We celebrated Amanda’s boyfriend Lorenzo’s birthday today after church.  Amanda went to GREAT lengths to make it special.  She had mom (nini) help her make a special heart shaped layered chocolate cake with cherries on top and puffs of whipped cream… she wanted to make roast because it is one of his favorites and so we put it in Saturday night and let two good sized roasts cook all night with onion soup mix and golden mushroom soup and she got up way early Sunday morning to add a bunch of potatoes and carrots.   We had salad with yummy croutons and she dipped a bunch of strawberries in chocolate.  After church mom and dad came over to eat lunch and mom brought a cheesecake because she knew I wouldn’t eat the chocolate cake covered with cherries.  It was a delicious lunch and I think Lorenzo had a wonderful birthday party.  He seemed very happy.  After we all cleaned the kitchen it was nap time!  What a wonderful long nap!  I went back to church with sleepy eyes.

We had a bake sale at church this morning.  I took cookies.  I bought a bunch of peanut brittle for dad (and mom) because he loves it and Sue (lady at church) makes it really well.  There were lots of really good things!

I know what I’m having for lunch tomorrow! A roast beef sandwich!

A menu?  not so much!

I may make a big batch of chili tomorrow… I’ll have fritos for frito chili pie.

Tuesday we’ll have hot dogs.  and chili.

Wednesday … maybe this chicken and black bean soup recipe I just found!

Thursday is turkey day! That’s a no brainer.

Friday will be turkey!

Saturday turkey.

Sunday probably turkey tettrazini or something like that.

 Bailey and I went to see Twilight Saturday evening!  It wasn’t quite as good as the book, but we both really enjoyed the movie!

 Saw this on Yvonne’s blog and thought it looked interesting~

The things I have done are in italics and highlighted:

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyworld
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (does a goat count?)
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Visited to Mt. Rushmore
101.  Learned to play a musical instrument

 Monday… stew with cornbread

Tuesday… hopefully leftover stew for matt and kids… I’ll be at FLO! I have to take a dessert… maybe these:

 

FESTIVE CARAMEL BARS
32-36 Individually wrapped caramels
2/3 C. Evaporated milk
1 C. Flour
1 C. Oats
1 C. Nuts (I used chopped pecans)
1/2 C. Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 C. Melted Butter
1.5 C. M&Ms

1. Combine unwrapped caramels and milk in heavy saucepan.

Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until caramels are melted.

2. Combine flour, oats, nuts, brown sugar, soda and salt in a bowl;

add melted butter, mixing until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Reserve 1 C. of mixture and press remaining mixture into bottom of

a greased 9X13. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

3. Sprinkle 1 C. M&M’s on partially baked crust. Pour caramel mixture

over M&Ms. Sprinkle reserved crumb mix and remaining 1/2 C. M&Ms

on top. Continue baking for 20-25 minutes.

4. Cool slightly and chill for 30 minutes. Cut into bars.

Wednesday… tuna on wheat toast (matt’s request)

Thursday… Baked chicken and dressing… baked pot. … carrots

Friday… taco soup

Busy weekend!  Friday night was trunks of fun at church… and then Saturday I had a surprise visitor!  Julie stopped by to bring my Christmas present from last year!  We chatted for a while and then I took Emelia to see a movie.  She doesn’t enjoy reading.  Matt and I both love to read.  So… I told her if she read “secret life of bees,” I would take her to the movie.  She finished it in time to log in her 300 pages for the month at school and in time to see the movie.  It was pretty good, but she noticed every word that wasn’t exactly like the book.  So then last night I turned in to mean mom and made the kids all clean so we could get the house nice and clean quickly.  They’ll get over it. I was thrilled to set my clock back and get an extra hour of sleep.

We got up early and enjoyed extra time before church.  Well… we enjoyed it too much and were late for class thinking we had so much time!  Maybe I should check out the new Oceanus watches. After church we went with the youth group to eat pizza.  It was so crowded!  We usually eat at home Sundays!  Now I remember why.  But it was fun and yummy too.  We came home and had a nice short nap and then I made a double batch of corn casserole for our thanksgiving meal at church tonight.  I heart corn casserole.  It was all eaten.  I made a separate batch and took it to my SIL Terri.  It’s one of her favorites.  That and spinach dip.  It was fun having turkey, dressing, and mashed potatoes for dinner even though I was still stuffed from lunch.

Matt is off one day this week and has requested that I made a turkey.  He loves turkey and leftover turkey.  I forgot to buy one so I hope I can get one and get it thawed out in one day.  Yikes.

Tomorrow I’m planning to make tacos and serve them with veggies.

Tuesday I’ll cook a turkey with all the extra stuff…

Wednesday will be leftovers.

Thursday I want to try this soup recipe from another annie blogger I found  …

ELTON JOHN SOUP

1 medium onion, chopped
1 TBS. garlic, chopped
4-6 oz. Black Forest (or other deli) ham, chopped (about 1/3 pound)
2 TBS. flour
1 can Rotel tomatoes (original or mild) [I use mild because I am a wimp.]
2 cans black-eyed peas (Bush’s)
1 can chicken broth

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil.  Stir in flour when sautéed.  Coat onion and garlic with the flour.
Add Rotel tomatoes and about ½ can of chicken broth.
Add ham.  Stir and reduce heat.
Process one can of peas in blender or food processor until creamy.  Add to mixture.
Add remaining can of whole peas.
Stir and simmer about 20 minutes.  Add remaining chicken broth as needed for desired soup thickness.
Serve over a scoop of cooked rice.  Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions.  Serve with corn bread.

Friday we’ll have pizza.

These cupcakes look so good! I want to make them this week…  Do you think this would qualify as a healthy meal for the family?  Maybe cupcakes and broccoli?

 

 

 

 

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
•  
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, 2 cups sugar, cocoa, 1 teaspoon salt and baking soda. Stir in oil, water, vinegar and vanilla until blended. Pour mixture into prepared muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full.
3. To make the filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, egg, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt until light and fluffy. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop a heaping teaspoonful of the cream cheese mixture into each cupcake. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Allow to cool.  Maybe after this I’ll need some wieght loss pills.
   

Monday I plan to make Jambalaya… to use up some of those green peppers and tomatoes.

Tuesday chicken spaghetti in the crockpot

Wednesday … gourmet chicken sandwiches

Thursday this:

 Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 Tbsp Butter
1 Yellow onion chopped finely
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 small can green chilies
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can black beans, drained
1 cup frozen corn kernels
5 cups chicken stock
2 cups shredded chicken
2 Tbs. Taco seasoning
salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:
sour cream
shredded jack and or mild cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips

Saute onions and garlic in butter in a large pot over medium heat until onions are translucent. Add chilies, tomatoes, beans, corn, chicken stock, chicken, and taco seasoning. Stir through on high heat until soup boils. Reduce to low. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer one hour.Serve with sour cream, a handful of cheese, and place broken pieces of tortilla strips on top.

Makes eight servings

Friday… is trunk or treat so we’ll either get quick braums burgers or I’ll make some grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup before we leave…

monday… jambalaya & garlic bread

tuesday… oven fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans

 CRUNCHY ONION CHICKEN

1 1/3 cups French’s Original or Cheddar French Fried Onions
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Place French Fried Onions into plastic bag. Lightly crush with hands or with rolling pin.

Dip chicken into egg; then coat with onion crumbs, pressing firmly to adhere. Place chicken on baking sheet. Sprinkle with additional crumbs, if desired.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes or until no longer pink in center.

wednesday… bacon eggs & rice (amanda’s request)

thursday… grilled steak & baked potatoes

friday… pizza carry out!

(here’s some info from my friend betty!)

Free Seasoning from Country Bob’s!

Here is a link for a free bottle of seasoning.

http://countrybobs.com/pages/signup.asp

Also, you will see a lot of great recipes to try.

Here is a simple recipe that looked good.

Country Bob’s Meatloaf
1 1/2 lbs lean hamburger
1/4 cup chopped onions
12 crushed saltine crackers
2 eggs, beaten
1 Tbsp Country Bob’s Seasoning Salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3/4 cup Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce (or may substitute Spicy Hot)
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup flour

Mix all ingredients together, place in baking dish, shape in loaf,

pour a little more Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce on top and

bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

More recipes like this can be found at www.countrybobs.com

I cooked some stuff this morning… so I’m all ready for the week.  (almost)

Monday… jambalaya and garlic bread

Tuesday… barb’s pasta (already made) while I head off to FLO!

Wednesday… leftovers (I hope!)

Thursday… (Matt told me his favorite thing is tuna salad sandwiches… easy enough) Tuna Salad Sandwiches with chips and pickle

Friday… pizza!

I’m trying some new recipes this week… and some not so new too!

Today I made this soup…

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 Tbsp Butter
1 Yellow onion chopped finely
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 small can green chilies
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can black beans, drained
1 cup frozen corn kernels
5 cups chicken stock
2 cups shredded chicken
2 Tbs. Taco seasoning
salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:
sour cream
shredded jack and or mild cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips

Saute onions and garlic in butter in a large pot over medium heat until onions are translucent. Add chilies, tomatoes, beans, corn, chicken stock, chicken, and taco seasoning. Stir through on high heat until soup boils. Reduce to low. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer one hour.Serve with sour cream, a handful of cheese, and place broken pieces of tortilla strips on top.

It was yummy and really easy!

Tomorrow I’m making this mexican lasagna.  It makes a lot!  So there will be an extra one or two to put in the freezer.

Chances are there will be enough left over to have for a fast dinner before church Wednesday night…

and then Thursday I’m making this quick and easy soup:

Black bean soup

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups fresh salsa
2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 16-ounce can refried black beans
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)

Heat the oil in a saucepan or large pot over medium heat. Add the salsa and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes. Add the refried beans, black beans, and broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls. Top with some of the remaining salsa and the sour cream and cilantro (if using).

I’ll serve it with avocado slices…O

On Friday I’m making Barb’s pasta with spinach and chicken.  It’s yummy and I forget about it (Camilla mentioned it the other day and I’ve been thinking it sounds good!)

8 ounces uncooked rigatoni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 10-ounce package frozen, chopped spinach, thawed
3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1 14.5-ounce can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 8-ounce container chive and onion cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375*

Prepare rigatoni according to package directions.

Meanwhile, spread oil on bottom of an 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Add onions in a single layer. Bake at 375* for 15 minutes or just until tender. Transfer onion to a large bowl and set aside.

Drain chopped spinach well, pressing between paper towels.

Stir rigatoni, spinach, chicken, diced tomatoes, cream cheese, salt and pepper into onions. Spoon mixture into baking dish and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake, covered, at 375* for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more or until bubbly. Serves 4 to 6. Serve with tossed green salad and garlic bread.

So, that does it!  Visit Org. Junkie to link your menu!

• monday … jambalaya & garlic bread
• tuesday … french dip sandwiches & chips
• wednesday… spaghetti (mom’s request)
• thursday … roasted chicken with veggies
• friday … pizza!

Happy Monday!

I took Izzy to a new orthotist this morning in Norman.  He was recommended to me by Camilla (hi Camilla!).  He was very nice and I feel good about the course of action we have.  He seemed to know a lot more about pediatric orthosis than the last orthotist we visited and like everything else I felt like we were meant to be there.  I wonder why I’m always surprised when things work out in such a cool way?  You would think as many times as God has worked things out I would know not to be surprised?  I guess that’s human nature.  I’ll explain our plans later when I have more time to type.  I have to run to the store and get dinner started asap!  I also need to do a post for orovo detox reviews.

Amanda was a helper today and took Bailey to the orthodontist.  It’s tough having a child become an almost-adult and be a licensed driver, but it sure is nice when they can help out when you have appointments at the same time.  The bonus was I didn’t even ask her.  She just volunteered before I could try to reschedule one or the other.  I appreciate her taking Bailey!

Okay… remind me to tell you later about the orthotist plans and about the video Melanie showed me of Izzy with the crayons.  Very cute!  Me & Izzy are really blessed to have Melanie & Camilla around!  They’re the bestest!

One of my family favorite recipes is chicken spaghetti… You can see the recipe HERE!

I just did a whole long post with recipes etc. and hit publish and it went away! UGH!

I don’t really have time to redo it all…

So…

Monday … jambalaya (this turned out so good!!!) I’ll post the recipe soon!

Tuesday… spaghetti

Wednesday… cabbage and meatballs

Thursday… tuna on toast with chips

Friday … carryout!

Julie posted a cookie recipe yesterday.  I love good cookie recipes!

Monday… taco chicken quiche, salad

Tuesday… black beans with rice & salsa

Wednesday… sloppy joes

Thursday… spaghetti, garlic bread, salad

Friday… carryout pizza or something!