I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'll be taking a break from posting until after the first of the year. Please check in on New Year's Day, though...I already have a post scheduled for that day.
This will be my 5th Christmas since losing my mom to adrenal cancer. Wow...five years already. I haven't cried much yet this season (excluding the potato candy incident). I don't know if that's a good or bad sign. My heart still hurts from missing her so much. But, God is good, and I'm able to enjoy the season and praise Him for His faithfulness to me and my family.
So, my prayer is that you'll also be able to enjoy the season. Celebrate the birth of our Savior. Cherish time spent with family. Hug your spouse and your children and tell them you love them. Then welcome the new year and all the possibilities that come with it.
Blessings to you all!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Free Tip Friday
A special holiday tip for you today. Ever lose gifts under the tree? Ever get to Aunt Susie's or Grandma's house and realize you forgot to get Uncle Barney's gift from under the tree? Guilty!
About a week or so before the festivities begin, I completely clear everything out from under the tree. Because, up till this point I've been a wrapping fool...wrap, throw it under the tree, wrap, throw it under the tree, wrap, throw it under the tree. You get the idea! :)
Well, after everything is cleared out, I sort according to who's gifts go where. For example, we're going to my cousin's house Saturday. So all the gifts that go there will be grouped together and put back under the tree last since they have to leave the house first. The gifts for my dad and his wife will be grouped together and put back under the tree first because we won't celebrate with them till Christmas afternoon here at our home.
That's just how I have to do it...been doing it that way for years. I also haul out one or two of my laundry baskets to help transport the gifts to and from the different get-togethers. I use the baskets because by this time I have no empty boxes left...they all been wrapped and put under the tree! :)
About a week or so before the festivities begin, I completely clear everything out from under the tree. Because, up till this point I've been a wrapping fool...wrap, throw it under the tree, wrap, throw it under the tree, wrap, throw it under the tree. You get the idea! :)
Well, after everything is cleared out, I sort according to who's gifts go where. For example, we're going to my cousin's house Saturday. So all the gifts that go there will be grouped together and put back under the tree last since they have to leave the house first. The gifts for my dad and his wife will be grouped together and put back under the tree first because we won't celebrate with them till Christmas afternoon here at our home.
That's just how I have to do it...been doing it that way for years. I also haul out one or two of my laundry baskets to help transport the gifts to and from the different get-togethers. I use the baskets because by this time I have no empty boxes left...they all been wrapped and put under the tree! :)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thankful Thursday
Today (and every other day, too!) I am thankful for my in-laws. God has blessed me indeed with the family I got the day I married Jim.
As I grew up, I knew my mom didn't have the best relationship with her mother-in-law. However, my dad lucked out and really got along well with my mom's family. Truthfully, I never really thought much about what my relationship would be like with in-laws. Jim's folks have always been good to me, and I know they've always loved me. It wasn't until my mom passed away in 2004, though, that I realized how much I really loved them and needed them in my life. It was at that time that they became my parents, too.
I thank God that I have saved, Bible-believing in-laws. I thank God for my sister-in-law who is like the sister I never had. I also thank Him for two awesome nephews and a terrific new brother-in-law.
I couldn't have it any better than I do!
As I grew up, I knew my mom didn't have the best relationship with her mother-in-law. However, my dad lucked out and really got along well with my mom's family. Truthfully, I never really thought much about what my relationship would be like with in-laws. Jim's folks have always been good to me, and I know they've always loved me. It wasn't until my mom passed away in 2004, though, that I realized how much I really loved them and needed them in my life. It was at that time that they became my parents, too.
I thank God that I have saved, Bible-believing in-laws. I thank God for my sister-in-law who is like the sister I never had. I also thank Him for two awesome nephews and a terrific new brother-in-law.
I couldn't have it any better than I do!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
What's Cookin' Wednesday
Here's a recipe for you that I can really only dream about now. Because the main ingredient is pasta, we haven't had this since Jim was diagnosed with diabetes. Throw it together with a salad and a loaf of garlic bread, and YUM!
Spaghetti Pizza:
16 oz package spaghetti,
2 eggs,
1/2 cup milk,
1 cup shredded mozarella,
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
32 oz spaghetti sauce,
1 package pepperoni and/or other favorite pizza topping(s),
1 1/2 teaspoon oregano,
3 cups shredded mozarella,
Break spaghetti into 2 inch pieces and cook according to package directions. Drain and cool.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl beat eggs lightly. Stir in milk, 1 cup cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Add cooked spaghetti and stir. Grease 10 1/2 x 15 jelly roll pan (I use 9x13 pan) and spread spaghetti mixture in pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 350 degrees. Spread spaghetti sauce evenly over spaghetti. Sprinkle with oregano and the remaining 3 cups of cheese. Top with pepperoni and/or other toppings. Return to oven and back 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.
Spaghetti Pizza:
16 oz package spaghetti,
2 eggs,
1/2 cup milk,
1 cup shredded mozarella,
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
32 oz spaghetti sauce,
1 package pepperoni and/or other favorite pizza topping(s),
1 1/2 teaspoon oregano,
3 cups shredded mozarella,
Break spaghetti into 2 inch pieces and cook according to package directions. Drain and cool.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl beat eggs lightly. Stir in milk, 1 cup cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Add cooked spaghetti and stir. Grease 10 1/2 x 15 jelly roll pan (I use 9x13 pan) and spread spaghetti mixture in pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 350 degrees. Spread spaghetti sauce evenly over spaghetti. Sprinkle with oregano and the remaining 3 cups of cheese. Top with pepperoni and/or other toppings. Return to oven and back 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Menu Plan Monday
According to the weather forecast we have an ice storm headed our way that rivals the one we had this past February. If that is the case, there will not be much cooking in our home for a day or so because we will not have power. That being said, I've planned a very easy week. A portion is already cooked or in the crock pot cooking now so it's ready to be heated on it's chosen night.Sunday: snack and "pig out" day in anticipation of the winter storm (pizza, chips and dip, leftover chicke, etc.)
Monday: round steak and gravy, mashed potatoes, broccoli;
Tuesday: leftovers;
Wednesday: baked chicken, green beans, salad;
Thursday: pork chops, baked potato, broccoli;
Friday: hot dogs, tater tots, baked beans, salad;
Saturday: leftovers.
There you have it. Nothing fancy at all. And, if we do get this ice they're calling for, this whole plan may go by the wayside. That's ok...there's enough cheese puffs and lunchmeat in the house we'll not go hungry! :)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Granny's Potato Candy
My husband touched my heart in a way today that I really can't put into words...but I'm gonna try. Here's the story...
My Granny made THE best candy. Every Christmas I knew I'd be getting her awesome Potato Candy. Every Christmas I expected, and every Christmas I got it. Heaven!
Well, this Christmas my candymaker is in Heaven. My Granny passed away September 7th, the day after my birthday. The other evening as Jim and I were perusing my Christmas goodie recipes I realized I wouldn't be getting any of Granny's Potato Candy this year...or any other year. I also am pretty sure I didn't get Granny's recipe when we were going thru her stuff. I teared up, but went on about my business of recipe searching.
This afternoon following lunch Jim and Jake headed out to my in-law's house to shoot Jim's new pistol he bought yesterday. Merry Christmas to him!) When they got back home a while later Jim was carrying this big, white, plastic-wrapped burrito-looking thing. Then he handed it to me...it was an unsliced roll of Potato Candy! He'd looked up the recipe online and gave it to his mom. He had her make me Granny's Potato Candy. Needless to say, I wept. and wept. and wept. That roll of candy was probably the best gift he could have given me. I simply can not put into words how my heart felt as I sliced that candy, and tasted it, and thought of Granny and of how much my husband loves me.
Merry Christmas to me.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Free Tip Friday
To some of you today's tip may be a "no brainer"; however, I know there are folks out there who don't do it. "It" is to make out your grocery list according to the layout of the store you'll be shopping in.
Doing this will save you countless backtracking trips. It'll also save you from forgetting to go back and pick up that one item you forgot in the aisle before last.
I had this tip all lined out and working for me like clockwork. Then - my local Walmart decided to reorganize all their grocery aisles. Argh! I'm learning, though. Each time I go in I'm able to get closer and closer.
Do you have any grocery shopping tips you'd like to share?
Doing this will save you countless backtracking trips. It'll also save you from forgetting to go back and pick up that one item you forgot in the aisle before last.
I had this tip all lined out and working for me like clockwork. Then - my local Walmart decided to reorganize all their grocery aisles. Argh! I'm learning, though. Each time I go in I'm able to get closer and closer.
Do you have any grocery shopping tips you'd like to share?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thankful Thursday
I am thankful that even now as the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday is ramping up, my husband, myself, and my son each know and remember the REAL reason for the season. Without God's unfailing love for us, which came to earth in the form of Jesus Christ, we would not celebrate Christmas. I am so thankful that God loved me and you that much.
What are you thankful for today?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
What's Cookin' Wednesday
This week...YumYum Coffee Cake. And it is yummy! Here's the recipe:
Mix together:
3 cups flour
1 pound box of brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup melted butter
After mixing together, set aside 1 cup of this mixture for later. You can add one cup of nuts to the reserved mixture if you want. To the rest add:
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
Mix well and place in a greast 9x13 pan. Sprinkle the reserved mixture over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
We were taught to eat this with a "little" bit of butter spread on it while it's warm. However, it's good hot, cold, warm, room temperature...and probably even frozen. :)
Enjoy!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Menu Plan Monday
Sorry this didn't get posted sooner...but I had a good excuse! JOHN BEVERE spoke at our church last night. You know...Bait of Satan, Under Cover, Honor's Reward...THAT John Bevere.
Oh, and he was gooood.
Anyway...here's what's on the menu for my family this week:
Sunday - we had Saturday's leftovers of the BIG pot of chili I made;
Monday - cajun beef and baked potatoes with broccoli;
Tuesday - smothered chicken and green bean skillet with a salad;
Wednesday - ham quiche;
Thursday - parmesan chicken;
Friday - tacos with mexican rice;
Saturday - sloppy joes or leftover buffet.
So there you have it. My week of cooking bliss! :)
*****I'm editing this post here --- I'm sorry folks...the spacing is all off again. Guess I'm not smart enough to figure out what I'm doing wrong. AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!******
Oh, and he was gooood.
Anyway...here's what's on the menu for my family this week:
Sunday - we had Saturday's leftovers of the BIG pot of chili I made;
Monday - cajun beef and baked potatoes with broccoli;
Tuesday - smothered chicken and green bean skillet with a salad;
Wednesday - ham quiche;
Thursday - parmesan chicken;
Friday - tacos with mexican rice;
Saturday - sloppy joes or leftover buffet.
So there you have it. My week of cooking bliss! :)
*****I'm editing this post here --- I'm sorry folks...the spacing is all off again. Guess I'm not smart enough to figure out what I'm doing wrong. AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!******
Friday, December 5, 2008
Free Tip Friday
So have you ever heard of OAMC? That is, Once A Month Cooking. I've tried and tried to get myself completely there, but have never made it. However, one thing that I've done ever since Jake was a baby is double-up on certain meals.
For example...when you're making something for dinner that can be easily frozen, then make a double batch. Two meatloaves instead of one, two batches of sloppy joes, twice the servings of baked chicken breasts, twice the servings of spaghetti sauce and/or meatballs, etc, etc, etc. It's really just as easy to mix up two meatloaves and bake the at the same time. Some folks freeze the second before baking, but I say why wait? That way you can put the baked, frozen one into the fridge the night before to thaw, then reheat in the microwave.
Anyway, you get the idea I'm going for. It's the same theory as OAMC, but not nearly to the same extent. You're still saving time, energy, and mess clean-up. I love knowing I have pre-cooked meals in my freezer.
There are TONS of websites out there about OAMC and "freezer cooking". All are based on the same info. It's a great thing to keep in mind when you find chicken or beef or any other meat on sale at the grocery store. Of course, you'd get very tired of the same dish every night for a week, but if you do the "cook one and freeze one" method, you're keeping that extra food from going to waste and saving yourself time in the kitchen later on.
Just call me a OAMC wanna-be! :)
For example...when you're making something for dinner that can be easily frozen, then make a double batch. Two meatloaves instead of one, two batches of sloppy joes, twice the servings of baked chicken breasts, twice the servings of spaghetti sauce and/or meatballs, etc, etc, etc. It's really just as easy to mix up two meatloaves and bake the at the same time. Some folks freeze the second before baking, but I say why wait? That way you can put the baked, frozen one into the fridge the night before to thaw, then reheat in the microwave.
Anyway, you get the idea I'm going for. It's the same theory as OAMC, but not nearly to the same extent. You're still saving time, energy, and mess clean-up. I love knowing I have pre-cooked meals in my freezer.
There are TONS of websites out there about OAMC and "freezer cooking". All are based on the same info. It's a great thing to keep in mind when you find chicken or beef or any other meat on sale at the grocery store. Of course, you'd get very tired of the same dish every night for a week, but if you do the "cook one and freeze one" method, you're keeping that extra food from going to waste and saving yourself time in the kitchen later on.
Just call me a OAMC wanna-be! :)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Thankful Thursday
Today I am thankful that I NEVER have to get these clean again...
These are my son's football cleats after his last traveling football team tournament this past weekend. We were just west of St Louis, and had gotten about 2 inches of snow overnight. After playing two games in one day on sloshy fields...this is the result. Aren't you jealous? :)Wednesday, December 3, 2008
What's Cookin' Wednesday
Here's my Vidalia Onion Casserole recipe without the picture. I apologized in my previous post for the absence of the photo. Who knew we'd get so carried away on Thanksgiving Day I'd forget to snap a picture??? :)
Vidalia Onion Casserole:
2 large onions, Vidalia or purple, cut in medium sized pieces
1/2 cup butter
1 8oz carton sour cream
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
8oz shredded cheddar cheese
15oz can cream style corn
1/3 cup milk
1 box Jiffy size cornbread mix
1 egg, slightly beaten
4 drops hot sauce (or more to suit your taste)
Melt butter in microwave and pour over onions in large bowl. Stir in sour cream, dill, salt, and half of cheese.
In a separate bowl mix corn, milk, cornbread mix, egg, and hot sauce.
Pour corn mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Spread onion mixture over top and top with rest of shredded cheese. Bake at 425 degrees for 40 minutes.
DO NOT let the fact that this is an "onion casserole" scare you or others away who do not like the strong taste of onions. You won't find that strong taste in this dish. The sweetness of the onions comes out. This is one of the yummiest dishes I have ever come across!!! Please try it and let me know what you think.
Vidalia Onion Casserole:
2 large onions, Vidalia or purple, cut in medium sized pieces
1/2 cup butter
1 8oz carton sour cream
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
8oz shredded cheddar cheese
15oz can cream style corn
1/3 cup milk
1 box Jiffy size cornbread mix
1 egg, slightly beaten
4 drops hot sauce (or more to suit your taste)
Melt butter in microwave and pour over onions in large bowl. Stir in sour cream, dill, salt, and half of cheese.
In a separate bowl mix corn, milk, cornbread mix, egg, and hot sauce.
Pour corn mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Spread onion mixture over top and top with rest of shredded cheese. Bake at 425 degrees for 40 minutes.
DO NOT let the fact that this is an "onion casserole" scare you or others away who do not like the strong taste of onions. You won't find that strong taste in this dish. The sweetness of the onions comes out. This is one of the yummiest dishes I have ever come across!!! Please try it and let me know what you think.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Menu Plan Monday
Ok, so here's the deal....last week was so hectic with the holiday and a football tournament the weekend before and the weekend after...I didn''t get a plan done for this week. Shame on me!
The good news is that I know I already have porkchops and chicken breasts in the freezer. I also have a meal's worth of my cajun beef already prepared and in the freezer. I've also got plenty of broccoli and green beans. I think we'll manage fairly well.
I also forgot to take a picture of the Vidalia Onion Casserole I made for Thanksgiving, so "What's Cookin' Wednesday" is gonna be picture-less. I know, I know...you're heartbroken. It'll be ok. I promise! I'm just telling you early so you can be prepared for the heartbreak. :)
Have a great Monday!
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