1. Do you and your spouse still celebrate Valentine's Day? We sure do! I always get him a card, usually we go out for dinner, sometimes he writes me a letter, and occasionally he sends me flowers. I think this year we will celebrate with a night out, since Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday.
2. When's the last time you licked a stamp? It's been forever, since they started making the self-adhesive kind. God bless the post office.
3. How many clocks are in your home? Hmmmm??? There is 1 in our living room, 4 in our kitchen (stove, microwave, coffee pot, & 1 regular one), and 2 in our bedroom. I think that is all.
4. What holiday is closest to your birthday? The 4th of July is the day before my birthday. I always thought those fireworks were for me. ;-)
5. Do you cook anything the same way your mother made it when you were growing up? I try but it never turns out exactly the same. I make my meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, and Hawaiian Chicken about the same as she did.
6. Do you pay bills online? I pay as many as I possibly can online.
7. Will you be gathering to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday? I am betting that it will be on at some point, but it won't be a huge focus for us. I still don't really know who is playing in the Super Bowl. Sports just really aren't my thing.
8. Have you treated yourself to something this week? I always seem to be treating myself. I bought myself a Wii game, The Price is Right. I also bought myself this Wilton Mini Fluted Pan, the Fireproof movie, and some clothes for the kids. I guess the last one is kind of treating them. :-)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Grilling Goodness Meme
Friday, January 30, 2009
Food 4 Thought Friday
Lunch~If you don't live alone, do you think you would be able to, and if you do live alone, do you enjoy it? Why?~~I could live alone, if I absolutely had to. Meaning if my kids were all fully grown, my husband had passed away, or something like that. I would never choose to live alone again, but if circumstances made it so I had to I would, and I would be just fine. I have lived alone in the past, but not for an extremely long period of time.
Dinner~Would you rather give a public speech or bungee jump?~~Public speech all the way!!! I would never EVER bungee jump.
Midnight Snack~Have you ever rode on a train?~~I sure have. I have ridden the Amtrack from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL a few times. One time I had a sleeper car, and the guy working was supposed to wake me at my stop. Well....he didn't! So, they had to stop the train in the woods in Kentucky. Then they had to stop another train heading back towards Carbondale. I eventually made it back, but my poor roommate was having a heart attack. When I didn't get off the train, she called my family in Chicago, and everyone was a nervous wreck. Thankfully all ended well!
Recipe for the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)~~Thanks to my friend Carrie I have been reading the book titled 'Never Say Diet' by Chantel Hobbs. It is awesome! So, my recipe this week is 'Be the best me that I can be!"
Friday Fill-Ins
1. I'd really like to be sleeping right now.
2. I am embarrassed to tell you what is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe. Let me just say that I really have been trying to work on my potty mouth, and I am doing pretty good here lately.
3. Possession is nine-tenths of the law.
4. I have never seen any of the movies about Captain Jack Sparrow.
5. Marshmallows and fire go together like popcorn and butter.
6. This week seems to be going on and on.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to putting the kids in bed and reading a good book, tomorrow my plans include spending the day with my kiddos, going to the bank, and possibly going grocery shopping and Sunday, I want to go to church and then make Poppy Seed Chicken, Green Beans & French Bread for dinner!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Heads Or Tails~Loud
Loud is the theme this week, and oh boy, do I know loud! Would you like to meet loud? Here they are...
My house hasn't been quiet in at least 6-1/2 years. I'm not really complaining. Well, sure I could complain about the loudness, and some days I do, but overall the noise they create is lovely. Let's just say that I wouldn't know what to do if my house were quiet for an extended period.
I mean, the loud talking, screaming, & whining are all very annoying at times, but what if one day it were just gone? I would be a wreck if that happened, so I try to embrace the loudness. I also try to contain it, shush it, and control it. ;-)
Our Menu For 1/25/09 to 2/01/09
Monday~Taco Casserole
Tuesday~Kielbasa, Mac 'N Cheese, & Applesauce
Wednesday~Chili and Corn Bread
Thursday~Frito Pie
Friday~Mustgoes
Saturday~Poppy Seed Chicken, Green Beans, & French Bread
Sunday~Reuben Hot Dish & Bread
~~~Food Holidays~~~
January 27th~Chocolate Cake Day (I am on it!!)
January 28th~National Blueberry Pancake Day
January 29th~National Corn Chip Day (I see Frito Pie in our future!)
January 30th~National Croissant Day
January 31st~Brandy Alexander Day
February 1st~National Baked Alaska Day
February 2nd~Heavenly Hash Day & Crepes Day
February 3rd~National Carrot Cake Day (Yum!)
February 4th~Homemade Soup Day, National Stuffed Mushroom Day
February 5th~National Chocolate Fondue Day
February 6th~Food Checkout Day & Nutella Day
February 7th~National Fettucini Alfredo Day
February 8th~Molasses Bar Day (I do need to find a way to use all that molasses I have.)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday Morning Meme
1. What was your favorite subject in grade school? Why did you enjoy this subject so much? What was your favorite part about this subject? In grade school I always enjoyed the language arts, which included reading, some grammar, dictionary races, and much more. I think I enjoyed this subject most because I was good at it. Plus, I have always loved to read. The dictionary races were quite fun!
2. Tell me about your best friend in grade school. Do you still keep in touch? If not, why did the friendship dissolve? Rita!!! I miss you girl! I moved to Wisconsin when I was 5 and just getting ready to start kindergarten. Rita was my neighbor, and for about 5 years we were inseparable. Then my parents moved me to a different town, but we still got together often until 10th grade when my parents moved me to a completely different state. She is like the sister I never had. We do still keep in touch, but we don't get to actually see each other as often as I would like. When we are together, I feel like nothing has changed. She still knows me, and I know I can share anything with her. I hope she knows I am always here for her!
3. Do you remember your first day of school? If not your very first day, then please tell us about the earliest memory of your first day of school - how did you feel? What did you wear? Did it take long for you to make new friends? Do you remember anything about the classroom or the teacher? I don't really remember my first day of school, but I do remember absolutely loving my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kane. She was just a wonderful woman! I remember only going to school for a half-day, and I remember making some pretty fun crafts. Crafts is what is was all about! :-) I didn't really think it took me long to make friends, but apparently I didn't "play well with others." That's what it said on my report card. Oops! I swear I am much better now.
4. Let’s jump to middle school. What were your middle school years like? Did you have a lot of friends? Did you adjust quickly or slowly to the change from grade school? What was your favorite subject in middle school? Let's see, I had some good friends. I seemed to get along well with others by this point, but I was never "popular." I wasn't a cheerleader, cute blonde, or the one all the boys liked. Inspite of that, I did have lots of fun with the friends that I had. We were loud, silly, and a whole lotta fun! I think I adjusted to middle school fairly well. My favorite subject was probably social studies. It was the one that seemed to require the least amount of work. ;-)
Friday, January 23, 2009
Food 4 Thought Friday
Breakfast~How would you describe your life right now...a Three Ring Circus, the Indy 500, the Boston Marathon, or a day at the beach? I would say probably a 3 Ring Circus. There is so much going on at once. I am trying to take care of the kids, keep up with the house, participate in a Bible study, and help out at my daughter's school.
Lunch~If you were a crayon, what color would you be? That is easy! I would be cornflower blue. I love the softness of this color, but I also love that it is fun. It is a great accent color too.
Dinner~What is the strangest food you ever ate? I can't honestly think of anything. Do you think guacamole is strange? How about shrimp? Those things are about as crazy as I get. Wait, are hot dogs considered strange or just gross???
Midnight Snack~Have you ever seen a Broadway musical? If so, which ones? I saw Sweet Charity in 2005 when Christina Applegate was starring in the show. The show was at the Cadillac Palace Theater downtown Chicago, which was right next to our hotel. It was fun, and I would love to see many more. I love the theater!
Recipe for the week~Instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week? Last week at church, I realized that a lie Satan says to me is that I don't deserve to be forgiven for my past sins. I know this is a lie, and up until that day I wouldn't have even thought that lie was being told to me, but now that I have uncovered it, I realize it most definitely has been. I didn't always believe the lie, but there were times that I entertained the lie as truth. Then later this week I started the Beth Moore study called 'Loving Well', which is teaching me that I have to accept God's love. So, my recipe this week is to accept the gift that is so freely given to me.
Friday Fill-Ins
1. Oh, I am so tired! Seriously, my youngest got up at 5:45 this morning, and I could really use a nap.
2. I need to make changes, big and little. I need to start eating better, quit drinking so much Pepsi, and I need to get off my duff and exercise.
3. During my pregnancies, I ate like a pig.
4. My fine state has another corrupt governor.; are you kidding me??? Where do these guys come from, and why do we keep falling for their malarkey??
5. Right now I'd like to be snug in my bed, with my heated blanket, and a good book to read.
6. My Pampered Chef Measure-All cup is my favorite gadget. It makes measuring things like peanut butter, mayo, or sour cream a snap!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed really early, tomorrow my plans include hanging out at home with my family and Sunday, I want to go to church and spend some more time with my family! It will be a low key weekend around here, and I am going to love every minute of it!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday Morning Meme
1. You have just been hired to clean your own home, what is your first complaint? Oh, that is easy! Why aren't things ever put back where they belong? I am a huge believer in 'everything has a place,' but lately I have gotten lax and not been putting things in there place. This means that my house has become a cluttered mess. I hate it!
2. Are you able to ignore a ringing telephone? How often do you allow a ringing phone to go to voice mail? Do you answer your cell phone, out in public, every time it rings? Or do you silence it and get back to it when you’re in a more private area? How often would you say you’re on your home phone? Your cell phone? Do you like talking on the phone or do you view it as a necessary communication tool? I never ignore a ringing telephone. Okay, very rarely. I almost always check caller ID to see if it is someone I should answer, not answer, or call back as soon as I finish something up.
As for the cell phone, it really depends on where I am. If I am in a meeting of some kind, I would silence it and call back later or move to a different area right then and call. If I am just at a store or something, I would answer right away.
I am on the phone constantly. Generally I am on the home phone more than the cell phone Most of my closest friends live far away, so our only way to stay close is the phone. The conversations with them not only keep us close, but they also keep me sane. There is something about being able to share my daily, mundane life with someone else that makes me feel good. :-) Gotta go...the phone is ringing!
3. When did you last go for a bike ride? Do you own a bike? Do you encourage your children to ride bikes? Given the most popular New Year’s resolution of losing weight, would you consider putting bicycle riding as one of your exercise options? Why or why not? I can't even remember the last time I rode a bike. Isn't that horrible? I don't own a bike, but my children have them. Of course, they only get to ride them in our driveway, but this is one of their favorite things to do. I am not eager to get a bike and ride it often, because it would really only be safe to do so in our subdivision, and I think I would get bored quickly.
4. If you had to name a smell that always makes you nostalgic, what would it be? What sorts of memories does the smell evoke? The smell of Obsession cologne for men always makes me think of my father. This was one of his favorites for a very long time. He passed away 2.5 years ago, and I miss him very much.
Also, the smell of fresh cut grass often makes me think of my first 'love', Doug. He cut grass for people, and he would smell like fresh cut grass some of the time. I was 15 when we dated, and it is nice to go back to that time when life was simple.
Our Menu For 1/19/09 to 1/25/09
Monday~Crockpot Cordon Blue with Green Beans (We didn't get to eat this last week, since Jeff had to leave town on business.)
Tuesday~Cheese Manicotti with Garlic Bread
Wednesday~Crockpot Pork Chops, Calrose Rice, & Sugar Snap Peas
Thursday~Mustgoes
Friday~Taco Casserole
Saturday~Swedish Meatballs over Egg Noodles (I made the meatballs last week for the meatball sandwich dinner we had, and I froze some of them for this meal. I feel so on the ball!)
Sunday~Mustgoes...again ;-)
~~~Food Holidays~~~
January 20th~National Buttercrunch Day, National Cheese Lover's Day, & National Granola Bar Day
January 21st~National England Clam Chowder Day
January 22nd~National Blonde Brownie Day
January 23rd~National Rhubarb Pie Day
January 24th~National Peanut Butter Day
January 25th~Lobster Thermidor Day
January 26th~National Pistachio Day
January 27th~Chocolate Cake Day (I am on it!!)
January 28th~National Blueberry Pancake Day
January 29th~National Corn Chip Day (I see Frito Pie in our future!)
January 30th~National Croissant Day
January 31st~Brandy Alexander Day
February 1st~National Baked Alaska Day
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Saturday Special
~One Word To Start A Sentence Or Statement~
~ Fill In The Blanks~
1. How should I entertain my wonderful children today? While I don't mind being holed up in our home, it isn't as easy for them. We need something fun to do!
2. What is your favorite recipe? Please do share!
3. Where is my husband? I hate when he is out of town, because I don't hear from him much at all. He really needs to get a cell phone again!!
4. Why can't I stop thinking about my dream home? I realize we may not be able to build it anytime soon (if ever, but I am truly hoping!), but I have been researching it a ton. I have even looked into solar panels, so our new home can be more energy efficient.
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Join in on The Saturday Special here.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Food 4 Thought Friday
Dinner~What made you smile today?~~~My husband calling me to tell me that he made it to New Orleans safely, my son getting so excited that he got to pour the vegetable oil when we were making brownies, my oldest daughter's gap toothed grin, and my youngest daughter's feisty personality.
Midnight Snack~What did you do today that made you feel guilty?~~~Nothing really. Okay, I might have drank a few too many Pepsis, ate way too much junk food, and didn't exercise at all, even though the dr. told me this week my cholesterol was slightly elevated, but I promise you I don't feel too guilty about all that. ;-)
Recipe for the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)~~~Dream big and dream often!!
Friday Fill-Ins
1. Enough with the presidential stuff already. I am so over it!
2. Life causes me to be conflicted.
3. I've been craving Sour Patch Kids.
4. My husband, as well as my children, make me laugh.
5. I wish I could go to Wisconsin next week. I want to stay holed up in a log cabin with a roaring fire, lots of yummy snacks, and many devastatingly good novels to read.
6. Building a home someday has been on my mind lately. I have been checking out home plans, researching building tips, and even checking out appliances. I love to dream, but I truly hope this dream will someday (relatively soon) become a reality.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to playing Wii racing games with my son and watching a movie with him while his older sister is at a friends and his younger sister sleeps, tomorrow my plans include relaxing around the house, making some meatballs & freezing them, and possibly running to the mall (depending on the temperatures) and Sunday, I want to go to church and make a dessert for my hubby, since he will be coming home from New Orleans!
Is It Friday Already???
Actually, Friday is almost over, and I can hardly believe it. This week has flown by too quickly. That is partly because my kids were out of school yesterday and today because of the extreme cold temperatures. When Jeff went to start his truck yesterday morning, it was a bitter -19 degrees outside. That wasn't factoring in any wind chill folks. Crazy! Makes me very thankful that we have a warm, cozy home to stay in, where we can bake brownies, play games, and watch movies. Thank you God for all that you give us...even the cold weather. :-)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday Thirteen~Letter J
1. Jeff, Josh, Jim, Jessica, Jeremy, Jack, John, Jason, Judy, Joe, Julie, Jake~We have all those J names in our family. That would by my husband, son, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandfather by marriage, another brother-in-law, aunt, cousin, said cousin's wife & his son. It just appears to be a very popular letter in our family. Do you have any letters like that?
Here are a few of them...
3. Jury Duty~I have served one time. It was during college, and I was only selected as an alternate, so I really never had to do anything. I think I would enjoy being selected again. I find all that stuff interesting.
4. Job~I am currently a stay-at-home mom, wife, and volunteer. I have worked in the past at banks, fast food restaurants, a day care center, and brokerage firms. I am also certified to teach at the elementary level in my state.
5. July~This is my birth month, as well as my husband's birth month. My big day is actually the day after the really big day in July. My mom went into labor during the fireworks, but didn't have me until more than 24 hours later. Poor lady!
6. Jimmy John's~Do you have this restaurant near you? I got hooked on them during college, and thankfully we have a couple around where I now live. I always order the #4~Turkey Tom with cheese and light on the alfalfa sprouts. I think I need one of these today. :-)
7. Jello-O~My favorite Jell-O is strawberry banana, and I love it with some fruit in it. Yum!
Oh, and I absolutely love this Strawberry Pretzel Dessert that uses Jell-O. It is very easy to make, and it is very tasty.8. Jesus~He is an important part of my life! I can honestly say that my life would be a mess without Him.
9. Jimmy Carter~Grandma Rose brings pecan pie to Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. It's delicious, but it isn't just any pecan pie. It is Jimmy Carter's recipe. Here is the recipe:
Pecan Pie
Ingredients
1-9 inch pie shell, unbaked
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pinch each cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1 1/2 cups broken pecans
Directions
Prepare pie shell. Beat eggs lightly. Stir in sugar, butter and syrup. Add vanilla, spices and salt. Beat gently. Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared pie shell and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes on lower rack of oven. Filling should be golden and set when done.
10. Journal~I have a journal for each of my children, but it has been forever since I have written in them. I hoped I would write in them often, but I have resigned to the fact that I will probably only write in them once a year...if that. Sad!
Ali's journal has a rainbow on the front with the word 'Believe.' I haven't written in hers since her first day of kindergarten, which was August 23, 2007. Yikes!
Josh's looks like this...
...and I haven't written in his since he was officially poop trained, which was August 23, 2007. Hmmmm, same day as I last wrote in Ali's journal.Meg's journal looks like this...
...and I have only written in hers one time in her two years. I am a horrible mom, because that was back on March 21, 2007, when she was only 20 weeks old.I need kick it in gear on their journals! I also have this journal, which will be for all of them...
...which I haven't even started writing in yet. Like I always say, I have good intentions but don't always deliver on the follow through. I'll work on that. ;-)11. June 30th~This is the day Jeff and I were married. We have currently been married for 7.5 years, and I truly hope we can someday say that we have been married for 50 years. Marriage isn't easy, but I think our biggest difficulty is that he works a bazillion hours a week, and that takes him away from the family much more than I like. I try to be understanding though, because I know he wouldn't be happy working for someone else at a 9 to 5 kind of job.
12. Jade~When Jeff went to China recently, I told him to bring me home something jade, but most definitely not a jade Buddha. What do you think he brought me home? Yep, a jade Buddha! LOL! I display it proudly, because it was a gift from my hubby, but I most certainly do not worship him.
13. Jack-O-Lanterns~I can't wait until our kids can start really helping with the carving. This year they picked out what they wanted me to carve, but I look forward to they day they can really dig in and be creative. Here are our jack-o-lanterns from this past Halloween.
Join in on Thursday Thirteen, and don't forget to check back next week when I look at the letter 'K'...it should be a kool time! ;-)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Ten On Tuesday
1. Talking on the phone
2. Eating...mostly junk food & comfort foods
3. Playing on the internet
4. Avoiding housework...this is an art
5. Teaching young kids...except my own because they don't listen to me at all ;-)
6. Being a friend
7. Being on time to things
8. Procrastinating...although, I am not nearly as good as my husband at this :-)
9. Making homemade cards
10. Making cakes
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Monday Morning Meme
1. What book is on your nightstand right now? What was the last book you read? How many books do you think you read in 2008? On my nightstand right now is Experiencing God Day-By-Day: The Devotional and Journal, which I am already behind about a week. Also, there is Beth Moore's David: 90 Days With a Heart Like His, which I have yet to start. I think I bought this about 2 years ago. I really do have good intentions! Today I bought The Love Dare, which is also sitting on my nightstand. I don't have a definite time in mind of starting this, but hopefully sooner than 2 years. Last, but not least, is the book that I borrowed from our public library, which is Sunset by Karen Kingsbury. I just recently finished Someday by Karen Kingsbury, and after I read Sunset, I will be finished with her Sunrise Series.
Oh, and I also have a magazine on my nightstand. It is the December/January issue of Family Fun. That magazine is packed with fun things to do with the kids. Now if only I could find the time to do them.
I really don't have a clue how many books I read in 2008. If I had to guess, I would say somewhere around 50. Heck, it may actually be more than that. I know since Thanksgiving I have read at least 6 books, and that was a busy time for me. There is just no telling with me. I love to read! :-)
2. Name three blogfriends that have inspired you. Now please tell us how these blogfriends have inspired you. Annie is such an inspiration, because of her amazing faith in God. If you haven't been to her blog, you really should check her out. She and her family are awesome!
Jodi inspires me because she is a faithful believer and she takes great pride in her family. She is the kind of person I am striving to be. ;-)
I have known Denise for several years now, but we have never met in person. We actually met on a forum with lots of moms, and I was excited when I learned she had a blog. She is an inspiration to me because she is a kind and genuine person, as well as a woman full of faith. I am hoping to meet her in person sometime this year, because her friendship means so much to me.
3. How far do you live from the place where you grew up as a kid? Tell us about the place you grew up - would you choose to go back there and raise your own family (if you have one)? Why or why not? I consider myself to be from two areas. The first would be the Wisconsin Rapids, WI area, which is where I lived from the time I was 5 until 15. I currently live about 5 1/2 hours south of there. It was a nice place, but I don't think I would go back there now. I would love to move to northern Wisconsin though.
The second place that I grew up is Carterville, IL, which is a tiny town outside of Carbondale. I live a little over 4 hours north of there now. Growing up there was okay. It was a tiny little town with virtually nothing to do, but I met some great friends there. I feel it is a good place to raise a family, but I don't think I could personally move back there. I like that I live close enough to visit though.
4. Finish this line: Absence makes the heart……
(please do not say “grow fonder”.) How long do you think is ‘too long’ to be away from your loved ones? "grow lonely and restless." I know because Jeff was gone most of last week, and that is how I felt.I don't really know how long is too long. I guess it depends on the loved ones. I don't like to be away from Jeff for more than 3 days. After that is when I grow really lonely and restless. The same is probably true of my kids, but I grow restless quicker when it comes to them.
Our Menu For 1/12/09 to 1/18/09
Monday~Baked Potato Bar
Tuesday~Dried Beef Hot Dish with Salad
Wednesday~Beef Stir Fry with Calrose Rice
Thursday~Crockpot Cordon Blue with Green Beans
Friday~Mustgoes
Saturday~Meatball Sandwiches with Chips
Sunday~Mustgoes or Quesadillas....depends on what still must go. ;-)
~~~Food Holidays~~~
January 13th~National Peach Melba Day
January 14th~National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
January 15th~Strawberry Ice Cream Day
January 16th~National Fig Newton Day, International Hot & Spicy Food Day
January 17th~Hot-Buttered Rum Day
January 18th~Peking Duck Day
January 19th~National Popcorn Day
January 20th~National Buttercrunch Day, National Cheese Lover's Day, & National Granola Bar Day
January 21st~National England Clam Chowder Day
January 22nd~National Blonde Brownie Day
January 23rd~National Rhubarb Pie Day
January 24th~National Peanut Butter Day
January 25th~Lobster Thermidor Day
Saturday, January 10, 2009
More Cookbooks!
You know, when I get a cookbook, I like to share some of the interesting recipes I have found and hope to soon try. Here are a few of those. I hope you all enjoy! Let me know if you try one. :-)
I actually don't know why this one intrigues me so much, but it must because it uses dried beef. You just don't find too many recipes that use this product. I am a huge fan of Creamed Chipped Beef, which also uses dried beef, so I have to give this a try soon.
Dried Beef Hot Dish
2 cups large size elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions, less 3 minutes cooking
time, set aside
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
3/4 cup whole milk
1 cup salad dressing (mayonnaise)
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
3 hard boiled eggs, chopped
2 2-ounce packages dried beef, cut up
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix together soup, milk, and salad dressing until well blended. Add cheese, eggs, beef and macaroni; mix well. Pour mixture into a greased 2-quart glass baking dish. Bake uncovered about 35 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Serves 6
Reuben Hot Dish
1 8-ounce package wide noodles, cooked according to package directions, drained, then mixed with 3 tablespoons soft butter
1 pound sauerkraut, drained
2 cups chopped corned beef
2 medium tomatoes, peeled, sliced (I am thinking about omitting this.)
1/4 cup thousand island salad dressing
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
4 crisp rye crackers, crushed
1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds, more if desired
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a greased 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish, layer noodles, sauerkraut, corned beef and tomaotes. Dot with salad dressing and sprinkle with cheese. Top with cracker crumbs and caraway seeds. Bake covered 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Serves 6 to 8
Cashew Chicken Hot Dish
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium sized onion, diced
1 10-ounce can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 cup uncooked long grain regular white rice
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules, mixed with 1-1/2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups broccoli pieces
1 cup cashew nuts
Pinch ground black pepper
1 teaspoon soy sauce, or as desired
Parsley sprigs
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a saucepan, over medium heat, stir and cook chicken in butter until done, about 5 minutes; spoon mixture into a 2-1/2 quart round glass baking dish. Add onion, mushrooms, rice, boiling water and ginger; mix well. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Stir in broccoli; bake 10 minutes or until vegetables are done. Remove from oven and let stand a few minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup cashews, pepper and soy sauce. Sprinkle remaining cashews on top. Place under broiler, (without the cover) to brown. Remove from oven. Garnish with parsley
Serves 4
Friday, January 9, 2009
Food 4 Thought Friday
Dinner~Is there something hanging over your head that you need to do right now? Just normal house stuff. I need to clean up a bit, do laundry, and do some dishes. I also need to get dinner started. Oh, and I need to buy a tote for some of my Christmas decorations. Nothing major thank goodness.
Midnight Snack~What are you most looking forward to at this moment? Least looking forward to? I am most looking forward to Jeffrey coming home from the trade show on Sunday, and I am least looking forward to having blood drawn on Monday to have some basic tests run. I don't like needles.
Recipe for the week (Instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?) My recipe this week has been to try not to worry. I usually do okay with this, but I have been struggling a bit this week. Maybe it is because Jeff is out of town.
Friday Fill-Ins
1. It's January; I need snow!!
2. Two eggs over medium, bacon, and toast is what I crave most right now. Maybe some hash browns too. :-)
3. Cork and wine go together like Pepsi and Pop Top. I am such a Pepsi addict!
4. Water is so nourishing. It really is a shame I don't like to drink it more.
5. Let us dare to imagine life where people are considerate to others.
6. I love my home. It's nothing fancy, but it is cozy and inviting.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chillin' at home with my kids, tomorrow my plans include possibly going to the grocery store and playing games with my kids and Sunday, I want to give my husband a big ol' hug, because he has been out of town since Wednesday morning.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Freedom
This is awesome!!! When I blog, I am confined to my desktop cmputer in my office, but that is not the case any longer. No sirree! My mom spoiled me tonight (Thank You, Mom!), and she got me a belated Christmas present. I am now the proud owner of a Dell Inspiron 1420 laptop in a fun green color. Isn't it cool?
Now I can blog from anywhere in my home. I can also blog from other places with wireless internet. Hooray! I am actually blogging this from Jeff's comfy La-Z-Boy chair in our living room. I just like knowing that I now have freedom! :-)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
I Love A Deal!
Wordless Wednesday
My short stuff found a new hiding place.
She was so proud of herself. Silly girl!
:-) Have a nice Wednesday! :-)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Meghan Has A Big Girl Bed
So, we went from this....
to this...
She really likes her big girl bed. Getting her to sleep in it at nap time was a bit of a challenge, but she did pretty good at bed time. However, she doesn't like to sleep with the door closed now. She is funny!
Last night Jeff and I went in to admire her in her 'big girl bed,' and I walked right up to the edge of the bed. It was then that I noticed she wasn't in her bed, and when I turned around to tell Jeff she wasn't in there, we both noticed she was laying on the floor sleeping. We put her back in bed, and she did great after that until about 4:30 in the morning. I had to go in and sleep with her after that, but I can't say that I really minded. It was nice to snuggle up with my baby. :-)
Heads Or Tails
This week we are reflecting on 2008. It was a pretty good year!
Here are 3 things I learned in 2008:
1. I learned that things can go from good to bad quicker than you can say "What just happened, Dear God??" Thankfully they can turn back around almost as quick. God is good!
2. I learned that volunteering at your child's school once a week (or more) can be rewarding, eye-opening, and even just plain ol' fun. I love that Ali's classmates know who I am, her teacher and I have built a wonderful relationship, and the office staff knows me and we chat often. As a stay-at-home mom, I love that I can be a part of her school life, and I plan to be able to do this with all of my kids.
3. I learned (or possibly re-learned) that politics are most definitely not my thing. I just can't get into all that stuff no matter how hard I try.
So, what did you learn in 2008? Please do share! :-)
Ten On Tuesday
10 Things You Want To Do In 2009
1. I really want to turn our fireplace into a wood burning one. I dream of the day Jeff and I can sit in front of the fire after the kids go to bed. I also dream of the day the kids, Jeff and I can roast S'mores right in our own home, and maybe we can even pop some popcorn.
2. I would love to replace our 30-year-old balding carpet in our dining/fireplace room. That carpet is hideous, but I don't want to replace it until we can do a nice wood floor. Maybe by the end of the year.
3. I want to go visit three of my friends who live in the Indianapolis area. I was supposed to go see them this week, but plans got changed. I am still eager to make the trip, but I think I should wait until Spring.
4. I want to deepen my relationship with Christ this year.
5. I want to travel somewhere with my kids. Somewhere relatively close to home would be nice. Maybe we could take in the sights of St. Louis or Chicago.
6. I want to start scrapbooking again, which means I need to start actually printing pictures. I have way too many to print. Ugh!
7. I want to read lots and lots of fiction novels. I love to read!
8. I want to go on a 3-day trip with my husband, so he and I can have some alone time. A few years ago we went to Lake Geneva, and we had a pretty good time.
9. I want to start working out, but chances of this happening are slim. The problem is that my brain wants to do this, but my body just won't comply. Darn my lazy body! ;-)
10. Last, but not least, I want to embrace the fact that this fall I will have two kids in school. I want to take that time to truly enjoy my little Meggie, who won't start preschool until Fall of 2010.
I know that not all of these things will be able to be done, but they are things that I want to do this year. Too bad time and money limit me. ;-)
Monday, January 5, 2009
Josh's Birthday Party
Here is the cake that I made for Josh. His theme was Hot Wheels, and the race track is made out of fondant, which I had never used before. I am pretty proud of the way the whole thing turned out. Normally I am very hard on myself, but this time I accepted the cake...imperfections and all. ;-)
Here is another view of the cake. Can you tell I am proud?
The dining room was all ready for his party.
I even made him a Happy Birthday sign.
Josh decided that we would have tacos for lunch, so I made tacos and tostadas, as well as guacamole. Here is Ali really getting into eating the cheese from her taco. She is too funny! I didn't even notice how my husband was looking at me. Never mind him! LOL! I love this picture of him though, because I feel like it really captures his personality. Silly man!
While we were eating Josh said, "What are we going to do after we eat?" He was waiting to hear that he got to open presents, and was very happy when we said yes. However, he didn't like that he had to wait until everyone was done eating first. So, Grandpa entertained him while he waited.
The first present he opened was from Grandma & Grandpa. Grandma thought she had boy wrapping paper at home, but she said it was too babyish, so she decorated some herself. How fun is that?
Inside that fun package was a Hot Wheel set. Perfect present since it was a Hot Wheel party, and this boy has way too many Hot Wheel cars.
The next present he opened up was from my mom, and I cracked up, because he remembered that she used the same wrapping paper as last year. He has such a good memory! She got him the Tag reader, because he has been enjoying the one she got Ali for Christmas. She also got him a book to go with the tag reader, and we got him 2 books and some cards to go with it. He is playing with it as I type this. :-)
Next he got to open presents from us. First came his present from Daddy, which was two tickets to go to Monster Jam (monster truck show) next month. If you know Josh, you know he would love something like this. He threw his hands in the air and shouted, "I get some daddy time!" That is why Jeff has a big smile on his face. He loves being able to go do special things with the kids. Later on, when Jeff and Josh were alone, Josh thanked Jeff for the tickets. He is such a good boy!
We also got him 2 games for his Smart Cycle.
His "big" present from us was his new spiderman bike. His old bike is way too small for him. He loves this one because it has a kickstand. It's the little things folks! :-)
Here he is riding his bike down the hallway. He was having a hard time because he didn't have much room, so he and Ali got bundled up and went outside to give it a spin. Crazy kids!
After the presents were opened, we sang Happy Birthday to Josh, and he got to blow out his candles.
He seemed to enjoy his cake.
Ali & Grandma seemed to enjoy theirs too. :-)
Meghan enjoyed hers far too much. Later last night, my mom was watching the kids, and apparently Meghan helped herself to some frosting from the cake. She even put the frosting in a bowl. I have my hands full with her!
After the cake, Josh and Daddy set up his Hot Wheels track using his brand new one and the one he got from Santa. He had a blast!
While this was going on, Ali got in some time with Grandpa.
Josh wanted to box Grandpa, but he wasn't up for all that. He did want to see Ali & Josh box each other though. Ali is used to winning at boxing, and she was a bit miffed that Josh was winning. She actually quit playing and got a really bad attitude, so Jeff told her she couldn't play the Wii until next Sunday. I totally support this punishment. I think being competitive is fine, but you have to be a good sport about it...no matter if you are winning or losing.
So, she went off to her room to sulk. When she did this, Meghan took over for her. She really got into the game. 
A good time was had by everyone, and most of us are having a hard time believing that Josh is going to be 5. Where does the time go?
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