Slow Cooking Thursday

Welcome to my weekly Crockpot Recipes Exchance. It's such a great way to share your favorite dishes or to learn some new ones to make for your family.

What do you think??? Do You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

There's nothing like simmering soup on a cold winter day, and since there has been snow and freezing temperatures, I figured this was the perfect recipe to share. Enjoy!!!

Classic Beef-Barley Soup

* 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 2/3 cup pearl barley
* 3 to 4 medium carrots, diced
* 3 ribs celery, diced
* 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes
* 3 1/2 to 4 cups beef broth
* 2 c. water
* 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can tomato soup (optional)
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/4 c. minced parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in skillet; drain well. Transfer meat mixture to slow cooker; add barley and remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on high 1 hour then on low 5-6 hours.
Serves 6.

WHEW THE KIDS ARE ASLEEP AND I'M SITTING HERE

in the quiet night, just me and the computer. It feels.....ummm...weird?!?!? Yeah weird, I don't really ever get quiet time, and when I do I guess I'm at the point in my life where I don't know what to do with myself.

Isn't it fascinating how things change and how the years make you look at things differently?
Curt still makes fun of me because he remembers (much to my chagrin lol) that I always used to complain about being bored and couldn't wait to have kids so they could keep me company....and then the past few years I'm always complaining and whining that "there's so much noise and chaos around me, I just want some peace and quiet".....see the contradiction right there???
That's the story of my life!!

Anyway, come in and sit with me, we really haven't had a chance to chat and catch up in a while, and I KNOW I've been a horrible friend lately, I haven't answered my phone, or replied to emails, but really, and I'm not trying to make excuses, it's just that life has sort of slapped me upside the head and made me feel like I'm on an endless roller coaster ride. The ones that make you want to scream and smile one minute and then want to puke the next. That's the kind I'm on. It hasn't been easy being sick or having someone in the family sick, and then dealing with the added stresses.

Just so you all know exactly what the deal is right now:

• Mom in law fighting breast cancer
• Dad with 2 clogged arteries and having to do angioplasty
• Curt studying for his next stripe - Tech Sergeant (THE hardest by far to get)
• Moving or not moving - waiting for housing to call and say MOVE NOW, and then we do
• Being sick
• Deciding where to go from here - hubby retires in 5 years and since he's been in so long he gets to decide where he wants to go
• Deciding whether to just go ahead and buy a house off base or move into one on base for 6 months and then MOVE yet again

It's just been really crazy lately, there seem to be so many decisions and issues and I am feeling overwhelmed to the point where I just want mommy and daddy to come and take care of everything and let me be. Just let me be without responsibilities. Am I even allowed to feel that way anymore??? I don't think I am, I mean, the minute I got married and started a family that pretty much went out the window....but it's nice to dream about it sometimes. LOL

So this weekend we are getting our christmas decorations out and getting it all up and ready. Then the shopping begins shortly after that, even though I say that I prefer waiting until the last minute, I'm just crazy like that. But I do like to at least have an idea of what I am going to buy for each person. I don't want to overdo it, because it seems that we get so caught up in it all and spend way too much on the kids especially. Come on, do they really need all those new toys???

It wouldn't really be a problem if we got rid of the ones they don't play with anymore, but we don't. They just sit here waiting for the new buddies to arrive, at times I feel like my house swallowed a huge toy store and then regurgitated it all over. I know that sounds nasty, but it's how I feel...and since I'm all for being honest LOL

By the way, don't forget about my Slow Cooking Thursday tomorrow, I didn't put one up last week with it being Thanksgiving and all, but I think we are safe to do it this week, right?? Unless there's some other holiday that I'm not aware of.

It's been freezing here this week, snow and ice and temperatures in the teens. It's just really cold, and you know what's funny is that every year I do the same thing. I feel the cold and start thinking "this is way too cold I can't do this, there's no way that I'm going to make it through this winter".....LOL As if, I not only make it through but somewhere between summer and fall, I start crying for winter to come back. I really am a weird individual aren't I??? LOL

Anyway, it's late and I'm tired and congested and feverish, and I should be in bed right now, but I had to come in and post, I've been slacking lately and it's just not like me to do that. I think I'm going to make myself some hot tea with some honey and lemon and then head to bed. Hope you're all having a wonderful wednesday night...remember to stay warm.

God Bless,

WELL THE SNOW HAS COME AND GONE!!!

I love snow, but it's frustrating when you get it and then within a few hours it's melted away. Nevermind that it is deceiving winter LOL but then I have to deal with the kids crying about wanting to go play outside and there is no snow left.....like I have a say in that. Hey snow angels....quit slacking on the job!!! Think that will do it???

Well anyway, I've been fighting a cold this past week, it's one of those that linger and tease you, one day you feel like you're sick and then the next it's like nothing happened.

Last night I went to bed and my voice was all but gone, just this little croak left, got up today with my nose congested, the same "sexy hoarse" voice *snort* (that's what I tell myself to feel better lol), and a killer of a headache. I think that all the stress my hubby and I have been under lately, doesn't help either.

I am again going to ask you all for your prayers, this time for my dad. I talked to him on the phone yesterday and apparently he has 2 clogged up arteries, seems that he needs to go in for an Angioplasty. I know it's not as serious as a bypass, but anything to do with the heart, really freaks me out, and then of course being so far from home doesn't help matters either. So please if you could add him to your prayer list, I would be forever thankful.

I wanted to let you all know that I'm going to be removing my blogroll on the sidebar, I'm having a hard time updating it and trying to log into it PERIOD. So I'm going to just add everyone to my bloglines and delete my blogroll, much easier that way. Besides, everytime one of you updates it lets me know and it's easier than playing "ten guesses" with the blogroll menu. I thought I had it set up right but I guess I'm just not too dumb for the Blogroll people...

Last night I watched The Bachelor Rome and I'm just, I don't know, I'm a little confused I would say??? I honestly thought he was going to pick Sadie and then he went with Jen, and it was one of those What the Heck kind of moments for me. I guess I don't have the knack for predicting Reality Shows, either. Some people seem to hit the nail on the head everytime, they predict something and it really happens.

So I'm sitting here and I've got the shivers and the sniffles, I honestly feel a fever coming on. You know when your body starts aching and then you are freezing cold even though it's burning up in the house?? That is how I'm feeling right now, just knowing that I have to drive to school later to get Jasmine is making me want to run and hide under the covers. Hubby is working swing shift which means he goes in at 3pm, so I can't ask him to go and get her.
Lord give me strength to get through today and strength to fight this cold off as soon as possible.

I can't believe that Christmas is practically just around the corner, I have bought absolutely nothing for anyone, I'm usually one of those last week shoppers, I find I am happier getting all the gifts JUST before Christmas Eve, guess I'm a sucker for punishment.
I do have the lists semi started, and of course the kids have been handing me their own, these long long long lists of toys and then some "horses" thrown in. Yeah, don't you know that a horse would be a perfect addition to the family?

As much as I wish I could stay and chat longer, I'm really really not feeling very well, think I'm going to try and lay down for a bit before I have to get Jasmine. If there's one thing I hate doing is driving when I'm running a fever or feeling cruddy. Wish me luck.

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

OH HAPPY DAYS!!!

I've been MIA (mising in action) for about a week or so, give or take a few days, and though I wish that I could come back with all these exciting stories of great adventures I've had or wonderful things I did, I come back with a rested body and soul.

Believe me, THAT is a good thing!

You know, I love the holidays, but good grief, the stress and chaos grate on my nerves, it really does feel great when things calm down and you're back to the day to day things.

I always find that it's during these quiet *calms AFTER the storm*, that God gives you the little nudge, the little *wake up call* that reminds you just how good you have it. We're only human, and I'm the perfect example of the flawed and imperfect one.

I tend to get so caught up in things and lists and *should be done's* that I forget what I really have around me and how blessed I already am.
So I'm spending today doing things that will make the Lord proud. HOUSEWORK!!!
Don't look at me like I'm nuts, I'm serious, you know it doesn't have to be all boring and unrewarded and chore-ish like. When you put your heart and soul into it, it's meaningful.

Well come on in, it's snowing outside. Woke up to loads of snow and really really cold weather. I don't think I have to tell you all that I strongly dislike driving in the snow. The whole slippery roads thing just gets to me. You could get me to the dentist for a root canal, easier than you can get me to drive in the snow....but alas, the kids have school and I can't just hibernate for the winter. Can I??? Would it really be that politically incorrect if I did??? LOL

Last night as I was channel surfing....yes it's become quite the tradition on weekends since there is NOTHING to watch.....I happened to stop on Breaking Bonaduce. Ok first off, you all know Danny Bonaduce right??? Red haired and freckled little one from The Partridge Family.
I was disgusted to say the least, I mean I can't even put into words how frustrated I was watching his show on VH1, and for some reason beyond me, I couldn't look away.

Maybe that's how some shows stay on the air??? They're so ridiculous that you can't seem to break away. But anyway, apparently his wife and some friends had gone out to dinner and he was left at home babysitting 4 kids and a dog. Not a biggie right??? WRONG!!! This man decided that it would be fun to shoot a BB gun in the house, and letting his little 3 or 4 year old do it too. If that isn't bad enough, then he gets the older one to shoot at HIM while the other kids watch and laugh.
Now because things weren't already weird at that point, he takes the family dog, this tiny little thing and proceeds to smear bacon all over it, then wraps bacon around it's collar. Why you may ask???

Well they're going out hunting coyotes and this is to attract them. Are you as freaked out and speechless as I was watching it???
So now they're all walking around at night, with BB Guns, a puppy smeared in bacon, and they're just shooting off into the bushes and whatever....then they get freaked out at something that is moving in the dark and the daughter who is I would say about 13 or 14 starts cussing at this thing and almost shoots it with a BB gun. It turns out it's a lady with a stroller, just out walking the baby. OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!

Yeah, let me tell you, NEVER again will I watch such filth. Unbelievable that it would be allowed on the tv. But then again I guess if it brings in the ratings, they could care less???
If I wasn't so busy and had time to spend on the computer, I think I would have started a TV Blog just for my rants, because lately it seems the shows just get worse and worse.

So anyway, I have cleaning to do and blogging to catch up on, Christmas cards to finish, laundry to iron, and so forth, you all know how my lists go, big enough to scare anyone away. But for some reason I find that I work best when I'm under pressure.

For now I'm going to get my Menu Plan Monday up, didn't get to do it last week, then again you would have just seen Turkey and leftovers for most of the week, what fun is that???

Alright ladies, I'm out of here, I hope you all have a wonderful Monday. Stay out of the cold and keep warm, I'll see you all tomorrow morning.

God Bless,

For dinner we're having "Sandra's Jambalaya", it's a dish I came up with a couple months ago when I didn't know what to fix, but I had some chicken and smoked sausage. It's REALLY good :)




Rachael Ray

Viewers "trade" problems: One arranges the other's wedding while the other makes over the first person's house. Also: Rachael and a mystery taster prepare "French Onion No Soup."

General Hospital

Ric assigns Lucky to find Jason;
Alexis convinces Ric to allow Sam to see Kristina;
Alcazar tells Ric that Jason is alive;
Carly inadvertently tells Jax about her kiss with Sonny;
Tracy berates Luke.

Wife Swap

A freewheeling biker mom of three teenage girls from Illinois switches families with a New Jersey mother of two daughters who is a strict disciplinarian.

The Bachelor Rome

Lorenzo has one rose left to bestow in the season finale, but first he has intimate dates with finalists Sadie and Jennifer, and he asks permission from both of their fathers if he may marry their daughters.

Laundry
Ironing
Cleaning
Christmas Cards
Updating Blogs

2 POUNDS LATER!!!!

Yep, 2 lbs later, I'm sitting there hitting myself for eating to much. Why do I do this every year, I mean, it's like Thanksgiving rolls around and I wear my sweatpants and baggy shirts so that I can fit all that turkey in.

I ate people, I mean ATE, non stop, that plate just kept getting refilled and it kept disappearing to God knows where, though I think my hips may have been the final destination. But anyway, after all that eating I did something so dumb, I stepped on the scale. What possessed me to do that???

Then I heard this loud shriek only to realize it was coming from me.....yep 2 lbs may not seem like much, but considering I gained it one day, that's scary LOL

Should I even tell you all that I am watching what I eat today??? I don't know why, I know there's tons of leftovers in the refrigerator just calling my name, it irks me that food can win me over so easily. LOL

Anyway, I know that I haven't been by to visit any of you the whole week, and I hate not being able to, but I'm sure you understand how hard it is to do anything with a sick little one. They get so clingy and whiny and just want mommy's attention.....I'm not complaining, any other time I try to plant a kiss on them or hug them I get the "hurry up, I'm playing" or the wiping away the kiss, isn't that just heartbreaking?

I can't believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone, could time really be flying by at such a turbo rate? This whole year is starting to feel like a blur to me, one minute it's January and the next we're only 30 days from Christmas....goodness.

I'm finishing off Christmas Cards today and then I'm starting to send them out, I like getting them out early so that I don't get stuck worrying over the holiday rush. Now I just need to start getting my christmas lists finished up and maybe start shopping???
I have the hardest time buying christmas gifts this early though, I feel like by the time christmas rolls around there's OTHER stuff I want to get, well that and the fact that I'm a lousy surprise keeper. Seriously....if I have a gift for someone I need to give it to them like YESTERDAY, I can't keep it hidden.

So today we're just hanging out, kids are playing and watching tv, hubby and I are sitting at the computers playing or surfing or whatever...it's just one of those relaxing days, no rush and no need to be everywhere at once. It has done a world of good to my soul and health, I'm feeling a lot more relaxed and rested....did wake up with a sore throat, but I'm not even complaining about that, it's minor compared to my FULL NIGHT'S sleep. Boy how I needed that.

Btw, I'm going to be changing my template to something christmasy soon, and then after the holidays will be back to this pretty pink one. Now I'm not sure when I'm going to do it, I haven't had much time for anything, so probably next week :)

Right now, I'm going to go grab some more coffee and head to your blogs for a quick "drive-by-comment", don't worry it won't hurt LOL

Have yourselves a wonderful weekend,


We're having leftovers today, there's no way I'm cooking with SO much food leftover :)



Rachael Ray

Thanksgiving-leftover ideas; outtakes from celebrity segments.

Ghost Whisperer

A high-school baseball pitcher is possessed by the spirit of a former major leaguer (Christopher Wiehl) who wants another shot at the game after his untimely death, which involved the boy's coach (John Mese).

Most Haunted

Searching for the truth behind stories of poltergeists at the Station Hotel.

Absolutely NOTHING

Get ready for the Feast!!!

Well my friends, it's wednesday night, the night before Thanksgiving and I'm already preparing for the feast. This is the ONE time of year that I allow myself to eat like a pig, with no regrets and no holds barred.

See every other time I eat, and I just recently realized I was doing this, is about calories and "should I really be eating this right now, I mean am I REALLY hungry?", it's quite frustrating when you live that way, it really makes for a cruddy time at the dinner table, if you ask me. But now that I know I do it, I think I'm going to be working EXTRA hard at not allowing myself to think that way. From now on when I eat, I'm going to think "YUM" instead of "Ugghhh that's going straight to my hips".
Not tomorrow, I'm eating and not worrying.

So with it being just the four of us, it really never stops me from going all out with the meal, granted we are eating Thanksgiving leftovers for 2 or 3 days after that, but we still enjoy it. It's that ONE DAY that we all sit at the table and no one is rushing for anything, no homework or bathes, or hubby getting ready for work....we just sit down with a table full of wonderful food, and we talk and laugh and eat....and did I say we EAT?!?!?! I'm thrilled just at the thought!!! LOL

I truly hope that you all take the time to appreciate family and friends around you. Being a military family has it's blessings but I would say the biggest con for me is the distance from family during the holidays. It always gets me down and if you see me walking around with tears in my eyes, it's not that I'm an unhappy person, I'm really not, it's just that I miss the big get togethers and the talking and chaos that comes with sitting at a huge table with 20 or more people. I miss the noise, never thought I would say that!!!

Anyway, I'm sure you're wondering what that song video is up above my post, it is the beautiful voice of Robin Thicke. I LOVE this man's voice and low and behold this song was used in General Hospital's montage at the end of the show.

Can I just say, Kudos to the actors that make up the Spencer Family??? I have never in my life bawled my eyes out during a soap opera. But alas, there's a first time for everything right??? Well that was today, I cried my little eyes out and I'm in awe of the acting from Tony Geary and Genie Francis, Tyler Christopher, Julie Berman and Greg Vaughan....they totally blew me away. It was wonderful!!!

It is 9:30 pm and the kids are watching Frosty the Snowman on TV, but my little one is crying that he's tired and doesn't feel good and quite frankly, I feel the exact same way. I'm sooooo tired, I don't think that I can begin to express just how exhausted I really do feel. Usually by this time everyone is in bed and asleep....well, the kids at least. But being a long weekend they wanted to stay up later, and I let them, because that's the way I roll LOL

I wanted to just stop by and wish all of you a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving. Eat lots, love lots and be thankful for every little thing in your life.

I am heading to bed with my boy, have to be up early to start the cooking and want to be sure I'm rested :)
Goodnight everyone and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Uggghhhh.....Life has been crazy!

First I want to thank you for the comments left and I'm sorry if I worried anyone, I haven't been feeling well, pretty much the whole household is sick, with the exception of Jasmine.

I haven't gotten much sleep at all the past few days, I'm up with Nicholas all night and then this morning I finally closed my eyes and dozed off only to wake up at 7am. My alarm clock didn't go off but it's still on, how the heck did that happen???
I'm thinking I might have set it for 6 pm instead of am....just shows you how out of it I've been feeling lately.

I am feeling better today, just a little headache, but nothing major and honestly it's not that I've had a cold or something, it's just that I haven't had SLEEP. We all know that no rest makes for a cranky mommy doesn't it???

I'm SO looking forward to thanksgiving, the kids have thursday and friday off so it will be nice to just sit back, eat like a pig and sleep the day away. I for one am extremely excited about the sleeping part. LOL

I haven't even sent out my Christmas cards yet, got them all ready and definitely need to get them out, guess I'll do that when I run to the store later today. Been trying to put that off too but I need to make sure I have everything needed for the Thanksgiving Feast.

It's sad that it's always just the four of us, but you know we have so much to be thankful for in our lives and so many blessings, and honestly, we've gotten used to it being just us, no pressure to make the perfect meal or worry about guests and enough food etc. This is why we also end up having leftovers for a couple days after......hey, I'M.NOT.COMPLAINING. about having Turkey for a few days. :)

I would love to sit here and talk for a while more, but my head is pounding, my eyes hurt from staring at the screen AND I'm sure from the lack of sleep, and my little one is crying on the couch "I'm sick mommy I don't no feel good".....so I just wanted to pop in and say hi and let everyone know that I'm still alive and kicking.

Will come back tomorrow and do a nicer bigger post. Hope you're all having a great day and getting ready for Thanksgiving and if you don't get a chance to stop by before then, Have a WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING.

God bless,

I'm leaving you with this picture, which I thought was hilarious :)

Five Senses Saturday!!!

Good morning fellow bloggers, family, friends and members of congress *snort*

It's actually a pretty morning here, there's sunshine outside, something I haven't seen in, oh, two weeks or so. It's crazy, it's been cold and rainy and just plain blah around here.

We went to the Bowling Alley last night, Jasmine had a birthday party and we figured that me and hubby and Nic would grab some dinner and maybe play a game or two of bowling while we waited for the party to end. Ummmm.....didn't quite go the way we planned. I think the kids and I are getting a little cold, and we all know how a 3 year old deals with feeling yucky. WHINING GALORE!!!

I tried to get us a lane, only to be told that there were none available because they had some Bowling League coming in to play. OHKAY....well now I have to explain this to the little one who's been excited to bowl all day long. I'm sure I don't have to tell you the reaction I got, I'm sure over in Japan they heard the screams and cries "I want to bowl please".....*sigh*
Hubby brought me and Nic home and then went back to the party to wait for Jasmine.

I actually didn't mind, really, I wasn't in the mood to be out and after not being able to bowl I was bummed out too, I wanted to stomp my feet and cry like Nicholas, but somehow I think that would not be acceptable...something about being an adult and looking bad if I pout or throw a tantrum. Whatever!!! LOL

So I got to come home and give him a bath and he went straight to sleep, poor baby. Then it was time for me to watch some tv....found NOTHING interesting on, I guess yesterday was "disappoint Sandra day", I just didn't know it.
I did manage to go to sleep early and this morning hubby was still up (because he works midshift), so he took the kids and let me sleep in until 8am. THAT is sleeping in for me, that's like 2 extra hours of what I usually get.

Here I am, bright eyed and happy, though I did take a look at my laundry begging to be washed and my first reaction was to run away. I can't though, I'll be strong and push through it, I'm sure I'll succeed.

Anyway, it's time for Five Senses Saturday....enjoy :)



::Hear::



- Chris Cox "Whatever it Takes"
- Pugs barking
- Cartoons on the tv
- Dishwasher running
- Thunder and rain outside my windows


::See::



- Bowling Alley Lights
- Luke and Laura Wedding on TV
- The smiles on my family's faces when I made Monterey Chicken
- Puddles left by the constant rain
- Snow in the mountains


::touch::



- My kids forehead feeling warm
- Knife handle slicing through the onions and garlic
- Warm scarves being wrapped around the kids
- The soft blanket draped on my legs
- Hubby's kiss on my cheek


::taste::



- Cheeseburger and Curly Fries
- Apple Spice Tea
- Portuguese Rice Pudding
- Toast with butter and Strawberry Jelly
- Diet Squirt...my new favorite LOL


::smell::




- Sugar Cookie Scented Candle
- Smothered Steak cooking in the crockpot
- The smell of rain
- Laundry fresh out of the dryer
- Gingerbread cookies in the oven

LISTEN UP EVERYONE!!!

You can't just keep putting out tons of posts, really, you need to stop. I turned on my computer this morning to 130 new posts in my Bloglines. Ummmm....someone been busy busy typing away??? LOL

I can't keep up with you all, I try so hard but you guys are way faster than I. So, I tell you what, you slow down and let me catch up and I'll make you dinner??? Does that sound fair???

After talking to the Housing People yesterday, they decided to put a stop on the moving until after the holidays, seems a lot of people were not interested in dealing with all the moving during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's FINE BY ME!!!

I'm such a sentimental fool though because we've been at this house for 8 years and both my kids were born here....I mean not IN the house....but I was pregnant with them here and brought them home to this house....you know what I mean, I think I'm getting myself all CONFUSSED and you guys are probably sitting there laughing because you knew what I meant all along LOL

I'm so glad it's friday, I'm ready for some much needed rest. I haven't gotten much sleep at all this past week, it's either one or both the kids whining and crying. I've had it, I have been cried on, peed on and that's IT....I'm ready for some sleep, on a clean non peed upon bed. Is that too much to ask???

To add to all this loveliness in my home, I'm still the Designated Willy Shaker. How, how did my life get to this point??? LOL I don't recall signing up for some of these things, then again I think these are the kind of things that get omitted from the Parenthood Memo so as not to scare away potential breeders LOL

After all the laundry I've done, and ashamedly I admit that I still have two baskets of clean laundry to put away *hang head*, I am yet again faced with Mt Laundry. I'm thinking I should make some uniforms for my house, come up with something fun and spunky and everytime you are home you have to wear the House Uniform. Maybe it will cut down on laundry???

But yeah, I have tons of laundry to do, a kitchen floor to mop because apparently there are some mysterious sticky blobs that were done by NO ONE in this house. If you ever want to see everyone scramble, ask how a mess got on something. It's actually quite funny watching the reaction and the replies.

Oh I wasn't even there today

It wasn't me, I didn't eat anything

I think it was the pugs, I'm not sure, but just saying

Very amusing!!! So, mopping and laundry and bathrooms *shudder*
That is the one place in the house that if I could get away with not EVER cleaning, I would. That toilet is just the pits for me, and now I know why long ago they had holes, NO.SCRUBBING.TOILETS back then. LOL

Jasmine has a birthday party tonight at the Bowling Alley, she's all excited about it, so hubby and I decided that we're just going along and while she's at the party, us two and Nicholas will have some dinner and do some bowling ourselves, will be nice to go out and do something fun. We really don't get to go out that much, especially once the weather starts getting cooler, I'm such a homebody, I just want to be in my house, under some warm covers and reading a good book. Why go face the rain and the cold???

Now that you all know I'm not moving within the next week or two, you don't have to worry about me grabbing you and making you be a guest blogger....not yet at least, but come January or whenever we move, you really will be brought over, I hope. Will ya???

I have some Portuguese Rice Pudding on the stove right now, so I better skidaddle on out of here. If you are in the mood for some, go on over and check the recipe, it's really easy to make and it's my greatgrandma's recipe....boy does it bring back memories of birthday's and Christmas time. I miss her so much :)

I'm going to try and catch up with everyone, in between laundry and cleaning and all that fun stuff. Have a wonderful friday :)

Oh I almost forgot, before I leave, my wonderful friend Sarah is talking about Feminine Friday and ways to make ourselves feel more feminine in the middle of these crazy days. So she asked what we are doing today to bring out the feminine side.....you want to see what I did??? Are you ready for it???
I went out wearing these....let me tell you, there is NOTHING like a woman in tall stilleto boots, I got a LOT of looks from the guys, and when hubby saw me I think he was panting (just kidding) LOL

Will be at the Bowling Alley for dinner, so I'm thinking a Cheeseburger and Curly fries...YUMMY or maybe some Steak Fingers, or even some Chili Fries....aarrgghhh now I'm hungry. LOL




Rachael Ray

Morgan Freeman, Brooke Shields, Tim Allen … Rachael’s mystery tasters have been big stars and this one’s no let-down! Plus, makeup tips for people on the go, better-than-nothing decorating ideas, and how to save money this holiday season.

General Hospital

Jason, Sam and Spinelli try to escape from Alcazar's men.

Laundry
Cleaning
Mopping

How does a week without Me sound?!?!?

Are you up for it? Does that make you giddy with excitement??? LOL

Seriously, as if my life wasn't crazy and hectic enough, we got an email from Housing yesterday. My neighborhood is being moved to the new housing, YAY, that's great, but here's the catch....we have to be out of our house by the 28th. UH, SAY WHAT?!?!?!?

So yeah, instead of having a great Thanksgiving, eating way too much (as usual), and then sitting around waiting for the added pounds to dissolve, we will be living out of boxes and driving back and forth between houses, not exactly how I would choose to spend the holidays but at least we'll be in a new house by Christmas. That's gotta count for something right????

I have to tell you that I panicked at first "how am I going to have thanksgiving and move at the same time?", but you know I prefer it this way, so that I don't have to be moving when the snow starts falling. Did I ever mention that I absolutely HATE driving in the snow???
I'm the annoying driver in front of you, going about 5 miles an hour so as not to spin. Hubby on the other hand develops this whole other crazy personality when the snow comes in....he's out there driving and making donuts (mmmmm donuts).

But anyway, depending on how long I'll be without internet, I may have my hubby posting from work, or I'll probably have some guest hosters. I've never done that before, that would rock, here's the catch though, you have to be funny, you can't just come in here and be boring, that's NOT allowed in Casa Sandra LOL Just Joking....no pressure, whoever I ask to do this can talk about anything as long as they keep it family friendly and clean. :)

So I'm all giddy and set for General Hospital today, not only do we have a remarriage of Luke and Laura, come on, who doesn't KNOW Luke and Laura???
We also have some wonderful loving from my favorite couple Jason and Sam. Again, just because the enemy likes annoying me, school is out earlier today, SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF GENERAL HOSPITAL.....now don't you wish you were me, you're life would be so interesting LOL

I realized this morning that my kids are very morbid at times, and I don't know where they get it from because hubby and I are not like that. They were playing yesterday and they have this habit of taking rides on our computer chairs. One sits down and the other pushes and then they switch. And NO, no matter how much I yell at them to knock it off and how it's not acceptable and they could get hurt and all that bribery threatening stuff that parents do....*yeah you in the back there, don't try to hide, you know you do it too lol*.....they still continue.

I'm in the kitchen fixing dinner and I hear this:

Nicholas - I'm dead *makes weird BLEH sound to make it more believable*
Jasmine - Ok get on here and I'll take you the cemetery.
Nicholas - Ok, but you have to bury me ok?
Jasmine - be quiet, you're dead.

What the?!?!?! The cemetery???? I should be happy that they know how things work, I mean that does make them intelligent right??? But seriously, they couldn't get any more morbid if I asked them to.

Are you hungry? Because if you are I have the perfect recipe for you to try....it's posted just below in my Slow Cooking Thursday. How does Smothered Steak sound? It's really really good, and I usually make it the longer way, but there's a slow cooker way and that's what is cooking right now, it smells divine and I'm sitting here salivating. I can't wait for dinner.
If you would rather have something else, I'm sure one of the other recipes will grab your attention, I tell you, these ladies have the BEST Slow Cooking Recipes around....

Now before I leave, I just have to post this. Got it in an email from my brother and thought it was so funny.

I don't know but that cartoon just cracks me up.

Anyway, I'm outta here, have to go say hi to you all and email my friend Veronica, I feel bad that I haven't actually talked to her on the phone in forever, but I'm either out when she calls or in the middle of something and by the time I remember to call back it's too late where she lives. *sigh*
Veronica, if you're reading this, I haven't forgotten you, just have been nuts lately.

So yeah, going to email her and then start moving plans, there's lists and boxes and things to pack and all that other fun stuff that comes with moving.

Have a wonderful thursday everyone, I'll see ya in the morning :)

God Bless,


Wonderful Smothered Steak cooking in the crockpot...will serve it with some mashed potatoes and for dessert, some Portuguese Rice Pudding.



Rachael Ray

Stuck in a fashion rut? Cojo is back with the one thing you need to shake up your wardrobe! Then, Oscar-winner Tim Robbins is chatting about his romance with Susan Sarandon, and Rachael’s cooking up a storm for potluck Thursday.

General Hospital

Luke and Laura remarry on their 25th wedding anniversary;
Helena arrives to cast a shadow over the celebration;
Robin realizes Laura's memory is starting to fade;
Maxie crashes the wedding;
Sam sees a new side of Jason;
Ric and Alcazar set a trap.

Ugly Betty

Martha Stewart has a cameo as the Mode staff marks Thanksgiving in different ways, including Daniel's ulterior motive for attending his parents' brunch and Wilhelmina's first attempt at cooking a turkey.

Grey's Anatomy

George's ailing father (George Dzundza) needs heart surgery; Meredith is determined to have a more positive outlook on life; Derek and Addison try to be civil to each other; and Richard endeavors to reunite with Adele (Loretta Devine).

ER

Abby and Luka clash over a possible case of domestic abuse; Neela and Gates treat a group of homeless kids who are experiencing odd symptoms; Weaver makes a heroic rescue while filming a TV segment.

Laundry
Cleaning
Moving Plans

Slow Cooking Thursday

Welcome to my weekly Crockpot Recipes Exchance. It's such a great way to share your favorite dishes or to learn some new ones to make for your family.

What do you think??? Do You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

Today's recipe is for what I have in my crockpot right now. Smothered Steaks....how good does THAT sound huh???

I've made them before using the traditional way, but you can make them in the slow cooker too and since I'm tired and don't want to deal with dinner later, THAT'S the way I'm going.

SMOTHERED STEAK
Serves: 4

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 eye-of-round steaks (about 4 ounces each), all visible fat discarded
2 teaspoons canola or corn oil
8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup fat-free, no-salt-added beef broth
2 tablespoons imitation bacon bits
2 teaspoons soy sauce (lowest sodium available)
1 teaspoon molasses
1 cup frozen green beans

In a shallow bowl or plate, stir together the flour and pepper. Coat the steaks on both sides with the mixture, shaking off the excess.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Cook the steaks for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until browned. Transfer to a plate.

In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms and onion for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onion is tender-crisp, scraping to dislodge any browned bits and stirring occasionally.

Put the steaks and onions and mushrooms and remaining ingredients except the green beans in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, adding the green beans for the last hour of cooking, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, adding the green beans for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

ENJOY!!!

Dagnabit it's morning already!!!

I'm in a cranky mood today, not only am I not feeling very well and have TONS of errands to run, but I got not sleep last night. Was up with Jasmine, seems she pulled a muscle in her neck (while sleeping) and then woke me up at 2am because it hurt and she couldn't go back to sleep....gave her some pain medicine and was able to get her back to sleep at 4am. So at this point I'm thinking "Oh Lord, I really need to get to bed, I'm exhausted"....and you know when you're up in the middle of the night, you're so tired that you actually get nauseous???

Yeah, that was the point I was at....but I finally crawled back into bed, pulled the covers over me and snuggled up next to Nicholas. (Daddy works midshift so little one sleeps with mommy) Within 30 minutes he wakes up crying that he needs to go potty....ok, so I'm up again taking him, all the good that does because he had already peed on my bed.
THIS is the point where your tired and deluded mind comes into action because seriously, in my sane well rested moments, I would NEVER think something like this:

Insane Me - *looking at the wet bed* I wonder if I can just scoot all the way to the edge and go back to sleep and then deal with the sheets in the morning, it's not politically incorrect is it?
Sane Me - You're kidding right? You'll be asleep, which means you most likely will move over and land smack dab in the middle of that pile of pee.

OHKAYYYY.....clean him up, change the sheets (thank goodness the comforter wasn't on him so it was clean)....look up at the clock, it's 5:30am...well, no use getting back into bed now only to be up in 30 minutes. Good morning sunshine!!! (not really, there's no sun out yet, dagnabit)

So I have my wonderful coffee in my hand, I even had a hard time getting the pot going this morning, would you believe me if I told you I put the filter in and the water and then turned it on and sat there wondering why in the world the coffee looked like water????
HEY, Sandra, how about some actual *coffee granules* in there?!?!?! I don't know, just a hint weirdo!!! *sigh* such is my day today!!!
What's that saying again "WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS"???

Oh before I forget, if you look just below, you'll see my Works for me Wednesday post, yes I know it's been forever since I've participated, but I figured what the heck, I'm up *way too early* and have nothing to do, and since it's the Christmas Edition, I felt I could actually contribute something because I ran out of ideas for the usual one. *snort*

I've seen a lot of new faces around my blog, seems that some lurkers have come out of the woodwork and started leaving me such nice comments, thank you all, I LOVE making new friends. I'm hoping for some time today to go by and say hi, and you can ask any of my older friends here, I always come bearing coffee and yummy goodies to eat, don't I??? LOL

Oh I don't know how I'm going to make it through today, I'm thinking that at some point I may just pass out with exhaustion, but maybe all the coffee I'm ingesting will do the trick. One thing is for certain, I can NOT wait for bedtime.

Why is it that when you want the day to drag, it flies by, and then when you really want it to hurry up and end, it drags??? I just know that it's going to be one of those, and I'm not one for power naps, or I would certainly take one this afternoon. I'm a weird person, I don't do the whole "nap in the afternoon" thing, because when I wake up, I'm IMPOSSIBLE to live with. I'm cranky as heck and I'm annoyed because I wanted to sleep more and now it's just made me even more tired. There HAS to be a school you go to where they teach you how to take "20 minute power naps"....come on, some of you *must* know where it is, help a lady out will ya???

It's payday in military land, YIPPEE!!! It also means grocery shopping and paying bills and all that fun stuff that makes being a housewife all the more rewarding. *insert sarcasm here* lol
But yes, my day is going to consist of dropping Jasmine off at school, come back home and finish the menus and grocery list, go get groceries, come back home and put them away, go to the post office, go drop off the books at the library (they're late, YIKES), run by airman's attic to drop off donations.
Run back home, fix lunch for Nicholas, watch General Hospital, run back out to pick up Jasmine, run by Cop Shack to get fingerprints for my Legal paperwork, come back home and start fixing dinner.

So if you see my energy laying around anywhere, please pick it up and send it on back to me??? It was already gone by the time I got up this morning, sneaky little one!!!

I wanted to share a picture with you, this was the sky last night as the sun started setting, isn't it gorgeous??? We always take for granted the beauty around us, we just assume it's a sky and a sunset, but don't take nearly enough time to *really* look at it.

So I'm leaving you with that picture, because I'm running out of things to say, my poor exhausted mind is not thinking straight. I could just start spouting off the words running around in my mind, but believe me, you would have NO CLUE as to what I was saying. LOL

Oh I almost forgot, some of you asked me what Paperbackswap is...welllllll, it's this wonderful site where you list the paperback books that you no longer want and for each book that someone requests from you, and you send out, you get a credit which you can then use to request books for yourself. It's a great way to get rid of the older ones you have and get the ones you've been looking for. I've been on there for about a year and I've managed to get rid of most of mine, but in return I've gotten so many great ones, especially Christian books that I was looking for.

It's also really easy to do. You list your books, someone requests a book from you and you get an email saying that the book is requested. Then you go to your account, print out a wrapper for it, stick on 4 stamps and send it off, that's it. How neat is that???
So if you like books as much as I do, go ahead and give it a try, for the first 8 or 9 books that you list, you get 3 free credits :)

Have a wonderful wednesday, and hopefully when you see me tomorrow morning, I'm well rested and not weird like today. I'm out, and I'm taking my coffee with me, sorry, I really need it.

God Bless,


For dinner we're having Pastitsio, I will post the recipe later today.

Works for me Wednesday *Christmas Edition*

Wow, it's been forever since I've participated in the WFMW.....just haven't had the time, but being that this is a special Christmas Edition, I didn't want to pass it up :)

Being a military family means that we are constantly on the move and always far from our families, which makes it really really hard during the holidays, especially when hubby is deployed too and it's just me and the kids.

So about 5 years ago I came up with a way to make it feel like the family is here with us during the holidays. I started hanging up ornaments with the names of all the family members that can't be with us, whether because they live far away or have passed on :)

It's become a tradition for us to hang up these ornaments and remember every family member, always brings a smile to my face.

Now if you're crafty, you can really get into it, but they're pretty easy to make. All you need is colored ball ornaments, some glitter and some permanent markers, some ribbon or anything else you want to put on there. For years mine looked like this:

But with kids, it meant that half of them were broken or simply vanished into thin air. So this year, I'm turning them into a garland, I'm going to cut out some felt christmas shapes and either write or embroider the names on, then use some twine to string it all together. Voila!!!

I got the idea from this Thanksgiving Garland that I'm making right now. :)

If you want to play along and post your own WFMW idea, just head on over to Shannon at "Rocks in my Dryer". :)

Raindrops keep falling.....

The rain has finally let up this morning, after a night of pounding on the windows and rooftops.

Honestly, I thought my house was going to fly away. BUT, now that it's let up, it's brought on wind....the kind that makes you wonder why you even bother brushing your hair, because the minute I step out that door I look like Medusa's Twin Sister. What a sight that is!!!

I had a restless night, tossing and turning, stomach hurting and just an overall "not feeling well". There's a cold going around so I'm gearing up for it. Got out of bed this morning and really don't feel very well, so my wonderful husband took Jasmine to school. Poor guy, he just got home from working all night and now he has to take her before finally getting to bed. I am telling you, when you find a man like him, you hold on with all your might and DON'T let him go for nothing.

I'm dragging myself around today, I really really dislike the cold weather, just because I know that unless I'm overloaded with Vitamins, I'll be sure to get the cold and the sniffles a couple times before spring comes around.

I have a hard time falling asleep at night, especially if I'm not feeling very well, the whole toss and turn thing is frustrating, but I wish I could switch off my mind. It keeps going and thinking and thinking and worrying and stressing, by the time I close my eyes it feels like within 5 minutes the alarm clock is going off.

I would LOVE to get up in the morning happy and not wondering "will it be too long before nighttime, I could really use that bed right now". What is up with that???

So I'm sitting here sipping my coffee and nibbling on an Cranberry Orange Muffin. I actually got up and made those before the kids woke up, the house smells divine. Imagine orange and cranberry together....Yummy!!!

If you're in the mood for some, just come on over, or you can get the recipe at my food blog and make them for your family :)
Cranberry Orange Muffins

You know what I've realized??? That my kids will probably end up living in one of those Nude Communities. Stop laughing and just listen why....LOL
The minute they walk in the door, from school or the store or whatever, their clothes come off. They do keep their underwear on, so I guess that would not really be considered acceptable attire for the Nude Community....but still. I've tried so hard to make them keep their clothes on, you have no idea how annoyed hubby and I get. So yeah, if you are ever in my house and hear the words "Would you put some clothes on please?", don't run, it's really nothing, just us trying to coax them into a shirt, maybe some pants???

I was getting set to write out Christmas cards and finally get my sewing done, but I don't think that's going to happen today. The holidays are rapidly approaching and I'm wondering if I'm going to have time for everything. Good thing though, I finally figured out how I want to do the Family Name Ornaments, you see, after sharing the Thanksgiving Garland with you all yesterday I realized that it would be a neat idea to do the same thing with the Christmas Names. Instead of leaves, I'll cut out some other Christmasy shape and make a garland with all the family names on there. What do you think???

Well ladies, I have 3 credits at Paperbackswap, so I think I'm going to head over and get myself 3 books. I just love that place, I've been able to get rid of all my old paperbacks that I don't read anymore, and in turn I've gotten great books, lots of them christian :)

Have a wonderful Tuesday.




Dinner tonight is just a quick Spaghetti made with Ground pork, yummy. Will serve it with a salad and some Homemade Garlic Bread.



Rachael Ray

Follow along with a viewer’s weight loss challenge, and then get to know American Idol Ruben Studdard, who’s lost over 400 pounds! Plus, Gretta's got five great beauty buys under five bucks.

General Hospital

Tracy urges Luke to tell the children that Laura's recovery could be temporary.

Dancing with the Stars

Two teams of dancers compete with a freestyle dance and another dance of the same discipline.

House

House notices something about the son of a man who has been in a coma for a decade.

NOTHING....let's celebrate LOL

Well Hi everyone, come on in....

I don't think you want to stand out there in the rain and cold, it's foggy and miserable. Come sit with me for a bit, I've got hot "Foglifter" coffee freshly ground and brewed, and I also have some Cream Danishes and some Chocolate Donuts. I'm always prepared for the crowds LOL

It's just another Manic Monday here in Tater Land. I have to laugh because when Jasmine first started Kindergarten, she couldn't get to school fast enough, she was up earlier than me and ready to go. As the years have gone by, I kept telling her "you know this enthusiasm is not going to last very long" LOL

Well DUH, she's in second grade now and getting her up in the morning is worse than giving birth...really I could pop out a few kids faster than I can get that child out of bed.

She's also learnt that if she acts sick or really tired, that I think twice about sending her to school (not really, but she believes it LOL). So unless she's running a fever, throwing up or really really sick, she's going. I think she's finally getting the message!!!

So it's monday, we have a whole new week ahead of us, and I know I'm going to be super busy again, honestly, don't even try to call me on the phone, chances are I'm not here or too busy to get to it. Besides, like I've said before, I'm NOT a phone person, loosing someone's phone number is a GOOD day for me LOL
I should have been a hermit, I think I would have fitted in perfectly with that kind of lifestyle, isn't that sad???

I got my menus all done for this week, if you look to the right, you'll see it under Dinner Time and also at Laura's "Menu Plan Monday". There's yummy stuff being cooked all over blogland, my mouth is watering. As for my own menus, you can see things such as Slow Cooker Smothered Steak, Cornish Pies, Pastitsio etc....mmmm, yummy!!!

I'm trying to avoid running to the store today, I'm in one of those days where I really don't want to deal with kids and people??? Is that even possible, when you live ON.EARTH?!?!?!

But really, my trips to the stores are usually very stressful, there's the chasing after the kids, the yelling at the kids to stop fighting, the trying to grab everything as fast as possible only to get home and realize you've forgotten something as important as toilet paper....then have to wipe using napkins or worse PAPER TOWELS. Yeah, I've done that before!!!

And if that is not bad enough, you are all stressed and then get to the checkout and there is ALWAYS some single, hot, skinny, woman in front of me piling on vegetables and healthy stuff, while I start throwing in fruit snacks, chips, cookies, sodas and anything junky imaginable, it's not that I DON'T have the healthy stuff but for some reason, the bad ones always come out first. But what can you do huh???

I'm expecting a package from home, isn't it great when you know you're getting something from the family??? This one brings yummy goodies in in too, and some more curry powder, so I'm dying to get it. It also brings one of my all time favorite things...Bolo de Mel (Honey Cake) from Madeira.

It is SO good and it's been about 8 years since I've had any, so I can't wait to bite into it. It's one of those cakes that keeps very well, and lasts a while. I'm still looking for the best recipe for it, when I do, I'll be sure to share it with everyone :)

With Thanksgiving just around the corner and me being lazy and only this weekend removing the Halloween decorations, I was trying to come up with something fast and easy to make as a decoration for Thanksgiving, but I also wanted something that I could keep until Christmas. That is when I came upon one of my favorite Craft Blogs and found THIS...tell me is that not the perfect little garland???
For the leaf templates, go here. Guess what I'm making this week?!?!? AND, I also found a tutorial for a faster way to make pompoms, and the kids and I will be making some Turkey's for decorations. Just like the ones on Shanna's Mantle.

So there you have it, that's just some of the stuff I'll be working on this week. I also want to get started on the Christmas Name Ornaments, remember I put some up every year with the names of everyone in the family that can't be with us. Over the years I've used the plain ball ornaments and then decorated and wrote the names on them, but those were either broken by the kids (when they were little) or by the cats we used to have. Now I'm going for something made out of fabric...still having a hard time deciding on the pattern etc.

I have errands to run and house to clean, plus some clothes to iron AND I need to run to the post office to mail off the Family Portraits, yeah, that's how busy I've been that I totally forgot about those and I'm sure the family is wondering where they are, plus I have a book that needs to be mailed off for Paperbackswap. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever just fall down completely burned out, but I've also realized that I'm not one to lay around, I get bored really easily and twitchy...if ever you see me sitting on the couch and my eye starts twitching, giving me something to do, don't just stand there ok??? LOL

As you can see I have a lot on my plate right now and just not enough time in the day to get it all done. I do however plan on making some time to email my family and friends and come and visit your blogs. I think I'm pretty much caught up on everyone, but I know there's some I haven't made it to you yet. Soon, soon!!!

Have a blessed day,



Swedish Meatballs anyone??? It's one of those recipes that I always fall back to when I'm busy and don't have the energy to remember what to make with the ground beef. Going to serve them with some Butter Rice and some Green Beans :)




Rachael Ray

Gayle King shares the behind-the-scenes stories from her road trip with Oprah and plays Stump the Rach! Then, the must-have item for your wardrobe, and Dennie's advice for moms whose teens are headed into the dating game.

General Hospital

Carly agrees to give up her wedding date for Luke and Laura.

Wife Swap

A rhinestone cowgirl mother swaps with a mother who calls herself the CEO.

Bachelor Rome

Lorenzo takes the final three women on exotic dates in Sweden, Budapest and Sicily.

Laundry
Ironing
Cleaning
Errands

DECISIONS DECISIONS

So remember I told you that yesterday I wanted to get some sewing done, and you're probably waiting to see some wonderful result, well, I have none.

Yeah, I sat down with the fabrics and the directions and projects and got stuck trying to figure out which one to make first....about 30 minutes later I'm still sitting there staring at everything....so I got nothing done.

I'm frustrated with myself, I really need to get these started but you know, I also need to realize that trying to get things done on the weekend when everyone is home, is NOT a good idea.

Hubby is working midshift which means he is like a baby on a switched schedule, you know when you bring them home and they sleep all day and then stay awake all night??? Just like that, which is frustrating for me, especially trying to keep the kids quiet. What's up with kids and ear piercing shrieks, and just when did they turn into Bainshees???

So as you can see, I got nothing done, other than laundry, which I still have another two loads to get through and then a couple baskets to put away. MY.FAVORITE.PART....not really, actually I think that is the ONE process of laundry that I most hate, but what can you do???

I've signed up with the Laundry Fairies but they seem to be resisting. Something about "too much to put away" and "not enough fun involved"....who knows???

Just had to share that cartoon, it cracks me up LOL

I want to ask you all to please say a prayer for my MIL, she's having a bit of a hard time with the treatments and she's also dealing with being anemic etc....she has surgery coming up in December so please keep her in your prayers. I would really appreciate that :)

We just found out too that hubby might be leaving for Afghanistan the beginning of the year and that will be a minimum of 6 months, so keep him in your prayers too please.
It's just another part of the whole military family thing, and it's hard but it's worth it :)

I don't know what I'm going to be doing today, other than keeping children quiet as a mouse and getting some cleaning done too. I'm hoping for some TV time, I miss just laying on the couch and flipping through the channels, watching whatever comes up. Maybe I'll get lucky and the kids will take a nap??? Nah, I didn't think so!!!

Oh before I forget, I was thinking about my favorite South African dishes and what I miss about home, and I posted recipes for Koeksusters and Melktert, you have GOT to try both, they are delicious...especially if you have a sweet tooth.

I'm sorry I don't have anything interesting to share with you all today, I'm having a blah day, I've had this bad sinus/tension headache since yesterday and it's really bugging me. It interferes with my train of thought, actually, it doesn't take much to do that, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I better go make some lunch for these hungry kids, I'm making some Tuna Salad but with Black eyed peas, olive oil and vinegar, it's really really good. Try it some time :)

Have a wonderful sunday,


For dinner I'm making Fake Steak with Rice, will post the recipe for you later.



7th Heaven

Lucy has her hands full dealing with the teens and Sandy while Eric and Annie are away, but the most trouble comes from Ruthie (Mackenzie Rosman), who selfishly refuses to leave Scotland to be with the family.

Desperate Housewives

Bree meets Orson's mother (Dixie Carter), and the women don't exactly hit it off. Meanwhile, Gaby decides to get back into modeling, and Lynette is suspicious of her new neighbor. Karl Mayer: Richard Burgi.

Brothers and Sisters

Justin's vow of sobriety is severely tested by the unsettling contents of a letter.

Celebrity Paranormal Project

A mental asylum is explored by Traci Lords, Gilbert Gottfried, NFL player Jeremiah Trotter, Evan Farmer ("While You Were Out") and Kimberly Caldwell ("American Idol").

Laundry
Ironing
Cleaning

FIVE SENSES SATURDAY!!!

Mmmmm, nothing like a cup of steaming hot coffee, first thing in the morning.
I seriously doubt that I can make any coherent thoughts before taking a sip.

It's cold, and it's rainy and it's also the perfect Fall day to sit and sew. Yes, that's what I'm planning on doing today, finally sitting down and getting as much sewing done as possible, I may have to run out to the stores if I need something, but I'm hoping I don't.

You know I've realized that I would have been pretty content as a bear, I mean, I could eat until I was about to burst at the seams, and then spend 3 months sleeping....what is wrong with that picture??? NOTHING in my opinion :)

So what am I working on??? I have so many projects in mind, and I think it's going to take me a while to get everything sorted out and ready to go. I always do this, I put aside tons of things I want to make and then get so overwhelmed and end up not finishing even one....BUT seeing that this year I want to make all the Christmas tree decorations 1) because it's cheaper 2) because over the years the kids have managed to break most of them and 3) because handmade is always more personal......I really need to get a plan formulated and then stick with it.

I want to get started soon and I still have laundry to finish and iron and put away, you know all that fun stuff that never ends when it comes to conquering Mt. Laundry....so I'm leaving you with my Five Senses Saturday. I said I would put up a Mr Linky if anyone was interested, but I am not going to do it, I figure if anyone wants to try it, just leave me a comment and I'll come check it out :)

Have a beautiful Fall Weekend,

::Hear::



- Jayson Belt's "Just you and Me" song
- The school kids singing "The Star Spangled Banner" and "The Air Force Song"
- My kids fighting (what's new?)
- Reveille playing loudly on the Base Speakers
- Drip of water from the leaky faucet in the bathroom


::See::



- Fall leaves all over my front yard
- The Posting of Colors by the Soldiers
- My spotless kitchen after hubby cleaned it (lol)
- The pile of books ready to go back to the library
- The sun peaking through the clouds


::touch::



- The warm sweater on me
- The pile of fabric waiting to be sewn
- The family portraits waiting to be mailed off
- The pumpkins strewn all over my front yard
- The feel of a hug from my kids


::taste::



- Caramel Truffle Coffee
- Red Beans and Rice from Popeye's Chicken
- Monterey Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Barb's Breakfast Burritos
- Autumn Spice Tea


::smell::



- Clothes fresh out of the dryer
- Garlic, onions and olive oil frying on the stove
- My gardenia candle burning
- Milk and cinnamon cooking on the stove for my Rice Pudding
- Pinecones in my backyard

Good Morning my Lovelies!!!! LOL

I don't know but for some reason when I said that it sounded like it came out of a horror movie or something......"GOOD MORNING MY LOVELIES" *insert dramatic scary music* See?!?!?! LOL

Anyway, come on in, I have some more of that wonderful Caramel Truffle coffee. Oh Susanne asked me what brand it is, it's Millstone, and it's one of those small little packs that are only good enough for 2 pots (if you're lucky). You know the ones, the little packs that tempt you with such goodness only to leave you crying because you don't have near enough coffee to last you for the whole week??? LOL

See the picture above??? That's my new profile pic for the holidays, what do you think??? I mean, I was at the BX yesterday and saw a collection of Christmas coffee mugs....yeah like I'm going to let THAT go. Since I absolutely LOVE snowmen, I quickly grabbed this mug which is perfect for my morning coffee and, the best part??? It was only a dollar!!! *GASP*
By the way, that chipper face is only after two cups of coffee, because when I first get up, THIS Is the face you'll see (don't I look happy to be awake?) LOL

Come on, did you honestly think I would post a picture of me with NO make up....while the coffee is brewing, I'm usually in the bathroom getting my make up ready. I would NEVER scar you all with a picture of me without it, it's bad enough my poor husband and kids have to be subjected to it. Poor things!!!

So before I got on, I want you all to stop right now, and run over to my dear friend Bev's blog, she posted her Holiday Traditions. Run on and go see it, but don't forget about me though, come right back ok???

Ok so yesterday we went to Jasmine's school for a Veteran's Day Celebration. It's always one of those *lump in the throat* things for me. It started with the Posting of Colors, which to me is just such a beautiful display, and if you've never had the chance to witness it in person you don't know what you're missing. The pride and Patriotism shown by the men involved just radiates from them. Again, another *lump in the throat* moment, and I'm not even American...but my kids and husband are and that is more than enough for me, I do love this country as if it were my own :)

After that, the school principal talked for a bit and then introduced the Mayor of Mountain Home, Idaho. He talked for a bit too, he is also a Veteran and then he asked the kids if any of them knew what a Veteran was, to which a little girl replied "Yes, it's someone who's gone to war and lived". LOL Obviously we all laughed at that, because the Mayor quickly replied "well yes, that's the kind of veteran I'm glad I am". LOL

The kids then sang The Star Spangled Banner, and let me tell you, I've heard it sung on TV and during games etc, but hearing the little ones singing it, knowing that they are military brats and singing for their country and their Active Duty parents, was just mind blowing. It was beautiful to say the least.

There was also a minute of silence for the troops as well as a Plaque awarded to a Widow of a Veteran who has donated the Flag that hangs in the School Gym. It was such a beautiful, short ceremony, lots of men and women in uniform present. It ended with the little ones singing the Air Force Song....just perfect :) I was only able to catch a little of their singing, we were seated in a bad spot, I couldn't see anything....Aaagggh!!!
And my camera video is not that great either...sorry!!!

AIR FORCE SONG

Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun;
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,
At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun! (Give 'er the gun now!)
Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,
Off with one helluva roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!
Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

Love how the kids get into it LOL

So that was how we spent the afternoon, it was short, it was sweet and it was beautiful. Remember that today is Veteran's Day, and say a little prayer for all the men and woman of the Armed Forces, those who are still here fighting for our country and those who have passed on.

Well last night I put Nicholas to bed and then I was upstairs in my bedroom watching TV. Remember I told you that hubby and I have come up with this routine where, I get an hour to myself each night, while he spends time with the kids. It works great because not only do I get some time to relax, take a bath or read or watch a show, and he also gets to be with the kids after working all day.

Anyway, I'm upstairs and I start hearing all this noise in the kitchen, so I come walking down and find my husband cleaning. YEAH, cleaning, now he didn't just do the dishes, this wonderful man of mine, did the dishes, cleaned all the countertops, pulled out the refrigerator and cleaned behind there and on top, cleaned the stove, the sinks, reorganized some cabinets and drawers (his junk ones), swept, mopped and then vacuumed the living room. Ummmmm....what the heck is going on?!?!?! LOL
To which he replied "nothing, I'm bored and since I'm working nights and have to be up all night anyway, I decided to help you out a little". God Bless this wonderful man!!!

I woke up this morning to a spotless downstairs, now how many times can we say that about our husbands???

Yes I know this post is getting kinda long, but I still have so much to say....here let me top off our coffee cups. I forgot to tell you that I have Krispi Kreme donuts and bagels, and I also have some Banana Nut Muffins if you're interested. Just help yourselves! Mi Casa es tu Casa thing you know??? LOL

If you haven't gone by my food blog yet, I've posted the recipe for the Monterey Chicken and the Hay and Straw, they're both really good and easy to make. I'll be posting some more today though, so watch for those.

You know what my latest craving is??? And don't laugh because if you do, I'm going to have to come looking for you lol.....you ready??? BEANS AND WIENERS!!!! Told you not to laugh, but seriously, I'm loving these, see Nicholas likes them and sometimes wants it for lunch, but when he doesn't finish them I do what any other mom does, you know, the eat off their plates thing??? I tried them once and now I can't get enough, I actually sit there waiting for him to be done, and one day I was so desperate to have some that I did the unthinkable....I bribed him with something else so he would leave me some LOL *GASP* the shock!!!

So if ever any of your Beans And Wieners go missing, it was me, just letting you know so you won't be surprised to find me with a little kid size tub in my hands. While I was thinking about this I realized that there really are a few things that I couldn't live without, feel free to share yours, I don't want to sound nutty all on my own LOL

Diet Coke
Beans and Wieners
Barb's Breakfast Burritos
These Onion Chips...I'm drooling just thinking of them
Maple Sausage
Fast Break Candy Bar
Chourico

Ok that's just a few, I'm starting to realize that I really do have way too many.

Well my friends, the time has come, Jasmine is home today and the kids are already fighting, something about "she's looking at me" and "I'm the owner, you're the puppy...no I'M the puppy, I WANT TO BE THE PUPPY"....*sigh*

Have a wonderful friday, I'll see you all tomorrow morning with my Five Senses Saturday post. If anyone wants to take a crack at it, let me know and maybe I'll put up a Mr Linky....maybe, I'm not promising anything because then I'll end up having just me and Mr linky at the party, pretty boring if you ask me LOL

God Bless,



It's friday which means Homemade Pizza. If you've never tried my Pizza Dough, you don't know what you're missing, I'm not trying to brag at all, I'm not like that....but really, if you like fluffy wonderful thick dough, you need to go try it :)



Rachael Ray

From choosing a menu to shopping, decorating and getting dressed, get Rachael’s tips for hosting a party. Then, when Molly Sims calls the Rachael hotline, we head inside her Hollywood pad and then into the kitchen!

General Hospital

Sonny and Jax play along with Carly to get Jason into the hospital.

1 vs 100

One contestant competes for cash against a group of 100 people by answering trivia questions in this game show.

Most Haunted

Exploring a 15th-century manor rumored to be haunted by former inhabitants, including soldiers, children and a maid.

Laundry
Ironing
Starting Christmas Decorations

Come on in and get warm.....

we have some snow on the way and I'm actually excited for it. I don't know why but I'm the type that if it's cold enough then at least I want to see some white, not just have me freeze my tooshie off for no reason LOL

So I've got some coffee ready for us, Caramel Truffle!!! OH.MY!!! It is SO good, I've already had two cups but I've got another pot going so that I can sip this velvety goodness ALL.DAY.LONG.

Before I continue, let me just tell you that I've been reading your blogs this morning, trying to catch up with everyone, but unfortunately Blogger is PMS'ing and won't let me comment, something about "server problems and the engineer has been notified" *snort*
Yeah, I would love to meet this famous engineer, I have a couple of things to say to him/her/it. (what?? it could be computerized right?)

Anyway, come sit with me and let's chat. I am so glad that I'm back to my chipper old self, if there is one thing I can't stand, is being or feeling down and out of control. Takes the fun right out of life doesn't it???

Alright, well last night I made Monterey Chicken for dinner. If you've ever gone to Chili's and had this, you know it's the chicken with the barbecue sauce, topped with bacon and cheese and green onions. I ALWAYS get that, I don't even try anything else because I know I'm going to love this one. So anyway, last night I made it, and to tell you that it's good is an understatement....Jasmine had 3 helpings. Yeah, miss.little.bites.and.never.hungry, had 3 BIG HELPINGS.

I tried to get a photo for the blog but before I could get back to the kitchen with the camera, my family had gobbled down almost all of it....I'm glad they were thoughtful enough to leave me some. So go and get the recipe at my food blog, right HERE, and try it for yourself, you know you can't go wrong when your husband turns to you, mid bite, and says "You ROCK, from now on when you make chicken I want it like this".

You know what I just realized??? I'm actually early in my posting today, it's been so nutty the past week, I'm amazed I was able to pull this off earlier than expected, believe me, you don't want me here talking after dark, I get loopy and crazy and don't make much sense at all. LOL

So you all know that I love paranormal shows and scary stuff, don't ask why, because I'm the first to get all scared and cover my eyes, but whatever, I still watch them.
I was watching Ghost Hunters last night (another bright moment for me huh?), and they were investigating a Victorian House that claims to be haunted. While down in the basement, Jason and Grant start hearing a woman's voice saying "hello" and then she laughs, this evil, maniacal laugh....Ok I would have been out of there so fast!!!! But they stay and start looking for the voice and doing what they do best, obviously, that's why they're Ghost Hunters and I'm a SAHM LOL

I still watch it though, I just love the guys they're awesome and hey, my favorite is Steve Goncalves, just because he's cute and he's portuguese LOL I'm so shallow aren't I??? LOL

Anyway, so with it being Veteran's Day tomorrow, the kids are off school. This afternoon they are doing a little concert put together for the troops on base, I think it's so sweet. Jasmine was telling me how they've been making cards for the moms and dads who are active duty, saying thank you for their sacrifices and for keeping them safe. How sweet is that???

So we're heading to the school at 2pm, where the kids will be singing The Star Spangled Banner and the Air Force Song. I'm definitely going to be recording it and taking pictures, can't wait to share them with you all :)

Well I'm going to top off my coffee cup and try to get some comments on your blogs. It's driving me nuts that I can't say anything, it's like torture, tempting me with the great posts and then slamming the door in my face, I can just imagine Blogger sitting in a corner pointing the finger at me and laughing....how mean is that???

Have yourselves a merry little christmas great Thursday :)
If you're looking for the Slow Cooking Thursday, it's just below, go check out my Peach cobbler and all the other great recipes being shared :)

God Bless,


Ok so I'm making Hay and Straw, I know a lot of you were confused, believe me, it's not really Hay and Straw and no, we haven't turned into horses overnight LOL
Go on over and check the recipe if you don't believe me.... :)



Rachael Ray

Are you a mom who never makes time for yourself? Then tune in for a crash course in time management! Plus, a beautiful mystery taster leaves Rachael stumped, and find out how to make delicious soup in 15 minutes.

General Hospital

Jason is desperate to learn what has become of Sam.

Ugly Betty

Betty is asked to review a fancy hotel; Wilhelmina covets advertising dollars from a wealthy Texan (Brett Cullen); and Sofia (Salma Hayek) and her entourage throw their weight around, much to Daniel's chagrin.

Grey's Anatomy

The men of Seattle Grace go on a camping trip together; Addison and Callie team up on a case; Meredith assists Mark Sloan with a procedure unlike any she has experienced; and Bailey confronts Cristina on her recent actions at the hospital.

ER

The ER deals with a patient whose personality changes are more baffling than his physical problems; Abby has an odd---and unexpected---encounter with Curtis Ames (Forest Whitaker); and Weaver gets an interesting offer.

Laundry
Ironing
Changing Bed Linens
Starting Christmas Cards and Decorations
Jasmine's School Concert

Slow Cooking Thursday

With fall just around the corner and so many wonderful recipes being shared, constantly, amongst the blogging ladies....I thought that it would be neat to have a feature every thursday, just for crockpot recipes.

What do you think??? Do You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Well it's thursday ladies and you know what that means. Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

Usually I post a recipe for a main dish, but I decided to switch things a bit today and do a dessert, it's one I'm going to make this weekend, and it's also from the new cookbook I picked up last week, so I'm hoping it turns out good. If not, then I'm sorry LOL

PEACH COBBLER

2 packages (16 ounces each) frozen peaches, thawed and drained
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup all-purporse flour
6 tablespoons butter, cut into bits
Whipped Cream
Combine peaches, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Place into slow cooker. For topping, combine flour, remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in separate bowl. Cut in butter with pastry cutter or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over peach mixture. Cover and cook on HIGH 2 hours. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

I've got to get my behind into gear!!!

At least today it's a little better than yesterday, I'm posting in the afternoon as opposed to late at night, that's an improvement right??? Just say yeah even if you don't agree LOL

I've been, well, I don't know what I've been doing, I am so busy lately that by the end of the day I sit back and try to remember all I did and honestly, if I can come up with ONE specific thing, that is amazing.

I have promised myself to slow down though, I hate the feeling of life zipping by and not enjoying it, isn't that just the worst thing???

So anyway, here I am, happy and content, not exactly caught up on all my blogging friends, but I promise to be by tonight, so please, if I haven't come your way yet in a few days, just hang in there, don't close the door on me ok??? I did promise to bring coffee and donuts!!!

It's been raining here, started last night and apparently it's supposed to keep up through the rest of this week, which makes me yearn for friday all the more, just knowing that I can sleep in and not have the "morning rush". You know the weather has been weird here, it's rainy but warm in a way, then there's all sorts of stuff all over the ground, there's soggy leaves and "eeewwww" worms....I want to say I've stepped on a few but just saying it makes me gag, so just whatever, imagine it LOL

I'm still waiting on you all to email me your addresses, that is if you would like a Christmas card from me. I would love to send you one :)

I've been getting all my stuff ready to start on my christmas decorations, I want to be like Barb and make tons, I mean she's made what like a gazillion stars??? She's just crafty like that, so I want to do it too, though I'm sure I will end up getting only 10 or so done...who knows.

But while out yesterday, I picked up two new magazines, one is called Paper Crafts, and let me tell you, it's now one of my new favorite MUST.BUYS. It's filled with great crafts for the holidays and even better, handmade christmas card ideas, which is something I've been looking for. I always see these real crafty ones and want to get in there too, besides I think it makes them so much more personal ;)

Yes my dear friends, the lists have started, there's gift lists and food lists and all sorts of other lists. LISTS LISTS LISTS!!!
I'm trying to cut back on my spending this year though, I think we get so carried away with the christmas shopping and honestly, spending a fortune on gifts is ridiculous.
I'm thinking maybe half bought and half homemade??? Will see!!!

Well it's time to start dinner and then I need to steam clean my carpets while it's in the oven....the dinner, not the carpets in the oven....just clearing that up, I got myself a little confused after reading that LOL

So I leave you with my usual lists of what I'm doing today :)

Have a great tuesday night, stay safe and stay warm....and Courtney, I'm SO glad Matt is back home with you guys. Thank you for your service SPC. Matt Cleveland and WELCOME HOME!!!

God Bless,


On the menu for tonight is Monterey Chicken, and it's YUMMY. I will have the recipe posted by tomorrow morning :)



Biggest Looser

The duos get a surprise when some of the 36 other contestants return to the ranch for a chance to rejoin the competition. The challenge involves hauling thousands of pounds inside a warehouse.

Ghost Hunters - SciFi 8pm - 11pm

Two repeat episodes and the new Halloween special from The Stanley Hotel, set of Steven King's "The Shining"

Laundry
Vacuuming
Steam Cleaning Carpet
Getting pictures ready to be mailed
Updating menu on this blog and food bloog
Posting Dinner's Recipe on Food Blog

Ummm....did I just miss a day of blogging???

Honestly, I don't know what the heck happened, but I was so busy and just sat down at the computer to realize that I haven't yet posted anything......hmmmm....not normal is it???

It's 9pm and the kids are upstairs asleep, the house is sooo quiet and I wonder why I don't just start doing my blogging at night time, I mean, think about it, not only will I have more to talk about because with MY life there's always something interesting going on....but it's easier to think and jot down my thoughts without loosing track and being distracted 100 times with the usual "I'm hungry", "I'm thirsty", "mommy I want a snack", "mommy he's looking at me"....which is really not very condusive to interesting posts.

So let's see, what has been going on here, same stuff different day?? Isn't it frustrating when your life becomes so predictable??? I miss adventure sometimes or the thrill of doing "spur of the moment" things, a concept that goes straight out the window the minute you find out your pregnant...from then on, and until they're old enough to move out on their own, you're on a set routine. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not complaining, I love my life and I love being a SAHM.

Thank you again to all who participated in the Holiday Traditions yesterday, I was so glad to see some new faces and what was even better for me, was going back and re-reading the older posts....there are some VERY neat traditions out there, love it :)

And now I have to give a shout out to my friend Barb, ok those Breakfast Burritos are dangerous, very dangerous, I've become addicted to them, I have them for breakfast, I have them for lunch and dinner and snack whatever....but here is the best part...I've lost another two pounds LOL
Obviously I can't say for sure that it's the burritos, but that is all I've been eating, that and drinking Diet Coke, so hey, it's working for me, I'm NOT going to complain.

I don't have much planned for this week, which is good, I feel like I've been on a never ending roller coaster and quite frankly it's making me sick to my stomach, I just want it to stop so I can get off and take a breather.

What else is going on here, I am sorry if I seem a bit cooky tonight, I guess the sleep is starting to creep in and I tend to get a little ditzy when I'm tired. LOL

So anyway, now you know what I was doing today. Well my friends, sleep is calling beckoning me, I hope you all have a wonderful night and I'll see you first thing in the morning. I'll bring coffee and donuts, how's that???

Well good morning everyone, and as promised, here is the Holiday Traditions again. I would LOVE to see new faces and I'm actually looking forward to going back and rereading all the current participants....we had so many wonderful traditions being share that I'm sure you will all enjoy :)

As promised, I've put up a new Mr Linky, I was going to add the links but I forgot that MR Linky doesn't allow you to add more than one....Well Poo to that.....I'm adding the existing links by hand...if the owner of the blog comes by, just add them to Mr Linky ok???

So it's finally here, I've been talking about this for a while and I'm glad the time has come because I'm so eager to find out about all your traditions. As I said before, I just want to hear about what you do as a family during the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas....

Do you and your family have a special tradition every Christmas Morning, or maybe it's a special dinner for Thanksgiving??? Do you all go out on a certain day to get a Christmas Tree??? Is there a special ornament or fun way your family decorates for the holidays??? How about different Heritages, how are the holidays celebrated all over the world???

I'll start with mine.

I'm sure you all know that I'm portuguese and since I can remember we have celebrated and opened Christmas presents on the 24th of December, Christmas Eve.

The whole day is spent in the kitchen, cooking and catching up with family, laughing and just having a great time. At dinner time we always have something like Roast or Bacalhau (Cod Fish) which are pretty traditional meals for a Christmas Dinner.

About an hour after dinner, the table starts being loaded with all sorts of different goodies, consisting of Codfish Cakes, Prawn Cakes, Prawns, Fried Chicken, Pasteis de Nata (cream cakes), Pudim Flan (Caramel Custard), Arroz Doce (Portuguese Rice Pudding), Rabanadas or Fatias Douradas (pretty much like French Toast), Bola de Carne (Meat Pie) and then a bunch of small things like dates, raisins etc.

Everyone sits around the table talking and eating, there's TONS of food, just before midnight we all move into the living room and sit around the tree counting the minutes.

We always open our presents on midnight and it was funny because when I first came to the States I just couldn't understand having to wait until the morning of the 25th LOL

But anyway, after opening presents the table is usually covered with a big tablecloth, anything that has to be refrigerated is put away, but everything else is pretty much left as is. The next day, on Christmas day, the whole family has leftovers, we spend the whole day YET again, just eating and enjoying our new presents.

Since getting married, we keep my tradition but now we leave some presents and the stockings for the Christmas morning.

Every year I also hang up christmas ornaments with the names of all the family members that can't be with us, either because they live far away or they've passed on. It's a great way to make it feel like they're here.

The kids and I also put together a Nativity Scene, they love being able to help me do it and it's also a wonderful way to teach them about the real meaning of Christmas.

And that is pretty much all we do, I just can't wait to start hearing about everyone's traditions, remember you can talk about Thanksgiving or Christmas, and if you don't have any traditions yet I'm sure you'll get great ideas from everyone else :)

Just go ahead and use the banner up top and don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky so others can come see your post.

Have fun :)

Sherry H.
Amy
Michelle
Kathleen Marie
Susanne
Momrn2 (My Quiet Corner)
Angie
Morning Glory
Mrs Blythe
Laura (Org Junkie)
Pamela

It's Sunday already?!?!?!

This weekend went by a little too quick for my taste, but I have to say that I spent yesterday in the kitchen, which is like my favorite room in the house. Wanna know what I was doing in there???

Well, while I had Chunky Chili cooking in the crockpot, I set to work on Barb's Breakfast Burritos, which have become to me...breakfast, lunch and dinner.....yes I'm serious.....my dinner yesterday was a burrito and this morning I had one for breakfast and I just found myself in the freezer grabbing another one.....I would be worried, but really they are divine, so I don't care. LOL
My hubby loves them too Barb, thank you for sharing your recipe....he's already making plans to take them in for his lunches :)

So it's sunday and it's raining and cloudy and just one of those days that make me want to crawl back into bed and watch tv. You ever feel like that???
Just close the blinds, get under the warm covers and watch a chick flick on tv, without interruptions from the kids and the phone and life....you know how that goes right??? You're right in the middle of a good scene and something interrupts and you pause the movie, then start again and are completely confused and lost LOL I do that SO many times!!!

If you've gone over to my book blog, you'll realize that I haven't posted anything in FOREVER....I do plan to soon, but I am going to be busy today with the house and getting the Halloween decorations put away, so I don't know if I'll have time, but I will definitely try to go in and post some new books reviews :)

I need to make a run to the BX this afternoon for a couple of things...one of them being CD's so that I can go through my computer and backup a LOT of stuff. I'm one of these people that loves photos, files and videos and whatever....I think I download tons of things daily and after a while my poor computer starts slowing down, waving the white flag "please please lady, stop". So I'm gearing up to do a major Fall Cleaning on my computer this week.



Now there's a couple of things I want to bring to your attention, some goin ons in blogging world.

The first is my wonderful friend Courtney from "Waiting on my Soldier"...after 14 months of Matt, her hubby, being gone to Iraq, he will finally be home with them tomorrow, she's ecstatic and I'm sooooo thrilled and happy for her and the kids. If you get a chance go on over and show her some support and leave some Welcome Home messages to her wonderful soldier hubby Matt. :)

Tomorrow I'm redoing the Holiday Traditions post, and I'm sorry if I keep repeating myself, but I want to be sure to remind everyone so that they're ready to come and post their links. Like I said yesterday, I will repost the original entry and a new Mr Linky, I will however go ahead and re-enter all the links that were already on there, but if you did participate I suggest you come back and make sure that I have you, wouldn't want to miss someone :)

My other wonderful friend Laura from "I'm an Organizing Junkie" is doing a wonderful thing. I admire that lady immensely and she's just too awesome for words, always leaves us in awe of her organizational skills. SO, with that in mind she's putting together a "30 Day Organizational Challenge", go on over and read the rules and prepare to whip your homes into shape :)


Hubby and I are thinking about buying our first home. It's exciting but OH.SO.SCARY!!! I could use a lot of advice from all of you, really, anything you think we should know would help immensely. You know it's great to take such a big step but it's also terrifying, I always feel like I did when I got married and moved away from home...excited but as scared as a little kid. So feel free to leave as much advice as you can or want to, it will all be welcomed :)

And that is all I have for today, I need to get the kids ready and head to the BX. Hubby is back on midshift this week, which means he'll be going in tonight at 11pm....hence why he's still asleep at this hour. So, I'm taking the kids to the store and getting them out of the house, I'm getting tired of repeating the same thing over and over "SHHHH daddy is sleeping" or "Stop yelling at each other". See???? It's annoying after a while!!!

Before I leave though, I want to ask all my blogging friends to email me with their addresses, I'm working on my Christmas cards and I REALLY REALLY would love to send some to you. Please, Pretty Please, with a cherry on top?!?!?!

Have a wonderful sunday :)



Hubby's favorite is on the menu for tonight....Beef Curry. Go check out the recipe on my food blog if you're interested :)




7th Heaven

Eric refuses to tell Annie about his diagnosis despite the rumors cropping up about his condition. Elsewhere, Lucy babysits for Sandy and decides it is time to try again for another child.

Desperate Housewives

A hostage crisis at a Fairview supermarket leads to tragedy.

Brothers and Sisters

Kitty and Warren's weekend getaway in the country isn't so peaceful; Thomas and Julia explore options for starting a family.

Grey's Anatomy

Derek receives a surprise visit from his sister (Embeth Davidtz); Cristina scrubs in for a rare procedure, to the envy of her peers; Addison and George treat a pregnant woman with an unusual problem; and Alex ponders his future in medicine.

Laundry
Vacuuming
Steam Cleaning Carpet
Taking down Halloween Decorations
Running to BX

I'm stealing candy from a kid.....literally!!!

Think I'm kidding??? My poor kids have started bringing me candy bars, now I don't know if it's because they love me or because they just want to keep this nutty mom away from their candy.

Yeah yeah, keep laughing, but you know I can't help it....every Halloween we go through this, they bring all their candy in those cute little buckets, and mommy turns into the chocolate thief, sneaking in behind their backs and grabbing those evil tempting little snickers, Reese's peanut butter cups and Twix bars....do you blame me though???? *Stop Laughing* LOL

But it's ok, this will pass as soon as all the candy bars are gone, and then I don't touch another chocolote for a whole year....wanna know what's the best thing though??? I've lost two pounds eating all this chocolate!!! WHAT?!?!?!?! 2 POUNDS?!?!?!? LOL Yeah...go figure!!!

So it's saturday and I have a house in desperate need of attention, I've been lazy this past week and the mess seem to be escalating around here, so I'm turning on "Cleaning Mom Mode" and going for it, I can't wait to get in there and scrub it all away, I think I'm going to use this as a little exercise for myself too, kinda like scrubbing away all the negative feelings and thoughts I've had this past week, and bringing back the newly clean and improved Sandra....what do you think???

Now back to blogging news, don't forget on Monday I'll be redoing the Holiday Traditions post for all those that didn't get a chance to participate, I'll look through the previous links and add them all to the new Mr Linky and then anyone new wanting to participate can just come and add their posts, how does that sound???

I'm also going to be updating the food blog and the book blog today, I haven't had much time for anything lately and there's a couple recipes that I want to share with you all, plus a few book reviews for some that I just finished reading.

So I'm leaving you this morning with my Five Senses Saturday post. I'll be busy today cleaning and making Barb's Breakfast and Lunch Burritos, go check out her recipes they sound divine :)

Have a great weekend everyone :)




::Hear::



- Rain hitting the windows
- The hum of the heater in my car keeping us warm
- My husband saying "I love you"
- General Hospital video clips on the computer
- The sound of my family's voice on the phone


::See::



- Halloween candy all over the house
- Frost on the grass in the morning
- Such wonderful comments from you all the past few days
- The fabric layed out to make Christmas Ornaments
- My crockpot cooking away on the counter


::touch::



- The pugs sitting on my lap
- The pages of the book I'm currently reading
- The blanket wrapped around me on the couch
- Spreading my favorite body lotion on after a shower
- The hot water around me in the bath tub


::taste::



- Warm Smoky Flavored BBQ Ribs
- First cup of coffee in the morning
- Arby's HUGE Roast Beef Sandwich
- Donuts at the Pumpkin Patch
- Pumpkin Soup


::smell::




- My favorite perfume
- Chunky Chili cooking in the crockpot
- The smell of freshly ironed clothes
- The first smell of chocolate after you unwrap the candy bar
- Pinecones in my backyard

You guys ROCK!!!

Thank you for all the wonderful comments and the prayers, it really does help to know that there are others who understand what I was feeling. If there is one thing you will all learn about me is that I DON'T like looking or feeling sorry for myself, I just can't stand it, but you know even the strongest of people sometimes need help and need to be vulnerable.

I've had a rough past few days, but I'm slowly coming around again. Yesterday I managed to get everything done and I managed to hold on to the Lord's hand, I didn't let go and neither did He....things ran smoothly and I had a pretty good day.

I didn't tell anyone what the real issue was, and I think that it's only fair that I do, I'm a pretty open person and don't mind sharing my thoughts and feelings.

For those who have read my blog for a while, you will know that I had two miscarriages in 2001. The funny thing is that though time may pass and it may divert your attention from it, it never leaves your mind or your heart. It's one of those incidents that forever stay ingrained in your mind and heart....and for the most part I do fine, I go on with my life, but there are some days that the smallest mundane thing will spark a memory and then it feels like I'm right back there, going through the emotional and the physical pain of the miscarriages.

One of the hardest things to come to terms with is the fact that NOTHING I did caused them....because let's face it, and I'm speaking from my own experience, I always felt like it was MY job as the mom to make sure the babies were safe and healthy, so when I lost them it felt like a slap in the face, like I didn't do everything to protect them, I MUST have done something wrong, maybe I didn't eat healthy enough, maybe I pushed myself or maybe, maybe maybe maybe, it's that little word "maybe" that gets you.

I've learnt to handle the days that I'm feeling that way. I just ask God to help me through it and to stop the enemy from implanting these doubts and these if's and maybe's in my head, and then I can find the peace within myself to realize (yet again) that it's not my fault. I may never know the reason why it happened, I do know that if I had HAD those two babies, I wouldn't have Nicholas right now.....so that in a way brings me comfort, and just looking at him each day reminds me what a blessing and a miracle he really is....after the two miscarriages I didn't think I would ever be able to carry a baby to full term. It wasn't easy, I was high risk, I had bleeding, I had preterm labor a number of times and he had a decrease in his heart rate a couple times too due to the cord being tightly wound around his body. Guess that was his way of holding on and being determined to see it to the end :)

So that my dear friends is what I go through every once in a while, and when I do, my first reaction is to hide and withdraw, but I've also learnt to not allow myself to dwell on it. I allow myself to cry and get it out for a little but then "life must go on", I have another two beautiful children here with me and they need me to keep going. So I do, and that is why I thank you all for the prayers and words of encouragement, they really do mean a lot :)

I think I may have just set a record for myself, talking about ONE subject for quite a bit of my post, wow, that's something!!! :)

One thing I realize I haven't had a chance to do, was share the pictures of the kids in Halloween Costumes...I can't believe I haven't done that yet, I really HAVE been a little nutty haven't I??? LOL

Here ya go, I present Spiderman and Glamor Witch.

They were really happy that daddy got to go Trick or Treating with them, he was able to work something out with another co-worker so that they both were able to take an hour off to take their kids, isn't that sweet??

Since so many of you mentioned the Holiday Traditions post, I want to tell you that I've decided to redo it on monday the 6th, so mark your calendars and remember to come back and post your links, in the meantime I'm going to copy down the links of all the participants that already shared their traditions, and will link them again for you all, does that sound fair???

I'm sorry I did the meme at a time when there was so much stuff going on, but honestly, and in my defense, when I decided to do it I had no idea about half of the other meme's going on that week. But it doesn't matter, we'll redo it, and this way more people will get to participate and have a chance to read everyone's traditions :)

Well I need to get ready to pick up Jasmine from school. Oh btw, we had her Teacher Conference yesterday and she is doing awesome at school, the teacher loves her and says she's an extremely smart girl, she's reading at a fourth grade level and is still getting 3's in everything...we're so proud of her. :)

You know what I wish??? That I could transmit smell over the computer because right now I have my Smoky Flavored BBQ Ribs cooking in the crockpot, and OH.MY. GOODNESS, they smell divine, enough to wake up hubby and have him come looking for them LOL

I'm out of here, I hope you all have a wonderful friday and I'll see you back here tomorrow for my Five Senses Saturday :)

God Bless,


Smoky Flavored BBQ Ribs cooking away in the crockpot....wish I could mail you all some LOL




Rachael Ray

A Soldier's Surprise
Rachael has an emotional surprise for a dad about to be deployed. It's a 40th birthday he'll never forget when his favorite singer, Edwin McCain, is singing just for him! Plus, guilt-free ideas for re-gifting and clever ways to make care packages for any occasion.

General Hospital

Luke and Laura return to where it all started.

I don't know whether I'm coming or going!!!

Slow Cooking post is just below!!!

It's been absolutely crazy around here, and at times it's almost like I'm on the outside just staring at another mom and thinking "GOOD.GRIEF!!!" I'm sure you've all noticed that I haven't been here as much, it's just I feel like I have no time for anything, I haven't even been able to give my house the attention I usually do. It's nuts I tell ya!!!

So I'm starting today with a video from Christina Aguilera....not that I like her personally, I think she could use some more clothes on her body, but whatever, I do like her voice and I love this song, and it's my blog so "I can do whatever I want to???" right??? LOL

Anyway, I'm sitting here with a cup of hot coffee and some chocolate chip pancakes. Do I NEED the pancakes??? NO, but my hips are thrilled, they're all jiggly and happy.

Thank you to all who participated in the Holiday Traditions, I was hoping to see a lot more people, but you know how it is...even in the blogging world you need to know someone who knows someone who is popular. Since I'm not for popularity contests and clicks, I am just happy with the friends I do have that participate in all my nutty meme's LOL
So Thank you, I loved reading all about your traditions, you guys have such awesome things going on during the holidays, I got a lot of great ideas for myself from reading your posts :)

So due to Parent Teacher conferences today and tomorrow, Jasmine only has school for 3 hours each day, now my question is, why even bother then??? Couldn't they just stay home??? I drop her off come home and before I even get to start any housework I have to run back out to get her and then go back again at 1:30pm for the conference. *Sigh*

Since I've had no time for anything, I've noticed that things just get more and more crazy and out of control. See, when you neglect time with God and try to do things on your own, without His help, everything seems to spiral out of control, it keeps building up until you throw your hands in the air and plead for His help.

I'm guilty of that, I've been neglecting my time with Him, and I am feeling the repercussions. For the past two weeks, my days no longer run smoothly and I no longer have time for everything that I want to accomplish. You know how some of you asked many times how I did it all?? It wasn't just me, I had the Lord's help, and the minute I neglect that, that's IT, I'm on a rollercoaster going full speed and desperately trying to get off and slow down.

One of my favorite books is called "Diapers, Pacifiers and Other Holy Things" by Lorraine Pintus. In one of the Chapters entitled "Big Things, Little Things" she talks about our day to day and how to incorporate God into it, even in the mundane things we do like wiping our children's nose.

Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities - Luke 19:17

The message in that??? We must be faithful in little things if we expect to be responsible for big things. Let's face it, as moms we don't have the most glamorous jobs or the most adventurous (though I would like to challenge that at times), it's the small things that we do everyday, those things that don't change no matter what.

Doing the laundry
Fixing meals
Giving kids a bath
Helping with homework
Cleaning the house

AT times I do stop and think "why do I bother? I've just picked up the couch pillows 2 times in the past 30 minutes, why do I even try?". But I have to keep reminding myself that everything does count when your heart is in it and you have the right motive. Like did I make a meal for my family because I HAVE to, or did I make it because I want to give them good nutrition and because I want them to be happy??? See the difference.

So anyway, I am welcoming God back into my day to day, no matter if I'm scrubbing toilets or running errands, without Him, things just don't run smoothly.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive and inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23, 24

Well moving on, last night for dinner I made my Steaks with Pepper Sauce. It's a pepper sauce that I made even before getting married and many times my dad would as me to make it, he loves it. It's really easy to make and I've posted the recipe on the food blog, so go check it out.

I'll also be posting the recipe for my Spaghetti Sauce, this one:

Doesn't that look good??? And it's so easy to make too, so I'll let you know when I put that recipe up.

Well I'm off again, I've been interrupted a couple of times during this post so now it's already 11am and I need to get ready to pick Jasmine up in 30 minutes. Have a wonderful day everyone, and don't forget that Slow Cooking Thursday is up, come share your favorite Slow Cooker recipes :)


Right now I have Chicken Parisienne cooking in the slower cooker, it smells SO good. If you want the recipe, check out my Slow Cooking Thursday post below :)




Rachael Ray

Barry Manilow
The Fanilows go crazy when Barry's in the house! Then Dennie’s got practical “relationtips” to help keep the sizzle in your sex life, and Gretta shares her secrets for reinventing your old clothes.

General Hospital

Jason and Sam manage to evade the police as the head for a safe house;
Ric accepts Sonny's deal but wants something in writing;
Alexis wants to reclaim her job;
Elizabeth tries to keep the photos of her and Jason from Lucky;
Laura is missing

Ugly Betty

Executive producer Salma Hayek guest stars as a woman who makes an immediate impression on playboy Daniel. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina gets a surprise visit from her daughter, and Betty and Hilda face a financial crisis.

Grey's Anatomy

Derek receives a surprise visit from his sister (Embeth Davidtz); Cristina scrubs in for a rare procedure, to the envy of her peers; Addison and George treat a pregnant woman with an unusual problem; and Alex ponders his future in medicine.

ER

Luka waits anxiously for the jury to return with its verdict in the malpractice case brought against him by his former patient Curtis Ames (Forest Whitaker); Neela has a vivid dream that causes her to question her feelings for Gates.

Laundry
Vacuuming
Teacher's Conference

Slow Cooking Thursday!!!

With fall just around the corner and so many wonderful recipes being shared, constantly, amongst the blogging ladies....I thought that it would be neat to have a feature every thursday, just for crockpot recipes.

What do you think??? Do You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Well it's thursday ladies and you know what that means. Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

The recipe I'm sharing today is actually what I have cooking away on my crockpot right now. It's from the new Crockpot Cookbook I picked up last week.

CHICKEN PARISIENNE

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds), cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, undiluted
2 cans (4 ounces each) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup sour cream
6 cups hot cooked egg noodles

Place chicken in slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and paprika.

Add soup, mushrooms and wine to slow cooker; mix well. Cover; cook on HIGH 2 to 3 hours.

Add sour cream during last 30 minutes of cooking. Serve over noodles.