Gloria 1942- 2011

My older sister, Gloria, was 16 years old when I was born.  She always said she was embarrassed to have a baby sister at 16, you know, the parent thing, she said she didn't like to think that mom and dad had s e x.  But apparently that changed when they brought me home.  The story is I was named after my great aunt Mary Victoria Melvin Clayton.  Aunt Mary had no children so I was given her name.  Gloria said when I came home from the hospital that she didn't want me to be called Mary ... too old fashion for a little baby girl ... so she nicknamed me ... Vicky.  Thanks Gloria, I owe you big time!

On December 15, 2011, Gloria Darlene Mullen Thiem Bailey Queen passed away.  Gloria suffered for many years from diabetes and heart disease.  One of our last fun trips together was to Florida in November, 2006 and she was so happy to be in the sunshine.  She celebrated her 64th birthday with us and I am so very thankful we had this time together.

So many times I called Gloria asking for advice... from what to feed Suzanne when she was 6 weeks old to asking for her recipes for Buckeyes and Potato Candy.   I cannot put into words how much I loved her, and how much our family will miss her.    Your first Christmas in Heaven Gloria I know was a glorious one!  We will see you again one day.

 Vicky, Gloria, Ann, Clearwater FL Nov 2006

 Vicky and Gloria, Dunedin Marina, FL Nov 2006

Rose, Ann, Vicky and Gloria Nov 8 2006, Gloria's 64th Birthday, Little Italy, Dunedin FL

Six Mullen Sisters, 1996 Springfield Ohio

Vicky, Debbie, Annabel

Barbara, Darlene, Gloria

Five Mullen Sisters, 1960 Springfield Ohio

Vicky, Darlene, Debbie, Gloria and Annabel

Saturday Fun with Nannie!

Allee and I had a great day together....did a little grocery shopping and took a walk in the neighborhood and explored the sites and sounds of a winter's day.   We were busy little bees and then it was time to get a few zzz's in before going home to Mom and Dad.

 A winter's walk at Nannie's house

 Paul's Market has yummy cookie samples...go ahead, put the WHOLE cookie in...

  Is there nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby with her pink Mimi (blanket) and beach towel?

Super Bowl Hot Chicken and Cheese Dip

Sinfully delicious.   You will need a sturdy dipper for this hearty warm dip.  I used the new Wheat Thins FlatBread Tuscan Crackers to scoop and savor the Hot Chicken and Cheese Dip.  Practiced this recipe today for Super Bowl Sunday and it's a hit so I'll be making it again in two weeks for the Super Bowl - February 5th - Giants vs. Patriots.

Super Bowl Hot Chicken and Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softene
• 1 (8 ounce) sour cream
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced (optional)

• Place shredded chicken in a medium bowl, and mix in cream cheese, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, green chile peppers (and jalapeno pepper, if you choose). Transfer the chicken mixture to a medium baking dish.
• Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.  Serve with hearty dippers or bread chunks.

Toddler Girl is a Basketball Superstar!

The talent gene pool doesn't fall far from the basketball net!  Allee it seems has inherited her mom's coordination and focus for shooting a basketball.  I love watching this video of 19 month old Allee, "ruffled" up and shooting hoops!