 cup sugar

Chocolate Sauce:
3/4 cup cream
1 cup (8oz.) bittersweet chocolate chips

For the Orange Zeppole:
In Medium saucepan combine the butter, salt, sugar, and water over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the flour. Return the pan to low heat and sir continuously until the mixture forms a ball, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Using an electric mixture on low speed, add eggs, 1 at a time, incorporating each egg completely before adding the next. Add the orange zest and beat until smooth. Set aside.

For the Orange Sugar:
Place the orange zest and sugar in a food processor. Plus the machine until the mixture is blended. Set the sugar into a wide and shallow dish. Set aside.
Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees. Using a small ice-cram scoop or 2 small spoons, carefully drop about a tablespoon of the dough into the hot oil. Turn the zeppole once or twice, cooking until golden and puffed up, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked zeppole to the dish with the Orange Sugar. Roll to coat in the sugar. Continue frying the remaing dough.

For the Chocolate Sauce:
Heat the cream in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling. Pour cream over the chocolate and stir until the mixture is smooth. Transfer the Chocolate Sauce into a dipping dish. Serve the Zeppole alongside the Chocolate Sauce for dipping.

For our Daddy

2008-12-16T19:21:00.008-05:00

Daddy has been gone a little over a week now and amazingly the house is still standing, the car is still running(I did have to get the battery jumped this week). Kids are not killing each other, mom is not going crazy, just yet thanks to her nightly bubble baths. All in all we are doing well. But it would all go smoother if daddy were home. These pictures are for you we love and miss you.

Okay so I'm not a photographer I wish were, but I'm not. I realized after half way through taking pictures I had the settings wrong on the camera. Note to self check setting before photographing. Were is my photographer?

Pre-Christmas, Christmas

2008-11-28T17:52:00.010-05:00

Not only did you have a wonderful Thanksgiving here at the Benson house and get stuffed on yummy good food but we had the wonderful pleasure of having a early Christmas as well.

Santa came to our house Friday morning and not only that but he set up our Christmas tree as well. It was such a big surprise for the kids. BreAnden made her way down stairs around 6:30am and came running up stairs screaming and shouting that Santa had come, that he left us presents and a letter. The kids were overwhelmed.

BreAnden made off with a new piano. She broke it in for us by playing Jingle-Bells.
Hannah, finally got her My Littlest Pet Shop. It's been fun sitting back and listening to the conversations that she has with them.
Jack-Jack got his Thomas The Train Track and that thing has been going none stop. We have already replaced the batteries once today.
The family made off with a Wii that is already a big hit, I think we all have a list going of all the games we want to get. Rock Band is on the top of that list(hint-hint).
Merry Christmas

In The week of Ginger

2008-11-23T17:50:00.006-05:00

I would like to wish myself a very Happy Birthday. That's right I turned a year older this week. Along with getting older I lost a few memory cells as well. I've been so forgetful this past week and I can only blame it on my age. I'm not looking forward to next year to see how much more of my memory will be shot. I mean come on I'm only 28(31), that's still young, right?

What else is going on? Yes, we just found out Justin is leaving December 7th for two months to go over seas and serve his country. We are a little, okay a lot bummed out that he will be gone for Christmas, but what can we do. In order to have a him home for Christmas we will be having a Thanksgiving/Christmas here at the Benson house this year. It is going to be a big surprise for the kids.

Last night I had a fun time with some of my friends and went and saw Twilight. I liked it but I LOVE the book better. Of course I can't wait to see New Moon. Just found out they will be making the sequel, so excited!!!

Today in church I just got released from my ward calling as being the Ward Bulletin person, it was a fun easy job, but I coulden't help feeling I need something a little more challenging. So today they called me to be apart of the Wards Activities Committee. I can't tell you how excited I was to receive this calling, I've been wanting it since I served on it in Germany. I have so many ideas just waiting to come alive.

Hope everyone has a very wonderful Thanksgiving. And Merry Christmas.

Fall colors

2008-11-02T16:28:00.015-05:00

Shenandoah National Park

Halloween at the Benson's

BreAneden: AKA "The Devil"
Hannah: AKA "The Witch"
Jack: AKA "The Dragon"

Defend for yourself

2008-10-25T15:18:00.007-04:00

This story has to do with me and one of my friends I will not say who this person is, but for now lets name her Anne.

Anne and I were coming home from her house after gathering some of her overnight items so she could spend the night at my house. It was a dark night, the moon full and the stars out.
As we were riding our bikes into my back yard, which is no more then an acre big. But it is surround with a big old walnut tree, a fenced in dog house, a garage, wishing well, room to drive our four wheelers, garden and room for a boat. It was loaded with places to hide.
We road our bikes right up to the big old walnut tree and no sooner then I can get off my bike I see come running out from behind the boat a figure dressed in a brown cloak with the most scariest face I have ever seen. It was hairy, wrinkly, and just not right looking. I was scared!!! Anne, who was turned away from the scary thing didn't even see it coming at first.
Everything happened so fast, that as soon as I saw this thing I was off my bike dropped everything that I had on the ground and was off running toward the back of the house screaming. By this time Emily, I mean Anne, sorry finally figured out what was going on; but I didn't not care one bit what she was doing, I was defending myself.
I reached the back door and thank goodness it was unlocked. I opened the door and literally slammed it shut on Anne. But I did not stop there I found myself running through the family room, were later I learned that is where my mom and little brother Aaron were peaking out the back window rolling with laughter from watching the whole thing go down. I made it through the kitchen, down the hall way into the the bathroom. By this time Anne was able to open the back door and make her way through the same rooms to catch up to me just in time so I can again close the bathroom door and lock it in her face.
I'm standing on the toilet while Anne is trying to open the door and bang it down. Only a few seconds pass and I finally realize I left my friend behind. I quickly unlock the door and pull her in before I shut and lock the door again.
Now, here we are two teenage girls one standing on the toilet the other standing in the bath tub both of us scared to death and tears running down our faces. We don't know what happened to this thing maybe it is trying to find us somewhere in the house or it just took off running. We were in the bathroom for maybe a minute then the banging comes, along with the laughter. "Ginger, Anne, open the door. It was only dad in his Halloween costume."
I slowly come down off the toilet, Anne makes her way out of the bathtub. I very slowly open the bathroom door to find my dad, now with his Halloween mask off still standing in his brown cloak with a red face from laughing so hard. My brother Aaron is on the floor rolling with laughter and my mom tears of laughter strolling down her face. Then there is me and Anne with white-white faces in shock.
At the time it took Anne and I a good twenty to thirty minutes to find the laughter in all of this.
Today it is now Emily and I's favorite story to tell and we tell it with laughter.

Mr. Whistler

2008-10-25T12:44:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone go and check out my friend Emily's blog Art-N-Sewl. Right now she is having a scary story telling contest and she has some awesome prizes to give away.
Just to help things along here is my story.

Alright, here I go. I hate telling or hearing any stories that make me feel anxious or make me loose sleep over it. I'm going to set all of that aside and tell my stories only because I want the prizes.

It all starts off with my brother Aaron, I don't remember the ages of when this all happened.

Aaron hated to sleep in his bedroom, I think it had to do with the Motley Crue poster that my older brother had hanging on the wall. So Aaron would sleep in on the family room floor.

One morning as we are sitting around the table having breakfast, Aaron asks my mom, "who was the man with the orange hat on and whistling to me last night?. All my mom could say was, "Aaron you were dreaming, there was no one in the house last night." Well Aaron swear up and down that there was some one whistling to him.

Two weeks had pasted and by that time I forgot all about that night.

I was in my bed sleeping facing the wall. Then I woke up without opening my eyes and I rolled over. As soon as I did that I heard a voice say, "whatever you do don't open your eyes." For some reason I rolled right back over to face the wall and started to here the whistling noises. What ever it was I do not want to know. It took all that I had to not open my eyes.

After a while this peaceful, calming feeling came over me and I was asleep.

I told my mom and my brother the next morning what had happened and Aaron pipes up, "see I told you!!!"

I will never forgot that whistling sound.

Fun Park

2008-10-22T17:06:00.002-04:00

This was an awsome park, I've never seen anything like it.

Apple picking

2008-10-20T18:45:00.007-04:00

UT trip

2008-10-20T15:16:00.015-04:00

Me and my family at my dad and step-mom's new house. I have more family pictures comeing soon.

Me and my family in Twin Falls, ID celebrating my Great-Grandma's 100th birthday.

These are my Neice and nephew's Hailey, Tristen and Sean

me at my brother Cody's house with Uncle Aaron playing Rock band, my neice Cierra playing on the drums and the little guy is C.J.

Me and my nephews, Riley and Zander

Me in Pine Valley, UT; family cabin.

I'm tryin people

2008-10-19T17:26:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know it has been a long time since I've last blogged. I'm trying my hardest to get back into the grove of things and start blogging again.
I have so many pictures I need to post; from my trip to UT to our family day apple picking.
Bare with me and I hope to post them soon.

Ging

Good By

2008-09-18T10:57:00.002-04:00

I leave for Utah in two days, I can't tell you how excited I am. I've been waiting for this trip for two months now and it is finally here. I'm cleaning the house trying to get it in order; picking the girls clothes out for school so daddy wont have to dress them. If only I can hire someone to come and do there hair so they will look half decent. O'well, daddy will do his best.
But before I say my good bys I have a little story to tell you.

Back in March (Easter Sunday) Jack-Jack lost my diamond ring. I looked high and low, in places I never Even imagined to look(Jack's diapers, yuck). Nothing showed up, nothing so I gave up and figured they were gone for good.
Even in June on our 10 year anniversary Justin surprised me with thee most beautiful new diamond ring from Jared's. It was gorgeous, sparkly, big and just everything a girl could ask for. After having it for a week I had to make a very hard decision and that was to take the ring back. You are probably thinking why would you do that? Don't ask it was a decision that did not come easy. Even on the day I had Justin take the ring back I sat in the care clutching onto my seat belt crying like a baby. I knew if I let go of the seat belt I would of bolted out of the car, crabbed the ring back and yelled, "you can't take it back, it is mine. My precious!!!" But I didn't, I was strong and I sat in that car feeling guilty because my wonderful husband knew how much I missed my old ring and he bought me another one in replacement and I made him take it back. Again, I ask my self, why would I do that?
You would have to be crazy!!!
Well, this past week I was trying to set my CD player/alarm clock; yes I don't know how to set my alarm clock, it has been over two years since I've last set it.
Anyways, I'm trying to figure it out and I flip it over to see if there is a button I need to push or something and when I did I heard something in the CD player rattle. I turn to Justin and say, "wouldn't it be funny if my ring was in here."
He says, "lets take it apart to find out."
Well after shaking it first out comes a ring that I didn't even know I was missing, I thought it was in my jewelry box. Thanks Jack!! We shake it some more and out comes, two pennies, popcorn seeds,and foam packing material. But that wasn't it we shacked some more and could hear something in there but it wouldn't come out. Justin finally ripped it apart and out come my fist gold bang. I can't tell you what I felt, pure excitement. We shacked some more and out came my second gold band. No way!! Last but not least my diamond ring came out. YES!!!!
After six long months of trying to figure out what Jack had did with my rings we finally found them. Sad to say I was sleeping next to them the hole time. That boy!!! I steel love him though.
And I'm so grateful that I had Justin take back the other rings and that I listened to the spirit. As nice as it would be to have two diamond rings, I'm more happier having my old one back.

I will let you know how my Solo trip goes when I get back.
Ginger

Berk Park, Medieval Times, and whatever else.

2008-09-12T10:45:00.016-04:00

Before school began again we tried to do some last minute activities with the kids.
Here they are.

Berk Park:
It has a train ride, carousal, mini-golf, a lake, camping, biking trail. Pretty much you name it, Berk Park has it.

Medieval Times:
We've been talking about going here for some time and since I got a really good coupon in the mail we figured it was a good time. Medieval Times is in a really big outlet mall out side of Baltimore and it should of taken us no longer then 1 and thirty minutes to get there. Our show time was at 7:30 and we figured we will get there early and walk the mall. One thing we forgot to calculate into the driving time was D.C. traffic, instead of the hour and a half it took us three LONG hours to get there, however we were there on time for our showing. Had such a fun time!!! They give you enough food to feed three people and the kids had a fun time eating with there hands.

Back to School:
That is right the kids are back to school. It is so NICE!!! I know I sound like a bad mom, but I'm so HAPPY that the kids are in school. It has been a nice week, just me and Jack hanging out I feel so relaxed. Two down one more to go, YEAH!!!
Now you are probably wondering where are the kids back to school pictures? Nice question. Justin went out of town the day the kids went back. I'm getting everyone ready for school doing hair, making them look all nice and pretty and as we are walking out the door I'm searching the house for the camera. Can not find it!!! I call Justin and ask him, "do you have the camera?"
"Yes."
"Why would you take it on the first day of school?"
"I forgot."
"Whatever."
So there you go that explains the the first day of school pictures.

Now I have been asked to give my two-cents on what I thought of Breaking Dawn (Stephenie Mayers Twilight Series)

O.M.G. (Oh, MY, GOODNESS)
The day I bought the book I couldn't wait to get home and start it. But before I could it must of been the busiest day I was running around like a mad woman. And then finally on my way home from the mall I called my sister and asked here where she was at and what she thought so far.
She says, "Ginger, I can't stand it any longer, I'm about ready to throw the book out the window. I hate Edward, I hate Bella."
My heart sunk.
"No, don't tell me this." I was on the verge of crying.
My sister went on and on about how much she couldn't read the book anymore and how she had to finally stop reading it on page 639, because she was so mad.
So here I am riding home having a mild heart attack because I'm thinking to myself Edward and Bella don't end up together. I was getting to the point where I didn't even want to go home and read it.
Finally I asked her, "are you kidding me, please tell me you are kidding?"
"Yes, I'm only on page 53." Ha, ha, ha.
If I could I would of reached through the phone and slapped my sister up side the head.

After spending 12 hours with my nose in a book and neglecting my kids I finally have my closure, and I'm so happy!!! With the book, with they way it ended, I can't wait to read them again and again, and again!!!

And if you haven't heard yet, the movie is now coming out on November 21st instead of December 12th, thank you!!!

The big 32

2008-08-23T08:47:00.003-04:00

Justin turned 32 this past week, man's he is old!!!
We had a fun family day just hanging out and eating cake, German Chocolate Cake that is.

Trying to keep busy

2008-08-11T15:59:00.008-04:00

A couple of weeks ago our family made a trip up to PA to visit a Amish village. We had a fun time walking around and visiting all the little shop's and watching the people with there horses and carriages.
Also if it is one thing the Amish know how to make besides there home made quilts it's the way they cook. Man, can they cook!!! Over the years we have Fallon in love there there food, especially there home made peanut butter and jellies, pumpkin bread, number of pies. This year we tried a new pie (shew fly pie) O.M.G. was it good!!!
If you have never been to an Amish village try it, they are fun and you have to try the Amish Grocery stores, you can buy stuff there dirt cheap.

Then this past week Justin's dad and niece (Lorelei) came to visit. Justin's dad dropped Lorelei off while he went up to NY to find and apartment but when he came back we traveled out to again, the Shenandoah river to let the kids play. Of course two seconds after we got there the kids started yelling SNAKE and that just put off going in the water for me. But of course the kids had fun, they were all about tracking down more snakes.

Here are a couple of picters of the kids playing outside.

My Jack-Jack

2008-07-25T16:10:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple of pictures of Jack. To cute to not share.

Can he get any handsomer?

I'm so happy

2008-07-18T10:18:00.003-04:00

I've known about my Great-grandma's 100th birthday party in Twin Falls, ID for a while now but really didn't think of ever going back for the party. Until the other day when I was talking to my sister about it and she mentioned that she was going to go. That got me thinking so I looked at airline tickets and came across one; cheap enough.
I took the idea to Justin just to see what he would say gave him the dates of when I would like to go(September 20-30) and where I found the ticket. Next thing I know he bought me the ticket and I'm heading to Utah for 10 days. But it gets better, it will be 10 days with NO kids. Yes that is right, I'm going kid-less!!! I'm so happy!!! Don't get me wrong, I'm going to miss my babies so much, but I know I will have so much fun with out them.
I can't wait!!!

A slow nice summer

2008-07-14T07:12:00.003-04:00

Now that family has come and gone things have slowed down a lot. It is so nice, enjoying the summer with the kids out of school. We've been spending our days at the pool; at least trying too.
We have been holding off on doing anything big for when we go to Michigan in two weeks. I can't tell you how excited we are about that. Justin's family has a cabin right off of one of the big lakes up there (brain-fart, I can't remember the name of the lake). Anyways we spend our days up there going to the lake, roasting marshmallows, taking long walks, tracking the bears and all of there poo, blueberry picking, and seeing the sights. It will be two weeks of nothing but total relaxation. I hope to come back with a big smile on my face, totally re-energized and with a good tan. By then the girls will have less then a month before they head back to school. YEAH!!!
Sorry to say I have not been in the blogging mode, hopefully that will all change soon, when we get back from MI and I will have some great pictures to blog about.

more pictures

2008-06-25T10:52:00.004-04:00

picture, picture, picture...

2008-06-25T08:44:00.007-04:00

It has been awhile...

2008-06-23T13:36:00.003-04:00

and I'm still here.
Bre is now out of school and we have been so busy.
My dad, step-mom and younger brother came to visit us we have been doing a lot of sight seeing.
They arrived late Saturday night; what is with my family and coming in so late at night.
Anyways, we took Sunday and traveled up some of the Shenandoah Sky Line drive and then went over to see the Luray Cavers. Me and the kids have already seen it twice so instead of us going in we did the maze that they had there.
Monday: we went down to Mt. Vernon, that was my first time there and we had a ball. It was amazing to see where George Washington lived, beautiful home and what a wonderful guy he was.
Tuesday and Wednesday: We drove back down to Williamsburg, Jamestown and then on up to Yorktown. We did spend the night and took our time sight seeing.
Thursday: Another D.C tour was on my list. I'm not even counting how many times I've already did that tour. I'm not saying I'm sick of it, but I'm ready for a break from it maybe I'll get to it in a year or two.
Friday: Was a busy day, we did the Dulles Air Space Museum my dad loved it, which I knew he would. Afterwards we came home and rested for our big evening. BreAnden got baptised that night. It was so wonderful to see her make that chose and to have my dad baptize her. It was also Justin and I's 10 year anniversary that night too. But we celebrated it buy watching Bre be baptized and went out for ice cream afterwards.
Saturday: I was so tired I had to force myself to get out of bed and I made Justin take my family back into DC so Jack and I could stay home and rest. It was worth it.
That night Justin and I got the chance to go on a date and where did we go. No other place then to Sweet Water Tavern, I'm getting hungry just thinking about that place. Afterwards we saw the new Hulk movie, it was great.
Sunday: We said goodbye to my family, it was so nice having them here. I only wish they could of stayed longer just to hang out and relax and not have to rush around. But I will take what I can get.
Now it is Monday and here I am writing my blogg and trying to catch up. I have a lot more to report on but I'm not going to sit here all day and blog. I have so many picture's to post too and I will get to that.
I'm glad to be back.

Recipe of the week.

2008-05-18T07:57:00.002-04:00

Orange Zeppole

1 stick butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 tablespoon orange zest
Vegetable oil, for frying

Orange Sugar:
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 cup sugar

Chocolate Sauce:
3/4 cup cream
1 cup (8 ounces) bittersweet chocolate chips

For the Orange Zeppole:
In a medium saucepan combine the butter, salt, sugar, and water over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the flour. Return the pan to low heat and stir continuously until the mixture forms a ball, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Using an electric hand mixer on low speed, add eggs, 1 at a time, incorporating each egg completely before adding the next. Add the orange zest and beat until smooth. Set aside.

For the Orange Sugar:
Place the orange zest and sugar in a food processor. Pulse the machine until the mixture is blended. Set the sugar into a wide and shallow dish. Set
aside.
Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F.
Using a small ice-cream scoop or 2 small spoons, carefully drop about a tablespoon of the dough into the hot oil. Turn the zeppole once or twice, cooking until golden and puffed up, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked zeppole to the dish with the Orange Sugar. Roll to coat in the sugar. Continue frying the remaining dough.

For the Chocolate Sauce:
Heat the cream in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling. Pour cream over the chocolate and stir until the mixture is smooth. Transfer the Chocolate Sauce into a dipping dish. Serve the zeppole alongside the Chocolate Sauce for dipping.

Hannah's Birthday

2008-05-16T07:52:00.006-04:00

Hannah had her 5 birthday on May 8, yes I know I'm a little behind.
But thanks to my friend Angie she let me borrow her camera for the party.
Hannah had her party at Burger King, the kids had fun and I have to say I loved it only because I was the cheapest party ever; that's the way to go.
I can't believe Hannah is five she's starting kindergarten this year and is very scared, however I couldn't be more happier, I know she will do well and add just just fine. I will miss having her around to play with Jack, but at the same time; two kids down and one more to go. YEAH!!!

P.S. The pictures are in no particular order.

The Host

2008-05-10T11:03:00.002-04:00

As I'm sitting around trying to get my mind off of Twilight and anticipating the fourth and final book that comes out in August. I read The Host. Another wonderful book by Stephenie Meyers, that woman knows how to write. Heck, she has made me a reader.

The Host is a wonderful read, it's a little slow in the beginning but you have to pay attention or you will be lost. Around chapter 7 it starts to pick up and from there on, it's so hard to put down. It catches you!!! It is so different from Twilight, but none the least you can't stop thinking about it, once you read it. The first night that I read it, I had dreams about Edward and Bella and the characters in this book(Ian;the human and Wanda; the alien).

It's a great book, go get it. And for at least a day or two it will get your mind off of Edward and Bella. Just a day or two.

I've been tagged

2008-05-03T17:56:00.005-04:00

My friend Allison tagged me; thanks Allison.

How To Play This Game of Tag:
Post these rules on your blog.
Answer these 15 questions about yourself on your blog.
List:
3 joys
3 fears
3 goals
3 current obsessions/collections
3 random/surprising facts

Tag five people at the end of your post by leaving their names .
Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

JOYS: I figured I would do things that come in three;
-BreAnden, Hannah, and Jack
-Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse
-Cooking, eating, going out to eat

FEARS:
-Snakes: I hate snakes, I do not care if it is plastic, real, big, small, I HATE then.
-Going back to school: Just the stress of that freaks me out
-Loosing my kids: I think that one speaks for it self.

GOALS:
-Going back to school: I know it is something that has to be done.
-Travel: I want to travel. I have to say I have seen a lot in my life. But there is so much more out there and I want to see it all.
Loose weight-The never ending goal, one day I might actually say I've accomplished that goal.

OBSESSION/COLLECTION:
-Making my house look good: I have so many ideas and things that I want to do with this house. It's just a matter of picking on project and doing it.
-Green: I love the color green right now. It shows in my clothes, almost every room in my house has some shade of green in it. I can't get enough of it.
-Twilight music: Twilight the movie is coming out in December and I've found the music for the movie on Stephenie Meyer's web site. I down loaded it on itunes and can not stop listening to eat. My kids are sick of it. If you want to listen to some my play list has a bunch.

RANDOM and SURPRISING:
I honestly can not think of anything on this one; I'm stumped. I think I'm a pretty open person, I have no secrets or anything surprising. Maybe you my blogger friends can feel this in one for me.

Salute to the SILENT RANKS

2008-05-01T13:34:00.001-04:00

My friend Angie emailed this too me and I thought it was good enought to share.
Author Unknown:

I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens
But I am in the military in the ranks rarely seen
I wear no rank upon my shoulders
Salutes I do not give
But the military world is a place where I live

I'm not in the chain of command
Orders I do not get
But my husband is the one who does
I cannot forget
I'm not the one who fires the weapons
Who puts my life on the line
But my job is just as tough
I'm the one left behind

My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man
And the call to serve his Country
Not all can understand
Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this Country free
My husband makes the sacrifice
But so do my kids and me

I love the man I married
Soldiering is his life
But I stand among the silent ranks knows as the MILITARY WIFE

**************************************************

Here's my SALUTE TO YOU... CONGRATS on being STRONG and PROUD and TRUE. Being a
MILITARY WIFE isn't always easy and it really is the HARDEST JOB in the military.

Slow Week

2008-04-28T13:52:00.002-04:00

What a slow couple of weeks it has been. But I'm not complaining at all. The weather has been wonderful in the 80's and loving it. Kids are outside playing nonstop; our neighbors have a little pool that the neighborhood kids have taken over. Thanks Greg, Lucy and Alex.
Hannah, has started swim lessons back up, just trying to get her ready for summer swim season.
Jack, has entered that lovely faze of terrible two's, it has not been fun. Anything and everything sets him off.
Bre, is just been busy with school and all the projects and book reports that are going on.
I've enjoyed my time by reading more books, playing outside with the kids and going to the gym much as possible.
Justin, is in Mississippi(that's a fun word to spell) and has been for two weeks now, we have four more to go. I made the mistake of letting him take the camera with with him so don't plan on seeing any pictures for a while. However I will have to invest in a disposable camera for Hannah's birthday and a play that Bre is in at school. What was I thinking letting him take the camera, I have to much going on.

Other then that we are trying to keep busy and enjoy the weather before it get too hot.

Recipe of the Week

2008-04-18T08:55:00.002-04:00

Bananas Foster French Toast

I saw Mrs. Paula Deen make this the other day and I could not turn away from it. Banana's Foster's is one of my favorite desserts, so for her to make it into French Toast sounds even better.

4 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 tablespoons butter, divided
8 large croissants, halved
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup maple syrup
1 cup chopped pecans
6 ripe bananas, halved crosswise and lengthwise
1 teaspoon rum extract

In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, cream, and cinnamon. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Dip 4 croissant halves in egg mixture to coat both sides. Using a fork, remove croissants from egg mixture, letting excess mixture drip off. Place croissant halves in hot skillet. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side or until lightly browned. Repeat procedure with remaining butter and croissant halves. Set aside and keep warm.
In a large skillet, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, maple syrup and pecans. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat, and simmer for 2 minutes. Add banana halves and rum extract. Coat with the syrup mixture, and simmer 1 minute. Spoon over French toast. Serve immediately.

Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse

2008-04-14T19:04:00.016-04:00

A lot of people know that I do not find joy in reading. SURPRISE!!! Honest to say the last time I a read a book was in the 12th grade, shocking I know. I'm not counting the book that I read last month either. It was one of Justin's Intel books and all I got from it was a lot of blah, blah, blah, blah. But I made it through in four days.
Lately, I have figured that I do need to start reading more, for my own sake.

My sister Tobi has been telling me about these books, Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse and how good they are. I figured if she can read them three times in less then a month, then they must be good. So I made thee effort. I went to the book store and purchased the first one on a Thursday afternoon. I read that book in less then 24 hours. I was so exited to read the other's that I made Justin go to the book store on his way home from work on Friday. I had the second one read by Saturday evening. I put that one down and turned right onto the third. I fished that one last night(Sunday).
I never thought in my whole life I could read three books in three days, that means I've read a total of 1688 pages, plus more. I had to go through and re-read parts of the first book over again; it's that good.
Just so you know these the books are about a vampire named Edward and a human named Bella thay fall in love. That's all I'm saying.

The Fourth and final book does not come out until August 2, it will be so hard to wait that long, I need closer!!! It's driving me crazy.

Good news they are coming out with a movie on December 12, thank you!!!

So if you haven't read the books yet, go get them, plan on your house getting messy and your kids being neglected, they'll get over it.

2008-04-06T13:24:00.001-04:00

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Jack's P.BandA.

2008-04-06T12:40:00.003-04:00

Jack-Jack did it again, you ask what? He does things now and again that just makes you scream, "JACK-JACK!!!" This afternoon as I was getting ready to make the kids lunch, I brought out the peanut butter and opened it. To my surprise I saw this. And I yelled, JACK-JACK!!! Who knows how long those apples have been in there. It must of been awhile because there was some red gooe that started to grow. All though the apples still looked good to eat. It all ended up in the garbage. But that was before I looked in to see if my diamond rings were in there somewhere too. They weren't!!! Still looking!!!

My baby is 8

2008-04-02T14:09:00.009-04:00

Where did the last eight years go? I could of sworn BreAnden was a baby just a month ago. She has gone from this cute, chubby, cuddly, little thing too, a bubbly, independent, self-spoken, bundle of joy.

BreAnden has a very sweet spirit about her, she has made me want to be a better mom. She feels our home with warmth and her own creativity. She loves to play with her brother and sister and has put on the roll of being mother-hen. Bre is her own little person who loves to live in her own little world.

So where did those eight years go?

Bre was born in Landstuhl, Germany on April 2, 2000 at 5:05pm weighting 7lbs 4oz and was 21 inches. She became a world class traveler from the very beginning. From traveling all over Germany and many other countries. Visiting family member's in Utah, Florida, Michigan, and all states in-between.

She lived in Germany for three years and then on to North Carolina were she lived for four + years and now resides in Virgina. Who knows where her military dad will take her next (England if mom has a say in the matter).

What will Bre be doing in the next eight years (16years old)?

She will be getting a drivers license, scary!!!

Start dating, not if she takes after her mom, and only if dad gives her permission.

She will be in the 10th grade, is that right? It can't be. It is!!! I will be old.

She will start working, hopefully at a good store where family discounts are included.

She will be a live in baby sitter; SWEET!!!

All I can say is give us all the strength that we need to get through those years and to out live them so we can see her grow old and raise her own family.

Recipe of the Week

2008-03-31T14:00:00.002-04:00

This recipe will be great for a appetizer.

Red Pepper Cheesecake
1/2 cup ricotta cheese (4 ounces)
1/2 cup cream cheese (4 ounces)
1/4 cup goat cheese (2 ounces)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 egg Pinch kosher salt
1/2 cup thin strips roasted red bell peppers

4 pitas

2 tablespoons olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly

ground black pepper

1/4 cup apricot jam

1 to 2 teaspoons hot water

Special equipment: 1 (9-inch) springform pan

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Wrap the outside of the cheesecake pan with 2 layers of heavy-duty foil. Place the ricotta, cream cheese, and goat cheese in a food processor. Pulse to mix. Add the sugar, egg, and salt and pulse a few times until well mixed. Stir in the red pepper strips.
Pour the cheese mixture into the cheesecake pan. Place the cheesecake pan in a roasting pan. Pour enough hot water in the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. Bake until the cheesecake is golden at the edges and the center of the cake moves slightly when the pan is gently shaken, about 45 minutes (the cake will become firm when it is cold.)
Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate until the cheesecake is cold, at least 3 hours and up to 2 days.
To make the pita chips, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Cut the pitas into 8 triangles each (like a pie). Drizzle the pita with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until crisp and golden, about 12 to 15 minutes.
To serve, combine the jam and the water in a small bowl and stir until the jam is liquefied. Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Place on a serving plate. Drizzle the jam mixture over the top of the cheesecake. Serve with the pita chips alongside.

Art work and smore's

2008-03-30T15:03:00.006-04:00

This weekend we went up to Woodbridge High school where we saw some art work of BreAnden's that was on display. She did a wonderful job capturing a dragon and a knight.

Afterwards we went over to the Turner's house for BreAnden's primary party. The kids stuffed themselves with hot dogs and smores. We all came home smelling like camp fire. It's just been one nice relaxing weekend. Something we all need before BreAnden's big eighth birthday party this coming weekend.

Uncle Aaron's Visit

2008-03-27T08:15:00.016-04:00

Uncle Aaron came for a visit. It was so fun having him here, he is just a lad back, easy going, free spirited boy.

Just like Aunt Tobi he arrived late Tuesday night. Here is our week of adventures.

Wednesday: We took the kids to the CRAZY House of Bounce, and note to self, never again will I do that on day there is no school. Afterwards we went down to Fair Oaks mall where Uncle Aaron spoiled the kids and got them each a Build a Bear. What fun!!!

Thursday: We made the hour or so trip down to Monticello(Thomas Jefferson's house). If you have never been, go! It was great, the house sits on top of a hill over looking the town of Charlottesville.

Friday: We drove up to one of the many caverns that Shenandoah has to offer. We first started off by going to the Shenandoah Caverns. They were okay, but I would save your money and go straight to Luray Caverns. We have been there twice now, I had to go the second time just to take Aaron, I knew he would love it. We also drove about 38 miles out of the 109miles Shenandoah Sky line; it's not so beautiful in the winter.

Saturday: My loving husband again watched the kids for us while Aaron and I drove down into DC. This time we tried to go see the Declaration of Independents. But we didn't feel like staying in the two hour line. So we walked over to the Air and Space museum instead and spent two hours there walking around. Afterwards we walked up to the Botanical Gardens and found our selves snapping pictures after picture of beautiful orchids and all different types of flowers.

Here is one that smells like ratting meat; it's enough to make you want to throw-up. it is called, "Devils Tongue." We made or way up around the Capital building and back to see if the Declarations of Independents line had gotten shorter. It hadn't, it only gotten longer. We figured it was a good time to go walk a mall or two, so we traveled out to Tyson's Corner where they have one of the best malls. Finally, we made it home in time to help the kids color Easter eggs, and put them to bed.

Sunday: Can I say thank you for a day of rest. Because that is what our bodies needed. I tried so hard to get up and get ready for church, but I just couldn't manage. We spent all day Sunday relaxing and working on our Easter dinner. It was just what we needed.

Oh, one more thing, my little Jack-Jack gave mommy a big Easter surprise and LOST my diamond ring and my two wedding bands; one that Justin gave me and the other was my grandpa's. I love that boy!!! They have still yet to be found. I have looked high and low and in between. I have thought thee imaginable. I keep looking in Jack's dirty diapers; nothing yet. I have searched our back yard thinking he throw them off the balcony; nothing. Pretty much, you name it I have done it. And nothing.

Monday: Aaron didn't get enough of the Air and Space museum so I took him out to the Air and Space Museum by Dulles airport. I actually like that one a lot better then the on inside D.C.

Tuesday: On our last day of shopping, Aaron wanted to go to the Leesburg outlets. What can I say, it was more shopping. I am done with shopping for now.

Wednesday: Uncle Aaron had to say goodbye. We had a good time with him. Aaron my look like a harry beast, but underneath all that hair he is one lovable brother and good guy. It was a fun week with him.

Yes, I'm alive...

2008-03-13T13:06:00.013-04:00

I have so much to catch up that I don't even know where to begin. I think I will just post a bunch of pictures and go from there.

My sister came to visit us two weeks ago and we had so much fun. She arrived LATE Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. We started Wednesday off by hitting my fav store H&M. Then pretty much just showed her around my local town.

Thursday: We hit the big mall here called Fair Oaks then went out to Cheesecake Factory, YUMMY!!!

Friday: We spent most of the day home because Bre came home from school sick. But my loving husband got off work early so she and I could go shopping at the outlet mall (Leesburg Outlets). Do you see a pattern forming already? When we get together, we shop!!!

Saturday: We took a family trip down to Williamsburg; we got there pretty late in the afternoon, that we just walked around old town Williamsburg and that was awesome. We will go back this summer with my dad when it is alive and active with crazy tourist.

Sunday: We went down to Jamestown settlement. Walked around the big museum that is there and down around the ships, kids loved it.

As we were coming home from Williamsburg on Sunday we kept passing all of these plantations so we figured we better pull over to one and take a look. It was a big house with lots of history, what else can I say, it's a house.

Monday: What a day, Justin again was kind enough to take work off that day so Tobi and I could go down to D.C without the kids. We were going to take the metro in, but missed our exit and before we knew it we were in D.C. Parked the car at Arlington Cemetery and did the tour there. We then got on a bus and started to do the D.C bus tour. We finally figured we got places faster by walking. We walked, walked and walked. Had so much fun!!!

We finished out tour, went back and got the car and then we drove more into D.C just so we could see the U2 3-D concert. AWESOME!!! We went to the 5:30 showing on a Monday and were the only two in the whole theater. We acted like dorks and no one was there to see us.

Tuesday: We went back to H&M and other stores so Tobi could finish her last minute shopping.

Wednesday: Took her back to the airport. It was so nice having her here

Now that she is gone, it has taken me a week just to get things back in order here at the Benson house, just so I can do it all over again next Tuesday when my brother Aaron comes in for a visit. So don't expect to here from me next week either.

P.S. I do have more pictures from Williamsbug, but they are on Justin's lap top, as soon as he transfers them over I will blog those too.

Here is what I look like now.

Here it is

2008-03-06T11:15:00.003-05:00

Here is my new hair cut, just picture it being down and not pulled back. I'll find a better one soon. But I gotta run!! Busy, busy!!!

Soon, very soon

2008-03-04T08:48:00.002-05:00

I know, I know, everyone has been waiting. But you will have to wait just a little bit longer.
My sister is in town visiting from Utah and we have been here, there and plus some. She leaves tomorrow and after that I will post again.

But, WOW check out the number of posts I got on the last blog 14, record high!!!

Please bare with me just a little bit longer. I will say I went with something no one voted for. And I am so happy I did.

Ginger

I need your Vote

2008-02-23T17:15:00.003-05:00

I'm getting my hair cut this Tuesday and would like your help. I can't decide to keep my hair long or go back to short. Here are some choices of what I like.

I'm just asking for your vote on the cut not the color. Choice which one you think I would look best with.

Recipe of the week

2008-02-18T13:03:00.003-05:00

Chocolate Caramel Popcorn

1 cup popcorn, for popping

For the caramel:

1 cup plus
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup plus
2 tablespoons corn syrup
Scant 1/4 cup water
1 pound bittersweet chocolate, tempered

Pop the popcorn. I like to use a hot-air popper but you can pop it any way you like.
To make the caramel: Place the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a 2-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat and cook until light golden brown. We use a large pan so that there will be room to add the popcorn. Use a wooden spoon to stir the popcorn into the caramel until it is evenly coated. Pour the caramelized popcorn onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet and allow it to cool. When cool, use your hands to break up any clumps.
Place the cool popcorn in a large bowl. Use a ladle to drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn, stirring with a wooden spoon as you go. Keep adding chocolate until the popcorn is evenly coated. Pour the chocolate-coated popcorn onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet and allow it to cool. When it is cool, place it in decorative bags to give as gifts.
Tip: You can also use milk chocolate and/or white chocolate to coat the popcorn. The process is always the same. Be careful when you work with the caramel. It is very hot and can burn! As always, when working with caramel, have a bowl of ice-cold water next to you in case you get caramel on your hands.

Picture Time

2008-02-18T12:19:00.016-05:00

I was making cookies one day and turned my back for 30 seconds to put something in the sick and get something else, when I turned around Jack had climbed up on a stool and started digging into the cookie dough. Hannah, on her face you could tell she was surpised by what Jack doing and then dissapointed over the fact that I would not let her join in.

Jack fell asleep around 8ish one night and for some reason woke up an hour later just as Justin and I were ready to go to bed. But I don't know what happened to this kid, he woke up full of energy and would not go back to sleep for anything. After fighting with him for a hour trying to get him to go to sleep I had enough and let him go do what ever he wanted to do. He went into the kitchen pulled out most of the pot and pans, carried one over to the island climbed up on a stool and demanded that he had fishes to cook with. This all happened at 10:30 at night. He had his fished and then went back to bed.

Jack has been into Tea parties lately, he decided have one with his dad one day.

Hannah has just finished her first session of gymnastics and had so much fun, this was my first time watching her in class only because I have Jack with me when I go, do I need to explaine more? Now that she is done with gymnastics we got her in swimm lessons twice a week; those pictures will come soon.

BreAnden is our little artist, her she is starting a painting of course she was not able to finish the painting because Jack woke up from his nap.

I love Jacks mohwak, will I ever out grow it, someday!!! But for now he will go spiky whenever possible. I love to see the reaction from people when we go out in public, it's too fun. He also does this thing when he gets excited. He makes a tight fist and then shakes his hands, it is the funnitest thing to watch.

Bre has always been one to dress up and I find myself asking, "at what age becomes to old to play dress-up?" But this girl loves it. I think it is time to get her signed up for drama classes.

Today was so nice outside, the kids dragged out a blanket on our back patio and wanted lunch. Not to mention it is never to early to work on a good tan.

I am finally cought up on blogging pictures, I will try not to get so far behind next time.

Factor V (five)

2008-02-13T13:07:00.004-05:00

For those of you who did not read my last blog, "What A Week," I just found out I have factor V. After doing some more research on it, I didn't realize what a scary thing it is.
My mom died over four years ago, I'm not saying it was the cause of her death, but I would not be surprised it if played apart in her death.

This is what Factor V is....

Factor V Leiden is the most common hereditary blood coagualtion disorder in the United States. It is present in 5% of the Caucasian population and 1.2% of the African American population.

Factor V Leiden increases the risk of venous thrombosis 3-8 fold for heterozygous (one damaged gene inherited) and substantially more, 30-140 fold, for homozygous (two damaged genes inherited) individuals.
The prothrombin 20210 mutation is the second most common inherited clotting abnormality. It is more common than protein S and C deficiency and Antithrombin deficiency combined; 2% of the general population is heterozygous. It is only a mild risk factor for clots, but together with other risk factors (such as oral contraceptives, surgery, trauma, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, etc) or combined with other clotting disorders (like Factor V Leiden), the risk of clotting increases dramatically.

Factor V Leiden can be associated with the following complications:

Venous Thrombosis blood clots in veins, such as:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), veins in arms and legs
Superficial thrombophlebitis
Sinus vein thrombosis, veins around the brain
Mesenteric vein thrombosis, intestinal veins
Budd-Chiari syndrome, liver veins
Pulmonary Embolism (PE), blood clots in the lungs
Arterial clots (stroke, heart attack) in selected patients (some smokers)
Possibly with stillbirth or recurrent unexplained miscarriage
Preeclampsia and/or eclampsia (toxemia while pregnant)

If you have experienced any of these complications, you may have Factor V Leiden. However, many people with Factor V Leiden remain completely healthy throughout their lives.

I found a cool web-site that answers all the questions on might have http://www.fvleiden.org/. That is where I got the information above from.

Who should be tested...
There are a number of scenarios in which a patient should have a blood test for the Leiden mutation. They are:

1. If they unexpectedly have a DVT without a clear predisposing factor, such as smoking, varicose veins or obesity, especially if under the age of 30;
2. If they have a family history of the mutation.
3. If they have had more than one episode of DVT.

The sad thing is kids can even get Factor V.

Recipe of the week

2008-02-10T13:25:00.001-05:00

Molten Lava Cakes

6 (1-ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate
2 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 stick) butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 large eggs
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons orange juice

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Grease 6 (6-ounce) custard cups. Melt the chocolates and butter in the microwave, or in a double boiler. Add the flour and sugar to chocolate mixture. Stir in the eggs and yolks until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and orange juice. Divide the batter evenly among the custard cups. Place in the oven and bake for 14 minutes. The edges should be firm but the center will be runny. Run a knife around the edges to loosen and invert onto dessert plates.

Suggestions for toppings:
Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and top with raspberries, strawberries or blueberries
Top with whip cream and again top with raspberries, strawberries or blueberries. Mix it up and do what you want. Just remember it is Valentines and Chocloate it key.

What a week

2008-02-10T13:18:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't blogged in a while; forgive me. I just haven't been in the mood, and I'm still not. But I've figured I better catch everone up on the things that have been happening over the past week. Let me back up first of all and start three weeks before.

I've noticed over the past three weeks this growing pain down on my lower front left side. I knew exactly what it was, since I had the same problem exactly last year. But this time the pain was not going away and was only getting worse. I went a head a made a Dr. appt at our family doctors office; last Tuesday for Jack and I (he needed to go for a baby check up). Enough about Jack, no, he is doing just fine. For height he is in the 95% and for weight he is in 50%. A healthy, monster of a boy. Now back to me, so I went in for my appt and I just knew I had an ovarian cyst, as soon as the Dr prest on my stomach I just wanted to slap her. Since she is just a family Dr and not an OBGYN she couldn't do much for me, other then put me on birth control pills to salve the matter. But I can't go on birth control pills; I'll get to that story soon. Since she couldn't do anything for me all she could do was to send me to the Hospital to verify that I do have a cyst by ultrasound. So away I went drinking my gallon of water and trying my hardest to not pee my pants I had an ultra sound and yes it did confirm that I DO have a ovarian cyst that is two inches, and believe me it is making it self know that it is there.

As of last Tuesday it seems I have done nothing but have thee biggest run around from our insurance company trying to found a OBGYN for me. As of today I have found one, the bad news I can't get in to see her until next Thursday the 21st. Until then I will keep going to bed with a heating pad and keep taking my 800mg of IBprophen and hope that it might work.

Now back to why I can't be on birth controll pills. This is another, go back in the future story.
Almost five years ago I developed a blood clot in my right leg; they took me off birth control. There you go, end of story. Alright, I will keep going. Before my mom passed away she found out that she had a disorder called Factor V(five). It is a blood clotting disorder and for the rest of your life you have to be on blood thinners and who know what else. Well, since she pasted I forgot all about this disorder until a couple of weeks ago, my sisters brought the subject up that they were both going to get tested and that I should do the same(they came back negitive). So when I went to go see my Dr that was also something I talked to her about and she had me tested. As of this morning I found out that I am positive for Factor V. So, yes. Hello, my name is Ginger B. and I have Factor V. Boy, that feels good to say.

That right there in a few paragraphes I have summed up one week. I'm sure I've missed more things and bare with me I'm sure I have a LOT of miss spelled words, but my spell check isn't working. I would also post some pictures but my picture thingy isn't working. Until all of those work; don't make fun of my spelling, I know I can't spell, and you will just have to wait for the pictures.

Happy Valentines

Recipe of The Week.

2008-01-29T13:10:00.001-05:00

Garlic and Citrus Chicken

1 (5 to 6-pound) whole roasting chicken, neck and giblets discarded
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 orange, quartered
1 lemon, quartered
1 head garlic, halved crosswise, plus 3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 (14-ounce) cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon
chopped fresh oregano leaves
Kitchen string or butcher twine

Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
Pat the chicken dry and sprinkle the cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the orange, lemon, and garlic halves. Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen string to help hold its shape. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
Place a rack in a large roasting pan. Place the chicken, breast side up, on the rack in the pan. Roast the chicken for 1 hour, basting occasionally and adding some chicken broth to the pan, if necessary, to prevent the pan drippings from burning. Whisk the orange juice, lemon juice, oil, oregano, and chopped garlic in a medium bowl to blend. Brush some of the juice mixture over the chicken, after it has baked 1 hour. Continue roasting the chicken until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the innermost part of the thigh registers 170 degrees F, basting occasionally with the juice mixture and adding broth to the pan, about 45 minutes longer. Transfer the chicken to a platter. Tent with foil while making the sauce (do not clean the pan).
Place the same roasting pan over medium-low heat. Whisk in any remaining broth and simmer until the sauce is reduced to 1 cup, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Strain into a 2-cup glass measuring cup and discard the solids. Spoon the fat from the top of the sauce. Serve the chicken with the pan sauce.

Trying something new...

2008-01-29T12:35:00.001-05:00

Let me just say, "I hate running, but boy, do I love a runner's body." So at the beginning of the new year I made a goal to run a mile a month and add a lap a week. I started off at running a flat mile; that was hard. But I did it, each week I added a lap and as of today I made it up to two miles. YEAH!!! My legs were burning and when I got off the tred-mill they felt like rubber. Now I can't run anything less then two miles, I can only go forward. I will keep going until my knees give out on me. Lets hope it wont be long!!! J/K. I have more goals I would like to see be accomplished this year, I would love to join a mountain biking club. Lets see what happens with that.

For those of you who KNOW me, I have always been over weight. Yes, it's true. I started off at 200 pounds, and thanks to the magic little pills called Phen-fen I dropped 60 pounds. Can I get an AMEN!!! Of course we all know what getting married and having kids can do to one's body. I have been on a diet roller coaster for ten years now and I'm so tired of it. I'm at; and I will be honest, on a good day 148 on a bad 150. I'm making the year 2008 my year to get to my goal weight of 135-140, thats only 10+ pounds, but it has been my hardest. I love going to the gym, I go when ever I can, I'm up for anything new(running). If anyone has any new advice they can give me; give it!!!

My husband and I joined Nutrie-system in September I lost 6 pounds and have been stuck ever since. We got off the program right before Christmas; mistake? I don't know. I will admit I did gain a couple pounds over the holidays, who doesn't. But if it is one thing the program made us realize it how much we over ate. All I can say, is cut everything in half.

As of this week I would like to start posting my progress, I hope to share my weight loss with everyone; brave!!! I will start off by saying I weight 150, and HOPE to loose a pound a week. Am I doing it for anyone? MYSELF!!! If you would like to join me, feel free. I hope this will help me and who ever else feels inspired to do so.

I will also try and post healthier Recipes of the Week.

Activities from a busy week...

2008-01-20T08:40:00.001-05:00

We went from doing squat the week before to doing a whole lot this week.

Monday: Started the week off by going to BreAnden's Girls Scout award ceremony where she got a great amount of badges for all different types of things. Watching her go through the ceremony was fun it brought back a bunch of old memories from when I was in the Girl Scouts. Sad to say Bre was the only one not wearing her vest only because her troop numbers were falling off and getting lost, the American Flag was placed on the wrong side (thanks to mom). It is time to bring out the sewing machine and fix the vest.

Tuesday: I managed to squeeze in some fun time for Hannah and Jack at the House of Bounce, and to wear them out so I can come home and put Jack down for a nap and catch up on house work. After Bre got out of school I took them to the mall to get a much needed hair cut for the both of them.

Wednesday: It snowed, amazingly they did not cancel school which they should of down since it snowed six inches and the roads were crazy. l watched my neighbors pull into there drive way and come inches from running into there cement stairs (you thought no one was looking). As cold as it was outside Hannah and Jack just had to go out and play.

Afterwards it was back in the house, warming up with hot chocolate. Chocolate!!! And snuggling up on the sofa trying to get warm.

Oh, yes, earlier that day Hannah had gymnastics, which she is just loving and Jack hates because he can't go with her.

Hannah and I also found the time to go to Bre's school to eat school lunch with her. YUMMY!!! No seriously the one skimpy little drum stick and 1/4 cup of green salad a hand full of green beans it was enough to make your mouth water and stomach say, "I'm full!!"

That night we had a late Family Home Evening activity, we all sat around and iced cup cakes for Bre's class mates. She was awarded Cougar of the week at school and for that her whole class was awarded cup cakes. Lucky them, thanks Bre.

Bre's and Dad's job were to ice the cakes, Hannah's was to give them the pretty little sprinkles, Jack's was to eat it with a measuring spoon, and mom's job was to clean up all the mess. Typical!!!

(Check out the new hair cuts).

Thursday: Bre's cup cakes had to be taken into school along with things to show off for being Cougar of the week. Art work from years past, family photos, baby photos, and a wonderful letter that her dad wrote, to be read in class. Bre loved it because she was up on her pedestal getting the attention she has always wanted.

After school it was more playing in the snow.

Friday: I actually found the time to go grocery shopping and find my self in Old Navy shopping on the awesome deals that they had going on. You can not beat an extra 75% off clearance. Also Target had great prices too, found Bre snow boots for $6.45. Wow!!!

Saturday and Sunday: Spent the day's trying to recover from a busy week. I love the day of rest, it's great when you can add two.

Recipe of The Week...

2008-01-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

My friend Shiann has been asking me for a while now for this recipe. I've keep forgetting until now. Sorry Shiann. It is a great recipe for spring/summer, it makes a lot so there are plenty of left overs; which you want!!!!

I lost this recipe but now is found. When some one looses an earring or necklace you go into panic mooed; me when I loose a recipe, especially a really good one that is when I go into panic mooed. Call me crazy!!! But I would rather hand down all my recipes to my kids someday then my jewelry (that's going to the grave with me).

Cream Cheese Grape Salad

1 8oz package bream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup sour cream

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 Pound seedless green grapes

1 pound seedless red grapes

1 cup chopped walnuts

In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, brown sugar, and vanilla; stirring until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine grapes and walnuts. pour cream cheese mixture over, tossing gently to coat. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

This past week...

2008-01-14T13:26:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of the week and after going to the gym and cleaning the house I found myself relaxing in front of the TV. I was watching a Baby story; cause who doesn't like that show. The mother who was getting ready to give birth to her fifth child she said something so profound that it has stuck with me. She had four girls and was finally having there first son. They didn't live in the nicest house and they drove an older van, and you can tell they didn't have the nicest clothes. But you can tell they were a close family, kids looked like they got along really good with one another; just a kind and loving family. The mother said, "you can have the million dollar house, you can drive the BMW or have all the name brand clothes, go on all the vacations you want. But when you are 80 years old you wont have any of that stuff; nothing to hug you back. In the end the only things that you will have to hug you back is your family."
I was so touched by that one comment, it is so true. It has opened my eyes, I don't need to go to Target or H&M everyday, buy needless things just to make my kids or myself happy. In the end, having my family close by is all I want.
So last week I did stay home for most of it. I do have BreAnden in girl scouts on Monday's, she loves it and right now they are selling girl scouts cookies. Let me know if you want some.
I finally got Hannah in Gymnastics, I've been telling her ever since school started I would get her in it. It's taken four months to do that. But, she is in and so far she likes it.
Besides staying home, taking Bre to girl scouts and Hannah to gymnastics, last week was nice and relaxing.
Hope you had a good one too.

Recipe of The Week...

2008-01-14T13:09:00.000-05:00

Double-Chocolate Orange Cupcakes

I made these yummy cupcakes last Friday. I was tired of sitting around doing nothing and I was so in the mood to work in the kitchen; other than cleaning it. I found this little scrum-chase recipe and just had to do. It has all the chocolate you need to satisfy any chocolate craving and when there is a will and a way I love to add orange or lemon zest to any recipe, it makes any recipe so much better. The orange zest is my own little addition it adds a burst of flavor to the recipe, so either us it or don't, it's up to you.

1 cups all-purpose flour

1/3cup unsweetened cocoa

21tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp salt

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup egg substitute

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk

1/14 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped

2 TBL powdered sugar

Zest from one orange

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; stir with a whisk.

3. Place granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well combined(about 3 minutes). Add egg substitute and vanilla, beating well. add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to granulated sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Fold in chocolate and orange zest. Spoon batter into a 12 muffin cups lines with muffin cup liners. Bake at 350 for 18 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly in center or until wooden pick inserted in center comes our clean. Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.

Recipe of The Week...

2008-01-08T13:36:00.000-05:00

Crepes Suzette with Vanilla Ice Cream and Orange Butter Sauce

2 cups milk
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Pinch salt
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Orange butter, recipe follows
1 tablespoon butter to brush the crepe pan

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Add milk and eggs to blender and combine. Add the flour 1/2 a cup at a time, blending after each addition to ensure there are no lumps. Add pinch of salt and melted butter then blend for 30 seconds until you achieve a smooth, silky consistency. Set aside in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to rest. While it rests make the orange butter sauce.
Dip a piece of kitchen paper in butter and grease a small frying pan. Ladle a spoonful of batter into the pan. With a flick of the wrist swivel the pan in order to get a nice even covering all over. A good crepe should be paper- thin. Cook on a high heat and flip it over when you see the edge turning golden brown. Remove crepes from pan and fold in half and press into a muffin tray to form little cup shapes. Bake in hot oven for 10 to 12 minutes until slightly crispy and brown around the edges, the middle should remain spongy and light.

Orange Butter:
2 sticks (1/2 pound)
unsalted butter 1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup freshly squeezed
orange juice
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 big splash orange-flavored liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)

Combine the butter, sugar, citrus juices, and zest to a small saucepan and cook for about 10 minutes until it caramelizes. It should be a golden color. Remove from heat, add the Grand Marnier, return to the heat and continue to whisk and reduce until syrupy-about 10 minutes. When done, set to the side.
To assemble, place crepe "cup" in the center of plate and place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the cup. Drizzle with the orange butter sauce

New Name...

2008-01-08T13:34:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone eaither got the email or some one told you about my name change. It was time. From the very beginning I've always have disliked my blogger name. I figured now was a good time for a change.
I hope you all like the new change, and welcome to In The House of Ginger.

Our Christmas Holiday...

2007-12-30T14:27:00.001-05:00

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I know we sure did.

We started off by really getting into the Christmas Spirit by going out to the D.C Temple to see the lights and to hear some beautiful music. We went with our dear friends and neighbors; the Toler's and Naude's. The kids couldn't believe all the lights and Justin and I couldn't believe how big the temple is. It was so beautiful!!!

For Christmas Eve, we had the missionaries over for dinner. I made a tomato bisque and some chili, served in bread bowls. Of course I can't for get my Grandma's Dixie salad. It was all good.

Christmas day; boy what a day. We told Santa to not spoil the kids this year, like we do every year. But just like every year he doesn't listen.

Bre, made out with an Artist easle. Justin and I thought it was already put together, little did we know it came in 48 pieces which took Justin all most two hours to put together.

Hannah, got her kitchen and all the little things that go with that. The girls have both been busy cooking down stairs.

Santa didn't stop there with the girls, he just had to bring them a Scoooowch. I have to say Justin and I have more fun on it then the kid do.

Jack got himself a set of mega blocks and some cars.

Christmas day was wonderful in our home. I hope you all had a wonderful day too. Thanks to all for your cards, pictures, gifts.

Our Night...

2007-12-16T12:28:00.000-05:00

Justin had his "Holiday Ball," for work yesterday, at Fort Myer's. It was a beautiful evening,with friendly faces and good food. This is Jack, gearing up for a night at the baby sitter's. He later jumped into the bathtub fully clothed and had to wear girlly PJ's. It was darn near meat locker temperatures when we arrived. Ginger didn't want to give up her coat. The event photographer was nice enough to use our camera to snap a couple of pictures of us. That turned out to be a good thing, cause her package prices were pretty outrageous.I was being presented an award (the Defense Meritorious Service Medal) for the work I did at my previous unit. The DMSM is a pretty big deal for an AF E-6. It's usually reserved for E-7 and above.

As you can tell I copied some of Justin's sayings off of his Smugmug site so I wouldn't have to write it myself.
Justin works with all the services in the Military (Navy, Army, Marines, and of course Air Force), but it was so amazing to see all the different Military uniforms that were worn last night; just beautiful.

By the way don't you just love my new hair color, "Dark Irish Red."

Our sad little Ginger Bread house

2007-12-14T15:35:00.001-05:00

We tried, we tried, we tried. But no matter what we did there was no helping this thing out. It must of been an old Ginger Bread kit from last year. The icing was not coming out of the bag, it would not stick to the cookie, the candy would not stick to the icing. The kids tried and tried. After several attempts to get the roof to attach we finally gave up; I gave up!!! I took the icing and just squeezed it out of the bag all over the house and the kids took the candy and smashed it into the icing.

In the end the kids had fun, we got some good laughs and we all got to taste it. Thank goodness no one got sick.

My Christmas Wish list

2007-12-04T15:53:00.000-05:00

My friend Allison is asking what every one's Christmas wish list is so I figured I would play the game and be selfish too.

My selfish wants...
1. A boop lift and implants
2. Lasik eye surgery
3. My old car payed off
4. New car
5. New clothes
6. Black knee high boots
7. Nintendo Wii with the guitar hero
8. Decorations from Pottery Barn; my walls are bare and need some love. Pottery Barn would give them the right amount of love.
9. New bedroom set, and bedspread
10. Some rugs for our floors, I'm tired of everything showing up on our cream white floors.
11. body wrap and massage

My unshelfish wants

1. Food storage all cought up
2. 72 hour kits ready to go when ever I need them
3. Boob lift and breast implants
4. World Peace

Kids Pictures

2007-12-04T14:38:00.000-05:00

Alright, I said I wasn't going to post any pictures that we took the other night. But I figured I would just post the one's of the kids and not the family one. I will post that one after Christmas.

I made the mistake of letting Justin go into the new Best Buy that just opened up in our town, the other day. The boy has been looking at new camera's online and when he does that, I know he's not to far off from purchasing one. So of course when he went into Best Buy he came out with the new Canon 40D. O'well the man deserves it. Just like I derserve my boob job.

Enjoy the pictures.

Jack says, "How you doin?"

A Slow week...

2007-12-03T10:17:00.000-05:00

I have nothing exciting to report for the past week. We all just hung out at home, the weather here has been COLD so that has kept us inside mostly; with the heat on and hot chocolate in our hands. Can I say the Land-O-Lakes brand of hot chocolate is the best I have ever had. It offers you so many different flavors and I know you can buy it at Costco in bulk which includes all the fun flavors.

Moving on... we have had our good friends(neighbors) the Tolers over for game night. We are in the process of teaching them Ligretto. Of course it ended quickly due to the fact that Jack almost bit his tongue off. No it wasn't that severe but he just bit it really good. Looking at it now you can't even tell anything happened. I think ever one used it as a good excuse to end the night, since I was kicking every one's butt at Ligretto. We've already scheduled our next game night; can I say, "Game On!!!"

I have to say I'm in one of the best wards that I have been in, in a long time. Since moving here I have felt nothing but a warm welcome by all the ward members. I can sit out in the hall like I have been since we've been here; Jack is too young for nursery(enough said). So I'm out in the halls walking, every one is just smiling, saying hi it doesn't matter if it is our ward or the other, they just make you feel welcome. This past week I was invited to a members house for an all girls 5th annual Christmas party. I had the funnest time, good laughs, good people, good food.
I ended up that night winning a Josh Groban CD. I have never heard of him until that night; you can laugh at me now. I came home and put in his CD and he is quit good and not bad looking either.

We ended or weekend by taking family photos for Christmas last night. I would post them but then no one would be surprised for Christmas. I had the girls all done up nicely and they were so excited because they got to wear makeup for the first time. Jack of course was styled up with his signature mohawk. I of course looked HOT. I wear my new formal dress that I will be wearing to Justin's AF formal soon. I figured I better get as much wear out of it as possible.
Justin took the family photo's in is own newly done up photo studio. They turned out GREAT!!! I can't wait to show every one.

I would like to end by wishing my friend Angie and her daughter Ashley a Happy Birthday!!!

Our Thanksgiving...

2007-11-25T17:58:00.000-05:00

The Benson family had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I hope everyone else did too.
Our menu consisted of....

Maple-Glazed Roast Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy

Toasted Cornbread, Bacon and Cranberry Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Green bean Casserole

Rolls

For dessert; our dear friends the Toler's were nice enough to have us over for some YUMMY, stuff.

The Toler's made a great Pumpkin Cheesecake and Brownie pie served with Peppermint ice cream. I ended up making a Carmel Apple Layer Cake. Everything was good. Afterwards we sat around and played Legretto.

Happy Holidays

I'm 30!!!!

2007-11-18T17:05:00.000-05:00

Thirty years ago today I was born into a wonderful family in St. George, UT. Weighing in at 6lbs something and 19inches.

Today at 30 I am; weight not important, and am 5'6''.

I have a wonderful family of my own, loving husband, and three beautiful kids.

Instead of celebrating my birthday just today, my family celebrated it all week. Everyday was a new present to open, then on Friday I was taken to the Cheese Cake Factory, were I ate way to much!!! But it was so good.

Thanks to all of you who have sent your best wishes, much love,

Ginger