The grocery shopping has been done, the bills have

been paid and now I'm gearing up for Christmas shopping tomorrow. Now I don't always do this, as a matter of fact, this is EARLY for me, I'm one of those shoppers that loves the rush, the adrenaline pumping shopping that comes with realizing that you are 1 week or a few days away from Christmas and have yet to buy a single present. Crazy???? I think so but I don't know what it is about being out there doing last minute shopping that really brings home the holidays for me.

Anyway, I decided to try it differently this year, so tomorrow we're hitting the stores. What's funny is that even though hubby and I both drive we like doing it together, we only go alone for each other's gifts, when it comes to the kids we go together WITH the kids. Ahhhh but you may wonder just how that is possible???? Easy, we hit the stores and switch off kids as we go, let's say me and Nicholas go buy Jasmine's stuff while Curt and Jasmine get some of Nic's......then we go to the next store and switch over, I will take Jas and he takes Nic. It's fun!

We've decided to set a budget this year and not go over it no matter how much we want to. It's so easy to get carried away and end up spending a small fortune on each kid. One thing we do is buy gifts for each kid and then buy some for them together........stuff that they will both enjoy doing.

Here's an example of some of the items that I'm looking at so far, just some ideas for joint gifts.

Kids:

Moon Sand Kit - My kids are fascinated with moon sand
Motosea Plug and Play - Something I know they will have a blast playing
Playdough Kit - Who doesn't love play dough?
Cranium Superfort Carnival Clubhouse - This is the only thing that they've begged for
Land Before Time "The Wisdom of Friends" - They LOVE Land Before Time
Five Little Monkeys Board Game - They love board games and this would be fun for them
Books - Here's a list of the best Christmas Children's books

As you can see I have a list of just a few items that I know the kids like or want and from there I can pretty much buy anything similar, doesn't mean it has to be exactly the same.

Last night I got into bed and since all my shows were reruns I was happy that my Netflix movies had come in. I had been waiting for so long to see Georgia Rule so it was the perfect opportunity. I LOVED IT.......really truly LOVED IT!

It was such a good movie and I'm not a Lindsay Lohan fan by all means, but this movie was really good. It's a good story, it's heartbreaking at some points and funny at others and it's filmed in Hull, Idaho. LOL
I know I know, I miss Idaho but seeing it in the movie made me miss it even more LOL

Anyway, if you're interested in learning more about the movie, go here for the story or here for the trailer.

Tonight we're all sitting down as a family to watch The Santa Clause 3......can't wait!

It's actually raining right now and it feels good. It's been a long time, now that I think about it, it's only rained once since we moved here back in July, can you believe that???

So it's humid and raining and cloudy and dark and I'm loving it, I have a sweater on and sweat pants with my little winter booties. Hahaha, I know, it sounds weird but I just love them and knowing that there's not many cold days here in Arizona, I always welcome a chance to wear them.

The kids are begging me for some so I'll have to ask my stepmom and my grandmother back in South Africa to make them a pair. I don't know how to, they made mine for me LOL

I'm off to do some housework and then cuddle on the couch with Nicholas for a bit before Jasmine and Curtis get home.

Have a wonderful friday, God Bless,

Christmas Gift Ideas and some other thingies!

It actually feels like winter today, it's cold and cloudy outside, the house is dark save for the christmas tree lights, a couple candles and a few very soft lights around the house and I LOVE it. Now where's my next book to read????

I have to tell you I finished my third book last night, I did the bookaholic thing, got into the book around 9pm and didn't stop until I was done, which happened to be at almost midnight. I am tired today but you know it was well worth it when a book is good.

I finished "By Arrangement" a 14th century book by Madeline Hunter and I loved it.

Outraged by her unwilling betrothal to a common merchant and infatuated with a handsome knight of the royal court, medieval Lady Christiana Fitzwaryn pleads with her fianc? to end this misalliance arranged by King Edward of England. For personal and political reasons of his own, David de Abyndon refuses to renounce the marriage and begins a gentle but resolute seduction of his innocent bride. As Christiana awakens to the painful realities of her first love and becomes a part of David's London world, she learns to cherish the husband she first despised. David tries to shield her from his old enemies and a mysterious French familial connection as he secretly assists King Edward in planning an invasion of France. This first novel in a planned trilogy intertwines the difficulties of David and Christiana's marriage with a subplot that contains both political and personal peril as well as a lively cast of secondary characters. Just enough historical detail of 14th-century England enhances a love story that culminates in the sacking of a French city and the revelation of David's true identity.

The next books to follow this one are "By Possession" and "By Design" which I have and of course am going to read next.

Yesterday I mentioned going to Africa and I think I got some of you confused with the way I worded it, I am NOT going there for Christmas, I'm going next year May. For some reason I made it sound like it was only a month away, maybe wishful thinking???? Who knows!

I can't wait though, I know time will fly by and before long I will be on an airplane heading home to Johannesburg, seeing my wonderful family, going to Kruger National Park and hopefully Mozambique where I was actually born. I think it would be great if Curt and the kids could get to visit my birth country.

Anyway......sorry for the confusion.

I also mentioned The Cinnamon Bear and gave you a link, well this morning I had a comment from The Erskine Family mentioning that I should direct you to The Cinnamon Bear main page so that you can get ALL 26 episodes, not just the first 6 audio files. YIPPEE! I'm already there and can't wait to start playing these for my kids....we've decided to start on December 1st and listen to one at a time every day through the 26th. I just hope I can keep the kids away from the rest of the story!

Now for some Christmas ideas, I'm trying really hard not to overspend this holiday. With the upcoming trip to Africa we need to save almost $6000 just for the air tickets themselves, so no wasting money on unnecessary stuff. Christmas is one of those holidays where I feel that everyone tends to go way overboard and personally I prefer homemade gifts, so I'm trying to cut down on expenses.

I've been searching around for some ideas and here's some I found:

1. Gourmet coffees with a personal coffee cup
2. Child's artwork, framed
3. Journal with special inscription inside
4. Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar
5. Pretty Stationary set
6. Home baked bread, in pretty inexpensive tins, include recipe
7. Fancy chocolate bars tied with a ribbon
8. Gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds in a pretty basket
9. Special coffee cup filled with candy
10. Movie theater gift certificates
11. Board games
12. Specialty cookbook
13. Basket filled with kitchen gadgets
14. Handwritten copies of your favorite recipes
15. Puzzles
16. Personalized cookbook

Now if you're also looking for some great sites with wonderful inexpensive items, you may want to take a look at these, I just get lost there especially with so many cute victorian and such items.

Collectionsect.com
Lakeside Collection
Harriet Carter
Klutz - This one has some great toys and gifts for kids that are inexpensive and just adorable

And those are just a few to look through, I have to say that the Collections ETC is my favorite one though :)

Again, if you're looking for my Slow Cooking Thursday post, it's just below. Have a wonderful thursday everyone, I'll be back tomorrow!

Slow Cooking Thursday

All my slow cooking recipes are now online and starting today, I will add all the recipes shared weekly to my online del.icio.us site too. So if you're wanting to find ALL the slow cooked recipes that have been shared since the first SLOW COOKING THURSDAY, here is the link for you.


Don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky and a link back to your SCT post so others can come by and see your recipe too.

We didn't have Slow Cooking Thursday last week due to it being Thanksgiving and most of us were busy with families or traveling and so forth, but I'm back again with 2 recipes today, one is mine and one was emailed to me by a wonderful lady named Jennifer who learnt about my SCT through her sister who participates.....which I'm embarrassed to say I have no clue who it is, but thank you all the same :)

Here's what Jennifer had to say:

I thought you might be interested in a recipe that's popular here among the Dallas Morning News food staff, who are experts at using their slow cookers well and also producing great gifts from the kitchen.

SLOW COOKER SPICY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Credit: The Dallas Morning News

16 ounces bittersweet chocolate or bittersweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup coffee beans, finely ground
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
6 allspice berries
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Combine chocolate, cream, butter and coffee in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 40 to 60 minutes, until the chocolate melts. Stir once or twice during the cooking time, just to make sure the chocolate does not stick to the bottom or sides of the crock. Whisk the mixture vigorously when it is nearly melted.

Pour the melted chocolate onto a plate or into a glass bowl and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour, until it is hard enough to form into small balls.

Combine the cinnamon, cloves and allspice in a coffee mill, or, using a mortar and pestle, grind them to a coarse powder. Transfer to a small bowl, add the cocoa powder and mix thoroughly.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Using a spoon or mini ice cream scoop, scoop spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture and roll with your hands into balls the size of walnuts. Roll the balls in the cocoa mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Place the truffles in the refrigerator from 4 hours to overnight. Sprinkle the truffles with powdered sugar and allow to sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving. Makes about 18 truffles.

Note: Recipe can be doubled.

PER TRUFFLE: Calories 179 (52% fat) Fat 11 g (7 g sat) Cholesterol 15 mg Sodium 10 mg Fiber 1 g Carbohydrates 21 g Protein 2 g

SOURCE: The Gourmet Slow Cooker, Volume II

Now here's my recipe for today, I LOVE Gumbo so this one is going to be a must try for me, probably in the upcoming menu for next week.

DOWN-ON-THE-BAYOU GUMBO

Credit: Gooseberry Patch Slow Cooker Recipes

3 T. all-purpose flour
3 T. oil
1/2 lb. smoked sausage, sliced 1/2 -inch thick
2 c. frozen okra
14-1/2 ox. can diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
3/4 lb. cooked medium shrimp, tails removed
1-1/2 c. long-cooking rice, cooked

Stir together flour and oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Reduce heat and cook, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes, or until mixture turns reddish brown. Spoon mixture into a slow cooker; stir in remaining ingredients except shrim and rice. Cover and cook on low setting for 7 to 9 hours. Shortly before serving, add shrimp to slow cooker; mix well. Cover and cook on low setting for about 20 minutes. Ladle gumbo over cooked rice in soup bowls. Makes 6 servings.

Christmas is in the air!

Come on in everyone, I have the tree up, most of the decorations out and I also have Hot Gingerbread Coffee waiting for you. Sit with me and enjoy the music playing in the background, don't hold back, just allow yourself to indulge in all things Christmasy.

Usually I don't acknowledge Christmas right after Thanksgiving, I'm one of those that wait until we're well into December but this year it's different, everyone seems to be doing it earlier and I don't like being left out LOL

So here we go, I'm giving you the pictures first and then I'll talk more afterwards:

Christmas tree

Some of my favorite christmas ornaments

Two of my favorite decorations, Santa and Mrs Claus....they actually light up the candles in their hands and move it slowly back and forth while playing christmas music.

What can I say, I'm addicted to snowmen......just love these guys!

Another snowmen holding up our names...too cute!

Our beautiful Angel tree topper!

Countdown to Christmas

HUGE snowman on my bench

Those are just some of the Christmas decorations, I have plenty more but don't want to flood the blog with photos. This weekend we'll work on the outside ones, we have 3 big lighted motion reindeer and hopefully they still work, who knows........we'll pick up some more stuff this weekend I'm sure.

Now here's something really neat, I had never heard of The Cinnamon Bear but while blog visiting this morning I came upon one of the bloggers who had mentioned it and one of her readers actually posted the website for us. My kids are going to love it. All you have to do is sign up for it, download the first 6 chapters and the coloring book and then the next day you get the remaining chapters in the mail. It's a 63 year old children's radio story and I'm so so thrilled to have found it, guess what we'll be listening to Christmas Eve???


And if you want to download the new story "Jonathan Thomas - Christmas on the Moon" they have all the chapters up.

I'm slowly getting around to finishing my snowmen ornaments, I only hope I get to them all in time but seeing that I'm still sick I just don't know.....oh well, whatever gets done gets done and whatever doesn't will have to wait until next year.

The weather has definitely cooled down, we're still in the 60's though and usually by this time in Idaho we would have snow on the ground and temperatures in the single digits. I miss that, I truly do and just can't wait to move back to Mountain Home after Curt retires in 4 years.

Time is just flying by lately and I've noticed that we seem to zip from one day to the other without even realizing it, it was just the weekend an now it's wednesday again...what is up with that???

I'm not going to complain too much because it just means that I'm one month closer to going to South Africa, we are SO SO excited, it's going to be wonderful seeing my family again and showing my children where I grew up at. Don't worry, there will be plenty photos to show.

Anyway, it's time to head out and finish my laundry and get some other things done around here.

Don't forget that tomorrow is Slow Cooking Thursday and I have a recipe to share PLUS a special one I got in the email from a wonderful lady....be sure to check it out!

Hugs,

♥Sandra♥

Being sick and having no internet makes Sandra

something something........

Yes folks this was my weekend, no internet and sick as a dog. I have this horrible chest cold, my voice still sounds like I'm either hitting the bottle or smoking 10 packs a day and I have a nagging cough that does it's best to keep me up at night. But I can deal with all that, a little hot tea with some honey and lemon, some cold medicine, a little vicks on the chest at bedtime etc etc.

What I CAN'T deal with apparently is knowing that I have no internet. When did we all become so dependent on the online world??? (Yes I say WE because I don't want to feel like the only one addicted to it)
I had no idea that pretty much everything I do is done online, so when it's not available I feel naked and crazy, annoyed and frustrated and just don't know what to do with myself, which in itself is ridiculous because being a housewife there's always things to get done around here.....but they're boring.....boooorriinnnnng *stomps foot*

So anyway, I didn't have any new Netflix movies to watch and couldn't get online to surf, pay bills, check the bank, do christmas shopping, do my blog, look for recipes, look for crafts, visit blogs, look at Ghost Cams (yes I know, I get so bored at times I go out of my way to find interesting things to do lol).

I pulled out my books and on Saturday I hid out in my bedroom for pretty much the whole day. I felt so rebellious, I had already announced to the kids "Mommy is on vacation today, if you need anything ask Daddy". Doesn't really help because they still come to me for things, I think it's habit but I stuck to it, pointed towards the living room and uttered not a word....it worked.

I read 2 fulls books and am already on my third one....aaahhhh it feels good to read. With the holidays and everything else going on around here I don't really get to sit back and enjoy my books and I totally forgotten how much I love reading.

Highlander in Her Bed by Allie Mackay

What can I say? I'm a sucker for romance novels and especially medieval, historical, hot highlander knights seducing beautiful maidens. HAHA I can't believe I just said that out loud!

Anyway, this book is set in Scotland where Mara McDougall has inherited a castle and also fallen in love with a medieval looking bed which she bought while on a visit to England. BUT, the bed belonged to Sir Alexander Douglas and he is still haunting it, even worse, he has a grudge against the MacDougall and McDougall clans and hates Mara with a passion. Problem is, he falls in love with her and she with him, but how are they going to surpass this when he's....well......he's a ghost.

It was such a cute story, I truly enjoyed it and read it in one day, just couldn't put it down.

Leave a Candle Burning by Lori Wick

This was the third and final book in the Tucker Mills Trilogy and I just loved it so much, I can't even begin to tell you how much I love Lori Wick and her book series, if you haven't read any you have no idea what you're missing.

When the young, handsome Dannan MacKay comes to Tucker Mills to take over the practice of his uncle, Doc MacKay, he feels welcomed by the town, the church family, and his patients. Life seems complete.

Then the steady rhythm of his new life is interrupted. A young cousin has been orphaned, and Dannan offers his home to the child. This act of kindness turns his thoughts to the child’s need for a mother—yet the one woman Dannan is drawn to cannot be his.

Leave a Candle Burning reveals the joy that comes to those who are willing to trust God’s own plan for their lives.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, ate more than it should be legally acceptable but who cares right??? It's once a year and it feels good to not worry about how much food you're ingesting and how many pounds you've put on......truth be told, I have not even gotten on the scale since last week and I don't plan on doing so until next week, I guess I'm waiting to let some of the added fat work itself out of my body.

Here's our beautiful Cajun Fried Turkey and OH.MY.GOSH was it ever sinful and delicious....crispy skin, tender juicy meat. It was just to die for.

Then I made my stuffing and it was new recipe that I was trying, I can't for the life of me remember which website I got it off, I do remember the Blog owner was Chris in Brazil....so thank you Chris!
But let me tell you something, I usually make the whole Thanksgiving Dinner by myself which means I tend to use the boxed stuffing because well....it's easier and faster?? I know I know, all the true hardcore Thanksgiving Chefs out there are probably turning a nose up at me right now, but it just happened.

Anyway, Jasmine and Nicholas refused, yes, REFUSED to touch the stuffing all these years, they hated it. So I was a little worried that when I made this one they would also not want it and I would have to end up eating the whole thing myself, only not really cause Curt loves stuffing too, but it was just too much for us both. The kids smelled it, took a fork and tasted it and devoured 2 servings. *GASP*
I was in shock but now this will become our Thanksgiving Stuffing....it's Cornbread Stuffing and it's honest to goodness, DELICIOUS!

Of course we had the pumpkin pie and the pecan pie and just because they're not that fattening on their own, you HAVE to.....yes I'm sure it's a law somewhere......you HAVE TO put whipped cream on top, or whipped topping or whatever you want to call it. It's just not pie without it for me!

So my thighs are complaining, my stomach is bloated and expanded, my clothes are tight fitting and I'm still sick AND I finally got internet. Yeah I'm happy, I'm truly happy! Oh and thankful for everything and for everyone.....or as Nicholas said "I'm thankful for mommy and daddy and Jasmine and for mommy cooking food". I love my child!



I'm working on my menu plan for this week and I'll have it up this afternoon along with my Gooey Caramel Rolls, so check back on my food blog later.

Right now it's time to get Jasmine from school and then we're doing the Christmas tree and decorations, I know it's a bit early for some and usually I myself wait until at least the 1st of December, but let's face it, it's on a few days away and the kids and I just can't wait any longer.

Hope you're all having a wonderful monday, it's cold and dreary here today, the first time since we got here that it actually feels and looks like a late fall day.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I'm a day early and a dollar short LOL

No seriously, I'm a day early because I'm taking a break from blogging until next week monday, there's Thanksgiving and all sorts of family stuff going on so I would rather let my family and friends know that I won't be here, than have everyone wondering where I disappeared to.

I'm still quite sick and actually woke up with no voice this morning, my chest burns and I'm congested and boy, just not feeling good at all, but that won't stop me from cooking tomorrow. As usual, it's just us and the kids but it doesn't stop us from having a wonderful Thanksgiving Meal which I always cook.....Curt is in charge of the Fried Turkey and I get all the side dishes and the desserts.

Anyway, since I won't be here tomorrow, there will be no Slow Cooking Thursday post so you'll have to wait until the next week for that...sorry!

Since we're all gearing up for Thanksgiving tomorrow I thought today's post would be one filled with last minute ideas and recipes and all that good stuff.

Turkey 101
Turkey Carving 101
15 Favorite Side Dishes
Thanksgiving Recipes
Thanksgiving Crafts

Those are all from Martha Stewart's website and she has tons of wonderful ideas and recipes available for us.

And what do you do when you have tons of pie leftover??? Well you turn them into Pie Favors for your family and friends.


History of Thanksgiving

Ever wonder what the pilgrims and their Native American guests really ate at the first feast? The truth may surprise you. Contrary to popular belief, they didn't sit down to a meal featuring turkey, corn, cranberries, and pumpkin pie (in fact, they didn't even have forks!).

Travel back to Plymouth and discover some of the humble origins of Thanksgiving traditions we celebrate today and what the original celebration was actually like!

Ballad of the Mayflower

By Linda G. Paulsen There was a ship, Mayflower by name; Hey, Ho~
Took a trip, she crossed the main; Hey, Ho~
Full of people seeking peace,
Praying for freedom to increase;
Hey, Ho, Dee-o, Dee-o! The Pilgrims came to Plymouth Rock; Hey, Ho~
Simple people, strudy stock; Hey, Ho~
To be free they crossed the sea,
Thanked the Lord on bended knee; Hey, Ho, Dee-o, Dee-o!
How when the crops were gathered in; Hey, Ho~
A dinner party did begin; Hey, Ho~
Pilgrims, Indians, pumpkin pie, Turkey, venison, corn, oh my!
Hey, Ho, Dee-o, Dee-o! Bet you thought my song was done; Hey, Ho~
But I've really just begun; Hey, Ho~
Ever since that autumn day,
Thanksgiving has been here to stay, Hey, Ho, Dee-o, Dee-o!

Jar Mix Recipes, Snowman progress and this and that!

Boy I've been busy and you wouldn't think it seeing that I'm finally down with a cold....you know the one that has been circling around like a predator, just waiting to attack??? I was pretty good at evading it but I don't know what happened......guess I let my guard down for a minute cause it pounced on me like an orangutan on a banana!

So I'm here, not feeling wonderful, but not dying either, just here, still crafting and cooking of course. If I don't go 100 miles a minute then I don't feel right!

Anyway, a couple of you asked for the recipes for the Jar Mixes I'm making, so here you go, pull out the pencils and paper or just copy the whole thing to a text file or whatever you're doing....get ready to do it.

Minty Holiday Candy Cookies

3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 packed brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup holiday-colored candy-coated chocolate pieces
1/3 cup chopped peppermint candy

Layer ingredients in 1-quart food storage jar with tight-fitting lid in following order; granulated sugar; brown sugar; combined flour, baking powder and baking soda and salt; chocolate pieces; and peppermint candy.

Seal jar. Cover lid with fabric circle, if desired. Attach gift tag and fabric to jar with raffia or ribbon.

Cranberry & White Chocolate Scones

1 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup white chocolate chips

Layer ingredients in 1-quart food storage jar with tight-fitting lid in following order: combine flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg; whole wheat flour; and sugar. Place cranberries and chocolate chips in plastic bag; seal bag. Add bag to jar.

Seal jar. Cover lid with fabric circle, if desired. Attach gift tag and fabric to jar with raffia or ribbon.




Now these are the drink mixes, the jars in the picture above are small 8.oz ones.

FLAVORED COCOA MIX IN A PINT JAR

Flavors: Amaretto, Hazelnut, Vanilla, Irish Creme

Ingredients for Jar

Mix the following 3 ingredients in a small bowl:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons flavored powdered coffee creamer
1/2 cup dry milk

1/2 cup chocolate flavored drink mix (like Quik)

(flavored coffee creamer is available in several flavors including the ones listed above)

Place Ingredients in Jar in This Order:

Place half the milk mixture into jar.
Place half the chocolate drink mix into the jar next.
Add the remaining milk mixture.
Add the remaining chocolate drink mix.
Decorate the jar.
Attach recipe below to jar. Name cocoa by the flavor you chose.

______ Cocoa

1. Empty cocoa mix into a large mixing bowl.


2. Blend very well with a whisk.


3. Place mix back into jar or a container of your choice.


4. Place 2 tablespoons mix into a cup. Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until completely dissolved.


5. Top with whipped cream if desired.

CREAMY CAPPUCCINO MIX IN A PINT JAR

Flavors: Amaretto, Hazelnut, Vanilla, Mocha Almond and Irish Creme

Ingredients for Jar

Mix the following 3 ingredients in a medium bowl:

1/3 cup dry milk
2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar ( regular white sugar, not powdered)
2/3 cup flavored powdered coffee creamer

1/3 cup instant coffee

Place Ingredients in Jar in This Order:

Place half the milk mixture into the jar first.
Place coffee into the jar next, spreading evenly.
Add remaining milk mixture.
Decorate jar.
Attach recipe below to jar. Name coffee by the flavor you chose.

Creamy ______ Cappuccino

1. Empty coffee mix into a large mixing bowl.


2. Blend very well with a whisk.


3. Place mix back into jar or a container of your choice.


4. Place 2 tablespoons mix into a cup. Add one cup of boiling water and stir until mixture is completely dissolved.


5. Top with whipped cream if desired.

There ya go, those are the ones I'm making this Christmas. The ones in the jars above are actually Gingerbread Cocoa Mix. It's YUMMY! Just follow the directions for the Flavored Cocoa above and use Gingerbread Powdered Coffee Creamer.

Now yesterday Curt took the kids to a birthday party and since I wasn't up to going I stayed home, of course that meant I would throw myself into cooking and crafting seeing as I had a quiet house and didn't have to worry about kids taking supplies or touching everything around me.
Tell me that is not the cutest thing you've ever seen???? I'm in love with these snowmen and can't wait to get them all done. Oh and BTW Barb, if you have twigs, send them my way LOL
I can't for the life of me find twigs in my yard, is there a Twig Thief lurking the neighborhoods???

Anyway, as soon as I finish this one I'll post the pictures so you can all see what it looks like. Here are the directions too, they're SO easy to make.....just click on the image to see it bigger:


Now while Curt and the kids were gone I looked over to the counter and saw two beautiful Butternut Squashes, just sitting there all cute, one was actually leaning up against the other, not sure if it was tired or just sad knowing what thought flashed across my mind. Butternut Squash Puree! OH YEAH.......Head on over to my Food Blog to see the recipe.

And while they were cooking I realized that I couldn't just sit there and do nothing, I mean, that's not normal for me I actually get the hives if I sit on the couch and pretend to be relaxed.....so in order to stop my body from breaking out I looked over to the other counter. I tell you I never realized that looking over at counters could be so interesting or productive LOL

I saw an empty small koolaid plastic canister that I had saved for.....well......for whatever I wanted to do....just as quickly my mind said "Hey, you need a pencil holder for the gazillion pens and pencils around the house AND you have scraps of fabric that would look OH.SO.PRETTY". I jumped off the couch, grabbed my glue gun and set to work, just wait until you see how cute it turns out.

Here's step by step of what I did, Jasmine and Nicholas both want one for their own bedrooms now....to hold their crayons you know?

Take empty plastic canister and make sure you've washed, obviously.....the canister, I meant washed the canister, not YOU. Pick out a fabric you want to use, don't worry that it's too long, we'll cut off the excess at the end.

Using a glue gun, start glueing the fabric around, starting at the top and making sure you're right up against the edge, continue glueing all the way around.

At this point I cut off the excess fabric leaving just enough to go over the other fabric already glued, I did however make a little fold so it looks neater.

At this point you can also cut off the excess fabric on the bottom.

Grab some scraps of cotton lace you have laying around, or ribbon or whatever you want......you could even do raffia like I'm doing for Nicholas one, cause you know, he's a boy and I doubt he would want lace. Actually he probably wouldn't care, but Curt wouldn't be too thrilled! *snicker*

TADA! In a minute I had this adorable pencil holder, is that not the cutest thing you've seen in a while? (probably not, I'm sure you've seen something else cute) Now my mind is in overdrive and I'll probably do this on a ton of empty canisters etc, for the bathroom, for the craft area, for the office area, in the kitchen.......possibilities are endless! You can even find fabric to match the bathroom decor or the kitchen or whatever.....see what I mean??? I'm just babbling on about it, maybe I should write it all down, I'm bound to forget it here in OH, 10 seconds? LOL


So that's what's been going on here, I'm leaving you, for now, so that I can take my cold medicine and start working on my snowmen. I have errands to run too and I really don't feel like going anywhere but what can you do???

God Bless everyone,

Christmas Ornaments, the race begins!!!!

Every year around this time I get into the race, the ornament making race that is. Last year unfortunately I messed around and drug my feet and ended up not making anything, even after the wonderful Barb went out of her way to mail out some great christmas ornament directions she was using for herself. I still remember the amount of envelopes she had to send out LOL

So this morning I decided it's now or never, I dug out the fabric I wanted to use, I got out the directions and started cutting. I'm making the Be Warm Snow Man Pillow Ornaments.

I've decided to go with a country look this year, so all my backing for the snowmen is out of fabric swatches I have laying around. I'm probably going to make a tree skirt too, not sure yet.

Here they are all cut and ready to be embroidered, sewed and filled. That's what I plan on doing this weekend and since the kids want to help, I've promised that they get to do the best part, filling them in.

BUT that is not all I'm going to be doing this weekend......I'm also going to be making some gift jars for friends and family. I'm going to be using pint jars to make Flavored Cocoa Mix and Creamy Cappucino Mix and then next weekend I'm going to pull out the bigger quart jars to make some Minty Holiday Candy Cookie Mix and Cranberry & White Chocolate Scone Mix. YUMMY!

By the time I had stopped messing around with all these ideas and getting everything ready, I realized that it was way past lunch time and though I had given Nicholas his lunch, I was now starving. So I sat down for a quick light meal, nothing like some freshly baked Portuguese Rolls, some smoked ham and swiss cheese and some veggies on the side with ranch dip. Oh and the Diet Coke, can't forget the Diet Coke, sheesh!


But switching gears now, I have to tell you I must have the kid with the weakest immune system on earth, literally all you have to do is look at Jasmine and whisper the word "cold" and she's done.

Yesterday afternoon the kids went outside to play, everything was fine, but within 30 minutes there were clouds in the sky and the wind seemed to have picked up. Now I'm not talking COLD blasting wind, I'm talking a little breeze that felt wonderful, people......well apparently that was enough for Jasmine. She woke up this morning with the sniffles and now she's got a full blown cold, coughing and fever and congested.

It's going to be ONE of those nights!!! So she's in bed, asleep, waking up every few minutes to cough or moan or ask for some water. She's determined to beat this cold real fast because Sunday they have a birthday party to go to, obviously if she's not any better they'll be staying home, I just can't afford to let her miss another school day.

Just seems that everywhere I turn there is someone sick, it's that time of the year for sure.


And that's it for me, you will I'm sure notice that I started this post just before noon my time and it's now 10:30pm when I'm finally ending it.

Life just does that to you, between crafts, sick kids, house chores, cooking and cleaning and taking out dogs and all that other fun stuff, I completely ran out of time for blogging. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

Have a wonderful friday night, I'm off to climb into my warm comfy bed, prop myself up on the pillows and watch Most Haunted and then fall asleep while I dream of a white christmas, too bad I'm in Arizona and the only white I see is the Salt Factory just across the road LOL

God Bless,

Slow Cooking Thursday

All my slow cooking recipes are now online and starting today, I will add all the recipes shared weekly to my online del.icio.us site too. So if you're wanting to find ALL the slow cooked recipes that have been shared since the first SLOW COOKING THURSDAY, here is the link for you.


Don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky and a link back to your SCT post so others can come by and see your recipe too.

Thank you all for participating, I've loved all the wonderful recipes you've shared ;)
I found this recipe online a long time ago and I can't remember where I got it, but it's really good.

PEPPERY POTATO SOUP

2 cans (141/2 oz each) chicken broth
4 small baking potatoes, halved and sliced
1 large onion, quartered and sliced
1 rib celery with leaves, sliced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon butter


Combine broth, potatoes, onion, celery, flour, pepper and salt in slow cooker; mix well. Cover; cook on LOW 6 to 71/2 hours.

Stir in half-and-half; cover and continue to cook 1 hour.

Remove slow cooker lid. Slightly crush potato mixture with potato masher. Continue to cook, uncovered, an additional 30 minutes until slightly thickened. Just before serving, stir in butter. Garnish with celery leaves and parsley.

Wednesday - Giving Thanks!

I'm again participating in Kelly's "Giving Thanks" celebration. If you want to read more about it, go on over to her blog at "There is no place like home".


-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions or memories
-Recipes
-Craft Ideas
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!

I don't think I have to tell you all that I love cooking so obviously I had to share recipes for this post.

So here's my menu for this year:

Deep-Fried Cajun Turkey

1 12 pound fresh or frozen turkey, thawed
4 ounces Cajun Seasonings ( I used Watkins 5 Spice Powder & Cayenne
Pepper)
3 gallons Peanut Oil

Remove giblets and neck from Turkey and reserve for other uses. Rinse Turkey thoroughly and pat dry, drain body cavity well. Place Turkey in a shallow dish or roasting pan. Rub outside of turkey with half of Cajun seasoning to cover well, cover and refrigerate 12 hours.

Drain body cavity well, and rub with other half of seasonings mixture, sprinkling some into the body cavity. Pour oil into a deep propane turkey fryer or 26 -quart stock pot and heat to 325 degrees. (If you are unsure about fryer size or how much oil to use, place turkey in pot prior to seasoning and fill the pot with water just until the turkey is covered. Remove Turkey, this is the amount of oil needed).

Place turkey on fryer rod. Wearing heavy duty gloves or an oven mitt, lower turkey into hot oil with the rod attachment. Slowly increase heat to oil until temperature returns to 325-350 degrees. This may take some time. Fry turkey 45 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in a meaty part of a thigh registers at 180 degrees. Remove from oil, drain and cool slightly before slicing. Yield: 14 servings.

Momma's Corn Bread Dressing

2 cups corn meal
1 tsp Watkins Baking Powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups buttermilk
2 tbsp, Watkins Original Grapeseed Oil
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
12 slices day old bread, crumbled
2 1/2 cups Watkins Chicken Soup Base (mixed to pkg directions)
1 1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Watkins Sage
1/4 tsp Watkins Pure Black Pepper
1 tsp Watkins Poultry Seasonings

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; add 2 eggs, melted butter, oil and stir well. Place a well greased 10-inch cast iron skillet in a 450 degree oven for 4 minutes or until hot. Remove skillet from oven and spoon batter into skillet. Bake 450 degrees for 35 minutes or until corn bread is slightly browned. Cool, crumble into a large bowl. Saute celery and onion in butter until tender. Add sauteed veggies and remaining seven ingredients to crumbled cornbread, stirring well. Spoon dressing into a lightly greased 13x9-inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 30 minutes. Yield: 8 Servings

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

1 1/2 lbs yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered length-wise
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 Tbsp heavy cream
2 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp milk
Salt and Pepper

1 Put potatoes into a saucepan. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add water until potatoes are covered. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, 15-20 minutes, or until done - a fork can easily be poked through them.

2 Warm cream and melt butter, together, either in microwave or in a pan on the stove. Drain water from potatoes. Put hot potatoes into a bowl. Add cream and melted butter. Use potato masher to mash potatoes until well mashed. Use a strong spoon to beat further, adding milk to achieve the consistency you desire. (Do not over-beat or your potatoes will get gluey.) Salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 4.

Candied Sweet Potatoes

6 large sweet Potatoes
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup half and half or milk
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/2 cup flaked coconut

Cook sweet potatoes in boiling water to cover 30 to 45 minutes or until tender. Let cool to touch, peel and mash. Combine sweet potato, 1/2 cup sugar and next four ingredients; beat at medium speed with a electric mixer until smooth. Spoon into a greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Combine 1 cups brown sugar and flour; cut 1/4 cup butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Stir in pecans and coconut, sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly around the edges. Yield: 8 servings.

Whole Grain Pan Rolls

1 cup water
1 cup honey
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup regular oats, uncooked
2 pkgs active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 large egg
2 1/2 cups all- purpose flour

Combine water, honey and flour in a small sauce pan and heat till butter melts. Remove from heat and cool to 120 degrees. Combine wheat flour, oats, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl, stir well. Gradually add hot liquid mixture; beating at a low speed with an electric mixer, add egg. Slowly add enough all-purpose flour to make a soft dough. Turn dough out on to a heavily floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes). Shape into 24 balls and place into a lightly greased 13x9-inch pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 1 hour or until dough has doubled in bulk. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Yield: 2 dozen rolls

Best Green Bean Casserole

INGREDIENTS

* 2 (14.5 ounce) cans green beans, drained
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
* 1 (6 ounce) can French fried onions
* 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place green beans and soup in a large microwave-safe bowl. Mix well and heat in the microwave on HIGH until warm (3 to 5 minutes). Stir in 1/2 cup of cheese and heat mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer green bean mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle with French fried onions and remaining cheese.
3. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven until the cheese melts and the onions just begin to brown.

Best Ever Pumpkin Pie

1 3/4 cups canned pumpkin
1 3/4 cups sweetened condensed milk
2 large eggs, beaten
2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
9 inches pie shells, unbaked

1. Combine pumpkin and remaining ingredients in a large bowl; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes.
2. Pour into prepared piecrust.
3. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake 50 additional minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Cool on a wire rack.

Slow Cooker Caramel Pear Cake

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 cup flour
* 1/3 cup sugar
* 1 tsp. baking powder
* 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
* 1/2 cup whole milk
* 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans
* 1/4 cup chopped dried pears
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1 cup water
* 1 cup pear nectar
* 2 Tbsp. butter
* 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

PREPARATION:
In large bowl mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add milk and oil and mix just until combined. Stir in pecans and dried pears. Spread in bottom of 3-4 quart crockpot. In small saucepan, mix brown sugar, water, pear nectar, butter, and ginger.

Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour over batter in the crockpot.

Cover crockpot and cook on high for 2 to 2-1/2 hours until a toothpick inserted 1" into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove cover from crockpot, turn off crockpot, and let cake stand, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes to cool a bit before serving. There will be a tender cake that has formed over a caramel sauce; turn the servings over as you scoop them out of the slow cooker. 6-8 servings

Hot cocoa anyone????

I just finished making this winter template and realized that I'm missing snow and cold weather. Here we are in the middle of November and we're going to reach record highs AGAIN, it's 73º right now and supposed to get higher by this afternoon. What is this?!?!?!?

I'm used to winter time, snow flakes outside, the cold brisk air hitting your face as you walk out the door and the smell of hot chocolate or a hearty stew or soup cooking away on the stove. *sigh*

So after looking at my blog I decided that I can't enjoy all those things here in Arizona, but there's no reason why those lucky ones can't right???
To start my post off today I'm sharing a recipe for a wonderful yummy Snow Cocoa!



The weekend is over and I wish it wasn't, I'm not ready to go back to real life, I want to hide away in the house for a couple more days, doing nothing, seeing nothing, saying nothing, just being.......you ever want to just BE??? Be content with what you have and who you are and where you live???

Cause I am, truly, no really, I am reaching that point in my life where I am just happy and truly content with what I've achieved and where I am at this time......what a great feeling!

So after taking these last 3 days to hang out and let it all go, I am now faced with a house screaming for attention and before you even roll your eyes or wonder "goodness how bad can the house be?". It's NOT bad at all, but I'm a neat freak and I get annoyed with dog hair on my couches (which btw if anyone has any tips on how to minimize it or fix it, please please, let me know), or tons of toys all over the living room floor, or kitchen counters with splashes of whatever drink was spilled or crumbs laying around. Even seeing a dish or two in the sink gives me hives. Well, not really, but you get the idea!!!

I won't even mention my computer desk because it has this way of looking cluttered and messy even when I am done cleaning. I sometimes sit and wonder, do I really need thousands of game, software and miscellaneous CD's?? Or all the pens and pencils, books, coffee mugs and wrappers from whatever candy I happened to grab on the way to the computer???

Well I'm baring it all for you, not in that way sorry, but I'm showing you what I need to do today and if you're easily offended you may want to skip this part.

That's all clean laundry just fresh out of the dryer and waiting to be folded, which means if I don't get my happy behind off this computer and start doing just that, I'll end up with creasy clothes and I can't stand that. Oh lookie another thing to add to my list of stuff that drives me crazy LOL
Wasn't that bad was it???? I love how the office chair is in the middle of the living room and Nicholas doesn't even have his clothes on yet, yep, it's early and he's had his breakfast but went right to playing with his toys. If I didn't remind him to get clothes on he would be happy walking around in his undies all day long.....what is it with kids and clothes???? Or maybe it's just MY kids and clothes, I don't know!

I just want to stay and chat but if I don't get going now I won't get anything done. I'll probably come back later today with a little more to add to this post, until then I hope you all have a great tuesday.

I'm sending a huge hug and kiss to my family back in South Africa, can't wait to see them all next year.

I wish it would rain!

I truly do miss the rain, I miss the smell of it and the darkness and coolness it brings, I miss snuggling in front of the tv and watching movies while the rain drops pitter patter outside and most of all, I miss sleeping at night and hearing the drops fall against the roof.........there's something very calming and relaxing about rain and I for one miss it terribly.

We have a couple clouds outside so I'm wondering if I may get lucky today, who knows?

I just now finished visiting all the ladies who left a wonderful Slow Cooker recipe yesterday, I seem to be completely out of touch with everything and everyone, it's like I'm on this never ending roller coaster and I keep trying to make it stop so I can get out and stretch my legs and catch a breather, but it just keeps going and going.

It's been a great relaxing weekend, I can honestly say that I've done NOTHING, I've slept in, I've had donuts for breakfast, I've had my slow cooker making the meals and we've played with the kids, watched movies and played games on the computer.....now I know why they have these long weekends spread out through the year, it's to make you recharge and feel ready to take on the world.

Since today I'm still relaxing and forgetting about the laundry and the house cleaning and everything else that requires my attention, I'm putting of posting my Menu Plan until tomorrow, I don't want to get sucked into Bloggyland because well....it's addictive and it literally keeps me captive for hours on end.

So I'm headed out, but I leave you with some Bloggy News....

There is something wonderful going on that I should bring to your attention and that is Kelli's Giving Thanks feature this week, you can read more about it in her post here. I'm going to participate today with a Thanksgiving Planner for 2 weeks before the day.

For more great recipes, decorating tips, thanks, menus etc go on over to Kelli's blog.


Thanksgiving Planner

* Draw up a guest list, and then invite each person via phone or email.
* Plan the menu. It's easiest if the host (you) handles the main dish or anything else that doesn't travel well (i.e. turkey and mashed potatoes) and willing cooks supply the rest.
* Are kids on the guest list? Think about age-appropriate ways of getting them involved or keeping them entertained.
* Start downloading dinner music.
* Clean out the freezer.

Ten Days to Go

* Call to confirm "maybes" from your guest list so you can establish a final head-count.
* Assess tables and chairs, table linens, etcetera. Do you need to borrow anything? Make arrangements now.
* Purchase your frozen turkey if it's too late to order a fresh one.
* Finalize your shopping list. Break it down into what can be purchased ahead, such as canned goods, and what perishables should be picked up closer to the day. Make your first shopping run. Don't forget the candles and firewood.
* Get started on make-and-freeze-aheads such as casseroles and pie crusts.

One Week To Go

* Clean out the fridge.
* Start thawing your frozen turkey. Note that thawing in the fridge will take one day for every 5 pounds of meat. A 15-pound turkey will require three days to thaw thoroughly.
* Polish silver and wash glassware.
* Clean house and make sure you have what you need for houseguests.

Two Days Before

* Purchase fresh produce.
* Make pie crusts and refrigerate (if you haven't gone the frozen route).
* Clean and press table linens, set the table or decorate the buffet, lay out serving pieces, and set up the bar.

One Day Before

* Wash and prep produce.
* Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity and make turkey stock for gravy.
* If you're brining your turkey, give it no more than a 24-hour soak.
* Assemble stuffing but do not put it in the turkey until just before roasting. Better yet, put it in a separate pan, moisten with your homemade turkey stock, refrigerate, and bake it on Thanksgiving day.
* Bake pies.
* Arrange frozen dinner rolls on a sheet pan and thaw overnight in the fridge. (Otherwise, thaw at room temperature on Thanksgiving morning.)
* Make one more quick run with the vacuum cleaner and dusting cloth.
* Purchase and arrange fresh flowers.
* Make sure your camera is charged and ready.

Thanksgiving Day

This is when all your advance work pays off and you look like a genius. Yes, there might be dishes to be prepared on the day, but you won't be in a panic. Do remember to map out oven and stove time for items brought by guests. Here's what you might have to plan for:

* Stuff and roast turkey (or bake dressing).
* Mash potatoes.
* Make gravy.
* Toss salad.
* Warm or bake bread and rolls.
* Arrange appetizer platters.
* Whip cream for desserts.
* Chill or open wine.
* Heat cider, make coffee.

Slow Cooking Thursday!

All my slow cooking recipes are now online and starting today, I will add all the recipes shared weekly to my online del.icio.us site too. So if you're wanting to find ALL the slow cooked recipes that have been shared since the first SLOW COOKING THURSDAY, here is the link for you.


Don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky and a link back to your SCT post so others can come by and see your recipe too.

Thank you all for participating, I've loved all the wonderful recipes you've shared ;)
I found this recipe online a long time ago and I can't remember where I got it, but it's really good.

SMOKEHOUSE CHICKEN

1 whole chicken
1/4 cup liquid smoke


1. Rinse chicken inside and out, and pat dry.
2. Place in crock pot, breast side down.
3. Pour liquid smoke over top.
4. Cover and cook on low until done, about 10 hours, or until chicken is cooked to desired tenderness. (some crock pots cook faster than others, even on low).

If desired, salt your chicken inside and out before placing in crock pot. I've recently learned that some liquid smoke has added ingredients, and that will also affect the results -- the kind I use is only "water and smoke." Also, cooking times vary with different crock pots and with the size of your chicken. When I prepare this, I use a chicken weighing between 4 and 4 1/2 pounds. Your chicken may be done in less than 10 hours -- use your judgement based on past experience with your crock pot.

Anne of Green Gables!

Do you know that I absolulely love, no I mean LOVE Anne of Green Gables??? I've made it an habit of watching the movie every year around Thanksgiving and I get giddy with excitement just thinking of it, so when I was at YouTube earlier today I was thrilled to find the whole movie on there, now I can watch whenever I feel like it, though I still have to buy the DVD's because it's well worth it.

Though I like knowing that I can pop by YouTube and watch some of it when the mood strikes me. So for all the other Anne of Green Gables lovers out there, here's the link to the Amyofgreengables videos, enjoy!

In the meantime if you like audio books like I do and want to listen to the book while working on the computer, here's a link to the Anne of Green Gables at Librivox. Oh Librivox you have no idea how much I have grown to love you.

We're finally starting to see some fall weather here, it's getting cooler in the mornings and darker earlier in the day, usually by 5:30pm it's already dark outside and I just couldn't be happier. I truly am a Fall/Winter girl, that's when I'm truly happy. I like seeing clouds and rain and knowing that I can grab a cup of tea or coffee and snuggle in bed or on the couch with my favorite book.

Even reaching for the warm soft feel of the yarn as I knit a scarf or blanket, it's just one of those 'aaahhhhh' feelings.

As you know a lot of us have been sick with a cold, Jasmine seems to be doing fine now and she's back at school, next week she's being tested for the Gifted Program so she's excited and insists that she does not need to practice anything because she's doing so good.....stubborn like daddy I tell you.

Nicholas is also doing ok, he seemed to have gotten a little better when his sister was really sick but now he's walking that fence with me, we're both balancing not quite sick but not exactly fine either. I keep pushing and prodding and trying to tilt our bodies to the good side of the fence but somehow we keep floating back to the other, I guess it takes practice LOL



Tomorrow I'm making my Grandma's Gingersnap Cookies, I do so every Fall and they never seem to last very long, eaten just plain or made into cookie sandwiches, either works for us, we're not picky. But the aroma that takes over the house while they're in the oven is to die for. Give them a try when you get a chance!

For dinner tonight I'm making some Beer Battered Fresh Fish Fillets, some homemade fries and a salad to go with it.


Well it's dinner time and I'm going to finish everything up and then put away some laundry and change all the linens on the bed. Yes it's the end of the day but the housework never ends does it???

I'm hoping to get some reading done tonight as well and then watch my Ghost Hunters Findings Episode, it's the one where they show us all the evidence they captured during their live show last week. I'm excited, Jeaneene, hope you're watching LOL

Oh and I just got my Netflix movies, Mary Queen of Scots and You, Me and Dupree.....hope they're good.

Have a wonderful night everyone and God Bless,

Book Reviews and a Day in pictures!

I have but ONE book left in this Trilogy and I'm just loving them. The Tucker Mills Trilogy is written by one of my favorite Christian Authors...Lori Wick!

In the first book "Moonlight on the Millpond" we follow the story of Maddie and Jace as they grow to love each other and struggle with the questions they have about God and believing in him, faith and trust and being a Christian. In this book we also get to know Cathy and Doyle who are like parents to Maddie, Woody Randall who is Jace's uncle and owns the local sawmill and who Jace works for and Eden, Jace's sister who has looked after him for years and feels entitled to run his life and tell him what to do.

I just loved the interaction between all the characters and even Eden who annoyed me so badly became one of my favorites in the end. The book ends with Jace and Maddie married and expecting a child.

Now in the second book "Just above a whisper" we are again following the story of Jace and Maddie as they grow in their marriage and in their relationship with God, but we are also introduced to Reese Thackery who is an indentured servant to Mr Zantow. When he dies, the local bank gets ahold of her papers and wants her to work for them until the debt that Mr Zantow owes is paid off. The local pastor gets in touch with an old friend who is the owner of the bank and asks for help in getting Reese released as a servant.

Conner Kingsley we meet in the beginning of the book as he at the age of 12 years old, travels with his sister in a carriage, they are attacked and everyone is killed and Conner left for dead with a cut on his throat which affects his vocal cords....he had to learn to talk again and now only whispers. He along with his brother is the owner of the bank and comes to Tucker Mills to fix the problem with Reese..........I'm sure you can already tell that these two will fall for each other, but not before overcoming some obstacles in their path and growing in their love for the Lord too.

LOVED LOVED both books and am now starting on "Leave a Candle Burning" the third and final book in the trilogy. I can't wait!



Jasmine is back at school, she has a bit of a cough and is still sounding sick but no longer has a fever which is great....I also can't keep her home indefinitely until she is 100% because that would probably mean missing school for the whole winter. Yeah, not going to happen.

We're all slowly getting better, I tend to take the longest to get over things and I think it's because as a mother I can't exactly go lay down and take a nap or sleep in or rest, I have to be the caretaker and the one making everyone feeling better. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining and I'll gladly be the one holding on the cold a little longer as long as my kiddos are fine.

It's a cooler day here in Arizona, though we've been above average and in the 90's...can you believe that??? Boy do I miss Idaho and the cooler temps, by now we would be looking at maybe getting some snow, that's one thing we'll miss for sure.

Curt is working day shift still and he's been loving the recognition he's getting here. After being in the military for 16 years it's nice to feel like you're rewarded and acknowledged for all your hard work, he's been getting awards for Crew Chief of the Month and Cleanest Jet and so forth, he loves it.....though he still wants to go back to Mountain Home and has actually already put in for it LOL

Yeah, I think we adopted Idaho as our home state and just fell in love with it, now we miss it terribly and can't wait to return in 4 years when he retires......if we're lucky we may go back sooner, who knows with the military right???

So here's my day in pictures:

Dishes to be done in the sink.........

The last of the laundry to bet put away, it's such a small pile it won't take me but a minuteA package ready to be mailed to South Africa tomorrow morning....YAY

A chicken waiting to be roasted for dinner......

A small pile of paperwork waiting to be filed

And what are the pugs up to today? Well napping of course....Bella in her bed

Lola on the couch

Before I leave I want to bring to your attention a couple of things going on in Blog land.


The wonderful lady at Overwhelmed with Joy is hosting a Pay it Forward contest, she's giving away 3 or I think now it's 7 really good books, so if you're interested in entering, go on over to her blog and add your name to the list......and all you gotta do is mention the contest on your blog, just like I did, wasn't that easy and well worth 3 great books???

The amazing Kelli at There's no Place Like Home is going to be doing a great feature next week, she's calling it "Giving Thanks" and it will run through next week, she'll be sharing recipes, craft ideas, Thanksgiving menus etc, but the fun part is that we get to join in because she'll have a Mr Linky up everyday.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks is one of my all time favorite blogs, this woman can COOK and she's hilarious too.
She's doing a whole series of holiday recipes and cooking lessons including start-to-finish Thanksgiving turkey with all the fixings. She is amazing, so go on over and see what she's cooked up so far and laugh along with her witty way of writing.

And that's it, I know there's a ton of Bloggy Giveaways going on but I am too tired and sick to go looking for them all, I'm sure you'll come across them on your own :)

I'm about to go do all the things I have on my list and then maybe see if Nicholas doesn't want to lay down with me for a bit, not to nap of course, we can't tell him that because he'll quickly get up and say "I'm not tired". *snicker*

Off to the Arizona Science Center!

On saturday we were all feeling a bit better and since everyone had been stuck in the house for so long, we wanted to go out and do something but not be outside or running around too much so that we don't relapse.........so what was the best thing to do????

Head to the Science Center, it's one of those amazing places where you can be inside, get to play and touch and mess around with everything and then sit down and enjoy a wonderful IMAX movie.

That's what we did on Saturday and we just loved it, though the favorite for us all was definitely the IMAX movie experience, we watched "Sea Monsters" and not only does it make you feel like you're in there surrounded by the water and the fishies and sharks and whatnot are swimming straight at you, even during the scenes when you're watching people digging up the fossils, you feel like you're right there, you're part of the whole experience and at least for me that is what makes the movie even more enjoyable......not to mention very educational too.


I've uploaded most of the pics to the Flickr Photo Album so you can check those out here and here's some of my favorites.




We spent a couple hours there and then went by The Black Angus for dinner, YUMMY but yikes is it expensive, it's one of those "once a month if you're lucky" restaurants for us.

While driving home at the end of an exhausting but wonderful day, the kids were laying back in the car seats, their little eyes droopy and tired, their tummy's full from the wonderful meal and their thoughts on the days activities, I look out the window myself to see this beautiful sunset.

You know who I thought of instantly??? The wonderful Morning Glory at Seeds from My Garden, she is by far one of the biggest sunset lovers out there and posts gorgeous pictures all the time.



Not much else has been going on here, I haven't been cooking that much because I'm not feeling well at all, which means going out to eat or ordering out and that becomes expensive and really unhealthy after a day or two......I can't handle the junk food anymore and my stomach is deliberately rebelling.

So I've stopped the eating out and I'm cooking, well, having my crockpot cook for me so I only really have to put the ingredients in there and then walk away, right now I have Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore cooking and it smells DIVINE......boy I can't wait for dinner.

It's funny but it's 4 pm here and I have yet to put my laundry away, I almost keep wishing it would just do it on it's own with the snap of my fingers, but hey, I guess it won't. I really should get to it, it's just getting the initial movement of my body towards the laundry baskets that is the problem.

Then I keep telling myself that if I would just put it away as soon as it was out of the dryer instead of waking for all the loads to be done, maybe I can could convince my body that it wasn't that bad.......problem is I wait until the end then end up with 2 or 3 full baskets just waiting to be folded and put in their respective rooms.....that's when I just want to head out the door and run as far as my little legs will take me. Oh well, no sense in putting off the inevitable....I'm off to do laundry.

BTW I'm almost done with my second book in the Tucker Mills Trilogy and I'm just loving it, I can't wait to tell you all about it.

Hope you're all having a blessed Monday, I'll come by and say hi soon.

The ripple effect!

Good morning everyone, come on in and have some coffee with me, I'll try to get you up to date with what's going on here.

You know how when one kid gets sick it creates a ripple effect through the house??? That's mainly what is going on here right now, Nicholas was the first to get a cold and now he's been kind enough to pass it on to us, I guess I should blame me and Curt since we've instilled the values of sharing in our children. *snicker*

Jasmine and I woke up yesterday morning with a sore throat but obviously without her having a fever I couldn't keep her at home, so off to school she went. By the time I went to pick her up in the afternoon I could tell that she was not well at all, she was pale, pretty much dragging herself towards home and as soon as I hugged her she felt hot. I brought her home and she was running a high fever, had a really sore throat and after taking a sip of juice, changed into her nightie and got into my bed.....within 5 minutes she was OUT for the rest of the night and until this morning.

That for me is when you know a child is really not feeling well because usually they are sick and will still run around and play. I'm a little annoyed because she told me that she had been sent to the nurse at 9am, the nurse had taken her temperature and checked her throat etc.....told her she had a fever and a cold but didn't bother sending her home.....what is up with that???

Anyway, this morning I'm the one feeling sick and running a fever, guess that is why Curt is trying to stay away from me as much as possible LOL




Now that you know the reason I've been away for a couple of days, let me tell you about Halloween, we ended up trick or treating for 2 hours and it would have been longer if Nicholas hadn't decided that he was done with Halloween, his shoes were hurting him, people were suddenly scary, his candy bag was "too heavy to carry" and he just wanted to go home.

OH and have I ever told you that he's deathly afraid of heights??? Well actually, Curt, Jasmine and Nicholas all are, it's enough to send me into stitches watching their expressions when they head up a flight of stairs LOL

Anyway, Curt tried to carry him home on his shoulders and Nic just started screaming at the top of his lungs.....now imagine if you will, it's halloween night, it's really dark and all of a sudden you hear a small child screaming bloody murder LOL

Here's some pictures, Jasmine wanted to be a fairy at first but then at the store she saw this Gothic Enchantress costume and wanted to be that, all because her favorite color is red and she thought this dress was "beautiful"!



And then we get home and we do the usual going through the candy and removing any opened pieces, checking that everything else is in order etc..........that is usually followed by the counting of the candy by both kids, sitting in the middle of the living room rug with their piles and figuring out who has what and who has MORE which is obviously the biggest thing. *sigh*


When all is accounted for the *trading* begins.........I'll give you this one if you give me 2 of yours.....no no, wait, give me one and I'll give you 2 of mine but I get to pick which ones I give you. LOL


And with that another Halloween comes to a close until next year when we go out and do it all over again with just as much enthusiasm as the year before.



Last night I tried a new recipe from my Gooseberry Patch Cookbook "Autumn in the country". It was called Mom's Cassoulet and it was really good.

For dinner tonight I'm making Chicken Cacciatore.....yummy!

Also, I'm sorry I was so late with the Slow Cooking Thursday posting, I see I didn't get many participants at all but thank you to the wonderful ladies that joined in :)
If you're looking for some great Slow Cooker recipes, just check out my post below.

And now I leave you with a little peek at my scarf, one thing about the cooler weather is that I tend to throw myself into knitting, you can almost count on the methodical click click of the needles as they work in the background while watching TV.

Here's what it looks like so far, I've only been able to knit for about 2 hours the other day so it's not too bad at all.....I'm using the new pattern that I talked about in my previous post. As you can see I've decided to change it a bit......I've noticed that in order to achieve the perfect stitch to that pattern I have to make sure it's tight. If I loosen the tension when knitting then it becomes different........which I'm actually loving the look of.

Slow Cooking Thursday

All my slow cooking recipes are now online and starting today, I will add all the recipes shared weekly to my online del.icio.us site too. So if you're wanting to find ALL the slow cooked recipes that have been shared since the first SLOW COOKING THURSDAY, here is the link for you.


I'm so sorry this is late today, for the past few days I've been MIA (missing in action), I've been nursing sick kiddos and I'm getting the cold they had so I feel awful. Can you believe that I completely forgot it was thursday and time for slow cooking thursday, until about 20 mins ago???

Goodness, where is my head at???

Don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky and a link back to your SCT post so others can come by and see your recipe too.

7-SPICE STICKY CHICKEN

3-lb roasting chicken
4 t. salt
2 t. paprika
1 t. cayenne pepper
1 t. onion powder
1 t. dried thyme
1 t. white pepper
1/2 t. pepper
1/2 t. garlic powder
1 c. onion, chopped

Pat chicken dry inside and out with paper towels; set aside. Combine spices in a small bowl; mix well. Rub spice mixture well into chicken, inside and out. Place chicken in a large resealable zipping bag and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place chicken in a slow cooker; top with chopped onion. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.
Serves 4 to 6

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Unbelievable Caramel Pie

2 14- oz. cans sweetened condensed milk
9-inch graham cracker crust
Garnish: whipped topping

Pour condensed milk into a slow cooker that has been sprayed with non -stick vegetable spray. Cover and cook on low setting for 3-1/2 to 4 hours. After 2-1/2 hours, milk will begin to thicken; begin stirring every 15 minutes. When thick and golden, stir again until smooth; pour into pie crust and chill. Garnish with whipped topping. Makes 6 to 8 servings.