Update

I updated my Adams Family Memories blog. New pictures and even a family update.

Bad Morning and Responsibility

Well, this morning put me in a very bad mood. Dh always gets his clothes ready and Nicholas' every night, as he lays out his own clothes. He has stopped doing this lately. Why? I do not know? But, anyways, Nicholas could not find his shoes again today. I found them the last time in his room. You see, we put the shoes in baskets by the door so that we can find them easily and we do not have to go on the search for shoes. I found one this morning in the living room but I just could not find the other one. He had to wear his old shoes, which do not really fit him very good and he says everyone makes fun of them. Nicholas' excuse is alway, "The babies took them." Sometimes the twins do get in the shoes, but lately they have not. The biggest problem is that Nicholas will not put them in the baskets by the door when he takes off his shoes. I can not get Nicholas, my 7 year old, to do anything and it really bothers me. He messes up worse than my two year olds and really does not care. He is one of these kids that as soon as he comes home, he takes all of his clothes off except his underware, no joke! His clothes and socks never go in the hampers. I have even bought a hamper for his room, but he just does not care! I find his socks in my couch cushions, by the toliet, on his floor and today I found them on the air conditioner register in my living room. I also find trash of his all over the house. It is like he does not know where the garbage can is! We even put a garbage can in his room, but he does not use it. He refuses to help in anyway around the house. I have made him do things and he just cries all the way though it and it is not really anything hard to do. Another thing that bothers me is I have so much stuff to carry at church, but he thinks it is my responsibility to hold his things-scriptures, stuff from primary, and even his jacket. If I do not remind him he does not even think about getting his jacket and has left it at church several times. I want him to learn responsibility and the ability to help out. I am just having a really hard time teach it. I just hope I find that shoe today because I have no money to buy him some new ones.

New Baby Pictures and an extra one

I can not believe that my baby will be 3 months old next Sunday.

Lorie needs to...

I got this from Kara. You just put "(your name in) needs to" in google and see what comes up. this is so much fun!

1. Lorie needs to hurry up and have her baby.
(Hey, I just did that 3 months ago.)
2.Lorie needs him.
(That would be my dh!)
3. Lorie needs to know about Wizbang.
(I don't have a clue what Wizbang is, I hope it's not bad. lol)
4. Lorie needs to e-mail me.
(Who do I need to e-mail? lol)
5. Lorie needs a few more prayers.
(Hey, I could always use a few more prayers.)
6.Lorie needs to get a life!
(Hey, now!)
7. Lorie needs to know by June 11.
(What do I need to know?)
8. Lorie needs to hear your concerns.
(I'm all ears.)

If anyone else does this, let me know. I think this is really fun!

What kind of cheesecake are you?

You Are a Brownie Cheesecake

A little chunky and a little gooey, you pretty much run on sugar!You take hedonism to the extreme.. And people love you for it.

What Kind of Cheesecake Are You?

Favorite Ingredients Friday

Crunchy Granny Smith Salad
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1 large head red leaf lettuce, torn
2 granny smith apples, cored, sliced and cut in half
4 oz. swiss chees, shredded
4 oz. cashews. chopped
1 cup oil
1 Tablespoon onion, minced
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup vinegar
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
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Layer the first four ingredients in bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients in the blender for poppy seed dressing. Pour dressing over salad.
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For more great recipes, go to Overwhelmed With Joy.

Freezer Food Friday

Last December, I got two 50 lb bags of potatoes and I made these and some potato bread.

Twice Baked Potatoes

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4 medium baking potatoes

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup sour cream

1/3 cup cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon milk

4 slices American cheese, or other good melting cheese

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1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Scrub and pierce potatoes and bake for one hour, or until fully cooked.

3. Remove potatoes from oven and let cool slightly.

4. Cut potatoes in half and scoop out potato, careful not to tear the skins, and place in large bowl.

5. Set skins aside.

6. Add butter and salt to potatoes, and mash until smooth.

7. Add sour cream, and mash until combined.

8. Add cheese and mash until combined.

9. Add one tablespoon of milk and mash.

10. If the mixture needs to be more creamy, add more milk, one tablesppon at a time until desired consistancy.

11. Add aditional salt to taste, if needed.

12. Fill empty skins with potato mixture and top each potato with half slice of cheese.

13. Return to oven and reheat until hot.

14. Note- You may refrigerate them to reheat at a later time, or you can freeze them.

15. If you freeze them, delay placing the cheese slice on top until you are ready to bake them, and you might want to add more milk to the mix before filling the potatoes, as after freezing them they seem to reheat less creamy.

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For more Friday Freezer Recipes go to A Mums Food Blog.

Family Fridays-Tin Can Ice Cream

Well, this is not something we did this week but we do this every summer and I wanted to share. I did this in the elementry schools in my county when I worked as a County Extension Agent. I decided to bring the fun home. We make Tin Can Ice Cream. My oldest son loves making it and I can not wait to do this with my 2 year old twins this summer. Here is the recipe:
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Tin Can Ice Cream
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1/2 cup Milk
1/2 cup Half and Half
1/4 cup Sugar
1/4 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Nuts or Fruit, as desired
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1. Combine ingredients in a one pound coffee can. Place a tight fitting plastic lid on the can.
2. Place inside a 3-pound coffee can.
3. Pack larger can with crushed ice. Pour 1/2 cup rock salt evenly over ice.
4. Place a tight fitting lid on the three pound can. Tape with masking tape. (It is possible for the lid to come off and the contents to spill.)
5. Roll the cans back and forth on a table or the floor for about 15 minutes.
6. Open the outer can. Remove the inner can; wipe lid clean and open.
7. Use a spatula to stir the mixture and scrape the sides of the inner can. Replace the lid.
8. Drain liquid from the larger can. (The salty liquid is called brine.)
9. Replace the smaller can inside the larger can. Pack with additional ice and salt.
10. Cover. Roll cans back and forth for 10 minutes.
11. Open outer can. Remove inner can. Wipe lid clean, open and enjoy.
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NOTE: My family does not drink coffee, so I got coffee cans from my office. However, since leaving there, I have used the ziploc bag method instead of the tin cans. You use 2 gallon and 1 gallon ziplock FREEZER bags. Personally, I like the bags better.

For more Family Fridays ideas go to Monkey Kisses.

Interview meme

Kate had an interview type meme on her blog and I agreed to let her interview me. Here are the answers.
1. What was the first thing that sparked your interest in learning more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Well, one of my roommates joined the church when I was in college. She did not tell any of us that she joined. She started having a lot of friends over from her church. I got to know a lot of them and actually fell in love with one of them. He told me a lot of stuff about the church and I agreed to talk to the missionaries. At the very first discussion, I agreed with everything until they started talking about Joseph Smith. It was just so different from what I learned before. Then they showed me the BOM and it sparkled and I knew I had to read that book. No, I am not married to that guy. He actually died that same year in a car accident.

2. Tell us how you chose your kids first and middle names. Are there any family traditions involved with the names?

1. My due date with Nicholas was on Christmas day. So, we picked out a Christmas na,e even though he came before Thanksgiving. His middle name Wayne is his dad's second middle name.
2. Nathan 's name came from the doctor who delivered him. I liked my doctor's first name although everyone calls him by his middle name. Nathan's middle name is Graham and I decided on that because my maddin name is Ingram.
3. I had a hard time picking a twin girl name to go along with Nathan when my dh said he though Nate and Kate would be cute so we went with Katelyn Sue. Sue is my mother's middle name. They hardly get called Nate and Kate anymore. Nathan is called Nathan and Katelyn is called Katie Sue.
4. My newest baby Neil Allen. Neil was a name wwe had picked out for boy twins (Nathan and Neil) and we just decided to keep it. Allen was my grandfather's middle name.

3. If you could move anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why? I like where I live actually. But maybe somewhere that is not too hot and not too cold?

4. What is your favourite season of the year, and why? Spring because everything is changing and summer is coming but I also love fall for the same reason minus summer coming.

5. Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met? Share a story with us about your experience with this person! This was a hard question for me. I guess I would say this guy I used to work with. His name was Ray. He wore overalls a lot and shaved his head every summer for 4-H camp, but he was really smart and could tell you about anything you wanted to know.

Now if anyone would like to be interviewed, please leave me a comment and I will send you the questions.

Slow Cooking Thursday

Great-er Pulled Pork
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1 Pork Shoulder
1 Can Of Lemon-Lime Soda
1 Can Of Chicken Broth
1 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 Cup Of Your Favorite BBQ Sauce, depends on size of pork shoulder
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Put Pork, Soda, Pepper and Broth in the pot. Cook on Low for 4-6 hours. When Done (with a fork in each hand) pull the meat by shreds and stir in the BBQ Sauce and serve with toasted buns.

I made this and had enough to freeze another meal. I also used more than 1/2 cup BBQ sauce because my pork shoulder was big.
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Slow Cooking Thursday is sponsored by Diary of a SAHM go look there for more recipes.

My other Slow Cooking Thursday Recipes
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Cheesy Chicken
Chicken and Dumplins in the Crock Pot

Tasty Thursday

Mild Tex Mex Beef

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1 lb. lean ground beef

1 med. onion, chopped

1 can (15.5 oz.) red kidney beans or pinto beans

1 can (15.75 oz.) whole kernel corn

1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes

1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste

2 Tbsp. chili powder

Salt and Pepper to taste

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Cook ground beef and onion in large skillet over medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Drain fat from skillet. add remaining ingredients. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.

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I like to add grated mexican cheese at the end of cooking and cover skillet just enough to melt cheese. My dh likes sour cream and Frito Corn chips served with this. You can use leftovers (I never have any) for a taco filling.

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Trista over at The Pumkin Patch is the host of Tasty Thursday, head on over to her blog to see more tasty recipes

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My other Tasty Thursday Recipes

Eggplant Jambalaya

Sweet and Sour Chicken (or pork or beef)

Creamy Peanut Butter Pie

April Blog Spotlights

Well, I was visiting Kara's blog and she has updated her blog roll and was telling us about new blogs she goes to visit. I have recently added several to mine and so I thought I would spotlight some of those new blogs and even a few old ones that I enjoy visiting. I challenge all who read to list blogs they enjoy on their blog. I always enjoy new blogs!

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1. Callapidder Days- I love this blog! I have joined the Spring Reading Thing that she is sponsoring. She is a writer so I always love reading her blogs. Also, a bunch of other writers have donated books for the Spring Reading Thing. I have not won one yet, but there are LOTS of books. She named her blog Callapidder Days because that was how her son said caterpiller and she thought it was cute.
2. A Juggling Mum- A "Mum" to 5 living in Australia, Rachel has great recipes on her blog. She even has started Friday Freezer Food to help people save time by having freezer stuff. She also has another blog being frugal , which also has great ideas about saving money,and one about gardening.
3. Mom Advice-This is a new blog for me and I really do not remember how I found it but I love reading Amy's product reviews, Dollar Strecher Tips, and great tips (like Ideas for a cheap date night.) But what I like best about this blog is the Friday Freebies post. She lets you know about free offers out there. My mailbox has been full since I have been visiting her blog on Fridays.
4. Hmmm...- Dawn is a friend I met on a message board. I enjoy reading about her experiences with her two kids, including her homeschooling experiences. She is also pregnant and has the neatest pregnacy counter on there. Her blog gives me the chance to stay in touch with her.
5. The Pumkin Patch-Trista's blog always has great tips. Right now she has tips on Spring Cleaning. She also host Tasty Thursdays where other bloggers share recipes. I have gotten a lot of new dinner ideas from participating in Tasty Thursday. She also has another food blog called Punkin's Pantry. She spotlights recipes from Tasty Thursdays on that blog and has some of her own tried and true recipes.
6. A Bit of Me- I can not forget Kara. I met her on a message board too and I love getting ideas from her, updates of her family as well as new blogs to visit.
7. Organizing Junkie- Laura has great ideas on organizing, but what I like best is the Monday Menu Plan. i have gotten great recipes and met other bloggers, as well as, being prepared for meals.
8. The Lazy Organizer- Lara has a wonderful blog about organizing. I have gotten so many great ideas from her blog! I have also enjoyed participating in SMART habit Saturdays. I have been able to make some things habits and make my life easier.
9. 5 minutes for mom- This blog has really neat ideas and sponsors Takle it Tuesday's which I have never participated in, but I always love to read what others have done. They also give away lots of stuff on that site.
10. Daisy Chain-This is another person that I met on a message board. I love her book reviews and recipes that she has on her blog. I have gotten some great book recommendations from that site. She also keeps us up to date on her cute son.

That is the ten I am spotlighting this month. I plan to continue this every month. Just because yours did not get picked this month does not mean I don't enjoy reading yours. I would recommend all the blogs that I have on my blog roll!

Paperback Swap

Do you like to read, but never have enough money to get all that you want to read? Well I was visiting Diary of a SAHM and found that she got some great books from the Paperback Swap. You list books you have on the site and then if someone wants it you mail it out. It cost like $1.59 to mail them out. Then you get points as your books leave and you pick the books you want and they mail them to you. What a great idea! Right now it cost nothing to join. Just get great books and get rid of some too. They had a lot of the books I was looking for too. So, if you are interested go check out Paperback Swap.

Book Review- Shoes to Die For

This is another book on my Spring reading thing list. (Shoes to Die For, Laura Levine) To see my list go here.

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This is another series book. I love those! I first read The PMS Murder. So, I decided to try some more of hers. This series focuses around Jaine Austen who is a writer and is always looking for a job. In this book, she looks for a job at a department store called Passions writing their sales campain. As usual, she finds someone dead and is hired to find the real killer. It was a good read! Fun light murder mystery.

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My next book is Anne of Avolea by L.M. Montgomery.

SMART Habit Saturday

I forgot to put the brushing charts up and so the kids did not brush very well this week. I did get the reading done though! I am going to continue to work on the goals I have.
Here is what I am working on:
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Habit 1: Making bed everday
Habit 2: Toy pickup
Habit 3: Prepare for church on Saturday night
Habit 4: Prepare 15 mins a day for Sunday School Lesson
Habit 5: Family Prayer twice a day
Habit 6: Brushing kids teeth twice a day
Habit 7: Clean kitchen after every meal
Habit 8 : Read to my children every night.
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To get involved in Smart Habit Saturday, go over to The Lazy

Menu Plan Monday April 23- April 29

Last week I finally made the Chicken Manicotti. They were really good and super easy! I will make them again. Thanks to Margaret for this recipe. My dh also made me a Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Cake that he decorated with my favorite candy (HUGS) for my birthday yesterday. It was really good and he says easy to make, but it is very rich! I am going to add a picture of the cake at the top of this post for you. Also I tried the Cambell's Supper Bake Savory Pork Chops with Herb Stuffing meal. I have to say of all the boxed type meals I have tried, this is the only one (Campbell's) I liked and will try again! It does not seem to have as much salt in it. Thanks to my mil for that recommend. I am going to try something new for my menu planning. I want to have a crock pot night, new recipe night, and a cheat night every week. Anyways, here is my menu for this week. Hope everyone has a great week.

Monday: Spaghetti, garlic bread, leftover 7 layer salad, leftover birthday cake

Tuesday: Soft Tacos, Spanish rice

Wednesday: Sweet and Sour Chicken, Fried Rice, peas

Thursday: Hamburger Helper, peas (my one cheat night)

Friday: Pizza night

Saturday: (Crock pot night)Soup Beans, Saurkraut and Sausage in the crockpot, cornbread

Sunday: (New Recipe night) Pepperoni Pizza Bake ( Thanks to Overwhelmed with Joy for this new recipe)

Also we have a potluck luncheon on Sunday at church and I am taking a Butterfinger Pie. Thanks to Trista for sharing this recipe.

For more menu ideas go to Organizing junkie.

Happy Birthday to ME!

Wow! Today I turned 36. I am getting old. Well, I remember when I was a teenager thinking how great it would be to be 35 and that people who were 35 were old. Well, I just want to say that I do not feel old! lol! I also remember as a child it rained on my birthday every year. Well, no rain today it is beautiful!!!

Freezer Food Friday

This is a recipe that I have made several times. It makes 6 frozen Crockpot Lazagna dinners. I just take them out in the morning and pop them in my crockpot. Set on low and cook all day.

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Ice Cream Bucket Lazagna

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5 lbs hamburger

tomato sauce spices, whatever you normally prefer (I use spaghetti sauce jars)

2 containers large size cottage cheese

4 eggs salt pepper

mozzarela cheese, shredded, at least 4-6 cups

2 packages lasagna noodles

6 ice cream buckets (good for 5qt.size crockpots, or any freezer/crockpot compatable one gallon containers

Cook a large package of hamburger (approx 5 lbs), drain. Place it back in the pan you cooked it in, (don't dirty another pan) and add tomato sauce and spices as you like it. In another large bowl, mix two large containers of cottage cheese, four eggs, and salt and pepper. A third bowl has a large quantity of shredded mozzarella. Open two packages of lasagna noodles, cook as directed on box. Place all the ingredient bowls and pans in a row on the counter. Then take 6 (one gallon) ice cream buckets or similar container. Layer as follows: noodles, sauce, cheese and repeat til done. That is it! You end up with six lasagnas, and only 3 dirty pans. Freeze until completely solid. Then slip from the ice cream bucket and place in gallon Ziploc bags. Then store back in the freezer, this way takes up much less space. Using the ice cream bucket makes it the exact size and shape for a round 5 quart crockpot. You might find another container that works better for you. When you decide to cook, just pop it in the crockot on LOW all day.

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Freezer Food Friday is hosted by A Juggling Mum, visit her blog to see more freezer foods.

Favorite Ingredients Friday Vegetarian Edition

Eggplant Casserole

1 large eggplant

1 teaspoon grated onion

1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

1 1/4 cups milk

1 green pepper, chopped

3/4 cup grated sharp cheese

2 eggs, separated-beaten separately

4 tablespoons chili sauce

Cook, peeled-cubed, eggplant in boiling water with onion, salt and pepper until tender. Drain. Melt butter in double broiler. Add flour;blend. Add milk gradually, stir until blended. if needed, add additional salt. Add chopped pepper, cheese and slightly beaten egg yolks. chili sauce, and eggplant. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Bak in buttered casserole 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Serves 6.

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Also I posted an Eggplant Jambalaya recipe yesterday that is my favorite way to eat eggplant. I can not even tell eggplant is in it.

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For more Favorite Ingredients Friday Vegetarian Edition recipes visit Overwhelmed With Joy.

Cheesy Chicken

Cheesy Chicken

3 whole boneless chicken breasts

2 cans cream chicken soup

1 can chedder cheese soup

Remove all fat and skin from chicken; rinse and pat dry, sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Put in crockpot and add the three soups straight from the cans. Cook on low all day (at least 8 hrs) do not lift the lid. Serve over rice or noodles. I used noodles and it kind of taste like Mac and Cheese.

Slow Cooking Thursday is sponsored by Diary of a SAHM go look there for more recipes.

Tasty Thursday

Okay, today I got a recipe with Eggplant in it. Now I know most people do not like eggplant, I thought I did not. But, I am telling you I really did not taste it in this recipe!

Eggplant Jambalaya

1 cup chopped eggplant
1/2 cup banana pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (4 oz) can mushrooms, sliced
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, chili ready
1/2 lb. Red Kidney beans, cooked (I used canned)
1 (14 oz) box brown rice, cooked
3-4 tsp. soy sauce
salt, black pepper, and garlic to season

Combine eggplant, banana pepper, onion, and mushrooms in a skillet add salt, black pepper, and garlic to taste. Add 3-4 tsp. of soy sauce, simmer until onion is soft. Add tomatoes and continue to simmer until warm. Meanwhile, have beans and rice cooked according to package directions. Mix rice, beans, and vegetables together. Season with salt and black pepper as desired.

Trista over at The Pumkin Patch is the host of Tasty Thursday, head on over to her blog to see more tasty recipes

AI top 7 night

Well, tonight was country with Martina McBride and I really like country music so I really liked most of this show.

Phil- "Where the Blacktop Ends"I was glad to see him not wearing a hat, but come on this is country shouldn't that be the night you want to wear a hat? He seemed to have fun this time and put some personality into his performance. The judges actullly told him he should do country.

Jordin- "Broken Wing" I can not believe she picks a song that the mentor sang. Scary! I thought she did really good. But, I have liked her for a long time! I loved when Simon told her After that song, he could finally see her winning Idol.

Sanjaya- "Something to Talk About" Well, I will say he is going for the attention card again with his hair spiked up and the red bandana. He was actually pretty good last week, but not this week. I can't believe that Ryan was actually taking up for him. Also, he got the viewer question this week. I loved that he said he wanted Simon to sing Shiny Happy People. lol!

Lakisha- "Jesus Take the Wheel" Weel, the begining was really boring to me and then not until the end did it get better. It seemed to me that she yelled a lot during the song.

Chris- "Mayberry" I really did not like him this week. And he was nasally on purpose?

Melinda- "Trouble is a Woman" What can you say she is great as usually! The judges call her a professional.

Blake- "When the Stars Go Blue" I thought this song was very pitchy and definately not his best performance. I have a hard time listening to him because I can't get past how little his mouth is. Most of his past songs have been really good.

Bottom 3: Phil (eventhough he was good), Chris, Sanjaya

Whose going home: We all know who should (the guy with the bandana) but it will probably be Phil even though he was good this week. He has been in the bottom 3 for several weeks now.

Best of Night: Jordin (I really like her!) I hope Melinda and Jordin are the final two.

Remembering

I did not know anyone who died yesterday, but I just feel really bad for all of the families who lost loved ones! I just can not imagine what they are all going through. I think it has kind of hit my dh hard! He goes to college and just makes him feel really bad to think that someone could come into a classroom and just start shooting and then come back and shoot somemore. Scary! I just can not believe in this age and time that a classroom door would not lock to be able to protect those students. Anyways just thoughts and prayers going out to the families and the people who are trying to recover!

Key Lime Pie Murder Book Review

I noticed a lot of people had this book on their list to read for this book challenge, so I will try to review and not give away a lot of stuff :). I have read this series for a while now. I think this is book number 9 to the Hannah Swensen Mystery with recipes series. Hannah owns the Cookie Jar so you get a lot of cookie recipes in the books, and this one is no exception. This book centers around a fair and Hannah is a judge for the baking contest. Once again she finds someone dead in this story (a fellow baking contest judge) and she tries along with her sisters and one of her boyfriends to solve the murder. Usually she ends up almost dead doing this and this book is no different. I really liked it, but I have liked all of her books. There are always a lot of good recipes in her books and this one includes a fair recipe of Deep Fried Candy Bars. Believe me you do not want to know how many calories are in that one. Overall a good book! I just wish Hannah would finally choose which man she is going to marry. Personally, I like Norman for her!

I learned a lot about key limes in this book and baking with them. I showed you a picture of some at the top. They are smaller and sweeter than regular limes and also harder to find in the grocery store. Also, you know if a pie is made with real key limes because of the color. The pie looks yellow with a tint of green to it.

This was the second book that I have read for the challenge and now I move onto Shoes to Die For. I have 3 more books to read by June. I am hoping to add more books to that list! Here is my list.

BTW, I am also reading Charlotte's Web with my 7 year old at night.

Here is the Key Lime Pie Recipe

Menu Plan Monday April 16-April 22

Here's my menu plan for the week:

Monday- Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad

Tuesday- Cheesy Crock Pot Chicken, peas, rolls

Wednesday- Tacos, spanish rice , Mexican Fried Ice Cream (Cheat, I use Walmart Brand Fried Ice Cream in the box)

Thurday- Chicken Manicotti (I still have not made this and want to, hopefully this week)

Friday- Campbell's Supper Bakes (Savory Pork Chops With Herb Stuffing, Mashed potatoes, green beans ( My mil told me these were good so I am going to try one.)

Saturday- Alice Springs Chicken, Potatoes, Green beans, rolls

Sunday *My Birthday* Dinner
Steak, Shrimp, green beans, baked potatoes, rolls and Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Cake

For more menu ideas go to Organizing junkie.
Hope you all have a good week. :)

Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken

Well, when I was in college, I went to this restaurant many times. I loved their Bloomin' Onions and the Alice Springs Chicken. I found this recipe and made it for our date night last night. It was so good and a lot like being at the restaurant. Hope you enjoy it.

Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken


4 chicken breast, 1/2-inch thick (maybe frozen, chicken breast, should be skinless and boneless)
6 pieces bacon, sliced in half and fried crisp
1/2 teaspoon McCormick's Season All
1 cup sliced mushrooms, drained (Canned or In Jar)
3 cups shredded colby or monterey jack cheese
parsley (to garnish)

Honey Mustard sauce
1/2 cup prepared mustard
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup mayonnaise

Rub chicken breast with Seasonal All and set aside to marinated for 1 hour. While the breast is marinating fry bacon crisp and drain. Shred cheese and set aside. Gather all other items together and make ready for the preparation. Take chicken from marinate and sauté on medium heat in pan with just enough oil to prevent sticking. Cook on both sides until a slight golden color and cooked in the middle but not dry. Remove from pan. Spread chicken breast with honey mustard, cover with a layer of mushrooms, three slices of bacon and then sprinkle with shredded Colby/jack cheese, chicken should be covered with shredded cheese. Pop in heated oven at 350 degree's or a micro just until the cheese melts. Sprinkle with parsley and extra honey mustard may be served on the side.

Honey Mustard Sauce

1/2 C Prepared Salad Mustard.
1/4 C Honey.
1/4 C Light Corn Syrup.
1/4 C Mayonnaise.

Blend all together until completely until smooth and free from lumps. The corn syrup may be adjusted depended on how sharp the mustard might be or to your taste.

Enjoy! It was wonderful!

SMART Habits Saturday

I did pretty good this week on keeping my kitchen cleaned after every meal. There were a few nights I missed, so I am going to keep working on these. Don't forget that Lara is giving away a prize this month, The Five Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me, signed just for you, you Lazy Organizer! So go over and check it out and get involved in SHS. All you have to do this month is post your habits you are working on for three weeks. This week I am going to work harder to read to my children every night. Here is what I am working on:

Habit 1: Making bed everday
Habit 2: Toy pickup
Habit 3: Prepare for church on Saturday night
Habit 4: Prepare 15 mins a day for Sunday School Lesson
Habit 5: Family Prayer twice a day
Habit 6: Brushing kids teeth twice a day
Habit 7: Clean kitchen after every meal
Habit 8 : Read to my children every night.
To get involved in Smart Habit Saturday, go over to The Lazy Organizer.

Freezer Food Friday

Freezer Apple Pie

4 cups sliced apples

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 (9 inch) pie shell

3/4 cup flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter

Toss the apples, 1/2 cup sugar, and cinnamon together in a bowl. Place in frozen pie shell. Mix the flour, 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl. Cut in 1/3 cup butter until crumbly. (I used a pastry blender and it made this so easy!) Cut 2 tablespoons of butterinto pats and place on top of the crumbly mixture. place in a 1-gallon freezer bag. Freeze until ready to bake. Remove from freezer bag. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees. Bake for 40 minutes longer. Yeild 6 servings.Some pictures of the frozen and cooked pie are on the top of this post. Hope you all enjoy!

Freezer Food Friday is hosted by A Juggling Mum, visit her blog to see more freezer foods.

I have posted Freezer Apple Pies before and I have pictures included there.

Slow Cooking Thursday

We had this on Easter and even my picky 7 year old liked it. I used a little less biscuits because it just seemed like a whole lot to me.

Chicken and Dumplins in the Crock Pot

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in small chunks

2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup

1/4 cup onion, finely diced

2 cups water

2 10 oz packages refrigerated biscuits

1 chicken bouillon cube

Combine all ingredients, except biscuits, in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. 30 minutes before serving, tear biscuit dough into 1-inch pieces. Add to your slow cooker; stirring gently. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes or until biscuits are fluffed up and cooked through.

Slow Cooking Thursday is sponsored by Diary of a SAHM go look there for more recipes.

I was tagged by Jenn to list 5 things you do not know about me. It has been a while but I think that I had already done that meme and yes I found it. So if you want to learn 5 things you do not know about me, here is the post. Thanks Jenn for the tag!

Sick Bear Contest

5 minutes for mom has been doing a lot of contest recently! Now they are giving away a sick bear cup. Basically it is a cup that your child can easily hold on to the handles and get sick in. I know not pleasing but it is cute. So, if you would like to win it. Head on over to 5 minutes for mom and sign up. Thanks to Kara for letting me know about this contest.

Tasty Thursday

Today I want to share a recipe that we eat almost every week now. A friend of mine from another board shared it. I have changed it a little to meet my families taste.

Sweet and Sour Chicken(or pork or beef)

2 lbs chicken
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 can tidbit pineapple, drain and save 1/2 liquid
1/2 small green pepper, cut in strips

Mix first 5 ingredients together, and fry until brown. Place in baking pan. Add pineapple, pineapple juice, and green pepper.

Heat to boiling:
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup vinegar
1 1/2 cup water

Thicken with cornstarch. Pour over meat mixture. Cook slowly in 325 degree oven for 45 min-1 hour. Serve with rice and vegetable of your choice.
(My family likes fried rice and peas with this.)

Trista over at The Pumkin Patch is the host of Tasty Thursday, head on over to her blog to see more tasty recipes

A visit to the pharmacy

So, okay most of you who know me, know that during this pregnancy I experienced allergies really bad. I have continued to stay on the meds they have me on. I am on Claritan, Nazalnex (sp), and eye drops that work like miracle drugs! My dh has bad allergies too. He just takes Sudafed. He says it works so good for him. I went with him to get him some at Walmart the last time he needed some and he had to go to the pharmacy line and get them to give it to you and you have to sign a paper and he had to show them his drivers license. People are sooo bad around here to make drugs (Meth) so this is suppose to stop them from buying too much because they also put it in the computer that you bought it. My dh says it is really bad when you need some and the pharmacy at Walmart is closed and you can not get it at all. Personally, I love my pharmacy, that I usually go to. It is a small place and they know me and can really help me! They know I am not a drug maker, dealer or whatever, so after going to Walmart this just really seemed weird! I started really thinking about this after read a post at Big Mama's. She made some really good points. When we get narcotics, like after childbirth, they just hand you the bag and never think about what you are going to do with it. Well, that may be true, but I was at the pharmacy one time and this guy was trying his hardest to get a narcotic filled that he had just filled the week before only he got this prescription from a different doctor. He cussed the pharmastist out because she would not give it to him, so I guess they do have some way to tell with narcotics. I have always been one of these people who hated to take even tylenol. But I tell you this allergy stuff is awful! If I stop taking it, the allergies get worse. I even tried one time to reduce how often I took it and they still got worse. I just do not know where I would be without those meds. I heard on the news that this summer is going to be the worst ever for allergy suffers. Oh great :(! Anyways, it is just really sad that we have to do this with getting Sudafed because people want to use it to make "bad" drugs. I know I have never been adicted to drugs and I am greatful for that, but it is just really sad what we have to go through now because of a "few" people? Just my thoughts.

New Adams Family Pics!

I posted some new pictures at the Adams Family Memories blog. If you are interested go have a look.

My favorite bottles!!!

Well, I know most of you who read this blog breastfeed, but there are several reasons why I don't eventhough I would have loved too! I took a NUK pacifier to the hospital with every child. The twins learned to suck on these as they had iv's because they were not born with the sucking reflex-which made breastfeeding even harder! I did pump with the twins for about 2 weeks, but I just could not keep up since they were on a special formula. Anyways, this time at the hospital, my baby would have nothing to do with the NUK pacifier because the hospital had given him a soothie pacifier and he loved it. So, when I went to the store and found bottles made just like the pacifier, I had to try them. I bought this starter set. It is wonderful. I think it is more like a travel pack. It comes with formula holders that fit right on the bottom of the bottle. Yes, this is nice when you go somewhere, but I like to use it at night. I just get two bottles ready everynight and I do not have to even go in the kitchen when he wakes up. I have it right by my bed. Another thing I really like is that the lids fit on the bottom of the bottle while you feed so you do not lose it. I really think a parent must have designed these bottles. So, I guess you could say that I highly recommend them!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Hope everyone had a nice day. We went to church and then had a nice family meal. We are going to watch The Nativity Story tonight. It has been a real nice day so far!

This is what it looked like here today. cold and snow on the ground. Brrr.

Anne of Green Gables Book Review

Well, since I have been participating in the Spring Reading Thing, I have finished one book. I have been working on my goal of five books. (See my goals) Well, I went to the library last week and checked out all the rest of the Anne of Green Gables Series. So, I will have to add those, but I probably will not get them all done and the library is missing the last two in the series anyways. So, as you can tell, I loved this book. I remember as a kid watching the movies and loving them! I never knew there were books about them. So, after reading on Kimberly's blog that she had read them all, I thought I would try them. I never really started reading until I was a teen and I have always loved series books! They keep my interest and make me want more. But, anyways, back to the book. L.M. Mongomery writes in a way that you can really see what is going on and I love that. I have never been to Canada but if it is that beautiful, I would love to go visit and I got a friend who lives there that I would love to visit. :) (Kate) The book is about an older couple who are brother and sister and they want to adopt a boy to help the older man in the fields. They send someone else to go pick up the boy and when they go to pick him up from the train station they notice a "terrible" mistake has happened, instead of a boy it is a girl. After a long decision they decide to keep the girl and raise her. Anne is a very spirited child who has a very hard time holding her tougue and she has a wonderful imagination. Both of which get her in trouble a lot! The rest of the book is about them raising Anne and the "many" adventures she goes through! It is a very good read and I would highly recommend it. You will find it in the younger readers section. Even if it was a younger reader book, I still loved it!

I have waited a month for the next book in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series and I got it last week and it has a waiting list so I have to read it next, eventhough I would love to go on in this series. So, when I finish Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke, I will be back with another review.

Monday Menu Plan- April 9th

Monday- Left over Ham

Tuesday- Tacos, spanish rice

Wednesday- Sweet and Sour Chicken, fried rice, peas

Thursday- Chichen Manicotti

Friday- Homemade Pizza- see the post on that link for the crust

Saturday-Prime Rib, shrimp, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls

Sunday- Spagetti, salad, garlic bread

These are my meals, but I will probably switch days.

For more menu ideas go to Organizing junkie.

SMART Habits Saturday

I did pretty good this week on the toothbrushing. Here is a picture of our charts. (See below) My 7 year old is still having a problem remembering sometimes and he does not really care about the stickers, so I am still worknig with him. My 2 year old twins love it and remind me "blue teeth" (see picture below to understand)

This week I am going to work on cleaning my kitchen after every meal. Lara is having another drawing this month. She will be giving away The Five Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me, signed just for you, you Lazy Organizer! So go over and check it out and get involved in SHS. All you have to do this month is post your habits you are working on for three weeks.
Here is what I am working on:
Habit 1: Making bed everday
Habit 2: Toy pickup
Habit 3: Prepare for church on Saturday night
Habit 4: Prepare 15 mins a day for Sunday School Lesson
Habit 5: Family Prayer twice a day
Habit 6: Brushing kids teeth twice a day
Habit 7: Clean kitchen after every meal
To get involved in Smart Habit Saturday, go over to The Lazy Organizer.


Here are the toothbrushing charts.

"Noing mommy,noing!"

So, today we were suppose to go to an Easter Egg Hunt. It is like 40 degrees out and it has been "noing"(snowing) all day. That is what my two year olds say when they look outside. No, mommy, no! lol, I finally figured out what they were saying. Don't you just love toddler talk? So, to say the least we did not get to the hunt and tommorrow is suppose to be colder and still snowing. :( Poor kids! They say this is redbud winter. Supposable we are suppose to have two more cold spells. They refer to those as Dogwood Winter and Blackberry Winter.

Awesome Pizza Dough

My family loves pizza, but we do not have the money to eat out every week, so usually on Fridays I make homemade pizza. I have tried lots of different recipes and even the cheap bags from the grocery. Recently, I discovered a a blog that I really like and on there I found a recipe for Pizza Hut Dough. It was a BIG hit at my house! I will make it again. Thought I would share it with you.

Pizza Hut Style Pizza Dough
1 1/3 cups water
2 tsp sugar
1 1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp cornmeal
3 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp yeast

Add ingredients to bread machine, according to manufacturer's settings, and run dough setting. After the machine beeps, roll out the dough. You can roll the dough into two 9x13" pizzas (great for kid's lunches!) or into two medium pizzas or a large pizza and an order of breadsticks (as instructed above). Parbake the crust with a drizzle of olive oil on it at 450 degrees for ten minutes. Remove the crust and add sauce and toppings. If making breadsticks, add your breadsticks at this time. Place into the oven for another ten to fifteen minutes or until golden and bubbly. Enjoy!

Friday Freebies Blog

I found this blog, actually it got a blog award from another blog I go to and I thought I would check it out, and she has Friday Freebies. I found lots of really neat freebies last Friday. She also has some other really neat ideas and tips on her blog. Go check it out and see what kind of freebies you can get tommorrow.

http://www.momadvice.com/blog/

Do you want a Dyson?

Would you like to win a Dyson Slim? Well, pop on over to the 5 Minutes for Mom site and put your name in! I couldn't believe it when I read the post. I have heard such great things about Dyson vaccums! Maybe I will win one. The contest continues until Wedsnesday, April 4th at 1:00pm Eastern so hurry on over and add your name to the list! Thank you, Dyson, for this great opportunity.

Smart Habit Saturday

I did not get my goal done at all that I was working on last week. I did find a toothbrushing chart to use and printed it off and they are now hanging in my bathroom ready to start using them this week. I did not have sticker stuff for my computer, so I am using some smily faces that I got this week. So, I will be working on this habit again this week.

Here is what I am working on:

Habit 1: Making bed everday

Habit 2: Toy pickup

Habit 3: Prepare for church on Saturday night

Habit 4: Prepare 15 mins a day for Sunday School Lesson
Habit 5: Family Prayer twice a day

Habit 6: Brushing kids teeth twice a day

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