Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful that I am alive, I had a close call this week!
2. I am thankful for my kids, they make my life more interesting!
3. I am thankful for the library and all the free stuff there!
4. I am thankful for my dh's new, better job and that he still has weekends off!
5. I am thankful that I have a car during the day, I've lived without one and it is no fun!
6. I am thankful for a clean living room, now how long will it stay that way?
7. I am thankful for my blogging friends who visit my blog!
8. I am thankful for my my best friend, my dh!
9. I am thankful for getting a new flat screen monitor for my computer for FREE!
10. I am thankful that I got to go eat a good dinner at a steakhouse this week!
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What are you thankful for today?

Free Chocolate!

Nestle is giving away 2000 free Nestle Crunch Crisp chocolate bars between 9 and 5 PM Pacific Time daily.You can take (or skip) a little survey and provide your e-mail address. You will then get a free coupon in the mail. Note you don't have to provide a lot of personal information (and can select SKIP Survey) to get this. The survey is to enter a contest for a gaming console. Yummy!

Family Update and a Funny Potty Training Story!

All of my kids seem to be growing so fast!
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Neil is almost 7 months old. He is getting so many teeth! We call him JAWS! Whenever you pick him up he tries to bite you because his upper four teeth are coming in and they are so swollen. He chews on everything, but seems to like this when it is cold, the keys have some kind of liquid in them? All I know is he loves them! We need to go buy some new clothes, he is ready for 6-9 months clothes! He is 18 pounds now.
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Nathan and Katie Sue, which is what they get called most, are growing too! We have been working on potty training, but it is really not going very far! Nicholas is so into helping them. He wants them to go so bad! Yesterday he came home and that was the first thing he did take them to the potty, not much longer, he yelled at me that Katie Sue pottied. I went in there to look and Nicholas had put water in there to make me think that she had peed. I told him I knew it was water. I cleaned it out and Katie Sue sat back on the potty. About 5 minutes later Nicholas yelled at me again that Katie Sue had peed in the potty. I went back in there and it did look like pee pee. I asked Katie Sue if she went pee pee in the potty and she said, "No, Nicholas, pee peed." Can you believe that he peed in there potty because he wanted them to pee so bad, I was upset that he lied to me, but it was a little funny! LOL! Back to Nathan and Katie Sue, they are enjoying staying home with mommy. We read books that are a different theme every week, this week is Teddy Bears. They are also counting to 5 now. Read more about what we do everyday here.
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Nicholas started the 2nd grade this month. He seems to really be enjoying it. He is joining Cub Scouts and really excited about that! Can you believe that a uniform and registration fee is over $100? I do not know how we are going to get it all for him, but he is so excited and I know that it is important for him. The problems he is having in school is talking. The child loves to talk! He interrupts his teacher a lot, but he has a really good teacher that can deal with him better this year and he is doing so much better behavior wise! He is also reading so much better now.
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David finished his summer GPS work that he was doing, but the company is going to hire him to compile all the work from the 4 counties. So, that is a great big help that he does not have to go looking for another job while he is in school this semester. He has one more semester after this!
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So that is a little family update for you! Hope all is going well with your families!

Works For ME Wednesday-Saving Money on Groceries

For two months now, I have been getting food from the Angel Food Ministries. I first heard about Angel Food as a tip on a Works For Me Wednesday and then I started hear ads on our local radio channel. You can go to there web page and see the menu for the month. I have really used this food and have only found one thing that I did not like. Anyone can get Angel food no matter what your income. You buy a basic box which is $25 for me, some area it is $30. After you buy the basic box, you qualify to buy specials. We recently got one full of chicken stuff. The basic box is suppose to be valued at $50-$75. So, it really is a good deal! Here is this weeks menu for my family. I have highlighted recipes that I am using Angel food in in red. As you can see, I use it in a lot of stuff, many that I would have cooked anyways. I also have included my recipes. Angel Food Ministry works for me to help my food budget!
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Here is this week's menu for my family:
Breakfast
1. Cereal, milk, yogurt, juice
2 Cereal, milk, yogurt, juice
3. Mini Teddy Bear Pancakes- Make your favorite pancake batter. Pour a small amount of batter to form a 2" pancake in the pan. Add two small drops of mixture to form ears. Remove cooked pancake to a plate and add features using chocolate chips, banana slices, raisins, etc!
4. Pancakes, sausage links, bananas, juice
5. Cereal, milk, yogurt, juice
6. Scrambled Eggs, sausage links, biscuits, juice
7. Scrambled Eggs, sausage links, biscuits, juice
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Lunch
1. Burritos,apples, milk
2. Ham Sandwich, apples, milk
3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, apples, milk
4. Pizza, milk
5. Chicken nuggets, fries, milk
6. Tuna Sandwiches, apples, milk
7. Hot Dogs(smoked sausages), apples, milk
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Dinner
1. Spaghetti Pie, garlic toast
2. Turkey Roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans
3. Popcorn Chicken, French Fries
4. Chicken Fried Rice- recipe
5. Ham and Cheese Delight (New recipe I am trying from Angel Food, see recipe below)
6. Swiss Chicken Bake(recipe), mashed potatoes, green beans
7. Pizzas.
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Snacks and Dessert:
1.Teddy Grahams
2.Bear Biscuits-
refrigerated biscuits
raisins or chocolate chips
maraschino cherries
honey
cinnamon sugar (optional)
Separate biscuits. Each child needs 2 biscuits. For each bear place one whole biscuit on baking sheet. Cut the other biscuit in half. Now cut one of the halves into 2 pieces and make round balls with the dough and firmly press to top of head to make ears. With the other half, form round or oval shape for the nose. Press in raisins or chips for eyes and nose. Add 1/4 maraschino cherry to each ear. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on to give him the brown look and a cinnamon roll taste. Bake on a cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees until golden brown. Enjoy with honey - a bears favorite treat!!!
3. Gummy Bears
4. Honey Comb Cereal
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Ham and Cheese Delight- (Cindy Houk)
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1 canned ham, sliced and cubed
4 medium red potatoes, cooked, peeled, and cubed
1 container sour cream, (16 ounces)
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 box Velveeta cheese (6 ounces), sliced and cubed
1 package (10 ounces) corn muffin mix
1 package (16 ounces) frozen carrots, thawed, quartered
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom of 13 X 9 baking dish. Mix corn muffin mix as directed and spread evenly on bottom of pan for crust. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, blend sour cream and cream cheese. Add sliced and cubed ham, potatoes, and quartered carrots. Spread over muffin mix. Top with Velveeta cheese placed evenly and in rows. Cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes or until crust is done and cheese melts
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For more great WFMW post see Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer.

Potty Training Again

Well we started potty training today again! We bought some pull ups and I told them they get a sucker when they go potty. Nathan's pullups have carrots on them, he already lost his carrots, he did both in his pullup! ;( . Katie Sue still has her flowers on hers. We also bought them a new potty. It is on of those royal ones that play music etc. They love it.

There is a picture of it on the right. I like it, it is cute, but whenever they put there hand down there to wipe or whatever, it says they went to the potty. Neither have gone yet. I am going to work really hard with them, but I know everyone says they are ready when they are ready, but I got three in diapers and I really would love to only have 1! So, I am working with them. They both tell me when they need there diapers changed so I know they know when they are pottying in there diapers. I hate potty training! Can I say that? And just think, I will still have one more to train after these two, ohhhh! Guess I need to stop thinking about that and just do the best I can with these two.

I brushed death

As you you know, the twins and I have been sick with a stomach virus. I started feeling a lot better and even got a nap because dh came home early and watched the kids for me. He came and told me we were going to go out to eat because neither of us felt like cooking. He wanted to go to a steakhouse that is like 25 minutes away. We have not been out all summer so I said okay. We have to take two vehicles wherever we go. So dh was behind me. I was having trouble with my 3 kids in the back. I turned to make sure Neil was okay and when I turned, A big 18 wheeler was on my side of the road, I swerved to the side. The truck was going so fast and I believe I only had about a second. If I would have been even a second longer, I would have been killed, no joke. It really scared me! I was crying. When we stopped, dh said I though I lost you! I must have some more work to do in this life because I really came close to death tonight!

Update

I am still feeling pretty bad today. The kids seem to be doing better. Neil is growing so much, he now has 4 teeth in on top and he still has the two bottom ones. It is like Jaws coming at you though every time you hold him. He just wants to bite you! It hurts! I hope I can get better today, I have not been able to keep any food down and my whole body aches. Dh is coming home at 12:30 today, he is going to miss his lab, I just wish 12:30 would come because I really want to go to bed! My twins are so funny, right now they are standing by me with blankets over their heads saying, "It's goin to rain, It's goin to rain." It sure does not look like rain to me, but they are so cute! Sometimes they just make my day! I am going to go try some soup, might see you all tomorrow.

Yucky!!!

We are all feeling yucky today. My head hurts so bad and my tummy hurts and I have a low grade fever. Nathan had diarrhea and a low grade fever and still has it. Katie Sue woke up today saying her tummy hurt. She did eat breakfast, but has been laying on the couch and has even fallen asleep. She also has a low grade fever. Oh, I feel so bad!!!:(

Menu Plan Monday

For the past two months, we have gotten food from Angel Food Ministries. I saw people talk about it on Works For Me Wednesday and then I started hearing ads about it on our local radio. So, we decided to start buying every month. I have only tried one thing that I really did not like. You can get the food no matter what your income. Rich people even buy from this program. This week, I am using some of the items from this program and you will see those things in red if I use something in that recipe from AF. I think you will see I am using a lot from the program. You might want to check around for a site close to you. You buy a monthly box for $25 and it is valued at $50-$75 and you also qualify for specials. Also I do themes with my 2 year old twins and some of our snacks and one breakfast come from our teddy bear theme.

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Breakfast

1. Cereal, milk, yogurt, juice

2 Cereal, milk, yogurt, juice

3. Mini Teddy Bear Pancakes- Make your favorite pancake batter. Pour a small amount of batter to form a 2" pancake in the pan. Add two small drops of mixture to form ears. Remove cooked pancake to a plate and add features using chocolate chips, banana slices, raisins, etc!

4. Pancakes, sausage links, bananas, juice

5. Cereal, milk, yogurt, juice

6. Scrambled Eggs, sausage links, biscuits, juice

7. Scrambled Eggs, sausage links, biscuits, juice

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Lunch

1. Burritos,apples, milk

2. Ham Sandwich, apples, milk

3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, apples, milk

4. Pizza, milk

5. Chicken nuggets, fries, milk

6. Tuna Sandwiches, apples, milk

7. Hot Dogs(smoked sausages), apples, milk

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Dinner

1. Spaghetti Pie, garlic toast

2. Turkey Roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans

3. Popcorn Chicken, French Fries,

4. Chicken Fried Rice- recipe

5. Ham and Cheese Delight (New recipe I am trying from Angel Food, see recipe below)

6. Swiss Chicken Bake(recipe), mashed potatoes, green beans

7. Pizzas

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Snacks and Dessert:

1.Teddy Grahams

2.Bear Biscuits-

refrigerated biscuits

raisins or chocolate chips

maraschino cherries

honey

cinnamon sugar (optional)

Separate biscuits. Each child needs 2 biscuits. For each bear place one whole biscuit on baking sheet. Cut the other biscuit in half. Now cut one of the halves into 2 pieces and make round balls with the dough and firmly press to top of head to make ears. With the other half, form round or oval shape for the nose. Press in raisins or chips for eyes and nose. Add 1/4 maraschino cherry to each ear. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on to give him the brown look and a cinnamon roll taste. Bake on a cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees until golden brown. Enjoy with honey - a bears favorite treat!!!

3. Gummy Bears

4. Honey Comb Cereal

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Ham and Cheese Delight- (Cindy Houk)

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1 canned ham, sliced and cubed

4 medium red potatoes, cooked, peeled, and cubed

1 container sour cream, (16 ounces)

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 box Velveeta cheese (6 ounces), sliced and cubed

1 package (10 ounces) corn muffin mix

1 package (16 ounces) frozen carrots, thawed, quartered

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom of 13 X 9 baking dish. Mix corn muffin mix as directed and spread evenly on bottom of pan for crust. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, blend sour cream and cream cheese. Add sliced and cubed ham, potatoes, and quartered carrots. Spread over muffin mix. Top with Velveeta cheese placed evenly and in rows. Cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes or until crust is done and cheese melts.

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For more menu ideas go to Organizing junkie.

Book Review- A Sister's Secret

Most of you who know me, know I love to read books by Wanda Brunstetter. I have read just about everything I can find that she has written. So, when her new book came out(A Sister's Secret), I knew I had to read it. I really liked this book! It is about an Amish family. Grace had left the Amish faith before joining the church and did some things that she did not think her family would like to know about, so she decides not to tell anyone after returning back to her family, even her husband. Will he ever forgive her, will her family forgive her? Also, seems like so many pranks have been happening to her family, will they ever find out who is responsible for it? A lot of stuff I am leaving out because the book is full of twist and turns and surprises! A great book! I can't wait until November when the sequel comes out!

And the winner is...

The winner of the Hit the Deck cards is:

Enter a lower limit: 1
Enter an upper limit: 22

Random Number:1

The random number picker picked number 1, that is strange, I haven't seen it pick number 1 very often. Number 1 is KARA! Congratulations!

End of Summer Party 2007 and a Giveaway!

***Edited: You must have a way for me to get ahold of you! If I do not have a link back to your blog or an e-mail, you will not be considered and there are several signed up like that. I want you to win so please come back and edit or I can not consider you because I have no way to get ahold of you.
Trista at The Pumkin Patch is having an End of Summer Party August 20-24th. She is asking everyone to write about their summer and some are even giving away prizes at this party. So for this party I have made a list of 10 things that we enjoyed and had fun doing this summer. Oh and when you get to the end of this post I'll tell you about my end of summer contest. ~

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1. We took the kids to the park a lot!(When it was not so hot!)

2. We enjoyed the library summer reading program!(Story hour, cooking, movies)

3. We went and played at the Burger King play land twice. (Katie Sue and Nathan learned to climb to the top!

4. I got to read a lot of really good books and discovered some new authors! I also read ALOT to my kids this summer.

5. We made homemade Popsicles.

6. Mommy, Daddy, and Nicholas got addicted to a card game called Hit the Deck! We played it every night for a while.
7. We got to enjoy having a new baby in the house!

8. We got to go swimming in our swimming pool.

9. We had family baking nights and made lots of different cookies.

10. Nicholas got to play t-ball for his first year.

Financially this summer was not too good for us. I thought what did we get to do for fun? We did not go anywhere. We did mostly free, fun stuff, but as I thought about it for a while, I came up with several things that we had lots of fun doing. This was lots of fun! I think I am going to make it a yearly thing!

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Now for my giveaway! I am giving away our new favorite card game Hit the Deck.
To win you MUST leave a comment answering this question: What is your family's favorite game to play together? You must answer the question to be entered. I will use a random number picker and announce the winner on Friday August 24th.

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Also go to The Pumkin Patch to find out about other great giveaways and about other people's summer fun!

Tasty Thursday-Casseroles Edition

Sausage Breakfast Casserole
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1 lb. sausage (cooked and drained)
2 cans of crescent rolls
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
8 oz. sour cream
1 cup grated cheese (I usually use Mexican blend)
garlic salt
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Open a can of crescent rolls and lay flat in a 9x13 baking dished (lightly sprayed with cooking spray). Put dish in oven for about 15 minutes, cooking just until rolls begin to look golden. Meanwhile, mix sausage, cream cheese, sour cream and grated cheese together. Add garlic salt for flavor, as much or as little as you like. When crescent rolls finish cooking, remove from oven and spread sausage mixture over them. Top with another can of crescent rolls. Cook until rolls are done (about 20 minutes or until golden brown.)
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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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Also see all my summer fun and a GIVEAWAY in this post!

Playskool Contest

As amother with a baby who just started eating soilds a couple of weeks ago, this easy grip bowl is something that I really like. PLAYSKOOL markets there new line of baby items through CVS Pharmacies. They also have a line of diapers and wipes that are very nice. There is a contest going on over at Fina Dree's blog for $75 worth of these products. With three in diapers, this would be so nice for me! So go visit today and get in on this wonderful contest!

Image Meme

I've been tagged by Kara with this Image Meme. Here are the rules:1) Go to Google.2) Click on Google images.3) Type in your name and search.4) Re post (w/ a link) the picture of the oddest, craziest, strangest, coolest, oldest, etc. person that shares your name. Post multiples if you find a few you like.5) Pass it on to at least 5 other people.

This is Rainbow Lorie. I thought she was very colorful and cute.
I also found this Lorie flower that I thought was interesting and strange or maybe odd?

Now I will tag 5 other people:

Stacey, Annie, Liz, Trista, Rachel

Time Travel Tuesday: 21!

Here's today's time travel: You're 21.What's going on in your life?Who are you spending most of your time with?What's favorite things to do? eat? hobby?
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Wow! 21? I just for some reason can't remember 21. I know that I was in college. I had just moved to the University of Kentucky, I had gone to a community college before that. I lived in a college owned apartment complex with three other roommates. I guess I spent most of my time with my roommates, but I also spent a lot of time alone too. I was a loner a lot. My favorite thing to do? Probably study. That is about all I remember doing. I do not remember reading much then? Favorite thing to eat? I ate Ramen noodles and hamburger helper because I was a poor college student so getting to go out to eat was probably my favorite, but I do remember that we got this new pizza place called Snappy Tomato Pizza that we loved and would get delivered every now and then. Favorite hobby? Just can't remember anything. Don't know that I had any of any importance. I just can't believe how old this post makes me feel. When I was in my teens I always wanted to be 30. Why? I just don't know. Now that I am in my later 30's, which by the way I do not feel that old lol I just baby! But now I wish I was 20 again sometimes, but I really like how old now even if I am getting old lol!
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I also have an end of summer giveaway going on!

Emergency Cheesecake

I love cheesecake! This is a simple, quick version. Btw, that is not a picture of this recipe. Enjoy.

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Emergency Cheesecake

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1(8 oz package) cream cheese, softened

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 graham cracker crust

1 can cherry or blueberry pie filling

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Blend first 4 ingredients. Place in graham cracker crust. Top with pie filling. Refrigerate.

Menu Plan Monday-August 20-26

Breakfast:
1.Cereal, yogurt, juice
2.Cereal, yogurt, juice
3.Pancakes, sausage links, juice
4.Scrambled eggs, yogurt, juice
5.Cereal, yogurt, juice
6.Sausage Breakfast Casserole, juice
7. Cereal, yogurt, juice
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Lunches:
1.Corn Dog Muffins, apples, milk
2.Tuna Sandwiches, apples, milk
3.Pigs in the blanket, peaches, milk
4.Grilled Cheese, apples, milk
5.Ravioli, apples, milk
6.Homemade Pizza, apples, milk
7.Freezer Pizza, apples, milk
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Dinners:
1. Swiss Chicken Bake, Mashed Potatoes. Fresh Corn on the Cob, green beans
2. Spaghetti, garlic toast , I usually buy the store brand)
3.Chicken Fried Rice
4. Lasagna, garlic toast, peaches
5. Leftovers
6. Fish Fry at Church I'm bringing: Root Beer Float Cake
7. Fried Chicken, Soup Beans, mashed potatoes, corn
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Desserts/Snacks:
1. Chex Party Mix
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies
3. Emergency Cheesecake
For more menu ideas go to Organizing junkie.

Christmas and Birthday Ideas

Christmas and Birthday Ideas


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Nicholas:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5996511

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5007588
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=894800

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5774421

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5359009

Nathan:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5994911

Katelyn:


http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5854274

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5994908

Cash REgister

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5151216

Neil:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4956533

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=6339982

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5774900

Mommy:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4994688

Book Review- When the Heart Cries

When the Heart Cries is by a new author, Cindy Smallwood. She write a lot like Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetter who also write about the Amish. When the Heart Cries is to be a series. First off I want to say that this book was very well written, kept the readers interest and really showed a view of the Amish. That being said I hated how the main character, Hannah was treated in this book. I just hope that the rest in the series will be better for her. Hannah is a daughter in an old order Amish family. She has been working for a Mennonite neighbor and has fallen in love with her neighbors grandson. On his last day at his grandmothers for the summer, he asked Hannah to marry him. Hannah agrees, but they decide to wait until he gets out of school and is able to work for Hannah's father and win his approval. Hannah will not be shunned because she has not joined the church. However, on her way home after getting engaged, she is stopped by a vechile and raped. She runs home but her parents treat her like she has sinned and that nobody in the community will want her. The treatment of Hannah by the community is just so in just! Hannah has some other problems including getting pregnant from the rape and everyone else believing she got pregnant other ways and her brother and her best friend are in an accident. What will she do since her heart is crying so badly! I am awaiting the next book because I really want to see how Hannah goes on.

Favorite Ingredients Friday-BLT Muffins

BLT Muffins(from Taste of Home)

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2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup milk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
1/2 cup chopped, seeded plum tomatoes
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

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In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and sugar. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and sugar.
In a third bowl, beat the milk and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the bacon, tomatoes and parsley.
Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm.

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For more great healthy recipes, go to Overwhelmed With Joy.

Freezer Food Friday-Viva La Chicken

Viva la Chicken(from Robbin)
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3 c. cooked chicken
1 can cream chicken soup
1 can cream mushroom soup
1 c milk
1 sm. can diced green chilies
1 onion chopped
1 dz. corn tortilla
4 c. cheddar cheese grated
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Combine soups, milk and onions. Grease large shallow baking dish , add 2T water. Layer tortilla, chicken, then soup mix; top with cheese, refrigerate for 24 hours.
To Freeze: Cover with foil and seal well. Label and Freeze
To Serve: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake at 300 for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until piping hot
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For more Friday Freezer Recipes go to A Mums Food Blog.

Tasty Thursday-Heath Bar Coffeee Cake

Heath Bar Coffee Cake
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1/4 lb margarine, softened
2 c flour
1 c brown sugar
1/2 c white sugar
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. soda
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
6 Heath Bar, crumbled
1/4 c pecans, chopped
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Mix margarine, flour, brown sugar, and white sugar until crumbly. Take out 1/2 cup of mixture. Add Heath bars and pecans. Set aside. To the remaining mixture, add buttermilk, soda, egg, and vanilla. Blend until smooth. Pour into greased and floured 9 X 13 inch pan. Add set aside mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Serves 12-16.
Trista over at The Pumkin Patch is the host of Tasty Thursday, head on over to her blog to see more tasty recipes.

Big Shopping

We are getting ready to make some big purchases. Big purchases to me are anything over $25, lol. Here are some of the things I am looking at:

1. A Crib- Our baby is 6 months old. He slept in a bassinet for 4 months and since then he has been in a Pack and Play(it is just like that except it is Mickey Mouse and I got it on clearance for 30 bucks!). So now we have to buy a crib and if you ask me don't you have the twins cribs, no because they converted into toddler beds. So here are some we are looking at. What Do you think?
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Simplicity-This is one I really like because it is a crib, changing table, and has a shelf and drawers. I like this because right now the crib is in our room. It also fits in the budget and it converts into a day bed and full size headboard. This one can be found in stores, but it is not in stock online. :(

Storkcraft Kristina Crib, in Cognac-This one matches better with our bedroom furniture and again it is in the budget. I like the different look that it has.

Storkcraft Sandra Crib-I like this design too, it is in our budget, it is also cherry and matches our bed actually a little better than the other storkcraft.

Simplicity 4 in one Aspen Crib-I like the price and the drawer for extra storage. It is in the price range but out of stock online. :( It also converts into a toddler bed!

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2. Highchair-The twins high chairs are ready for the garbage, no joke! They only lasted for one kid, but they were like $28 each, they were the cheaper ones. I hate them! Here are some I like!

Sesame Beginnings Deluxe Reclining High Chair-I like the way this one looks, it has some neat features.

Fisher-Price Space Saver High Chair & Booster-I like how this can be used as a booster later and saves space.

Evenflo Safari High Chair- I also like this one.

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3. Stroller-I need a one seat stroller, the double stroller is so hard to move around.

Jeep ® Liberty Urban Terrain 3-Wheel Stroller- I love this one. It is a three wheel.

Jeep Liberty SE Terrain Stroller- I also like this one although it is more expensive.

Fun With The Kids

Well since school started for my oldest son, I have started to do activities with the twins at home, this week we are working on numbers to 5 and ABC's. I decide to start a new blog called Fun With The Kids. I am putting ideas for the kids each week and what we actually do and books we read and a review of them. I am going to try weekly themes. My first one is on Zoo Animals. I think this will be lots of fun for me and the twins! I would love for you to visit and share ideas the you have or have done with your kids that were fun.

Nice Matters Award

The Nice Matters Award: This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award.
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Renee from Renee's Ramblings has given this award to all of her readers. Here is who I want to pass this award onto:
1. Kate- I met Kate on a board that I visit and she is one of the most positive people I know! She is always there to give an encouraging word and truly someone I would love to meet in person.
2. Kara- I also met Kara on an online board. She seems to be a super nice person too. She is always willing to answer my questions about blogger, I have a lot! Thanks for being there Kara. She is also someone who you can depend on to come and leave a comment on your blog.
3. Overwhelmed-She is the creator of the Pay it Forward Book Exchange. To me, that program
demonstrates that she tries to live her life to be nice and helpful to others. There are LOTS of these exchanges going on now. She also host a recipe exchange on Fridays that I get so many great and inspiring ideas from called Favorite Ingredients Friday.
4. Beth- I also met Beth on a board I visit. She is a very sweet person! I love her book recommendtions on her blog and reading about her two year ol since I have two of those myself. ~
and last but certainly not least (there are too many nice people in blogville!)
5. Dawn- I also met Dawn on a board. I have enjoyed chatting with her, she always has great suggestions and we also both have a 7 year old. I love to read her funny stories about her kids on her blog! I just can't get the pepper one out of my head Dawn! lol!
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Now each of you go nominate some people you feel that nice matters!

Doesent' She Look Natural? Giveaway!

Do you like Angela Hunt books? She is a Christian author. I have read one of her books. I really liked it. Her new book is coming out soon. She is having a giveaway on her blog for her new book, Doesen't She Look Natural? She says there is a mistake and a name was changed but only changed once instead of the three times it appeared in her book, so the comments that are the two numbers that match the mistake page numbers, you will win the book. So go to her blog and try to be the lucky winner.

Time Travel Tuesday-First Day of School

Today's topic is first day of school memories, since Annie's kids started school today. Nicholas, my 7 year old started 2nd grade last Thursday. So, I guess I will start off with my first day of school. I did not go to kindergarten, my first day was 1st grade. I only have a few memories of first grade. My mom has a picture that she always showed me of my first day of school. I have begged her to find it for me, I wanted to show my kids on their first day of school, but unfortunately, my mom can not find it. I guess I have always remembered my first day because of that picture outside of our house with my yellow back pack. I remember riding the school bus. I remember that my class was in a trailer because the school did not have enough room for all the students, we got a new school a couple of years later. The only other thing I remember about the first day is my new teacher, Mrs. Miller, telling me I was writing with the wrong hand. I am still left handed to this day though. When my now 7 year old started his first day of kindergarten, it was not really hard on me because he had been going to daycare and I worked then (it will be harder for me with my other children because I have stayed at home with them.) I made sure I got a new picture of him outside our home with his back pack, just like I had done. My dh then took him to school and he told me that he went in with him. That's about all that I remember about his first day.

For more great first day of school stories go visit My Life as Annie.

Book Review-Bygones

Bygones is a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I have read two of her previous novels, Waiting for Summer's Return and Where Willows Grow. All of her books have been wonderful, this one was no different. This book is suppose to be a trilogy and the next book comes out this fall and I already can not wait to read it. This book is about Marie a Mennonite woman who fell in love with a trucker who took her away from the Mennonite community and married her. Soon before she was suppose to have his baby, he got killed in a truck accident. Marie goes back home to get help from her parents to raise her 2 week old baby, but they shun her and she is excommunicated from the church. Twenty some odd years later, her old Mennonite boyfriend comes back to tell her that her aunt died and in her will, she left her daughter the house and cafe that she had run. Only there is one stipulation, Beth must go live in the community for three months to claim the stuff left to her in the will. So Beth and her mom Marie go back to the community where none of Marie's family accepts them. Marie ends up finding her faith again, but will she get all of her family back? Also, robberies have started since they came to the community and they get blamed for them. How will they prove there innocence? I really enjoyed this book!

Menu Plan Monday- Week of Aug 13

Breakfast (not in any particular order)

1. Cereal, yogurt, juice
2. Cereal, yogurt, juice
3. Pancakes, sausage, links,bananas, juice
4. Scrambled eggs, sausage links, biscuits, juice
5. Scrambled eggs, sausage links, biscuits, juice
6. Cereal, yogurt, juice
7. French toast sticks, sausage links, juice

Lunches(Not in any particular order)

1. Soup and sandwiches, milk
2. Bologna sandwiches, fruit, milk
3. Tuna sandwiches, fruit, milk
4. BLT sandwiches, milk
5. Hot Dogs, fruit, milk
6. Pigs in Blanket, fruit, milk
7. Ravioli, fruit, milk

Dinners(Not in any particular order)

1. Homemade Pizza, salad


2. Swiss Chicken Bake(did not get to last week), mashed potatoes, green beans


3. Beef Stuffed Peppers, corn on the cob, green beans


4. Spaghetti Pie, garlic toast, salad


5. Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, green beans


6. Chicken Fried Rice


7. Sweet and Sour Chicken, Oriental rice

Baking: Lemon Crisp Cookies, Chex Mix, Special Butterscotch Brownies

For more menu ideas go to Organizing junkie.

School Started Back Yesterday!

Nicholas went back to school yesterday. He was so ready to go. One of the schools in our county closed and now all the students are being shipped to Nicholas' school. The teachers also got shipped to his school. Nicholas got one of the teachers from the other school. He had his heart set on one teacher, but he did not get her. I really like his new teacher and have heard great things about her. In my job, I worked with her mom and sister. So, it is kind of neat knowing his teacher this time. I also worked with his teacher on 4-H things at the other school. Nicholas said it was kind of fun because he has new friends now. Nicholas has a problem asking questions a lot! Last year, his teacher told us she was having a really hard time teaching because of him always asking questions and tattle telling. Well, when he came home, he said his teacher told him that she was ignoring him because he asked too many questions. I do not know all behind this but dh and I talked about it and the only thing we can figure out is that that is her way to keep his questions down? He also told me that they had to draw a picture and the could not talk about it until tomorrow and he really wanted to tell his teacher about it, but she would not let him. He said that was his hardest thing all day. lol. He also said he needed more drink for snack. Well, it has been in the 90's so maybe he does, I added a water to his snack today. I thought I would be so happy for him to go back to school, but I really miss him. He was a big help at nap time, I would get the twins to sleep and he would watch the baby in the living room until I was done. I miss that! He loves school though and I really like that he likes it. I remember loving school too!

Eggplant Tomato Bake

I made this the other night and it was really good. I think that next time, I might add some Rigatonni instead of the crakers. My dh did not want to try it because of the eggplant, but he even said it was really good and he would not have even know that the eggplant was in there if I did not tell him. It was super easy too.
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Eggplant Tomato Bake (from MJ)
Published: Wed, May 30
Recipe is by Julie Kay
Serves 4-6.
1 eggplant, peeled and sliced
3 medium tomatoes, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced into rings
1 onion, sliced into rings
1 1/2 cups Ragu Robusto! Parmesan & Romano pasta sauce
1 cup crushed cracker crumbs (Ritz works well)
1. Put eggplant slices into slow cooker. Layer tomato slices over eggplant. Add bell pepper and onion. Pour pasta sauce over all. Cook on Low for 4 hours.
2. Sprinkle with crushed cracker crumbs when ready to serve.

Freezer Food Friday-Crispy Chicken Bites & Family Fridays

Kid-Friendly Crispy Chicken Bites
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Chicken breasts (boneless/skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
Crisped rice cereal (about 6 - 8 cups)
2 eggs
1/4 cup water
Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
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Crush the cereal in a ziploc bag. Kids can do this. Pour crushed cereal into a large bowl, and add spices of your choice. In separate bowl or pie tin, combine eggs with water and beat well. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then dredge in cereal mixture. Arrange on greased cookie sheet. Bake 350° for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve these with different sauces to dip.
To freeze: Allow to cool, and freeze on flat surface. After frozen, place in freezer bags and store. To serve, simply reheat and eat!
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For more Friday Freezer Recipes go to A Mums Food Blog.
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For more Family Fridays ideas go to Monkey Kisses

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My other Friday Food Freezer Recipes
Cheese Cookies
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

Favorite Ingredients Friday-Salads Edition

Today is the salads edition. I am sharing my favorite salad dressing. My mil used to work at Jerry's restaurant and she says it really taste like it!
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Just Like Jerry's French Dressing

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1/2 cup oil

1/3 cup vinegar

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp salt

1 small grated onion (optional)

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

Note: I recommend the onion it really gives it its flavor.

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For more great healthy recipes, go to Overwhelmed With Joy.

Summer Reading Review-Where Willows Grow

I had read another book by this author, Kim Vogel Sawyer, and really wanted to try another one because her book Waiting on Summer's Return was really good. Where Willows Grow was a very different book than her previous one. It was still very good though. The book is about Harley and Anna Mae Phipps who own family land that they farm in Kansas. The farming year had been really bad because they were in a drought. Harley decides to go off and get a job working on a castle that is being build. He ask his neighbor, Jack to watch over his family while he is gone. Jack was a good friend of Anna Mae, he even had asked her to marry him but she had fallen in love with her father's hired man. Jack plans to get Anna Mae back while Harley is gone. He does this in a very bad way and Anna Mae and Harley never get each others letters. There are many more twist to the story. The title represents a Willow tree in there yard and how the roots of that tree run deep like faith. Finding faith is also a big part of this book with one of the characters. I enjoyed this book, but got really mad at some of the characters while reading.

Tasty Thursday-Santa's Helpers Cookies

This week's theme is cookies. Someone gave me this recipe at Christmas, but they are good anytime of the year!

Santa's Helpers Cookies

1 (9 oz) yellow cake mix

1 large egg

3 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 cup chopped pecans

10 orange slice candies, sliced

Combine all ingredients until blended. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees F or until edges begin to brown. Place on wire racks to cool.

Yield: 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

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