Weekend Winners: My Fairy Blogmother

Wow! I have been feeling the "Twilight" love this week! I think ya'll might be a bit excited about this give away. Just a little. And I am so excited. Because I got to use random number generator. I didn't have to write down a single name. Or chase down a single kitty who stole a certain entry.

And last week, I mentioned that I actually had a mini prize. Along with the biggie. Let's do that first. I have a Barnes and Noble gift card. And some Twilight Chocolate. And they will both be in the mail to Christina at Christina's Creative Expression.

And now. Our huge pack of Twilight goodies. Including the giftcard, chocolate, Movie companion signed by Lula, 2009 calendar, bookmark, and movie poster. Goes to....oh. Wow. This is truly kismet. Because she had a birthday on Thursday. And she's had children with Edward. And random number generator picked Sassy Stephanie over at Our Piece of Quiet.

Congrats ladies! Please email me (address is on my profile page) your mailing address and your goodies will be on their way!

And now. Let me present the prizes for Week Four of the Weekend Winners!

I had never even heard of a blog before February of this year. And one day I was perusing a homeschool board - and there was a whole section called Wordless Wednesday. Which made no sense to me. Until I finally clicked on one of the links. And found blogs. Do you remember hearing that huge sucking noise in February? That was the sound of my ass becoming permanently stuck to my chair.

As I clicked around. I found a blog called Life with my 3 Boybarians. And I fell in love. With her blog design. With her photography. With her sense of humor. And then...I found a link to her other site. Graphically Designing. Where she makes the blogosphere pretty.

And would you believe that I got into the queue before I even started my blog? It took me a bit to figure out my name. And then I was ready for my make over. This was how I started:

And poor Darcy. Had to deal with me. Someone who is incredibly picky. But really didn't know what I wanted. We quickly discovered some of the things I didn't like. But when we figured it out - I loved that Darcy got the irony of my blog title. And she just ran with it.

She did my blog. My daughter's blog. She refreshed my blog. And did lots of blogs for people that saw her handiwork here. And I even earned a title from her. Second most difficult customer. I really think I am her favorite.

One of the things that Darcy has done recently for me is my favicon. What is a favicon? It is a favorites icon. Or a favicon for short. Well...see up there. In your URL bar? There should be a sun there. And not a blah-ger icon. I can always see my favicon on Mozilla. But explorer. Well. It's quirky. And sometimes it shows the favicon. And sometimes it doesn't. Would you like a favicon too?

Another thing that Darcy has done for me is to make me some bidness cards. For the bidness I don't have. But. I LOVE my cards. Because so often I am telling someone about my blog. Or I need to exchange email addresses. Or just need a piece of scrap paper. And these are perfect. Maybe I should call them my mommy cards. Would you like some, too?

And maybe an Office Max gift card to help you pay for the printing?I thought so. And a bonus. Because Darcy is soooo good. She usually has a really long wait in her queue. But...I am already in line. Holding your place. So your wait should be rather short.

To summarize. In case your mind drifted. Week Four prizes are: A favicon and Mommy cards from Darcy over at Graphically Designing. And a $25 Office Max gift card. Worth playing for?

This is what you need to do:

1. Post a comment here. Tell me how long you've been blogging. Have you ever had a make over? How did you come up with your blog name? Have you ever won a blog contest? Tell me the truth. Did you like the "Twilight" movie?

2. For another entry...follow me. Only ten more to make it to 150! If you already follow me, you also get an extra entry.

3. Blog about this week's contest.

4. When you comment you get an entry. When you follow, come back and leave another comment saying you follow me. When you post about it...come back and leave a comment saying you did it. Then I can truly use random number generator and I won't have to type in all those names!

5. Contest ends Friday at midnight. Winners have one week to email me to claim prizes. All unclaimed prizes will be added back into the pot. Winner will be announced next Saturday. Along with the week five prizes!

Theme song: Coldplay - Clocks - because when I blog. The time escapes me. Completely.

Friday Follies: Twilight edition

It's here. The day that so many have been waiting for! So, who went to see it at midnight?? Katie and I are having a field trip to see it at 10 am. I can count that as school work right? A literature class? Film class? Psychology?

Who will be this week's Weekend Winner?? Today is the last day to enter my Twilight give-away. I know that ya'll have marked off the place in your bedroom to put the poster. Found the perfect spot for your new calendar. And arranged for some "me" time to shop. Read. And eat Godiva chocolate. The winner will be announced tomorrow - along with a whole new set of prizes as we move to week four of the extravaganza.

And I so appreciate the continued indulgences in being guest inquisitors! The queue is still open if you are interested! We've had questions from Debbie at Finding Normal. From Rhea at Texas Word Tangle. From Jennifer P at The Peterson's Go Public. And who should ask the Friday Follies - on this particular Friday? It is the ultimate fan girl herself - Lula!

I first met Lula through Debbie - at This is the Life. Where I seem to meet so many of the friends who live inside my computer. Lula came out of lurking on her site. And can ya'll imagine? Lula. Lurking? And Lula and I. Well, I think it was kismet. We had an instant connection. Over LOST. All things Georgia. Having two little girls. Our love of reading. And most especially peanut m&ms. So...let's see what Lula has for us today:

It’s the day we Twilight-lovers have waited for…Edward and Bella, on the big screen! Be still my beating heart. Let’s roll with some Twilight Friday Follies love…and for those of you who haven’t yet read these books (and why not, may I ask?), I will throw in a few non-Twilighty questions. Because I love y’all that much.

Let’s just get this one out of the way:

Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Favorite Cullen?

Would you rather control emotions, see the future, or read minds?

If you had to choose, would you rather go on a date with Tyler, Eric, or Mike?

Shiny silver Volvo or an antique truck?

Who were you more like in high school? Bella, Angela, or Jessica?

Which appeals more to you? Forks or Arizona?

With whom would you rather hunt? Edward, Emmett, or Alice? OR...James, Laurent, or Victoria?

And since Edward and Bella are the love story for our generation, I'm gonna ask a few love questions...in honor of them:

Favorite love story, fiction:

Favorite love story, non-fiction:

If you could be in love during any period of time, which era would you choose?

Favorite big screen romance:

Favorite TV romance:

Favorite song about love:

Theme song: "Closer," by Kings of Leon. It's the one song I would've put on the soundtrack, were I given the opportunity. It's a sexy song...but also full of angst...longing...frustration...and desperate love. In my head I always hear it playing in the scene where Edward saves Bella from the dudes in Port Angeles...

Karma or confusion?

Many many thanks to all of you who enjoyed my interview with the girls on Tuesday. Rhea is quite talented at asking the questions. And my girls are quite talented at creating pandemonium with said questions.

And then on Tuesday night. I got an email from my Aunt Elizabeth. About that interview. Because she doesn't believe in commenting:

AT LAST!

Just finished your interview with your adorable daughters and the flashback was instant...

You can't imagine how much they sound like you did at their age...

and I would think that your day would come and your unique take on life, your precociousness, your positivity about always being positive that you had all the answers would return to take revenge...

nothing at all is wrong with all that, but now you know why your Declarations and Proclamations almost always caused your Aunt (and every other adult who came under your dominion) to roll her eyes and wait for this day!

Keep blogging and I will keep reading and,maybe, just maybe, when I am a woman of leisure (Yeah, right), I will blog back.

To Katie and Maddie: Keep up the good work

To your Mom: At last! Payback time! hehehehe

Elizabeth

Well...I just don't know what she could possibly be referring to. No clue whatsoever.

It wasn't me that was so stubborn. So stubborn that I didn't sleep through the night until I was almost one. So stubborn that I would scream if anyone besides my mother tried to hold me. So stubborn that I could cry for five hours strait. Until someone would come and pick me up.

I mean. It wasn't me who would hold my breath when I didn't get my way. And then pass out. Knocking my head on the terazzo floor. And get a concussion. Twice.

It wasn't me that was such a good rule follower in pre-school. That I tried to police all my classmates. And inform my teachers that they were explaining things incorrectly.

It wasn't me that met practically every statement uttered in my direction with an "I knew that."

It wasn't me that kept up a such steady stream of chatter. Even if no one was listening. Even telling my grandmother that my mom was pregnant. Before my mom even had a chance to take a breath.

It wasn't me who was nicknamed "Rattlesnake" by the friends of my parents. I was never likened to a snake. With a sharp tongue. That is quick to strike. And always has a comeback. And the nickname was never prevalent enough to be put on a birthday cake.It wasn't me that was told by every single teacher I had in my first year of high school that I should join the debate team. Including my algebra teacher.

I just don't know what Aunt Elizabeth could possibly mean...

So...what about you? What were you like growing up? Do you see the same kinds of traits with your own kids? Has your aunt ever laughed and uttered the word "karma?

Theme song - John Lennon - Instant Karma. Though "Karma Chameleon" was tempting...

Practically Wordless Wednesday

For months, I have been complaining about the weather. That it's too hot. That the humidity is so high my lungs are clamoring for a paddle. That my yard is sauteing in the heat. That I cannot wait for Fall. That I just want the weather to be seasonal. And this morning when I woke up to temperatures in the twenties. Summertime at the beach was all I could think about.

So...what about you? Are you pining for another season? What is your favorite part of each season?

Theme song: Vangelis - Chariots of Fire

Herding Cats, part II

A few days ago I was sitting here. In my usual spot. At the kitchen table. Doing what I always do. Creating Latin lesson plans Creating fabulous healthy meals for my family Creating interesting homeschool activities Blogging. Minding my own business. When Katie bounds into the room and asks "HEY! When are you going to interview us again for your blog?" Actually I hadn't even thought about it. And the last time I interviewed them. I had questions handed to me on a silver platter from Rhea. And the results. Well. I believe the words "train wreck" were bandied about.

But evidently I am a sucker good mother. And I emailed Rhea with Katie's request. Naturally, Rhea brought her life to a screeching halt to fulfill the desires of a Georgia 10 year old. Rhea is good like that. But. Rhea's questions came with a request. That Katie send Rhea some questions for her boys to answer. You know. Quid pro quo. I am not sure that Rhea got a good deal. You can see for yourself. The inner workings of Katie's mind. It's not a pretty sight.

And then last night, the girls were ready to sit down. And calmly. Logically. Patiently. Answer Rhea's questions. Well. That is what I was hoping for anyway. This is what happened instead:

What's your favorite meal your mom makes?
K: Grits casserole
M: Grits casserole. No. wait. Punchy hands stew. Next question. Come on.

(So...did you read the last interview with them. If not. Click here. I'll wait. So...how can they remember all those details from the last time? Madalyn has not mentioned Hulk hands. Or punchy hands since July. On the date of the last interview. But it surfaces again. Like Pavlov's dog. If only I could get her to channel this ability for good.)

What do you want for Christmas?
M: Punchy hands
K: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon rescue team. It has a really long name. I like long names.

(Well. From the get-go. It was obvious that I had no control over this interview. That thought was completely cemented as Katie decides that she needs to pull her shirt over her head. And make it look like a hood. As she asks "How do I look?")

Do you want a little brother or sister?
M: I want a little sister. And I want her name to be Sprite. I think she’ll be cute.
K: NO. SHE is more than enough. She’s a little bag of “eat or be eaten.”

(Yeah. Madalyn keeps asking about a sibling. Soooo not gonna happen. And the girls keep trying to see what I am writing. They remember that I wrote down everything that they said. And then just as quickly, Madalyn forgets I am there. Because she tries to get Katie to do her spelling words for the week. All the while speaking as if she is a Pokemon.)

What's your favorite DS game and why?
M: Uh….Cooking Mama. Because I like to cook. And I want to cook when I grow up. (As long as it's not at Chuck E Cheese...)
K: Mine is Pokemon Mystery Dungeon II, Explorers of Time. Umm…because it’s fun to be a pokemon and take the quiz. And love Grovyle. And hate Dusknoir. Getting sucked into the future. Well, I really don’t enjoy that. (Do your children talk like this, too? Where you just look at them and nod your head. As if you know what they are talking about. Or care? Or is it just me?)

(And now things take a turn. Not for the better. When Madalyn starts to complain that Katie keeps taking her toy. Actually, Katie took it and threw it into the family room. So, Katie gets up to get it. Gives it back to Madalyn. And Madalyn throws it back into the family room. Thus starting this bizarre game of fetch. Which reminds me of "Third Rock from the Sun." Did any of ya'll watch that? The kids have become addicted to it lately. I suppose it's better than "Full House." There was the episode on the other night about Dick and company playing with cat toys. It just reminded me. Now that was a true digression. Stream of consciousness. Ramble.)

Who's your favorite superhero and why?
M: Uhhh…I don’t have one. I don’t like watching super hero shows? My hero is my mom. Because she can type. And I like typing people.
K: The creator of Pie. To M: Yours should be Hulk because you like Punchy hands. No. Really I like Iron Man. Because it’s an awesome movie. I like PG-13.

(Iron Man was the first PG-13 movie she saw. And now she thinks she is big stuff. Especially since we have let her watch a rated R movie, too. Regular PG is okay. But, PG-13. That is where it's at.)

What super powers would you like to have?
M: the Power of punchy hands
K: The power to control water. Like Annabelle in my story.

(Katie is writing a story on her blog. I think she has the first four chapters posted.

And Michael interrupts this interview to tell the girls that they have messes to clean up before bed time. And this launches a whole discussion about who made the mess. And threw said mess into Katie’s room.)

Would you rather see Aztec ruins in Mexico, Roman temples in Italy, Stonehenge in England or waterfalls in Hawaii on your next vacation?
M: I want to see the movie “Punchy hands of the deep” in Hawaii
K: (Now Katie starts laughing so hard that tears are rolling down her face. And I just sigh. Because this is my life. The cards that I have been dealt. I think I live in a farce. Or at least with people who think they are performing in one.)

Roman temple stuff in Italy. I want to see things that are not alive. (Ummm...I don't think any of the choices had to do with living things...but okay...)

Which Webkinz animal is your favorite?
M: When will they make a punchy hands webkinz? Or a human webkinz with giant hands. But the deer is cute.
K: yeah the deer is really cute. I don’t have it. But I really want the black cat.

M: will you read us everything that you wrote?

If you had a charm bracelet and could pick three charms today to best represent your personality, which ones would you choose? I would probably choose a camera, a book and a cowboy boot.

(Okay…so as I ask this question to the girls, I say – “pretend you have a charm bracelet” which Madalyn interrpts by sticking out her arm, bending her wrist. And says “How pretty!” Then they both start laughing hysterically. And they run to the bathroom before they pee in their pants. They come back. Sort of composed.)

M: Punch hands; Hulk face; and clovers. (I had to ask: "Why clovers?") Because those represent niceness. I need that to balance out the scary hulk face.
K: the word comedian in giant blue letters. (that is going to be a heavy charm bracelet) Edward Cullen. An Edward charm. Oh, better yet. The real thing. (it’s getting heavier and heavier.)

(And now Katie stops to yell at Madalyn. "Hey…I found a chip next to your chair." And then Katie pulls her shirt down from the neck. And flashes her sister. I don't believe these girls are related to me at all. Rhea - I think we found the aliens. And then just as quickly as the non-sequitur was uttered. And the flash delivered. She was back on task. She did not miss a beat.)

And a music note.

If your kittens turned into aliens and started carrying around toys and climbing furniture...wait, they already do that. I mean, if your kittens started glowing green, what would you do?
K: I’d yell at them to glow blue instead.
M: I’d yell at them. Beat them up a little bit. And then take care of them. And feed them. Can I go pet the kitties?
K: Wait. That’s it?

I believe I hear a fat lady singing.

So...what about you? Who is in charge at your house? Who thinks they are in charge? What items would you put on your charm bracelet? There is still time to enter the contest for all the Twilight goodies...

Theme Song: They Might be Giants - Boss of Me. Uhhh...I am evidently not the boss of this interview. And there were lots of "can you repeat the question?" questions...

Bed. Wed. Behead.

When I read a book that I don't like. I hold a grudge. And I won't read that author anymore. I'll never read another Charles Frazier book after "Cold Mountain." Another Ian McEwan book after "Atonement." Another Virginia Wolff book after "Mrs. Dalloway."

But. When I find a really good book, I find it difficult to transition to another story. I want to read more about THOSE characters. Or even read a book that is just like it. So, one of the things that I tend to do is read every book that that author wrote. Did you know that there is even a name for this tendency? It's called Glomming.

For me. One of the markers of a really good book is one that will send me to the internet. Sending me there so that I can research a little more. And one of the books that first sent me there was Philippa Gregory's "The Other Boleyn Girl."When I first picked up that book, I really didn't think I would like it. The time period was really boring to me. It was all those names and dates. And my history classes never engaged me after ancient times. But now I know what the problem was. They were missing the sex part of the story.

The entire time I was reading about Mary and Anne Boleyn. I was just shocked. Shocked just because I didn't realize. Didn't realize that adultery was so out in the open. That a husband would not mind being cuckolded. If it was the king. That a family would openly push their daughters into such a liason because it would actually mean family presitge. This I was never taught in school.

So, when Showtime started their soap opera...otherwise known as "The Tudors." I put it into my netflix queue. And this weekend, I finally started watching it. I have found my research has paid off. Because I know the cast of characters. And their motivations. I am really enjoying it. How could you not enjoy seeing Henry Cavill. Nekkid. In every episode.

And as I was watching it. I thought that the colors were really interesting. Very artistic. Creative.

The series starts with the French killing the English ambassador in Italy. All of the French seem to have this blue hue to them. The English a greenish tinge. It made it easy to tell who was who. A very dramatic effect. And I thought it was strange that I have never read about the color filters used in the filming. I mean. Even the horses have a purplish tinge to them.

And as I am watching, my mom comes into the room. Sees what I am watching. And says that the same cinematographer must have done the movie "Little Children." Which she had watched last weekend on the dvd player. Because that movie was also filmed all in purple and lime green.

And I began to realize that there was a problem. With the color on the DVD player. And that maybe the Tudors weren't supposed to look artsy. Or glorious in all their shades of greens and purples.

Maybe the filming was more realistic. Not quite aesthitic. Or with an artistic flair. But more like this:

After a bit of research. And the employment of my personal tech support (I swear that when I renew my marriage in front of Elvis in Vegas, tech support is going in the vows. Along with carrying stuff. And squashing bugs.). We discover the culprit. I don't think it would surprise you to see that it was a cat. Who pulled out a cord.

So...what about you? Do you hold author grudges? Do you glomm? Is there a time period you like to read about? Or not? Do you watch "The Tudors?" Have you entered the contest?

Theme song: Cyndi Lauper - True Colors - Because I might have to actually watch "The Tudors" unplugged. I kinda like the artsy effect. And just between you and me - I almost used Herman's Hermits "Henry VIII, I am." But decided not to punish you like that.

Weekend Winners: Can you resist?

Once again, the names were written down. The papers cut. Extras added to the mix. I even found a pink hat. Shook the hat a little. Had to chase down a cat that managed to grab some of the entries. Then I had to dump out the contents and make sure that everyone was accounted for. Re-wrote some entries. Locked myself in a closet. And pulled out the first name.

Congratulations to Caroline from Pocket Change who won a car magnet!

And then I pulled out a second name. For another car magnet will soon be on it's way to Marcia Brady. Marcia. Marcia. Marcia. You know she was at the gay book store the day before Gregory Maguire signed my Wicked book.

And our grand prize - the magnet, and all the cooking for the cure goodies - goes to: Jen from Coconut belly!

Congrats ladies! Please email me (address is on my profile page) your mailing address and your goodies will be on their way.

Okay...let's start over with another prize pack! Do you know what happens this week? Are you counting down to the release? How about I tempt you with some Twilight love?

This week's winner will receive:

The Twilight Movie companion.

But this is no ordinary companion. This one is personalized. With a note from the ultimate fan girl.

And while you are looking through your new book. You might get a little hungry. How about a little chocolate temptation. And not ordinary chocolate. But Godiva chocolate.

And then when you are done with your book. You might want to read through the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly. With a special cover of Edward himself.

And after you have seen the movie. You might want a permanent reminder. Until the dvd is released. So you could always hang this 2009 wall calendar in your kitchen. To keep track of your appointments. And kid activities.

AND if you haven't read the book. You can go and get yourself a copy at Barnes and Noble. But I am sure that you have already read it. Which is why I am giving the movie companion and not the actual book. Though I looked at the book. And the new ones have posters in them. You can buy your own with this.Or you can use this gift card to find something else to read before Stephenie Meyer is persuaded to release Midnight Sun.

And you can mark your place in your new book with this. Or you can always take it with you to the tattoo parlor to make sure that they get the inscription just right.

And finally...you can pretend that you are a teen again by hanging this in your room. I am sure that your husband will get used to it.

I believe that sumarizes the ultimate fan girl pack. Tempting, no?

This is what you need to do:

1. Post a comment here. Tell me if you have read the book. And what do you think has been the best movie adaptation of a book? What about the worst? And really. Tell me what you think. Because I don't believe "I want to win" is a movie adaptation of a book.

2. For another entry...follow me. Only three more to make it to 100! If you already follow me, you also get an extra entry.

3. Blog about this week's contest.

4. And this week we are going to make my life easier. Because I am giving away stuff. I need easy! When you comment you get an entry. When you follow, come back and leave another comment saying you follow me. When you post about it...come back and leave a comment saying you did it. Then I can truly use random number generator and I won't have to type in all those names!

5. Contest ends Friday at midnight. Winners (Yep. Winners. There will be some mini fan girl packs, too!!) will be announced next Saturday. Along with the week four prizes!

Theme song: Coldplay - In My Place. Because it's not on the soundtrack. But I think it would have been a good addition. And come Friday. I will be in my place in line. And just maybe. This prize pack will find it's way to YOUR place.

Friday Follies: Would you Rather?

It's that time of the week again. It's the last day to enter my second week of weekly winners. This week's prizes are all about the ta-tas. Be sure to get your name in. At least once. And then come back tomorrow to see the winner. Yes, I'll really tell you the winner tomorrow. AND I'll launch week three. With a huge fan girl prize pack. And maybe some mini packs too.

And it's that time of the week to do the Friday Follies. And once again, we have a guest inquisitor. This time it's Jennifer P. from The Peterson's Go Public! I "discovered" Jennifer from reading Debbie's and Elena's blog. I would see her comments here and there. And finally went to check her out. And I love how she reciprocated. She told me that after I commented five times on her blog, she would become a regular reader of mine. And that I would have myself a genuine stalker. Wouldn't you love those sweet nothings whispered in your ear? She found my love language. Personal stalker. So be sure to answer Jennifer's questions. And then go stalk her blog.

Hello Friday Follies Ladies! I am über excited to be the guest questioner today! I always view these posts as my personal mini-therapy sessions. It is therapeutic to examine yourself a bit—even just to ask “plain or peanut”—right ?! Anyway—here I am with this great opportunity to come up with questions for you…..and I couldn’t come up with anything. UNTIL I turned to my rusty-trusty “Would You Rather” game. I give full credit to the Zobmondo company for helping to guide my questions this week. Keep your arms and legs inside the cart until the ride comes to a complete stop, and thanks for playing!:

**WOULD YOU RATHER**:

Have smart kids OR strikingly beautiful kids (but not both)?

Be a brilliant singer in a bad band OR a mediocre singer in a wildly popular band?

Pick a carpet clean with tweezers OR trim the lawn with nail clippers?

Live in a country run by supermodels OR live in a country run by professional football players?

Be known as a tyrant OR a wimp?

Work for your sibling OR your best friend?

Share your home with six 90-year-old men and six 90-year-old women OR 2 ostriches?

Have your feet replaced by wheels (without brakes) OR your hands replaced by hooks?

**All of Jennifer's font changes in size, boldness, and italics do not translate from word. This was my attempt to duplicate. No one can fontisize like Jennifer.**

SONG: “Friday” by The Cure, because the song called “Would You Rather” was really annoying!

In the Kitchen with Kat: Chicken and Dumplings

Have I mentioned that I am a procrastinator extraordinaire? Did you know that extraordinaire is one of those rare adjectives that follows its subject? About a month ago, Brandy "tweeted" about wanting a chicken and dumplings recipe. I told her that I had a good one. And it was really easy. And that I should blog about it. And poor Brandy. My proclamation mocked her. Because I did not share my recipe. And she was ready to cook. So...Brandy...this is for you.

When I cook. I only know how to cook for an army. I am not quite sure why. But it's the way I have always cooked. I think that part of it is that leftovers are expected. We usually make a meal of them another night during the week. Michael and my mom will take the leftovers for lunches. When I make grits casserole, the girls will eat it for breakfast.

The other part of it is that I have a husband with the metabolism of Michael Phelps a teenage boy. And the appetite to prove it. And my girls are closing in on his tail. My metabolism clearly got intimidated. And ran away. Never to be seen again. As it clearly does not answer "Polo" to my "Marco."

But I digress. Which is a habit of a procrastinator extraordinaire. Here are the basic ingredients for our recipe. Which I always double. I use more chicken than is pictured. I had just moved on to the first step before I realized that I forgot a photo of the cast and crew.

And that first step is to cut the chicken into 2 inch-ish pieces. I like the specificity of the "ish." Is specificity a word? Stop yelling "procrastinator." Just whisper it. Under your breath. Behind clenched teeth. Brandy.

When cutting up my chicken, I like for it to still be a little frozen. It makes it really easy to slice. Add all your chicken to a deep frying pan. If you like, you could add some chopped celery and onion. But I don't like. So I don't. Cook your chicken until it is no longer pink. And drain. You know. My original recipe does not say to drain it. I would drain it. Really. I would.

Add your flour to the chicken broth. And mix until it is blended.

Then add the broth to the drained chicken in the frying pan.And add the gravy, half-and-half, bay leaf (which I didn't have on my spice rack. Hey. Honey. Add bay leaves to the grocery list please.), and pepper to the pot.Bring to a boil.

Then add the biscuits. Doesn't this look yummy??

Cook it with the lid on for about 10 - 15 minutes until the broth is thickened. And the dumplings are done.

Serve.

Now, there is another option. Besides adding green peas to the mixture. Which I personally think is gross. And that peas contaminate the whole meal. But as long as you are not inviting me for dinner, feel free to add peas. Are your teeth still clenched? You know that you can really aggravate your jaw by doing that? And have some nasty headaches.

My mom is not a fan of the dumpling part of chicken and dumplings. So...you can leave it out. Chicken and dumplings. Hold the dumpling. So, what I do for her is to cook biscuits. And then serve the chicken mixture over that. And if you are carbo loading, you can always serve your chicken and dumplings over a biscuit. Or if you are like me. And are enthralled with watching your hips spread. Chicken and dumplings over a biscuit is just divine.

Here is my easy peasy recipe:

2 packages of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 10 thighs)

1 can of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

4 tbs all purpose flour

2 cups chicken broth

2 (12oz) jars of chicken gravy

2 cups of half-and-half

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp pepper

Cut the chicken into pieces. Cook chicken (you can add celery and/or onions if you like) for about 6-8 minutes - or until no longer pink. Drain.

Blend flour into the chicken broth.

Add broth and remaining ingredients (except the biscuits) - you could also add a cup of frozen peas - and bring to a boil.

Flatten the biscuits and cut each one into 6 pieces. When the chicken mixture is boiling, add the biscuit pieces. And then cover. Reduce the heat to medium-low. And cook 10-15 minutes.

Remove bay leaf and serve.

So...what about you? Do you have a favorite chicken recipe? A favorite comfort food? Does your family eat leftovers? Is chicken and dumplings a Southern thing? What are you procrastinating?

Theme song: Little Feat - Dixie Chicken