FABULOUS

Skillet Dinner

2012-02-12T16:03:00.000-05:00

Skillet Dinner

"Homemade Hamburger Helper"

Ingredients:

Grains/Starch
2-3 cups cooked, or 1 cup raw plus 1 cup water
Pasta
Rice
Bulgar
Potato

Milk/Cheese
1 can condensed soup plus 1 cup milk, water or plain yogurt
Cream of potato
Cream of chicken
Cream of Mushroom
Tomato Soup
Onion soup
1 cup cheese with 2 cups milk

Meat/Beans
1 pound or 1 1/2 cups cooked
Chopped beef, pork, chicken or ham
Tuna or salmon
Beans
Eggs
Ring Sausage

Vegetables
1 1/2 -2 cups canned, cooked, raw or frozen
Carrots
Peas
Corn
Green Beans
Lima Beans
Broccoli
Spinach/Greens
Mixed Vegetables
Celery
Green Pepper
Mushrooms
Cauliflower

Seasonings
To taste
Onion
Garlic
Worcestershire sauce
Chili powder
Soy sauce
Italian seasoning
Salt & Pepper

Directions:

Choose one food from each of the four groups, stir together in a skillet.
Season to taste.
Bring to a slow boil, reduce heat to lowest setting, cover pan and simmer for 30 minutes until pasta or rice is tender.

*My family favorite is the ring sausage, potatoes and green beans
*Super easy, super cheap, super fast, relatively healthy, and I usually have the items on hand
*99% of the time I use whole grain pasta or whole grain rice

From: Purdue Extension Family Nutrition Program

Love & Respect

2012-02-11T23:04:00.002-05:00

Friday evening and Saturday morning our church hosted a Love & Respect video conference.

Emerson and Sarah Eggerich have a very engaging way of presenting biblical truths for marriage. Even though it was a long time sitting, I'm pretty sure Ryan would tell you it was worth it!

I forgot to say this when I posted the first time:
When we got home on Saturday, our wonderful babysitter had not only swept the floor, had Jackson napping, she had unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, and done the laundry. xo Julie!

It's Official!

2012-02-10T13:57:00.000-05:00

He's 3!

He *melts* my heart. every. single. day.

Thank you Kimberly!

Window on my World

2012-02-09T22:50:00.001-05:00

February 9, 2012

Entry Room

Litter box

One for One- Win - Win

2012-02-08T22:48:00.000-05:00

Look what the UPS man dropped off for me today:

TOMS Ballet Flats!

I LOVE them!

They just may be my new go-to shoes...

If you are thinking about getting a pair for yourself, they seem to run a little big.

Bedtime Conversations

2012-02-07T23:29:00.001-05:00

Isabelle: "Mommy, look how big my tummy is"

Me: "mmhhmm"

Isabelle: "Feel it"

Me: "mmhhm" (feeling tummy)

Isabelle: "No, put your hand right here- push it hard- see how hard it is?"

Me: "mmhhhm"

Isabelle: "I have a baby in there"

Me: "Oh you do?"

Isabelle: "mhmm"

Me: "How did it get in there?"

Isabelle: "God gave it to me"

Me: "Oh he did, did he?"

Isabelle: "Yes. It's going to come out when I'm a grown up. Like 15"

Me: "Uhh, no. Babies don't come out until you are twenty five. AFTER college, remember?"

Isabelle: "Ok"

Edyth Jean

2012-02-06T23:17:00.002-05:00

No "Super Bowl" for me yesterday.

I had more important things to do.

I had a new niece to meet.

Is she not just the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?

Jackson thought she was pretty special too.

She's perfect.

Every tiny little part of her.

Such a petite little lady.

I could not get enough of her.

How lucky is she with three big brothers?!

Her Mommy and Daddy love her just a tiny, tiny bit.

I'm sure to be her favorite Auntie!

The Princess

Edyth Jean

2.1.12

Taekwondo

2012-01-24T23:44:00.001-05:00

It's no secret that William struggles with his homework. Or is it me? I have no idea. After talking to everyone on God's green earth about this issue, we've decided it's not a lack of skill, but a lack of will.
History has proven that rewards are not great motivators for William.

Until now?

He's been begging to go to Taekwondo.

He met all the requirements last week, and last night was his first lesson.

To say he loved it would be a complete understatement.

The sheer joy on his face, and delight in his voice melted my heart!

Beauty and the Beast

2012-01-23T23:14:00.000-05:00

When I first saw the previews for this movie, I knew Isabelle would love it.

Beauty and the Beast

It seems so funny to me that she has not seen it before~ Elizabeth and William loved all the great classic Disney movies: "The Lion King", "Jungle Book", "Cinderella", "The Little Mermaid". "Gnomeo and Juliet" and "Despicable Me" are the current favs in our house - this week.

Yesterday we decided to have a little girl time and headed to the movies. Elizabeth and her/our friend Tal decided to they were to "grown up" for "Beauty and the Beast" and opted to see "Joyful Noise" instead.

Just as I imagined, she loved it. Looked mighty cute watching it too!

Isabelle and Mommy afterwards.

And yes, that is the "special outfit" she chose to wear.
Who am I to pass judgment on her outfit choice? She may have been wearing a denim jumper with a striped shirt and stripe tights. Different color palettes but both horizontal. You may think the tiara topped off the outfit, but I'm pretty sure it was the gym shoes.

I was wearing gym shoes too. The very same gym shoes I wore to work last week. *gasp* Don't tell Clinton & Stacy.

Contraband

2012-01-19T22:13:00.000-05:00

The other morning while I was getting ready for work, Isabelle came into my bathroom to brush her teeth. Chatting about regular school morning stuff-

Where is your coat? Did you eat your breakfast? Did you find your shoes?

I look down and see this:

Lip gloss.

What's next? Mascara? Eyeliner? Cigarettes?

Lucky

2012-01-18T23:16:00.000-05:00

All of our kids were asleep or in bed by 8:30pm tonight.

After the morning we had, it was a necessary blessing.

With a little extra sleep, I can only hope that tomorrow morning we'll get out of the house with out the usual screaming and gnashing of teeth.

If I'm lucky.

A Long Over-due Weekend Away

2012-01-17T23:39:00.000-05:00

The weekend before my computer took her little vacation, Ryan and I headed to our favorite weekend get-away spot- New Buffalo, Michigan.

"Our" bed and breakfast- the Duneland Beach Inn- had undergone some major remodeling since we had been there last. We had fun checking out the new improvements (glass shower and breakfast nook) and enjoying our old favorites (bar and restaurant).
We arrived Friday night, and after a quick dip in the hot tub, we crashed.

Saturday we were up early, and headed into town for a big relaxing breakfast. Belgian waffles are my favorite. After a nap we enjoyed a massage, lunch, and another nap!

I really wanted to catch the sunset on Lake Michigan-

We were a bit late...

but we got to see Chicago instead! Of all the times we've been there, we've never been able to see the city.

I was so excited I got a "close up"!

We had a wonderful dinner at the Bed & Breakfast Saturday night- horseradish mashed potatoes? Yes please!

After sleeping in Sunday morning (over 12 hours of un-interrupted sleep!) We took a long walk along the lake, and the slow way home!

A fabulous weekend of nothing but relaxing- oh, how we needed that!

A very special "Thank YOU!" to Zach and Amber for making sure the kids didn't burn down the house!

phew

2012-01-16T23:55:00.000-05:00

She's back!

Apparently she just needed a little trip to the spa.

After wiping her down and cleaning her out- she works like a charm!

She's incredibly delighted with her clean desk. Shines like a new penny.

...and I sprung for the external hard drive.

Apple Bourbon French Toast

2012-01-15T23:21:00.000-05:00

Apple Bourbon French Toast Casserole

Scouring the Internet for a yummy day-after-Thanksgiving-guest-breakfast, I found this recipe on "Tasty Kitchen".

Oh my holy WOW. Is it GOOD.

So good, my kids requested it for Christmas morning. With one alteration- more apples.

ugh.

2012-01-12T00:05:00.000-05:00

My computer is broken.

Do you think this time it'll scare me enough to back up my important documents and photos?

I'll keep you posted.

At The Drive-In

2012-01-06T18:39:00.001-05:00

Word Fun!

2012-01-05T22:56:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook yesterday- It entertained me for quite awhile, so I thought I'd share!

If you can pronounce correctly every word in this poem, you will be speaking English better than 90% of the native English speakers in the world.

After trying the verses, a Frenchman said he’d prefer six months of hard labour to reading six lines aloud.

Dearest creature in creation,

Study English pronunciation.

I will teach you in my verse

Sounds like corpse, corps, horse, and worse.

I will keep you, Suzy, busy,

Make your head with heat grow dizzy.

Tear in eye, your dress will tear.

So shall I! Oh hear my prayer.

Just compare heart, beard, and heard,

Dies and diet, lord and word,

Sword and sward, retain and Britain.

(Mind the latter, how it’s written.)

Now I surely will not plague you

With such words as plaque and ague.

But be careful how you speak:

Say break and steak, but bleak and streak;

Cloven, oven, how and low,

Script, receipt, show, poem, and toe.

Hear me say, devoid of trickery,

Daughter, laughter, and Terpsichore,

Typhoid, measles, topsails, aisles,

Exiles, similes, and reviles;

Scholar, vicar, and cigar,

Solar, mica, war and far;

One, anemone, Balmoral,

Kitchen, lichen, laundry, laurel;

Gertrude, German, wind and mind,

Scene, Melpomene, mankind.

Billet does not rhyme with ballet,

Bouquet, wallet, mallet, chalet.

Blood and flood are not like food,

Nor is mould like should and would.

Viscous, viscount, load and broad,

Toward, to forward, to reward.

And your pronunciation’s OK

When you correctly say croquet,

Rounded, wounded, grieve and sieve,

Friend and fiend, alive and live.

Ivy, privy, famous; clamour

And enamour rhyme with hammer.

River, rival, tomb, bomb, comb,

Doll and roll and some and home.

Stranger does not rhyme with anger,

Neither does devour with clangour.

Souls but foul, haunt but aunt,

Font, front, wont, want, grand, and grant,

Shoes, goes, does. Now first say finger,

And then singer, ginger, linger,

Real, zeal, mauve, gauze, gouge and gauge,

Marriage, foliage, mirage, and age.

Query does not rhyme with very,

Nor does fury sound like bury.

Dost, lost, post and doth, cloth, loth.

Job, nob, bosom, transom, oath.

Though the differences seem little,

We say actual but victual.

Refer does not rhyme with deafer.

Fe0ffer does, and zephyr, heifer.

Mint, pint, senate and sedate;

Dull, bull, and George ate late.

Scenic, Arabic, Pacific,

Science, conscience, scientific.

Liberty, library, heave and heaven,

Rachel, ache, moustache, eleven.

We say hallowed, but allowed,

People, leopard, towed, but vowed.

Mark the differences, moreover,

Between mover, cover, clover;

Leeches, breeches, wise, precise,

Chalice, but police and lice;

Camel, constable, unstable,

Principle, disciple, label.

Petal, panel, and canal,

Wait, surprise, plait, promise, pal.

Worm and storm, chaise, chaos, chair,

Senator, spectator, mayor.

Tour, but our and succour, four.

Gas, alas, and Arkansas.

Sea, idea, Korea, area,

Psalm, Maria, but malaria.

Youth, south, southern, cleanse and clean.

Doctrine, turpentine, marine.

Compare alien with Italian,

Dandelion and battalion.

Sally with ally, yea, ye,

Eye, I, ay, aye, whey, and key.

Say aver, but ever, fever,

Neither, leisure, skein, deceiver.

Heron, granary, canary.

Crevice and device and aerie.

Face, but preface, not efface.

Phlegm, phlegmatic, ass, glass, bass.

Large, but target, gin, give, verging,

Ought, out, joust and scour, scourging.

Ear, but earn and wear and tear

Do not rhyme with here but ere.

Seven is right, but so is even,

Hyphen, roughen, nephew Stephen,

Monkey, donkey, Turk and jerk,

Ask, grasp, wasp, and cork and work.

Pronunciation (think of Psyche!)

Is a paling stout and spikey?

Won’t it make you lose your wits,

Writing groats and saying grits?

It’s a dark abyss or tunnel:

Strewn with stones, stowed, solace, gunwale,

Islington and Isle of Wight,

Housewife, verdict and indict.

Finally, which rhymes with enough,

Though, through, plough, or dough, or cough?

Hiccough has the sound of cup.

My advice is to give up!!!

English Pronunciation by G. Nolst Trenité

You can link to it HERE.

The Parties Are Over...

2012-01-04T21:47:00.000-05:00

and we were back to school and work today.

The alarm at 6am was not a welcome sound this morning. Early bedtime last night and tonight? Yes, please!

We had a great new years weekend- Saturday evening we spent with our neighborhood/church friends- dinner a few games and we were home tucked into bed by 10 pm!

Sunday- New Years Day- we had a few friends over after church. Finger food and a glass of wine with friends- the best way to usher in the new year!

The new year makes me anxious to start a new to-do list. and do it! My pinterest boards are full of great ideas, and there are so many decorating-ish things I would like to get done in the house.

I do have a few resolutions:

1. Lower my expectations. (It'll help with the rest of the resolutions!)

2. Exercise regularly. (I have a long-term goal, membership to the aquatic/fitness center and a running coach...)

3. Learn how to make things with wood. (I have an extensive list for this one!)

4. Be prompt! (I'm going to try folks, I really am!)

5. Get Jackson to sleep in his bed. (I know, I know.)

6. Be more patient and understanding. (I may need drugs for this one...)

I'm sure throughout the year the list will grow- but it's a start!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T18:45:00.000-05:00

May the good Lord be with you

Down every road that you roam

And may sunshine and happiness

Surround you when you're far from home

And may you grow to be proud, dignified and true

And do unto others as you'd have done to you

Rod Stewart

2011

2011-12-31T17:42:00.000-05:00

Winner #5!!

2011-12-31T10:13:00.000-05:00

Lisa said...

You know I do! XO

Congratulations!

Miners Light

2011-12-30T23:54:00.000-05:00

One of the "downers" of winter (besides the cold, the wind and the ice) is how early it gets dark.

While most of us are cuddled up on the couch with a cup of cocoa, Ryan is outside doing chores.

He has a handy little light he wears on his head, exactly like a miner.

It doesn't work quite as well when he wears it- but it looks oh-so-cute!

Winner #4!

2011-12-29T23:55:00.001-05:00

Tera said...

A few years ago when my best friend got married, I made a scrapbook of her and her husband growing up. It was from when they were babies until they got married

Congratulations!!

A New Addition!

2011-12-29T23:23:00.001-05:00

I'd like to introduce the newest member of our family:

"Queen Noor"

This may shock some of you, being a self-proclaimed cat-hater, but we've had a mouse problem this fall, and she was cuter than the boa.

But really- I stopped at the pet store to look at the crabs, saw her in the "to-be-adopted" cage, and couldn't leave her there.

From the moment she came into the house, she's been the nicest kitty! And so very easy to care for!

We all love our sweet Nora- and haven't seen a mouse since!

Winner #3!

2011-12-28T23:55:00.001-05:00

Mikki said...

Current obsession...hmmmm, would a ten pound sweetie pie qualify? If not, then most definitley hair accessories for her!

Congratulations!

email me and let me know how to get it to you! It arrived yesterday- and ugh. I want to keep it!

New Calves

2011-12-28T23:45:00.001-05:00

Ryan mentioned last week that he to wanted to go to an auction in Michigan to pick up a few calves.

Apparently we're low.

Yesterday, when he came in the house after morning milking to round up the big kids, he invited me to go along. I politely declined. I had bigger plans. That involved coffee and a couch.

After helping William find every single piece of clothing he needed up, down, in, out and around, I reminded Elizabeth to put her hair up and they were off.

They arrived back home at 7:30pm all excited to show us the new calves. I bundled up Jackson and Isabelle and we headed down to the barn to check out the new additions to our herd.

Not only did we find some really cute, really hungry calves, we found a stressed out daddy and two tired kids.

In the dark, in the snow, in the wind, in the mud, muck and poop, 20 hutches were bedded, 40 calves were unloaded, and 40 bottles were fed.

Two hours later, we were all back in the house. Cold. Wet. Hungry.

They are really cute in the daylight aren't they?!

Winner #2!

2011-12-28T00:40:00.000-05:00

Nicole said...

Oh shorts or pants totally! Cant tell you the last time I wore a nightie! Oh and dont forget the socks!

Congratulations!

To claim your prize, click here: http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/simplyveraverawang/sleepwear/PRD~977502/Simply+Vera+Vera+Wang+Heart+Pajama+Set.jsp

and then shoot me an email me at: striving4fabulous@gmail.com with your address, size and color choice!

His "3" Birthday!

2011-12-27T10:48:00.000-05:00

A little late, I know... but if it's not on the blog it didn't happen right?

He was so excited for his "3 birthday".. loved his store-bought cake. (hey- I was busy)

Most of the afternoon was spent sitting on the counter looking at the cake, waiting on dinner to come and go..

Opening gifts- so funny. As he was opening these undies, I asked: "What is it?" and he replied: "undies". smarty pants.

Much more excited about the 3.2 million piece dairy farm!

Ryan is gone at a dairy cow sale today, and I'm on a mission to make him a "surprise"... I'll keep you posted.

It's not to late to enter Day 2 favorite things! You can scroll down, or just click here.

Winner #1!

2011-12-27T10:14:00.002-05:00

homeschoolmama said...

A 600 porfessional series Kitchen-Aid mixer is on the list and I know I'm already getting it.

Congratulations!

email me at: striving4fabulous@gmail.com and I'll get it in the mail!

And a wonderful time was had by all...

2011-12-26T23:54:00.001-05:00

I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as ours!

We started our Christmas off at church on Christmas Eve- a beautiful candlelight service with Christmas Carols. Elizabeth had a solo when the youth sang. We love to listen to her, and I think she enjoys it as well.

Ryan's parents and our friends Adam & Stacy with their two girls joined us for Christmas Eve dinner after the service. A very relaxing time visiting, catching up. From the sounds coming from the upstairs, the kids had a pretty good time too. Not quite so relaxing maybe. (on a side note, this is the first time in years that I have not had presents to wrap after the kids went to bed! yay me! I had one toy to put together after Jackson fell asleep, and my father-in-law helped me with that!)

Christmas morning the kids were very super excited to see all the presents under the tree!

Even though the three older kids know there will be presents, it is still the most fun for me to see the surprise and excitement on their faces when they come into the living room! As for Jackson? he had no idea what was about to happen!

He sure does love his little "cozy coupe"!
Later in the day, after the kids had all dispersed somewhere else, he was looking at the tree, and said to me: "Mama, opening presents was so much fun!"

Isabelle was delighted with her first American Girl doll, "Kit", and all the accessories that came with her. Mommy got a little carried away with the shoes... The 'princess lipstick' is a big hit too.

William loves his Nintendo 3ds. It is so much fun to give them gifts they did not ask for!

Elizabeth totally understands how we do Christmas gifts- One big gift, and several small ones, usually staying within a certain price range. She made it very clear she wanted an ipod touch. and leather slippers. aviator sunglasses. hair mousse. itunes gift cards. We played a little trick on her. Mean parents that we are.

Here she is, happy to get a watch she loves, and didn't ask for-

After opening the sunglasses-very happy!

Then, she realized all the gifts were opened. The sad look on her face was well, sad. She didn't want to seem ungrateful, but she was clearly disappointed. And then, we 'found' one more gift...

Sheer joy opening "MY IPOD TOUCH!" I love making my kids happy!

He "wubs" his new animals-a lion, Labrador, pig, and penguin pair. I'm certain they were all "milked" withing the hour.

The rest of the day was so relaxing! It looked pretty much like this:

Except for the two hours we went to our local museum. A fun family outing visiting our friend Tracy who was working.

Fabulous memories!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T23:25:00.000-05:00

After a wonderful relaxing day filled with family, fun and friends- I took a nice hot shower, put on my new Vera Wang jammies (yay!) and snuggled up with my new animal print snuggie and favorite little boy!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Merry Christmas friends!

Favorite Things.. Day 5!

2011-12-24T16:56:00.000-05:00

No shocker here... Shoes remain my favorite thing. Hands down.

Even though these are the last shoes I purchased,

These are the ones I'm wearing tonight:

Tomorrow I'll probably have these on:

For you, I have a TOMS gift pack!

Great for new and longtime fans alike, the TOMS Gift Pack includes a DVD of the documentary, For Tomorrow: The TOMS Shoes Story, a TOMS poster, and a $50 Gift Card redeemable at TOMS.com for shoes or apparel.

TOMS shoes are always on my list, and I would really like a pair of the black sparkly wedges..

If you would like to win this great gift that gives back, all you need to do is follow this blog! (and leave me a comment telling me so!)

Favorite Things... Day 4

2011-12-22T23:45:00.009-05:00

This Christmas, I've been trying to "shop local" as much as possible. Unfortunately, the 'Apple' store isn't local *wink*.

My favorite thing for today is actually two things- shopping local and fair trade.

My friend Sherry started a wonderful little business in her home: "Accessories for Hope". She purchases great accessories from organizations that not only pay their employees a fair wage, but help people (women and children) break the bondage of slavery. (Did you know there are 27 million people enslaved today?)

A few of the items she sells: Animal backpacks, like this little elephant!

Super cute, right? He is made by a survivor of human trafficking. You can find more great things at their web site: madebysurvivors.com

Chocolate chips. Fair trade and organic. All the fat and calories *nearly* vaporize when you ingest these! You can get more information here: Sunspire

Jewelry. 31 bits is a great company that pays women fairly for the paper bead jewelry they make. They also provide english lessons, finance training, and vocational training amongst other things. Check them out here: 31bits.

This beautiful scarf is sold by "global girlfriend". Made by women, eco friendly, fair trade.

Bags. After yesterday's post, ya'll know I like bags. These bags are beautiful. Women in India take old sari's and create these great canvas bags.

Two of the great reasons I like this bag, it has a smooth 'plastic-ey' finish on the inside and pockets on each end.

If you would like to "throw your hat" in to the mix for the entire lot of fairly traded items, tell me about the favorite gift you've given.

One winner will be randomly drawn a week from today, December 29th.

Favorite Things... Day 3!

2011-12-21T22:30:00.001-05:00

It's no secret that I have a "thing" for bags.

Most recently, Kate Spade bags.

I've had this "stripey" (Wellie Magee) tote for a year and a half now, and just love her. I cleaned her up a few weeks ago and she's now snugly wrapped in her dust bag on the top shelf of my closet. She's having a well deserved break until next summer.

Ahh. The Wellesley Quinn I rescued from the thrift shop. I Carried her all summer. She is currently waiting her turn at the spa before her vacation on the top shelf.

Roseland Stevie who has been my faithful companion since Thanksgiving. I won't say she's my favorite... I don't want to hurt anyone else's feelings... but I like her alot.

For you, my lucky readers I have this adorable little sparkler:

Kate Spade Sparkler Coin Purse

Is she not just the cutest thing you've seen?! I'm pretty sure she is the perfect piece to "glitter-up" any bag!

If you would like the chance to win this little sparkler, leave a comment telling me what your current obsession is...

One winner will be randomly drawn one week from today, Wednesday, December 28.

Favorite Things- Day Two!

2011-12-20T23:26:00.002-05:00

A couple of years ago, my friend Elizabeth gave me the most wonderful gift.

Pajamas.

Vera Wang Pajamas.

Four years later, they are still my very favorite jammies.

I never really was a pajama wearer until I had those babies. Oh, I had pajamas. And I would lounge around in them all day some days, but on a regular basis? not so much. But having those kids changed everything. Getting up multiple times in the night changed everything. Especially when the nights ran into the days...

I've purchased myself pajamas on four different occasions.

You guessed it.
For the birth of each of my children.

It's one thing to throw on "whatever" at home, quite another to look so disheveled in public!

A couple months ago, Ryan ~~told me all my pajamas were gross~~ kindly mentioned that I should get myself some new sleepwear.

I went ahead and disposed of the most offending ones, but never replaced them.

And that, is why these are at the top of my wish list!

If you would like to win some fabulous Simply Vera Wang Intimate Pajamas for yourself, just leave a comment telling me what you prefer... nighties, or short/pants? I'm a short/pant girl myself. Whenever I wear nighties I dream that I'm drowning... and wake up with the nightie wrapped around my neck. blech!

One winner will be randomly drawn on week from today, Tuesday, December 27th.

Colors/styles may vary.

Favorite Things Day One!

2011-12-19T23:22:00.000-05:00

Hey folks! Guess what? It's time for....

Striving for Fabulous' Third Annual

FAVORITE THINGS Week!

In all honesty, it kinda snuck up on me!

My favorite thing for day one is.....

TUPPERWARE!

I know, I know. I've heard all the jokes about Tupperware parties and Tupperware ladies. I used to be a Tupperware lady in fact.

I love Tupperware. Love it. Let's blame it on my Grandmother. She started the whole thing before I even knew what happend. Grandma gave me my first Tupperware when Tupperware looked like this:

I still have some of those pieces-all mixed in with the girls toys. My pitcher is orange. I don't have colored coordinated lids for my cups or those snazzy square pieces. hmm.

These are some of my favorite pieces now:

These 16 ounce tumblers are my favorite go-to cup. Rarely use the lids though.

This Quick Chef is super handy. I don't have a food processor- I use this instead!

The best thing about this Salad Spinner is that you can use outer bowl to serve or store.

Some of my favorite Tupperware has to be my pans. Ugh. They were pretty pricey, but I've had them for several years and I still love them.

These guys are great for the kids snacks. Or dips. Little leftovers. And the colors are fabulous.

Square Tupperware has to be my favorite of them all.

I think the Mix & Stor is a must have for any kitchen.

My Season Serve has seen a lot less marinades and a lot more cupcakes...

This little guy is pretty handy too. Works like a lawn mower. The kids I work with love him.

The Vent and Serve has got to be my favorite. I like that it does not get all bumpy and yucky on the inside when you heat something to long or hot in the microwave. 99% of our leftovers get stuck in one of these guys. And they are square. I love square.

The traditional Salt & Pepper Shakers are one of the newest additions to my collection. I'm not sure how much I love them. The lids seem to get kind of grubby.

The Chip n Dip is a fun one to get out when we have friends over-way more sophisticated to eat chips out of a bowl instead of the bag!

Square Tupperware is where it's at I tell ya. If I put it in the freezer, I like it to go in one of these.

Oh My. When these came out, I thought I died and went to heaven. Not only are they square, but they nest all together inside each other. Minimal space in the drawer. Which is critical when you have as much Tupperware as I do!

Get to the giveaway already right??

Today, I am giving one lucky person the second most used Tupperware in my house:

A 32 cup THATSA BOWL!

Tupperware is not on my wish list this year. Maybe because I had a Tupperware party earlier this year. Maybe because I have 80% of the catalog already. Tupperware is not on my list this year, but a nail gun is.

What's on your list?

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment telling me one thing on your wish list this year. One winner will be randomly drawn one week from today, Monday, December 26th.

AvocadoCornBlack Bean Salsa

2011-12-18T17:24:00.000-05:00

Avocado Corn Black Bean Salsa

Ingredients:

2 avocados

2 cans white corn

2 cans black beans

4 green onions

cilantro

fresh lime juice

cumin

salt

pepper

Directions:

Drain corn and beans. Dice avocado, onion and cilantro, toss together. Squeeze a little lime juice over mixture. Add cumin, salt and pepper to taste. Serve with tortilla chips.

*This recipe is from my good friend, Sarah. In true Sarah fashion, it's a "fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants" recipe- adjust all ingredients to your taste!

*This is NOT a "make ahead" recipe. I recommend mixing it up no more than 2 hours before you want to serve.

*This is not so good left over either, so you'll want to start small-using only one can of corn, and one can of beans.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2011-12-16T23:32:00.000-05:00

Tonight we (the kids) finally decorated the tree.

Now for the rest of the house.... and the pile of Christmas cards I picked up today.

And This,

2011-12-15T15:13:00.000-05:00

is why I hate 3.

Desitin diaper rash cream

does

not

wash

off.

But his skin? It's as smooth as well... a baby's butt.

Happy Birthday!

2011-12-14T11:05:00.000-05:00

Our baby is three today!

Happy Birthday Jackson!

Movember

2011-12-13T23:07:00.001-05:00

A month ago I purposed a challenge to Tyler- If he did not shave for a whole month, I would buy him a pair of TOMS. his mother was pleased. I think her exact words were: "So, I have you to blame, huh?"

He kept his end of the bargain, and I kept mine~

With his "special edition" Movember TOMS!

Hot Pink Baby

2011-12-12T22:56:00.000-05:00

Sunday after church, Isabelle and I took a little road trip to Ohio. I so enjoy spending time with that little lady all by myself!

My brother and his girlfriend are expecting a baby in early February, and some of her family hosted a shower for her and the new Little sister.

Isabelle and I with the Mommy-to-be.

I cannot wait to meet the little lady. I love her already!

Potty Train

2011-12-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

Kept his undies dry all day yesterday!

He's Getting Bigger...

2011-12-07T09:33:00.000-05:00

Jackson is learning all kinds of new things lately. Helpful things really.

He has started putting on his pajamas. All by himself... WOO HOO! Does a great job too.

He's figured out how to get water out of the fridge, with or without ice. Minimal spillage.

His verbal skill have always been advanced, ( in my opinion) but wow.. you should hear him talk. He uses "maybe" and "probably" appropriately. Understands everything.

He can reach all the light switches. Also handy.

He's starting into the swing of the potty training thing. For several weeks now, I've been talking to him about going to the bathroom in the toilet, and when he turns three on his birthday (12/14) he's going to wear "big boy undies". Yesterday, since we were going to stay home in the morning, I asked him if he wanted to wear his undies. To which he replied: "It's my BIRTHDAY??!!" So smart. So ready for him to wear underwear.

I'm not sure I'm quite ready for this though:

And yes, the guard was on the razor. He did a fine job!

Sixty Four Years

2011-12-06T23:33:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year when my grandparents were visiting, my grandmother and I got to chatting about her wedding.

My grandma and grandpa were married here, in the small town where we live- where my grandmother was born and raised. (If you consider 17 raised. That is how old she was when she married my grandpa. oh my.)

During the conversation, she mentioned on their wedding night they stayed in a hotel in a neighboring town- and did I know if it was still there? (The hotel, not the town.)

The Charley Creek Inn

It sure is... and recently refurbished!

During that conversation, I thought: "How much fun would it be for them to stay there again?"

After chatting with a few of my Aunts/Uncles/cousins about my great idea, I conned them into sending me some money and reserved the Honeymoon Suite.

Last Friday was my grandparents sixty-fourth anniversary!

They got into town a little after lunch on Friday and I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with them at our local county museum.

Before I needed to pick up my kids from school, I helped them check into their room.

These were waiting for them:

Fresh flowers compliments of the General Manager and hotel staff.

They were so cute! Grandma was sure she'd never seen anything so luxurious! Grandpa wasn't so sure they needed all that room!

I left them to take a little rest, picked up my kids from school, grabbed Ryan and went back to the hotel. I took several pictures of them around the room-

In the sitting room...

In the bedroom... I just missed him kissing her!
On our way downstairs for dinner we stopped on each floor- Grandma wanted to see the decor of each.

Outside the door of where they think they stayed on their wedding night. It's hard to remember that long ago!

Ryan and I enjoyed spending time with them at dinner-we very rarely see them alone. We usually have to share them with some other family member, or our kids.

We can only hope to be together for as long as they have!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-05T23:29:00.000-05:00

I think I mentioned some very special Thanksgiving guest?

One of my most favorite people in the whole world...

Brook e!

Do you have one those people in your life -you know the ones- where no matter how long you are apart it seems like a million years and a single day at the same time?

I do. It's my Brook e.

We've never lived closer than we do right now- "just" 2,150 miles.

And we've never seen each other more than twice in a twelve month period.

But I miss her every. single. day.

I am so very thankful she came to visit.

And so happy she brought her man: "Mr. Hitchcock" to meet us!

Stuffed Mushrooms

2011-12-04T23:26:00.000-05:00

Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:

2 packages mushrooms

1/2 pound bacon

8 oz cream cheese

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2-4 green onions

butter

salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Hollow out mushrooms. Cook and crumble bacon. Dice green onions. Mix bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and onions. Add salt & pepper. Mix well. Spoon into mushroom caps. Place butter pats around mushrooms in pan and bake for approximately 20 minutes at 350 degrees- or until filling is hot. You can reserve some of the shredded and sprinkle on top.

*This is my friend Myra's recipe-She says to "eye ball" the recipe to your own liking...

*I added the onions and salt/pepper

*It makes quite a bit for an appetizer- you may want to half the recipe

*Everyone I've served them to loves them!

Wedding

2011-12-03T11:42:00.000-05:00

Last weekend one of our long-time babysitters got married.

Happy for her. Not so happy for me.

She's moving to Pennsylvania. So, so not happy for me.

Several months ago, she asked all of our children to participate in the wedding. They all were so excited! Elizabeth greeted the guest, took their gifts, and helped served coffee at the reception- immediately following the wedding. William was a "bus boy" and picked up plates/cups/silverware when everyone was finished. He took his job very seriously- "Seven bags, Mom!". "I picked up SEVEN bags, just me!". Isabelle and Jackson helped the groom's nephew carry the rug down the aisle.

Rehearsal. Isabelle was all about it. Jackson? much bribing. I was for sure he was going to throw a royal "3 year old fit" on Saturday.

I was wrong! All three of them got the job done! *phew*

I did not take very many photos... The photographer was doing a great job, and I know how annoying it is when everyone wants to get their own shots in. That being said, I sure wish I could see them!

Here are a few I took:

The Mother of the Bride made Isabelle and Elizabeth's dresses- They both looked beautiful. Isabelle just loved it. She also loved being the only one to "match the bride".

With the Maid of Honor, *sister-twin* of the bride. Also one of the best babysitters ever!

Reading books while we waited. I was sure to pack lots of toys, snacks, books and other entertainment! It was a long wait all afternoon, but they did really great. The wedding was lovely, and a wonderful memory for all the children.

Congratulations Alex & Jaima!

oh, and I CANNOT WAIT to see some professional photos....

First Snow!

2011-11-30T22:40:00.000-05:00

We had a busy Thanksgiving weekend with special guest and a wedding! I'll show you those pictures later in the week... But, the biggest news in this house? The first snow of the season!

You cannot imagine the delight of our children on Tuesday afternoon when it came down thick and heavy... and stayed! Stayed right into a two hour delay this morning, of which I'm always a fan.

In true almost-three-year-old fashion, he was happy out in the weather for about 20 seconds. Wanted to come back in. Didn't want to take his boots off, but wanted to be inside with me.

We snuggled up on the couch with a pumpkin spice coffee, and watched the snow fall... through the window.

Instant Refrigerator Mashed Potatoes

2011-11-27T13:48:00.000-05:00

Instant Refrigerator Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

5 3/4 cup water

1 stick of margarine

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon onion salt

2 1/4 cups milk

7 cups instant mashed potatoes

1 pint sour cream

8 oz cream cheese

Cheddar/Colby cheese

Directions:

In a large cooking pot, combine: water, margarine, salt, and onion salt. Bring to a boil. Add milk and potatoes. Mix well and add sour cream and cream cheese. Pour into a 9"x13" casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. May sprinkle with cheese and let melt before serving.

*This is my Aunt Lisa's contribution to our big family Christmas-I think she'd like to bring something else...but these are a fan favorite!

*I usually make my own from-scratch potatoes and add in the other ingredients, but this year for thanksgiving? Fake all the way. And guess what? no one cared!

*I always use butter. I may be ok with fake potatoes... not fake butter.

*I like mine with cheese on top. Ryan likes his with gravy. The house divided!

Field Trip

2011-11-26T11:48:00.000-05:00

After the 4-H fair this summer, Elizabeth has been nagging at Ryan to get her "my own" Brown Swiss cow.

I don't think she liked her little brother getting "Breed Champion" at our county fair.

Yesterday afternoon, we drove near Fort Wayne to Blessings Farms. They have a herd of (award winning) registered Brown Swiss Cattle. "Mama Wiss Cows" according to Jackson.

The Blessing family owns the trucking company that hauls our milk to the processing plant. We had a great time chatting with Milan- the man who started their family farm. Reminded me of my own Grandpa. And Checking out the cattle. You would have thought our kids had never seen a cow in their whole life.

Cows by nature are curious animals, but these girls were friendly!

Checking out the calves. They bed with wood chips, and they had gotten cedar chips in the last truck- that barn smelled GOOD!

They really are pretty cute.

They show their herd around the country several times a year, so the majority of the herd is broke to lead.
William loved petting on them.

This Mama even gave him a friendly nudge with her head when he decided to pet someone else!

Jackson's fingers taste great!

Check out those eye lashes!

This was my favorite part. A cattle guard on the feed lot. I think we should try it on our farm. Maybe I wouldn't have to chase cows as often....

Ryan turned *39* yesterday as well... Happy Birthday honey!

Cream Pie

2011-11-20T10:32:00.002-05:00

Aunt Marilyn's Famous Cream Pie

Ingredients:

2 cups fruit

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup flour

1 cup whipping cream

1/2 cup milk

Directions:

Mix first three ingredients pour into your favorite crust. Mix last four ingredients and pour over fruit mixture in pie crust.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

*My favorite pie crust can be found here.

*I really have an Aunt Marilyn, and this is her recipe!

*Aunt Marilyn's specialty is black raspberry cream. Mine is peach. I use my own canned peaches.

*I also use 1/2 & 1/2 instead of milk.

*Sometimes, I don't put in any fruit for a "cream pie". It's delicious. (you'll need to use a smaller pie pan to fill it up)

*I usually have to bake it longer. Sometimes 15 minutes longer. Until it's no longer "jiggly".

*I like to eat it after it's been in the refrigerator a couple days and it's kinda "rubbery".

Double Digits

2011-11-19T22:29:00.001-05:00

Today, William turned ten.

Elizabeth made him a star wars cake that he loved. I'm so happy that she likes to make and decorate cakes. Think I'll be able to talk her into making Jackson's in a few weeks?

We took him, and nine of his friends to play laser tag tonight. A perfect game for loud little boys. William graciously invited Elizabeth, and her friend Emily. Which worked out well for Ryan and I since Emily's parents are also the parents of Gavin, one of William's friends, and they went with us! The Dads played tag with the kids while Teresa and I set up for pizza/cake/presents.

Four of his buddies are sleeping over. Five little guys watching cartoons way to loud in the basement. I wonder what time they'll quiet down...

His Biggest Fan

2011-11-17T22:18:00.000-05:00

Dad, dad, dad!

Dad?

Dad c'mear c'mear c'mear, DAD! c'MEAR!

I show you somfing.

I match our boots up!

Money motivates the people around here...

2011-11-16T23:29:00.000-05:00

..and color photos jog their memory.

Last week I had a facebook conversation with C-rad, my Brooke's boyfriend.

His laptop had been stolen out of his car while he was working. He later updated his status and said after posting fliers and offering a reward, someone had found his computer in their bushes. After congratulating him, I asked if he could come to my house and find my ipod. (It's been missing several weeks now, and no one seems to know what happened to it...)

C-rad suggested I post fliers with color photos and offer a reward.
I took his suggestion, and made this flyer:

I then posted it in the busiest spot in our house:

The hall bathroom.

Wouldn't you know it, within the hour, the missing ipod had been found!

Amazing what fliers with color photos and a reward can do!

My Fall Front Porch

2011-11-15T23:24:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned that I've been inspired by several decorating blogs? and Pinterest? hmm. I think so.

I thought I would share my fall front porch with ya'll.

What do you think of that little green table?

I know the wreath is seriously lacking, but I've got plenty of inspiration pinned on my fall decorating board at Pinterest...

WINNER!

2011-11-14T23:09:00.001-05:00

Saturday evening, Ryan and I attended our local hospital's annual fundraising Gala. The evening included a delicious dinner, live auction, silent auction, fabulous entertainment from local celebrities, dancing, cash raffle and a diamond/champagne raffle. *phew* a jammed packed night of fun-especially with our friends, Jim and Beth.
But the title of this post is "WINNER!"- so, let's get to that shall we?

Early in the evening, guest can purchase glasses of champagne for a chance to win a diamond necklace. And since I love champagne, Ryan got me glass. It was delicious.

After dinner, the Gala committee members pass out gift bags (one for every glass purchased) with jewelry cleaner in them. As they were passing out the bags, the Master of Ceremonies was explaining how this evening there would be three winners- one would get the diamond necklace, and two others would win gift certificates to a local jeweler.

On the count of three, everyone reaches into their bag(s) and looks at the bottom of their cleaner to see if they won. Not really paying attention to the directions, and not really knowing what to look for, when I pulled mine out and saw "WINNER!", I was not sure what I won. Showing it to my friend, Beth; I asked: "What did I win?" Imagine my surprise and excitement when she said: "YOU WON THE NECKLACE!"

Me, my winning jewelry cleaner, and new diamond necklace!

Please ignore the bags under my eyes. I had a cold, and Friday night I was up half the night on a overnight retreat with the youth from church. ugh. I'm old. especially after the youth decided "30" was old. oh my.

Ranch Snacks

2011-11-13T20:09:00.002-05:00

Ranch (Pretzel) Snacks

Ingredients:

18 ounces small pretzels

3/4 cup oil

1 pkg ranch salad dressing mix

1/2 teaspoon dill weed

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon lemon pepper

Directions:

Whisk oil, ranch mix, dill, garlic powder and lemon pepper together. Pour over pretzels. Bake at 200 degrees for one hour stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool completely before storing in an air tight container.

*Use "dry" item of your choice. I like just pretzels or oyster crackers.

*I hardly ever have lemon pepper on hand, so I usually just leave it out.

*I like to "bake" in my microwave. Stirring every 2 minutes until I think it's done- 6-8 minutes total.

Ugh

2011-11-10T22:48:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had one of those long work weeks- where you know you'll be getting home late and in no mood to make dinner?

All the time.

So, you plan ahead. Make the dinner the day before. Stick it in the fridge.

Actually remember to put it in the crock-pot while making your morning coffee.

Come home eagerly anticipating.... and this is what you find:

ugh.

How Fun Is This??!

2011-11-09T18:07:00.000-05:00

I couldn't be more excited if it was Thanksgiving...and I have some extra special guest for Thanksgiving!

Side Table Up-cycle

2011-11-09T10:18:00.000-05:00

I have been on a HUGE "get this house decorated-craft project-get organized" kick.

I've gotten so much inspiration from some of the new blogs I found - I love, love Emily Clark. and Home Stories from A2Z. AND Pinterest of course has so, so many great things!

Over thirteen (yes, thirteen) years ago, my friend Deb and I went to visit my parents at their new home in Arkansas.

I picked up this table at an auction for a dollar. As a matter of fact, I think I probably still owe my dad that dollar...

back

I brought the table home, spent many hours stripping the layers of paint and black sticky stuff off, and then stuck it in the back of the garage. When we moved two summers ago, the table got moved to an out building - only to be found this summer, and moved back to the garage.

front

Thirteen years later- the drawer is MIA.

A few weeks ago, I brought it out of the garage, sprayed it off with the hose, wiped the cobwebs off and

cut off the bottom two inches of each leg. Nature was doing it's job.

I used a little gorilla glue to put a board back in place and sanded up the table a bit.

Choosing a color to paint was a bit more challenging for me. I wanted to put the table on our front porch next to the front door. I wanted to paint it a color that would compliment the decor of each season. So, I did what I do when I have a color coordinating problem. I call my cousin-in-law, Josie. She knows stuff. Color coordination stuff. Her recommendation? Green. So smart. But what shade? Cerulean. oh my. I don't even know how to pronounce that. But, I do have a favorite shade of green. Apple 5. The shade I painted my bathroom two years ago. After staring at it multiple times for minutes on end, I decided that it would work for any season of decorating.

I dug the old paint can out from under the garage steps... plenty for my project! Gave her two quick coats, and viola!

In the full sun of the front porch, and in this photo, it is much lighter/brighter than the color of my bathroom. I still think it looks great, and I couldn't be happier with the finished product!

Happy, Happy Monday!!

2011-11-08T23:12:00.000-05:00

Monday morning while I was planning out my work week, the UPS truck pulled into the driveway. Much like when I was younger and lived at home, there was a little flutter in my stomach. Does getting a package make any of you as happy as it makes me? Maybe it's the UPS man. I've never seen an unattractive one... who knows.

Being the grown-up and being one of the two people who have access to a credit card in this house, I can assume that the packages that the UPS man brings are for me. Or Ryan. As soon as my "flutter" flipped, I thought: "Oh, that's just the rest of the supplies Ryan is expecting for the farm". Like the last four thousand times the UPS has been here... I did not even get up to meet the delivery man.

My curiosity soon got the best of me, and to the garage I headed. And guess what?

IT WAS FOR ME!!

Last week I shopped the Kate Spade One Day Sale. a little treat for myself. Oh my. I LOVE HER!

Later in the day I had to run into my office and grab a few things for my dreaded annual Board Meeting. Ugh. To find this little package on my desk:

A little white box, tied up with a pink bow. Filled with cocoa mix and cookies!

Thank you, Thank You, to my sweet friend, Sarah xo!

Farming "Date"

2011-11-07T23:58:00.000-05:00

Sunday afternoon Ryan asked me to take a ride in his big green combine. Being the most romantic proposal I've gotten in a while- I said yes.

Just long enough to fill the truck, but quality time all the same!

Homemade Donuts

2011-11-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

Fluffy Raised Doughnuts

Ingredients:

2 cups lukewarm water

1 Tablespoon yeast

1/2 cup cooking oil

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs, well beaten

2 teaspoons salt

Approximately 6 cups flour

Directions:

Dissolve yeast in water. Add oil, sugar, eggs and salt. Beat in 2 cups flour. Let rise 30 minutes. Work in enough of remaining flour to make a workable dough. Knead until smooth. Let rise until double in size. Pat dough - do not roll - about 1/2" thick on floured board. Cut into doughnuts. Let rise. Fry in 375 degree fat, deep enough so doughnuts float. This recipe can be also be used for sticky buns.

*Full discloser: my neighbor ladies did all the cutting and frying!
*This is the recipe I mentioned in this post.

*I forgot the salt and they were fine.

*We did not let them rise the third time... cut them out and tossed them right in the hot oil.

* I used vegetable oil to fry them.

* I do not have a thermometer that goes that high - we just guessed it was hot enough!

* I did use the leftover to make cinnamon rolls. Not my favorite.

Hidden Talents

2011-11-05T22:54:00.001-04:00

Our kids get in bed with us on a pretty regular basis. When I actually notice them crawling in, I'll roll over so they have enough room. (get out of the kick zone is more like it.)

On Thursday morning when Isabelle crawled in, she said: "I puked in my sleep". I was wide awake.

We carried on with our morning because every good mother knows, a single episode is a fluke. She got dressed for school, and I took my shower. While I was getting dressed in my closet, I heard her going to the bathroom. It didn't sound good. When I heard the vomiting start, I thought "Oh. No". puke everywhere.

Imagine my surprise when I walk into the bathroom and find Isabelle still doing her dirty duty, and instead of vomiting on the wall across from the toilet, she has spread her legs, puking directly in the stool. Not a drop on the outside of the stool. That girl has got some skills!

She stayed home from school, but was feeling fine later in the afternoon.

I should not have been the least bit surprised when I did not feel well this morning. Or when Jackson and William started throwing up. I feel much better, but both boys stomachs are still upset.

Hopefully Ryan and Elizabeth skip this go 'round.

Pink

2011-11-03T17:17:00.001-04:00

Just making it into "Breast Cancer Awareness Month"- my friend Beth and I hosted a "Pink Party".

Pink decorations, pink snacks, pink cocktails.

Friends in pink:

A wonderful evening honoring our friend, Sarah.

Who has survived breast cancer. twice.

I Caught The Kitchen On Fire.

2011-11-03T00:21:00.000-04:00

And set off the smoke detectors two nights in a row.

I've been wanting to try my hand at homemade donuts for- oh, the last three years or so. I decided Sunday afternoon after the neighborhood "trick or treat" would be a fantastic time to figure it out. That way everyone could witness my baking shortcomings. Nothing like trying a new recipe on your friends right?

The recipe was easy, and (I think) they turned out great. I had some dough left over, and at the recipes suggestion, made cinnamon rolls. Not so good. After having these cinnamon rolls, it's hard to find anything that compares.

Wanting to get good use out of my pan full of vegetable oil, I decided to make homemade french fries to go with the pork tenderloin we were having for dinner Monday night.

Oil splashed down side of pan will burst into flames on a flat top stove.

The smoke detectors will go off.

All ten of them. For a good fifteen minutes.

Two good things came from it.
A. A lesson on kitchen fire safety.
B. Delicious fries.

William has decided that I am a good enough cook to open a restaurant. He's identified a vacant property, and decided I will do all the cooking with help from Elizabeth and Isabelle. He's going to be the commercial guy. And the guy that runs the "red fuzzy rope thing" outside the door. After much debate, he's decided "Mama's Kitchen" will be the name.

Tuesday night, I was frying up some bacon ends when the the smoke detectors went off. All four of the kids came into the kitchen one by one and casually asked if I had caught the kitchen on fire. again.

Nothing exciting happened in the kitchen tonight. Unless you think someone turning off the oven. Instead of dinner being ready at 6:30, we ate at 8:45. Good times.

AFFD Fall 2011 part 4

2011-10-28T00:37:00.000-04:00

Final installment!

Some time ago, Dad had some his property logged. Over the weekend the boys helped him split some of the "butts". Jackson had a great time helping daddy run the splitter.

"Francesca"

Was a curious little donkey!

AFFD Fall 2011 part 3

2011-10-28T00:30:00.000-04:00

Awhile back, my dad built his own casket. It's really more of a coffin I guess, but then again, I don't really know the difference.
Saturday of Angle Family Fun Day, several of us tried it out.

to big for Jackson.

To big for Wesley. To small for Wesley AND Jackson.

To big for Logan. To small for Logan AND Jackson.

Way to small for Ryan!

Just right for it's intended!

AFFD Fall 2011 part 2

2011-10-28T00:20:00.000-04:00

Nana & Papa's dog Speckles, had six little puppies a week before we arrived. Speckles had a great little nest for them - under the chicken coop - way in the back. After much asking, begging, whining from the kids, Papa removed a board to gain access.

Why are baby dogs so cute? Oh, so cute.

Angle Family Fun Day Fall 2011

2011-10-28T00:10:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago after work, we threw the kids and all of our stuff (besides our bathroom bag) and headed to my parents house for Angle Family Fun Day Fall 2011.

Ryan and I took traded off driving and made it almost to St. Louis before Ryan decided he couldn't stay awake any longer.

The kids woke us up at the crack of dawn- no joke. We were downstairs for breakfast by 6:30am. Back on the road soon after! We made it to Mom and Dad's in time for lunch.

We had a great time with my brothers. Minus one. My oldest brother Ben and sister-in-law stayed home with their new little baby. We sure missed them though.

I took lots of photos and I plan to show you the majority!

The kids had so much fun wrestling with each other in the basement.

Making "sandwiches" with cousin Lena.

Hanging on the bar- a favorite activity for the little people. A workout for the grown-up lifting them up there.

All of the grand kids in a row. The three big ones are to big to "hang".

And then they fell, one by one!

Of course, then they wanted to get wild and crazy. And everyone had a turn upside down.

Even the big kids.

By his toes...

being tickled,

some needed more help than others...

Even Papa got in on the action!

Slowly,

2011-10-25T23:57:00.000-04:00

But surely I am getting back into the groove.

We had a relaxing weekend with beautiful weather.

Ryan's parents spent the weekend with us. They arrived on Friday afternoon and stayed through Sunday.

Saturday morning I slept in - Hip, Hip, HOORAY! Then when right outside and helped Ryan and the kids round up what seemed like the entire herd of dairy cows. Always a great start to the day.

We left the boys at home to do farming boy things and headed into town for a little retail therapy. The girls and I had a great day of bonding with Granny at the Farmers Market, a craft bazaar, lunch at Panera Bread, Pier One, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Hobby Lobby. *phew*

Boy, did it feel good to have a day with no agenda!

This week, we are back to our "normal" schedule- I'm excited to get started on my extensive "to-do" list. I'm sure I'll be over it next week!

Soccer...

2011-10-20T14:04:00.000-04:00

a beginning and the end.

This fall, not only did Elizabeth and William play soccer, Isabelle did too!

She was so very excited. We've been taking Elizabeth and/or William to practice or games for as long as she can remember. She felt so grown up being able to play on her very own team! Her team met for an hour for four Saturdays.

Miss Isabelle - third from the left.

William started practice with his team early September. They practiced once a week with inter-squad games on Saturday mornings. They also had two games where they played teams from adjoining school districts. William was the goalie most of the time, and did a really good job. He is so supportive of his team mates. He's going to be the best wing-man ever.

Elizabeth has been practicing since August. Her team got going even before school started. They practiced two to four times a week, with the occasional practice on Saturday. Her age group is a "travel" team, only playing teams from other school districts. She had one game a week for the last six weeks. In addition to the practices of course. Elizabeth played the "forward" position this fall and loved it. "The forward," she told me, "is the position who scores the goals." ah ha. This week at her awards dinner, she was the only girl on her team to score all season. All the other goals were from boys. You should have seen the smile on her face!

I am so ready for a free Saturday! Well, a Saturday to do what I want anyway. I have BIG plans for my Mother-in-law and me this weekend!

I did have a sobering moment at Elizabeth's last game. IF, all three of my children continue to play soccer, and Jackson joins them in two years, my week is going to be totally shot getting these kids to and from games and practice... ugh.

Ball & Auction

2011-10-19T10:31:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's finally over.

We are still recovering. And by "we", I mean "me", and my house. It's been a rough go.

After spending all of last week working on getting things back together, we went to my parents for our bi-annual family weekend. We left on Thursday night after work, and got back home on Monday just in time for baths and bed. Ugh.

This weekend Ryan's parents are coming for the weekend. They know how we function- and have seen the house look worse. If that is possible...

I am really ready to spend some time getting everything back in order. I'd really like to take the day off tomorrow and mop my kitchen floor. And no, I'm not ill. It's just that bad.

Any who.

In this post, I gave you a "teaser" of the event, and this post, project inspiration. I wanted to show you the final results. I am really happy with the way the projects and decorations turned out.

Pre-K class. Hand print stars & stripes wall hanging/old window.

Kindergarten- Hand print Christmas tree. In between their hands/fingers they wrote their names. Oh, so cute. Isabelle's hand is the very tip-top. I really wanted to bring it home... but turns out Sebastian's Grandma wanted it more!

First Grade Quilt. We traced the kids closed hands for the grass at the bottom, they then drew flowers, (some traced their hands for the flower) bumble bees, and caterpillars. I loved, loved this.

Second grade. Melted crayon art. Turned out so much better than I had anticipated. Such a great piece. A really fun thing to try with your little people.

Third Grade. Hand painted nativity. Boy, was this a tough one. I had to bring in lots of help for this project- but boy, was baby Jesus worth it! It turned out SPECTACULAR.

Fourth grade wind chime. This is William's class. Not exactly how I thought it would turn out, but sometimes you encounter difficulty along the way that dictates a different outcome than you had anticipated. No matter, it is still going to sound really pretty on my porch.

Fifth grade calendar. Ahh. Another labor of love. And a huge source of anxiety. God bless the person who bought this. I never want to see it again.

Sixth grade colored glass piece. This is a horrible photo. It is a really pretty piece with colored glass in the shape of a flower. I'll show it in better light when I get it where I want it.

On to the decorations.

Once again, sometimes things just don't turn out the way you expect.

A view of the room. This is the only shot I got of the lighted wreathes. They looked so much better when the lighting went down.

Silent auction items were set on tables around the perimeter of the room. Note the draped burlap with lights.

The centerpieces were just as I had imagined. Thanks to my friend, Lindsey and her fabulous taste, and generous spirit!

Nothing against your friends, but I have the best friends in the world.

Hands down!

Where In The World?

2011-10-12T23:18:00.000-04:00

Does she come up with this stuff?

Sunday morning Isabelle woke me up by asking how to spell my name. She had a very official looking clipboard, and several sheets of white paper. She then invited me to her "party" in the living room.

A few minutes later, she followed Jackson into my room. She sweetly asked: "Jackson? Would you like to come to my party?" When he replied: "Yes", she said: "You're not on the list, but that's ok. You can budge in. There's no security".

There was a rope. I had to give my name. Good thing I was on the list.

I'd like more snert too!

2011-10-04T23:08:00.000-04:00

Jackson has always spoken very clearly, but he's said some pretty funny stuff lately!

Sunday night he came running into the kitchen, asking me to help him - "get Daddy some more snert" (dessert).

This morning he wanted to watch "Gubble Buppies" (Bubble Guppies).

When I picked him up from the sitter today, he found a "hop grasser" a big one. HUGE! mom! (grass hopper)

10..9..8..

2011-09-30T09:22:00.000-04:00

I came to work today to rest.

I am so tired. Staying up late working on the Ball & Auction is just about to catch up with me. Only eight days to go....

ARGH!

2011-09-22T22:27:00.000-04:00

I'm in fundraising Heaven!

or Hell.

It changes from moment to moment.

Not What I Thought...

2011-09-21T23:14:00.000-04:00

Have you ever thought you knew something, and then realized you didn't?

I thought all my children had blue eyes. They don't.

His are the color that make me melt.

What I've been doing. Take 2.

2011-09-20T23:31:00.001-04:00

Or, another post on that fundraiser.

Each year the different classes (at the kids school) make a "class project". Being the big ticket item that is, there is a little pressure to make them good. tad. not much.

Once again, I used Pinterest to gather all my inspiration:

They all are in the last stages... feels good!

I cannot wait to show you the real thing!

My Rainy Monday

2011-09-19T22:51:00.000-04:00

In the spirit of finding something good in everything, I'm going to post random things about my day. And hopefully find the sunshine amongst the rain.

Dark, rainy Monday. Blech.

Smooth morning with the kids. Pleasant even.

Chance meeting with one of my bestest at the coffee shop? LUCKY!

Driving an hour in the rain. Ugh.

Three hours in the Sprint store. Really folks?

New phone! A smart one. Smarter than me.

I got totally soaked putting my Hobby Lobby purchases in the car.

A crappy conversation with someone who will remain unnamed. Offended me, and made me angry. Angry enough to cry.

Forgot a good friend's birthday.

William and Isabelle ruined the school pants they were wearing today.

Ryan took Elizabeth to her soccer game. In the rain. Let me stay home and make a decent dinner and do a little pick-up. They lost. 2-1. Elizabeth was responsible for the "1".

Kids to bed in good time, with little complaining.

Ryan stayed home while I ran into town for a few necessity's. Mountain Dew and Ice Cream. I grabbed some toilet paper while I was there. It wasn't necessary, but we were out.

I'm eating my ice cream now, while I watch Castle. So happy to have new television.

Homemade Taco Season

2011-09-18T23:32:00.001-04:00

Taco Season

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon paprika

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Mix together! When making multiple recipes, store extra in an air-tight container. Use scant 1/4 cup for 1 pound of meat.

I've been wanting to make this for awhile now, ever since I found out my friend Heather makes her own. I never got the recipe from her- because I found it on Pinterest! We eat a lot of taco-ish dishes, and I always forget to grab the little packets at the store. It's been really nice to have it on hand. All mixed up and ready to go!

Her photo is WAY prettier than mine. Same dishes though! You can check out the recipe and her blog by clicking here: link love

I multiplied the recipe by 4 so I would have some on hand.
I used ground red pepper instead of flakes.
It's a little hot for my kids, so I will probably cut back on the red pepper next time.

Jack Is Back

2011-09-17T22:50:00.000-04:00

He was so excited to be back, he was up until 12:30 am last night....

What I've Been Doing.

2011-09-15T13:21:00.000-04:00

I think I mentioned it here before... but I'm coordinating a fundraiser for the kids school. It's finally coming together, and I'm getting really excited about the whole thing.

In years past, the decorations have been phenomenal. Way, way above my skill level. Even though I am scaling them back, I'm pretty happy with the way they are all coming together.

Thanks to *Pinterest* I've been able to keep all my ideas and inspirations in one spot, and I'm showing them to you today!

For the tables, we are having cream and a soft green candles in clear glass hurricanes with dried split peas and coffee beans. Like so:

Did you know that coffee beans are a little pricey? I'm on the hunt for cheap ones... they are going to end up in the trash at the end of the night anyway!

Burlap. For table runners and perhaps around the perimeter of the room, to cover unsightly brick!

Grapevine and twiggy things with twinkle lights!

I spent at least 4 hours in Hobby Lobby a few weekends ago picking things out, comparing prices. Oh my. That staff was glad to see me go... with all four of my carts!

I feel like I have a good handle on it, and cannot wait to see the finished product. *I'll post pics*

Time Out

2011-09-13T23:43:00.001-04:00

Jackson is spending the week with my parents. Even though he looks incredibly sweet in this photo, we all are enjoying the "time out" from his 2 year old antics. Even the rabbit.

Welcome!

2011-09-12T22:54:00.000-04:00

I became an Aunt for the 7th time today!

Welcome to the world Lucas Benjamin...

...I love you already.

Freezer Corn

2011-09-11T21:40:00.001-04:00

How to freeze Corn.

Or, "How I freeze corn."

Ryan usually plants our sweet corn on the edge of one of his field corn fields. Good thing, because our garden was non-existent this year. Due to the crazy spring we had, the first planting yielded nothing. Not one single ear. Got me a little worried. Fortunately, the second planting was much better, and we got to it before the coons did!

Ryan usually takes care of picking, with help from the kids.

I enlist them to help shuck. It's a painful process that usually ends up with more monkey-ing around...

As soon as we get enough shucked to fill my two largest pots, I get cookin'! I use my canners. It seems to be a great size - meaning: I can usually get on pot cut off in the time it takes to boil the next. Keeping me busy with very little or no down time waiting on water to boil. I fill each pot with corn, then hot water.

I bring the water to a full rolling boil,

place it in my sink and cover with ice water until it is cool enough to handle. I reuse the boiling water at least twice, makes the second and third pot cook faster! I usually have to add a little water each time to cover the corn.

Let it drip dry in a shallow tray, and start cutting!

I like to use this cutter:

The cob slides along the "canal" and the double blades slice the kernels right off.

My friend, T. and Ryan can never get the corn cutter to work for them, so they use a regular kitchen knife. Elizabeth helped me this year, and she used the knife as well. I think the knife is messy. The blades on the cutter are pretty sharp, and I usually end up cutting myself at least once every season, but not this year! Progress!

I like to use freezer boxes for my corn, and they are easier for my little helper to navigate then a freezer bag.

After cutting it off the cob, she scoops about 4 cups in each box,

Tapping it down with the scoop, or her hands.

And then we had a talk about food sanitation...

Even with the crappy spring, and strange weather this summer, small, irregular ears, I froze 49 quarts. I was hoping for 52, but that is close enough!

Celebration!

2011-09-10T23:42:00.000-04:00

Saturday was our 17th wedding anniversary. Ryan brought me these beautiful roses on Friday, and Saturday evening we celebrated with a delicious dinner here.

God has truly blessed our marriage!

Friday Night Pizza

2011-09-09T21:15:00.000-04:00

"Friday night" has taken several different meanings over my life. I'm sure it will continue to change as the "seasons" of our life change!

This summer, "Friday night" means pizza. Sometimes ordered in. Sometimes homemade. And sometimes, at the neighbors. With friends. My personal favorite.

Tonight was the last night of the season. We arrived early and stayed late.

Beautiful evening, wonderful friends, delicious pizza. Perfect.

It's a Dog's Life

2011-09-08T23:05:00.000-04:00

Jackson has really been using his imagination with his play lately. It is so fun for us to listen in on his conversations with his animals. The conversations usually have a lot to do with them staying in the fence. I think he's overheard a conversation or two. About a particular goat I'm sure.

He's also has been pretending he's a dog.
He crawls around on all fours, yipping in a quiet little voice. We pat his head and tell him: "Good Dog!", and off he goes.

He tries to play with our other dogs- I think they scare him a bit.

We've caught him licking water up off the porch. And drinking out of the dogs water dish.

More than once.
See his little hands on either side of the dish? Behind the dog? Through the dirty garage door?

Big Bag Syndrome

2011-09-07T22:26:00.003-04:00

I have Big Bag Syndrome.

The symptoms snuck up on me. All of a sudden I realized my bag weighed four hundred pounds.

Who knew receipts weighed so much? Toy tractors? Maybe it was the six lipsticks.

It certainly was not the money.

I have a big bag and I cannot lie...

Labor Day

2011-09-06T21:48:00.002-04:00

Labor Day. Or, as I like to call it: "The Super Bowl of Farming". For Ryan any way.

This post, like this one, and this one, and this one, has all the same photos. Different people, same photos.

Ryan chopping, and Tyler in the truck.

A view from the truck with Zach.

Ryan. Chopping is fun. Don't let anyone tell you any different!

Nick in the packing tractor with Isabelle. She had a really hard time deciding who to ride with. Nick, Zach, Nick, Zach, Nick, Zach. Good thing the two of them are patient! She went back and forth so many times. Sharing the love!

Nick, Holly, Ellie and Miss Isabelle. It was a full cab! Especially when William and Elizabeth got in!

William decided he wanted to pack with the gator. Ryan and I decided he would not.

Jackson was in his glory! Choice of equipment rides. All day for three days!

In the truck with Zach.

Dump!

My brother, Reuben came out on Saturday evening with my nephews, and got right to work. I think they had a good time working on the pile. Wesley even got a lesson in the dump truck!

Unfortunately, not all the corn is ready to chop. Ryan is going to cover it up, and wait until more corn is ready. Uncover, hopefully finish it off, and cover again. Ugh. As much fun as he thinks it is, He does kind of like to get it done!

Square Hamburgers

2011-09-04T17:36:00.000-04:00

Square Hamburgers

Ingredients:

Burgers:

2 pounds ground beef

2/3 cup fine bread crumbs

2/3 cup milk

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/3 cup chopped onion

Sauce:

1/4 cup onion

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 cup catsup

1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions:

Stir sauce ingredients together, set aside. Mix burger ingredients together; spread in a 11"x17" inch jelly roll pan. Top with sauce. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, cut into squares and serve on your favorite buns.

*This is my Aunt Pam's recipe - she submitted it to a church cookbook that I use all the time

*This is my go-to recipe for a hot "field" sandwich

*I never use the bread crumbs. Never remember to buy them. I use bread on hand, or even oatmeal!

*Keep in mind that the meat will "shrink up", depending on how lean your hamburger is.

* Take a napkin. They're juicy!

2 1/2.

2011-09-03T23:10:00.000-04:00

And because he's 2 1/2, I'll be checking the oven before I pre-heat from now on.

Flash Diffuser

2011-09-02T23:42:00.001-04:00

My new camera trick!

On of my favorite blogs: Grosgrain posted the best camera tip! (a long time ago, I'm just now getting around to posting my pictures!)

Amazing huh?
I have used it many times when I'm trying to photograph the kids in the house- gets rid of those crazy eyes and harsh lighting.

Click on the Grosgrain link above for the details.

Window On My World

2011-09-01T22:49:00.000-04:00

Sunrise

September 1, 2011

Really?

2011-08-31T23:09:00.001-04:00

"Deb Drinkwine"

That's your name?

Wow.

Rates right up there with "Divine" and "Stellar".

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-30T23:27:00.000-04:00

I wanted to make sure that I "documented" the first day of school here, so I thought I should get busy and check our the photos I took. I forgot to take a group shot on the first day, so this is the second morning.

So funny!

Elizabeth and William are over the excitement of a new year, and Isabelle is delighted!

Elizabeth 6th grade, William 4th, Isabelle Kindergarten.

Elizabeth and one of her two classmates- loaded with supplies.

And look! They match!

William, the social butterfly that he is, was so happy to see his friends again.

Lining up!

I think she was a little nervous!

I was.

Settling in at the "red" table with her new classmates, "Cree" and "Sebastian".

Jackson and I headed home without shedding a single tear...

And enjoyed the quiet!

My Funny Monday Story

2011-08-29T23:58:00.000-04:00

Overheard from the living room: (I was in the kitchen)

Jackson: "Isshabell, Isshabell, ISSHABELL, What you have? What you have Isshabell?"

Isabelle: "None of your beeswax."

Jackson running into the kitchen: "Mom, Mom, MOM! I whan some beeswhax!"

The Low down

2011-08-25T22:58:00.000-04:00

Like I mentioned in yesterday's post, life is busy. I feel silly even saying as much- isn't everyone busy? If everyone is busy, then isn't that just life? Ugh.

One of the things I've found out about myself in the last 36 years, when my mind is overcrowded it helps to get it out. Usually in list form!

A summary of the last three weeks in list form. Kind of. Not in chronological order.

I took 5 kids back to school shopping. Jackson's attention span was over about 4 hours in, and my patients left just about 30 minutes after that. With a good hour to go. By the time we left Target, I'm sure several employees had DCS on the line.

The kids went back to school! YAY! I now have to get up early. BOO.

In all honesty, I could have them around a little longer. Our summer went by way to fast. I've vowed to better planning next year.

The crazy busy life we had in June, July and August? The very same life that neglected the laundry, forgot house cleaning and fed it's family hot dogs and pizza. Yeah. That caught up with me. Which led to this:

I had a mini meltdown of sorts. Which led to this:

HUGE disagreement with my husband. HUGE.

I found that when I have a cup of coffee at two in the afternoon, it will keep me up until 3am. I was very productive until three, but up all the same.

When I stay up until 3am, I crash at 4pm for at least an hour. Taking a nap that late in the day keeps me up until 2am. It's a vicious cycle folks.

All that staying up late being productive organized me a wee bit, and brought to my attention that I was supposed to be planning the biggest fundraiser our school has. I'm a little behind the 8 ball on that one.

Since I realized I was a little behind in my planning, I've been going a hundred miles an hour since trying to get everything together. Thank God for pinterest.

If Elizabeth's goat eats my plants ONE MORE TIME, I will load it in the trailer and take it to the sale barn myself.

I froze about fifty quarts of sweet corn. So happy to have that in the freezer. Now to get some green beans and tomatoes...

I've done a lot of yard sale and thrift store shopping this summer. I cannot wait to show you all my great finds.

I'm so ready to decorate this house, I've been spending all my "free time" looking at design blogs and pinterest. I've been collecting things and I am excited to get some of them together. I'll show you that too!

I also realized about the first of August I did not have a sitter for Jackson this fall. My friend Rita stepped up and said she could help me out this winter. Thank Heavens for Facebook.

Ryan and I had a really, really good time at the Journey, Foreigner and Night Ranger concert. We have another date night planned for tomorrow night too.

Elizabeth started fall soccer. At least three practices a week. William and Isabelle will start after Labor Day. Our color coded family calendar is really coming in handy. I'm not so sure it has enough room though.

Our long time babysitter, Jaima is getting married in November. She asked all four of the kids to be in her wedding. They all are so, so excited. I'm sad that she's moving to Pennsylvania.

Tuesday, while removing the lead rope (noose) from the basement rafters, I fell. It totally shook me up. Made me sick to my stomach and all shaky. No real injuries. Seriously bruised my butt though.

I'm going to be an Aunt again September 12th! And again the end of January. One of my favorite cousins is also having a baby the end of December. And another one of my favorite cousins just got engaged! Yes, I do have 20 favorite cousins.

hmm. I think that's all.

I have to go work on fundraiser stuff anyway.

FABULOUS

Skillet Dinner

Love & Respect

It's Official!

Window on my World

One for One- Win - Win

Bedtime Conversations

Edyth Jean

Taekwondo

Beauty and the Beast

Contraband

Lucky

A Long Over-due Weekend Away

*phew*

Apple Bourbon French Toast

ugh.

At The Drive-In

Word Fun!

The Parties Are Over...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011

Winner #5!!

Miners Light

Winner #4!

A New Addition!

Winner #3!

New Calves

Winner #2!

His "3" Birthday!

Winner #1!

And a wonderful time was had by all...

Merry Christmas!

Favorite Things.. Day 5!

Favorite Things... Day 4

Favorite Things... Day 3!

Favorite Things- Day Two!

Favorite Things Day One!

Avocado*Corn*Black Bean Salsa

Decorating the Christmas Tree

And This,

Happy Birthday!

Movember

Hot Pink Baby

Potty Train

He's Getting Bigger...

Sixty Four Years

Thanksgiving

Stuffed Mushrooms

Wedding

First Snow!

Instant Refrigerator Mashed Potatoes

Field Trip

Cream Pie

Double Digits

His Biggest Fan

Money motivates the people around here...

My Fall Front Porch

WINNER!

Ranch Snacks

Ugh

How Fun Is This??!

Side Table Up-cycle

Happy, Happy Monday!!

Farming "Date"

Homemade Donuts

Hidden Talents

Pink

I Caught The Kitchen On Fire.

AFFD Fall 2011 part 4

AFFD Fall 2011 part 3

AFFD Fall 2011 part 2

Angle Family Fun Day Fall 2011

Slowly,

Soccer...

Ball & Auction

Where In The World?

I'd like more snert too!

10..9..8..

ARGH!

Not What I Thought...

phew

AvocadoCornBlack Bean Salsa