Sinus infection for 3 weeks makes for a bad blogger but here is a new story. FIREDRILL

Okay, so on Fridays Katelyn's mom comes at 4:00. So when I get back from getting the boys at school she is often there waiting for me. A couple of weeks ago, I pulled around the corner and saw her car, then I saw the other four children I care for running between my house and my Miss Carol's (my neighbor). I kept watch for Lauren but nope, no Lauren, just four kids ages 2-5 outside in the cold, no coats running between our houses. When I parked my car in the driveway I was greeted with these shouts "FIRE!!" "Miss Gina, we praksing fire pills!"
I turn around and Katelyn's mom says "who is with the kids?" I remind her that Lauren is at the house and she quickly points out that Lauren is IN the house. Luckily, I always bring Katelyn with me and do not leave her with Lauren so she was "safe and sound". I tried to change the feel and told the kids I was very proud of them for doing such a great job practicing but it was cold and we would all practice together next week.
After saying goodbye to Katelyn I went inside to ask Lauren what the hell was going on. I found her cuddled in a blanket laying on my couch! Seriously. I asked her if she knew what the kids were doing and she said "yeah, doing a fire drill". I told her that she CAN NOT allow the children to go outside unattended. Escpecially Ryan, he is only two, and three 5 year olds can not be responsible for keeping him safe.
I needed a good stiff drink. Of course, I had to settle for a diet Pepsi but oh well. I am amazed that the 14 year old girl I employed to assist me has turned into a constant source of bewilderment. Was I this dumb at 14? Probably in some ways I was. I had already been babysitting for 2 or 3 years by then though so I was more experienced and more comfortable. She is getting better at saying "No" and setting boundaries so hopefully she is learning.
I will keep you posted.

Delicious pumpkin chocolate cheesecake

You ask...I provide!
There is ONE thing. This recipe is for a 10 inch pie crust. All I could find in the store was a 9 inch so I had a little cream cheese mix left (Fabulous on bleberry bagels!) and also about a cup and a half of pumpkin pie mixture. If you find a 10 inch pie crust please tell me where.
Okay here it is:
1 deep dish pie crust (10 inch)
12 oz cream cheese, softened (1 and a half pkgs)
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
1 15oz can pumpkin
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
4 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup half-and-half
some additional mini chips to sprinkle on top once cooled

1. Preheat oven to 375
2. In medium bowl combine cream cheese, sugar and 1 egg; beat on low until smooth. Spread mixture in pie shell. Sprinkle with mini chips.
3. In large bowl combine pumpkin, brown sugar, and spice. Stir in the 4 eggs. Gradually stir in the half-and-half. Slowly pour pumpkin mix on chocolate layer. Cover the pie edge with aluminum foil to prevent over browning. (Careful when removing as the crust gets stuck to the foil)
4. Bake 60 to 65 minutes or until knife inserted NEAR the center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Cover and refrigerate within 2 hours. Top with additional mini chips just in the center for affect.


Enjoy your Thanksgiving!!