Old folks Christmas shopping is priceless, they are in stores you would normally never see them, such as Rue 21 and they are talking like you normally would never hear, such as, I need the ps3, I have a plasma on my wall with a blue ray and this is what I need next..... I love them.
Dishes are never all done for long.
I love budget shopping.
Every family goes through hard times, all different kinds, this year some hard times of friends I love dear have truly broken my heart.
This year also some very wonderful things have happened to other friends and family.
Nothing is impossible with the Lord, even if the doctors say it can't happen.
God is amazing and so is Mountain Lake Church.
Still dont love dogs :(
Open heart surgery is not near as scary as you think it is in your head.
Kids are more resiliant than I can put into words.
Worrying is lack of faith. I am going to be at peace with life, God is great, why not just trust him? I am going to.
I love food more and more each year.
My house will never be as clean as Id like it. Im just going to quit panicking over it.
Friends come close and grow distant just like seasons, but they are always close when its meant to be. Thank the Lord.
Family members are your best friends.
My husband cooks breakfast better than I hop, if only I could get him to massage like Spa Sydel???
Sick children are an over whelming, take over your whole life, thing, but God is always in control.
Rain Rain Rain use to be my favorite, not so much anymore... Shew Im done with it for a while!
Still love sushi and outback.
You can do laundry without dryer sheets on a bad money week, who knew.... it about scared me to death but it all worked out.
The "last lecture" book will break your heart and make you cry, life is short, live it well.
Goodwill is great.
Moms have to take time for themselves, there is nothing wrong with it. Id auctually say its worse to not, how can you be your best for everyone else if you dont indulge yourself a little bit!
True True friends are priceless.
You can have $1.33 in your checking account!
A 4 year old can use the internet.... possibly better than his daddy.
You can find true true love. And it is wonderful.
The home does not make the family, nor does it make the happiness.
I love to cook cook cook more and more. I just pray I dont keep growing growing more and more.
I love my granny.
I can tend to a husband, 2 kids, 2 dogs, 2 turtles, 2 fish and a hampster all at once and babysit too!
Honesty is always a must, its not negotiable.
Birthday parties do not HAVE to be fancy.
Still not patient as I should be.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
This is a MUST COOK!
Mexican Manicotti
1 lb ground beef (use lean as you can)
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
2 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano (I was out and used italian seasoning)
1 (8oz) pkg manicotti shells
2 1 /2 cups of water
1 (16 oz) jar picante sauce
2 cups of sour cream (You certainly can leave this out, I like it better without it and Shayne likes it better with it, last time I made it I did 1/2 with and 1/2 without.)
1 cup of shredded cheese your choice
1/4 cup of sliced green onions (optional)
sliced ripe olives (optional)
NOTE: This will be MESSY on your hands!
Combine uncooked beef, beans, chili powder, and oregano. I use my hands to mix this, very yucky though. Spoon into uncooked shells. Place in a 9x13 casserole dish. Combine water and picante sauce and pour over shells. Cover and refrigerate over night.
Remove from fridge for 30 mins - 1 hour before cooking. Cook at 350 covered for 1 hour. Uncover, spoon sour cream over top, then add cheese, onions and olives to top. Bake an additional 5 - 10 mins. Serves 8. It really is to die for! Or live for, whichever! :)
1 lb ground beef (use lean as you can)
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
2 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano (I was out and used italian seasoning)
1 (8oz) pkg manicotti shells
2 1 /2 cups of water
1 (16 oz) jar picante sauce
2 cups of sour cream (You certainly can leave this out, I like it better without it and Shayne likes it better with it, last time I made it I did 1/2 with and 1/2 without.)
1 cup of shredded cheese your choice
1/4 cup of sliced green onions (optional)
sliced ripe olives (optional)
NOTE: This will be MESSY on your hands!
Combine uncooked beef, beans, chili powder, and oregano. I use my hands to mix this, very yucky though. Spoon into uncooked shells. Place in a 9x13 casserole dish. Combine water and picante sauce and pour over shells. Cover and refrigerate over night.
Remove from fridge for 30 mins - 1 hour before cooking. Cook at 350 covered for 1 hour. Uncover, spoon sour cream over top, then add cheese, onions and olives to top. Bake an additional 5 - 10 mins. Serves 8. It really is to die for! Or live for, whichever! :)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Some fun recipes
DO NOT FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR SATURDAY NIGHT BEFORE BED!!!
Here is a tip I wish I'd had before I spent $10 on an egg separator! If you have a recipe that calls to separate eggs, use a slotted spoon over a bowl. Works just as well. WOW! I could have had a new shirt! SAD TIMES!
Cranberry Pineapple Minis
1 - 20 oz can of crushed pineapple in juice
2 - 3 oz packages raspberry flavored jello
1 - 16 oz can of whole berry cranberry sauce
2/3 cups of chopped walnuts or pecans (your choice)
1 apple chopped
Drain pineapple RESERVING JUICE, Add enough water to juice to measure 2 1/2 cups, pour into saucepan. Bring to boil. Pour over gelatin mixes in a large bowl. Stir 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
Stir in pineapple, cranberry sauce, nuts and apple.
Spoon into 24 paper lined muffin cups.
Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm (I would refrigerate over night)
Remove Liners and serve.
Wormy Apples
6 apples
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. each ground cinnamon and nutmeg
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
6 gummy worms
1 cup whipping cream (optional)
Core apples from blossom ends, leaving stem ends intact. Mix raisins and walnuts and stuff into cavities of cored apples. Set apples, stems up in a 9x13 pan.
In a saucepan, mix brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg; stir over high heat until mixture boils. Pour hot syrup around apples.
Bake, uncovered, at 350°, basting occasionally with syrup, until apples are tender when pierced and skin begins to crack, 30 to 35 minutes.
Remove apples from oven; cool in pan at least 10 minutes.
Set each apple in a small bowl and spoon syrup around fruit. In the top of each apple, cut a hole large enough for one of the candy worms and tuck one end into each apple, leaving most of the worm dangling. Offer cream to pour over apples.
Makes 6 servings.
Mini Potato Corn Cakes with Cheddar and Sour Cream (can cut this in 1/2)
2 cups of mashed potato flakes
1/3 cup of yellow corn meal
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1/4 tsp cayenne or chile powder
1/2 cup of VERY THINLY sliced green onions
2 cups of milk
1 cup of shredded sharp or smoked cheddar cheese
12 oz bag of frozen corn defrosted
cooking spray
1/2 cup of sour cream
Mix potato flakes, corn meal, garlic salt, cayenne in medium bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons of green onions for garnish. Blend in remaining onions, milk, cheese and corn. Scoop into 60 1 inch balls. gently flattening into 1 inch patties. Heat large nonstick skillet over med heat. Spray with cooking spray. Pan fry patties until golden brown on both sides. Serve warm with a dallop of sour cream and a few slices of green onion.
Coming soon: A little healthier cupcake!Bath Fizziesand Strawberry Shortcake Cookies!
Here is a tip I wish I'd had before I spent $10 on an egg separator! If you have a recipe that calls to separate eggs, use a slotted spoon over a bowl. Works just as well. WOW! I could have had a new shirt! SAD TIMES!
Cranberry Pineapple Minis
1 - 20 oz can of crushed pineapple in juice
2 - 3 oz packages raspberry flavored jello
1 - 16 oz can of whole berry cranberry sauce
2/3 cups of chopped walnuts or pecans (your choice)
1 apple chopped
Drain pineapple RESERVING JUICE, Add enough water to juice to measure 2 1/2 cups, pour into saucepan. Bring to boil. Pour over gelatin mixes in a large bowl. Stir 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
Stir in pineapple, cranberry sauce, nuts and apple.
Spoon into 24 paper lined muffin cups.
Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm (I would refrigerate over night)
Remove Liners and serve.
Wormy Apples
6 apples
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. each ground cinnamon and nutmeg
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
6 gummy worms
1 cup whipping cream (optional)
Core apples from blossom ends, leaving stem ends intact. Mix raisins and walnuts and stuff into cavities of cored apples. Set apples, stems up in a 9x13 pan.
In a saucepan, mix brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg; stir over high heat until mixture boils. Pour hot syrup around apples.
Bake, uncovered, at 350°, basting occasionally with syrup, until apples are tender when pierced and skin begins to crack, 30 to 35 minutes.
Remove apples from oven; cool in pan at least 10 minutes.
Set each apple in a small bowl and spoon syrup around fruit. In the top of each apple, cut a hole large enough for one of the candy worms and tuck one end into each apple, leaving most of the worm dangling. Offer cream to pour over apples.
Makes 6 servings.
Mini Potato Corn Cakes with Cheddar and Sour Cream (can cut this in 1/2)
2 cups of mashed potato flakes
1/3 cup of yellow corn meal
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1/4 tsp cayenne or chile powder
1/2 cup of VERY THINLY sliced green onions
2 cups of milk
1 cup of shredded sharp or smoked cheddar cheese
12 oz bag of frozen corn defrosted
cooking spray
1/2 cup of sour cream
Mix potato flakes, corn meal, garlic salt, cayenne in medium bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons of green onions for garnish. Blend in remaining onions, milk, cheese and corn. Scoop into 60 1 inch balls. gently flattening into 1 inch patties. Heat large nonstick skillet over med heat. Spray with cooking spray. Pan fry patties until golden brown on both sides. Serve warm with a dallop of sour cream and a few slices of green onion.
Coming soon: A little healthier cupcake!Bath Fizziesand Strawberry Shortcake Cookies!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Great Fall Recipes
A MUST MAKE FOR FALL!!!
Mini Apple Spiced Glazed Donuts
You will need:
1 (7.5 ounce) can refigerator biscuits (they come in a 4 pack, go ahead and buy 4, you will make more I promise)
1 cup of powdered sugar
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons of apple juice
3 cups of veg oil
Do this:
Remove biscuits from can and place on a cutting board. Using a lid to a water bottle or coke bottle cut out a hole in the middle of eat biscuit. Let biscuits and hols lay and rest for 15 minutes. Very important.
In bowl combine powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and apple juice. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a med or large pot to 350 degrees. I heated mine about 10 minutes on high, then cut it down a little.
Fry donuts 3 at a time for about 45 seconds per side. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel lined tray. Once all are cooked and holes too dip the tops and holes in glaze and place on serving tray. Let them set 5 minutes then serve... what a special fall treat and they are so good!
Red Skin Home Fries
4 Big red potatoes, Get the BIG red skinned potatoes (cheaper) I cut them in half.
1 clove garlic
diced Onions (you decide how many) diced, if using dehydrated have them already hydrated in a little water.
Hunk of butter
1/2 t. onion powder
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. chili powder
1/2 t. paprika (if you don't like this spice, leave out)
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
Boil potatoes until tender (or microwave covered in a little water till tender). Let cool and cut into slices, In bag or big covered tupperware put potatoes and all spices (NOT diced onions and garlic) and shake till coated. Put hunk of butter in skillet, melt and add potatoes that are coated in spices. Cook for 5 - 10 minutes on med and add onions and garlic, cook 10 or more minutes more until onions are tender and potatoes crispy.
Mac n Cheese in the crock pot
½ lbs elbow macaroni cooked and drained
Cooking spray
1 tsp salt
12 oz can of evaporated milk
½ tsp pepper
4 cups of shredded sharp cheese
2 eggs beaten (Im going to try and leave these out)
1 1/2 cup milk
Coat crock pot with spray. Add all other ingredients and cook on low 5 - 6 hours. Stir and serve.
Another one Mac n Cheese in the Crock Pot(pick your favorite)
16 oz macaroni cooked and drained
2 lb block of Velveeta Cheese
1 lg can of evaporated milk
3 cups regular milk
½ stick margarine (¼ cup)
2 tablespoons of cooking oil
½ tsp salt or more and pepper as you like.
Put cooked macaroni in crock pot
Cut up cheese into small pieces and add it and all other ingredients to crockpot. Mix well. Cook on low 2 hours. Add milk if too thick.
Brown Sugar Cake... looked amazing and easy!
What You Need:
1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
4 eggs
2/3 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup oil
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans
2 tsp. powdered sugar
Make It!
HEAT oven to 350ºF.BEAT first 6 ingredients with mixer 3 min. or until well blended. Add brown sugar and nuts; mix well. POUR into 12-cup fluted tube pan or 10-inch tube pan sprayed with cooking spray. BAKE 1 hour or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan 15 min. Loosen cake from sides of pan; invert onto wire rack. Remove pan; cool cake completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.
Tips from a budget email I get to save $ on your grocery bill!
Meat is one of the most expensive items on your grocery list. Here are some tips from Dining on a Dime to help you cut down on the cost of meat:
Eat soup and a sandwich once a week
Have pasta (macaroni and cheese) or rice (broccoli, cheese and rice casserole) night twice a week.
Have a "leftovers" night.
Have a baked potato night with all the fixings!
Have a veggie night. Serve veggie soup, chef salad or platter of garden fresh veggies with cheese and crackers.
Apple Butter
9 to 10 apples, cored, peeled and chopped
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. cloves
1/8 tsp. salt
Place everything into a crock pot. Stir, cover and cook on high 1 hour. Cook on low for 9-11 hours or until thick and dark brown. Stir occasionally. Uncover and cook on low 1 hour longer. Stir with whisk until smooth. Refrigerate or Freeze. Makes 2 pints.
Mini Apple Spiced Glazed Donuts
You will need:
1 (7.5 ounce) can refigerator biscuits (they come in a 4 pack, go ahead and buy 4, you will make more I promise)
1 cup of powdered sugar
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons of apple juice
3 cups of veg oil
Do this:
Remove biscuits from can and place on a cutting board. Using a lid to a water bottle or coke bottle cut out a hole in the middle of eat biscuit. Let biscuits and hols lay and rest for 15 minutes. Very important.
In bowl combine powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and apple juice. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a med or large pot to 350 degrees. I heated mine about 10 minutes on high, then cut it down a little.
Fry donuts 3 at a time for about 45 seconds per side. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel lined tray. Once all are cooked and holes too dip the tops and holes in glaze and place on serving tray. Let them set 5 minutes then serve... what a special fall treat and they are so good!
Red Skin Home Fries
4 Big red potatoes, Get the BIG red skinned potatoes (cheaper) I cut them in half.
1 clove garlic
diced Onions (you decide how many) diced, if using dehydrated have them already hydrated in a little water.
Hunk of butter
1/2 t. onion powder
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. chili powder
1/2 t. paprika (if you don't like this spice, leave out)
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
Boil potatoes until tender (or microwave covered in a little water till tender). Let cool and cut into slices, In bag or big covered tupperware put potatoes and all spices (NOT diced onions and garlic) and shake till coated. Put hunk of butter in skillet, melt and add potatoes that are coated in spices. Cook for 5 - 10 minutes on med and add onions and garlic, cook 10 or more minutes more until onions are tender and potatoes crispy.
Mac n Cheese in the crock pot
½ lbs elbow macaroni cooked and drained
Cooking spray
1 tsp salt
12 oz can of evaporated milk
½ tsp pepper
4 cups of shredded sharp cheese
2 eggs beaten (Im going to try and leave these out)
1 1/2 cup milk
Coat crock pot with spray. Add all other ingredients and cook on low 5 - 6 hours. Stir and serve.
Another one Mac n Cheese in the Crock Pot(pick your favorite)
16 oz macaroni cooked and drained
2 lb block of Velveeta Cheese
1 lg can of evaporated milk
3 cups regular milk
½ stick margarine (¼ cup)
2 tablespoons of cooking oil
½ tsp salt or more and pepper as you like.
Put cooked macaroni in crock pot
Cut up cheese into small pieces and add it and all other ingredients to crockpot. Mix well. Cook on low 2 hours. Add milk if too thick.
Brown Sugar Cake... looked amazing and easy!
What You Need:
1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
4 eggs
2/3 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup oil
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans
2 tsp. powdered sugar
Make It!
HEAT oven to 350ºF.BEAT first 6 ingredients with mixer 3 min. or until well blended. Add brown sugar and nuts; mix well. POUR into 12-cup fluted tube pan or 10-inch tube pan sprayed with cooking spray. BAKE 1 hour or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan 15 min. Loosen cake from sides of pan; invert onto wire rack. Remove pan; cool cake completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.
Tips from a budget email I get to save $ on your grocery bill!
Meat is one of the most expensive items on your grocery list. Here are some tips from Dining on a Dime to help you cut down on the cost of meat:
Eat soup and a sandwich once a week
Have pasta (macaroni and cheese) or rice (broccoli, cheese and rice casserole) night twice a week.
Have a "leftovers" night.
Have a baked potato night with all the fixings!
Have a veggie night. Serve veggie soup, chef salad or platter of garden fresh veggies with cheese and crackers.
Apple Butter
9 to 10 apples, cored, peeled and chopped
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. cloves
1/8 tsp. salt
Place everything into a crock pot. Stir, cover and cook on high 1 hour. Cook on low for 9-11 hours or until thick and dark brown. Stir occasionally. Uncover and cook on low 1 hour longer. Stir with whisk until smooth. Refrigerate or Freeze. Makes 2 pints.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Some things I liked from an email I got...
If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!
The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
God Himself doesn't propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
A lot of church members singing 'Standing on the Promises' Are just sitting on the premises.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
God Himself doesn't propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
A lot of church members singing 'Standing on the Promises' Are just sitting on the premises.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Monday, August 31, 2009
More tips to help a lady out!
If you are a mom in a hurry, you know the next evening you will not have time to make supper, make this the night before your busy evening, when you leave for work, put it in the crock pot, it cooks on low 10 - 12 hours and that gives you time to work, supper will be done when you get home! Change up ingredients to your liking!
AND REMEMBER we like crock pots, they do not heat up the house in the summer!!!
Crock Pot Meat Loaf
2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground sausage
2 med. onions, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, chopped
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 c. sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 c. bread or cracker crumbs
1 1/2 c. milk
Soak bread or cracker crumbs in milk. Mix meat, seasnonings and soaked crumbs thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and mushroom soup. Make meat mixture into loaf and place in crock pot. Pour the sour cream-soup mixture over top. Cook in crock pot 10 to 12 hours on low.
I have said this a million times, buy boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders while they are on sale, no more than $2 a lb. Put them in your crockpot with water about a cup or two, and seasonings such as salt, seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, ETC, just which ever you prefer. Cook on low 5 - 6 hours, Drain the water. Shred the chicken with 2 forks. Save it for soups, chicken and dressing, casseroles, or mix in BBQ sauce (warm back in crock pot for 20 mins) and serve bbq chicken sandwhiches, mix in a cheap can of pasta sauce and a few more seasonings and cook a box of penne pasta. Good meal to feed 6 or more for about $4. You can freeze the cooked chicken and pull it out and use when needed!
If you buy the cans of pasta sauce you will save tons of money, add a few more seasonings and they taste just as good. I always add sugar. For some reason that seems to make it even better. Just a little, maybe 1/2 tablespoon.
Need to save money on your power bill?
Last September Shayne and I had a $376 power bill (that was from the usage in Aug), this September ours is $267 and that bill has a $15 late fee included! The one from 2008 did not!
First way to save $ is clearly pay the bill on time and wa la you have saved $15! But sometimes that just does not work! So what else did we do???
I think the thing that helped us the most was, we put in an attic fan. We did not realize it but our house did not have one, it costed $80 and Shayne installed it himself and I think that saved us mega $.
Also we had sawnee come out and put switches on our ac units, they are switches that cut the ac's off certain times. They were free, and they give rebates if you let them put them on yours. I think $12 a month for a certain period of time.
Look online and see what rebates you can get money back for?? It is not hard to look online or call your power company and see how you can save extra cash!
We wash our clothes, except towels on cold water only now.
We changed our bulbs to the walmart brand of energy savers.
We run our ac on 75 all day till late evening and then 72 at night. Back to 75 as soon as I roll out of bed, I mean I wake up with that on my mind.
We also did have our air ducts cleaned out. That was $600. If you asked me now do I think that money was well spent I would say ABSOLUTELY NOT! He is the reason that we got an attic fan, so I am thankful for that. BUT our house is still as dusty, and our filters still get FILTHY very quickly, I do not like this.
Homemade Applesauce!!! made in the crockpot, talk about a good mom! Make this for your baby!
Chunky Applesauce
Peel and cut desired amount of apples into 1/2 - 1 inch chunks. Place the chunks in your crock-pot and add about 1/2 cup water. Set the crock-pot to low and cook 4-6 hours or until the apple chunks are very soft. Mash to desired consistency and add sugar to taste if desired.
Don't forget applesauce is a great side with a sandwhich at lunch or served with or on porkchops for supper! And of course in oatmeal at breakfast!
AND REMEMBER we like crock pots, they do not heat up the house in the summer!!!
Crock Pot Meat Loaf
2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground sausage
2 med. onions, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, chopped
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 c. sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 c. bread or cracker crumbs
1 1/2 c. milk
Soak bread or cracker crumbs in milk. Mix meat, seasnonings and soaked crumbs thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and mushroom soup. Make meat mixture into loaf and place in crock pot. Pour the sour cream-soup mixture over top. Cook in crock pot 10 to 12 hours on low.
I have said this a million times, buy boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders while they are on sale, no more than $2 a lb. Put them in your crockpot with water about a cup or two, and seasonings such as salt, seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, ETC, just which ever you prefer. Cook on low 5 - 6 hours, Drain the water. Shred the chicken with 2 forks. Save it for soups, chicken and dressing, casseroles, or mix in BBQ sauce (warm back in crock pot for 20 mins) and serve bbq chicken sandwhiches, mix in a cheap can of pasta sauce and a few more seasonings and cook a box of penne pasta. Good meal to feed 6 or more for about $4. You can freeze the cooked chicken and pull it out and use when needed!
If you buy the cans of pasta sauce you will save tons of money, add a few more seasonings and they taste just as good. I always add sugar. For some reason that seems to make it even better. Just a little, maybe 1/2 tablespoon.
Need to save money on your power bill?
Last September Shayne and I had a $376 power bill (that was from the usage in Aug), this September ours is $267 and that bill has a $15 late fee included! The one from 2008 did not!
First way to save $ is clearly pay the bill on time and wa la you have saved $15! But sometimes that just does not work! So what else did we do???
I think the thing that helped us the most was, we put in an attic fan. We did not realize it but our house did not have one, it costed $80 and Shayne installed it himself and I think that saved us mega $.
Also we had sawnee come out and put switches on our ac units, they are switches that cut the ac's off certain times. They were free, and they give rebates if you let them put them on yours. I think $12 a month for a certain period of time.
Look online and see what rebates you can get money back for?? It is not hard to look online or call your power company and see how you can save extra cash!
We wash our clothes, except towels on cold water only now.
We changed our bulbs to the walmart brand of energy savers.
We run our ac on 75 all day till late evening and then 72 at night. Back to 75 as soon as I roll out of bed, I mean I wake up with that on my mind.
We also did have our air ducts cleaned out. That was $600. If you asked me now do I think that money was well spent I would say ABSOLUTELY NOT! He is the reason that we got an attic fan, so I am thankful for that. BUT our house is still as dusty, and our filters still get FILTHY very quickly, I do not like this.
Homemade Applesauce!!! made in the crockpot, talk about a good mom! Make this for your baby!
Chunky Applesauce
Peel and cut desired amount of apples into 1/2 - 1 inch chunks. Place the chunks in your crock-pot and add about 1/2 cup water. Set the crock-pot to low and cook 4-6 hours or until the apple chunks are very soft. Mash to desired consistency and add sugar to taste if desired.
Don't forget applesauce is a great side with a sandwhich at lunch or served with or on porkchops for supper! And of course in oatmeal at breakfast!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sloppy Tacos thanks to Kraft! Remember you can omit or add as needed to fit you and your family. Can use ground chicken breast etc....
What You Need!
1 lb. ground beef
1 jar (16 oz.) TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Medium Salsa
1 pkg. (12 oz.) hamburger buns (8 buns)
1 pkg. (6 oz.) KRAFT Singles
Make It!
BROWN meat in large skillet; drain. STIR in salsa; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. FILL buns with meat mixture and Singles.
TACO BELL® and HOME ORIGINALS® are trademarks owned and licensed by Taco Bell Corp.
EASY FAST DONT HEAT YOUR HOUSE UP BAKED POTATO:
Put potatoes in microwavable dish, add one inch of water, sprinkle with salt, cover dish with plastic wrap. Microwave 15 - 20 mins (normally 20 minutes is good). BE CAREFUL REMOVING plastic wrap, steam can burn you. Top how you like it and enjoy!
The best meat loaf I've made this far...
You will need:
1 1/2 lbs LEAN ground beef
1 slice of what ever kind of bread you have in your house, all torn up into small pieces.
1 egg
1 small vidalia onion OR I used 1/2 tube of chopped onions from walmart (50 cents on spice isle)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
4 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 cup milk
For Sauce you will need:
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar (I use walmart brand brown sugar and it has NEVER clumped once)
1/2 cup of ketchup
DO THIS:
Mix in bowl ground beef, bread, egg, onion, pepper, salt, ketchup and milk. Mix well, put in loaf pan. Smooth out top. Set aside.
Mix up sauce ingredients in smaller bowl well. Spread over meat loaf. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.
Flu season is hitting us FAST this year! Wash hands wash hands wash hands!!! Invest in some lysol wipes (they are a little cheaper than clorox wipes or have more in them one) Look for the BOGO FREE at publix!!! Its the best deal! Wipe things down often, such as light switches, door knobs, etc... save money on co pays!!!
What You Need!
1 lb. ground beef
1 jar (16 oz.) TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Medium Salsa
1 pkg. (12 oz.) hamburger buns (8 buns)
1 pkg. (6 oz.) KRAFT Singles
Make It!
BROWN meat in large skillet; drain. STIR in salsa; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. FILL buns with meat mixture and Singles.
TACO BELL® and HOME ORIGINALS® are trademarks owned and licensed by Taco Bell Corp.
EASY FAST DONT HEAT YOUR HOUSE UP BAKED POTATO:
Put potatoes in microwavable dish, add one inch of water, sprinkle with salt, cover dish with plastic wrap. Microwave 15 - 20 mins (normally 20 minutes is good). BE CAREFUL REMOVING plastic wrap, steam can burn you. Top how you like it and enjoy!
The best meat loaf I've made this far...
You will need:
1 1/2 lbs LEAN ground beef
1 slice of what ever kind of bread you have in your house, all torn up into small pieces.
1 egg
1 small vidalia onion OR I used 1/2 tube of chopped onions from walmart (50 cents on spice isle)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
4 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 cup milk
For Sauce you will need:
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar (I use walmart brand brown sugar and it has NEVER clumped once)
1/2 cup of ketchup
DO THIS:
Mix in bowl ground beef, bread, egg, onion, pepper, salt, ketchup and milk. Mix well, put in loaf pan. Smooth out top. Set aside.
Mix up sauce ingredients in smaller bowl well. Spread over meat loaf. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.
Flu season is hitting us FAST this year! Wash hands wash hands wash hands!!! Invest in some lysol wipes (they are a little cheaper than clorox wipes or have more in them one) Look for the BOGO FREE at publix!!! Its the best deal! Wipe things down often, such as light switches, door knobs, etc... save money on co pays!!!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tonight Austin and I were looking at trucks online at a website we visit daily. The computer started giving problems and it all froze up. I said we might have too look again in the morning, I think the computer is not working well. He said "You can fix it cause yous a great mama." And boy my heart sank to my toes, things like this make everything better. I said really? You really think Im a great mama? He said yes, I said why, he said cause you hug me. What a sweetheart and a blessing sent to me from the Lord. Being a mom is the hardest thing Ive ever done. Moments like this make it all worth it! Now back to looking at those trucks! For the 10th time today.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
More Recipes and a few home tips
Spinach and Potato Frittata
IS TO DIE FOR AND CHEAP!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of olive or canola oil
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 russet potato, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon of dehydrated chopped onion (in spice section at walmart)
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 (10-ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out
6 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (can be ommited)
Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Put a baking sheet into the oven to preheat. In a large bowl combine 1 tablespoon of the canola oil with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the sliced potatoes to the bowl and toss to coat. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and add the potato slices, making sure they are all in a single layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 8 minutes. In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, milk and remaining salt and pepper. Mix in the cheese and the onion and spinach and garlic and set aside. Spray an oven-proof skillet or casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Turn the oven down to 350 degrees F. Remove the potatoes from the oven and add them to the skillet. Pour in the egg mixture and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until the eggs have set, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, directly from the skillet or casserole dish.
Slow Cooker Cream Corn
2 (16 oz.) packages frozen corn (you can use fresh or canned)
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1 Tbsp. sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Place all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on high 2-4 hours or low 4-6 hours.You might want to melt and mix the cream cheese and butter together before you place it in the slow cooker, but you don't have to.
Tips: Some of which are repeats, but the new folks have not seen them yet!
Spray your shower every day with comet bathroom cleaner (in a spray bottle) till sparkling clean then spray every 2 or 3 days and you will never have a dirty shower again.
Make a no paper towel rule in your house. Threaten peoples lives if they use them. Dry hands with hand towels, and wash every day or other day, if you get the microfiber good ones they last better. I ONLY use papertowels for drying out my pan after cooking ground beef. Will save a ton of $.
To rid your sponge of germs wet and cook in microwave for 1 minute.
IS TO DIE FOR AND CHEAP!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of olive or canola oil
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 russet potato, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon of dehydrated chopped onion (in spice section at walmart)
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 (10-ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out
6 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (can be ommited)
Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Put a baking sheet into the oven to preheat. In a large bowl combine 1 tablespoon of the canola oil with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the sliced potatoes to the bowl and toss to coat. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and add the potato slices, making sure they are all in a single layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 8 minutes. In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, milk and remaining salt and pepper. Mix in the cheese and the onion and spinach and garlic and set aside. Spray an oven-proof skillet or casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Turn the oven down to 350 degrees F. Remove the potatoes from the oven and add them to the skillet. Pour in the egg mixture and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until the eggs have set, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, directly from the skillet or casserole dish.
Slow Cooker Cream Corn
2 (16 oz.) packages frozen corn (you can use fresh or canned)
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1 Tbsp. sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Place all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on high 2-4 hours or low 4-6 hours.You might want to melt and mix the cream cheese and butter together before you place it in the slow cooker, but you don't have to.
Tips: Some of which are repeats, but the new folks have not seen them yet!
Spray your shower every day with comet bathroom cleaner (in a spray bottle) till sparkling clean then spray every 2 or 3 days and you will never have a dirty shower again.
Make a no paper towel rule in your house. Threaten peoples lives if they use them. Dry hands with hand towels, and wash every day or other day, if you get the microfiber good ones they last better. I ONLY use papertowels for drying out my pan after cooking ground beef. Will save a ton of $.
To rid your sponge of germs wet and cook in microwave for 1 minute.
Tips to help make a marriage work...
In no certain order:
Never never ever disrespect each other, above all you must respect each other the most, no shut ups, no I'm better than you, I'm right your wrong, If you wouldn't say it to your teacher, preacher or the Lord you also need not say it to the spouse, Guard your tongue.
You are a team in everything, the team don't win if the team don't play the game together, help your teammate, play the game, its all worth it in the end.
Hug and kiss every day, don't forget it, you wouldn't forget to brush your teeth, don't forget to show the spouse you care. Like I say, or Mickey Mouse says, A hug a day keeps sweethearts that way!
Tell each other compliments, often, not every day, we all need to hear them, and we don't need to hear them from opposite sexes always, sometimes more often than not, we need it from our partner. We are not too old to tell our men they are hot, Id rather him hear it from me than some other sweet lady.
Doing dishes, folding clothes may not be your job, BUT why not pick it up as your job a time or two. It will lighten the others load, make them happy and knowing you made their day will make yours.
Talk daily, I don't care about what (except other folks business of course.) Talk about dreams, plans, bills, supper, kids, goals, etc.... just talk. Ask each other questions. Questions lead to answers and talking more.
Talk lots, BUT listen MORE! Listening is super super important.
Be each others biggest supporter! Cheerleader! Fan Club! Help them fulfill their dreams.
Pray for each other, my cousin told me she prays every day as her partner leaves for work that he will shine there and be seen without even meaning to, what a great thing. Pray for each other daily.
When there is a problem say it immediately, do not hold it in. Most people are not mind readers.
Kids are not before spouse. Spouse is second to God. God, Spouse, Kids.... keep this order.
When you fill out of tune, its not a bad idea to make a list of things you'd like change and things that are going just the way you want them to be. Switch papers. Study your paper daily.
Watch the movie fireproof! I mean watch it even if you have the best marriage in the world.
If you feel a need for something more, invest in the book "The love dare" $10 at Walmart and do it completely with your spouse.
A good marriage is priceless, it is hard and never perfect but so worth the work!
Express Appreciation for things your partner does for you! A Thank you babe is always nice to hear!
I do everything I can (not being perfect of course, but always trying to be conscious) to make him happy and he does everything he can to make me happy. My goal is him, his is me! Sometimes we fail, we pick up the pieces and start again.
Never never ever disrespect each other, above all you must respect each other the most, no shut ups, no I'm better than you, I'm right your wrong, If you wouldn't say it to your teacher, preacher or the Lord you also need not say it to the spouse, Guard your tongue.
You are a team in everything, the team don't win if the team don't play the game together, help your teammate, play the game, its all worth it in the end.
Hug and kiss every day, don't forget it, you wouldn't forget to brush your teeth, don't forget to show the spouse you care. Like I say, or Mickey Mouse says, A hug a day keeps sweethearts that way!
Tell each other compliments, often, not every day, we all need to hear them, and we don't need to hear them from opposite sexes always, sometimes more often than not, we need it from our partner. We are not too old to tell our men they are hot, Id rather him hear it from me than some other sweet lady.
Doing dishes, folding clothes may not be your job, BUT why not pick it up as your job a time or two. It will lighten the others load, make them happy and knowing you made their day will make yours.
Talk daily, I don't care about what (except other folks business of course.) Talk about dreams, plans, bills, supper, kids, goals, etc.... just talk. Ask each other questions. Questions lead to answers and talking more.
Talk lots, BUT listen MORE! Listening is super super important.
Be each others biggest supporter! Cheerleader! Fan Club! Help them fulfill their dreams.
Pray for each other, my cousin told me she prays every day as her partner leaves for work that he will shine there and be seen without even meaning to, what a great thing. Pray for each other daily.
When there is a problem say it immediately, do not hold it in. Most people are not mind readers.
Kids are not before spouse. Spouse is second to God. God, Spouse, Kids.... keep this order.
When you fill out of tune, its not a bad idea to make a list of things you'd like change and things that are going just the way you want them to be. Switch papers. Study your paper daily.
Watch the movie fireproof! I mean watch it even if you have the best marriage in the world.
If you feel a need for something more, invest in the book "The love dare" $10 at Walmart and do it completely with your spouse.
A good marriage is priceless, it is hard and never perfect but so worth the work!
Express Appreciation for things your partner does for you! A Thank you babe is always nice to hear!
I do everything I can (not being perfect of course, but always trying to be conscious) to make him happy and he does everything he can to make me happy. My goal is him, his is me! Sometimes we fail, we pick up the pieces and start again.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Homemade BBQ Sauce
1 cup sugar
2 cups ketchup
2 cups strong coffee
2 tsp salt
1/2 cup of worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons of liquid smoke
Mix all ingredients well. Put in sauceoan and bring to boil. Simmer for several hours until somewhat thick. I think I will just put in my smallest crock pot and cook on high for a couple hours.
2 cups ketchup
2 cups strong coffee
2 tsp salt
1/2 cup of worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons of liquid smoke
Mix all ingredients well. Put in sauceoan and bring to boil. Simmer for several hours until somewhat thick. I think I will just put in my smallest crock pot and cook on high for a couple hours.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Budgeting Tips II
Key to any chicken salad is red onion.
Want chicken salad but don't have too much time??? Use one LARGE can of chicken breast not drained, one packet of hidden valley ranch powder, red onion, salt and pepper, and 1 block of cream cheese VERY softened, add mayo to make what consistency that you like. COME TO THINK OF IT, I would add 2 large cans of chicken breast, one drained and one not.
Make your own DISHWASHER DETERGENTS:
Equal parts:Borax (in green box found at some walmarts and most krogers)
Arm and Hammer SUPER washing Soda
Baking Soda
(can add lemon powder (koolaide) if you want. Mix equal parts and use 1 - 2 tablespoons in each load of dishes.
Homemade Laundry Detergent (uses most of the same ingredients as dishwashing detergents)
1/3 bar Fels Naptha Laundry Soap, grated (found at ace hardware)
6 cups water
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax
Heat 6 cups water and soap in a large pan until dissolved. Stir in washing soda and Borax. Mix and heat until dissolved. Boil 15 minutes. Remove from heat. (It will have the consistency of honey.*)
In a 3 or 5 gallon bucket, add 1 quart of hot water, then add the soap mixture. Mix. Add enough cold water to make a 2 gallon mixture. Mix until well blended. Let sit 24 hours. The soap will gel*. Use 1/2 cup for each load.
Makes 2 gallons. (Approximately $ .40 per gallon)
*If the detergent doesn't gel or reach honey consistency it will still work.
Notes:
Stir before each use as this soap does separate. Detergent can be stored in a liquid detergent bottle. Just shake it up each time you use it.
This detergent will not suds up in the washer, but it is still getting your clothes clean.
If you have extra hard water the soap may not clean as well. Add 1/2 cup borax or washing soda to the load and that may help.
If you do not like this laundry soap, you can still use the Fels Naptha bar for spot cleaning and to rub on stains. The Borax and Washing Soda are great to add to your regular detergent for extra cleaning.
Deviled eggs as a side dish for suppers, they are cheap and easy and refreshing on a hot summer day. If you need to know a recipe let me know.
I am trying not to use my oven at all in the summer if I do not have to, so salads and sandwiches for supper mostly. BUT I tell you CROCKPOT is the way, you can basically cook anything in there. Say I know I will need chicken soon for chicken salad or anything, soup, anything, I cook it in my little crockpot for about 6 hours with some water and seasonings, then freeze or refrigerate it till needed.
Those soups that come in a package with all ingredients except the water are KEY, they are all delicious, and I just add all of the water and some chicken and put it in my crockpot for a few 5 - 6 hours and its supper, and there is a TON!
Do not forget DOLLAR TREE, the one off exit 13 at Kroger is GREAT! Don't forget Big Lots too.
EASY Angel Food Cake:
You will need:
1 box of angel food cake mix
1 large can of crushed pineapple undrained
Mix dry cake mix with pineapple and its juice. Pour into tube pan or cupcake pans and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until done.
If you don't have a tube or bundt pan go to goodwill.
Wash your dog with Dawn Dish Detergents, it is less than one dollar for 15oz as opposed to 4 or 5 dollars for dog shampoo, you can use less dawn, it lathers better and kills fleas.
Speaking of Pineapple, we had over company this weekend and they told me of pineapple cobbler, Now that sounds good to me! So if I were going to make it heres how id do it:
I would use 2 cans of chunk pineapple (big size) I would drain one.
1 cup of flour
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon (opt)
1/2 tsp of vanilla (opt)
1 stick of butter
In 9x13 casserole dish put stick of butter and melt while preheating your oven to 350.
Once butter is melted add all pineapple and the juice of the one can on top of butter.
In a bowl mix flour, sugar,milk, cinnamon and vanilla well.
Pour over top pineapples and bake at 350 for 1 hour.
Want chicken salad but don't have too much time??? Use one LARGE can of chicken breast not drained, one packet of hidden valley ranch powder, red onion, salt and pepper, and 1 block of cream cheese VERY softened, add mayo to make what consistency that you like. COME TO THINK OF IT, I would add 2 large cans of chicken breast, one drained and one not.
Make your own DISHWASHER DETERGENTS:
Equal parts:Borax (in green box found at some walmarts and most krogers)
Arm and Hammer SUPER washing Soda
Baking Soda
(can add lemon powder (koolaide) if you want. Mix equal parts and use 1 - 2 tablespoons in each load of dishes.
Homemade Laundry Detergent (uses most of the same ingredients as dishwashing detergents)
1/3 bar Fels Naptha Laundry Soap, grated (found at ace hardware)
6 cups water
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax
Heat 6 cups water and soap in a large pan until dissolved. Stir in washing soda and Borax. Mix and heat until dissolved. Boil 15 minutes. Remove from heat. (It will have the consistency of honey.*)
In a 3 or 5 gallon bucket, add 1 quart of hot water, then add the soap mixture. Mix. Add enough cold water to make a 2 gallon mixture. Mix until well blended. Let sit 24 hours. The soap will gel*. Use 1/2 cup for each load.
Makes 2 gallons. (Approximately $ .40 per gallon)
*If the detergent doesn't gel or reach honey consistency it will still work.
Notes:
Stir before each use as this soap does separate. Detergent can be stored in a liquid detergent bottle. Just shake it up each time you use it.
This detergent will not suds up in the washer, but it is still getting your clothes clean.
If you have extra hard water the soap may not clean as well. Add 1/2 cup borax or washing soda to the load and that may help.
If you do not like this laundry soap, you can still use the Fels Naptha bar for spot cleaning and to rub on stains. The Borax and Washing Soda are great to add to your regular detergent for extra cleaning.
Deviled eggs as a side dish for suppers, they are cheap and easy and refreshing on a hot summer day. If you need to know a recipe let me know.
I am trying not to use my oven at all in the summer if I do not have to, so salads and sandwiches for supper mostly. BUT I tell you CROCKPOT is the way, you can basically cook anything in there. Say I know I will need chicken soon for chicken salad or anything, soup, anything, I cook it in my little crockpot for about 6 hours with some water and seasonings, then freeze or refrigerate it till needed.
Those soups that come in a package with all ingredients except the water are KEY, they are all delicious, and I just add all of the water and some chicken and put it in my crockpot for a few 5 - 6 hours and its supper, and there is a TON!
Do not forget DOLLAR TREE, the one off exit 13 at Kroger is GREAT! Don't forget Big Lots too.
EASY Angel Food Cake:
You will need:
1 box of angel food cake mix
1 large can of crushed pineapple undrained
Mix dry cake mix with pineapple and its juice. Pour into tube pan or cupcake pans and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until done.
If you don't have a tube or bundt pan go to goodwill.
Wash your dog with Dawn Dish Detergents, it is less than one dollar for 15oz as opposed to 4 or 5 dollars for dog shampoo, you can use less dawn, it lathers better and kills fleas.
Speaking of Pineapple, we had over company this weekend and they told me of pineapple cobbler, Now that sounds good to me! So if I were going to make it heres how id do it:
I would use 2 cans of chunk pineapple (big size) I would drain one.
1 cup of flour
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon (opt)
1/2 tsp of vanilla (opt)
1 stick of butter
In 9x13 casserole dish put stick of butter and melt while preheating your oven to 350.
Once butter is melted add all pineapple and the juice of the one can on top of butter.
In a bowl mix flour, sugar,milk, cinnamon and vanilla well.
Pour over top pineapples and bake at 350 for 1 hour.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Budgeting Tips
I send out an email to my close friends with budgeting tip each week, Ive decided to start putting it on here from now on too. Since I cant see to find time to blog very much lately.
This was this weeks:
If you need coupons such as Lowes, Best Buy or other places pick up an address changing kit at the post office, they have 10% off your next purchase at lowes and best buy!
My cousins boyfriend got Homedepot to take the lowes coupon.
Vinegar mixed with water in a spray bottle and sprayed on an odor (such as a dog pee pee accident on carpet) takes the odor out. Yes it does smell like you are coloring Easter Eggs for about an hour, but it really helps after that!
Great places to eat out with your family on a budget:Subway, Split the $5 footlong
Pick up Chinese to go, Share a meal and it will be about $12
CiCis, dont forget them, eat in or to go it SO CHEAP! and Good too! BBQ PIZZA!
Need some help with organizing, have an old dresser that is ugly, or know where to get one for free??? Put it in your garage, basement or extra bedroom (mine is in my dining room with pictures all over the top), use the drawers to store all kinds of things neatly!
The 50 cent spices at walmart are your best friend. Sage, Chopped onions, garlic powder, Onion Salt, Seasoned Salt, Lemon Pepper, etc! They are 50 cents can you believe it???
If you have bananas that are too ripe to eat cook this:
Easy Banana Bread:
You will need:
1 box yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup of margarine melted
3 bananas mashed
1/2 cup of water
1 tablespoon of vanilla
1/2 - 1 cup of chopped nuts (your choice, pecans, walnuts, ETC) OPTIONAL
Mix cake mix, eggs, margarine, bananas, water, vanilla, and nuts. Pour into a greased tube or loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes.
Another recipe just for fun, SPECIALLY FOR CARSON MARTIN!!!:
Applesauce Muffins:
You will need:
1 cup of applesauce
1/2 cup of margarine softened
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups of flour, self rising
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp allspice
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
In or with mixer cream margarine, sugar and eggs. Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla and stir. In bowl sift flour and spices or add to bowl and wisk with a wisk. Add this mixture to margarine mixture. In small bowl mix applesauce and the other 1 tsp of vanilla. Add this mixture to other mixture and mix well with wooden spoon. MIX WELL. Fill into 18 greased muffin tins about 1/2 full. Bake at 400 for 12 - 15 minutes.
This was this weeks:
If you need coupons such as Lowes, Best Buy or other places pick up an address changing kit at the post office, they have 10% off your next purchase at lowes and best buy!
My cousins boyfriend got Homedepot to take the lowes coupon.
Vinegar mixed with water in a spray bottle and sprayed on an odor (such as a dog pee pee accident on carpet) takes the odor out. Yes it does smell like you are coloring Easter Eggs for about an hour, but it really helps after that!
Great places to eat out with your family on a budget:Subway, Split the $5 footlong
Pick up Chinese to go, Share a meal and it will be about $12
CiCis, dont forget them, eat in or to go it SO CHEAP! and Good too! BBQ PIZZA!
Need some help with organizing, have an old dresser that is ugly, or know where to get one for free??? Put it in your garage, basement or extra bedroom (mine is in my dining room with pictures all over the top), use the drawers to store all kinds of things neatly!
The 50 cent spices at walmart are your best friend. Sage, Chopped onions, garlic powder, Onion Salt, Seasoned Salt, Lemon Pepper, etc! They are 50 cents can you believe it???
If you have bananas that are too ripe to eat cook this:
Easy Banana Bread:
You will need:
1 box yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup of margarine melted
3 bananas mashed
1/2 cup of water
1 tablespoon of vanilla
1/2 - 1 cup of chopped nuts (your choice, pecans, walnuts, ETC) OPTIONAL
Mix cake mix, eggs, margarine, bananas, water, vanilla, and nuts. Pour into a greased tube or loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes.
Another recipe just for fun, SPECIALLY FOR CARSON MARTIN!!!:
Applesauce Muffins:
You will need:
1 cup of applesauce
1/2 cup of margarine softened
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups of flour, self rising
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp allspice
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
In or with mixer cream margarine, sugar and eggs. Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla and stir. In bowl sift flour and spices or add to bowl and wisk with a wisk. Add this mixture to margarine mixture. In small bowl mix applesauce and the other 1 tsp of vanilla. Add this mixture to other mixture and mix well with wooden spoon. MIX WELL. Fill into 18 greased muffin tins about 1/2 full. Bake at 400 for 12 - 15 minutes.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Im Bored
Today I was told by my 3 year old, who will be 4 in exactly 6 weeks :( I'M BORED. I knew this would happen, I was thinking about 13, not 3. Bored? With a swing set, a toy store full of toys, a kiddie pool, sand box, tractor, ford truck, 4 wheeler, blockbuster full of movies and a library full of books, 2 dogs, trampoline? And you are bored? It broke my heart, why do kiddies get bored so easy, and why so young? How do they even know the word bored? I know hes never heard me say Im bored. Where in the world did it come from?
We had company over all day to play, when they left and the house got quiet he got bored. I am sad.
We had company over all day to play, when they left and the house got quiet he got bored. I am sad.
Monday, July 20, 2009
I did everything I could to make you happy....
Today, I had one of those moments where you really Thank the Lord above for letting me be a stay at home mom. Not all days are like this. Only some, more are good than not, some really I am thankful for, others Id rather work in a chicken plant than stay home, but today I was so thankful. I was on the phone with a cousin, while O was taking a nap, Austin was downstairs playing and I was upstairs talking. I went down for a minute, and he said I have made a mess with ice but I did everything I could to make you happy. It made me want to cry. I was on the phone and didn't. But as soon as I got off, I went and told him I was so thankful he was trying to make me happy. He had made a mess with ice and knew cleaning it up as best he could would make me happy. It did, but what he said made me the most happy. Knowing he wants to make me happy means the world to me. What a sweetheart the Lord blessed me to mother. I am so thankful.
Monday, June 29, 2009
How to help the heart
Yesterday my husband turned 34! I always make a big deal out of holidays. For some reason this year I didn't. A small gift, a banana pudding and nothing more. It has been a crazy year, and I just really didnt take much time to think about it. Boy was that sad times. I didnt even think this was his first birthday without nanny. Nanny is his grandmother, who adopted, raised and loved him more than life its self. Last year, when he was 33, June 28th 2008, I had him a party, nanny came with banana pudding in hand. She told him as she left, this will be the last banana pudding I ever make you. Those who knew nanny, know she would say hateful things from time to time, so I thought, this was just one more of her negative thoughts. She died July 16th 2008. Changed our whole lives! She was our childcare, she was our rock. She was always there for us, she loved my husband and she took care of my kids and she was gone. Just like that, babysitting our babies, and died. I put in my two weeks notice, and here I sit, stay at home mom! Yesterday, I wish I had done more. Supper time came and I said, do you want sandwhiches, dairy queen, or chinese pick up? (PRAYING HE WOULD SAY DQ) He did not! Its ok though, he picked chinese pickup.... I was thankful for that too. I went and got it. Asked him to sit down and eat with me, the day had been so rushed that we hadnt even sat. So we sat down to eat, I asked him was his birthday ok, he said "Its my first one without nanny and I miss her" I said You go back to work tomorrow, I am not good at these conversations, so I think if I change the subject he will not be sad. He said "I think I am going to cry" I sat there with not a word of comfort as my husband cried. It broke my heart, made me feel like a failure and a useless piece of old furniture. I love him more than anything, he is TRULY MY SOULMATE sent to me from the Lord after deep prayer and he is crying and I cant think of one single word to say??? I just wish I always knew what to do to make him feel better and lighten his load....
Monday, June 15, 2009
Update on Olivia
Since Olivia's surgery on 5/21/09 I have not updated. I don't have many followers but I did just want to come here, update the few I do have and get it all off my chest. Ok so Thursday May 21st Olivia had her open heart surgery. We had to be there at 6:00 am. We were glad for an early start. The sooner they start the sooner they finish. Right? Thats what we told ourselves anyway! So we got there, they took her back soon after. We were sent to a room where they got all of her info and #'s. Her oxygen level was in the 70's and had been for weeks, every time it was checked anyways. So sad. That was the main reason we were so READY to have this surgery. Got all info, came in and gave her some liquid medicine that made her very sleepy. She konked out on her daddy and was off to happy land. They looked so precious together. A great friend came by and snuck in our room. We had prayer and good conversation. We requested no visitors, this great friend (really an angel sent to us from the Lord) did not get the no visitor email and came at 6 am. God knew just what we needed and sent it. I was a little overwhelmed because I felt bad that no family was allowed. But looking back I see God just sent what we needed. That would have been a VERY long day with just the 2 of us, but with the friends that came we talked and talked and looking back it made it go by much faster. We got phone updates every hour or so from the operating room. They let us know that everything was going ok. That sure helped too. Her surgery ended right about noon. We were so thankful to see Dr Kogon walk in to talk to us. He told us that when he got in there, there were 2 holes instead of 1. A VSD and an ASD, he fixed both of them perfectly. But he had some not so good news about the Pulmonary Valve Stenosis. The pulmonary valve could not be repaired, once he got in there, it was more messed up than first thought. After trying and trying to fix it, he had to opt to just take it out. What does this mean? Well this means another surgery in about 25 years. Could be more years could be less. We pray for more. I was super discouraged once I heard this. I just didnt know if I could handle 25 years of knowing something is still wrong and that you will have to go through this again. As soon as I saw how much better you are now, and what a difference this surgery made, I came to a real quick conclusion that I am super blessed, so in 25 years or 60 years, I will tell your husband to take care of you, and I will watch the grandbabies for yall! LOL! One friend even mentioned in 25 years, there might be a drive thru for a pulmonary valve, I can only pray!
Anyways, at 2:20 pm we saw you for the first time in CICU. Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. It was a scary sight, after the dreams I had though, I was just glad to see you. You were laying there with all kinds of tubes and wires all in you. You looked so scary and so beautiful. I didnt cry, I held my breathe. There are I think 27 beds all lined up in a row, in there, no privacy between you and the others, I didnt want to embarrass you.
5/21/09 at 4:50 pm you came off of the breathing machine and are breathing on your own. What a blessing. The nurses in ICU are amazed with you. You already want to stand up and roll over. Baby you just had surgery... just rest....
5/22/09 You waved to mommy, It took my breathe away. You had more tubes removed, you smiled, and moved to the step down unit. All GREAT news! You are though realizing that mommy and daddy brought you here and are getting some mad at us, that involved slapping us when we got too close to you. We will let it slide for now, but when we get home we will work on this. Today Gran Gran, Papa, Uncle Lance and Austin came to visit you. They were sad, its ok.
5/23/09 We were in the step down unit. You did amazing, you are drinking and eating small amounts on your own. You look rough, really just your hair.... it is a mess, but we are so proud of how well you are doing. Today Aunt Judy, Uncle Donnie and Nikki came to visit you. You drank so much lemonade it was scary. They brought mommy and daddy subway and we have never been so thankful.
5/24/09 TODAY YOU ARE WALKING UP AND DOWN THE HALLS PUSHING TOYS AND WAGONS, they are going to kick us out of here and we are proud!!! You are doing amazing. We are heading home!!! They told us to expect a week stay, your surgery was on Thursday, and we are going home on Sunday. You had lots of visitors as we got home. You enjoyed it. You showed off for all of them. You are trying your hardest to walk now.... Love you baby!
Since being home, Olivia is FULLY walking, as of 5/25 ish, maybe 5/26. She acts like nothing ever happened... Yesterday was her 4 week post op and other than a scar you could NEVER EVER tell she had anything done. She is doing amazing. She has a temper problem that we are working on, but we are just thankful she is doing so well. Dont get me wrong it has been a process of lots of medicine, watching her extra carefully, and taking care of the incision daily, and the worry of another surgery down the road, but in the long run, or looking back things have went much better than I had in my head. I tell you, God is Amazing and babies are resilient and nothing less. No more blue at all, no more low oxygen, no more giving out easy, breathing hard. You are just perfectly healthy!
In the hospital they called her a big kid! We thought that was cute, but she is also called a cardiac kid now. And boy will she have a BIG story to tell one day.
Remember God is amazing and with him we can get through anything.
Sorry some of this went from talking to you, to talking to her back to you. Its hard to write it all.... wasnt sure I would even be able to write it. I did the best I could.
Back to being a stay at home mommy!
Anyways, at 2:20 pm we saw you for the first time in CICU. Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. It was a scary sight, after the dreams I had though, I was just glad to see you. You were laying there with all kinds of tubes and wires all in you. You looked so scary and so beautiful. I didnt cry, I held my breathe. There are I think 27 beds all lined up in a row, in there, no privacy between you and the others, I didnt want to embarrass you.
5/21/09 at 4:50 pm you came off of the breathing machine and are breathing on your own. What a blessing. The nurses in ICU are amazed with you. You already want to stand up and roll over. Baby you just had surgery... just rest....
5/22/09 You waved to mommy, It took my breathe away. You had more tubes removed, you smiled, and moved to the step down unit. All GREAT news! You are though realizing that mommy and daddy brought you here and are getting some mad at us, that involved slapping us when we got too close to you. We will let it slide for now, but when we get home we will work on this. Today Gran Gran, Papa, Uncle Lance and Austin came to visit you. They were sad, its ok.
5/23/09 We were in the step down unit. You did amazing, you are drinking and eating small amounts on your own. You look rough, really just your hair.... it is a mess, but we are so proud of how well you are doing. Today Aunt Judy, Uncle Donnie and Nikki came to visit you. You drank so much lemonade it was scary. They brought mommy and daddy subway and we have never been so thankful.
5/24/09 TODAY YOU ARE WALKING UP AND DOWN THE HALLS PUSHING TOYS AND WAGONS, they are going to kick us out of here and we are proud!!! You are doing amazing. We are heading home!!! They told us to expect a week stay, your surgery was on Thursday, and we are going home on Sunday. You had lots of visitors as we got home. You enjoyed it. You showed off for all of them. You are trying your hardest to walk now.... Love you baby!
Since being home, Olivia is FULLY walking, as of 5/25 ish, maybe 5/26. She acts like nothing ever happened... Yesterday was her 4 week post op and other than a scar you could NEVER EVER tell she had anything done. She is doing amazing. She has a temper problem that we are working on, but we are just thankful she is doing so well. Dont get me wrong it has been a process of lots of medicine, watching her extra carefully, and taking care of the incision daily, and the worry of another surgery down the road, but in the long run, or looking back things have went much better than I had in my head. I tell you, God is Amazing and babies are resilient and nothing less. No more blue at all, no more low oxygen, no more giving out easy, breathing hard. You are just perfectly healthy!
In the hospital they called her a big kid! We thought that was cute, but she is also called a cardiac kid now. And boy will she have a BIG story to tell one day.
Remember God is amazing and with him we can get through anything.
Sorry some of this went from talking to you, to talking to her back to you. Its hard to write it all.... wasnt sure I would even be able to write it. I did the best I could.
Back to being a stay at home mommy!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Olivia Annalee
Reasons I'm in love with Olivia, the good the bad and the ugly:
She is beautiful.
All I wanted was a baby girl with dark head of hair who LOVES ME SO MUCH and boy did I get her and so much more.
She acts like one of those kids you see and say "my kid will never act like that" SAD TIMES, kicking, screaming, hitting, biting, stomping, and throwing herself back. We are working on all of this.
She shakes all she has when she walks.
She didn't walk until 15 months old.
Her first word was mama.
She is so curvy. It is so cute.
She has BEAUTIFUL teeth.
She has a tender heart in there somewhere. She tries her hardest not so show it though.
She LOVES TO EAT.
Sometimes she looks like a monkey.
Austin says shes mean as a nake.... (snake)
She LOVES HER GRANNY.
She says hey so sweet, often and country.
She is not scared of anything.
She is not nervous at all.
She takes more medicine than anyone I know. Sometimes she spits it back at me, but not near as often as I would if I were her.
She is TOUGH And STRONG, more than most babies I know.
She had open heart surgery and acted like nothing happened.
If she was my first born she would have been an only child.
She loves balls.
She has 2 favorite pink blankets, one with polka dots and one UPS one.
She puts her purse on her elbow and walks around like miss priss.
She LOVES animals, the bigger, the better.
She is a CLIMBER big time and always has been.
She loves to sleep.
She is beautiful.
All I wanted was a baby girl with dark head of hair who LOVES ME SO MUCH and boy did I get her and so much more.
She acts like one of those kids you see and say "my kid will never act like that" SAD TIMES, kicking, screaming, hitting, biting, stomping, and throwing herself back. We are working on all of this.
She shakes all she has when she walks.
She didn't walk until 15 months old.
Her first word was mama.
She is so curvy. It is so cute.
She has BEAUTIFUL teeth.
She has a tender heart in there somewhere. She tries her hardest not so show it though.
She LOVES TO EAT.
Sometimes she looks like a monkey.
Austin says shes mean as a nake.... (snake)
She LOVES HER GRANNY.
She says hey so sweet, often and country.
She is not scared of anything.
She is not nervous at all.
She takes more medicine than anyone I know. Sometimes she spits it back at me, but not near as often as I would if I were her.
She is TOUGH And STRONG, more than most babies I know.
She had open heart surgery and acted like nothing happened.
If she was my first born she would have been an only child.
She loves balls.
She has 2 favorite pink blankets, one with polka dots and one UPS one.
She puts her purse on her elbow and walks around like miss priss.
She LOVES animals, the bigger, the better.
She is a CLIMBER big time and always has been.
She loves to sleep.
Austin Henry
Today is all about why I love Austin Henry, who he is good and bad:
He is a sweet little boy.
He just out of the blue will say I love you mommy.
He is nervous lots and scared of lots.
He tries to follow the rules, sometimes he forgets.
He is very smart.
He has the BEST curly blond hair and I love it!
He LOVES trucks. I mean LOVES and nothing less.
He says "its morning time"
He is ocd like me.
He is long and lean, skinny little man.
Sometimes he asks for an egg sandwich at 9 pm.
He loves BBQ vienna sausages, I know its yucky!
He calls my papa, his great grandpa the mean papa, cause he picks on him. He will say "can we go to the mean papas house?" I'll say yes and he will say Thank you so much! LOL!
He loves his dogs. He says we have normal dogs. Can we keep them?
He loves to play!
He loves his friends.
He really is just a loving little boy.
He LOVES prizes.
He was my first born, the first baby I learned how to raise, and take care of and love. Later I loved but boy when I did, I loved deep and big.
He is almost 4 and wears 18 - 24 months shorts, SO SKINNY!
He thinks Tennessee is a hotel with a pool.
He bites his nails, we are working on this, he has done it as long as I can remember.
He is tender hearted. BIG TIME!
He gets excited when he gets new shoes and ALWAYS has! Its so sweet.
He knows how to act around elder people. He fits right in with them.
He runs more than anyone Ive ever seen.
He walked at 8 months old.
His first word was mama.
He loves the moon.
He is such a DADDYS boy! Always has been.
He craves praise... so sweet.
My vacuum cleaner is a fire truck and he puts fires out with it.
Hes a helper.
He was there when his nanny died and is the only one who can tell us what happened, it BREAKS MY HEART!
He loves to go to the recycle center with me. He Loves it!
He LOVES Music and to sing and dance. Some of his favorite songs are all summer long, roll on 18 wheeler, convoy, I'm a country boy.
He uses tasty, terrible and yucky to describe things.
He sleeps with an ugly brown throw blanket and 2 winnie the pooh pillows. All are ugly but he LOVES them.
He was born with an excessive amount of energy, if I could figure out how to sale it I would be RICH.
He will say I love you mommy, I love daddy and my dogs and weewuah, we are a family. It makes my heart sink every time. I love it more than anything.
He says I pomise (promise) to daddy and it makes daddy so happy!
He is a sweet little boy.
He just out of the blue will say I love you mommy.
He is nervous lots and scared of lots.
He tries to follow the rules, sometimes he forgets.
He is very smart.
He has the BEST curly blond hair and I love it!
He LOVES trucks. I mean LOVES and nothing less.
He says "its morning time"
He is ocd like me.
He is long and lean, skinny little man.
Sometimes he asks for an egg sandwich at 9 pm.
He loves BBQ vienna sausages, I know its yucky!
He calls my papa, his great grandpa the mean papa, cause he picks on him. He will say "can we go to the mean papas house?" I'll say yes and he will say Thank you so much! LOL!
He loves his dogs. He says we have normal dogs. Can we keep them?
He loves to play!
He loves his friends.
He really is just a loving little boy.
He LOVES prizes.
He was my first born, the first baby I learned how to raise, and take care of and love. Later I loved but boy when I did, I loved deep and big.
He is almost 4 and wears 18 - 24 months shorts, SO SKINNY!
He thinks Tennessee is a hotel with a pool.
He bites his nails, we are working on this, he has done it as long as I can remember.
He is tender hearted. BIG TIME!
He gets excited when he gets new shoes and ALWAYS has! Its so sweet.
He knows how to act around elder people. He fits right in with them.
He runs more than anyone Ive ever seen.
He walked at 8 months old.
His first word was mama.
He loves the moon.
He is such a DADDYS boy! Always has been.
He craves praise... so sweet.
My vacuum cleaner is a fire truck and he puts fires out with it.
Hes a helper.
He was there when his nanny died and is the only one who can tell us what happened, it BREAKS MY HEART!
He loves to go to the recycle center with me. He Loves it!
He LOVES Music and to sing and dance. Some of his favorite songs are all summer long, roll on 18 wheeler, convoy, I'm a country boy.
He uses tasty, terrible and yucky to describe things.
He sleeps with an ugly brown throw blanket and 2 winnie the pooh pillows. All are ugly but he LOVES them.
He was born with an excessive amount of energy, if I could figure out how to sale it I would be RICH.
He will say I love you mommy, I love daddy and my dogs and weewuah, we are a family. It makes my heart sink every time. I love it more than anything.
He says I pomise (promise) to daddy and it makes daddy so happy!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Fun Saturday
What a day! A beautiful day. Started out a little rough, and ended a lot calm. I had my first nightmare about Olivias surgery last night. The first nightmare was the day we first took her to the cardiologist, but last night was my FIRST one in my sleep. Made me sick, made and scared, then as the day went on, I reminded myself, no matter what I dream, think or fear, God, the good, almighty God is always in control. As the day progressed I became calm, could have been the massage that hubby and I got together, or could have been that I was so busy with family and friends, kids and food, brothers 16th bday, cleaning and cooking that I forgot, but whatever it is, I am glad to be calm and back to "God is in Control." I feel so stupid. There are weeks I cry, there are weeks Shayne cries, and there are weeks, I dont feel sad or scared and there are weeks that I feel like I will not be able to take another breath because of smothering. But last night, a sweet lady from our church called to gather all details, tell us they would be praying and see if we needed anything. She began to cry, I couldn't. I felt so stupid and like the worse mom ever. I just told her I am so sorry, I am so numb and I dont even feel human anymore. Is that terrible, that was last night. Today, if shed called me, I think I would have cried, that human came back full force. Thank goodness it was a GREAT day, and I didnt need to cry.
The day started off with a special trip to I hop, Austin has been asking to eat there for about a month. Shayne decided yesterday that instead of our traditional home cooked breakfast by daddy, we would take him for a special trip. The food WAS TERRIBLE, but both kids ate like little piggies, and Austin said I love eating here, it was worth every penny at that moment.
We came home for a few minutes till gran gran could get here, headed out for our $39 massages that we were in DESPERATE NEED OF. We were trying to save EVERY penny that we could during this hospital stay, and somehow that all went out the window this weekend. But it was all to make us stronger, and lighter as we could. Poor hubby! He has never had a massage.... he was SNORING and I was LAUGHING. Bless his heart, I told him that lady did something right, he was OUT! Bless his heart, I feel so bad. He has so much on his mind, and has to work every day and pretend that he is just normal. Gosh I just wish I know what to do to lighten his load.
Daddy got a hair cut.
Then we all came home and all close family came over for a LAST MINUTE 16th birthday party for my brother. My brother that I love so much, Id give my left foot for, a kidney to, fight for, raise, anything. I love him. He is at an awkward age and it shows, he knows everything, gets mad too easy and sure dont see things the way we "older but wiser" folks see them! But boy do I love him! Everyone left and kids and hubby were OUT, snoring again! Gotta love it. Boy do I ever love this family. I just cant say it enough!
A good day, a blessed day, a day the Lord made, and we rejoiced in it!
The day started off with a special trip to I hop, Austin has been asking to eat there for about a month. Shayne decided yesterday that instead of our traditional home cooked breakfast by daddy, we would take him for a special trip. The food WAS TERRIBLE, but both kids ate like little piggies, and Austin said I love eating here, it was worth every penny at that moment.
We came home for a few minutes till gran gran could get here, headed out for our $39 massages that we were in DESPERATE NEED OF. We were trying to save EVERY penny that we could during this hospital stay, and somehow that all went out the window this weekend. But it was all to make us stronger, and lighter as we could. Poor hubby! He has never had a massage.... he was SNORING and I was LAUGHING. Bless his heart, I told him that lady did something right, he was OUT! Bless his heart, I feel so bad. He has so much on his mind, and has to work every day and pretend that he is just normal. Gosh I just wish I know what to do to lighten his load.
Daddy got a hair cut.
Then we all came home and all close family came over for a LAST MINUTE 16th birthday party for my brother. My brother that I love so much, Id give my left foot for, a kidney to, fight for, raise, anything. I love him. He is at an awkward age and it shows, he knows everything, gets mad too easy and sure dont see things the way we "older but wiser" folks see them! But boy do I love him! Everyone left and kids and hubby were OUT, snoring again! Gotta love it. Boy do I ever love this family. I just cant say it enough!
A good day, a blessed day, a day the Lord made, and we rejoiced in it!
Friday, May 15, 2009
TGIF! Right! So thankful for Fridays. Even though I dont have a 40 hour a week job, that I get off from on Saturday and Sunday, Fridays still are special, they mean the husband will be home tomorrow and Sunday with us!!! They mean hubbys special breakfast both mornings, they mean church on Sunday, which we so need and enjoy. Gets us fired up for the next week. We enjoy the things God made so much more on the weekends, we aren't so busy, what we get to enjoy the yard, trees, grass, flowers, sun, dark and all of the beauty. It is peaceful. This is why today I am TGIF!
This weekend we are super busy preparing for our hospital stay next week. Olivia will have her open heart surgery on Thursday May 21st. We will be at the hospital for 1 - 2 weeks. So we have Lots of preparing and planning to do, and a small massage for me and hubby, just to try and relieve some of the tension and stress. Anything to be the best we can be for our babies in the next few weeks. The Lord deals us some hands some times, we trust that eveything happens for a reason and we will come through.
This weekend we are super busy preparing for our hospital stay next week. Olivia will have her open heart surgery on Thursday May 21st. We will be at the hospital for 1 - 2 weeks. So we have Lots of preparing and planning to do, and a small massage for me and hubby, just to try and relieve some of the tension and stress. Anything to be the best we can be for our babies in the next few weeks. The Lord deals us some hands some times, we trust that eveything happens for a reason and we will come through.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Guess I forgot
WOW! Guess Ive been busy, news, kids, hubby, myspace, facebook, twitter, who knows what else. But somehow in all of this, I forgot I was trying to do a blog. I guess it doesnt really matter. I don't have anyone to follow me on here. And thats ok. It is therapy to me, to type it all and get it all out.
Guess since the last blog, things are about the same. Me and hubby are great, kids are growing. We still love the house, Im still staying home. Still have the dogs, believe it or not, and they are still my most difficult thing!!! O well, like I said before, the kids love em.
Olivia still has her heart conditions, she will undergo surgery on May 21, 2009. They will patch the hole in her heart, and clear out the blockage. We are terrified, scared, and so clutter brained that it isnt even funny. We are hangin in though, and know the Lord will lead us through. Through him we will make it and she will be strong and healthy.
I sure hope to pick up the pace on here and blog more. If you have stopped by, please pray for Olivia.
Guess since the last blog, things are about the same. Me and hubby are great, kids are growing. We still love the house, Im still staying home. Still have the dogs, believe it or not, and they are still my most difficult thing!!! O well, like I said before, the kids love em.
Olivia still has her heart conditions, she will undergo surgery on May 21, 2009. They will patch the hole in her heart, and clear out the blockage. We are terrified, scared, and so clutter brained that it isnt even funny. We are hangin in though, and know the Lord will lead us through. Through him we will make it and she will be strong and healthy.
I sure hope to pick up the pace on here and blog more. If you have stopped by, please pray for Olivia.
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