Monday, October 31, 2011

Menu Plan Monday

You know the song...Just another manic Monday....

But guess what, dinner tonight is going to be anything but manic even with it being Halloween!  Why?

Because I have planned my meals for the week and even made them this past weekend with my Dinner is Ready program. 

And of course as always, I am linking up my Menu Plan with I'm An Organizing Junkie.  And you can too!



Menu Plan Monday ~ Sept 26th



Sunday

Taco Pie

Monday

Tuna Broccoli AuGratin
Fruit Salad

Tuesday

Country Chicken & Vegetables
Bisquits

Wednesday

Beef Stroganoff
Green Salad

Thursday

Creamed Corn & Beef
French Bread

Friday

Cheesy Ham & Noodles
Applesauce

Saturday

Date Night

What is on your menu for this week?

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Dinner is Ready!

Have you heard about the latest craze!  Make 30 meals in just ONE DAY.  You heard it.  And it REALLY is possible.

Dinner is Ready offers a complete guide to freezing 30 different meals in one day giving you the freedom in the dinner hour that you so desperately need (or is that just me...LOL). 

From freezer to plate in no time flat.  And the meals they taste like they were just made!

I have recently had the opportunity to review this guide by Deanna Buxton which also comes with a software to support the program. The software includes all the recipes and it allows you to add recipes, too.  It will also adjust the servings, generates shopping lists, prints labels complete with the recipe AND cooking/serving instructions. 

Dinner is Ready makes dinner so much easier than I ever thought was possible.

It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of dinner options.  Nothing with weird ingredients, no strange recipes, family friendly and they all can be easily frozen.

Easy to follow step by step instructions make this plan super duper easy to stay on track with.  No more boxed macaroni and cheese as you are scurring out the door to the next event.  With the 30 meals in just ONE DAY you can rest assured that you will always have something that you can heat up and serve for your family.

Here are some of the freezer meals that I made this past weekend:

Country Chicken & Vegetables
Creamed Corn & Beef
Taco Pie
Cheesy Ham & Noodles
Tuna Broccoli Au Gratin
Beef Stroganoff

And the best part?  (Yes, there is more)

You have several options for this program at an affordable cost.  You can buy just the book, just the software or the whole package. 

The whole package is only $31.95!  The software can be downloaded while the book is shipped.

They also offer On The Side for side dishes.  And Lunch is Ready for lunches.

If you are an on the go family like ours I highly recommend a product such as this. 

No more "What's for dinner, Mom!" with Dinner is Ready!  


Cookbooks


**This was a sponsored post written on behalf of Dinner is Ready.   I was provided the Dinner is Ready program to use and review. No other compensation was given.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Corn Squares & Bean Dressing

If you love cornbread, you are going to *love* this recipe.  

It was a *huge* hit this past week in our house. Kaylyn I swear ate 3 helpings.

Ingredients

1 can of cream style corn
1 can of sweet corn
1 box of cornbread mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup of butter (melted)
1 can of black beans (or other beans of choice)
1/2 cup of salsa (or tomatoes with green chilies)
1 cup of cheese
Sour cream

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Directions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
2.  Mix cream style corn, sweet corn, muffin mix (dry), butter and eggs.
3. Pour into 11 x 9 baking dish.
4.  Bake for 30-40 minutes.  (Insert toothpick into middle and if it comes out clean then cornbread should be done)
5.  Heat beans, salsa and some cheese in small pan over medium heat.
6.  Cut corn bread into squares.
7.  Top with the bean/salsa sauce.  Sprinkle additional cheese on top.
8.  Add a dollop of sour cream if you like.

I paired this with a mexican salad.  Yum! Yum!


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This is definitely a recipe I am putting in regular rotation.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Dirt Babies

Have you seen them?

Ain't they cute? 

Hayden made one at The Pumpkin Patch the other day.





Want to make one?

Here is how:

Things you will need:
  • 1 knee-high nylon stocking
  • Grass seed
  • Top soil
  • 16-oz. plastic or glass clear cup
  • Water
  • Glue
  • Small craft eyes
  • Red pipe cleaner
  • Spray bottle filled with water
  1. Hold the nylon stocking with the open end up.
  2. Sprinkle a teaspoon or so of grass seed into the toe end of the nylon.
  3. Add a handful of topsoil on top of the grass seed.
  4. Make a knot in the nylon below the topsoil so it forms a ball. This is the head of the dirt baby.
  5. Fill the cup halfway with water.
  6. Place the head of your dirt baby on top of the cup with the tied end of the nylon hanging into the water.
  7. Glue on the craft eyes to the head.
  8. Cut pieces of the pipe cleaner and glue on for the mouth and nose if you desire.
  9. Spray the top of the head with the water from the spray bottle.
  10. Set the dirt baby in a sunny place like a windowsill.
  11. Check the dirt baby throughout the day to see how much water is being soaked up from the cup into the head.
  12. Refill the water in the cup as it gets low. Always keep it about halfway full.
  13. Watch the grass begin to grow on the top of the head in about 10 days.
Thank you ehow.com for simple instructions on making this.  We have it in our windowsill and can't wait for it to start growing.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Happy Blogiversary!


Happy Blogiversary to me!  (Cha-Cha-Cha) 

Happy Blogiversary to me!  (Cha-Cha-Cha) 

Happy Blogiversary to me! 

Happy Blogiversary to me!  And many more.....

Hey, did you know it is my Blogiversary today!  Really?  How'd you miss that?  One year ago today I started on this journey of bloggyhood.  Who would have thunk it would have come this far?  Not I said the fly!


Image Detail

You see, this was not my first blog.  I actually have several others but this one seems to have struck a chord so it is sticking around and I have put the others on the back burner.  I am glad though because they always say write what you know.  Well, unfortunately I am not always following what "they" say since my blog tends to be a hodgepodge of stuff but for whatever reason most of the time, it works.

Here are the TOP 5 things I have learned this past year about blogging:

1.  There are A LOT of mommy bloggers out there.  Last count 3.9 million.  Yes, I counted.  LOL! (although I am a mommy and a blogger, I don't think my blog falls into a full on mommy blogger niche.  Did you read my Life's A Niche post?)

2.  But something else I have learned: there is room for everyone. 

3.  It is ok if you don't post everyday.  The world is not going to fall apart.  Although to keep things fresh, and entertaining I tend to post almost daily even if it is just something simple.

4.  You can meet A LOT of great women through your blog.  I have several loyal followers/commenter's that if they lived in my city, I know we would hit it off and be *real* life friends.  Hopefully they are reading this and know who I am referring to.

5.  Blogging is much cheaper than therapy and has helped me stay *sane*.  Even when you are alone, you are not alone.  There is always someone willing to read what you write and often times encourage you which is the best.

So now that you know what I have learned about blogging, perhaps you are wondering why I started this blog? What inspired me?  Here is the link to my very first post.  Women's Retreat

Last fall before our church's Women's Retreat we had a contest for a theme.  My theme was "I Am Not Superwoman." And that theme won.  At our Women's Retreat we came together and inspired one another to let go of perfection, to be cheerleaders for one another rather than adversaries always in competition, to be ok at not always being the best at everything we do.   

With that I came home and started this blog to try and inspire other busy women, whether it be career women with or without children, stay at home moms, work from home moms, all women and mothers for that matter.   

If you are doing your daily "best" with what you have to work with then let go of the rest.  It is quite alright if your dishes are still in the sink from last night, that your laundry basket is overflowing, that there is a ring around the toilet bowl.  If you are a mother, are your kids happy? Healthy? Fed? Bathed? Played with? Loved on?  If you are married, does your husband know he is cherished and loved?  Then that is what really matters.  Everything else is icing on the cake.  So don't be so hard on yourself.  It will ALL get done, eventually.  Later in life are you going to wish you had more time to do housework?  Yeah, probably not.  Are you going to wish you had more time to spend with your friends and family?  Probably so but hopefully not if you take today and LIVE IT !


I hope you continue to read my little ol' blog and all its glory.  I have lots of exciting things planned for it this next year.

 Laugh with me.

Cry with me.

Pray with me.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

A Joint Effort

This is what happens when you turn your back for
one second in our household.


It was a joint effort had by all.


  Tyler took the box of cereal out of the grocery bag.


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  Hayden ripped the box open.



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Kaylyn dumped the bag of cereal (she is still holding the evidence).

 
Hayden & Kaylyn both ate it cleaned it up off the carpet.


 
Any questions?

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

"Occupy" This!


Even the local bars are jumping on the "Occupy" bandwagon.



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A few signs around town.  Portland, Oregon.

An Anniversary and An Anniversary



Recently my husband I celebrated our wedding anniversary.  Originally we were going to celebrate it on our actual day but those plans got derailed.  Instead we just rolled with it, went out to eat with the kids in tow and decided we would have another time for our own quiet dinner the following weekend.  Which is what we did. 

This past Saturday evening we enjoyed ourselves at a very nice German restaurant Rheinlanders where they have authentic German food.  Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Bavarian Pretzels, Shepard's Pie, Potato Pancakes w/apple sauce and sour cream.  YUM!


The waiters/waitresses are all dolled up in German attire.  They even come around with accordion players and sing German music. It is so fun!


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As you know I am FOND-ue of cheese so we of course shared some  FONDUE.  (I know kinda cheesy attempt at being funny).  Ha!  Cheesy!


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We then went to one of our smaller movie theaters and saw Drive with Ryan Gosling (from The Notebook fame).  I knew this was a bit of a dark movie/role for Ryan Gosling and generally I like Ryan Gosling but this movie, it was a little over the top for him.  I know he is trying to step out of his rom com roles that he has been stereotyped in but I think this role just didn't work for this handsome, clean cut actor. 

It was really graphic too which I could have done without. 

I did however like Carey Mulligan in her role.  She is a very emotional actress without trying too hard. It is easy to *feel* for her in not only this film but other films she has been in.


Ohh and guess what!  I am having another anniversary on Thursday, October 27th!  It is my BLOGIVERSARY!  One year ago Thursday I started my blog.  Where did the time go? 

Make sure you stop in on Thursday, I am going to share a bit about how it began and what I have learned this past year about the BLOGOSPHERE. 

Have a great Tuesday!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Menu Plan Monday $7 Dinner Challenge

It is week #4 in my challenge to make dinners for $7 or less for my family of 5.

I have only slipped a few times so I think all and all these past 4 weeks have been a success.  Have you seen my previous weeks menus? 

Week #1
Week #2
Week #3



And now here we are.  And of course, as always, I am linking up with I'm An Organizing Junkie albeit a little bit late.  Crazy weekend so I am only posting now, Monday evening.


Sunday

Chili at Church Function

Total Cost:  N/A

Monday

Italian Beef & Rice (One Skillet Wonder!)**

Total Cost: $5.48

Tuesday

Goulash
Green Salad

Total Cost: $6.96

Wednesday

Corn Squares & Bean Dressing**
Mexican Salad (Lettuce, Corn, Black Beans & Chipotle Dressing)

Total Cost: $7.36

Thursday

BLT Sandwiches
Carrots & Ranch

Total Cost: $5.98

Friday

Steven Curtis Chapman Concert ---Quick Bite Out

Saturday

Chicken & Green Bean Casserole
Applesauce

Total Cost: $8.16

Total Cost for dinners in Week 4:  $33.94. 

Again not too bad.  Even though I went over a few nights by just a bit, it all evened out so still under budget as a whole.  This of course though was only for 5 nights. 


**I will be sharing these recipes on another post.  Make sure to check back.

Salad dressings are not included in the total cost since always have a variety of dressings on hand. 

Bread is not included in total cost since it is a staple always have on hand.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

R.I.P LuLu

I am sure many of you have seen or heard about this story recently.  It has been all over the news.  And quite honestly it disgusts me that so many people had so little compassion for someone, a small child for that matter, that they just walked on by.  Is this what our world has come to? 


I must warn you, this clip is graphic and very disturbing so please if you have small children near by, please do not click on the video.


 


18 PEOPLE WALKED BY and did NOTHING.


Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins James 4:17

Let us take a moment to pray for all man kind that we can find the courage to act when others have been forsaken.  To have compassion on all man kind and do right by GOD as he did for us.  Let us pray for this family who lost their child to this heinous *crime*. 

Friday, October 21, 2011

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Flashback Friday!

Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar!  Love this song.  When I was younger and we lived in Huntington Beach, CA my dad and some friends played in a garage band. 

Yeah, my dad was THAT cool surfer dude with a band!  They used to let me sing during rehearsals and this was my go to song.  I remember being 6 or so singing my heart out.  "Hit me with your best shot, FIIIIIRE AWAY!"  Ohh man, the memories. What is your favorite childhood song?




Thursday, October 20, 2011

What's That?

Spoon?  What's that?

Who needs a spoon when you have your hand?




Not Kaylyn!


After dinner dessert.  Sugar free chocolate pudding. 
Yum!  Yum!

I think she has more on her face and hands than in her belly.

Oh well.  It sure was good.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

58: The Film

I had the opportunity to view a screening of 58: The Film last Thursday. 

Thanks to my friend, Jill, who just so happens to write a blog (too) about her families walk with faith and Compassion International.  Please check out her blog.  She is truly inspiring!  And if you are considering sponsoring a child she is a great resource, drop her a line!

You can find her at http://www.compassionfamily.blogspot.com/

This film quite literally left me speechless.  I have been writing this post off and on since I saw the movie chewing on things (no pun intended) being that the film talks a lot about hunger around the world.

Before the film began I was sitting there in the theater looking around.  I couldn't help but think, here we are getting ready to watch a film about ending poverty, hunger, etc and a good majority of the people are:

  • Stuffing handfuls of popcorn in their mouth.
  • Slurping down big gulps. 
  • Playing on their iPhones.
  • Texting on their Blackberry's. 
It just seemed odd to me.  It really made me think quite a bit as I sat motionless, in the dark theater, watching the movie with tears streaming down my face. 

Now, I don't want to make a *mass* generalization here but we, me included, are so truly blessed yet often times we dont' give a second thought about how good we really have it.  Don't get me wrong, I like nice things like the next person but I think my point really is, we take so much for granted so quickly and easily.

 EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. 

  • Most of us have clean water to drink everyday.
  • Most of us have 3 meals to eat everyday.
  • Most of us have a warm bed to sleep in everyday.
  • Most of us have access to health care.
  • Most of us have access to free education (K-12).
  • Most of us have clean clothes, a hot shower, transportation of some sort.

Yet, we complain probably EVERY.SINGLE.DAY about the most mundane and trivial things. 

  • My coffee is cold. 
  • I woke up too early.
  • I have nothing to wear.
  • Will it be eggs and bacon for breakfast or pancakes?  Man,I can't decide..
  • Gosh, my job is so horrible.  They actually make me work.  Life is so rough!

The people depicted in  58: The Film are lucky if they have one meal a day.

The parents often times go hungry themselves in order to feed their children.

The mothers walk miles for water and there is no guarantee it is even clean.

They fight for their and their families lives (literally sometimes) and livelihood.

EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. 

They work themselves to the bone at the most back breaking and laborious jobs.  

Some of the kids have to work to pay off debt and therefore can not go to school so the cycle of poverty continues onto the next generation. 

They live in shacks no bigger than probably my laundry room sleeping on mats on dirt floors, keeping warm any way they can. 

Their clothes often times are whatever they can find from day to day and rarely do they have shoes. 

If you need a wake up call this film can really put things in perspective to cleary prove how blessed so many of us are in this country.  Even those of us who live a more frugal and simplistic life by circumstance or by choice.  We still have so much more than so many other people not only in 3rd world countries, but also in our own country. 

In this day and age, if you have a job, if you have a home (even if you don't own it) you, we, are getting to be the minority. Be thankful for what you have, even if you don't think it is much, it is probably more than many others have.

You can view a trailer of 58: The Film here.  Or you can look on the website to see if there is a viewing near you here.

For those of you who are local, in light of our viewing, we will be hosting a viewing of this movie at our own church in a few weeks.  More details to come.



Fast.Forward.The End Of Poverty.

58: THE FILM



Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Vegetables Over Rice

Such a simple meal.  And very frugal.  This fit into my under $7.00 dinner very well.

Ingredients

1 lb Chicken Breast or Tenders (cut into small pieces)
10-16 oz "Steamables" frozen vegetables medley
1 Jar of Salsa Con Queso (Mild or Med)
6 servings of rice (white or brown)

Broccoli Florets, Cauliflower and Carrots


Directions

1.  Spray skillet or wok with cooking spray or lightly coat with EVOO.
2.  Cook chicken breast/tenders in skillet until golden brown.
3.  While chicken is browning, cook rice as directed on box.
4.  And microwave your steamables vegetables (5-7 minutes)
5.  Once vegetables are steamed add into chicken.
6.  Add rice into chicken/vegetable medley.
7.  Add jar of Salsa Con Queso.
8.  Stir and heat for another 2-3 minutes.
9.  Serve

We paired with some slices of pear. 






Score!

If you have read my blog long enough you know I tend to be pretty frugal.

Since I am not a crafty person and can't sew worth a darn come October I am always searching high and low for a cute yet affordable Halloween costume for the kiddos.  And cute and affordable often times don't go hand in hand when it comes to costumes.

But, we happened upon Value Village on Saturday and man did I score! 

We found a frog costume, the warm, fuzzy, soft ones that you can get at Costco and it was in Hayden's size! I snatched that thing up so fast, you didn't even have time to Ribbit.  Only $6.99!!!




And low and behold, we found a Minnie Mouse costume for Miss K with the headband to match!  This was one from the Disney Store not the cheesy one that falls apart when you put it on.  $7.98!!!  We bought some black face paint so we can paint whiskers and a nose on her and she will be good to go.





We also found a Wok, in perfectly good shape.  For $7.99.  I have been wanting one of these but couldn't stomach spending $20.00-$30.00 for one (if not more).



And, tons of pants for Hayden.  He is growing like a weed these days so I have decided that we are going to make a habit out of buying *gently* used pants so we dont' go into the poor house because of our clothing budget.




What deals have you scored recently?



Light up someone's world.  Smile! WW



Monday, October 17, 2011

What I Am Reading

I don't have a whole lot of extra time these days but I have always *loved* to read (too bad that didn't rub off on my 13 yr old).

I have a couple books that I have been fancing lately and hope to dive into them all sooner rather than later.

In An Instant:  Lee & Bob Woodruff.  A Family's Journey of Love & Healing.

I know this is old news but it is still such an inspiring story.

The Power of A Positive Mom.

I am really hoping I can glean a lot from this book because I know that I could  use some help in staying positive in between lifes, ups, downs and inbetweens of "overwhelming" motherhood.

What Are We Feeding Our Kids?

This so far has been a bit of an eye opener.  Not that I didn't know some of the things that manufacturers *hide* in foods and I say hide loosely because technically they are listed for us to see on the ingredients BUT they are labeled differently so to the average person, such as myself, we have no clue what it really is.  Even some of the food that we think is the healthiest for our children are probably not.  You might be surprised. 

I am going to talk more about this particular book when I get through it.  I figured with all the talk about child obesity and Chef Anne Cooper:  The Renegade Lunch Lady , this will probably be a good topic to discuss.

And last but definetly not least:

Why I Jumped: My True Story of Postpartum Depression, Dramatic Rescue & Return to Hope.

This is based on a true story of Tina Zahn who in her darkest hours of PPD, attempted to jump off a bridge to end her life. 

I am almost done with this book.  I have had a hard time putting this book down since it resonates with my own personal struggles with PPD not too mention when looking back in her earlier history, there are a lot of similarities; her life and mine. The one thing though that I am thankful of that is not similar is in my lows of lows, I have never thought about hurting myself or anyone else for that matter. And I thank GOD for that.

Again, I will most likely talk more about this book when I finish in hopes that I can possibly encourage others to seek support if you are struggling with any type of depression.


What is on your nightstand?



Life is still good and you can make it better. WW


Menu Plan Monday $7 Dinner Challenge

We are into week 3 of my menu plan challenge. 

I am making meals for 5 for $7.00 or less each night. 

How am I doing?  Check out Week 2 and Week 1.

You can also check out all the other menus over at I'm An Organizing Junkie.


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This week on our families menu:


Sunday

String Cheese Pasta
Green Salad

Total Cost:  $7.14

Monday

Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Vegetables over Rice*
Pear Slices

Total Cost:  $6.18

Tuesday

Scrambled Eggs
Potatoes O Brien
Sliced Bananas

Total Cost: $5.85

Wednesday

Beef & Broccoli Stir fry

Total Cost: $7.91

Thursday

Vegetable Rotini
Garlic Bread

Total Cost: $6.57

Friday

Tuna Melts**
Carrots & Ranch

Total Cost:  $5.07

Saturday

TBD--Late Afternoon Football Game

Again, not too bad.  $38.72 for 5 for 6 nights.  I am getting the hang of this and my pocket book is liking this too!

What is on your menu this week?



*I didn't include the cost of rice since I had almost half of box left over from last week.

**I didn't include the cost of bread since this is a staple we always have on hand.



Today is filled with possibilities. WW

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Six Word Saturday

It is Saturday so per usual I am linking up with Cate over at Show My Face.  You can join too.  Just describe what is going on in your life at the moment in 6 words and link up.

Today is a special Saturday so I have a special 6 words.





It's our wedding annivesary today. Celebrate!

With that I will leave you with this:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a 

Hope you have someone to love and cherish each day of your life.  Have a wonderful Saturday!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

T.G.I.FRiDAY'S Entrees For One

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of T.G.I. FRiDAY'S. All opinions are 100% mine.

Grilled Chicken Mac N Cheese....

Prime Rib Stroganoff....

Sizzling Chicken....

Cajun-Style Chicken Alfredo...

Sounds delish, huh?  T.G.I. FRiDAY's Entrees for One has 9 new varieties  to choose from in your grocers freezer section.  They are so yummy.  Not your ordinary bland freezer dinners. 

I was at the beach this past weekend and luckily I stocked up on a few of these otherwise I think my husband may have starved.  Give him these, a tv remote and a football game...He is good to go.  

My husband really liked the Cajun Style Chicken Alfredo.    Made with white meat chicken. Red Peppers and a creamy sauce.  It has a little bit of a zing, which he loves.  He is a spicy man. And if filled it him up so no late night run for the border. 

     

Perfect for the husband who is cooking challenged but still wants to eat a delicious meal.  

And these are no brainers.   You can either steam the meal in the microwaveable bag or make it sizzle in the skillet. Its up to you.  So easy for the cooking challenged spouse.Easy  

  

 

Right now T.G.I.FRiDAY's has a Fun Freezer contest where you can win cool prizes.  Just deck out your freezer with Entrees for One, take a snap shot and enter. 

 

Visit the  T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One” Facebook page for all the details.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Words

Words.

So eloquent.

On paper or screen.

They paint a picture.

They tell a story.

They share an emotion.

They console.

They hurt.

They linger in the back of your mind sometimes forever.

Words.

They create memories.

Good.

Bad.

Indifferent.

Words.

They sometimes are more damaging than you think.

Words.

They can not be taken back.

THINK before you speak.




Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Pretty Please!

The voting is almost over so I promise I will stop begging, pleading asking for you to vote for my blog. 

Seriously, will you please vote.  It really does only take a minute.  Not too much to ask, right?

Click on the picture and it will take you right to the page.  It is that simple.





Best_all_around_mom_blog

Just DO IT!  What do you have to lose? 

Nuthing! But you have a loyal blogging friend to gain! (That's me in case you were wondering.)

Please and thank you!

What I'm Lovin

I was turned onto a new treat while at the beach this weekend. I honestly have never had it, have always heard about it but assumed it was gross was too stubborn, so I never tried it....until this weekend. 

Man, I was missing out! 

What is it you ask.  I know you are dying. 

Nutella!  We had Nutella with Honey Crisp Apple slices.  O-M-G, is all I can say.  I wanted to eat the whole jar, but didn't, which I am sure the others were thankful for.







Have you seen Christina Applegate these days?  Hasn't she aged well? I used to watch her back in the day as Kelly on Married with Children but I think as she has aged, she has come into her own as a talented actress.  I love her, Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph new show:  Up All Night. 


One word: HILARIOUS!  If you haven't seen it, you need to catch an episode and decide for yourself.  If you have ever been a *new* mother or father, than you will be able to relate; easily. I promise!

Fall is in the air! 

As much as I do not like rain (I know kinda funny being that I live in the land of liquid sunshine) I know that with the rain comes the green and actual seasons.  It is beautiful in this area during the fall months.  Especially in the Columbia River Gorge which is honestly about 10 minutes from where we live. 


Here is a picture of a leaf that Tyler found and took a picture of.  Isn't it gorgeous?  The colors are just radiant.
And last but not least, our little car that we bought a couple months ago.  It is a commuter car although neither of us commute far for work.  The car that the hubby drived was a gas hog so we decided to get this.  It gets awesome gas mileage.  I took it to the beach this past weekend and filled it up once.  There and back no problem and still had some to spare for the week!

We bought a used Kia Rio 5.

Cute, huh?


Shameless self promotion, I know, but will you vote for me, pretty please with sugar on top? 


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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes

I got a call today from Grandma at work.  She couldn't wait until I came and picked the kids up to tell me this funny comment by my darling little boy, Hayden. 

As Hayden was coloring circles and ovals, he says, "Eggs are oval" at which point grandma says, "What lays eggs" to which he replies, "Mommy lays eggs!" 

I could hardly contain myself with laughter.  He does think that mom and dad both go to work and make bacon so I guess it is only appropriate that I lay eggs, too?  Ya?

Another funny story from this past weekend when he was visiting his *quasi* grandma who made cookies with them over the holidays, had him spend the night and sleep in a tent this summer and often times plays in the pool when he is at her house over the summer....

He says, "Are we going to sleep in a tent?", "No, Hayden not this time, to cold", she says.

"Are we going to play in the pool?", "No, Hayden not this time, to cold for that too", she says.

 "Are we going to make cross cookies?", No, Hayden not this time", she says.

At that point he excitedly exclaimed,  "I know where Jesus died." "You do?", she says, "Where?" To which he replies, "On a cookie!" 

Yes, you heard it here first, Jesus died on a cookie. 

http://www.freedesktopwallpaper.com/


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Monday, October 10, 2011

Menu Plan Monday $7 Dinner Challenge

This is obviously a bit late.  I went to the beach this past weekend so I didn't get a chance to get this posted until now.


It is week 2 of my $7 dinner challenge.  I did pretty well last week, if I say so myself, which I just did.  Did you see last weeks post?  You didn't? Check it out here.

And of course MPM wouldn't be the same if I didn't link up with I'm An Organizing Junkie. 





Sunday

Birthday dinner out at Red Robin (Ty's 13th Birthday is tomorrow/today)

Monday

Sloppy Joes
BBQ Chips
Carrots/Ranch

Total Cost: $7.76

Tuesday

Spaghetti
Green Salad

Total Cost: $6.41

Wednesday

Chicken Fried Rice
Apple Sauce

Total Cost: $7.21

Thursday

Grilled Cheese Sammies *
Tomato Soup

Total Cost: $3.99

Friday

3 Bean Chili
Cornbread

Total Cost: $6.03

Saturday

Anniversary Dinner.  TBD.


$31.40 to feed 5 for 5 nights.  Not to shabby, eh?  I think even though I went a tad bit over on a few since it evened out in the end, this week will be a success.

What do you think?

And since you are here.  Will you click on this button and vote for me, please.



*Did not include the cost of bread in this dinner since bread is another item that we always have on hand.

58

1 “Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
   Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
   and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.
2 For day after day they seek me out;
   they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
   and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
   and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say,
   ‘and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
   and you have not noticed?’    “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
   and exploit all your workers.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
   and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
   and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
   only a day for people to humble themselves?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed
   and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
   a day acceptable to the LORD?
 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
   and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
   and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
   and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
   and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
   and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness[a] will go before you,
   and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
   you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
   “If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
   with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
   and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
   and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
   he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
   and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
   like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
   and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
   Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
 13 “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
   and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
   and the LORD’s holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
   and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14 then you will find your joy in the LORD,
   and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land
   and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.”
            For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.


Have you seen or heard of 58?  Want to know more? 

Visit the website.


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Fast.Forward.The End of Poverty.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Do You...



Do you ever walk into a room, forget what you came in for, walk back out and remember?

Do you ever put your ipod on shuffle only to skip the song it selects for another one?

Do you ever forget that  your computer still works even if the Internet doesn't?

Do you ever frantically look for something, can't find it at the time, but it magically appears when you no longer need it?

Do you ever ask what the ulterior motive is when someone compliments you?

I didn't think so.  Me neither, I was just wondering.

Happy Friday everyone!  T.G.I.F.

I am out the door on my way to Lincoln City for a Women's Retreat.  No kids, no husband, no chores, no cooking.  Ahh, glorious!!! (Can you tell I am just a little bit excited ?). 

Enjoy your weekend and see you on Monday!




**Thank you pinterest for these intriguing I Can Relate questions.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Holy Zucchini!

Holy Zucchini Batman!


This is a zucchini.


Image Courtesy of all-creatures.org



This is a zucchini on steroids. 



It measured 14 inches long and 5inches wide, not sure of the total circumference.  This picture does not do it justice, really.

I would love to brag and say this very large zucchini is from our garden...

but sadly it is not. 

You see our garden this year has been somewhat of a bust.  I am not sure where the weeds stop and the garden begins.  It IS that bad.  I am so disappointed.  All we have been able to muster up are a few tomatoes. I had such high hopes.   Remember when we planted?

In all seriousness what the heck did they grow this with?  It is was gigantic (we ate it).  I bought it at our local farmers market this past weekend, probably one of the last hurrahs to the local farmers market before they shut down for the winter. I am sad.  When the farmers market closes down for the season you know it is time to batten down the hatches and hunker down for the next several months. 

It has already started to rain quite a bit here in the Pac NW (little bit earlier in the season).  And I hate to complain because I know there are several states still in a drought, but rain, all the time, although it brings the lush green that I love, it is depressing.

What do you miss most about the warm weather?


Psst...See this little button? Vote for me will ya?

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Confessions of a Non Superwoman #11

Yes, we are up to #11.  Have you seen all my other confessions 1-10?  You should check them out. 

1.  The other night while cooking dinner I accidentally hit the spatula in the pan, flipping it along with some of the meat I was cooking right onto my foot.  Ouch!

2.  Yesterday while I was watching the Amanda Knox news conference, Hayden decided he was thirsty and poured himself a glass of Pepsi.  It was a rough night after that.  He was WIRED!

3.  I haven't done a load of laundry all week.  I have been so unmotivated.  I just closed my laundry room door and have pretended it is not there.

4.  I bought a new *big* bulletin board a couple weeks back to hang in my *command* center and have yet to hang it up.  No wonder why I am still so unorganized.  As if this bulletin board is going to be the fix for that, huh?  I can dream.

5.  I still have our *spring time* decorative flower decals on our windows.  I should probably take those down before it is next spring. Maybe put up some Harvest ones or Halloween ones.  What do you think?

So how is your week going?  Have any confessions you want to share?  We are all friends here.  Let us all commiserate about our inadequacies together.


So while you are here...would you so kindly vote for my blog?  All you have to do is click on the button below and vote.  Pretty please.

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Our Football Star!

Watch our football star, Ty. He is starting quarterback this year. He is #12.


Watch live streaming video from kpliveshow at livestream.com

This was his second game this season a couple weeks ago.  They won! 

Save $$ With Straight Talk

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk. All opinions are 100% mine.

Cha-Ching!  Money, Money, Money!

That is the sound of the cash register of all the *other* cellular providers that are costing you your first born each and every month.  And what do you get?  Inconsistent service while being locked into a long term contract.


Why not save your hard earned cash and switch to a true unlimited plan for $45.00 a month.  Unlimited voice, unlimited text, unlimited picture messages, unlimited web. OR they have a $30.00 plan with 1000 mins, 1000 text and 30mb of web data.   


And the devices, they offer the same devices as the other carriers but for much less!

 They have the well known Smart Phones with touch screens,  BlueTooth capability, mp3, camera and voice navigation.  You name it, they have it!  They only use the trusted manufacturers such as LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung so no need to worry that you are purchasing some off brand.


  

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iCandy

i c, u c, we all c,


iCandy!  


If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know I *love* giving shout outs to local family owned businesses!

I had the opportunity to visit this store in downtown Gresham, Oregon this past weekend and I am so glad I did.

It is the cutest little shop on Main. The bright pink colors just draw you in.

It has tons of *nostalgic* candy (which I love).  As I stood there perusing the shelves all my childhood memories came rushing back like it was yesterday.  Remember Nacco Wafers or Candy Cigarettes?  They have them.

Upon purchasing my Raspberry Chocolate Candy that I put in the cutest little pink Chinese to go box I said, “Where have you been all my life” to which the clerks chuckled.  (No, seriously, where have you been?)

I am so glad they are here and look forward to visiting them many more times in the years to come.

However I do think that they might need to expand pretty quick.  It was quite busy in there when I visited. 


Visit iCandy for ice cream, home made Carmel and cheese popcorn, gourmet candy by the piece/pound.  Fountain and glass bottle drinks. Caramel apples. Cotton candy. Gifts. Cards.

They are located at:
  
312 N Main Ave
Gresham, OR 97030
(503) 912-3263





 
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