February Menu

Here is what I have on my menu for the month of February. It is going to be a full month but I am looking forward to it. I will be cooking an extra meal each week for my Aunt and Uncle (she has cancer). I have a few things left over from last month that I did not make (new recipes), that I hope to get to this month. My Mom's birthday is Valentine's Day. John and I will improvise for Valentine's Day at home this year. We usually go out for dinner and a movie but he is working 12-16 hour days 6 days a week (Praise the Lord for a job!) so that is out.

1 Chicken fettuccine Alfredo, steamed cabbage, peph peas, corn on cob, cornbread and corn on cob
2 Salisbury chuckwagon steak, leftover veggies
3 Tex Mex breakfast burritos, fresh fruit
4 Sloppy joes, oven fries, freezer slaw, apple cobbler
5 Stroganoff sandwiches, peas (paula deen's chicken pot pie and apple cake-Aunt and Uncle)
6 Corn tortilla lasagna, salad
7 Beef stew, cornbread, chocolate cupcakes
8 Country fried venison cube steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits, fried apples
9 Penne with meat sauce, salad, garlic bread
10 Sausage breakfast casserole, grape salad
11 Cranberry pork roast, green beans, sweet potato casserole, honey muffins
12 Spiral pepperoni pizza bake, salad, rice krispy treats (chicken Alfredo, leftover veggies-Aunt & Uncle)
13 Nacho chicken, black beans and rice
14 Mom's B'day-pizza, wings and strawberry cheesecake
15 Meatloaf, green beans, mashed potatoes, whole kernal corn
16 Grilled cheese, hm pickles, vegetable soup
17 Pulled pork w/ hm bbq sauce from crockpot, baked beans, potato salad, corn on cob
18 Weiners & kraut, fried potatoes, hm mac & cheese, pintos
19 Roast and gravy, biscuits, fried apples (same to Aunt & Uncle)
20 Chicken burritos, salad, apple dump cake
21 Santa Fe soup, scoops chips, shredded cheese and sour cream
22 Fried ham, scrambled eggs with cheese, strawberry syrup from freezer, biscuits
23 Philly cheesesteak casserole, fried okra, peph peas
24 Beef enchiladas, refried beans with cheese, spanish rice, salad
25 Country fried venison cube steak, green beans, cream corn, peach cobbler
26 Ham and cheese omelets, cinnamon raisin toast, fried apples (Ole farm b'fast casserole-Aunt &Uncle)
27 OUT
28 Chili, Jim n Nick's cheese biscuits, strawberry pretzel salad

What's on your menu this month? Blessings!!!

Reading List 2010

I used to love to read. Well, actually I still love to read but since the boys were born there has not been much time. However, this year I am taking a little time for me. What about that? That's a first for me, huh? Anyhow, I have 20 book below to read this year. There is no particular order and I am not giving myself a timetable, just this year. So without further ado:




Amy over at momadvice is reading this and she has always been a great inspiration to me. She is doing a wonderful job reviewing this book and she is behind my purchasing it. Thanks Amy!

This is my Bible I have at home. I have had it a couple of years and really like it. I have read the Bible a couple of times over in a year and want to do it again this year.

We so love us some Dave Ramsey. This is a simply insightful book and it has a wealth of knowledge in it. We are needing help with retirement, college and investments. This should help us out with those issues.

I have great kiddos but they are typical children and I am a first time Mom. This was recommended by a child development specialist friend. I love to learn about my kiddos and what I can do be a better Mommy.

I have read one of Jonni's others books and enjoyed it tremendously. However, I loaned it to a friend and have not seen it since. This one has the same terrific recipes in it and some new topics as well.

I saw this one someone's elses reading list and it looked like a great read. So, there you have it.

I am all about organization and this one is "magic"! We shall see.

I just want to be the best parent that I can. I am always looking for a great parenting handbook.

I love Ellie Kay and she has great tips on finance.

I know, another one............hehe!

Sometimes we forget what is most important and for me that is my husband. Having something to remind me of how to do that in our marriage is a plus!

Still organizing! I like her books and the layout she uses.










What can I do as a parent to promote good habits in my boys? Well, I am about to read all about it.

Living Simply: Choosing Less in a World of More was on Crystal's list over at moneysavingmom. It looks like a great read!

This also was on Crystal's list as well. It looks like a wonderful read for anoy mother.

I love to save money and I am always look for ways to learn more about it.

A friend of mine just finished this and recommended it. I hope it does not disappoint.

Always looking for new ways to help my child mind and that is one hard task sometimes.

The marriage class we went through at our church was based a lot on this book and I thought a little review would be helpful to freshen up the facts.

I have been reading Mary's blog, owlhaven for a couple of years and her book has great reviews, so I though why not?!

So, are you a reader? Do you have a list for this year? What do you recommend? Have you read any of the books above?

Blessings!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Back From the Dentist

Okay, so it was not as bad as we first thought. Bad enough though. Thank you for the prayers.

Today was cleaning, exam and x-rays.

Here's the plan for now: (since insurance will only cover so much)

3 crowns with buildup

I go back in a couple of weeks to get started. There is more to be done, but this is the most serios for now. We will shell out a little over a $1000 for this (above) AFTER insurance. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. NOT!

I already have 7 crowns and much much more.......

I hope the boys inherit John's dental genes. Both of my parents had full dentures by the age of 24. They both had bad teeth. No matter how much I brush, floss and whatever they are bad each dental visit.

Do you have good teeth? Do you go to the dentist on a regular basis?

Blessings!!!

Not Excited

I am so not excited this morning. I am going to the dentist and i am so dreading it. It always takes forever and this is D day. Just say a little oprayer please, i will explain when I get home. I will leave you with one thought. Dentures................yuck!

Blessings!!!

Playing Hookie

John sings in the choir and always goes to both (8:45am and 10:45am) services. The boys and I follow up by going to Sunday school at 10am (John and I drive separate).

However, this morning the boys and I are playing hookie. I feel like I have slept with my eyes open and it was after 1am before sleep ever found me.

The storms are moving in and the rain is pouring by the buckets, so we are going to cuddle, play games and "have church" at home this morning. I so do not want to get out in this messy weather and get the boys sick.......they stay sick enough as is.

How's the weather this Sunday in your neck of the woods? When do you play hooky? Hope you have a great day! Blessings!!!

The Weekend and More

These last few days have been so busy and full of sadness and horror. We have been so busy and mostly going here and there.

*We had two deaths (church related) one of which was a 17 month old little boy, that was injured in a car accident Christmas Eve night.
*A family friend passed away
*Two aunts (one from each side learned their cancer was back.
*A terrible robbery of tools and a truck from friends, less than a mile away.
*An attempted robbery of another friends home less than two miles away.
*One of the aunts mentioned above was rushed to hospital this am. She was conscious but not responsive. We are waiting to hear more.

I have been schooling the boys and comparing budgets as what we are doing right now is just not working. What budget system do you use for your family?

I have several appointments next week which include the much dreaded dentist appointment. We had our taxes done this past week.

We have got to have some driveway/ parking work done as we have a regular pig slop hole here. I need to call and get the gravel hauled in.

I have started planning the boys birthday party (for March).

We have a 4pm wedding to attend Saturday.

I have been working very hard for the small group........which might I say the meeting last Sunday night was quite a success! We had a loit of new ladies and some which do not even go to church there. Yippee!

I have a lease agreement to write today and also get a matter resolved about a purse that I purchased from Ebay. I so am not happy. I bought and paid for it around the 6th and still have not gotten it. I cannot get the tracking # to work and the seller apparently doesn't not like to return emails. Grrrrr!

John was home yesterday since there was no work to do and he ended up waking up sick with a cold or something. He is back at work today. I checked his pay stub for this week online and it was so low. It by itself will not even pay our power bill. Ouch! Oh and our power bill was higher than it has ever been in the eight years we have lived here.

So, I think that about brings you up to speed. Please leave a comment and if you do, tell me what budget (methods) work for you. That would help me so much! Blessings!!!

On the Agenda

You might say, off the agenda since the day is mostly over.
In no particular order this is what I have done for the day:

*Got up 6am, got ready, packed John's lunch,prayed
*Breakfast, called children's hospital (several times), payed the bill
*Called computer doc, called bro in-in-law
*Finished class folders for Sunday night's meeting
*Dropped the boys off with mom for 2 hours, paid their bills, made some calls for them (parents)
* Did three loads laundry, loaded and am running dw, did lunch w/ the boys
*Went to post office and the bank
*Donated to Red Cross for Haiti relief fund
*Emailed Julie
*Ordered the boys more jeans
*Purged and went through things, pulled all yard sale stuff out
*Moved Mason's things from John's closet to his (after I cleaned out his closet)
*Afternoon snacks of Cheerios and fruit

We skipped school today.........

Yet to come:
*(supper) when I finish typing.
*Devotion and catch in Bible reading
*Promised bubble baths to boys
*Finish laundry
*unload dw
*Boys to bed after story
*order cupcake liners for boys b'day party
*down time with hubby
*maybe a long hot bath to relax!

What have you been up to today? Blessings!!!

I'm Gonna Miss This, Too........

As I read this I held such a guilty heart. Lord forgive for not being who I need to be. I will make those extra moments count. How true, that we need to relish those fleeting moments.........for they will be gone in a flash of an eye. What a gift we are given when the Lord chooses to bless us with children. The last few days have been tense to say the least and perhaps I am at fault. It does not really matter, what matters is that I remember tonight all of those years we prayed for a baby. The many nights we spent at home alone while our babies fought to live in the NICU. I will strive to be the mommy my children need, deserve and respect. I stress way too much. Today was better, tomorrow will be even better. Raising children is not for the faint of heart (especially multiples) but I have my Lord. He tells me, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. So, thank you Jennifer (MckMama) for the reminder.

Blessings!!!

Plans Scwans

You know how you have a day all planned out and then poof the day is over half gone and the plans went into thin air....yeah...that is so me today.

I know, some days you have to roll with the punches but it still stinks......thankfully no one is sick! :)

My planned day:

up, get ready, read, pray, devotion
breakfast, laundry, unload reload dw
strip beds, clean toilets, wipe counters in kitchen and both baths
make mixes (order), get ready to ship and ship today
boy's school, snack
sweep and mop both baths and kitchen, more laundry
lunch, boys down for nap, workout,
work on tax stuff, print labels, make business cards for small group
laundry, unload dw, boys up, snack, school
Mother's helper here, go to town, check mail, go to CVS and the Pig and maybe Wal-Mart
home, supper and the usual.......

The real day:
up, breakfast, 2 loads of laundry (not yet put away), unload and reload dw
make mixes, have no shipping boxes.......need to go to po just to get those
Mason starts acting out and it gets to the point where I have to watch his every stinkin' move. Nothing is working (time out, a spanking, quiet time in his room). HE is ill as a hornet, thank you Mr. Prevacid! We are thankful for it and the fact I am not cleaning projectile vomit up, but boy it makes him grumpy and then he gets mean!, We managed some school work and a snack
The boys are at each other, so we settle in on the couch to watch a dvd. I know bad Mommy! OH well, whatever works.
I fix lunch, we eat, put them down for a nap, return emails, phone calls and then realize John is still up! He doesn't want to a nap......tough, he is laying down......FINALLY!
If he goes to sleep I am opting out of working out for a hot shower (after I finish here) and probably more laundry.
I think I am only going to the po (if they are open when my Mother's helper arrives- they close at 4pm) and then to the Piggly Wiggly.
I could actually use a nap!
Then I hope to get some more of the other things done on my list.

How's your day going? What have you planned for the day? Has it worked out?

Blessings!!!

January 2010 Menu

Here is the menu for the month. We are trying to eat from the pantry this month.
1.Christmas w/ hubby’s family (I made chicken and dressing)
2.Sloppy joes, oven fries, slaw
3.Beef stew, cornbread
4.Leftovers
5.Creamy chicken casserole, green beans, whole kernel corn
6.Applebee’s (gift cards from Christmas)
7.Sausage breakfast casserole, fried apples, Oreo truffles
8.Hobo dinner, rolls
9.Chicken enchilada soup,
10.Leftovers
11.Spaghetti, garlic cheese bread, tossed salad
12.Taco salad, rice krispy treats
13.Tuna salad sandwiches, chips, homemade pickles
14.Cranberry pork roast, sweet potato casserole, green beans, honey muffins
15.Roast and gravy, biscuits, fried apples
16. Chili, Jim n Nick’s cheese biscuits
17.Leftovers
18.Chuck wagon Salisbury steaks, mashed taters, peas
19.Corn tortilla chicken lasagna, salad
20.Penne w/ meat sauce, salad, garlic bread
21.Nacho chicken black beans and rice
22.Strangoff sandwiches, peas
23.Santa Fe soup, scoops, shredded cheese and sour cream
24.Leftovers
25.Tex Mex breakfast burritos, fresh fruit salad
26.Spiral pepperoni pizza bake, salad
27.Skillet bbq pork chops, baked beans, potato salad
28.Spicy nacho bake
29.Roast, carrots, potatoes, cornbread
30.Weeknight enchiladas, refried beans, salad
31.Grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup
What are you planning for your meals this month?

Have a great day! Blessings!!!

Homeschooling the Boys

I knew when the boys came out of pre-school for the winter that I would need to pick up the slack and teach them here at home.

Well, we started this week and I was pleasantly surprised at what they already knew. We start each morning around 9 with devotion and prayer.

We do worksheets about lines, shapes, tracing, letters, numbers, opposites, go togethers, same and different, counting, rhyming pictures, letter sounds, beginning sounds, first, next, last, patterns or so on so forth. We draw, glue, practice with scissors, play with playdoh, fingerpaint, read and do other kitchen activites. We do two 30 minute sessions in the morning and then another 30 minute session in the afternoon.

They seem to be loving it and so far I am too. I am so blessed to be able to do this at least 5 months out of the year.

Do you homeschool? The boys will go to public school when they are that age, but right now I am doing all I can do here at home. Some of you will ask why public school. WE have tons of friends that are teachers there and are office personnel. The school consists of elementary, high school and multi needs school and the total size is about 800 or less. My sil works there, my brother is a bus driver and is the president of the booster club. We are so blessed to live less than a mile from there as well.

Blessings!!!!

I Want To Accomplish in 2010

Here is my list of what I want to get done in 2010......

1. Read my Bible through this year.
2. Work up through the 3rd level of The 30 Day Shred dvd and stay with it! (Hence, lose 30 pounds) and too many inches to discuss without losing readers! LOL!
3. Be a better person.....to myself, my children, my husband, my friends, the Lord, my brother and everyone I come in contact with.
4. To make sure I focus on the Lord in everything I do.....spend more time with him, praising him and in his word!
5. Do devotion every morning and start the morning with thanksgiving and prayer!
6. Clean out the boys closets and rearrange them. Mason closet has mainly toys, junk and yard sale things in it. John's has clothes (for them both), toys and unused pull ups that I need to take back to Wal-Mart. They each are big enough for their own things to be in their own closets.
7. Get the back deck built.
8. Pre-treat the front porch and stain it. Also to pretreat the boys play yard.
9. Finish trimming all of the driveway that was left undone last year. That is about 300 feet or so.
10. Work on the cookbook and get it ready for publishing. (Those of that don't know, I started compiling a cookbook when I found out I was expecting the boys and never finished it. Cooking From the Farm.
11. Have all of my dental work done........I was prepared to have it finished when we returned from vacation in October but then I had surgery. I still have 2 fillings and 6 crowns to get done. I have always had awful teeth, even though I brush and floss several times a day.
12. Devote more time to me. You know, a long hot bath, a cup of java, paint my toenails..........those kind of things, just for me.

I guess that is all. So. do you a list for this year? What is on yours?

Blessings!!!

New Blog Design

Why, plaid you may ask..........especially BRIGHT plaid? Well, that it is exactly the same plaid as my favorite lounge pants and I feel at home and cozy when I wear them. I want you to feel at home and cozy when you visit my blog, so that is why.

I just hope it is not too busy.....what do you think?

Blessings!!!

Happy New Year!!!

I am so sorry that I have been mia for almost a week now. I had my new laptop at the shop waiting her turn in line. I am so loving my Dell.....after learning a little more about her in the last few hours. Here are some things that have and are going on around here.

*We are expecting a little snow tomorrow. Sure to shut EVERYTHING down around here.
*The boys are enjoying mommy being their new teacher..I am homeschooling for now.........they will go back to regular school in June.
*Mason has full blown reflux again and is back on Prevacid.
*They both are over the bronchitis and now I have another SINUS infection! Can you believe that? I had sinus surgery about 8 weeks ago!
*I am doing the 30 Day Shred dvd and am sore as if I had just had a c-section!
*Mason also has a rash. More on that later......as we think it was just viral.
*John had to go into work at midnight on New Year's Eve! What a dud.......... BUT still praising the Lord for the work!
*I hope to change my blog design soon.
* I am reading the Bible through in a year. I did this once when I was a teenager.
*I want to list "my want to do this year" list soon.
*I also have January's menu to post soon.
* I helped host a baby shower for a new nephew (great nephew) due next month.

Hope all is well! I hope to read and catch up soon and start commenting again!

Blessings!!