And the Mama Bear said, "Who's been sleeping in my bed?"

     Today was Monkey's first day back at the Child Development Center here on base.  When she walked in, she made a beeline for her favorite teacher, who greeted her with a warm hug.  It definitely made it easy for me to leave her there after seeing how happy they were to have her back.  I took full advantage of my "me-time" to wash the dishes, mop the floors and get some errands taken care of.  The main thing I wanted to accomplish was a bit of grocery-shopping.  It was very nice to be able to go in, get what I needed and get out without anyone moving the car while I was inside or adding an extra $100 to my bill.

     Although her daddy isn't around to give me fits, there are still ample ways for me to be stressed.  Take the other night for example.  Monkey has a new fascination with my bed.  She loves to climb into it and play with her toys on my headboard.  She nestles down into the covers to hide, usually when I ask her to clean her room.  She even shoves all the covers onto the floor so she can use them as her own personal tent.  The other night I went into my room after Monkey had fallen asleep and found my blankets on the floor once more.  I shrugged, heaved them back on my bed, and nestled down for the night.  I Facebooked for a while, read a book and played on my phone for a good hour before deciding that 1:00 am was a good time for sleep, so I put away my things, fluffed my pillow, and turned over to get comfortable.  Right as I was reaching for the light I saw it.  Something slithers right next to my chest.  I leapt out of bed with a shriek!  I hate snakes, and I was petrified at the thought of one slinking its way into my bed.  I started flinging my comforter up and down and side to side, screaming, "Kill it 'Douille!  Get 'em Roux!"  My dogs, alerted by my antics, began hunting for the slippery creature, barking and growling like the protective angels I knew they were capable of being.  A few minutes go by before I stop long enough to notice the dead newt on my floor.  Apparently my "snake" was about two inches long and had feet.  I must have scared him to death quite literally, so I think I got the better end of this deal.  This is why I need Lasik surgery!  And a newt-free home.  And a slightly lesser fear of snakes.  And a better bedtime.  And...ugh!

    Now that I've given myself the heebie-jeebies again, I have a recipe that I find rather appropriate to share.

Drumroll, please....

Rattlesnake Bites
(No; I'm not kidding.)

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
4 oz chopped jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
3-8oz tubes crescent rolls

In a large skillet, cook beef/turkey and jalapenos over medium heat.  Drain off grease.  Add cream cheese, cumin, and chili powder.  Cool slightly.  Separate  the crescent rolls into triangles (There should be 24).  Place about 1 TBS of the beef/turkey mixture on the short end of the triangle, and carefully roll up.  Place seam-side down 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. (I like to line mine with parchment paper for easy clean up.) Bake at 375 for 11-14 minutes or until golden brown.

I hope you enjoy them, and I equally hope you find your beds empty of any critters tonight :-)