Summer Reading Review #1

Anne of Windy Populars by L.M. Montgomery is the first book that I have read this summer on my summer reading plan. This is the 4th book in the Anne of Green Gables series. Anne goes away from Green Gables to be a principal at a high school. The book was really hard for me to get into because most of it is just letters Anne writes to her fiance, Gilbert Blythe. She writes letters just like she did when she was little, very flowery. But after I finally got used to the book layout, I really enjoyed it. Anne has to go against one of the biggest families in her new town. She lives in an interesting place with three interesting ladies. All in all I liked the book, but Anne and Gilbert still did not get married, that is suppose to come in the next book.

Fun Family Fridays-More Fun Popsicles

I had something else I wanted to share today, but I found this recipe from Kraft foods website that goes along with my Popsicle post and wanted to share it. These would be so fun for the family for the 4th of July! While at the Kraft Foods website, make sure you sign up for the food and family monthly booklet, it is great and FREE! Here is the recipe:

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Rocket Pops

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1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Brand Cherry Flavor Gelatin
1 cup sugar, divided
2 cups boiling water, divided
Ice cubes
2 cups cold water, divided
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Brand Berry Blue Flavor Gelatin
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

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Combine dry cherry gelatin mix and 1/2 cup of the sugar in medium bowl. Add 1 cup of the boiling water; stir at least 2 min. until gelatin is completely dissolved. Add enough ice cubes to 1 cup of the cold water to measure 2 cups. Add to gelatin; stir until ice is completely melted. Pour evenly into 16 (5-oz.) paper or plastic cups, adding about 1/4 cup of the gelatin to each cup. Freeze 1 hour.
Meanwhile, combine dry blue gelatin mix and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in medium bowl. Add remaining 1 cup boiling water; stir at least 2 min. until gelatin is completely dissolved. Add enough ice cubes to remaining 1 cup cold water to measure 2 cups. Add to gelatin; stir until ice is completely melted. Refrigerate 1 hour.
Spoon about 3 Tbsp. of the whipped topping over red gelatin in each cup; top evenly with blue gelatin, adding about 1/4 cup of the gelatin to each cup. Freeze 1 hour or until almost firm. Insert wooden pop stick or plastic spoon into center of each cup for handle. Freeze an additional 4 hours or overnight. To remove pops from cups, place bottoms of cups under warm running water for 15 sec. Press firmly on bottoms of cups to release pops. (Do not twist or pull pop sticks.) Store leftover pops in freezer.

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For more Family Fridays ideas go to Monkey Kisses.
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My other Family Friday Post

The Library Cooking Hour
Fun Popsicles
Old Time Days
Park Fun
FunCooking Activity Recipes
Fudge in a Bag
Bread in a Bag
Paper/Plastic Cup Bubble Machine
Tin Can Ice Cream

Favorite Ingredients Friday-4th of July Edition

This week we are looking at recipes for the 4th of July since it is right around the corner! The first recipe came from an e-mail I get from Betty Crocker and the Betty Crocker website. I am making these this 4th of July because I think they look so fun. I think my kids can even help me make them. Check the Betty Crocker website for some other neat 4th of July recipes and join their e-newsletters there too, I have gotten some really neat recipes from that newsletter. The second recipe is one that I have made hundreds of times and people love it. Hope you all have a great 4th of July!
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Red, White, and Blue Cookies(from Betty Crocker)

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1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons red colored sugars
2 tablespoons blue colored sugars
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1.Beat granulated sugar, butter, almond extract and egg in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in flour.
2.Divide dough in half; cover half and set aside. Place remaining half on waxed paper or plastic wrap; press into 8-inch square. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon each of the red sugar and blue sugar. Using waxed paper to lift, roll up dough. Repeat with remaining dough and colored sugars. Wrap rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm.
3.Heat oven to 375ºF. Cut rolls into 1/4-inch slices. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
4.Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.
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Fun Summer Chicken Salad

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2 cups cabbage, coarsely chopped

1 pkg (3 oz.) chicken flavored Ramen noodles, broken up, uncooked

2 cups cooked, chopped chicken

1 can (11 oz. ) mandarin oranges, drained(save juice for dressing)

¼ cup green pepper, chopped

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Dressing:
1 seasoning packet from chicken flavored Ramen noodles
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons oil
juice from canned mandarin oranges
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Cook’s Note: 4 tablespoons Italian dressing can be substituted for the 2 tablespoons white vinegar and 2 tablespoons oil. I have also used a pre-packaged coleslaw mix salads and canned chicken to make this recipe quicker.

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In a large mixing bowl, add all salad ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, add all dressing ingredients and stir together. Add dressing to salad and toss. Refrigerate leftovers fast.

Makes 10 servings

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For more great 4th of July recipes, go to Overwhelmed With Joy.

Freezer Food Friday-Cheese Cookies

Cheese Cookies
Makes 48 cookies
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1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 lb butter
2 cups flour
2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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Mix cheese and the butter, then, with your hands mix all the remaining ingredients until fairly uniformly mixed. Roll into walnut sized balls, flatten each a little and place on a lightly greased baking sheet Bake at 350F for 15 minutes. Cool on racks. Store in fridge or freeze. Reheat in 400F for 5-7 minutes. If frozen defrost in fridge before reheating.
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For more Friday Freezer Recipes go to A Mums Food Blog.
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My other Friday Food Freezer Recipes
Italian Chicken Roll-ups
Magnificent Casserole
Sherbet Cookie Delight
Breakfast Bake
Raisin Drop Biscuits
Pizza Pasta Casserole
Spaghetti Casserole
Frozen Peanut Butter Pies
Twice Baked Potatoes
Ice Cream Bucket Lasagna
Freezer Apple Pies

I LOVE this picture!

I really love this picture! I did not take it, so I do not know what is going on, but I like how Nathan just went and sat by his big brother and he seems to be having so much fun with him. Nathan also looks like he has grown up so much in this picture. I really wonder what is going through his head? Nicholas also looks happy to be spending time with his brother. I do not know, but there is just something about this picture that makes me feel like my children are really growing up! It makes me cry. Where has the time gone? Sometimes, I can not even remember Nicholas ever being a baby. Do any of you ever feel that way? Nathan and Katie Sue are also just growing up so fast! They are talking a lot better and just have two really different, but so neat personalities that make me laugh everyday! Neil is also growing up really fast. He will be 5 months on the 6th. He is already shooting on the floor and it will not be long until he will be crawling. Wow, it just makes me cry :( A happy cry, you know!

Cookie Madness

After this post, several people were asking me for that cookie recipe. I think a lot of people have one favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe that they always turn too. This recipe is one that I used with a 7th grade Home Economics Class when I was student teaching. I was teaching a lesson on measuring. This is the recipe I always turn to when I need one. I remember my supervising teacher telling me I cooked them too long because they were not soft and chewy, but I like mine soft but crunchy, so I guess everyone has there own preference on how to make cookies. Here is my recipe:
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Best-Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies(from The Southern Living Cookbook)
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3/4 cup butter
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels (I have used white chocolate chips, Milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, and M&M's or a combination of several)
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Cream butter and shortening; gradually add sugars, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add eggs and vanilla, beating well. Combine flour, soda, and salt; add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Stir in chocolate morsels. (or whatever chips you want to use) Drop dough by heaping teaspoons (I use an old measuring cup that was in a set used to measure coffee and it makes them all the perfect size.) onto ungreased cookie sheets(I use a stone and like the results better). Bake at 375 degrees for 9-11 minutes. Cool slightly on cookie sheets; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Yield: about 6 1/2 dozen
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My son asked me when I was going to make some more of those cookies. I have not made them any for a long time. So, I decided to try to find some new recipes and I posted several on Lorie's To-Do blog that I am going to try. Go visit Lorie's To-Do if you are interested in more cookie recipes.

Tasty Thursday- Dessert Edition

Today we are sharing dessert recipes. Here is one of my family favorites.
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Low-Fat Banana Pudding
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1 large box sugar free vanilla instant pudding
1 (8 oz.) low-fat cream cheese
2-3 cups skim milk
8 oz. packing fat-free whipped topping
3 bananas
vanilla wafers
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Mix pudding mix and milk together until stiff. Add cream cheese, beat until smooth. Fold in 1/2 carton of whipped topping. In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding mix. You can either end with a layer of wafers or whipped topping. Chill.
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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 side recipes.
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My other Tasty Thursday Recipes
Broccoli Raisin Salad
Kid pleasing edition
Breakfast Edition
Banana Boats for the Grill
Chinese Chicken Salad
Baked Mac and Cheese
Oh Henry Bars
Chocolate Souffle
Mild Tex Mex Beef
Eggplant Jambalaya
Sweet and Sour Chicken (or pork or beef)
Creamy Peanut Butter Pie

Daily Happenings

I feel a whole lot better that today is over. I do not have to go anywhere until Saturday so I feel a little more relaxed. We went to the library again today. I can not believe that there is only 2 more weeks left for the Summer Reading Program. It has been so nice and I have not had to cook lunch any of those days. Neil won the gift card today. I will probably just buy some diapers with his card. It has been nice that all of my children now have won a $25 gift card. Today was movie day. We watched Finding Nemo. It has really surprised me, but my kids have figured out how to behave at the library. Nathan and Katie Sue both were actually watching the movie today, sat down to eat, etc. They have also been able to actually "sit" through story time hour now instead of getting up and moving around. I think that this program has been especially good for them. Neil actually took a nap and since the other kids were watching the movie, I actually got to read my book. It was so much easier than that first time I went to movie day. So, how was everyone else's day?

I rock again and again!

Well, I have been given this award two more times now by Monkey Kisses and by Renne's Ramblings. So that makes three awards (I was first given it by Life is Just Ducky) I have been given and I am really shocked that so many people love my blog. Here is what they had to say about my blog.

Lorie: She always has something new on her blog. I love the recipes she posts and all the fun things she does with her family

Lorie's Stitch in Time- Another Mommy to 4 young children.. Yes I go to her for all kind of fun advice and fun things to do with my kids.. She has all the answers!!!! and most of them are in a bag!!!! :-)

Lorie at Lorie's Stitch in Time. She has a wonderful blog full of great recipes, great advice and again- another blog that I just really enjoy going to and "visiting". Check out her new blog, Lorie's To-Do; lots of wonderful recipes there!

So, I guess I will throw a few more out there:

Zolly Zoo-I love reading Jenn's blog. She is also a mother of twins so I guess we have something in common. She has really neat stories about her kids and I think she just rocks!

Callapidder days- This has been the host of the Spring reading thing. She has helped many many girls set goals for reading. So, I think she just rocks!

A Juggling Mum- Check out her blog, she has several different ones, I love her food blog. She always has the neatest recipes! She is also the host of Freezer Food Fridays and Fun Mondays for kids and I think she just rocks!

Now each of you go nominate some rocking girl blogs on your blog.

Daily Happenings

Wow! What a day! I finished my lesson that I was suppose to teach at Church tonight. I got to church and got the TV ready and then the Stake Sunday School President came and changed everything. I taught NOTHING. I was hurt a little because I guess he rubbed me the wrong way. I went in the kitchen and cried, I was hurt. I got over it quick! I just tried to use what I knew to add to the lesson and it went pretty well and I felt no stress at all. :) So all in all it went pretty well. I think that that guy is just a take charge kind of guy and he wanted complete control. I just wish he would have communicated what he wanted sooner. So, anyways, we came home and bathed all the kids and put them to bed. We went to the library again today and they made fruit yogurt milkshakes. They made them in, you guessed it, zip lock bags! lol! Tomorrow is movie day. It is the hardest for me because it is 2 1/2 hours. I have enjoyed taking the kids to the library, but I will really be glad when I get to stay at home again, my house will be glad too because it needs to be cleaned!
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A few months back, I think it was Michelle, who told had a post about the Once upon a potty books and videos, well I asked my library to order them and they have had them for two weeks and forgot to tell me. The kids love them, thanks Michelle for your recommend. The only problem I have is which video do I let them watch since they watch them together. There is a boy one and a girl one. We all watched the boy one and I really think it was okay, but oh well.
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I told you all that I would not get much time to write my daily to-do's but I do not know, I think I like these daily happenings better. Oh and one more thing happened. I went to get my driver's licenses renewed today. It was three weeks expired. Anyways that's another story. I did not even have to take a new picture they used my old one, how neat is that. The girl said I did not look any different, what a complement, since I have had three children since the last time I got it renewed. And I can't believe it cost $20.00 to get a driver's licenses, man everything is going up. Actually, I have not been able to find $20.00 in our budget, it's that tight, to go and get them renewed which is one reason that I did not get them renewed on time. Oh well, it is done and over with now! That was pretty much my day. I hope the rest of the week goes easier. I feel like it is already Friday! Well, I am going to sleep now. Have a good night and morning if you do not read this until morning.

Ramblings....

Well, I just got finished with everything I had to do today and it was a lot. I had to make some desserts for a program we are having at church and I just finished my cookies. I made my basic chocolate chip cookie recipe only I added white chocolate chips. Oh, and I forgot to mention that they were green and red striped. I got the chips in January for 25 cents each . They have a really good date on them. I just wish I had bought more! People will probably wonder about the green and red chips but oh well. I also made some rice crispy treats. Someone else is bring sandwiches and we are having chips and lemonade and that is about it. A dinner you can eat without tableware.

I went to my Wic appointment today and Katie Sue's iron is REALLY low. I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday for all four children so hopefully we can get her rechecked and see what they want us to do. The child will not eat very well. Neil is also going to get some shots that day. This week is really stressing me out! I feel like that frog at the top of this post!!!

We also went to the library today for story time. They were giving away clothes that they said they were going to throw away if people did not take. I looked through them and found LOTS of stuff. Nice stuff from Old Navy and the Children's Place. I ended up getting two large garbage bags full. What a blessing. There were some really nice sweaters that Neil will be able to wear next year and a ton of clothes for summer that will fit them now. Also, an Old Navy bathing suit that is just too cute for Katie Sue. The kids made handprints with a poem like paper and they were really cute!

Anyways, it has been a long day and I am really ready for bed, tomorrow is going to be another long day! Hope everyone has a great evening!

Fun Monday for Kids-Wanted Posters

Trista, from The Punkin Patch, shared this website a couple of months back for making wanted posters and they were really fun, my kids got a kick out of being able to make a wanted poster. Here is a post that I did awhile back with all my kids in them. Enjoy!

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For more great ideas visit A Juggling Mum.

Menu Plan Monday-June 23- July 1

Happy Monday! Last week I tried the Lemon Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot and I really messed it up I used concentrated lemon juice for the 1/2 cup lemon juice and 7-up instead of the wine. Wow! Talk about lemony. It was almost too lemony to eat! :( My dh was hungry and he did still eat it all though. Anyways, this weeks menu is going to be pretty simple! So, I do not have any great new recipe ideas. Sorry! Also, I have a new post about my new recipe to-do blog. Go and visit it if you get a chance.

P.S. I love the new banner for Menu Plan Monday!

Monday: Spaghetti, garlic bread

Tuesday: Church meeting will be eating there

Wednesday: Lazagna, garlic bread

Thursday: Soup and Sandwiches

Friday: Homemade pizza

Saturday: Soup Beans, Saurkraut and winnies, cornbread

Sunday: Cheesy Chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes

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Have a great week.

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For more menu ideas go to Organizing junkie.

An Announcement

I have been keeping this a secret for a while, but some of you have found it! Even though I am still working on it, I am ready to announce it. I am pleased to announce the opening of Lorie's To-Do. This blog is where I store all of my recipes, especially recipes I find that I want to do. Hence the name Lorie's To-Do. I really love having my recipes in a blog format, the labels make it so easy to find the recipes I am looking for. So, if you are interested go visit Lorie's To-Do and tell me what you think.

Friday Fifteen

Today is a themed Friday Fifteen since yesterday was the first day of summer:
Fifteen things I love about (or love to do in) Summer!
So here goes....
For more information see the Friday Fifteen blog.
1. Swimming
2. Summer Reading Program at the Library and free lunches
3. Warmer Weather
4. Sandal weather
5. The park
6. The gardens
7. Lightening bugs
8. Longer days
9. Tomatoes from the garden
10. BLT Sandwiches
11. Getting to go to the movies at least once
12. Long car trips
13. Family reunions
14. The summer foods
15. No school for dh!!!

So what is your favorite things about or to do in the summer?

Guess What?

I just got a comment from Janice from 5 minutes for Mom and I won the baby giftcare basket from CVS/pharmacies and PLAYSKOOL Baby Care! I am so excited! Neil and I will enjoy it. BTW, 5 minutes for mom is getting ready to give away lots of BIG prizes in their 4th of July Giveaway. It will be like there Mother's Day contest where they give away lots of stuff. The first prize has already been listed. It is a Krepps Ice cream maker and bowls. Now I know some of you have been trying to beat the heat so you better get over to 5 minutes for mom and register!

Favorite Ingredients Friday-Easy Stroganoff

Easy Stroganoff
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1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (4 oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 (8 oz) carton sour cream
Hot cooked noodles
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Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet until meat is browned, stirring to crumble meat; drain. Stir in flour and next 3 ingredients; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in soup. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sour cream and heat thoroughly. Serve over hot noodles.
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For more great recipes, go to Overwhelmed With Joy.

Freezer Food Friday-Italian Chicken Roll-ups

Italian Chicken Roll-ups (from Quick Cooking)
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8 boneless, skinless chicken breast
4 slices provolone cheese, halved
8 thin slices (4 ounces) deli ham
2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup milk
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Flatten chicken to 1/4 in thickness. Place a slice of cheese and ham on each piece of chicken. Roll up from short side and tuck in ends; secure with a toothpick. In a shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, grated cheese and parsley. Pour milk into another bowl. Dip chicken rolls in milk, then roll in crumb mixture. Wrap and freeze four chicken roll-ups for up to two months. Place the remaining roll-ups, side seams down, on a greased baking sheet. Spritz chicken with nonstick cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees for 25 minutes or until juices run clear. Remove toothpicks.
To use frozen chicken: Completely thaw in the refrigerator. Unwrap roll-ups and place on a greased baking sheet. Spritz with nonstick cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees for 30 minutes or until juices run clear.
Yields 8 servings
Note: Can substitute meats and cheeses. Mozzarella cheese and pastrami are a good combination.
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For more Friday Freezer Recipes go to A Mums Food Blog.
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My other Friday Food Freezer Recipes
Magnificent Casserole
Sherbet Cookie Delight
Breakfast Bake
Raisin Drop Biscuits
Pizza Pasta Casserole
Spaghetti Casserole
Frozen Peanut Butter Pies
Twice Baked Potatoes
Ice Cream Bucket Lasagna
Freezer Apple Pies
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Fun Family Friday- The Library Cooking Hour

I have told you all before that we are going to the summer library program it is a great program. Monday-Wednesday we go for programs, they serve lunch and give away prises. Three of my four kids have already won $25 Walmart Gift Cards. Last week at the Cooking hour the kids made Dirt Pudding. They did it in ziplock bags, yes another ziplock bag recipe Liz! lol! I have placed some pictures on top of this post, my kids love cooking hour actually better than story hour, but don't tell the library that. lol. Here is the recipe they used.

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Dirt Pudding

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1/2 pkg Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix

1 cup cold milk

2 oz. whipped topping

1 (gallon size) Zip-Top freezer bag(for pudding)

1 (quart size) Zip-Top bag (for Cookies)

6 Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

bowl

gummy worms

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Combine pudding mix and cold water in gallon zip-top freezer bag. Seal tightly. Shake and squish until pudding is well blended and starts to thicken. spoon the whipped topping into bag; seal. Squish gently until blended. Put the cookies in the quart zip-top bag and seal tightly. Smash and squish the bag until the cookies are all crumbs. Pour about half of the cookies in the bottom of the bowl. pour the prepared pudding over the crumbs (cut a small slit on the edge of the bottom of the bag and it will come out easier) and top with the remaining cookie crumb. Top with gummy bears.

Makes two servings.

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For more Family Fridays ideas go to Monkey Kisses.

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My other Family Friday Post

Fun Popcicles

Old Time Days

Park Fun

FunCooking Activity Recipes

Fudge in a Bag

Bread in a Bag

Paper/Plastic Cup Bubble Machine

Tin Can Ice Cream

I Rock!

Well at least Michelle thinks so! Thanks Michelle!

Here are my votes:

My Life as Annie-Annie has a really neat blog and lots of girly shares on Time Travel Tuesdays!

Organizing Queen-Marcia always has the tips that us girls need!

The Pumkin Patch-Trista host Tasty Thursdays and us girls get some great ideas for dinner!

Happy to be called "Mommy"-Bethany has the neatest Once A Month Cooking ideas and she is a great artist.

Hmmm-Dawn always has the funniest post about her kids mostly and her songs rock on her blog too!

So, those are my nominations, now all of you go nominate some blogs you feel worthy of being called Rockin' Girl Blogs!

Slow Cooking Thursday- Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup

Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup

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6 cups milk

3 cans (10-3/4oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

3 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1 pound)

1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream

1/4 to 1/2 cup hot pepper sauce

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Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Yields 8 servings

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

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My other Slow Cooking Thursday Recipes:

Brown Sugar Chicken

Spinach Spoonbread

Saucy Apricot Chicken

Reuben Spread

Chili Mac

Southwest Chicken Wraps

Slow Cooker Mount St. Joseph Burgoo

Great-er Puller Pork

Cheesy Chicken

Chicken and Dumplins in the Crock Pot

What's Going on...?

I guess times are a changing! I went to the grocery store the other day, by myself I might add :), and I only had a few things on the list. I shop at a place called Sav-a-lot for most things. It is cheaper on most items, but they do not have a lot of brand name things. Well, orange juice was one of the things on my list. My family LOVES orange juice. I buy 2 gallons for a week and it is never enough! So, I go out to get orange juice a lot. It has been $3.98 a gallon for a while now. I did not even look at what the cost was while shopping. I just put my 2 gallons in my cart. I got to the front and it rang up $4.89? I had a lot of people behind me so I did not take them back, but I did make a comment about orange juice going up again. Fruit is just as bad! My kids love fruit and I really do not want to deny them fruit. At church on Sunday they were talking about the news saying that milk is going to be $5.00 a gallon by Christmas. Wow! My kids HAVE to have milk, so I do not know what I am going to do about that one. And can I mention gas? Gas prices have gone down, but in my opinion still not enough! I remember when I first came to this county gas was $1.69 a gallon for a long time, I guess those days are surely over! Kentucky passed a minimum wage law that goes into effect over the next three years and it starts this summer. That is probably one of the reasons prices are going up and I know there have been some crop damage which is the result of a lot of fruit, but man I just do not know how we are going to be able to keep some of these important things in our budget if the prices keep going up! We already do almost nothing in the way of entertainment! Hmmm...just some thoughts I have been having. What do you all think about the raising prices?

Tasty Thursday-Broccoli Raisin Salad

Today Tasty Thursday is all about sides. This is one of my favorite sides and I love it in the summer.

Broccoli Raisin Salad

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1 bunch broccoli, cut into bite size pieces

1 cup raisins

1 med onion, sliced

2/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp. vinegar

1/4 cup mayonnaise-type salad dressing

10 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

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Combine the broccoli, raisins, and onion in a bowl and toss to mix. Mix the sugar, vinegar, and mayonnaise-type salad dressing in a bowl. Pour over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat. Marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours. Stir in the bacon just before serving.

Yields 8 servings

Note: for variety try adding nuts, dried cranberries, orange slices, celery, mandarin oranges, strawberries, grapes, or water chestnuts.)

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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 side recipes.

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My other Tasty Thursday Recipes

Kid pleasing edition
Breakfast Edition

Banana Boats for the Grill
Chinese Chicken Salad
Baked Mac and Cheese

Oh Henry Bars

Chocolate Souffle

Mild Tex Mex Beef

Eggplant Jambalaya

Sweet and Sour Chicken (or pork or beef)

Creamy Peanut Butter Pie

Tasty Tuesdays

I saw this on A Juggling Mum's food blog and decided to join in, only every Tuesday I forget, so even though I am late, I am still going to post so that it will be on my blog as a reminder! Here is my recipe.

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Pop Fly Popcorn (from Quick Cooking)

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10-12 cups popped popcorn

1 cup pecan halves

1 cup slivered almonds

1 1/3 cup sugar

1 cup butter (no substitutes)

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

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In a large bowl, combine popcorn and nuts; set aside. In a large saucepan, bring sugar, butter, and corn syrup to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; add vanilla, cream of tartar and baking soda. Drizzle over the popcorn mixture; stir to coat. Immediately spread onto two greased baking sheets; let dry for about 1 hour. Store in an airtight container.Yield: 10-12 servings

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Angie at Many Little Blessings hosts Tasty Tuesday, go and take a look at her recipes and the other Tasty Tuesday participants!

Works for me Wednesday- Protecting baby from bugs

The bugs seem to get worse every year. So, this year, I found a netting at Walmart specially made for the car seat. My other kids were in the pool and my baby and I stayed out and all my kids had bug bites, but my baby had none. I have also used this on my stroller at the park. My stroller is small and it fit really well. I went back to get one for a friend who is having a baby, but I did not find one for the car seat, but one for the stroller. My friend got a nice stroller with a car seat in it, so that worked out really well. I got a Gold Bug brand and both only cost about $4.00 each. The ones I am finding online are a bit pricier. I really like the fact that I can use this and not have to use bug spray on my baby. It just works for me.

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Here are some examples of some I found online.

Stroller netting

Car seat netting

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(And yes that is my baby in the picture at the top of this post.)

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For more great WFMW post see Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer.

Lorie's To-Do

Good Morning. why am I up at 5 am? I really do not know. I went to bed at midnight and today is going to be a hard day, as usual lately. Anyways, yesterday, I got up and started cooking breakfast and the twins were not up yet. So, I continued cooking until I heard some crying. I was in the middle of something and did not go right away. (It is usually just them fighting and they get over it quick. ) I shut there door at night. Anyways, I go in there (and really it had not been that long) and Katie Sue is standing by the closet door and I do not see Nathan. Then I hear him saying "elp", "elp" and then crying. Katie Sue was trying to tell me and figure out a way to get him out. I guess she had shut him in there and did not know that she would not be able to get him out. lol. He was fine only a little scared. Most of the time I am thankful that they have not learned how to open doors, but this is one time I wish they knew how. Another funny story from yesterday was that while I took a shower, the twins helped themselves to the refrigerator. Ds was suppose to be watching them but he was busy playing a computer game. I really take quick showers too. Anyways, they were sitting on the floor with my new package of strawberries. :( They ate the whole container and Katie Sue was saying, "good, mom good." I had to smile and they did not eat the green tops, thankfully. Then my smile went to a frown because I noticed something else my empty juice pitcher. Yes, they poured my juice out in the refrigerator mostly. I hate cleaning up juice messes, sticky! Anyone got any great ideas to keeping toddlers out of the refrigerator? Anyways, I posted my summer reading list. I really do not know if I will get through it all this summer but it is my plan. Reading is one thing I make time for. This baby sleeps really well, so I have some time at night to read. I do not remember getting back into reading this quick after having the twins, but really with 4 kids it is my stress reliever! I also posted some new pics of Neil if you have not seen them yet. And you can play Simon online post.
Well, I am taking my kids to the library today. They love it, but it is really hard on me. I think everyone at the library feels for me! I do not remember if I told you but all of the kids that go to the library programs each day get a chance to win a $25 gift card for Walmart. Nicholas won last week. He bought a pool and swimming trunks with his. Katie Sue got one yesterday. I think we are going to use hers for a new pair of shoes. We also get free lunches and great activities every time we go, so I will continue to take them. It ends the middle of July so we will get to stay home some this summer. I am just glad that I have a car to take them this year. Last year we did not go much because we only had one car. Dinner last night did not turn out well. I made the Lemon Garlic Chicken. I add 1/2 cup of lemon juice like the recipe said but I added concentrated lemon jiuce and I substituted the white wine with Sierra Mist. Oh man was it so lemony it was gross. Dh ate it all he said it was not that great but he was hungry. So, I guess I will not be making it again. I thought it would be so good, but I think I messed up this one! Well, I hope you all have a great day! P.S. I am glad I got up early or you would not have gotten this post. :)
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What I got to do:

• Laundry
• Dishes/kitchen clean-up
• Living room pick up
• Take kids to library

What we are eating:

• Dh wants to cook tonight so he is messing up my plan, but oh well he is cooking, right? Here is his plan: MJ's Shrimp Fried Rice (only he adds chicken instead of shrimp) and Sesame Chicken Dh loves the first recipe, it is his new favorite! The second one is new so we will see how it turns out.
  

What I am reading:

• Anne of Windy Poplars
  
  

Simon

I remember getting this game for Christmas when I was like 12 and I really loved it! I found this game online at a blog I visited only I can't find that blog now to give them credit. :( Anyways, go play and post your score here in the comments. Have FUN!

Family Update in pictures

Just wanted you all to know that I put a family update on my family blog, I got new pictures up. If you want to go visit. Here are a few of our newest baby. Can you believe he is already 4 months old?

Time Travel Tuesday-First Cooking Experience

So, okay this week we are going back to our first cooking experience. I guess I probably cooked some things before this, but this was my first REAL meal that I cooked. I took a Home Economics Class in High School. It was called Adult Living and for our final project, we had a list of things that we could do and one of them was to cook a whole meal for our family and write a report on it. We had to have pictures, recipes, our plan, etc in this notebook. I wish I still had that book. I made a Lasagna dinner for my family. It included. Lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and a banana pudding. (These were all my favorite things that my mom cooked and this was the first meal that I made for my soon to be husband an sometimes I joke that my lasagna won me my husband because he liked it so much!)I really had a great time and I guess that really that was the start of my love with cooking.

Do you have a first cooking experience? Why not post it today or go read some others at My Life as Annie.

My Summer Reading Plan

So, here is my list of books that I want to work on this summer. Do you have a summer reading list? Post it on your blog and leave a comment here so I can go and visit. I enjoy reading about what others are reading. I get GREAT reading ideas that way!
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Anne of Windy Poplars-L.M. Montgomery-Finished June 27
Anne's House of Dreams- L.M. Montgomery
Uncharted- Angela Hunt -Finished July 14
This Pen for Hire-Laura Levine-Finished July 17
A Merry Heart-Wanda Brunstetter- Finished June 30
Looking For a Miracle- Wanda Brunstetter- Finished July 4th
Plain and Fancy- Wanda Brunstetter-Finished July 6th
The Hope Chest- Wanda Brunstetter -Finished July 11th
Last Writes-Laura Levine-Finished July 19th
Killer Blonde- Laura Levine-Finished July 23

I may add to this as the summer goes along! Happy Reading this summer to you all!

Lorie's To-Do

Well, that weekend went by fast! Hope everyone had a good one. We made dh a card and gave him a basket filled with all of his favorite candies and snacks. He loved it, even though he had to share it with all of the kids. I have got lots planned for today and I got another busy week in store. I need a vacation, but I do not see one anywhere near. lol!

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What I need to do:

• Dishes/ kitchen clean-up
• Living room pick-up
• Laundry 2 loads clothes, baby clothes, towels
• Pick -up dining room-done!
• Story hour 1 pm at library
• Make a cake

What we are eating:

• Breakfast- Scrambled eggs, bagels, yogurt, juice
• Lunch- We eat at the library today
• Dinner- Tacos, Spanish rice

What we are doing tonight:

• Tonight is our family home evening. We will have a spiritual lesson and then we are going to have cake and ice cream for a special treat and then we are going to probably play cards with our older son. We usually have a great time so I can't wait.

What I am reading:

• Anne of Windy Poplars

Hope everyone has a great day!

Father's Day Card Craft

Here is the card we made for my dh for Father's Day. The kids decorated the tie(we did not use a real one) and wrote messages on the 4 hankies in the pocket. Dh loved it! The kids also gave him a basket of his favorite candies.

For more great ideas visit A Juggling Mum.

How Messy are you?

I got this off of Marcia's blog. Fun!

You Are a Little Messy

You aren't the cleanest person in the world, but you're definitely not a slob. You clean up when you have the time, but you're realistic about what you can get done. Generally, you're pretty organized and tidy - though you may have a few hidden messes. You eventually get around to making things spotless, but you do it on your own schedule!

Are You Messy?

Menu Plan Monday

I went grocery shopping last night for next week, so my menu is ready and I am posting it early. I tried the Swiss Chicken Bake last week. It was wonderful. Here is a post about it. I have got pictures and all of it up. It is at the bottom of that post. We will be making it again. Anyways, here is my menu.
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Lunches
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Monday-Wednesday- Library has free lunches during programs
Thursday-Sandwiches, apples, milk
Friday- Grilled Cheese, apples, milk
Saturday-Pizza Pancakes
Sunday- Hot Dogs or Pigs in a Blanket
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Dinners
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Monday: Tacos, Spanish rice
Tuesday: Crock pot Lemon Garlic Chicken from Annie Thanks! Green beans, potatoes
Wednesday: Spaghetti Pie, garlic bread
Thursday: Brown Sugar Chicken, green beans, cornbread
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Swiss Chicken Bake, green beans
Sunday: Mini Cheddar Meatloaves
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A QUESTION: For those who have made the 40 Garlic Clove Chicken, How many garlic buds do you need to make 40 cloves?
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For more menu ideas go to Organizing junkie.
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Hope you have a great week!

Recipe Question?

So, I got this recipe that sounds so good and I really want to try that Annie posted on slow Cooker Thursday. Here it is:

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
frozen skinless chicken breasts or tenders (about 2 pounds)
1/2 cup Lemon juice
several crushed garlic cloves (10-12)
1 teaspoon Seasoned salt
1 teaspoon Poultry seasoning
2 dashes Tabasco
1 cup White wine
Skin and cut up chicken. Combine with other ingredients in slow cooker/Crock Pot. Set on low. Serve over rice.

So, here is my question, if I did not want to add the White wine should I try to substitute something for it? or would it be okay without it? I know Sandra and Annie have tried this recipe, I hope someone can answer my question. Thanks in advance.

Update: I read a few things and some substitutions include chicken broth, ginger ale, white grape juice, apple juice, apple cider, or water. You all who have had it what do you think would be best for this recipe? I know they make alcohol free white wine, but I want something a little cheaper?

5 minutes for mom contest

Once again, 5 Minutes for Mom is doing an awesome contest. If you have a baby, are expecting, or want one for a friend's baby you should sign up for the contest to win one of 2 giftbaskets with items from PLAYSKOOL and CVS/pharmacy. These giftbaskets include baby care products such as diapers, wipes, teethers, sippy, and more. You all know I have a 4 month old so I want to win one bad! So if you want to get in on this awesome contest go sign up at 5M4M.

Lorie's To-Do

Hi, hope everyone had a good week. I sure had a busy one. I have already posted several post today, so make sure you scroll down. I have got so much to do today, I did not get much done on my list yesterday because I just felt really bad. I still do not feel much better today, but I got some stuff to get done. Last, night I tried a new recipe that was a big hit with my family! We will definitely be making it again! I'll share it with you at the end of this post.

Things I need to do:

• Laundry bedding, whites, towels, 2 loads clothes
• Dishes/Kitchen Clean-up
• Living room pick-up
• Organize kids books on the bookshelf

What we are eating:

• Breakfast- Cereal
• Lunch-Soup and Sandwiches
• Dinner- Pizza

What I am reading:

• Anne of Windy Poplars

Here is the recipe I tried last night:
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Swiss Chicken Bake(from An ordinary Mom)
3 or 4 large frozen chicken breasts (I prefer using 12-15 thawed chicken tenders so I can cut them up in smaller pieces)
2 cans cream of chicken soup (I use the low fat version)
1/2 can water
12 oz. stuffing box (I prefer Stove Top)
3 tablespoons butter (I just use some “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” spray and add 1/3 cup of water)
1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese
Place the uncooked chicken in a sprayed 9*13 casserole dish. Sprinkle the Swiss cheese over the chicken. Mix the 2 cans of cream of chicken soup with 1/2 can of water. Pour soup mixture over chicken and cheese. Melt butter. In a large bowl, mix together the stuffing and butter. (If you are using butter spray, add 1/3 cup of water to this mixture.) Spread stuffing mixture over the top of the chicken and the soup. Cover and bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes more. (If your chicken is already thawed, you can cook it for 45 minutes to 1 hour and then uncover it for 15 more minutes.)

Here is a picture of the casserole and one as the meal. Personally, i thought I would not like the Swiss cheese, but it tasted so good on the chicken. Wonderful meal is all I have to say and we will be having it again!




Hope you have a great day and weekend!

Freezer Food Friday-Magnificient Casserole

I got this recipe from Bethany, she does a lot of OAMC and shares her recipes each month. You should go visit her if you are interested in OAMC. She has really neat ideas!
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Magnificent Casserole
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2 pounds Lean Ground Beef
8 ounces Cream Cheese
1 tablespoon Green Pepper -- minced
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1/2 cup Swiss Cheese -- grated
8 ounces Egg Noodles -- (package)
1 pound Cottage Cheese
1/3 cup Green Onion -- chopped
2 cups Tomato Sauce
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In a large pan, cook noodles in boiling, salted water until tender. Drain & set aside. In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, cottage cheese and sour cream. Add onion and peppers. Set aside. Brown ground beef & drain any fat. Add tomato sauce to ground beef. Grease 9 x 13 inch cake pan or casserole dish, and arrange the following layers: Noodles, cheese mixture, meat mixture - then repeat. Top with grated Swiss cheese. Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes.
Note: If you will be freezing this casserole for later use, you may want to reduce or omit the amount of green pepper and onion which are used, as they have a tendency to get stronger over a long period of time.
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For more Friday Freezer Recipes go to A Mums Food Blog.
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My other Friday Food Freezer Recipes
Sherbet Cookie Delight
Breakfast Bake
Raisin Drop Biscuits
Pizza Pasta Casserole
Spaghetti Casserole
Frozen Peanut Butter Pies
Twice Baked Potatoes
Ice Cream Bucket Lasagna
Freezer Apple Pies