Blogging and meta tags.....

I was thinking about this past year and all the many, many changes that I've been through, like many of us do. We have resolutions to do things better next year, and everyone gives themselves this one day to get on the starting block. Myself, I would like to NOT have anymore changes for 2009! I don't want to lose or gain any weight, I don't want to stop any bad habits ( I like my bad habits), already took care of my Starbucks-a-day habit, don't need to spend more time with family, seeing each other everyday at home and work is enough :)......
I start a new job this Jan., it's a temp job with my accountant. So I'm looking forward to that change. I think the only change would be to spend less time on the computer.
I've spent so much time on the computer that I now need reading glasses, I have a little carpal tunnel, and my ass is getting flat :) maybe that's just age.....
As I look back on 2008 I have so many new things that I'm still working on that I think I'm good for a few years: started a new business and here comes the shameless plugs: D S Advanced Engineering (http://www.dsadveng.com/) and Mohard Racing is its product line where we do Enduro parts for KTM, Kawasaki and Honda, primarily Radiator Guards,(http://www.mohardracing.com/) with my husband. These have kept us busy, stressed and tired.
The crazy thing with all this is the huge learning curve. You'd think you could throw out a few websites and the world comes a' shopping. But, the big companies have it so monopolized that we have to try these little tricks: Blogging, Craigslist, and Ebay..... just for starters. And we don't use these sites for selling but for their search engines. I think I know more about meta tags and key words that I ever cared to.
But, that's all the complaining for now. on to be better things.
It looks like we'll be working on a couple new lines; one is going to be bicycle parts and the other trailer accessories. Our friend, Chris, is interested in working with Danny to develop some cool interchangeable tire racks for the race trailers. So, keep watching back to the site, they'll be under www.Mohardracing.com. or www.Trailer-Tricks, (when I buy it)in the near future. Doesn't look like I'll be getting a break from the computer after all...... siigghhhh....

Holiday Catch up...

It seems that we've been so busy, but I wanted post a few photos.

Never did get to post Danielle in her car that we got her back in Sept. It's a Mitsubishi Montero SUV. She really loves it and it fits her personallity to a T.

Christmas was really low-key this year. With the state of the economy we felt it necessary to not only conserve for ourselves, but it's a great learning experience for our kids.They hear about the recession alot and we weren't about to ignore it, and 'pretend' its not real. And we were able to truly enjoy Christmas's true meaning. We had a great time with them playing games and then later visiting my mother and Danny's family.

They both got money from Gramma and Beppe. Danielle quickly knew what she wanted.....a snowboard, while Kyle will surely put it into his truck. Danielle and I searched on Craigslist and got lucky finding a great snowboard with boots and bindings that were used one time. She went up to Sierra Summit with 2 friends on Friday..... they had a blast! I'll have her post photos later. But, for now, here's her board.....

Take care and enjoy the rest of 2008.

Family Party

We had the Bakker(my side of the family) Christmas party this past Sat. What a group we've grown into. Some of us joke about needing name tags, because we lose track of the new ones. With 2 -3 births a year, it can become difficult to keep up. But, what a blessing it is to have a large family. We even had 3 of my sister's kids and their family not present, so that would add 12-14 people.

Mom did really well and enjoyed her evening. We didn't have a gift exchange this year, instead we donated to needy families and shared the experience.

This turned out to be a great photo of my mom and her family. So, I made her photo cards to send out to her family and friends. She got a great response from that, as her efforts in the past have been minimal.Here's another photo of me, my mom, my sister, and my nieces.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wow..... did we eat a lot?! And the more we ate, the more we ate.... why does this happen?

We had a great visit with Danny's family in their beautiful Sierra Home. They have some fabulous cooks in that family and the quantity of food never ceases to amaze me. Tom, a cousin, and his wife recently visited Italy and he shared a simple but tasty veggie recipe with us, that I want to share.

Sicilian Carrots


Nonstick olive oil spray
2 lbs
32oz Peeled baby carrots or regular carrots - thinly sliced
1/4 cup Extra-virgin olive oil - divided
1/4 cup Dried cranberries
3 tablespoons Pine nuts
9 tablespoons Basil leaves - cut julienne strips (medium)
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Recipe Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Coat two large roasting pans with olive oil spray. Arrange carrots in a single layer on the pans, mixing with 2 tablespoons of oil. Bake the carrots for 30 to 40 minutes, occasionally stirring them so they don't burn. They should become soft and start to brown. Remove and let cool.
In a bowl, mix carrots with cranberries, pine nuts, basil and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; refrigerate overnight.
To serve, let return to room temperature. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

We caught up with allot of old acquaintances and met some new realities too. We mourned one that passed on since last year, and we fear that our brother-in-law may not be with us next year. We also celebrated a 6 week old with bright auburn hair:) Such are family gatherings.... circle of life.

The teenagers took a jeep ride up to Bald mountain last night to see the valley from a lookout spot. The night was abit foggy to see, but, it was fun for them.

We hope and pray you had a blessed time with friends and family.

The Rescuer

Our 16 year old, Danielle, is quite the dog lover. She went to Walgreens for something and saw a dog crossing a busy street. She watched him carefully, then followed him to the parking lot of Me N Eds Pizza. Well, the dog found the trashcan and was quite content. But, Danielle noticed it had a cute Halloween collar, and thought, "this is no stray." She called for him, and when she opened the back of her suv he jumped right in.

Danny and I had just gotten home from dinner following his golf game. When she drove up with that look of concern on her face. She told us the story, and when she opened up the trunk out jumps this small 'horse'. oh my! that's a big dog. He was very gentle and calmly walked up to us looking for 'loves.'

She knew this dog had to belong to someone, so we immediately talked about how to contact the owners. Well, with no dog tags, just that cute collar with bells, there was no way to know who's dog this was. The weather had been a little rough lately, so we imagined he got spooked either from the Halloweenish night, or the thunder.

The next morning, we put signs around the area where she found him. That was all we could do since it was Sunday.

He got along wonderfully with our 2 dogs, even liked the cats. He wanted to be in the house, and went to the door when he needed out. So, we didn't have any house training issues, he just eats and drinks a lot.
Well, not until Tuesday did Danny finally realize that this dog seemed familiar for a reason. He knows who's dog it is..... our friend, Ray, who does home repair, and takes his 2 dogs with him. In fact, these dogs are so well behaved they walk around Home Depot during his shop. So, we gave Ray a call, and he was so happy to know his dog was safe.

15 Days To go.....

I think we all know what's coming..... election ! Some days I really enjoy learning about the views of candidates, and the plans they have for our country. Then I realize like most Americans.... it's a promise that neither may be able to keep. I'm frightened for our future, but mostly for my and your kids' future. I'm tired of hearing about it, I'm tired of talking about it. SO, I think the end of this month I'll have a "Don't-You-Say-It!" party. You know, ladies, when we've gone to baby or bridal showers and you can't cross your legs or else you get the clothespin taken away and lose your chances at the gift. Well, I think a similar party but you got to stick your heard in the dunk tank or take a shot (depends on your guests) if you say anything regarding politics or the economy. If you read my last blog you'll know where these feelings are coming from ;( Now, I don't want to do either so I'll change the subject to happier note: My mother is in assisted living. and last week me, my sister-in-law , sister and niece took her to lunch and shopping. Now, it's something she used to do on a daily basis when she was able, so we think its a real treat for her. But, we get most of the fun out of the day. Mom is quite the character. We ate at Red Robin and then took her down the mall. We decided that the Village East might be the store for her. Since she's been in her new home she's put on quite a few pounds, but she still visualizes her old size 4 Petite. So, when we roll into the bigger sized store, she asks me "Now, why are we in here, it's too big for me?!" Uh, oh ladies we have a problem. Now, for some reason we think we can fool my 79 year old mother, but we're the fools. We have to dance around the store pull in the sides of these shirts when we show her and pretend she's still a 4. My sister thought it would be wise to tell her the truth about her new size..... mom, looks at her like she's nuts. "I am NOT that size" so, we go on pretending. Is this wrong? I don't think so.... We'll be her rose colored glasses, we all need those some days. I hope my children do the same for me.

Drinking the Reserve

Monday was Danny's birthday. We kept it pretty simple. We had a busy day, so we grabbed a couple Frappuccino's and watched Danielle's tennis match in the afternoon. It was good to sit down and relax for awhile. Our weather is so nice this week, you just gotta enjoy it while it's here. The coaches arranged a hot dog and burgers lunch for the team since it was their last home game. We brought down some tables and our barbecue, but they took care of everything. I just can't say enough good things about her coaches: they are just positive, enjoyable and fun guys. I slow cooked a Teriyaki Tri-Tip while we watched her game, so that was ready when we came home. Threw together some veggies and mashed potatoes, opened the reserve Pinot from Wild Horse Winery. It was so good. Sometimes those quiet evenings at home are the perfect way to celebrate. Both the kids made silly cards for him; yes they still do that at ages 16 and 19. Tues. night, Danny's cousin came by with a bottle of wine. It didn't take us long to decide to open it. So, we found our way to the patio to enjoy it. Our evening was going well, UNTIL they started in with the politics. Their opinions are somewhat different and they do enjoy the back and forth banter. There wasn't much room for my opinion, so I ventured inside. "Way to ruin a buzz, guys." I just hope and pray this extreme state our country is in comes to an end soon. Its very frightening to think what we're leaving for our children.