Thursday, May 29, 2008

Thursday's Post!


You have a choice, you have a choice to wake up in the morning happy. You can wake up unhappy and then make everyone else around you miserable too---Even on days I feel sad or I am worried, I get out of it--I Let Go and Let God---and I smile--it really works if you smile--your whole body starts to change and feel better.

I was at the grocery store the other day and I was deep in thought--I had a lot on my mind and I was in the beauty isle trying to pick out the best shaving gel for my son---I was staring at all these cans, and I was standing in front of the cart with the baby as he was looking at a book. This woman came through, she must have been about 75--and she said---*You have a smart baby* I giggled and said, *and how do you know that?* She said *His eyes--- Look at his eyes*

She then smiled and told me a few interesting facts about herself and how she raised 12 children and it was very interesting, she said, this was back in the day when women stayed home with their children--and I stated, *I stay home!*---and then the last thing she said to me, I will never forget--she turned and said * By the way, I want to tell you, that I can tell you are the kind of person, that has a mind of your own and does her own thing and does not worry about what any one thinks about it--you are your own person* I thought, wow! I have friends, and I have even a few very dear best friends--my dearest friend of 20 years, is not married, no children and can still act like a 20 year old--we are so different, but I love her--and then my SAHM friends--think staying at home, means putting their kids in boys and girl club and going to a spa...When they ask me what I am going to do today, and I say, I am going to bake some bread--they say, you know you can buy bread at the store---Oh well---are they truly happy--I suppose they are very happy--who wouldn't be--but are they truly happy---when everything is said and done, when their children are grown and they see a young girl with a baby, will they turn to her and tell her something so profound or will they look and say *your nails and hair are so nice--I remember going to a spa when my children were babies*---

So after writing all that, I am going to put on a pretty dress, and then my favorite apron--and I am going to do some laundry, bake some bread and take care of my family--all with a smile--because this is what truly makes me happy!!!! :)

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Bread!

Bread: This is the VERY best French bread recipe I have used---I found it on the computer a few years ago, and I have used it a lot--it also makes a great pizza dough:
Also, it is SUPER easy!!!

About 7 cups of flour
2 packs of yeast
2 1/2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of salt and
1 tablespoon of butter
knead
cover for one hour and let rise
Punch down and cut in half and roll into loaves
cover and let rise a second time
Cut slits in the top and brush a little egg over the top
put it in the oven at 450 for about 20 minutes





...and here are my Dinner Rolls again:

I love these!!!

For these rolls I used the recipe, out of my Betty Crocker Bread Machine CookBook:

1 cup Water
2 tablespoons Butter or Margarine
1 egg
3 ¼ cups Bread Flour
¼ cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
3 teaspoons quick active dry yeast

1. Place all measured ingredients into bread pan in order listed
2. Select: Dough cycle
3. Remove loaf from pan, divide into 15 equal parts.
4. Cover and let rise, 35 minutes.
5. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet. 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
6. Serve Warm


P.S. I promise I proof read these again, and the recipes are correct---I still remember my mistake about the yeast and a dear reader used 3 Tablespoons of yeast instead of teaspoons--boy did her bread rise--I felt so bad--but I hope we can all giggle over that now:)


Monday, May 26, 2008

Memorial Day Monday!

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.
Please enjoy this day with your family and friends!! God Bless our Beautiful Country under God and all the people who have died to help make it what it is today!!
Monday's Special Memorial Day Menu:
~~~~~~~~~~

Ribs on the Grill
Corn on the Cobb
Potato Salad
Seasoned White Beans
Dinner Rolls
Green Salad


Have a Lovely day today!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

*Weekly Menu Plan*

Happy Menu Planning!!!!YAY!! It is that time again:)



Weekly Menu Plan:
In No particular order and it can change at any time--this is just a base!

*(All dinners are served with a fresh green salad and steamed veggies of some sort---I also like to include a starch and a dinner roll of some kind---of course with the exception of certain meals like tacos)

The sale adds are just bursting with wonderful produce---in this weeks menu, we will be having lots of fresh corn on the Cobb!

Blueberries, blackberries and strawberries will be in my fridge

Menu:

Ribs on the Grill
Corn on the Cobb
Salad
Pasta Salad

Chicken
Asian salad
Steamed veggies

Rib eye steaks
Broccoli Salad
Baked potato

Meatloaf
Smashed potatoes
Peas
Salad
Homemade Dinner Rolls

Roast
Roasted veggies
Mashed potatoes
rolls

Salad

Pork Chops
Macaroni and Cheese
Salad
Green beans

Spaghetti and meatballs
Garlic bread
Salad

Thank you so much for visiting--please click on the logo above and visit Laura's blog-Organizing Junkie and leave your own link for your menu--and visit all the wonderful links that others had taken the time to do too:) Thank you Laura for doing this--I really am having fun and loving all the new blogs I am finding through this!

(My Blog's Home)

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Pancakes!

Pancakes anyone?
(Click on picture to enlarge recipe--it is a recipe in my Betty Crocker Cookbook)

Mix all ingredients

Sizzle...LOL

...and served on a princess plate (Not the boys though...LOL)

Thank you for sharing our pancakes with us--they were yummy!

What did you have for breakfast?

Friday, May 23, 2008

Baking Day and *Big* Clean Day

:::::::::::WAIVING::::::::::::::::
It is a beautiful rainy day--a bit cool--perfect for baking! Here is a picture of my Classic white bread---white bread gets such a bad rap---oh well, I love it! I am going to make White bread, Wheat bread, Dinner rolls---and maybe, just maybe Blueberry bread:)

After and During all the wonderful bread baking--I am going to do my super *BIG* clean and get ready for this 3 day weekend--YAY!!! I want everything baked and sparkly so I am not bogged down with worry about if the bathrooms are clean enough--granted there is always work to be done daily--but when things are totally organized and cleaned it is much easier to keep up---and yesterday I was super busy so I was a bit neglectful with my chores---I took a ton of pictures at Alexis's school--and I even took some of her in her ballet outfit and her bun, it look so pretty all put up:) I will post those pictures sometime today or tomorrow! Her recital is soooo close, I am so excited to see her dance on stage.

More exciting and fun posts to come---thank you so much for visiting with me today--I will by your blog for a visit shortly!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Thursday!

Happy Thursday to you all! My day started at 5:00 a.m. Little Kevin and I woke up and went downstairs---he had some juice and I had my first cup of coffee for the day. Do you drink Coffee? What kind? Cream? Anyway, after a nice hot cup of coffee--I got to work--I made 24 cupcakes--I was not able to make them last night--other things came up that kept me from doing them---and so I made them this morning. I could have made them after drop off--but I am very OCD and had to get them done. Are you OCD? Yesterday, I went and picked up some frosting, sprinkles, M&M'S and American Flags to top off the star cupcake--each child will decorate them themselves---I will be taking pictures of the finished cupcakes the children make. I am going to make the frosting blue with the food coloring---I am trying to do patriotic colors, I just could not find red, white and Blue M7M's though.
Then Alexis got to lead the school in the Pledge of Allegiance this morning
They are singing *Your A Grand Old Flag*
Then she got to hold the microphone---(How exciting)
God Bless this Beautiful Country Under GOD!!
I took out some chicken to bake today for dinner--I am also going to make a pasta salad that I got on sale at Walmart for 2.00--awesome!!

At 11:45 I am going to go to my daughter's class and we will have our *Patriotic* Centers and decorate the cupcakes. Alexis has Ballet class today too--so this is quite a busy day for her. (and me...LOL)

I am so excited for this weekend--3 day weekend--YAY!!!
Thank you for visiting me on my busy morning:)

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

EGGS!

I was actually quite surprised that when I went to the store today, the price of eggs have gone down slightly in price----Some of the dozen eggs were under 3.00 and here is the price of one of the 18 packs----> Look at all those eggs--->
I went next door to Wal-Mart and there eggs were only 2.29 for 18, so that is what I bought. These are pictures of the Albertson's eggs---nice selection but their prices are so high. I did get all on my list and a little more. Little Kevin is napping, and I am contemplating about my cupcakes, I think I will make them after dinner.

People look at you so odd, when you start taking pictures in a grocery store...LOL.

Shopping List! (small)

I have to run to the store and get a few things:

Cake mix
Frosting
sprinkles
(I have to make 20 cupcakes for my daughter's class for tomorrow)

Coffee
Creamer

Lettuce
Tomatoes

Butter
eggs

Eggs are so expensive these days---an 18 pack is about 5.00, it is terrible--and we go through a lot of eggs.

I can sometimes find them on sale--OH, I am so happy when I find them on sale.

How much are eggs where you shop?--when I go to the market I will take a picture of the egg section:::Giggles:::

Wordless Wednesday!--Blowing Bubbles:)

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Update!

Happy Tuesday to you all! I know you all are curious about my garage sale---I had everything out and ready by 6:45----I didn't have any big items--just a bunch of odds and ends. I made 85 dollars--not too bad, huh? 2 doors down from me, my neighbor had a garage sale too--a really BIG one--I had no idea---I went over to look at my competition and ended up buying two things--A quilt for my bed and a beautiful serving dishes---Just think of the spaghetti dinner I could serve in that dish!
Isn't it just beautiful--I paid 5.00 for the dish....

....and I paid 5.00 for this quilt that is now on my bed, and the white really brightens up my bedroom, I love that!Today is Tuesday, and I have things I need to do--my girlfriend and I are supposed to meet for lunch, I need to pick a few things up at the store--and I was out of the house quite a bit yesterday--so I want to do some tiding around the home. It was soooo HOT all week---I had my A/C on all week---and it was quite nice. It cooled off today so I turned it off---my hubby loves to have the air on so I happily oblige:) Alexis had a very special Girl scout(Brownie) day yesterday--all the Brownies were picked up from school in a limo and escorted to the Cheesecake Factory---and then to ride the carousal at the Irvine Spectrum---it was wonderful---all the girls were given a special charm bracelet with their name engraved on it. My friend took a bunch of pictures, so I am waiting for those in my email.


Have a wonderful Tuesday--and if any of you want any of the Rachael Ray Recipes, let me know--I will be happy to post them--plus you can get them off her website too.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Hamburger and Mushroom Gravy Recipe!

I had this recipe typed out years ago---the little note I added about making it out of desperation--I can't remember why I was desperate that day...LOL--I have made this recipe so many times, that I have it memorized, but I was so pleased to find it in my files--yay!! Enjoy this recipe and also, play around with the ingredients:)



My Special Hamburger Dish

(This is a meal my family loves. I put it together out of desperation one night, and it has turned out to be a family favorite:)

1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
2 tablespoons of your favorite salsa
1 egg
2 pieces of bread broken up into bread crumbs
a dash of worshteshire sauce
a dash of garlic salt
Mix this all together and form little hamburgers......

1 can of cream of mushroom soup
water
1 onion
a package of fresh mushrooms
4 ozs shredded chedder cheese

In a skillet saute one onion until tender...take out of skillet, add hamburgers...cook well, add onion back, with the sliced, fresh mushrooms...add 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, with 1/2 can of water, simmer until thickend and soup looks like gravy..sprinkle hamburger dish with the shredded cheese..when done, serve over rice or mashed potatoes---->with a nice veggie, and a salad....ENJOY!!!!!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Weekly Menu Plan!

It is that time again:)

I am having so much fun doing this, I hope you are too!





Weekly Menu Plan:
In No particular order and it can change at any time--this is just a base!

*(All dinners are served with a fresh green salad and steamed veggies of some sort---I also like to include a starch and a dinner roll of some kind---of course with the exception of certain meals like tacos)

Baked Chicken
Fresh Steamed asparagus
Steamed Rice
Fresh Green Salad with all the Fixings

Chicken Casserole
Tender Peas
Fresh, Green Salad

Tacos--> Need I say more..LOL

Spaghetti and Meatballs
Homemade Garlic Bread

London Broil on the grill
Corn on the Cobb
Fresh Green Salad
Turnip Greens

Hamburgers in Mushroom Gravy
Smashed potatoes
Steamed Green Beans
Fresh Green Salad

Roast with roasted potatoes and carrots
Beautiful green salad with all the wonderful fresh veggies
Homemade Dinner Rolls

I always have fresh veggies and fruits available at all times--I go to the Farmers Market and stock up---going to the the Farmer's market is actually very inexpensive and it loads up my kitchen with fresh and healthy:)

Thank you so much for visiting--please click on the logo above and visit Laura's blog-Organizing Junkie and leave your own link for your menu--and visit all the wonderful links that others had taken the time to do too:) Thank you Laura for doing this--I really am having fun and loving all the new blogs I am finding through this!


(My Blog's Home)

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Garage Sale!


Good Morning---I am doing my Garage sale--see you in a bit!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

My Homemade Salsa


*My Homemade Salsa*

Ingredients:
Roma Tomatoes
Yellow Onion
Cilantro
Green Chile Peppers
lemon Juice--squirt:)
I just chopped everything up--and put a little more of each until it tasted the way I liked it.
I like a lot of cilantro!

Thankful Thursday!



I am so very Thankful, that I am able to be a SAHM! There is no greater joy I have then being able to take care of my family. It would absolutely break my heart to not be able to be here for my children. No one can take care of my babies like I can---I am so thankful that my husband totally agrees with this and works so very hard to provide for us, so I can be a SAHM, and I just adore every precious minute I have with my children. Thank you God!

Thank you for sharing my *Thankful Thursday* with me--Have a glorious day:)

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Whatcha Doing Wednesday!

Today is Wednesday, and I have my list of things going. I did my grocery shopping--and I have made two things so far on my menu list: The Cajun Chicken--I had that on hand before I went shopping and I made the BBq Beef sandwiches--plus I had left over chicken and used that too--so we had a choice of BBQ beef or chicken sandwiches--I made homemade French fries too:)



BBQ Beef Sandwiches
From Every Day with Rachael Ray
May 2008

4 SERVINGS
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 10 min

3 tablespoons honey mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
One 16-ounce bag coleslaw mix
Salt and pepper
One 1 3/4-pound boneless sirloin steak, thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
4 kaiser rolls, split and toasted


1. In a large bowl, whisk together the mustard and vinegar, then whisk in 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the coleslaw mix, season with salt and pepper and toss.
2. In a large, heavy skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the steak in a single layer and cook, turning once, until barely pink, about 2 minutes; transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and steak. Return the first batch to the skillet and stir in the barbecue sauce until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Pile the meat onto the roll bottoms and mound some slaw on top. Set the roll tops in place.



I have mentioned before that I (we) have periodically been cleaning and organizing our garage, well it is still out of control--so this is what I am going to do. I asked my Dear, Sweet Husband if he could stay home on Saturday and help me with the baby, so I can throw the ultimate garage sale--I am going to sell E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G in that garage!! (With the exception of certain things..LOL) Anyway, this should be quite interesting and quite a task if I might say. I am curious to see what people will want.

On to the picture of the bleach. In my comments this week, someone stated(waiving) they love to clean with bleach--a girl after my own heart--ME TOO!!! I try so hard to be kind to the Earth--but I need my bleach! I sure have used a lot of exclamation points today...LOL.

Okay so I have two questions for you all:


1. What tips do you have for a garage sale?

2. What is one cleaning product you just can not live with out?

Wonderful *Wordless Wednesday*










Monday, May 12, 2008

Tuesday's Tasks-->* My Quick Clean *

Happy Tuesday!
1. Make sure all beds are made
2. All dirty dishes are either in the dishwasher or put away

3. Wipe down all kitchen counters
4. Laundry going
5. Floors swept
6. Carpets Vacummed--I do not like carpet--UGH---my dream home will have no carpet..LOL
7. Do a quick 5 minute pickup in every room

I also, get a plastic bag and see what trash I can throw away, with children, especially Alexis, I can always find cut up paper, or in Tony's room crumpled up paper--etc. Remember FlyLady's 27 Fling boogie thingy?

I have to say when the beds are Made and the dishes are done--it makes the world of difference.

Also, many years ago---I read that if you are newly married and don't know how to cook--saute celery and onion and your house will smell like you are a chef, and your new husband will be so proud:)--that always makes me giggle:) Make your house smell good--either by good smelling food--or a nice clean wiped down home--I also love vanilla candles--I don't do incense, way to strong for me......

ALSO---> Make sure there is TP in every bathroom---and back ups too.

What is your Quick Clean like?


Now once all the basics are done, you can devote your time to other things. I can't live in chaos, so if my house is neat and tidy, other things go much smoothly.

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

I Didn't Think I Would Like It--->

I LOVE IT!!! I got a copy of *EveryDay with Rachael Ray* Magazine---and I absolutely love it--


I would say it is a little bit like TOH, but with a lot of caffine...LOL.

They have a 7 day menu guide with a shopping list already made out to take to the store--and a recipe for everything on that menu

---it is so inspiring--sooooo, this week when I do my shopping, I am going to take that list with me, and buy everything that I don't already have--and then I will review each recipe on my blog.

SOOOOO, now, I am going to send away for it, they sent me a specail offer--a year for 15.00 dollars, so I will be doing that--The pictures are so nice and there are so many recipes. Have you gotten this magazine yet? What did you think of it?

I typed out the weekly menu in the post below----so please take a look at the menu and let me know what you think or if you have made any of those delicous sounding meals---> Here

(Click on pictures to see more clearly)

Sunday, May 11, 2008

*Weekly Menu Plan*





I am following Rachael Rays 7 day menu plan as an experiment----My Menu plan with RR will actually start after I do my shopping on Tuesday, but I will add my own Monday--did you understand that...LOL.

*(All dinners are served with a fresh green salad and steamed veggies of some sort---I also like to include a starch and a dinner roll of some kind---of course with the exception of certain meals like tacos)

Weekly Menu Plan:

(In No Particular Order)

Grilled Canjun Chicken with Crisp Taters

BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Peas and Cheese Tortellini---> I will have to add some sort of meat for my Dear Husband

Spicy Pork and Pineapple

Orange Beef Broccoli

Butterfly Halibut with Smashed Potatoes

No--Bake Tuna Casserole

Okay there you have it:) I am going to take RR's Shopping list that she included in her magazine, and I will buy what I don't already have--as I make each recipe I will post the recipe, okay? Also, for those of you that know us, know my husband must have a meat dish with his dinner, so on the tuna day, I will add something else, and the fish, I will buy a piece of meat to go with the fish.

Also, this is my first time adding my link to Mr. Linky on Organizing Junkie's *Menu Plan*--(Definately not my first menu plan though;) so hop on over there and add your own link to your weekly menu and visit everyone too, for some really neat dinner ideas :::waiving to everyone that came to visit::::::

How fun is this...LOL


I am also doing a post on the new *Everyday with Rachael Ray* Magazine I received and just LOVE--so look for that post too:)

(My Blog's Home)

Happy Mother's Day!




Ecclesiastes 3




Youth fades; love droops,
the leaves of friendship fall;
A mother's secret hope outlives them all.
--Oliver Wendell Holmes
~~~~~~~~~



The heart of a mother is a deep abyss
at the bottom of which you will always
find forgiveness.
--Honore' de Balzac

~~~~~~~




Women know the way to rear up children (to be just). They know a simple, merry, tender knack of tying sashes, fitting baby-shoes, and stringing pretty words that make no sense. And kissing full sense into empty words.
--Elizabeth Barrett Browning

~~~~~~~~~


Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.
--Elizabeth Stone

~~~~~~~