I am currently working two full time jobs - a mom of two great kids and a payroll administrator for a local auto dealership. Something's always going on at my house (www.dingerfamilyzoo.blogspot.com) so it can be hectic trying to get quick, but healthy meals on the table. Although growing up I was the devout "baker" of the family, having a husband and kids has made me come to terms with my inner chef. I enjoy making pasta dishes and experimenting with new marinades. I practically grill all year 'round and have even become better than my husband (IMHO). Although I must admit, I still make a pretty mean carrot cake. I still remember my grandmother's house on Christmas Eve. We would have fish and pasta and many, many desserts. I still replicate some of this tradition today with my mom, although scaled down from what grandma did. I'm beginning a tradition with my daughter of making Jesus a birthday cake every Christmas. We do it from scratch together, right down to licking the bowl. Through the adventures of others on this site I have actually managed to frost a cupcake. Although that sounds trivial, I must admit that icing and I do not get along. I am going to keep trying. My first Christmas dinner! My mom told me to put the turkey in the oven on a low temp and let it roast all night. I checked on it at 1:30 am and it was completely, fall-off-the-bone done. About an hour and a half later, fire trucks came roaring through our apartment complex. I got myself together, managed to salvage the turkey, and dropped a whole bowl of corn on the floor while setting the table.