Christmas 2010

I have had a very blessed holiday this year, as I hope you all have. I am taking advantage of time off of work with the hubby and little ones to celebrate. I will be back soon for an exciting six-month update! Happy Holidays and have a great time off with your loved ones!

Hello again!

First of all let me apologize to the masses (snicker) for my extended absence. I have been as busy as a bee getting ready for the holidays and working. Currently I am still at the hospital and at the health department as well. Things are working out so far and I hope they continue to go smooth.

I am at a point where I am looking forward to the holidays. I was so worried about making ends meet this Christmas and we have managed to squeeze by and get the kids what they asked for. Next year, I hope, will be much better.

This may sound vain, but here goes... I am losing my hair. Not figuratively, literally! I have been down in the dumps with the amount that I have lost and I am taking all of the supplements that my surgeon recommends. I knew about this (we were forewarned in the pre-op classes) but never expected it would be this bad. I am anxiously awaiting the point where it stops falling out and begins to re-grow. Wanna see? I'm warning you..it's NOT pretty!

I guess I'll just have to learn to wear hats....or wigs.

I promise not to be gone so long again, but I am sure you all know just how busy things get this time of year.
Here's hoping your holidays are bright and you all remember the reason for the season!


Quote of the day:  And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more? ~Dr Seuss

Listening to: All I want for Christmas is you by Mariah Carey

5 Month surgiversary

Well, I have made it to the 5 month mark! I have lost almost 80 pounds. Again for your viewing pleasure (or horror) I have included photos taken by my charming 9 year-old son. Front view and side view of course!

Yeah! I will keep you all posted, but I hope to be in Onederland by Christmas-time! Cheer me on!

Leftovers anyone?

Anyone else have leftover turkey calling your name from the refridgerator? I thought so. This should turn your turkey into something that NO ONE will guess is leftovers!

This is about half of a cold leftover turkey breast. Shred it into pieces.

Put a few tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan. Get it hot. Throw in a pice of onion. I know it sounds weird, but just do it. You wouldn't believe the flavor it gives the oil! Cook it a few minutes until it gets limp then take it out and throw it away. Add the cold turkey to the pan and stir it until heated through. Keep it covered so that it stays moist.

Meanwhile chop up some lettuce. This is a salad mix with spinach and butter lettuces. It's what I had on hand.

The rest of the ingrediants are above (minus the shredded white cheese).  Heat up the beans on the stovetop or in the microwave...whatever floats your boat.

Then start with a tostada and apply the ingrediants in the order that I tell you (yes, this part is important)!

Tostada, beans, turkey, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and last but not least the secret salsa.....

Put either one of these on top of your tostada. (its my lazy-girl salsa) Then what happens next is pure magic! Check this out.......

Doesn't this look yummy? You will thank me later. Oh yeh...and you're welcome :O)

Happy Thanksgiving!

*Insert Adam Sandler's Thanksgiving song here*

Where do I start? My goodness! I could make a list but it would go on and on! I try to give thanks everyday for the things that I have and just as important the things that I do not have.

My boys and husband are amazing and I love them more every day. Having them in my life makes everything worthwhile. My family (near and extended), my home, my health, my job(s), and all of the little things too. I am thankful for not having excess stress, worries, and problems. I like to think that my life is realatively simple and stress-free for the most part.

I wish for you (my friends and readers) that your blessings are plentiful and that you have everything you need (and a little bit more).

Now I must rest becasue I will be one of the crazies out tonight shopping!

Quote of the day: As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John F Kennedy

Listening to:  "The Thanksgiving Song" by Adam Sandler

The Big News

Sorry for leaving everyone in suspense (snort*laugh) yesterday but I just didn't have time for a decent post.

I would like to take this opportunity to announce that I am now an employee of the health dept.  I started the job today and I believe that I am going to enjoy it. I will be a breastfeeding peer counselor. It is something that I am passionate about. I have been waiting for over 4 months for something to come available at the hospital but I have had no luck. In this tight economy people are holding on to their jobs more than ever. I would love to be able to stay there but feeding my kids is more important to me.

Nicolas started preschool yesterday as well and did wonderfully. I am so proud of him.

I guess this is going to limit my posting somewhat since I won't be at home being lazy anymore. LOL Oh well, I think I will manage. No worries though, I plan on keeping everyone posted on my wls journey more so now than ever.

Rest and Relaxation

Sorry for going MIA on everyone, but I have been on vacation. The nerd in me wanted to take along my laptop and blog and surf the net from the beach...but the husband put his foot down. :O)

It felt really good to be away from reality for a few days. The room and view that we had was totally awesome. I have many BIG life-changing events coming soon and I needed this 4 day va-cay to get my thoughts together. I promise I will post tomorrow some pics (believe it or not, I only took a few) while on vacation. I will also be making an announcement as well. Stay tuned!

Quote of the day: A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking. ~Earl Wilson

Listening to: Frosty the Snowman by Burl Ives

A love like ours...

There's nothing on this earth that I love more than my kids. After working on Saturday, we went to my grandmother's house on Sunday for lunch. The weather was cold but it was perfect for a quick photo session.

This is the trying to be cool look. Bless Nathan's heart, he was trying not to shiver in this photo. Like I said, it was really cold! I let him keep his coat on after this. He looks so handsome and grown-up and he's only nine.

Nicolas is growing so fast lately too. He recently impressed me by recognizing and calling out the letters in "hobby lobby". Even though many think he is wild and doesn't listen...he really is sweet. He covers my face with his little sweet kisses and says "I love you, mommy" and I kind of forget about everything else.

My boys get along most of the time. They have their spats (as ALL kids do) but I find they play the best together when you just let them go and do what they want and have fun.  Here they got the biggest kick out of throwing leaves up in the air. Who cares if they get dirty? I love seeing them like this. It reminds me of what being a kid is all about......having no worries and having a great time.

This was another favorite of mine. I look at this and see so many similarities in their faces. They look so much alike and are sooooo different. I'm glad that they are turning out to be such great kids. And I'm glad that their mine. And I. Love. Them. *sigh*

Can someone please stop time NOW so that they will stop growing so fast?


Quote of the day: "Whatever they grow up to be, they are still our children, and one of the most important of all things we can give to them is unconditional love. Not a love that depends on anything at all except that they are our children." ~Rosaleen Dickson

Listening to:  "Super Why" courtesy of PBS..what can I say? I have a toddler! :O)

Four month Surgiversary

Well, today marks me being four months post-op. As of this morning I  have lost a total of 70 pounds in 4 months. I have also lost over half of the hair on my head (but that is another post in itself).

I worked today so my post will be short and sweet.... but I promised photos, didn't I? :O) Of course I did and here they are;

And here I am again:

I decided to put on decent clothes this time (before I was always in old house-clothes) but I didn't pick the most flattering shirt! LOL The horizontal squiggles make me look even wider!

Anyways, thanks for continuing on my journey with me. I appreciate the support that each and everyone of you give me.


Quote of the day: In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. ~Bill Cosby

Listening to:  Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen

Random thoughts...

I decided to talk about something that has gotten me discouraged lately. Its called a plateau. It is where weight loss stops or drastically slows down. (yes I said stops). I know this is normal, but it still scares me.

According to the surgeon your body thinks that it is starving and weight loss ceases for a period of time so the body can adapt itself. Mine hasn't totally stopped because I have lost almost 10 pounds this month. Compared to 35 my first month, 15 the second, 10 the third, now about 9 pounds. You can see how it could concern me. I am taking measures to still reach my goal which is achievable. I will be in "Onederland" by Christmas though!


I have increased my protein intake and increased my exercise as well (trying to counteract the plateau). Can you believe it....Fredda actually RAN! Granted it wasn't a pretty sight and it wasn't very far (total of 1/8 of a mile), but I started. Nathan's mouth fell open and he laughed! It made me feel good to be able to surprise him like that. My kids are my world and I want to be able to play and run with them without being an embarrassment. My exercise routine consists of walking and short spurts of running to accelerate my heart rate. So if you are in Asheboro and need a good laugh come to the SAMS track one evening and watch me (or better yet join me).


Stay tuned for my four month surgiversary photos to be posted this weekend!

Quote of the day: To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Listening to: Look Away by Chicago

What's for Dinner?

I have another bit of food porn for you today. I have been craving southern food so I fixed the following:





Smithfield Baked Ham

Umm yeh just pop this bad-boy in the oven and follow the directions! Not too much work for a yummy ham.




It is fall and cabbage is fresh and cheap right now so I fried some cabbage with bacon. Yeh..it was good!

Something else that's in season now is sweet potatoes. I baked these and put butter, cinnamon and splenda on them.

To finish off the meal I stewed some apples with cinnamon. They were golden delicious and Winesap varieties.

A good filling southern meal that's actually healthy for you. You could cut the fat by leaving out the bacon, but I cooked 4 slices of bacon for 4 servings....so technically it averages out to one slice of bacon per person. Provecho!

Quote of the day: " If you dont vote and help decide, dont complain about the ride! Go vote." ~ Fredda
Listening to: Rehab by Amy Winehouse

You Gotta Try This!

I found something yesterday so yummy (and me being the generous person that I am) I decided to share it with you guys.

While browsing the protein bar aisle at the supermarket I stumbled upon the Luna Protein bars. Now mind you, I have had the Luna bars before and they are divine! Unfortunatly I dont get them often becuse their protein content isn't high enough for me. Today though I found this:

I just have to say that this was yummy and soooo worth the .98 that I paid for it! It has 12 grams of protein and compared to the Atkins bars that I tried...there is no comparison! It was chocolatey, crunchy, chewy, and peanut buttery all together. I will be getting these again!


I also wanted to share a drink that I couldn't wouldn't want to live without. I just love the Diet V8 Splash fruit juices. There are just 2 kinds that I have tried and one or the other is in my fridge at all times. There is a Tropical Blend and Berry Blend. Typically I like more tropical flavors, but this time the berry is my favorite.

Even though this is diet, I like to half mine with water just because I find it too sweet. It makes a good juice replacement and I drink it daily.

Try this stuff if you get a chance! Stay tuned next week for a 4 month post-op posting with photos. You can see the 15 hairs left on my head. Anyone have a wig I can borrow? Maybe I can get one on clearnce from the halloween section!


Quote of the day: "The greatest destroter of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between." ~Mother Teresa

Listening to: Take a Chance on Me by ABBA

I Want Candy!

Halloween is just around the corner. This brings back some really fond memories for this fat girl. I loved candy when I was younger (still do but I have better taste in the KIND of candy I eat).


When I was a teenager I would eat it in bed and hide the wrappers behind my headboard. I did this because I knew I wasnt supposed to have it. It was like crack.



I used to go trick or treating with my older brother. We are five years apart and we went trick-or-treating together. We would gets lots of candy and then mom would check it over to make sure there were no needles or razor blades or poison and then we got to trade and eat what we wanted. I remember being very selective of my candy and would just HATE it when I got candy that I didnt like!



Indian Brave (Randy) and Buckwheat (Fredda).

 Remember those things called "Bit-O-Honey"? Hated them! Remember those candies in orange or black wax paper that would pull out your fillings? Hated them too! Also hated the butterscotch or peppermint rounds. Licorice? Nasty! I wanted the good stuff. The chocolate, the candy bars, and the Smarties, oh yes!
What about you? Do you have certain candies that you secretly pull out of your childs bag and eat? Do you remember a candy that you didn't like? Tell me about it! Leave me a comment!

Quote for the day:  There are two types of people in this world, those who love chocolate and communists.

Listening to:  The Time Warp~ Rocky Horror Picture Show

What goes in...

"What Goes In..." is my post of what I consume in a normal post-op day. I haven't posted one in awhile so I thought today would be appropriate. I am about 3 1/2 months post-op and am not restricted from any foods. (That, however, does NOT mean that I can eat just anything.)

Breakfast today started with protein-infused wheat french toast.

It's simple and fast to make and it is DELISH! I ate one slice and was stuffed!

Typically I don't eat bread beacuse there's too many carbs, low nutritional value, and it fills me up fast. To make my version of french toast I make the batter with an egg, a splash of milk, cinnamon and 1/8 cup of vanilla flavored protein powder. I also use sugar-free syrup and splenda sprinkled on top.

Lunch was easy. I made a tortilla pizza.

This was philly cheese steak inspired. Roast beef, provalone cheese, and peppers and onions. It was yummy!


Dinner was eaten out at Sagebrush. I had the kid's beef tips (medium rare) and a few bites of salad.

Of course I had 2 protein shakes and my vitamins and lots of water and Crystal Light. Oh yeh and a sugar free Russell Stover's piece of candy! :O)

Quote of the day: "Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat." ~Mother Teresa

Listening to: Home by Michael Buble

Frankenstien, a mummy and a pumpkin walk into a bar...

I have been busy as a little bee working to make the kiddos goodies for Halloween. I am making something for their teachers too.

These little boxes will be filled with candy and goodies. I can't STAND IT when people say "I wish I had time to do that." They literally take less than a minute apiece to cut, fold, score and tape.  I FIND time to do this. I do not sit around all day on my tail gluing and cutting paper. I do this after the kids are in bed at night, or if I am lucky during Nicolas' nap time. Otherwise I am doing my wife-and-mommy duties that consist of load after load of stinky laundry, cooking (somewhat) balanced, healthy meals, and at times I do clean my house (believe it or not). My take on it is this.... anything made by hand (in my house) is made from the heart. I also do it beacuse it is important to me. They are only little once. Sorry, I am off of my soapbox now.

I also made these cute little coffins. (these take about 5 minutes to cut and fold)

Last but not least, I had to make a hand-stamped card for the teachers as well. I made something simple and each took card took less than 15 minutes to make.  Here they are:

Creepy, huh? I love it! So what are the little goblins in your life gonna be this year for Halloween? Share it with me here in a comment!

Quote of the day: "Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble." ~Shakespeare's (Macbeth)

Listening to: Red, Red Wine by UB40

Can you say "Streptococcal Pharyngitis"?

Alas, I have returned to my blogger abode. Miss me much?

Both children have been infected with above mentioned bacteria and have kept me busy. Nicolas was diagnosed Friday and Nathan today. We are swimming in pink-bubblegum-smelling-amoxicillan. I was unable to blog because the kids had me bound and gagged and tied to a chair otherwise occupied.

I have a new picture that I want to share. My heart and soul....walking around outside of my body. I love these boys with my very being. I promise I'll talk about something else pertaining to my wls soon. For now, I'm just enjoying not being bound, gagged and tied up the moment.  :O)

Quote of the day: "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” ~Elizabeth Stone

Listening to: Babe by Styx

My heart

This is Nathan. He is my heart. He is one of the best kids EVER! He is tender-hearted, loving, bashful, hard-headed, and he always makes me proud.

He has made me proud yet again. For several reasons, we pulled him from one school and put him in another one this year. He has made friends and impressed his teacher. It is nice to hear that someone else sees the same potential in your child that you see. He made Honor Roll (all A's) this six weeks. He made honor roll all last year. I believe he will again this year.

He wants to be a cardiologist. He has said that he wants to be a doctor since he was 5. I believe that he will make it.

Quote of the day: Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.

Listening to: No Rain by Blind Melon

Soccer star

My little one is playing soccer this year. He really has no idea of how to play. This is somewhat disappointing to my husband who lives and breathes soccer.



His first game the ball got kicked directly to him. We knew he was going for a goal. He runs up to the ball, stops and prepares himself.....and then JUMPS OVER it. Never once kicked it. Then he proceeds to grin at everyone (because, of course) they are all laughing hysterically at him.

Second game, he takes a ball to the face. Ouch! Look at his hand. He at least got an Oreo. Was I a bad mommy for taking this picture instead of holding him? No! I was across the field and was walking very fast towards him so that I could console my little baby. Can you also see that the husband is smiling? He wants to tell him to "take it like a man" and "big boys don't cry". I was pissed. Nobody messes with my baby! I took my baby from his arms and kissed him and made it better. I also wanted to eat his Oreo. But I didn't.




Third game, he is walking around on the field, looking at the sky. Coach comes over and takes his little hand to guide him back to the game. My child begins pointing at the sky refusing to move and Coach starts to shake his head. Apparently there was a plane flying overhead and he tried explaining that to Coach. Coach didn't think that plane was as important as playing soccer.

Thankfully (for my husbands sake) Nico is beginning to get into the game a little more. Usually it involves him running after whichever child has the ball. Not trying to take it from him. Just chasing a kid like you would if you were playing tag. Cute, huh?

I love attending his games. Kids his age are so fun to watch. Of course he is the only one I see.

Quote of the day: "Each child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him."

Listening to: I'm on Fire by Bruce Springsteen

Welcome Baby!

I have several good friends that are expecting soon. These are some baby cards that I plan on giving them. I like to make hand-made cards. I also sell hand-made cards. Let me know if you are interested!

Obviously this is for those having a little girl!

And these are for those that have little boys.

I hope that you enjoyed my cards. I promise I will talk about something just as random in my next post!

Quote of the day: "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift, and that is why it's called the present." ~Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda

Listening to: Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland

The sky is falling!

No, not really. I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Ten Ten Ten day at Ten Ten.  :O) Don't you just LOVE nonsense?

Seriously, thank you to those who have begun to follow me on my journey, and those who encourage me every step of the way. I am still taking baby steps and I may stumble and fall, but it is great to know that I have friends who will laugh at me and then help my big butt up!

Oh yeah, I hope I'm not grossing anyone out with my "before" photos that I posted. If I do gross you out....get over it! You haven't seen anything yet! Love to you all!

Quote of the day: "Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ~Christopher Robin to Pooh

Stuck in my head: Your Body Is a Wonderland by John Mayer

Quickie Sweet and Sour Chicken

Do you have your veggies roasted yet? No? Well, you'd better get busy cause you're gonna want to try this!

Fredda's Sweet & Sour Chicken

Pineapple tidbits in water (1/4 cup)

3 oz precooked chicken

1/4 cup reduced sugar ketchup

1/2 roasted veggies

Open the pineapple and  drain the fruit (reserve the juice).

Mix the ketchup and approx 2 tbsp of pineapple juice until blended. Add your pineapple and veggies to the mixture and heat in the microwave until nice and hot.

For my chicken, I used Aldi's precooked grilled chicken pieces. Nuke them in the microwave for 2 minutes.

I cut my chicken into bite size pieces then mixed it with the sauce and veggies. This is the final product.

You could eat this with white rice but I don't eat many carbs so I had it as is. It was really good. Try it sometime. I fixed it when I had the urge for some chinese food but didnt want the grease and carb temptation that come with it.

Quote of the day:  "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you'll land among the stars." ~Les Brown

Listening to: Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers

I'm roasting in here!

I try to keep fresh & roasted veggies on hand here at the house. They are very versatile. This is just a lesson on how I do it. I start with this:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then chop veggies into large pieces. Coat lightly with olive oil, salt and pepper. Line your pans with aluminum foil and spread the veggies out.

  Roast them for an hour, turning them once after 30 minutes. When the veggies are done they will look like this.

 Now you want to know what to do with your veggies, right? You can keep them for a few days in the fridge or freeze them. Throw some of these in the blender and puree really good and add it to homemade soup or stock. I use them in a quickie sweet & sour chicken recipe that I can whip together in less than 5 minutes. Stay tuned for that recipe tomorrow.

Quote of the day: After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressable is music. ~Aldous Huxley

Listening to: My Wish by Rascal Flatts

3 months

Oh the changes that 3 months can make! The weather is cooler, the leaves are beginning to change, and my boobs are drooping (more), but a good bra is like a good friend! Am I right?
Today marks my 3 month surgiversary and I have lost just over 60 lbs. My iron and Vit D is low, but I am increasing my vitamins to counter-act this. I weigh less now than when I met my husband. For your entertainment I am posting updated pics of my progress. This is before surgery and current.

Thanks for following along on my journey!

Quote of the day:  “A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."

Listening to: "Pretty good at drinking beer" by Billy Currington

Boys!

This is my baby. Any pictures of him make my heart swell with pride. I've been told that he is just like me.

I've also been told that I shouldn't let him go barefoot? Am I a bad mommy because I do? He hates wearing shoes. So do I. Yes, he is just like me. In more ways than one.

He absolutely LOVES to pick his nose. He also likes to share what he finds in there.

 Can you see the look of concentration on his face?  That is how you can tell a pro from an ameteur.

(insert sigh) I just adore my boys. I also love the fact that they are nose-pickers. It runs in the family. Anyone who knows my cousin Jonathan will agree.

Quote of the day: Well, sometimes I say something mean to my brother, but I feel really good inside. Does that mean I'm a hypocrite?" -- 7 year old girl, after a Sunday School teacher explained that a hypocrite was someone who says one thing but feels something else.

Listening to:  Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley



Married to an Alien

My husband and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary today! You ask why I am here blogging instead of making whoopie with him? Well, he decided to take a nap, that's why! We went to the Fall Festival today and walked the whole thing! He then decided that he needed a nap. I sought solace in my computer! :O) Here is a short summary of how we met.

My Alien "L" was beamed down to earth almost 15 years ago via a starship called the Rio Grande. He landed on a planet called Brooklyn, New York. After realizing that New Yorkers bodies had already been probed and invaded by other aliens he set out for a smaller planet called Asheboro.
Once on the planet Asheboro "L" met an alien  from his home planet (who I'll call "S"). "L" and "S" became good alien friends.
Now "S"  happened to know of a local species that was aware of the alien invasion on planet Asheboro and had learned to communicate with many of them. Her name was "F" (that's me). 
One day "S" convinced "F" that she needed to meet "L", that he was a good alien and no probing would be involved. Once "F" was convinced of this, she agreed to meet "L".
Unlike many of the other aliens that "F" had met, "L" was a very nice, honest alien who intended to spend many years on the planet Asheboro (that is if the government didn't find out and send "L" back home via the starship Rio Grande).
"F" and "L" soon fell in love and "F" made the necessary arrangements for "L" to stay on planet Asheboro for a long time without worrying about the government. "L" and "F" have been together since and managed to have 2 Earthly offspring (yes some probing was eventually involved).
This just goes to show that 2 people can be from totally different planets (or countries) and yet their hearts speak the same language. THE END.

Taking a chance and going on that first "blind date" was one of the best things I ever did. This man gives me more love than I ever thought I'd have in a lifetime. He has taught me to believe in myself and he's taught me how to love. Without him I don't know where or who I would be.
And without him I wouldn't have my two beautiful boys, who are enough to drive me crazy and back. I wouldn't have it any other way.




Te amo, Luis. Ahora mas que nunca. Gracias por aguantarme.

Fall Barbeque

It has been wonderfully cool the past week. Highs in the mid 70's. I guess it's safe to say that fall has finally arrived! I have been busy as a bee cooking to my hearts content as well. I got smart and took my mom's (family famous) barbecue sauce recipe and converted it to something that I can have without worrying about dumping. I thought I might share it with you.

Fredda's Barbecue Sauce

1 pint of white vinegar

1 small bottle (14oz) Heinz Reduced sugar ketchup

1 c. Splenda

1 tbsp mustard

1 tbsp hot sauce

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Mix all of the above ingredients above medium heat (use a whisk if needed) until well blended. Simmer for 15 minutes. This recipe makes approx. 2 pint jars of sauce. Cool and refrigerate until needed. This keeps for several weeks.

You gotta try this stuff..it's sooo yummy!

Quote of the day: "Our life is not measured by the breaths that we take, but the moments that take our breath away."

Listening to:  Soul Sister by Train