Slow Cooking Thursday

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.

I'm sorry this is so late going up, it's been a really busy and just weird day for me.

Credit: Cindycooks

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sausages

2 lb Italian sausage; sweet, mild, or hot
48 oz Spaghetti sauce
1 cn (6 oz. ) tomato paste
1 lg Green pepper; sliced thin
1 lg Onion; sliced thin
1 tb Grated parmesan cheese
1 ts Parsley flakes
1 c Water

Place sausage in skillet; cover with water. Simmer 10 minutes; drain. Meanwhile, place remaining ingredients in slow cooker; add sausage (cut in hot dog lengths if using sweet sausage). Cover; cook on low 4 hours. Increase temperature to HIGH; cook 1 hour more. Serve on buns or slice and serve over spaghetti. Yield 8 servings.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sausages printer friendly version located here.

The Friends We Keep Review and Giveaway!

I've been extremely blessed and lucky to have been receiving amazing books to review and giveaway.

This new one is called "The Friends We Keep" by Sarah Zacharias Davis.

From the Publisher:
During a particularly painful time in her life, Sarah Zacharias Davis learned how delightful –- and wounding –- women can be in friendship. She saw how some friendships end badly, others die slow deaths, and how a chance acquaintance can become that enduring friend you need.

The Friends We Keep is Sarah’s thoughtful account of her own story and the stories of other women about navigating friendship. Her revealing discoveries tackle the questions every woman asks:

• Why do we long so for women friends?
• Do we need friends like we need air or food or water?
• What causes cattiness, competition, and co-dependency in too many friendships?
• Why do some friendships last forever and others only a season?
• How do I foster friendship?
• When is it time to let a friend go, and how do I do so?

With heartfelt, intelligent writing, Sarah explores these questions and more with personal stories, cultural references and history, faith, and grace. In the process, she delivers wisdom for navigating the challenges, mysteries, and delights of friendship: why we need friendships with other women, what it means to be safe in relationship, and how to embrace what a friend has to offer, whether meager or generous.

***********************************

This book is all about friendship.....why some last and why some fall apart.

It definitely hit home in some places, I've obviously, like many other women have had friendships that I treasured and fell apart and was left wondering what happened and then there's those that have remained strong for years and years.

I will say that it was a pretty good book, not sure I would rate it as one of my favorites or a must have, but I think overall it's a good read.

You can purchase the book at Random House or click here to go directly to the book page.

**************************************

I also was lucky enough to receive a copy of one of the books in the 40 minute bible studies, this one is called "Building a Marriage that Really Works".

Loved it and no matter how much you may think you have a great marriage, it doesn't hurt to make it better right?

This copy is up for grabs too.

So here's what I'm going to do, I'm opening the giveaway to the US only.

Leave me a comment on this post and I will draw TWO winners on Saturday. The first name that I draw will win "The Friends We Keep" and the second name I draw will win "Building a Marriage that Really Works".

Good Luck!

Well goodness gracious.....

You guys have totally shown me the love, how sweet.

Thank you each and everyone for the birthday wishes, I loved them all and I wish I could give hugs through this internet thing, but I can't so just consider yourselves hugged.

So let's see, anything interesting for my birthday, I'm sure you're wondering, but no....it was a perfectly normal day like any other, I spent most of it alone while kids were in school and after Curt left for work. I didn't even have cake, that's horrible isn't it? LOL

It's fine with me though, I've stopped really celebrating birthdays, I remember when I was little and it was so anticipated, I would literally count the days and minutes and wake up in the morning running around all happy. There was always the gifts and the special dinner and cake and family.

I still like the gifts though, don't get me wrong and one of them this year was a Wii Fit. Oh man, I'm so thrilled to have gotten that one, it's soooooooo good and I'm feeling the burn.

Anyway, kids started school yesterday and so far they both seem to be loving their teachers, although Nicholas had a bit of chaos in his first grade classroom. Apparently one of the little boys decided he didn't want to do what the teacher asked and proceeded to pick up his chair and fling it across the room, then punched the teacher multiple times, hurled insults at her and the kids and yelled and yelled.

Needless to say the principal, counselor and social worker had to get involved. I felt awful not only for Nicholas and the other kids but the poor teacher, I mean what a way to start the year huh?

And a first grader???? I'm just in shock.

Other than that there is not much going on, other than me being completely over the moon with my General Hospital. Now I know some of you will probably shake your heads and think I'm nuts but you have to understand, I stopped watching 3 years ago and just started again because I LOVE Jason and Sam. They are all kinds of cute and sparkly and so hot together. LOL

This is kind of a late post, I should be in bed, I'm having a hard time getting back on the school schedule, was used to getting up late *snicker*

I'm sorry if this is just a jumble of things, I tend to ramble on and I think of you all as my friends so.....

OH my car, yeah, changed out the water pump but now it won't start up at all, so I've been using hubby's truck to drive the kids to school in the morning and then in the afternoons we have to walk cause hubby is at work.....we walk......in 115 degree weather, sick hot and the kind that makes you feel like you're going to die with every step LOL

Just wanted to post these two pics of my babies sleeping right before being woken up for the first day of school, I still see the babies in them when they're asleep, there is something about that peacefulness.



I guess now I'm out of here, Oh and before I forget, I have that review for you tomorrow and the giveaway, another wonderful Christian book you won't want to miss.

I do hope you're all having a great week and I apologize for not coming around, I think until we get into this schedule again it's going to be a bit of a hit and miss here on the blog. By the way, thank you to all who have followed me, I am in shock that I have 199 followers...WOW!
Is there one out there by chance that wants to make it an even 200? LOL

Have a great night everyone,

Happy Homemaker Monday

Guess what?!?!?! It's my BIRTHDAY!

That's right....35 years old. I can't believe I'm 35 YEARS.OLD! LOL

Won't you have a drink for me today and help me celebrate?

<a href="http://familycorner.blogspot.com" title="hhm by jasnicmommy, on Flickr"><img width="150" alt="hhm" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3608789834_4d1bac04e0.jpg" height="150" /></a>

The weather in my neck of the woods:
It's a beautiful monday morning, the sun is shining and not a cloud in sight.


One of my simple pleasures:
Waking up early and getting a cup of coffee while everyone is still asleep.


On my bedside table:
Little Heathens


On my TV:
General Hospital - I'm SO happy to be watching again, huge Jason and Sam fan *snicker
Little House on the Prairie Season 3


On the menu for tonight:
Goulash with Potato Dumplings


On my To Do List:
Clean the house
Wii Fit - LOL


New Recipe I tried last week:
Nothing at all, just old favorites


In the craft basket:
Just the same old yarn, no project in sight, maybe once the kids are back to school next week I'll finally start something.


Looking forward to:
My kids starting school today....also having a great day for my birthday.


Homemaking Tip for this week:
I actually can't think of a single one LOL


Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
I've done no blog reading or posting, but now with kids back to school that will change :)


Favorite photo from last week:

My husband working on my Durango

Lesson learned the past few days:
To let go and let God. Plain and simple but so hard to do.


On my Prayer List:
My children, I want them to have a great school year.
The soldiers overseas and at home
Family and friends


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Psalm 33

1 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.
2 Praise the LORD with the lyre, make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
3 Sing to him a new song, play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
4 For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathered the waters of the sea as in a bottle; he put the deeps in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD, let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood forth.

Summer BBQ!

Summer is quickly coming to an end so why not enjoy the last few weeks of it with a great BBQ.

Summer BBQ.
The summer sun is shining, the kids are out of school, and from a distance you can smell the familiar scent of charcoal burning. It’s time to turn down the AC, get up off your mattresses, and start planning your summer BBQ. The perfect summer BBQ must have three key components: great food, great decor and great games! Here is some helpful hints, sure to make your next summer BBQ the highlight of the summer.

Great Food:
When conceptualizing your menu, variety is key. Many people think that meat on the grill is all you need for a good BBQ. Not so, today’s crowd is bound to have at least one vegetarian or perhaps someone who does not enjoy traditional BBQ foods. This doesn’t mean that you have to scrap the great tradition of BBQ meats, just make sure that you supply a few options for you herbivore friends. Potato salad, coleslaw and pasta salad are all great vegetarian options to consider. Why not throw on some delicious portabella mushrooms on the grill while your at it? Here is a great recipe for a vegetarian based potato salad.

Great Décor:
People often assume that their BBQ needs to a theme in order to be successful. Although themed parties are often fun, a summer BBQ does not require the detailed planning that most may think. Simple items can give your patio or backyard all the character and fun you need. The placements of traditional red and white checkered table cloths are perfect for an outdoor party. Accent your tables with fun center pieces! For instance, a traditional watering can used as a vase to hold sunflowers. Check out this great idea!

Great Games:
Traditional backyard games such as horseshoes, volleyball, and badminton and lawn bocce are staples of a good summer party. Such games, however, require a large backyard. If you don’t have the space, why not consider something like Cornhole! Similar to horseshoes, this fun game uses bean bags and a platform with a hole in it. The aim is to land your bean bag as close to or directly in, the hole in order to score points. The soft nature of the bean bags makes this a perfect game for kids to play, and the best part is that you can easily build all the elements of the game yourself. Check out the American Cornhole Association for more detailed rules.
Enjoy your summer!

Mark All As Read!

If you're looking for my Slow Cooking post, it's just below.

I'm just running in quick to say that I only have two days left with my babies, next week Monday they start school again.

That is why I have been away from the blog and not posting as much, my apologies but priorities and all that right?

But I just had to tell you that I opened up my Google Reader and hit MARK ALL AS READ! Yes I did!

Why? Because I'm tired of looking at it each day and seeing 600 new unread posts, it makes me feel guilty and I hate feeling that way when I have a perfectly good reason for not blogging.

So I decided to just start fresh, oh I'm sure I'm missing a lot of old good posts from you guys, but I promise I'll catch up on Monday.

Until then, could you just not blog? *snicker* That's too much to ask you say? Oh fine, then go ahead but I'll probably hit the "mark all as read* again a time or two. LOL

I'm off to enjoy the day with my kids, that is between mountains of laundry and trying to keep the couch pillows on the poor couch. I tell you, I think my couch is counting the minutes until school starts too.

Before I leave though, won't you stop in and just leave me a Hi, come on all you lurkers, old and new readers. De-Lurk Yourselves!

Have a wonderful day everyone, I'll be back posting soon.

Slow Cooking Thursday

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.

SEVEN VEGETABLE SOUP

Land O' Lakes.com

2		(14-ounce) cans vegetable or chicken broth
2		cups shredded cabbage
1		(15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1		(15-ounce) can extra-thick and zesty seasoned tomato sauce
6		medium (2 cups) new red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2		medium (2 cups) carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick
1		medium (1/2 cup) onion, chopped
1		cup chopped celery
2		bay leaves
1/2		teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2		teaspoon salt
1/2		teaspoon ground black pepper
1		(10-ounce) package frozen creamed spinach, thawed
4		ounces (1 cup) LAND O LAKES® Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker except creamed spinach and cheese.

Cover; cook on Low heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or until carrots and potatoes are tender.

Increase heat setting to High. Stir thawed spinach into hot soup mixture, stirring constantly. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soup is thickened (6 to 10 minutes).

To serve, spoon into individual serving bowls; sprinkle with cheese.

Recipe Tip
For an easy shortcut, you can substitute coleslaw mix in place of the shredded cabbage.

Blue Like Play Dough Winner!

Thank you all for entering the contest, I truly wish I had a copy for every single one of you because that's how good this book is.

I used Random.org to find the winner so here you go:



#12

Amanda from Faith, Food and Family said... 12

I would love to win this book! I struggle so much in getting daily Bible reading because it sees it's never quiet enough or always so much to do. I want to get better about that and be closer to God. Thanks for such a great giveaway!
God bless,
Amanda

Congratulations Amanda! Please contact me as soon as possible so I can get your book out.

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For the rest of you, I have another wonderful Christian book review and giveaway coming up next week.

The first name drawn will receive this book:

The Friends We Keep: A Woman's Quest for the Soul of Friendship

And the second name drawn will receive one of the books from the 40 minute Bible Studies series:

Be sure to come back next week Tuesday for the reviews and the giveaway.

Happy Homemaker Monday!

<a href="http://familycorner.blogspot.com" title="hhm by jasnicmommy, on Flickr"><img width="150" alt="hhm" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3608789834_4d1bac04e0.jpg" height="150" /></a>

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Well I wish I could say something different but I'm sure you all know it's HOT, HOT, HOT!


One of my simple pleasures:
Buying a bag of Nestle Caramel Treasures just for me, and then sneaking in a few while I watch a movie on TV. *snicker*
It's the ONE little pleasure that is all mine.


On my bedside table:
Little Heathens - almost done, it's been such a good read.


On my TV:
The Hurt Locker
Little House on the Prairie Season 3


On the menu for tonight:
Pork Chops and Cream Corn Casserole.


On my To Do List:
Laundry
Last minute shopping for school supplies


New Recipe I tried last week:
Easy Butter Cookies, hadn't made them in a while and they just hit the spot.


In the craft basket:
Just the same old yarn, no project in sight, maybe once the kids are back to school next week I'll finally start something.


Looking forward to:
Getting my car fixed and running again, I've really missed having my own vehicle and with school starting next week, I really need to have it back.


Homemaking Tip for this week:
I have these handy plastic fridge stack beverage containers. They don't take up a lot of room in the refrigerator and I always have one with koolaid, one with water and one with iced tea. On the kitchen table I have a basket with utensils, straws, napkins and paper plastic cups.
I've showed the kids how to get their own drinks so when they're thirsty, they just grab a cup and get their own drinks from the fridge. It saves me having to constantly do it for them and they like knowing they can do it themselves.


Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
Absolutely NO blog reading for me last week, this we've been enjoying the last two weeks of our summer and I've been away from the computer.


Favorite photo from last week:

My kitchen window when the sun starts setting, it's one of my favorite places in the house.

Lesson learned the past few days:
It was actually a lesson learned from my book "Blue Like Play Dough", and that is, that you don't need to doll yourself up to go to God. He loves you for who you are and how you are and as a mother there's nothing better than realizing that even when I'm in the middle of the living room surrounded by what seems to be a tornado of toys, my hair is messed up, I have a stain on my t-shirt from lunch preparations and I'm flushed because of the annoying heat......I'm still acceptable and wanted and loved by God. What a beautiful thing it is!


On my Prayer List:
**My brother Bruno, he is just getting over Pneumonia
**My grandmother Odete, she's still slowly getting back to normal after her stay in the hospital
**My grandmother Jacinta, she has osteoporosis and her poor spine is curved. It seems that she pulled something or did something to her ribs and has been in a lot of pain lately.


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Courageous in Christ

My blessings are so many, my troubles are so few, how can I feel discouraged when I know that I have You. - Helen Steiner

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Coming up to breathe......

I've been busy and running around and sorta kinda crazy lately.

See school starts on my birthday, August 10th, my kids seem to think it's a great thing because they want to come home to some birthday cake, me on the other hand, I'm a little sad, I wanted them home with ME. Oh well, can't always have what we want right?

So I've been a little MIA, if you've noticed, maybe you haven't and now that I'm mentioning it you're probably sitting there thinking "oh well, she was gone?" LOL

There's a lot going on, from the hustle of getting everything ready for back to school, which includes shopping for endless supplies and buying new clothes and backpacks and shoes and hair accessories and whatnot.

It's by far, my least favorite time of the year, just trying to get through the school aisles at any store is enough to make the most patient person on earth, cringe. But that's a whole other post.

After spending the whole day gone yesterday for errands and groceries, school stuff and car parts to finally get my Durango going......today was spent at home, doing......well......let me show you.



Car things.....like trying to change out the water pump which let me tell you, is very fascinating, at least for me, I got right in there with my hubby and got my hands dirty and handed him tools and peeked here and there, and asked questions, oh many questions.



Thankfully I have a wonderful patient hubby who actually gets a kick out of having me all up in his business, bugging and asking stuff and sticking my hands in that grease.



See, I have to tell you how wonderful he is because he's sick, he's got the summer cold we had and he was feeling miserable but he still went out there and worked on my car for 5 hours.



I don't know if he was concentrating or praying at this point, he was having the hardest time getting some of the bolts and nuts to come loose.



We may have at some point gotten a wrench stuck in the neighbors thingamagig *snort*

I know that sounds dirty, but I don't know the name, it's this really long metal thing that you use to help you with the torque, you know....(just pretend you know what I'm talking about).



Took us a while to get the wrench loose, we pulled and prodded and laughed until our sides hurt and still ended up messing the thing up, I'm sure we'll have to buy him a new one LOL

All this time the kids were in and out of the house, playing outside and then going back inside and at one point they went in and were gone for a while, so I cleaned my hands up as best I could and came in to see what the deal was and was met with this............



"We decided to beat each other up" was their answer. I honestly thought it was real at first and got a little freaked out, then they started laughing and I just had to take some pictures. LOL



I have children with a very vivid imagination and sometimes it just cracks me up to see the things they come up with.





I cleaned them up, made them popcorn and got them all snugly in front of the tv watching a movie, then went outside to let hubby know that I was done for the day, I even acted like I had done a lot LOL

I found him around the driveway at the gate to the backyard, having a little chat with Lola.



And that was it, that was our Sunday.

I would love at this point to say that my car is fixed, but it's not, we got everything loose but we were too darn tired to even begin install the new water pump.

It will get done sometime this week or next weekend before hubby has to leave on a short little deployment.

I joked with him and said, it's no rush fixing the car, the minute he leaves to go anywhere it will just break again Hahahahahah

Anyway, I better skidaddle on off to bed, I have to get my body used to getting up early again, it's going to take me longer than a week that's for sure.

Have a great night everyone, I'll see you bright and early for the Happy Homemaker Monday.