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Friday, November 30, 2007

Poor Neil




I came back in the living room today after washing dishes and I found that Neil's hair looked kind of funny. After closer look, someone had put Vaseline all over his hair and slicked it up. After asking who did that. Katie Sue said Nathan, but her hands told a different story lol! If you click on the picture you can see it better.

Christmas Baking Series:Christmas Fudge


Here is part two in my Christmas Baking Series: Fudge. Fudge is considered candy but I want to do a separate post about fudge because it is my favorite of all the holiday baking. My mom could never make fudge so it was something that I really wanted to perfect because I love it! Fudge also makes a GREAT holiday gift! I also have an EASY fudge recipe for all my blogger friends who do not enjoy cooking!
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Here are some great places on the web to find facts and recipes for fudge:
Dandy Candy Fudge Recipes
Love to Know
Cooks Recipes.com

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Here are some of my favorite tried and true fudge recipes!
Snowy White Fudge
Peanut Butter Fudge
Carmel Fudge (Penuche)
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2 Ingredient Fudge
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1 container prepared creamy chocolate frosting
1 package pure milk chocolate chips
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Place both in a glass measuring cup. Microwave on HIGH 40- 60 seconds, stirring at 20 second intervals. (Chips may not be completely melted) Stir until chips are melted, and mixture is smooth. Pour mixture into 8 x 8 square pan lined with parchment paper. If desired, sprinkle nuts, mini marshmallows,or chocolate chips on top. Cool in fridge 30- 60 minutes or until firm.
Cut into squares and serve.
Makes appox. 90 pieces.
Note: You can use any kind of frosting and chips. My favorite is butter cream icing and white chocolate chips.
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See all my Christmas Baking Series:
Christmas Baking Series Part 1:Christmas Cookies
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For more great Christmas ideas go to A Juggling Mum!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Christmas Baking Series: Christmas Cookies


It's that time of year that I start deciding what kinds of things I will be making for my holiday baking this year. Usually it is the same things. I have a green notebook that I keep all of my Christmas recipes in and each recipe is in a plastic cover. I have had my notebook for about 4 years and it just makes it easier to find all my recipes in one place. I do like to do a lot of holiday baking. I use lots of it for gifts. Cookies are one thing that people really enjoy getting. Here are some great places to find cookie recipes on the web in case you are thinking about making some cookies:
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This is one of my favorite Christmas Cookies. It is super easy because it uses a cake mix as the base.
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I would love to hear from my readers! What's your favorite Christmas cookie?
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For more great Christmas ideas go to A Juggling Mum!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Works for me Wednesday-Bandana Crafts


A friend of mine showed me this super easy No Sew Bandana Purse. This is what I am making for the cousins for Christmas this year. It's not only easy, but super cheap! There is also a link on there for making other crafts out of bandanas. They look like a lot of fun for kids to do.
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For more great WFMW post see Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The Christmas Shoes

Renee posted on her blog the song from this movie and a link to watch the whole movie on You tube. If you have not watched this movie it is so good! But I warn you, you will cry! I think this is going to be a book that I want to read. This movie makes me think about how important family really is and how important it is to make them a priority in our lives!
Movie on You Tube: Christmas Shoes

Monday, November 26, 2007

Menu Plan Monday- November 26


Here is my plan for the week:



Go here to see more plans.

Book Review-The Parting by Beverly Lewis


The next book that I read on my fall reading list was The Parting by Beverly Lewis. I am a big fan of Beverly Lewis. I have read and LOVED all her books and it is unusual for me to say I did not like a book that I chose to read, but I really did not think this was one of her better books. The story is about Nellie Mae whose Amish community is being split in two. Some community members want to start studying scripture and believe they are "saved" and others want to have more modern conveniences like tractors. Nellie Mae is caught in the middle because her father wants to read scripture and believes he is "saved." Nellie Mae is courting a guy whose family is on the other side. Nellie Mae knows that neither family will let them be together after the split. Basically that is what this book is about. While it bored me at times and did not seem to go fast enough for me, like most Beverly Lewis novels do, I will continue reading the series to see what happens.
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For more Fall into Reading 2007 participants book reviews got to this post.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Handmade Christmas Gift Idea


A friend of mine showed me this super easy No Sew Bandana Purse. This is what I am making for the cousins for Christmas this year. It's not only easy, but super cheap!
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For more great Christmas ideas go to A Juggling Mum!

Nicholas's Birthday!

My first baby turned 8 yesterday. Sometimes I wonder where the time went! He is in a soldier phase right now. He wants to be a soldier in a war, no less. He says that is what he wants to be when he grows up. Here are some pictures from his birthday which we had after the Thanksgiving meal. Poor child, every so many years, he has to share his birthday with the turkey. He really did not seem to mind though!




Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone enjoys their day.


Wednesday, November 21, 2007

The Colors of Friendship


Thanks to Renee for passing this award to me.
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This award originated at Yesu’s Garden and this is what Amrita writes about this award:
I want to nominate my following blog friends for the Colors of Friendship Award.They color my life with the beautiful hues of friendship. Although we come from different backgrounds and cultures we share the same spirit of friendship.
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So in the spirit of this award, I am passing this award on to everyone on my blogroll. You all truly make my life happier and now I would like you to pass it on to your blog friends!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

A Rambling Post, for sure!

Aren't we allowed to just ramble on our blogs every now and then? Well, I am going to warn you this is a huge ramble just of things I want to put down! So here goes!
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First I want to talk about my twins. They will soon be 3. Hard for me to believe! They are growing up so much. We still have not perfected the potty training thing, but we are working on it and I am really trying just to not stress out about it and just let it come in time. Katie Sue really does talk pretty good. I really have not heard much, "toddlerness" in her words. Now Nathan is another story! For a long time, he would cry and say, "net". I was lost, had no idea what he was talking about! About a week ago, I finally figured out that, "net" is his blanket? I have a really hard time understanding him and it frustrates both of us. Most of the time I just have to say, "show me." Hey, it works. They also are really into movies now and would watch them all day if I let them. There favorite right now is "Inch." That is The Grinch. Nathan is so funny he talks all through the movie and acts like The Grinch. It is too cute! Katie Sue is such a quiet child around others, but she definitely can take up for herself around her brothers.

Neil is growing all too quickly! Where has this year gone? He wants to be down all of the time and can stand on his own for a little while and is really trying to walk. He can wear 12 month shirts now, but I guess he is short because he has to have 6-9 month pants. He does this really cute thing with his nose. I call it, "crinkling his nose." It is so cute. He usually does it first thing when he sees you, but he can do it when he is mad too. He has also started eating table food. At our Thanksgiving dinner at church, he ate mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and bread and LOVED it. Oh and he ate some pumpkin pie too.


Nicholas is my child that I worry about. He wants more time with us than we have time to give to him. The person he wants all the time is daddy. Daddy is one busy man, if you do not know that, but he still tries to spend 1 hour a night with him and Nicholas wants so much more. My other children are so far apart in age from him that he has a hard time playing with them or he hurts them while playing with them. I have been reading with Nicholas every night, we have read lots of books together and we get to just talk. He still is having problems with acting out sometimes, but I think he is getting better. He has also decided that he wants to be a soldier when he grows up. As a parent that makes me sad, but I really do not think he knows what all goes into being a soldier. He just likes the outfit and that he gets to carry a gun. He just won't listen to us when we tell him how bad being in a war really is, yes he wants to be in a war. Like I said he is my child that I worry about.



Last night I made the Sweet Potato Fries. They were really different but good, I would try them again. I found some yams for 25 cents a pound so I wanted to try something else with that good of a deal. The Hamburgers were really good too. We tried the Sara Lee Wheat buns. Too good! today I am finally going to make the Potato Soup. We have had it before so I know it is good! Yeah I know I am changing my menu around a little, but I forgot to lay the chicken out last night and I want the Potato Soup. lol.
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This week at the grocery, I found great deal on produce. We love good fruit and veggies, but I watch the prices too. This week I also found pears for 88 cents a pound. They were regularly 1.26 a pound. So, I bought some. I want some more. They were too good! Everyone loved them!
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My finger seems to be doing a lot better! It was cut in the joint so it is still hard to move it, but I can wash dishes now and give baths to the kids.
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For Thanksgiving, we are going to my dh's grandmother's. I would love to go to my family but they eat at Cracker Barrel every year and dh says that he wants real food. We also would have to take two cars and we really do not want to spend that much in gas. My mom and some of my brother and sisters kids are coming over on Friday so I will be making "my" dinner then. I got my turkey for 88 cents a pound and it is a Butterball so I think I got a good deal and I bought an extra one at that price. We can eat a lot of meals on that Turkey. We will also be having cake and ice cream for Nicholas's birthday which is really on Thanksgiving.
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Well that's all I got to ramble about today. Sorry if I bored you to death! lol

Monday, November 19, 2007

Menu Plan Monday- November 19-25th

My menu for the week:
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Monday- Burgers on Wheat buns, Sweet Potato Fries(I found yams on sale for 25 cents a pound!)
Tuesday-Sweet and Sour Chicken, fried rice, peas
Wednesday-Potato Soup, toast (We still did not try this last week because I could not cut the potatoes with my hurt finger.)
Thursday- Thanksgiving and my son's 8th birthday! (I'm taking this to our family dinner)
Friday- Leftovers (I love Turkey sandwiches!)
Saturday- Leftovers
Sunday- Homemade Pizza
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Go here to see more plans.

Friday, November 16, 2007

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas-Special Holiday Desserts


Every week until Christmas, A Juggling Mum is hosting, It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, meme. Post any new thing you want about Christmas as we all prepare, then go to her blog and link up. Here's my idea for this week.
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The cute little cake at the top was found here. The site has a lot of really neat ideas for holiday treats! It also has ideas for other holidays! Go check it out really neat!

An Update

Just so you all do not worry about me, I wanted to update you on what I decided about the doctor. The clinic I went to for my finger, I have been to before. They used to charge $20 an office visit for the sliding scale. Well now they have a $35 sliding fee and you must pay for that before you see a doctor. I think we are going to take money out of the Christmas money, which was not a lot to begin with to pay for a few of the visits and lab work. (lab work is extra, but they will charge lab work) So, we will not be buying gifts for my family this year. My dh says that taking care of me is priority. Walmart has my presciptions for $4. So, that is pretty manageable. My children will still get some things for Christmas, I am talking about our parents, brother/sisters, grandparents etc. So, I think things will be okay. I do not think I have told my blog readers this but my dh is trying to get a new job that he has a very good chance at that will offer benefits, so I am hoping that that will happen before Christmas and take care of a lot of my fear in not being able to go to the doctor when I need to! He is working part time for the company now and they will work with him to finish his last semester of school, if they decide to hire him. They have already been giving him some of that positions duties so I think he has a pretty good chance. At least I am hoping!
You know what is even more ironic for me. The doctor I saw at the clinic was the head doctor and walkins do not get to see him, but I did, which I thought was strange at the time. He is a specialists for the health problem I have. Makes me wonder was I meant to hurt my finger so I would go to the doctor? I do not know but it makes me think.

FIF-Corn Dog Muffins

My kids love these for lunch, they are super easy!
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Corn Dog Muffins
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2 (8.5 ounce) packages corn
bread/muffin mix
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 (11 ounce) can whole kernel
corn, drained
5 hot dogs, chopped
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In a large bowl, combine corn bread mix and brown sugar. Combine eggs and milk; stir into dry ingredients until moistened. Stir in corn and hot dogs (batter will be thin). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full Bake at 400 degrees F for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
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For more great muffin recipes go to Overwhelmed With Joy!

FIF-Peanut Butter and Jelly Surprise Muffins


Peanut Butter and Jelly Surprise Muffins
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup strawberry, raspberry, or grape jelly
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a muffin tin with muffin papers. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the peanut butter with the egg. Add the milk, a little at a time, then add the butter and mix. Pour the wet batter into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently to combine. The batter will be stiff.
Put a heaping tablespoon of batter in the bottom of each muffin cup. Use a finger to make an indentation in the center and put a teaspoon of jelly in the hole. Cover with another heaping tablespoon of batter or enough to fill each cup about two-thirds full. Spread the batter gently until no jelly is visible. Bake for 20 minutes, then turn the muffins onto a wire baking rack to cool for at least 10 minutes (the jelly centers can get hot). Makes 12 muffins.
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For more great muffin recipes go to Overwhelmed With Joy!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

I hurt myself!

Yesterday, I was making this wonderful Pumpkin Sheet Cake from Tammy's Recipes and I hurt myself. I was getting out a small Pyrex dish to put my milk in for the frosting and as I grabbed them, I store them on top of each other, they fell out. I tried to catch them and as I caught the first one, the second one broke the first one and cut my pinkie finger as I caught it. It really did not hurt as I cut it and it really did not even bleed heavily at all, but I could tell it was a deep cut. So, I called my dh and we went to the doctor. I told them I wanted a nurse to check it before I wasted my time to make sure I really needed to get stitched up. I do not have insurance and I was dreading the bill! The nurse was a nurse practitioner and she was really rude. Like she did not believe me that I had hurt it the way I had? Then she said, "When was your last tetanus shot?" I said, "I really do not know." She said something like, I figured. Just so rude! So anyways, I finally get to see the head doctor at the clinic. He was really good! He said it was borderline if it needed stitches and that he felt it would be fine if I just got it glued up. I also had to have a splint put on it so it would not move because the cut is right in the joint. While i was there I found out about another problem I have that I am not too happy about. The doctor wanted me to come back in three days, but I barely could pay the office visit fee so I know that I will not have the money for another visit fee so soon. So, what do I do? Look for another doctor who will charge my doctor visit fee until I can pay them or what(and I would need several visits!)? I am really at a loss! I know what I have needs to be treated and could become life threatening, but I really do not have the money to go so I just will have to ponder that. Oh and since Granny had the kids, dh and I used the giftcard I won fron ZollyZoo! Jenn let me have an Applebees instead of The Olive Garden because the nearest Olive Garden is like 3 hours away. Dh and I had this fabulous steak dinner! We only had to pay like $5. It was so wonderful to get out and have a fabulous meal! Thanks Jenn!

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

What do you do with all of that Halloween Candy?

Does the Halloween stash look like this at your house? With 4 kids we got a lot and I want to get rid of it all! Throw it away! Until I saw this post from Mommy Cooks. I thought maybe you all could use it too! She has several nice recipes that you could use up that Halloween candy! I'm adding some to go along with hers! Enjoy!
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Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
40 miniature chocolate covered peanut butter cups, unwrapped
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda; set aside. Cream together the butter, sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and milk. Add the flour mixture; mix well. Shape into 40 balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin pan. Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into each ball. Cool and carefully remove from pan.
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Almond Joy Fudge
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2 (12 ounce) packages semisweet chocolate chips
2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups (16 pieces) mini Almond Joy candy bars, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Butter an 8-inch square baking pan.
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Line with enough wax paper to overhang 2 sides by 2 inches.In pot, combine chips and milk over medium heat cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract. Cool 1 minute.Stir in candy bars. Spread mixture evenly in pan. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours. Use wax paper to help remove from pan. Peel off paper, then cut into squares.
Makes 36 pieces.
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Finally I think this site has some great ideas for using candy.
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What did you do with your leftover Halloween Candy?

Monday, November 12, 2007

Time to get rid of some stuff!

I am so tired, but I got a lot done! I have made a goal to get both my kid rooms cleaned and organized by before Christmas. Today I started that adventure. I have come to the conclusion that my kids have way too many toys. Where do I put them all? We have not only Christmas, but Birthdays too. So, I know they are going to be getting new stuff. So, I got rid of a whole lot of stuff that I am taking to Mountain Mission tomorrow! The twins room is organized. How long it will stay that way, I am not for sure? I am going to try to have pick up times throughout the day and hope it stays that way. Do any of you have the Little People play sets. We have the farm, the house, Noah's Ark, the circus, the bus, and the Zoo. There are just too many parts to keep up with for all of those play sets. I decided to keep them up and just get them out every now and then, although they do play with them all of the time! The room is totally clean. Nathan will not keep his bed made and he wants to put the rug on his bed lol! But it is clean. Now I have to get the closet cleaned out and the room will be cleaned. Note, most of the stuff in the closet is mine that needs to be moved! Then I move on to my oldest son's room. He again just has too much stuff, so I am going to get rid of some stuff in there too. So, if you do not see me for awhile that is because I am busy.
Also, I know that I have a meme that Natalie gave me that I need to do, if anyone else has asked me to do a meme please leave a comment here and I will try to get it done. Thanks!

Happy Veteran's Day

Menu Plan Monday November 12-18

Dinners for the week:
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Baked Ziti
Potato Soup, toast (Did not get to last week)
Sweet and Sour Chicken, fried rice, peas
Chicken Fried Rice
Tacos, Spanish Rice
Lasagna Soup
Thanksgiving Dinner and Son's Birthday Party (He wants me to cook a Thanksgiving meal and a Soldier Cake) Down below I will list my recipes for this dinner.
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Creamy Peanut Butter Pie
1 pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/3 whipped topping
10 peanut butter cups
1 graham or chocolate crumb crust (9 inch)
In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping. Coarsely chop half of the peanut butter cups.; stir into the cream cheese mixture. Spoon into crust. Quarter remaining peanut butter cups; arrange over top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting.
Note: I like the graham cracker crust better than the chocolate because I think it is chocolate enough. Beware, this is rich!
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Corn Pudding
3 eggs, beaten
3 Tbsp flour
3 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup half and half (found in dairy section)
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 cups corn (white cream style)
2 Tbsp butter
Mix, pour in greased dish. Melt and pour over top. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 1/4 hours.
Note: My mom made this every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yummy!
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Sweet Potato Souffle
3 cups sweet potatoes
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup milk
Topping
1/3 cup melted butter
1cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
Boil and mash potatoes, and mix together ingredients. Put in a 9x13 inch baking pan. Make topping next. Topping: Melt butter and mix in other ingredients. Sprinkle on top of potato mixture, and bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
Note: I have also use 2 cups canned yams.
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Quickie Yeast Rolls
4 cups Self Rising Flour
1 package of yeast
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup oil
2 cups warm water
Mix flour, yeast, and sugar. Add remaining ingredients. fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake 15-20 minutes at 400-425 degrees F. Batter will keep in refrigerator for one week. Makes 24
Note: I use this cheat recipe for my yeast rolls and they are just about as good.
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I always make a pumpkin pie and usually use the one on the back of the pumpkin can.
Pecan Pie- I always use the recipe on the back of the Karo Syrup bottle.
Gravy and Stuffing and Cranberry sauce- I have not perfected any of these recipes so I cheat and buy the canned and boxed. I do cook my stuffing and then roll in balls and put in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes. We have always made them like that in my family, but my grandmother always made the stuffing from scratch. I guess it is really dressing since I do not stuff the turkey. I also cook my turkey in a roasting bag. Never had any problems that way, it always comes out good!
Green Beans- I cheat here too. I like the Allen brand Italian green beans they seem more like fresh to me.
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Broccoli Casserole- I use 3/4 of the Velveeta Cheese block and 1 stick of butter and melt this together. I then cook 2 small bags of broccoli cuts and then drain them and put them in a casserole dish. I then pour the cheese mixture over the broccoli and then I top it with crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter mixed in.
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I have not figured out this Soldier Cake yet. But I already have 3 desserts some of which I will take to family get togethers.
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Go here to see more plans.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

5 Minutes For Mom is giving away lots of great prizes before Christmas. They are giving away something everyday. I signed up for several things so far. Spiderman pack, diaperbag etc. Go check it out and see if anything sounds good to you!

Crazy 8's

I was tagged for this awhile back by Renee. So here goes!
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8 things I am passionate about:
God, my husband, my kids, our dog, good friends, music, cooking, being a great mom
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8 things I want to do before I die:
be a grandmother, go on a plane trip with my dh, cook my way through a cookbook, buy a house, buy a mini van, I really do not know the rest
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8 things I say often:
I love you, Honey will you..., What are you doing?!?, Let's pick up, boogabooaga (baby talk) lol, Get off the computer, Get out of that now, Time for bed
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8 books I have recently read:
Return to me-Robin Lee Hatcher, A Carol For Christmas-Robin Lee Hatcher,When the Morning Comes-Cindy Woodsmall, Candy Cane Murder-Joanne Fluke, Sweet Revenge-Diane Mott Davidson, The Survivors- Dianah McCall, When you Believe-Deborah Bedford, A Morning Like This- Deborah Bedford
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8 songs I could listen to over and over:
I do not listen to many songs really. Church Hymns
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8 things that attract me to my best friends:
trust, loyalty, fun, talkative, likes some of the same things as me, similar values, helps me stay on track, someone I can really talk to.
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8 things I have learned in the past year:
Setting up a blog, Tell people you love that you love them, housework can always be done later, get rid of not so important things, raising 4 kids is not so easy-it takes work!, I will make it and be taken care of, Life is Short-enjoy your kids everyday!, My kids are growing up way too fast!
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People I'll tag for this meme:
Anyone who reads this and has not done it.

Bloggers with Integrity Award


I recieved this award from Natalie for my creativity. Thank you so much! This award was authored by The Little Aussie Cynic to honor those blogs with integrity.
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Here's Aussie's post:
"After looking, reading and watching many many Blogs and bloggers I decided to issue some recognition to those fellow bloggers I feel maintain integrity in the Blogs. All these bloggers incorporate within their wonderful sites, an integrity not always seen. They share terrific stories, topics, discussions and images. All Well worth a look."
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I would like to award the following bloggers with this award:
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For Creativity
Jenn at ZollyZoo
Katie at Adventures in Hong Kong
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For The Spirit of Giving
Overwhelmed with Joy
Trista at The Pumkin Patch
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For Staying True To Their Beliefs
Kate at What Defines Me
Renee at 2 Peas in a Pod
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For Keeping it Real
Dawn at Hmmm
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For Social Conscience
Annie at My Life as Annie
Stacey at Stace's Place
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So, take your prize and award it to those blogs you deem deserving. Again, thanks Natalie!

Friday, November 9, 2007

Ideas!?!

So, I found out this morning that the person who entered this contest decided she did not want it. So, Trista picked again and I won the new header for my blog. I have had my current header for a long time and have loved it. My friend Kate made it for me. My blog has changed so much since then and I really do not know what I want my header to look like. You all are the ones who read it. What do you think my header should look like. I am just looking for ideas here because I know I am going to change something. I have already changed a little to reflect the direction my blog is going. So, if you got a minute can I pick your brain for some ideas? Thanks in advance!

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Tasty Thursday-Butterscotch Blondies

Butterscotch Blondies
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1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix with pudding
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs, divided
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1 cup butterscotch-flavored chips
1 (14 ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, beat cake mix, butter and 1 egg at medium speed until crumbly.2.Press evenly into greased 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle with pecans and butterscotch chips.3.In small bowl, beat EAGLE BRAND®, remaining 2 eggs and vanilla. Pour evenly over chips.4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes longer or until center is set. Cool thoroughly. Cut into bars. Store covered at room temperature.
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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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Next week is Thanksgiving Recipes!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Works for Me Wednesday-Backwards Day


Today we are doing backwards day on Works for me Wednesday, instead of giving advice you are asking for advise so here is my problem.
I have a special Birthday problem. Almost all of my kids have birthdays too close to holidays. This year my oldest son's birthday falls on Thanksgiving. I think we are going to have a special cake at the Thanksgiving Dinner just for him. I also want to have a day set aside just to celebrate his birthday. I have such a hard time with his birthday because it is always on a holiday weekend and his friends are always busy or gone, so friend birthdays really have not happened for him much. My twins were born on December 27 so right after Christmas and all those gifts it just does not seem special to them? So, I always make them a cake and we just have a small family party. So Birthdays are really hard around here! Anyways here is what I need help with. I want to know where I can find great cake ideas to make for my kids birthdays that also represent the holiday. Like for my son's Thanksgiving Birthday, I want to do a cake that represents Thanksgiving and Christmas for my twins. I am definitely not a professional cake maker so keep that in mind. Also, any ideas you have on celebrating birthdays close to the holidays would be helpful too!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Free Custom Blog Header


Trista over at The Pumkin Patch has a new blog that she is selling blog artwork. She has a few of her newest creations at Pumkin Patch Creations for you to see. She also has a contest that she is giving away a free blog header. I really like her work so I am going to enter the contest and see what happens. So go here to enter!

Tackle It Tuesday

An individual Bag

The closet it is all stored in.
Well, Neil my 9 month old, has just started growing out of his 3-6 month clothes. He also has grown out of his shoes. I kept things from my other two boys, but they were all in Rubbermaid tubs and garbage bags, in no order, in a closet. I really did not want to tackle it, but I knew there had to be some stuff in there that would work and I could save some money. It took me all day, but I finished it and found a few treasures too. I found a basket full of 6-9 month clothes for Neil to use. Many of these I did not even get out for my second son, so many are like new. I also found a few things for Nathan; some belts, a robe, shoes for my 9 month old, and some pajamas. And now I have a system that I will not overlook clothes needing to be worn. I used the Extra Large Hefty One Zip bags to put things in and I labeled each one by sizes. Now, I can just pull one bag out to get all of the clothes I need and put them back if needed or get rid of if I do not need that size anymore. This is so much easier than the Rubbermaid containers that I was using and everything fits into one closet. I did not take a before picture of my Rubbermaid containers and garbage bags, but believe me it is so much better and never again will I forget to use the clothes I have stored.
For more Tackle It Tuesday stories go here.

Reading Update/Frustration

Well, I added this book onto my reading list for the fall. I have checked it out three times but I have only been reading it for a week. I added it because everyone said this series was so good that it was a page turner. Well, I have been struggling with it. I will finish it, but the chapters are so long. It takes all my reading time to get through maybe one chapter so things are going slow. I have gotten through the fourth chapter and it is not bad, I just don't see where it is going fast enough. I usually like most books I pick to read, this is just going to take a little longer. Hopefully, in the next week i will be done with it.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Menu Plan Monday-November 5-11

Here are my meals for the week:
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Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad
Salisbury Steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits
Homemade Pizza
Lasagna Soup
Potato Soup, toast
Tacos, Spanish Rice
Chili, peanut butter sandwiches
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Baking-Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, Chex Party Mix
Hope everyone has a great week!
Go here to see more plans.

Friday, November 2, 2007

FIF-Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

These bar cookies are so good!
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
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1 (16-ounce) package pound cake mix
3 eggs
2 T melted butter
4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 (8-ounce) package softened cream cheese
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
1/2 tsp salt 1 cup nuts, chopped
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees In large bowl, combine cake mix, one egg, butter and 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice Stir until crumbly. Press into bottom of 15-x 10 inch jelly roll pan In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy Gradually add in sweetened condensed milk, two eggs, pumpkin, remaining two tsp of pumpkin pie spice and salt. Mix well Pour over crust and sprinkle with nuts Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until set Chill and cut into bars Store in fridge Bars are best when thoroughly chilled.
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For more great recipes, go to Overwhelmed With Joy.

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