Just like Jerry's French Dressing

We had this at a RS event and it is great! My mil used to work at the old Jerry's restaurants and she says it really taste like that dressing.

Just Like Jerry's French Dressing
1/2 cup oil
1/3 cup vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp salt
1 small grated onion (optional)

Combine vinegar, sugar, salt and paprika. Mix well. Add oil whisking until well combined. Add onion. Refrigerate. This dressing is best made ahead of time so the flavors can combine. I recommend the onion it adds a great flavor. Make sure to shake well before using.

Peep Bars

I thought this was just so cute! I found these Peeps Bars over at The Pumpkin Patch and she found them at Jennifer's Creative Corner. I am going to have to make some!!!!!

Here is the "recipe":

In the jar: 1 sleeve of graham crackers, crushed 8 peeps 1/3 C. brown sugar (pressed into the center of the peeps) 1 1/2 cup Easter M&M's

Peep Bars: Empty contents of the jar into a bowl Snip the bunnies into bits with kitchen shears or cut up with a knife. Return the bunny bits to the mixture and mix well. Add 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 tsp. vanilla and mix well. Pat into a greased 8x8 baking dish. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.Option: leave the bunnies whole; combine remaining ingredients and place the bunnies on top. Bake as directed.

And this recipe was also with them:

Peep Ice Cream Topping

Same as above, but omit the vanilla.Pat into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350 just until peeps melt. Cool. Break up with a knife. Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream.

Don't those sound great!

Menu Plan Monday or Tuesday March 26

So, okay I am late and did not post last week. We have been passing a stomach bug around in our house and dh had strep and was in the hospital so I really did not get to try a lot of the recipes I wanted to. I did have the Hawaiian Chicken and I would highly recommend that recipe. You do have to really like pineapples to like it. Dh is not big on pineapples so I used tidbits instead of the crushed and he picked it out. He said the chicken was really good though and he would eat it again.Anyways, here is my menu.

Monday- Chicken Noodle Soup and Sandwiches (I was sick)

Tuesday- Chicken Salad Sandwiches (we are still eating light)

Wednesday- Ritz Chicken, mashed potaotes, green beans

Thursday- Homemade Pizza Night

Friday- Chicken Manacotti, salad

Saturday- Spaghetti, Salad

Sunday- Chicken Cordon Bleu( I got these frozen from Walmart, so easy!), green beans, baked potaoes

Moms can't get sick?!?

Well, yesterday I woke up with my stomach hurting. We have been passing a bug around for about two weeks now. This is the second time I got it. ARGH! I so hate being sick. The last time I went to the doctor I was sick and they gave me some finagrine. I took some and went to bed. Dh took care of everything last night. He even got up with the baby (He never does that). But this morning, he went to school and said, all you have to do is take care of the kids and wash some bottles I will be home at 3. So, okay that does not sound really bad, right. Well, dh and 7 yr old ds went to school, and I went to get the twins up and fed. Nathan had diarrehaed in his diaper and it was all over the blankets and both beds and all over him. Now, you try and clean all of that up with a sick stomach, so much for only watching kids and washing bottles. I guess Nathan is getting it again too. If dh was sick he would just get to stay in the bed! I guess that is what makes it hard on SAHM's. We have to be at work no matter what, well most of the time. I am feeling a little better, but my head hurts so bad and I can not keep anything down right now even meds. Well, kids are playing now and baby is asleep and I am going to try to "rest" on the couch. Hope everyone has a good day.

Spring Reading Thing

Katrina at Callapidder Days is hosting a Blog Carnaival (Spring Reading Thing) to spread the love of books. You can enter at anytime. Go there to read the rules. All you have to do is make a list of the books you plan to read this spring (March 21- June 21) and list them on your blog. I am joining too late for the gift certificate she is giving out, but she will also give out books, some donated by a company, if you write a book review on the books as you finish them you will qualify for those. I know lots of you all do this already, why not try to get some new books while doing this. So go over to Callapidder Days and check it out and you can also see what everyone else is reading. Here is my list. I reserve the right to add to it.

My Reading Challenge List

1. Key Lime Pie- Joanne Fluke- Finished April 16th

2. The Hope Chest-Wanda Brunstetter

3. Shoes to Die For- Laura Levine- Finished April 22

4. A Merry Heart- Wanda Brunstetter-On hold at the library:(

5. Anne of Green Gables- L.M. Montgomery-I have always wanted to read this!-Finished April 10th

6. Anne of Avonlea- L.M. Montgomery

Smart Habit Saturday

Well, I missed last week. Dh had been in the hospital with strep and we all keep passing this stomach bug around. Here is what I am working on:

Habit 1: Making bed everday- I have done really well, this is almost a habit.
Habit 2: Toy pickup- This has really become a habit in my house. The twins do this before going to bed. I also moved all of there toys in their room and it has helped me keep my living room clean too.
Habit 3: Prepare for church on Saturday night- I was ready but several of us woke up sick so we did not get to go.
Habit 4: Study for Sunday School lesson 15 minutes everyday- I still need to work on this some more. I missed a couple of days this week too .

Habit 5: Family Prayer twice a day- We did pretty good but still need to work on this!

My habit I am going to add is to get a routine for my kids to brush their teeth. I am making charts this week to help my 7 year old and my two year old twins. They will get stars when they brush their teeth each day.

To get involved in Smart Habit Saturday, go over to The Lazy Organizer.

My eyes know it is Spring!

Well, today I went out and traveled down a country road. I saw the most beautiful trees in bloom; Dogwoods, Redbuds, etc. They were so pretty. Unfortunally, my eyes are also suffering from all of those beautiful blooms! I never had allergy problems until I was pregnant. They put me on Claritin and an eye drop. The problem went away, but last week my eyes started hurting again and now I am still having problems with sticky drainage. It is the worst feeling ever! I heard on the news that this summer is going to be really bad for allergy suffers and I think I am going to have to agree! My meds are doing nothing for me. So, my eyes really are telling me it is SPRING in more ways than one! Happy SPRING to all of you!

Been a while!

Well, it has been a while since I have written. I guess I have been trying to get caught up from last week. I have gotten so much done. Dh has been on spring break and he has watched the kids while I cleaned. He even helped me move my living room. It feels like I really moved. I just like it so much better! My computer even got moved, so that was a day without coming on here. Still got a few things I want to do but I think that I am going to take the kids to the park this afternoon. It is just so nice out! Catch you all later!

Rough Week

Been a very rough week. Dh came down with strep on the way back from my baby shower on Saturday. He tried to keep stuff down but his throat was so sore. By Sunday morning he went to the doctor. By Tuesday he was no better and could not keep his antibiotic down. So, they put him in the hospital. Only problem was that they had no beds available. Dh spent 11 hours in the er until they found him a room. The next morning I visited him and was quit scared! He was sharing a room with a person on 72 hour watch. Well I really did not know what that meant but dh said it had to do with drugs and alcohol. The guy was actually caught smoking in the bathroom and they took his lighter away. Dh said that when anyone came to visit he he would ask them for a lighter. Thank goodness we don't smoke. Because if he had a lighter he would have light up. Because he was on "watch", the guy had someone watching him at the door. They were all into your business and dh said he could not sleep because they made him keep the door open. Dh was so glad to go home the next evening. He still feels pretty rough but he is getting lots better. Dh promised my 7 yr old that he could go to the circus this weekend. So, we are going even though I really think we should not be getting dh out! He says he will be okay? Anyways, I have only made one thing on my menu, but I guess that will make next week easier because I have everythingon hand. Well, next week dh will be home all week and we have big plans for our house. I hope we will still be able to get them done. Things like rearranging my livingroom. cleaning carpets, etc. On another note, I went to my 6 week appoinment today and everything looks okay. My scar still has one spot that has not healed, so they gave me some meds for that and told me they would see me in October. Well, better go! Hope you all are having a great day!

Monday Menu Plau- March 12

This week I am going to try some new recipes, we are so tired of the same old things!

Monday- Great-er Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Coleslaw, corn (I cooked this all day yesterday and finished it last night. It is so good. I have never tried to make anything like this and was really proud of myself. I had a big pork shoulder and had to use more bbq sauce than the recipe called for)

Tuesday- Chicken and Dumplins in the Crock pot, mashed potatoes, peas

Wednesday- Prime rib, potatoes, green beans, rolls (we got a great deal on some prime rib so I want to use it.)

Thursday- Ritz Chicken, green beans

Friday- Homemade Pizza

Saturday- Hawaiian Chicken Bake

Sunday- Chicken Manacotti, salad

I am also going to try Reese's Priemier Peanut Butter and Milk Chocolate Cookies this week.

For more menu ideas go to Organizing junkie.

Smart Habit Saturday

Well, I did really well this week with the habits I am working on. Here is a recap of what I am working on.

Habit 1: Making bed everday- I have done really well, this is almost a habit.

Habit 2: Toy pickup- This has really become a habit in my house. The twins do this before going to bed.

Habit 3: Prepare for church on Saturday night- I did really good on this this week.

Habit 4: Study for Sunday School lesson 15 minutes everyday- Missed a day or two but my lesson is ready and I feel better than usual.

This week I am going to work on family prayer twice a day. We have a lesson at church this week on prayer that I read and it really motivated me to work on this. One thing in the lesson that really stood out is that praying some of the time might have been okay in the past but in the future it will not be enough. We need to have all the protection that we can. My family does it when we are all together, but I talked to dh about doing it with ds in the morning before they leave for school. I also need to be better at praying with the kids at night bby myself since dh is usually not here. I loved this lesson and really learned a whole lot! I can not wait to see how the teacher presents it tommorrow.

To get involved in Smart Habit Saturday, go over to The Lazy Organizer.

Tasty Thursday

So, I am so excited about Tasty Thursdays! This is the second week and I decided to join this week. I want to share a Creamy Peanut Butter Pie recipe. It is so delish! mmmm. If you have a recipe to share and to see all of the neat recipes go to The Pumkin Patch.

Creamy Peanut Butter Pie

1 pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup whipped topping
10 peanut butter cups
1 (9 inch) graham or chocolate crum crust

In a small mixing bwl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping. Coarsley chop half of the peanut butter cups; stir into cream cheese mixture. spoon into crust. Quarter remaining peanut butter cups; arrange over top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting.

Enjoy!

Baby Bump post

I first saw this on Kara's site. But Adventures in Baby Wearing is asking for baby bump pictures. So, here is mine. This is me last December I was about 32 weeks pregnant. I had baby about 1 month ago. So, come on and show your bump. Tag, it's your turn!

Neil's Blessing

Neil's Blessing Day March 3, 2007

Granny and Pappaw!

WOW! 10 reasons I am feeling GREAT!

Can I tell you all how great I feel? Here are a few things that are making me feel good!

1) My spring clothes fit and I got to wear them this weekend until Saturday night when a coldfront came in and it started snowing. (But that is spring in KY! lol)

2) I got my haircut this weekend. Actually all of us got our hair cut! I loved mine. I go to Fantastic Sams and I have one girl who does my hair, but the last couple of times, she has been busy and I got a new girl. Can I say I like the new girl better? How do I get her everytime without making the other girl feel bad? My dh kept telling me how much he really liked my hair. The only problem is I am having a hard time fixing it like she did, but it is close.

3) We bought some new spring clothes for the twins and me. It was so much fun shopping! I loved putting their new clothes on. Everyone comment on how much they have grown at church, but I think it was really the new clothes. Nathan moved to toddler clothes :( They are growing up so fast!

4) I cooked a "real" dinner today for the first time in a long time! I can't wait to eat it with my family.

5) We went to church last week for the first time in a long time. We have not had much church lately due to snow and having a baby. Neil was blessed yesterday too. I'll get some pictures up soon. Very good to get to get spiritually fed!

6) This weekend I am going to visit my family. They are having a Welcoming Shower for Neil. I am really excited to get to see some people and for them to get to see my family and not to mention some gifts like diapers!

7) I got to sleep a little longer last night. Baby went to bed at 11:00 and did not get back up until 4 am for another feeding. Felt so nice to get some sleep!!! I can not wait until he sleeps through the night!

8) My laundry is caught up (for maybe a day lol).

9) My house is not picked up, but I am not worried about it right now! That is big for me.

10) I am enjoying American Idol. it is like one of the only shows I watch. And, while I fe asleep on several, I am still enjoying it. I also started a new book today. I hope I can make time for myself to enjoy some time, but it might not be as long as I was used to for a while.

Well, I know it is almost time for dh to go back to work. I will miss his extra hands and while at times it is stressful taking care of 4 kids, I am feeling better at it and learning new things to make it easier. So, I know I can do it, I might go crazy lol, but I can do it. I will also miss dh! He has been so much help. I will miss the extra time that I got to spend with him too.

I need to get some peppier music on this blog to go along with how I feel!

Smart Habit Saturday

Well this week was better than last week at trying to get back to normal. I made my bed and even washed my sheets. But, by the end of the week we all had a stomach bug and we stayed in the bed a lot, but for the most part it got made. My other goals are listed below that I am working on and I am adding a new one this week that should be pretty easy for me because it is not a cleaning project.

Habit 1: Make bed everday: still working on this one.

Habit 2: Toy pickup- This has really become a habit in my house. the twins do this before going to bed.

Habit 3: Prepare for church on Saturday night- This went better but I still got some inproving to do. I need to also prepare for fast sunday by getting something in the crockpot to take for break the fast potluck meal.

Habit 4: Study for Sunday School lesson 15 minutes everyday. I teach Youth Sunday School and have really not been giving my preparation enough time.

So, there you have it my habits that I am working on. If you want to participate go to The Lazy Organizer and check it out.

Message Boards

Well for the past couple of years, I have been involved in message boards. I have met a lot of really nice friends. Even though I call them friends, I have never met any of them, but I still feel like I know them. I hope they feel the same about me. I have seen several people get offended on boards and even seen whole boards dissolve because of fights. I feel like you can talk about something, say parenting, and disagree with someone but still not hurt others feelings. You know we all do not do everything the same. We all have our way of parenting and it may not be the same as another parent. Not long ago, I personally felt attacked over something I had posted on a board. I truly felt the person could have stated what they believed without "singling" out my way. As I said before, none of us are perfect. I feel like even if we do not agree with people we can still respect there views as their own even if it is not how we feel things should be handled. I have truly seen this happen a number of times on different boards and it always leads to major contention. I have always said, I would just let it go if someone did that to me, but you know the sting is still there! I also feel it is sometimes hard to become involved with people who live so far apart. The ones on the board who are close are already good friends (I would say almost cliquey (sp?)) and will protect each other all the way. Here I am, on every board the only one from KY. So, I really do not have anyone who really knows me or can stand up for me. I believe I am a good person, I believe I have a lot of knowledge to give to others and I believe that I need the adult companionship, which I do not get at home taking care of 4 kids! That is why I joined the message boards in the first place not to feel singled out for my ways and feel left hurt. I do not think anyone wants that. I also think message board posts can be misunderstood. Sometimes it is hard to tell what a person really means by just typewritten words. Anyways, I will probably still stay on message boards, but I just think people who are on them need to be reminded to be careful of their words because words can hurt!