Happy Tuesday!

Today is my *BIG* shopping day--I need everything--from staples to produce to meat--this should be fun. I found a really cool recipe in the RR magazine--you take a puff pastry and wrap meat and mashed potatoes in it, and all sorts of good stuff--I am going to change it a bit and add cheese:) I am also out of things that I enjoy eating--I like to get fat free cottage cheese and eat it with pita chips or crackers---I also get tortillas and spread hummus on it--LOVE hummus! This is a bit of a quick post--I am in between school drop offs--and then I will be off to the market!

....and then I will organize my fridge and wash and clean produce, break up meat in servings--....and, of course a few loads of laundry!

Happy Tuesday!

Winner!!!

I did the Online random number generator--and it picked number 11!!!! Yay!--so the number 11 commenter is LINDY!!

I really wish you all could have won!!!

Lindy Congratulations!!!


Please contact me Lindy---You didn't leave me an email address:)

Happy Monday!!

Busy, Busy, Busy I tell ya! I am just enjoying this time of life with my family and children--I love keeping home, cooking, taking care of my family--and everything that it entails! Today, I am on laundry duty--almost done--yay! I baked bread over the weekend and washed my car---Kevin mowed the lawn and did a great job too. My son Tony turned 17 on Thursday and on Saturday we took him to the the restaurant of his choice --he chose the Outback, my sister and her family came along too, it was an awesome time---I just can not believe Tony is 17. I have a picture of the cake I made him that I will share too. I am going to be looking through my new Rachael Ray magazine and Taste of Home for some new and exciting dinner ideas for this weeks menu---I will doing my big shopping tomorrow.
Tonight is baked chicken.

If you have not yet joined the giveaway ---please join now--it is in the post below this one!!! I will be picking a winner tonight!

Happy Monday and a Giveaway:) LQQK!

8My husband went grocery shopping with me over the weekend--ohhh--it was so fun. Things like that are romantic to me---I know that may sound silly....I like it when he comes with me (sometimes) --I like it when he goes in the meat section and picks out the meat he would enjoy for the week--so my menu is coming.

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Okay about the giveaway--it is from this website--check it out--->EcostoreUSA--if you see something you may like, come back and join the giveaway---the winner gets $25.00 worth of products! I thought that was pretty neat. So if you want to enter, LEAVE A COMMENT--if you know someone that may be interested too, let them know--post a link, spread the word--whatever you want to do:) I am just so happy someone from my blog is going to win something--

--and if you want something--leave a comment in this ENTRY POST and the name will be drawn on next Monday:)
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ETA: NEW POSTS are below this one:)

This Giveaway is now closed!!!!

This and That!

Today is a chilly day--so we are nice and cozy in our home---it may rain.

Plans for the day:
Do some laundry
Mop the Kitchen floor
Empty dishwasher--again!

Get chicken in the oven for dinner.

Stop at the grocery store to pick up ingredients for a cake:)

.....and more laundry....LOL.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

OOOhhhh, one more thing--I am just heartbroken they took the The Walton's off the Hallmark channel--I always enjoyed doing my housework with Grandma and Olivia :::sigh:::: Instead they put the Golden Girls???---Huh?? I don't relate to that show---I wrote Hallmark a letter too---they were one of my favorite channels--now they are putting shows on it, that don't fit the Hallmark style---oh well-----time to start buying the DvD's:)

Menu!

Spaghetti and Meatballs
Fresh Green Salad

Beef Roast
Twice Baked Stuffed Potatoes
Steamed Asparagus
Green Salad

Baked Chicken
Mashed Potatoes--Homemade Gravy
Green Salad
Fresh Steamed Veggie

Oven Baked Country Ribs
Steamed Rice
Green Salad
Steamed Veggie

Nachos!

Okay that is my Menu so far:)

For you---Give away!

I have been informed by an *Eco* friendly company that they want me to review their products--I normally turn this kind of stuff down because this is not how I want my blog to go--BUT---they said they would give one of my readers a gift of their choice---soooo, I said yes-----I will post all the details on Monday---because I adore all my blogging friends--and I thought this would be neat. Okay? Thoughts?

Stay tuned:)

Burrito Burger Review

The Burgers turned out amazing--I have to say one of the best burger recipes I have ever made--the little bit of of the chili pepper in the Avocado mixture was perfect. The recipe for this Burrito Burger Recipe is in the post below this one--You have to try it!

I made the burgers--I actually doubled the recipe---




Flipped the burgers

got the lettuce and tomato ready

Made the salad

I made curly fries too----the picture does not do this dish justice, the colors were so pretty:)

Closeup.

Let me know if you make this--it was yummy!

2 Things

First thing: Dinner tonight is going to be Burrito Burgers--the recipe and photo is from my Rachael Ray magazine Click on photo to see better
Click on photo to read recipe


After I make my own tonight, I will snap a few photos and share them tomorrow--I will also let you know if my family liked this recipe--how can anything with that much avocado on top be bad...LOL.

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Second thing: My nursing Journey with Little Kevin is over--the last day I nursed him was Saturday---so at the very bottom of my blog--I will be removing my ticker---I nursed Kevin for almost 22 months:) I am sad, but I am also happy I was able to do this for my child, my little baby is growing up. I nursed Tony for 14 months and Alexis for 2 1/2 years. Will this be my last baby, will Saturday be the last time I ever hold a little child and nurse him? Only God knows, and I thank him every day for letting me do this not once, not twice but three times, I am truly blessed.

Happy Tuesday Everyone.

Happy Monday!

I really enjoyed all the comments in my last post--thank you all for your opinions. Now, that I am starting to feel better--this cold I had did not want to go away-- But now that I am feeling better I will be posting more and commenting. What a wonderful community we have of blogs and commenters.

On Saturday I grilled these pork steaks---and I had quite a bit leftover so we had that on Sunday too---I just mixed it up a bit. The first night we had pork, (Loaded)baked potatoes and Salad--the next night we had fried potatoes and a veggie...LOL--just a bit of a difference--but enough to make my family happy.

Remember how determined I was to finish all my laundry before my MIL got here--well I did get it all done--but then when she was here--I didn't do any so now I am back to where I was...LOL....Oh, well---I enjoy being a housewife so it is okay.

My Girlfriend is still here with us-----she is having some struggles, and I just don't know what the right words to say to her all the time are--I won't go into too much detail about that over the Internet, but could you all say a little pray that she gets on the right track soon.

My menu tonight is going to be something with ground beef----any ideas? When I decide I will try and post it.

Ohhh, as for doing a reality show--I don't think I could do it----that would really be hard for me I think. My husband could do it, but I don't think I could.

I have to say I have had the baby tinge again---the little baby I miscarried would have been born this month--so when the due date came and went, I was a bit sad, but then I know God knows best and there are reasons for this--I may not understand at this moment, but I know with him I will be okay:)

Thursday & A Question!

::::Waiving:::::

My Mil is now safe and sound back in Georgia. Someone asked me if I liked her in my comments--and I just adore her--she really is an awesome lady!

We are all sick though---Alexis was first---she is now back to normal. Little Kevin was next and now Kevin and I are both sick--it is icky--sore throat--stuffy nose--achy all over--YUCK! I just do not have time to be sick...LOL. Tony--he NEVER gets sick anymore--he has a very strong immune system. I think it goes back to when he was little and I do this with all my kids--I just do not believe in pumping them with all sorts of anti biotics---my mother used to take me to the Doctor every other week and I was on so many different anti biotics, I don't think my immune system ever learned to work properly--hence, that is why I am always catching what every one has---

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I will be making my grocery list and menu plan today and probably do the shopping tomorrow--I am just not feeling that great to go shopping today--we will see. I will be doing some light housework and I took a chicken out of the freezer for dinner. We were absolutely spoiled while my MIL was here, we ate at all these wonderful restaurants, but now it is back to normal and I do enjoy cooking so it will be nice too.

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Now, I have something I would like to talk to you all about---I make references to Jon and Kate quite a bit in my posts......and lately I have been reading some things about them that other people have written and some are good and some are not so good. I want your opinions----

If you had a chance to do a reality show like they are doing and be able to make quite a bit of money--would you do it?

Plans..........

Here are the cookie Lollipops I made---I put a little too much batter in the heart shaped tin--but they still turned out okay--I will know better next time. It sure did not ruin the taste though.

All wrapped up and ready to go.
My MIL is flying in today from Georgia for my Husband's birthday which is on Wednesday--we have some things planned for the next couple days---I have been preparing my home for the last couple of days too and Alexis had 3 birthday parties---plus more Dental visits.

Happy Monday Everyone!

Cookie Lollipops!

I am going to make Chocolate chip cookie Lollipops for Valentines. I will take a picture of the finished product when I make them.

I am still working on laundry--it is actually dwindling down.

I also have my kids gifts bags to put together for Valentines, because they are all my valentines.

Tonight I am making those Country Baked BBQ Ribs--Baked potatoes---Burnt Brussel Sprouts and a salad---along with some stuffed mushrooms.

Happy Thursday--No school for the next 4 days---WOOHOOOOOOOOOO!

I am determined!

I have sooooooooooooooooooooo much laundry to do---I mean tons--I would take a picture but I wouldn't be able to fit in, in one shot...LOL.

I am going in, wish me good laundry vibes...LOL.

How did my laundry get so out of control?

Please leave a comment if you did or are doing laundry today.

I will be back :o)

This and That Friday!

A warm apple pie wax tart is starting on my tart warmer.I really like how Kate (Jon and Kate plus 8) had a rug in front of her fridge at her new house--so I put one there too

I needed some new hot pads and these dish towels came with the set---I couldn't find cows, but I found these roosters, which I liked.

Hot pads

A new vanilla honey candle

I have one on my vanity and one by my sink and another for back upThe container is sooo cute tooIngredients for Semi-homemade chili
I browned a pound of ground beef and added that chili seasoning packet, along with two cans of tomato sauce--a can of chili beans and a can of kidney beans--It will be transferred to my slow cooker until it is time to eat.

I am going to make some macaroni for it to go on, along with some cheddar cheese, green onion and sour cream to top it.

Fresh rolls are now going in my bread machine!
They will be served too--my family does not care for cornbread too much so it rolls tonight.
(Dinner Roll Recipe is on the sidebar)

I have a green salad already made and it will be topped with some homemade Ranch Dressing. It is another beautiful rainy day--so I thought this would be a nice warm meal to go with the day.

Ohhhh----------Homemade dressing is just sooo yummy!
Ranch Dressing:
1 1/2 C Mayonnaise
1/2 C Buttermilk
1 T Red Wine Vinegar
1 T Sugar
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Onion powder
1 T Dried Parsley
1/2 tsp Dill
1/2 tsp Salt (optional)
1/2 tsp Black pepper
Dash of Paprika
Whisk ingredients together, and refrigerate one hour before serving:)

Let me know if you make it or if you have made it.
I hope you all have a wonderful Friday! .

Thursday!

It's raining--it is all dark and cozy--I am going to light all my candles and enjoy this beautiful rain.
I just adore rainy days:)

Picture post coming!
Have a wonderful Thursday!

Happy Wednesday!

Cleaning Day!!

We have been on the go!
Today I can finally take a breather and do what I love to do best---take care of my home. I have my third load of laundry going--I just finished vacuuming and spot cleaning the living room carpet, and dusted--so now when my husband comes home, everything will be fresh and clean. The upstairs needs more attention then the downstairs. On Monday night, I actually wiped down my whole kitchen with bleach-- it is nice and clean, just needs a little bit of attention. So, now you all know what I am doing today, what are you all doing today?

It has been so beautiful outside, but they say the rain is coming tomorrow--((Murmurs a quiet, yippee...LOL))

On Sunday, we grilled--steak and shrimp and baked potatoes--
Monday we had baked BBQ pork and Tuesday was Taco night----tonight, I am either thinking of making Meatloaf or hamburgers---not sure yet.
I am going to make some homemade Ranch dressing--the recipe is in my side bar and I will post a picture of it when I am done--it is sooo yummy!

Well, have a wonderful happy and productive Wednesday!

American Girl!

In my sweet little town of San Clemente, California You have a choice......


You can get on the I5 headed south and in an hour you are in San Diego......


Or, you can get on the I5 headed North and in an hour be in Los Angeles


We got on the freeway this weekend and headed north to LA--going towards.....

Hollywood--


The American Girl Place!!!!!
YaY!!


The store was absolutely beautiful--any girl young or old would love this store--an absolute wonderful store--and I enjoyed going there with my daughter

These are the dolls that are sold only for that year--I noticed they did not have one for 2004 There were two levels of dolls---they had show cases of these beautiful dolls every where.
This one is having tea.
My daughter was over whelmed to say the least--she wanted to look at the dolls and not have me keep taking pictures of her...lol

Decisions, decisions


I wish I could have taken a picture of each show case, I fell in love with all of them

Another smile for mom...LOL. Those dolls behind Alexis are The Just Like Me Dolls. They have one with every skin, hair, eye type.

Another lovely Showcase. Can you see the little eyeglasses on the doll--I think that is the Molly Doll. I did not get a picture of my favorite--but Josphina was just beautiful.

This lady here worked there--and she sure helped us--she new the story behind every single doll!! It was amazing--I could have stayed all day listening to her tell all the stories.

My husband's favorite was the Julie doll--Alexis wanted Samantha--but she was already archived

Alexis did not want the Just Like You doll--she wanted a doll with a name, but that somewhat resembled her--so she chose this years 2009 American Doll Chrissa--she is just adorable.

Love this pose!!

It was very sunny

Thank you so much for looking at our American Girl adventure--we can not wait to go there again!! For Alexis's next birthday, we will be having lunch there--She is so excited.

A Decade of the Waltons

I put this two hour special of a decade with the Walton's in order on my blog---I just adore the Walton's!!!
I hope you will enjoy this too!

EASY Banana Bread

Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
Method
No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

I found the Banana Bread recipe through google and just love how easy it was and it tasted wonderful:)

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Then after the Banana Bread I made a batch of Dinner Rolls--if you have not made these yet--you have too--they are so light and fluffy!

Dinner Roll Recipe