Wednesday--Some pictures too

Hello. I think you all know by now, that when I say I am going to do something tomorrow--it may be the tomorrow after the tomorrow...LOL. I just could not find the time to sit here and put up these pictures yesterday---I am a pretty quick typer, but when there are pictures involved it takes a little longer--so, I can not always get here when I say. Okay, now on to some pictures:

Kevin sleeping---I just love those little cheeks--I am constantly kissing them
My boy again--->
I did Alexis's hair in pig tails today and we put little lady bugs in her hair--I need my other digital back, it takes better pictures--you can't really see the detail here---my other camera is still at Grandmas
All the ingredients ready to go for the rolls--->

Rolls ready to rise--they came out big---> perfect for pulled pork sandwiches--->
The pork in the crock pot-->
This is the sauce I used-->
Pouring it in..LOL
All done--it smelled so good--->
Instead of pancakes this morning I decided to make Tony and Alexis hashbrowns and eggs--here are the shredded potatoes, that I shredded myself--->

getting brown--->
Here is Tony's breakfast---> Alexis had Hashbrowns and applesauce
A pretty bow in Alexis's hair the other day--->
This is my pretty girl all ready for school this morning----->

The beginning of the week, I always hard boil some eggs, Alexis just loves to them as a snack, also, I use them in my salads, sandwiches, deviled eggs---etc. ----->

I made baked pasta one night. Yes, I do not always make my own sauce--But the can was opened with love:)
I put the cheese on last--->
Here are my beautiful Artichokes---->
I cut the stems off, and trim the leaves with scissors, the sharp part--then I put them in a big pot of water and boil until tender(30 minutes on average), a leave will come off easily. Next time I make artichokes I will do a step by step with pictures, okay? Here is a website all about artichokes with recipes CLICK HERE

Also, on Saturday, I made a big list of everything I would like to get accomplished through the week--I have done a few things already--this is my Notebook--you all are familiar with my notebook:)


whew---those were a lot of pictures..lol. I really enjoy taking all these pictures and sharing them, and I like to look back and see what I was up too back then...Next month I will have been writing in this blog for a whole year, wow, I can not even believe it. I will look back in the beginning and read about Georgia, the rain, packing, wanting to have another baby--it is so neat to have these things written down to remember, and it is even better to make friends while I am doing it.

Today is Wednesday and I want to get something else crossed off my list--I also have laundry, empty the dishwasher, prep for dinner, all sorts of fun things. The kids are all in school and Kevin is napping. I am going to make a pot of coffee--it is half caff, half decaff it seems to give me a little nudge and the doctor said it should be just fine, plus I drink a lot of water too.

I hope all who stops by has a wonderful Wednesday, keep smiling and big hugs for all my friends!!! xoxoxoxo

A New Week

Good Morning--it seems odd saying Good Morning, when I have been up since 5:30....LOL. We had a very busy weekend---with everyone home, I thought it would be easier to get here and blog, since I have a lot of things I want to write and share. I have taken a bunch of pictures over the weekend and today--of things I have been cooking, my kids, and just my everyday life. Kevin is napping right now, so I thought I would jump on the computer for a second. I have plenty to do today and through the week, but tomorrow hopefully I can post all the pictures---it should be a fun post. Anyway, thank you all for looking at my show and tell--I still have not been able to get to all your show and tells, but I am working on it. I made a giant list of everything I want to accomplish this week--that I will share tomorrow---Kevin cleaned my Blazer over the weekend, it is so nice driving in a freshly cleaned car--I never let it get bad, but it does look very nice. I made a pork roast for Sunday dinner--so now, I have put the rest in the crockpot with BBQ sauce, and I am making homemade rolls to go with the pulled pork--I am also going to steam some artichokes--and a nice green salad---I am also going to make some Ranch dressing--I have a busy week ahead of me, so I better stop for now--I will be by all your blogs soon--if not today then tomorrow---Have a wonderful June day xoxoxox.

P.S. I have had a lot of people ask me what the KF Board is--it is Kitchen Frugality--it is a message board on American Online, that I have been posting/reading for years---it always has a great dinner thread to give me such good ideas--and there is a dear lady on there that got me into making a lot of my own bread like the famous homemade bagels:)

Show and Tell Friday

This is my show and tell for today. Yes, I know, it is my baby again--BUT---he is in his new outfit that Kelli sent him---I tried to get a good picture of the handstitch--also, the booty's will have to be another day, they are just a tad too big:) I put him in his new outfit today, and we had a well baby checkup---he is now 11 pounds(He was 7.14)--woohoo----my doctor was very pleased, especially since he is a breastfed baby---nursing on demand does it--it helps your milk come in and it keeps your baby satisfied---okay I will save my breastfeeding post for another time----


Those little pants are soo cute---I had to get a closeup of his little feet.

Thank you for looking at my show and tell:)

Thursday---

Well, I did it---my daughter had a field trip this morning--her class was going to a concert--so I had to get both my kids to school at the same time--problem is they go to different schools----well, I did it--yay. It was a different morning not having Alexis here, but she was so excited to see *Peter and the Wolf*---She comes home early too. Kevin has been napping, so I have been playing on the computer for a little bit--catching up on the news, reading the KF Board, and reading some blogs.

Tonight will be leftovers, I have quite a bit of leftovers and Kevin said he wanted the leftover pork chops so they don't go to waste---I told him to take them to work but he said he doesn't want to eat during the day--even though he comes home starving---I keep telling him, that is the worst weight loss diet you can do to your body---

It is overcast outside, and a bit cool--I love days like this, not too hot and not too cold, now if we could get a good rain storm, I would be so happy--I just love the rain.

My blueberry pie came out really good last night, it is half gone already.

Tomorrow is Friday--YAY!! I love the weekends----I have my list of household chores that I am working on. Last night after I cleaned the kitchen, I got the dish washer ready to go--I usually turn it on, right before I go upstairs to bed--but when I woke up this morning it was running--I quickly called Kevin, and he said he had turned it on because the dishes were still dirty--OOPS---I forgot (I blame it on lack of sleep..LOL)

Well baby is up--have a great day xoxoxox

I will post some pictures a little later:)

Happy Day:)

Today was a busy one. Right after I dropped Alexis off at school, Little Kevin and I went to my Grandma's---I brought my Digital and took a bunch of pictures--I really wanted to show the house I grew up in, but of course I forgot the camera at her house---OOPS--so I am using another one I have--it is always good to have a backup:) So those pictures will be shown a little later in the week when I go back to get my camera. I took my Grandma to the bank, and then we went to the Farmer's Market--I just love that store--it is my favorite. They were having some really good sales---I am going to cut up some cucumbers and soak them in vineagr to eat, and I am also going to make some stuffed mushrooms--YUMMY. I did get my can of blueberries, which I my pie is in the oven this very moment cooking---a picture of it cooking is below.

What a special surprise I got in my mailbox--Kelli, sent me such lovely gifts---> Kelli, my daughter absolutely ADORES Strawberry Shortcake--here are some pictures of Alexis with her book and she has already colored a few pages--She wants to tell you Thank you, Kelli--and How did you know...LOL:) Also, I just love stationary--How did you know..LOL. Plus, my notepad was almost used up on my fridge, I kept meaning to pick up a new one, and you sent me a beautiful one.

Next, what precious baby clothes----The hand stitch of Baby on the front of the onesie is just precious!!! The bootys are just too cute, and the pants are so darling--why don't they make clothes comfy like that for us...LOL. I can not wait to put him in his new clothes--I will post pictures when I do---THANK YOU SO MUCH KELLI!!! You are such a dear friend:)

Alexis with her new coloring book----->

The precious baby clothes and staionary--->
The sweet handstiched BABY---->
My Blue berry pie in the oven--->
I just want to say to Kelli and everyone else I have met here, you all are so special to me, each day I sit down to blog and read yours---I may not be able to comment as much as I want--it is hard to type holding a baby,

I want you all to know, I think about you ladies often and you all make me smile (((GENTLE HUGS)))))

Tuesday post and pictures

I was talking with my Grandma, and I asked her how she managed to run her household and take care of three kids. My grandmother had three kids, but she did not have any of the amenities that we have today. She would have to hang clothes in the basement to dry during the winter or when it rained--she did not have a dishwasher, dryer, bread machine..they called a refrigerator an ice box because that is exactly what it was, a cabinet that held a block of ice to keep things cold. Well she said to me, Julie, I don't really know how I did it back then, but when you are in it, you just do it---makes sense to me:)

Well, I am spoiled, I have so many wonderful amenities to help me with my work--I still don't know how my Grandma was able to do it...LOL---anyway, I am having a lot of fun taking care of my family. Yes, I am running on little sleep--and yes, I don't always get all my housework done--but I am sooo HAPPY, God blessed me with my children, and a man, that works hard and allows me to stay home and be the wife and mother I always wanted to be----

I tried to get on here to blog yesterday, but I just couldn't find the time---when baby went down for a nap, I was busy with laundry, baking bread, vacuuming---my other two children etc---

I did snap a few pictures to share here--->

I just love this picture--->
Little Kevin turned one month over the weekend-->

Happy Baby:)

I made twice baked potatoes---this is the potato with most of the pototo scraped out

I mashed the potato, added milk, butter, cheese and salt and pepper and stuffed it back in the skins-->
Here are the potatoes out of the oven--yummy!!
This is the best chicken I ever made, it was sooooooo good. I melted butter and added a bunch of garlic that I put in my garlic press---then I poured it all over the chicken and baked the chicken, basting it until it was done and golden brown---the whole house smelled so yummy. I was able to make more dinner rolls--and I even snuck in a chocalate cake----->
I am going to make a blueberry pie sometime this week, my daughter is craving it, so I must get to the store and get a can of blueberries:)

Little Kevin is napping right now, so I am going to go and have a cup of coffee(decaf) and do some dinner prep and other fun stuff around the house--you all have a very nice day xoxoxox Thank you for stopping by my little corner on the Internet!!!

Yay, it is Friday!!!

First, I want to say Jodi, I just loved your Dunkin Donut comment---That was soooo cute:) I also hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend, and I hope we can all take a moment and remember what this holiday is all about!

Last night I made Tacos---I went all out with everything---chopped, diced, shredded, cooked..etc----I was going to take a picture to show you all what Taco night looks like in our home, but Kevin was in the desert and did not get home until much later, so when he did get home, I was so busy getting everything ready, I forgot to take a picture.--OOPS, next time:)

I went to the Doctor's today for my checkup--the Doctor said everything has healed nicely, and I can get back to normal activities. He said I'll see you when you get pregnant again..LOL.

I also needed some diapers and diaper cream --the diapers Kevin picked up, were Albertson brand, and boy did they leak a lot--I had a leaky baby all night last night--so I had a 1.00 coupon for Huggies, went to Ralph's and the Huggies, were on sale for 9.99---Ralph's doubles all coupons, so I got two dollars off----so I paid 7.00 for a jumbo pack of diapers that cost about the same as generic----yay:)

I have potatoes in the oven right now, and when they are done, I will make twice baked---I will take a picture of them too. Ralph's was having a wonderful meat markdown, I grabbed a few Max paks of there meat.

Today is also Friday--Fun Friday---After I pick Tony up from school, I will take them to get a Slurpee.

I have ribs to go on the grill tonight, plus my twice baked potatoes--and a nice green salad. I made dinner rolls the other night, but they seem to go so fast--I did not have time to make some more today.

What is everyone doing this weekend? I am just staying home and grilling--hopefully my best friend will be coming by to visit on Sunday. I am so happy for the 3 day weekend, I won't have to go back and forth to all the schools--yay:)

Well, I must go for now--you all have a wonderful day---xoxoxox

Wednesday Post

Yes, I like salt on my melon.

I bought this dress at Walmart for 12.00---->Alexis is Star of the week at school so each day she has to stand in front the class and share something--today she is sharing her *My Little Pony* toys.

Here is a better picture of Kevin in his car seat when we come home--he just loves car rides---I think all babies do.
I took chicken out tonight for dinner. I have a load of towels in the wash and a load of baby clothes in the dryer. I emptied all trash since today is trash day. It is amazing how your body adjusts to not much sleep or interrupted sleep--he wakes up every two hours to nurse, and I have to change him too--he can really fill up a diaper:)

The sun is out today, and it is a bit warmer. Last night, I was upstairs nursing the baby, and dinner was all done but I was not able to get in there to clean it--I have been waiting until everyone is settled in bed, before going down and cleaning the kitchen--well the baby was down for the night and Alexis was in bed too--I went down stairs and Kevin had cleaned the whole kitchen--it sparkled for me--what a gift--I was so tired and this just made me so happy--I crawled in bed and went to sleep:)

That is all for now--you all have a wonderful Wednesday xoxox

Picture Post Tuesday

Melon balls with breakfast----how many of you put salt on your melon? This is a beef roast I had made during the week--->
....along with homemade macaroni and cheese---make a white sauce and add lots of cheddar cheese--yummy.
I took a picture of this---you don't see this very often--an empty dishwasher---it is always being filled and emptied-- This is baby Kevin in his car seat--the picture came out a little dark--I will take another one soon.

Okay, this is me right before Baby Kevin's birth--- I didn't realize how swollen I was until after baby was born and I had my ankles back. This picture will go in Baby Kevin's baby book.

This is me in the same shirt today---what a difference a baby makes LOL....
My princess off to school--->
She is such a good little helper:)
My two Kevin's--->

I can't believe Little Kevin will be a month this week--the time is just going by so fast--I am enjoying every moment though.

After I finish this post, I am going to make meatballs--and we will have spaghetti tonight.

It is a cool day today----

you all have a happy Tuesday xoxoxox

Catch up

Hello!!! I have been busy playing house:) Little Kevin is napping, so I am making a quick post. I did all laundry this weekend, and a few other things I needed to catch up on. The rest of the family went to a birthday party on Saturday for my niece, I stayed behind with baby, I just think he is too little to be out all day and around so many people. I just love my baby---I love to cuddle him---and sing to him---I can't sing very well, but he doesn't seem to mind.

It was such a cold day today too--it even rained in the morning. I have my potatoes peeled and sliced and in water--all ready to be fried for tonight's dinner---I am also going to make hamburger patties. I was going to make spaghetti, but I am low on Parmesan cheese--and Kevin did all my shopping already so I think I will wait before I send him back to the store..Just kidding, he actually likes going grocery store shopping.

I have been taking pictures, so my next post will be a picture post of this and that. Hopefully when evening comes I will have some time to visit all my beloved blogs--if not, I will be by tomorrow.

I am going to go check my green beans, I have them steaming right now for dinner--Kevin likes them very tender, so it always takes awhile--you all have a good night--stay warm, it is chilly here--brrrrr:) xox

Thursday's Post

Today is Thursday---one more day and then the weekend starts--yay!!! Yesterday I woke up at 5 like I wanted too--it was so nice not to rush through my morning--this morning, I woke up at 5, fed the baby, and said I would just lay down for 5 more minutes--oops---I woke up at 6;) All the kids are in school, Little Kevin is napping. I am making a Beef roast for dinner, I will add potatoes and carrots to it. I also am going to make homemade mac n cheese. I am going to make a fresh green salad--I love ranch dressing on my salad, especially homemade, my husband likes vinegar on his.

Mrs. U--I cooked my pork chops on top of the stove--I dredged them in flour and then cooked/fried them in a little oil--they came out very moist too. Sometimes, I bake them, grill them, whatever strikes my mood that day:)

To save money around the home:

I use grocery bags for my bathroom trash cans/ and now dirty diapers
I use the paper bags to cover books or to make homemade wrapping paper
I make my own fabreeze using a few teaspoons of fabric softener with water in a spray bottle
I go to the grocery store real early for the meat markdowns
I don't buy convenience foods--I try and make most foods from scratch
I mend clothes all the time, rather then discarding them
I have bought many beautiful dresses at the thrift store for just a few dollars.
I drink a lot--especially now that I am nursing--I will pour 1 part juice to 2 parts water----juice lasts a long time for me--plus I like the flavor.
I can get a lot of the same things at the .99 cent store --the hairspray I use goes for 1.87 at other stores, but at the .99 store, it is .99 cents---also hand soap---and other things too.
I don't use the recommended amount of detergent to wash clothes--I find that using half works just as well.
I am such a comparison shopper----I know where to get what at each store--also--if I want something--I will also look at eBay----for instance--my husband wears Levi's---instead of spending 30-50 dollars on Levi's I can get them on eBay for about 10.00.

What are some things you do to save money?

My husband makes a very good living, but it is soooo expensive to live here in California----the price differences between here and Georgia are amazing and and sometimes makes me sad how some places get a way with charging so much for something , KWIM? Anyway, it is part of my job as a wife and mother to help my husband get the most for our dollar--and I am pretty good at it too..LOL.

Okay, I have rambled long enough, there is work to do before Little Kevin wakes up--You all have a wonderful day---I am going to start my machines---(as Fly Lady says)

XOXO