What color is your brain???
Tuesday, March 13th, 2007| Your Brain is Yellow |
 You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about science, architecture, and communication. |
Archive for March, 2007
Menu Plan Monday
Monday, March 12th, 2007
I followed my menu pretty well last week, the only thing I didn’t get to was San Fransisco pork because I was watching for rump roast to be on sale to try the ‘to die for’ pot roast I listed on slow cooker Thursday and I found it for $2.59/lb…so I cooked two in the crockpot. It was really good! Definitely a keeper. I’m using some recipes from my fellow bloggers again this week, it is so much fun to try these new recipes. I tried this empanada recipe Saturday night because I was in a hurry and remembered seeing and bookmarking it. Wow, it was so good and fast too. I didn’t have the processed cheese for the cheese sauce it said to make, so I just added cheddar, american, cream and salsa. I would make this cheese sauce again for chips too, soooo good! That will become a quick fix around here I’m sure.
I worked on Izzy’s blog yesterday, worked on the template etc. I downloaded a program to use and messed with the html code more than usual. It was fun, I am not going to tackle mine for a few days… I can’t wait until it’s my turn with Susie (bluebird blogs)… there is a waiting list right now that is pretty long.
Monday:
broccoli
garlic bread
Tuesday: “Emelia’s 9th Birthday”
corn on the cob
rolls
birthday cake!
Wednesday:
burgers & chips!
Thursday:
rice
green beans
Friday:
broccoli
spanish rice
If you haven’t already, please read Izzy’s near drowning story and sign up to be in the drawing for the DVD to teach your baby/child to swim…
Have a great week and head over to Organizing Junkie to sign up &
participate!
Weekend Reflection #5
Saturday, March 10th, 2007
These weekend reflections are coming closer and closer together…
- I enjoyed visiting cornerstone church this week and was blessed by the service, singing, and communion.
- Izzy got fitted for her new stroller chair, it will be rasberry and a mountee. It may take a couple of months to get it, but we are on the right track!
- Izzy did great at school this week, you can read about her vision therapy with Niecie here.
- Izzy also had a great day with Camilla her physical therapist in the walkable.
- I finally took Amanda to get her passport!
- We are all blessed with great health!
- I posted a contest on this blog and took time to write out the details of Isabelle’s accident. I am glad to have this forum to share the dangers of near drowning and drowning accidents.
- I made the to die for pot roast, it was so good! You should try it. (I put two in my big crockpot so there is a lot left, yea!)
You can go to Judi’s blog Mommy of Two to see more weekend reflections & sign up to partcipate!
Blessings~
Annie
Check out my Slide Show!
Saturday, March 10th, 2007
FIF~St. Patrick’s Day Edition
Friday, March 9th, 2007
Today is favorite ingredient Friday ~ St. Patrick’s Day edition, which means either a green food recipe or an irish recipe…
My maiden name was Bailey. I really liked having Bailey as my last name. It was easier to spell than my married name, and no one asked me to spell it repeatedly… I liked that name so much that I named my son Bailey, John Bailey… Anyway, my dad and many of his sisters look Irish, with red hair etc.
Today was a busy day and I am trying to keep my eyes opened long enough to get this typed out. After taking Izzy to school this morning, I took Amanda to get her passport. It took forever! She is going to Canada this Summer with our church to do mission work in Montreal. They are also going to stop off at Niagara Falls. Needless to say she is very excited… It is pretty much all she is focused on right now. Hopefully her passport will come within the 10 weeks estimated. (Her trip is in 13 weeks). Izzy had a good day at school. She worked in the walkable with her pt Camilla and did a really good job concentrating on moving her little legs. Later today Jon from the dme co. came to measure for her new stroller chair. We are getting a raspberry colored stroller. I am excited mainly because her current stroller chair is so incredibly heavy that lifting it in and out of my car every day is quite a job! I’m not complaining, I am blessed to have such strong arms. But it will be great to have a lighter ‘new’ stroller. Tonight we did her program and again she did great! Lots of smiles! She also did really good at the assisted crawl. Emelia has become my #1 helper on this part of therapy! She is always cheerful and ready to help.
My maiden name was Bailey. I really liked having Bailey as my last name. It was easier to spell than my married name, and no one asked me to spell it repeatedly… I liked that name so much that I named my son Bailey, John Bailey… Anyway, my dad and many of his sisters look Irish, with red hair etc.
Today was a busy day and I am trying to keep my eyes opened long enough to get this typed out. After taking Izzy to school this morning, I took Amanda to get her passport. It took forever! She is going to Canada this Summer with our church to do mission work in Montreal. They are also going to stop off at Niagara Falls. Needless to say she is very excited… It is pretty much all she is focused on right now. Hopefully her passport will come within the 10 weeks estimated. (Her trip is in 13 weeks). Izzy had a good day at school. She worked in the walkable with her pt Camilla and did a really good job concentrating on moving her little legs. Later today Jon from the dme co. came to measure for her new stroller chair. We are getting a raspberry colored stroller. I am excited mainly because her current stroller chair is so incredibly heavy that lifting it in and out of my car every day is quite a job! I’m not complaining, I am blessed to have such strong arms. But it will be great to have a lighter ‘new’ stroller. Tonight we did her program and again she did great! Lots of smiles! She also did really good at the assisted crawl. Emelia has become my #1 helper on this part of therapy! She is always cheerful and ready to help.
Okay, on to the recipe…
green key lime pie.
1-1/4 cups crushed pretzels
1/4 cup sugar
6 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lime juice
1 env. KOOL-AID Lemon Lime Unsweetened Soft Drink Mix
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
MIX crushed pretzels, sugar and butter. Press firmly onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate until ready to fill.
COMBINE condensed milk, lime juice and drink mix in large bowl until well blended. Remove 1/2 cup whipped topping; set aside. Gently stir in remaining 2-1/2 cups whipped topping. Pour into crust.
FREEZE 6 hours or overnight. Let stand at room temperature 15 min. or until pie can be cut easily. Garnish with reserved whipped topping before serving. Store leftover pie in freezer.
Have a great Friday! You can sign up to participate in FIF over at Overwhelmed with Joy!
1-1/4 cups crushed pretzels
1/4 cup sugar
6 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lime juice
1 env. KOOL-AID Lemon Lime Unsweetened Soft Drink Mix
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
MIX crushed pretzels, sugar and butter. Press firmly onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate until ready to fill.
COMBINE condensed milk, lime juice and drink mix in large bowl until well blended. Remove 1/2 cup whipped topping; set aside. Gently stir in remaining 2-1/2 cups whipped topping. Pour into crust.
FREEZE 6 hours or overnight. Let stand at room temperature 15 min. or until pie can be cut easily. Garnish with reserved whipped topping before serving. Store leftover pie in freezer.
Have a great Friday! You can sign up to participate in FIF over at Overwhelmed with Joy!
Friday’s Feast ~134~
Friday, March 9th, 2007
Appetizer
What is your usual bedtime? Do you like that, or would you rather it be different?
I usually head to bed before 10 p.m. I put Izzy down after therapy in the evening and then blog a bit, clean the kitchen, make coffee for the morning, lay out clothes… and go to bed asap!!! I love sleep! I would like to sleep more, I would love to stay in bed all day or all weekend! I daydream about sleeping.
Soup
When it comes to advice, do you give more or receive more?
I tend to give more advice than I receive. Anyone who knows me well also knows I am probably too willing to give my input on any situation. I do always have the best intentions and hopefully help…
Salad
Describe a memorable meal you’ve had.
The first thing that comes to mind was communion last night. I went to a different church and the communion meal was very meaningful and memorable.
If I were to think of a memorable meal otherwise it would probably be when I was dating Matt and I fixed him dinner at his apartment… the light fixture fell in the middle of the table… that’s a memory 
or any of many delicious meals at mom’s house/table… she’s a great cook.
or any of many delicious meals at mom’s house/table… she’s a great cook.Main Course
Name a work of fiction that affected the way you think about something.
The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers. I loved the way the historical biblical fiction made the characters in the bible come alive. I really like all the books by this author and feel that they changed the way I think…
Dessert
What is your favorite type of fruit juice?
I would have to say NONE! I hate hate hate fruit and juice… I guess if koolaid counts or sprite maybe? Otherwise I do not drink fruit juice. (except for communion & that’s different).
Join in on this fun meme by going over to Friday’s Feast!
Slow Cooker Thursday~ To Die for Pot Roast & Pinto beans with ham
Thursday, March 8th, 2007
I feel like the poster girl for the crock pot… It seems like that is all I am talking about lately, but it is great, right? RIGHT!I love that Sandra is hosting the slow cooker Thursday and have been really enjoying reading and trying new recipes when I thought I had tried them all.
Last week I posted a recipe I had not yet tried and one that I make a lot… so I thought I would do the same this time. This first recipe I found on a food website and all the reviews rave about how wonderful it is. I have not made it yet because I haven’t found a good rump roast on sale yet, and I usually buy a couple when they look good & are a good price. Hopefully I will find one this weekend and can add this to my Menu next Monday!
To Die For Pot Roast
1 beef roast, any cut, to fit size of crock pot
1 Pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix
1 pkg. brown gravy mix
1 pkg. Italian Dressing mix
1/2 C. water
Combine mixes well and sprinkle over roast in pot. Pour water into bottom of pot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
Now for a tried & true crock pot recipe… by the way… I mentioned in my yesterdays WFMW post I got a new crockpot! yeah.
Pinto Beans & Ham
2 lbs. beans rinsed and drained well
water to cover beans plus a few inches over…
small boneless ham cut into chunks
1 onion, quartered
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. sugar (my secret ingredient )
)salt & pepper to your taste
I put this in and let it cook on low all night (make sure there is enough water) and then add the ham in the morning and continue to let it cook on low until time to eat. YUM… great with cornbread & fried potatoes.
Head on over to Sandra’s and post your favorite slow cooker recipe!
Works for me Wednesday!
Wednesday, March 7th, 2007
When I think about what really works for me… there are many things that I come to mind. I love a short cut and because this is such a busy time in my life, I rely on them!
I have to say though the best thing for time saving convenience is my crock pot! I even replaced my old one that was working fine but had lost one handle and it really bugged me
To put frozen, canned, fresh, whatever in this thing and turn it on late morning… and voila dinner is served is remarkable to me every time! I haven’t had many failures in the crockpot. I made oatmeal overnight once that was truly inedible. Otherwise I am always pretty pleased
with the contents after several hours of slow cooking.
with the contents after several hours of slow cooking.
Sandra hosts Slow Cooker Thursdays and there are so many new and delicious recipes to try. I have tried a couple of new ones this week and am amazed at how good they are.
Here’s a recipe I like to make “taco chicken“…
Another good one “garlic chicken spaghetti“…
I also made this recipe in the crockpot this week “Golden Artichoke Bake” and reviewed it here.
Okay, now head over to Rocks In My Dryer for more Works for me Wednesday participants & to join in!!!
It’s Tuesday!
Tuesday, March 6th, 2007
Well, today… March 6, 2007 is my parent’s 48th Wedding Anniversary. They are still in love and have always been a great example to me of a loving, lasting marriage. While growing up, they always put God first and then each other second… us kids were third . It was done just the right way and I feel so blessed to have them as parents and examples.
I got them a really weird gift … I went with the intention of a nice picture or meaningful something??? I looked a a picture 
that spoke of family and faith… Then a beautiful frame that had the words on it… family … faith etc. But when I saw this Dirt Devil Kone I knew it was the perfect gift for them. I know, I said it was weird but you have to understand my parents especially my mother are clean freaks… she irons her sheets… need I say more? They did love this (or mom did anyway). I gave them the gift receipt and told them I promise it would not hurt my feeling to exchange or return it… but I think they will keep it and seem to like it. Now, I want one too! That thing is awesome.
Izzy had a good day at school today… I’m heading over to her blog next to give those details!
She continues to give us ‘proof’ that we have been underestimating her. I am so excited about her!
I made the chicken artichoke bake listed for Monday night last night. But I put it all in the crockpot earlier in the day because I knew I would be running around later on. I could not find green fire roasted salsa anywhere. I found it online, but shipping is $8 and I can’t pay 14 total for a little jar of salsa, hello! I substituted regular salsa. I used frozen chicken breasts. I decided at the last minute to whip up some mashed potatoes because it had a lot of nice looking ‘gravy.’ I made rolls and followed a fellow blogger’s instructions to fry them (used canola oil, she calls them doo-doo bread 
) I made up a few shaped like donuts and sprinkled with powdered sugar. I also had corn on the cob. This recipe was really really good. The flavor was delicious and was perfect with mashed potatoes. I think the only thing I will do differently is either put the artichoke hearts in later in the day because they were a little too soft for my taste, or omit them.
I have a ton of things to do in the next hour or so (until time to get Amanda from school, be home for Emelia’s bus, take Emelia to tumbling, pick Bailey up from track, and then get supper on the table while starting Izzy’s program! My goal is to get Izzy’s armoire cleaned out and organized in the next hour It is overflowing with outgrown clothes!
Have a blessed Tuesday!
Annie
~Menu Plan Monday~
Monday, March 5th, 2007
I think this is the 6th week I am doing the menu plan Monday, hosted by Organizing Junkie. The best thing about this meme and the slow cooker Thursday meme is the enormous amount of recipes I am accumulating. It is so exciting (I guess I need to get a life ) . I am going to try a few new recipes this week and am listing them. I am hoping that I can reference where I found them, thank you to everyone in advance… I did make a couple of good things this weekend. I tried Sandra‘s breakfast crock pot casserole. It was great to wake up Saturday morning to breakfast ready! I also made a chocolate chip bundt cake from In the Kitchen. It really reminded me of those big chocolate chip muffins that are so good. This cake was gone in a day!
I like all the organization tips too, and have organized my car… laundry area (sorted a zillion socks)… junk drawer… freezer…
Here’s my menu for the week…
Monday: Golden Artichoke Bake, corn on the cob, rolls
Tuesday: Sesame Chicken, rice, broccoli
Wednesday: Make ahead spinach manicotti, green beans with new potatoes, garlic toast
Thursday: Curry Chicken, corn, rice
Friday: Sloppy Joe’s, tater tots…
Saturday: Chinese take out!!! (it’s tradition )
Sunday: San Fransisco Pork served over cooked rice, green beans with new potatoes
I’m not sure at this point how much these recipes make or how much will be leftover. If there is a lot they may cover two meals. If so some of these menu items may be seen again next week!
Hope your week is full of great, healthy meals & overflowing with blessings~
Annie