The kids LOVE to snack on granola bars. I also send them in the boys' lunch quite often, but those pre-packaged ones can be expensive. Being a mom that works full time outside the home, I can't always find the time to hand make all the foods in our home...NEVER FEAR.. Recipezaar is here! I found some good granola bar recipes on there. So far this is our favorite, although none of the ones I tried have been terrible!
No Bake Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Granola Bars
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 c Rice Krispies Cereal
1 1/2 c quick-cooking oats
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1/2 c corn syrup (light or dark will work) OR honey
1/2 c peanut butter (low fat works well in this recipe)
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 c mini chocolate chips
OPTIONAL ITEMS TO ADD IN: Raisins, coconut, chopped nuts or sunflower seeds - can add up to 1/2 c (I usually put in some raisins and/or sunflower seeds)
Prepare an greased 11 x 7-inch or 13 x 9-inch baking dish (you will have a thinner bar in the larger pan).
In a large bowl combine Rice Krispies cereal, oats and raisins.
In a saucepan stir the corn syrup or honey and brown sugar until just at a boil.
Immediately remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until well combined. Pour over the dry ingredients in the bowl; mix to combine.
Mix in mini chocolate chips (if using) work fast the mixture hardens quickly. Transfer the mixture into prepared baking dish, then using slightly wet hands push evenly down into the pan. While the mixture is still soft, for easier slicing take a sharp knife and slice into desired size bars. Chill until firm.
I store these individually cut into sandwich baggies and I keep them in the fridge, but don't know that you would need to. *Just a little warning: I have some of these in the fridge along with the doggie biscuits, and they look an awful lot alike...although the doggie biscuits wouldn't kill ya, the taste would not be as sweet as a granola bar!!*
These are super good! I hope you enjoy them!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Field Day Extravaganza
Today was field day for the boys. When I was a kid there was competition and someone would win 1st place, someone else 2nd place, someone else 3rd place and then there was the rest of us (yes, I was the "us". I never won! Coordination is not and never has been my thing!)
Now a days though, everyone is a winner. Which I suppose is better in some ways, but what is the point of having Field Day then?
The kids appeared to have a blast though! There were 20 "stations" and each kid had a score card kind of thing and at each station they were given the score. For instance, my station was the beach ball toss. They had a partner and they tossed the balls to each other. They got a score for the number of times they caught the ball without dropping it. After completing the 20 stations they could go back to their favorite ones and do those again.
It cracks me up when kids come running over to me "Hey I know you!" and they really do know who I am, but I have absolutely no clue who they are! The littler kids, Kindergarten and 1st grade, were the funnest ones to watch and almost all the girls, no matter what grade, would just giggle and giggle at each other!
For the kindergartners, they assign one adult to 5, 6 or 7 kids to take them to each station. Since those kids have never done it before it gives them a little confidence and it also helps from the kids wandering off where they shouldn't be. Well anyway, I experienced some serious kindergartner drama! This little group of 4 kindergartners (3 boys and 1 girl) came to the beach ball toss and when they were finished they started to head off, but the little girl burst into tears and was telling me how those boys were not following the rules and on and on she went about all the horrible things they were saying and doing (which I could only grasp about every other word out of her mouth!) It turns out that they didn't have enough parent volunteers to walk with these 4 kids and the teacher trusted they would do fine on their own and instructed them to stay together. Apparently those boys kept ditching this little girl and she was terribly upset. I sure didn't blame her! She was ready to march off and "tell my teacher", I got her calmed down and had a strong talk with the boys, hopefully it all worked out for her!
Overall, I had a super fun time and can't wait to volunteer to do it again next year!
Now a days though, everyone is a winner. Which I suppose is better in some ways, but what is the point of having Field Day then?
The kids appeared to have a blast though! There were 20 "stations" and each kid had a score card kind of thing and at each station they were given the score. For instance, my station was the beach ball toss. They had a partner and they tossed the balls to each other. They got a score for the number of times they caught the ball without dropping it. After completing the 20 stations they could go back to their favorite ones and do those again.
It cracks me up when kids come running over to me "Hey I know you!" and they really do know who I am, but I have absolutely no clue who they are! The littler kids, Kindergarten and 1st grade, were the funnest ones to watch and almost all the girls, no matter what grade, would just giggle and giggle at each other!
For the kindergartners, they assign one adult to 5, 6 or 7 kids to take them to each station. Since those kids have never done it before it gives them a little confidence and it also helps from the kids wandering off where they shouldn't be. Well anyway, I experienced some serious kindergartner drama! This little group of 4 kindergartners (3 boys and 1 girl) came to the beach ball toss and when they were finished they started to head off, but the little girl burst into tears and was telling me how those boys were not following the rules and on and on she went about all the horrible things they were saying and doing (which I could only grasp about every other word out of her mouth!) It turns out that they didn't have enough parent volunteers to walk with these 4 kids and the teacher trusted they would do fine on their own and instructed them to stay together. Apparently those boys kept ditching this little girl and she was terribly upset. I sure didn't blame her! She was ready to march off and "tell my teacher", I got her calmed down and had a strong talk with the boys, hopefully it all worked out for her!
Overall, I had a super fun time and can't wait to volunteer to do it again next year!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
There is nothing like family bonds...
First off, I have had the hardest time getting my camera to download photos which is why I didn't post anything yesterday and why it is taking so long today! Sheesh. I am not sure why my camera is not cooperating, just makes me wanna scream!!!!
So anyway, let me first say that our dinner Friday night was so fun! We had good food and good conversation! My mom's best friends are really my surrogate mom/dad since my mom and dad do not live close. Anne and Bill are always there for me. When we delivered our still born, I called Anne to come hold my hand. They are the nicest people you could ever meet! I love them, we just don't get together as often as we should. I don't want to call her ONLY when I need some hand holding. We made a deal to get together more often and are talking about doing a picnic at their house soon.
Saturday was spent running errands, cleaning and yard work. Sunday was the "big day" when my sister and her family was coming over! My kids were beside themselves with excitement. They stared at the clock and stared out the window waiting. They hardly ate lunch because they didn't want to be eating when their cousins showed up! Once the cousins got to our house the chaos began! There was laughing, running, screaming and a little bit of fighting among the older ones to the younger ones. Altogether we had a 9 yo boy, 8 yo boy, 7 yo boy, 5 yo boy, 4 yo girl and a 2 1/2 yo girl. That's a lot of kids!
We visited and let the kids play for a couple hours, then my sister and I ran out to get some dinner for all of us. We brought back the food and the kids gobbled it all up and back off to play while the adults sat and visited some more. My sister and I went through a box of old photos from when we were both just little and that was a lot of fun!! Then she had to head back to the place they were staying at.
The two boys (the 9 yo and the 5 yo) were able to spend the night with us, which of course upset the two little girls a great deal that they didn't get in on the "party" too. Anyway, we got the boys all settled down by 10:30 pm and I am pretty sure they were all asleep by 10:45 or 11:00 and BACK UP at 7:00 am!!
I made waffles and bacon for breakfast, the kids once again scarfed it all down so they could go play again. The older boys and Mr. Man went on a bike ride while the littler ones then I loaded all the kids up and Mr. Man went to work, I met my sister and her husband and their little girl at the Museum of Nature and Science. We spent a couple hours there and then went out to eat.
I had two very sad little boys after we had to part ways. They really wanted to spend more time with their cousins, Lefty told me "They are my best pals!"
It was fun to watch the kids bond. There is something special about being cousins, even if you live hundreds of miles apart and only see each other once, maybe twice a year. The older boys discovered they had lots in common and both collect a trading card series so they spent hours (and hours) going through them looking for the duplicates he could share - and apparently there were lots of them! The younger boys enjoyed playing video games together, playing outside and playing with Lefty's train sets. The girls were a whole different story...they are at the age where they don't really play together. They may have been playing the same thing, but really they didn't play anything TOGETHER, they also bickered a lot and bossed each other around!
The boys are already pleading with their dad to take a trip to visit their cousins in Seattle this summer -- and Mr. Man is already trying to figure out if they could do that. With my vacation time (or lack there of) it may end up being just the boys go visit --which would make me sad not being able to see my sister -- but I know they'd have a blast!
So anyway, let me first say that our dinner Friday night was so fun! We had good food and good conversation! My mom's best friends are really my surrogate mom/dad since my mom and dad do not live close. Anne and Bill are always there for me. When we delivered our still born, I called Anne to come hold my hand. They are the nicest people you could ever meet! I love them, we just don't get together as often as we should. I don't want to call her ONLY when I need some hand holding. We made a deal to get together more often and are talking about doing a picnic at their house soon.
Saturday was spent running errands, cleaning and yard work. Sunday was the "big day" when my sister and her family was coming over! My kids were beside themselves with excitement. They stared at the clock and stared out the window waiting. They hardly ate lunch because they didn't want to be eating when their cousins showed up! Once the cousins got to our house the chaos began! There was laughing, running, screaming and a little bit of fighting among the older ones to the younger ones. Altogether we had a 9 yo boy, 8 yo boy, 7 yo boy, 5 yo boy, 4 yo girl and a 2 1/2 yo girl. That's a lot of kids!
We visited and let the kids play for a couple hours, then my sister and I ran out to get some dinner for all of us. We brought back the food and the kids gobbled it all up and back off to play while the adults sat and visited some more. My sister and I went through a box of old photos from when we were both just little and that was a lot of fun!! Then she had to head back to the place they were staying at.
The two boys (the 9 yo and the 5 yo) were able to spend the night with us, which of course upset the two little girls a great deal that they didn't get in on the "party" too. Anyway, we got the boys all settled down by 10:30 pm and I am pretty sure they were all asleep by 10:45 or 11:00 and BACK UP at 7:00 am!!
I made waffles and bacon for breakfast, the kids once again scarfed it all down so they could go play again. The older boys and Mr. Man went on a bike ride while the littler ones then I loaded all the kids up and Mr. Man went to work, I met my sister and her husband and their little girl at the Museum of Nature and Science. We spent a couple hours there and then went out to eat.
I had two very sad little boys after we had to part ways. They really wanted to spend more time with their cousins, Lefty told me "They are my best pals!"
It was fun to watch the kids bond. There is something special about being cousins, even if you live hundreds of miles apart and only see each other once, maybe twice a year. The older boys discovered they had lots in common and both collect a trading card series so they spent hours (and hours) going through them looking for the duplicates he could share - and apparently there were lots of them! The younger boys enjoyed playing video games together, playing outside and playing with Lefty's train sets. The girls were a whole different story...they are at the age where they don't really play together. They may have been playing the same thing, but really they didn't play anything TOGETHER, they also bickered a lot and bossed each other around!
The boys are already pleading with their dad to take a trip to visit their cousins in Seattle this summer -- and Mr. Man is already trying to figure out if they could do that. With my vacation time (or lack there of) it may end up being just the boys go visit --which would make me sad not being able to see my sister -- but I know they'd have a blast!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Homemade Dog Treats
I am all about homemade foods for the health and cost factors, but being a mom who works full time outside the home there are just some things that are worth paying a little extra for to save me the time. My time with family can be so short as it is that if I try to make everything from scratch I would never get to spend time with my family nor would I sleep!
Having said that though, when I can, what I can and where I can -I will choose homemade over store bought! Often times I will make homemade sandwich bread, we make our own salsa (ok, Mr. Man makes the salsa, but I help!), we canned corn last year, we made applesauce last fall and canned it, but one thing I said I would NEVER do.... make dog food or dog treats! That is just plain EW! But, the other day I noticed our dog was almost out of doggie treats and I thought to myself, "Self. I bet you can make some dog treats." I Googled "Dog Treat Recipes" and got a slew of options. I found one that listed ingredients that I already had at home (wheat flour, oats, milk, etc.) and got busy. This recipe was so easy and took no time at all to prepare. The longest part of it is the baking time.
I found the recipe here -soooo, if anyone is in need of a doggie treat recipe, I recommend this one. As far as taste goes however, I can not vouch for that, but our little pooch gobbles 'em up so they can't be that bad. Although, come to think of it she also likes goose poop -- hmmmm.
Homemade Dog Treat Recipe - Boo's Biscuits
INGREDIENTS:
3 1/2 c whole wheat flour
2 c Quaker oats (I used store brand quick-cook oats)
1 c milk
1/2 c hot water
2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes
1/2 c meat drippings
Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water. Add milk and drippings and beat together. In a separate bowl, mix flour and oats. Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and mix well. Press onto an ungreased cookie sheet and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Turn off heat and leave in the oven to harden. Refrigerate after baking.
Having said that though, when I can, what I can and where I can -I will choose homemade over store bought! Often times I will make homemade sandwich bread, we make our own salsa (ok, Mr. Man makes the salsa, but I help!), we canned corn last year, we made applesauce last fall and canned it, but one thing I said I would NEVER do.... make dog food or dog treats! That is just plain EW! But, the other day I noticed our dog was almost out of doggie treats and I thought to myself, "Self. I bet you can make some dog treats." I Googled "Dog Treat Recipes" and got a slew of options. I found one that listed ingredients that I already had at home (wheat flour, oats, milk, etc.) and got busy. This recipe was so easy and took no time at all to prepare. The longest part of it is the baking time.
I found the recipe here -soooo, if anyone is in need of a doggie treat recipe, I recommend this one. As far as taste goes however, I can not vouch for that, but our little pooch gobbles 'em up so they can't be that bad. Although, come to think of it she also likes goose poop -- hmmmm.
Homemade Dog Treat Recipe - Boo's Biscuits
INGREDIENTS:
3 1/2 c whole wheat flour
2 c Quaker oats (I used store brand quick-cook oats)
1 c milk
1/2 c hot water
2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes
1/2 c meat drippings
Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water. Add milk and drippings and beat together. In a separate bowl, mix flour and oats. Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and mix well. Press onto an ungreased cookie sheet and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Turn off heat and leave in the oven to harden. Refrigerate after baking.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Recipe Friday - Easiest Beef and Broccoli
I found this recipe on Recipezaar.com. It is so tasty and so quick to prepare. When I served this up, my daughter says "that doesn't look good. I don't want to eat it." Well, we have a rule in our house that you have to taste everything. When she tasted it she said, with lots of surprise in her voice, "Wow. I guess I do like this beef." and she ended up eating seconds of it! Score!!
You can click here to go to the Recipezaar site or I have listed the directions below the way I made it.
Easy Beef and Broccoli
INGREDIENTS:
3 Tbls cornstarch, divided
1/2 c water plus 2 Tbls water, divided
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 lb boneless round steak or chuck steak, cut into bite size pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
1 small onion, finely diced
1/3 c soy sauce
2 Tbls brown sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
hot cooked rice
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water and garlic powder until smooth. Add beef and toss well. In a large skillet or wok over medium high heat, stir-fry beef in 1 tablespoon oil until beef reaches desired doneness; remove and keep warm. Stir-fry broccoli and onion in remaining oil for 4-5 minutes. Return beef to pan.
Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and remaining cornstarch and water until smooth; add to the pan. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Serve over hot rice.
You can click here to go to the Recipezaar site or I have listed the directions below the way I made it.
Easy Beef and Broccoli
INGREDIENTS:
3 Tbls cornstarch, divided
1/2 c water plus 2 Tbls water, divided
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 lb boneless round steak or chuck steak, cut into bite size pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
1 small onion, finely diced
1/3 c soy sauce
2 Tbls brown sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
hot cooked rice
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water and garlic powder until smooth. Add beef and toss well. In a large skillet or wok over medium high heat, stir-fry beef in 1 tablespoon oil until beef reaches desired doneness; remove and keep warm. Stir-fry broccoli and onion in remaining oil for 4-5 minutes. Return beef to pan.
Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and remaining cornstarch and water until smooth; add to the pan. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Serve over hot rice.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
And let the end-of-school-year stuff begin
I was talking with a friend of mine, trying to schedule a get-together, and we both realized school is coming to an end! The reason we both had the ah-ha moment is because we started going over our calendars together and the first night she was available, nope on our end due to an end of school year picnic. Ok, how about next week, well no because in that week her kids have choir concert, my kids have the talent show at school and she had another thing that week (an awards banquet, I think). Ok, first of June, nope because yet again something going on at the school.
She finally said "Ok. When does school let out for your kids and we will go from there!"
So then we started talking about AFTER the kids are all out of school - keep in mind we are trying to get together withOUT kids - and she suggested mid-June. Nope, one of my sisters will be here visiting for a week.
Then, she remembered she wanted to ask if she could take my kids with her kids to a VBS at their church. I asked when it would be... the same week the kids will be going with their Aunt to her VBS program.... UGH
Ok, so back to OUR get together - July? August maybe? We better act fast or soon we'll be back to school, then holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) and before we know it we will be looking ahead to 2010!!
We're still working on getting together this year. Even this summer perhaps!
It amazes me how much stuff we end up doing at the end of every school year! Rush, Rush, Rush, just so that after a week after school lets out the kids are bored!
She finally said "Ok. When does school let out for your kids and we will go from there!"
So then we started talking about AFTER the kids are all out of school - keep in mind we are trying to get together withOUT kids - and she suggested mid-June. Nope, one of my sisters will be here visiting for a week.
Then, she remembered she wanted to ask if she could take my kids with her kids to a VBS at their church. I asked when it would be... the same week the kids will be going with their Aunt to her VBS program.... UGH
Ok, so back to OUR get together - July? August maybe? We better act fast or soon we'll be back to school, then holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) and before we know it we will be looking ahead to 2010!!
We're still working on getting together this year. Even this summer perhaps!
It amazes me how much stuff we end up doing at the end of every school year! Rush, Rush, Rush, just so that after a week after school lets out the kids are bored!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
It's Only Tuesday. . .
It is only Tuesday. There is so much fun happening this weekend I can hardly stand to wait...but I have to.
This coming Friday we are meeting some dear family friends (this couple is actually my mom's best friends) for dinner. I haven't seen them in a while and can't wait to catch up! We are planning to go to the White Fence Farm - I LOVE this place and so do the kids!
Then, my favorite sister is coming on Sunday (shhh, don't tell my other favorit
es sisters that I said SHE is my favorite!), she is coming with her family for a wedding on her husband's side of the family, so I only get to spend a little bit with them, but I am SO very excited for the time we do get to be with them! The kids are excited to see their cousins too. We have lots (and lots and lots) of cleaning to do before they get here. This will be my sister's first time seeing our new house so I want it to look as good as possible. I have threatened warned everyone that we will be doing some serious house cleaning on Saturday!
es sisters that I said SHE is my favorite!), she is coming with her family for a wedding on her husband's side of the family, so I only get to spend a little bit with them, but I am SO very excited for the time we do get to be with them! The kids are excited to see their cousins too. We have lots (and lots and lots) of cleaning to do before they get here. This will be my sister's first time seeing our new house so I want it to look as good as possible. I have On Monday, of course no work for me (Mr. Man is a mortician so he will probably work that day assisting families in the cemetery finding loved ones plots, etc.) and no school for the kiddos so I am rooting for good weather and hope to do some yard work (and secretly hoping that my sister will have a little bit of more time for us .. but if that doesn't work out I will survive)
Speaking of yard work, Spirit and his little friends have decided to start a "Bug Club" which means they spend hours and hours digging in the dirt looking for bugs to collect in jars. They even went to all our neighbors offering to collect bugs for people. Well, the boys started in someone else's yard until the dad of that little boy finally said "Enough!" and made them fill all the holes. They moved to another home, until that father had enough. They came to me to ask my permission to dig in our yard to which I promptly said "No! Are you nuts?" So they swiftly asked Mr. Man when he got home who promptly said "Sure. Go ahead. Let me get you some big ol' shovels to dig up the front where mom was going to plant flowers!" Ok, ok, he didn't say all that, but he definitely didn't stop them from using the big ol' shovels in my flower bed. And so what if there is nothing but dirt in there right now, I was planning to get some flowers in there! Sheesh. I already told the boys that the holes will be filled before this weekend and the driveway and sidewalk will be washed clean with the hose. Mr. Man says "Honey, they are just being boys!" Maybe so, but even the other neighborhood moms/dads are sick of "boys being boys" and we are the only fools left on the street allowing the digging!
Any big BBQ plans for anyone this weekend? I have been trying some new recipes and can't wait to post them in the coming weeks for you all!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Outdoor kinda day
This weekend was beautiful here, sunny and warm! GORGEOUS!
Saturday I had some "girl time" with two of my friends, we went to lunch (mm, mmm sushi!) and then we went shopping, then back to my house to craft a little bit! It was so fun! Then Saturday night Mr. Man and I had date-night which was awesome too. We just went to dinner and then toured some car lots looking for a great deal on a car for me, nothing I liked was a great deal! so we headed back home, but still it was nice to be just us for a little bit!
But, today is even nicer than the weekend and I am stuck indoors in this office building. Boo hoo! And to boot, I have to work late tonight! waaahhh!!!
Saturday I had some "girl time" with two of my friends, we went to lunch (mm, mmm sushi!) and then we went shopping, then back to my house to craft a little bit! It was so fun! Then Saturday night Mr. Man and I had date-night which was awesome too. We just went to dinner and then toured some car lots looking for a great deal on a car for me, nothing I liked was a great deal! so we headed back home, but still it was nice to be just us for a little bit!
But, today is even nicer than the weekend and I am stuck indoors in this office building. Boo hoo! And to boot, I have to work late tonight! waaahhh!!!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This is a very simple recipe to throw into the Crock-pot and leave all day. My husband loves chicken tortilla soup and often craves it. One time, many years ago, my husband had, what he named, the "best chicken tortilla soup E.V.E.R." at a restaurant that has since closed. Ever since then we have searched high and low for a good duplicate of it. This is as close to that restaurant soup that I have come so far and according to my husband this is "It!"
Chicken Tortilla Soup
2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded **Note: you can use left over chicken too, so this amount may be more or less depending on how much left overs you are using!**
1 (15 oz) can diced, peeled tomatoes
1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce --- I usually do the red sauce and mild
1/2 of a medium sized onion, chopped
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chile peppers
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 c water
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 of a bay leaf
1 (10 oz) package frozen corn
OPTIONAL: 1 1/2 tsp chopped cilantro
2 fresh jalapenos, diced
8-10 corn tortillas
vegetable oil
Place tomatoes in the bottom of crock-pot and mash a little bit with a fork. Add in chicken, enchilada sauce, onion, green chilies, garlic, water, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and the half of the bay leaf. Stir in corn and cilantro. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Before serving prepare the tortilla strips for the soup:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly brush each side of tortillas with a little bit of oil. Sprinkle one side with a little bit of salt. Cut into strips and place on a baking sheet. Bake until crisp, about 10-15 minutes.
Scoop soup into bowls and top with some tortilla strips and a little bit of the fresh jalapeno.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded **Note: you can use left over chicken too, so this amount may be more or less depending on how much left overs you are using!**
1 (15 oz) can diced, peeled tomatoes
1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce --- I usually do the red sauce and mild
1/2 of a medium sized onion, chopped
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chile peppers
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 c water
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 of a bay leaf
1 (10 oz) package frozen corn
OPTIONAL: 1 1/2 tsp chopped cilantro
2 fresh jalapenos, diced
8-10 corn tortillas
vegetable oil
Place tomatoes in the bottom of crock-pot and mash a little bit with a fork. Add in chicken, enchilada sauce, onion, green chilies, garlic, water, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and the half of the bay leaf. Stir in corn and cilantro. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Before serving prepare the tortilla strips for the soup:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly brush each side of tortillas with a little bit of oil. Sprinkle one side with a little bit of salt. Cut into strips and place on a baking sheet. Bake until crisp, about 10-15 minutes.
Scoop soup into bowls and top with some tortilla strips and a little bit of the fresh jalapeno.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Family Night
We try to have one night per week where we have just family night. No guests over. No TV. No video games. Just each other. With our kids still young enough that they don't have an abundance of extra curricular activities it is usually fairly easy to do this.
This last week we had the BEST family night. Lefty, Lady Bug and I made dinner together. We made a family favorite spaghetti and homemade garlic toast and then for dessert we had rootbeer floats. After we cleaned up from dinner we played games. Everyone got to pick one game to play. After that we curled up on the couch and watched a movie together. It was an over all great evening. No one really got feelings hurt when they lost a game, no one fought and everyone was getting along. It was so pleasant. I love nights like that.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Craft - Mother's Day
Ok, ok, so I know Mother's Day has come and gone, but I couldn't post these pictures until after my mother got her present! So you can flag this idea for next year if you want, or for any other holiday that might come along! This was fun and easy to do!
It all started with this chip board idea that I saw on Crafting Chicks. Then I saw this accordion book idea here. Combined the two ideas and came up with this:
It all started with this chip board idea that I saw on Crafting Chicks. Then I saw this accordion book idea here. Combined the two ideas and came up with this:
There is one here that I made for my mom and the other for my mother-in-law. Each one was slightly different inside, but essentially I glued photos of each of us on a section of the accordion and each one of us did a short paragraph about what we love about these two women. I let the kids hand write theirs, but for Mr. Man's and mine I typed them up on the computer then cut them to size and glued them in. On the empty pages I found quotes about moms and glued them onto the pages to fill up the book.
The above picture shows the book all unfolded. These were not hard to put together and it was a great family thing to do together! These also were not expensive to make either.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Going Away Present
My sister-in-law and her family moved away. They left yesterday afternoon. They are moving from Colorado to Virginia for her husband's job. I wanted to give them a little going away gift, but you see they have moved once before. About 3 years ago they moved from Colorado to Virginia. Then about 1 year ago they moved back to Colorado and now they are leaving again. When they left the first time, I put together a little handmade recipe book of all our family-favorite recipes. She loved it!
I can't very well do that this time around so I needed to come up with something different! I decided since they would be driving that maybe a little "road trip care package" might be a good idea.
I found a rectangle Rubbermaid box (one that I had around the house that we weren't using) and filled it with snacks, chap stick, hand sanitizer, lotion, travel-size tissues, travel-size Extra Strength Tylenol, some fruit and water bottles. I figured this could be stacked in the car somewhere neatly, no pretty tissue paper and bag to deal with, nor was it one more thing she would have to pack up!
She carried on about how awesome this was. She said all she would need to really do is buy some ice for her cooler and fill it with the water bottles and some pop and they would be all set.
So, if you need a going away gift idea you could do the recipe book (like I did for my SIL the first time she moved) or do this Road Trip Care Package - she loved them both!
I can't very well do that this time around so I needed to come up with something different! I decided since they would be driving that maybe a little "road trip care package" might be a good idea.
I found a rectangle Rubbermaid box (one that I had around the house that we weren't using) and filled it with snacks, chap stick, hand sanitizer, lotion, travel-size tissues, travel-size Extra Strength Tylenol, some fruit and water bottles. I figured this could be stacked in the car somewhere neatly, no pretty tissue paper and bag to deal with, nor was it one more thing she would have to pack up!
She carried on about how awesome this was. She said all she would need to really do is buy some ice for her cooler and fill it with the water bottles and some pop and they would be all set.
So, if you need a going away gift idea you could do the recipe book (like I did for my SIL the first time she moved) or do this Road Trip Care Package - she loved them both!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mother's Day Review...
Do you think I have ONE picture of my Mother's Day? Nope. Sure don't. :-(
It was a very nice day though. Mr. Man got up with the kids and let me stay in bed. They cleaned the house for me! It looked SO nice when I got up. We ended up eating cereal for breakfast then got ready for church. The kids painted flower pots for me at church and they planted flowers in them too! When we got home from church Mr. Man prepared brunch for us (with a little help from the kids), Ham, eggs, cinnamon rolls, applesauce, and hash browns, juice and milk.
I opened my gifts, a new coffee maker (YAY!) from Mr. Man, coupons from Spirit for various household chores, handprint flower bouquet from Lady Bug and a sweet handwritten letter and handmade card from Lefty.
That evening we headed over to my SIL's to help her finishing packing. She is moving to Virginia, and leaves tomorrow. Then we went out to dinner for her son's 19th birthday. It was a late night, but a fun one!
It was a very nice day though. Mr. Man got up with the kids and let me stay in bed. They cleaned the house for me! It looked SO nice when I got up. We ended up eating cereal for breakfast then got ready for church. The kids painted flower pots for me at church and they planted flowers in them too! When we got home from church Mr. Man prepared brunch for us (with a little help from the kids), Ham, eggs, cinnamon rolls, applesauce, and hash browns, juice and milk.
I opened my gifts, a new coffee maker (YAY!) from Mr. Man, coupons from Spirit for various household chores, handprint flower bouquet from Lady Bug and a sweet handwritten letter and handmade card from Lefty.
That evening we headed over to my SIL's to help her finishing packing. She is moving to Virginia, and leaves tomorrow. Then we went out to dinner for her son's 19th birthday. It was a late night, but a fun one!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY -- notes from kids
When I saw this idea from Lions, Tigers and Boys, Oh my! I just had to copy her! I sat down with the kids Friday night, individually, and asked them a few questions about me. Just for your info: Spirit is 8, Lefty is 7 and Lady Bug is 4. I put my comments in orange.
What do you think your mom was like when she was your age?
Spirit: She probably just played girl stuff
Lefty: She liked dolls and cooking
Lady Bug: She was a princess
These are all correct answers!
What is something your mom does that makes her happy?
Spirit: Cooks
Lefty: Kisses us
Lady Bug: Kisses me and holds me
All correct again!
What is your moms favorite thing to do?
Spirit: Make me do my homework
Lefty: Go shopping
Lady Bug: Read books
I so do NOT like to fight with him to do his homework, but shopping and reading are good things! I just wish I could do these things alone more often!
What does your mom do to show you that she loves you?
Spirit: Gives me clean clothes, helps me with my homework, cooks my favorite foods
Lefty: Cooks really good
Lady Bug: Lays with me at night and scratches my back
Awww. How sweet.
What is your moms favorite color?
Spirit: Green
Lefty: Green and pink
Lady Bug: pink
They cheated. We just had this discussion!
How old is your mom?
Spirit: 35 or 36 or something
Lefty: 36 I think, I know dad is 49
Lady Bug: *shrugs her shoulders* I don't know
I thought for sure one of them would have said I was "really old" or something! and I am 35, almost 36 (and yes Mr. Man is 49...sshhh he hates to talk about that!)
What is one thing your mom is really good at?
Spirit: Laundry
Lefty: Cooking
Lady Bug: Making tea
#1 - laundry. I may be good at getting it done, but I sure hate this job! #2 - making tea? Where did she get that? and seriously, how hard is it to make tea??
What is one thing your mom is NOT really good at?
Spirit: MATH!
Lefty: Cleaning
Lady Bug: finding my doll clothes
Math- no I am NOT good at that!, cleaning - what??? Lady Bug is just mad I couldn't find Strawberry Shortcake's skirt! Man, she is a grudge holder!
What is your mom's favorite food to eat?
Spirit: Tacos
Lefty: Spaghetti
Lady Bug: Mac-n-cheese
I do like all of those things. I could eat Mexican and Italian food all the time!!!
What is your mom's job?
Spirit: Answer the phone
Lefty: Look on the computer and make pages
Lady Bug: I don't know, you go there
You are so right Lady Bug, I do go there. Every stinkin' day! For the record, I am a legal assistant. Thankyouverymuch.
What does your dad love about your mom? (this was sort of a trick...)
Spirit: She kisses him
Lefty: Her cooking
Lady Bug: When she laughs at him
No comment.
What do you think your mom was like when she was your age?
Spirit: She probably just played girl stuff
Lefty: She liked dolls and cooking
Lady Bug: She was a princess
These are all correct answers!
What is something your mom does that makes her happy?
Spirit: Cooks
Lefty: Kisses us
Lady Bug: Kisses me and holds me
All correct again!
What is your moms favorite thing to do?
Spirit: Make me do my homework
Lefty: Go shopping
Lady Bug: Read books
I so do NOT like to fight with him to do his homework, but shopping and reading are good things! I just wish I could do these things alone more often!
What does your mom do to show you that she loves you?
Spirit: Gives me clean clothes, helps me with my homework, cooks my favorite foods
Lefty: Cooks really good
Lady Bug: Lays with me at night and scratches my back
Awww. How sweet.
What is your moms favorite color?
Spirit: Green
Lefty: Green and pink
Lady Bug: pink
They cheated. We just had this discussion!
How old is your mom?
Spirit: 35 or 36 or something
Lefty: 36 I think, I know dad is 49
Lady Bug: *shrugs her shoulders* I don't know
I thought for sure one of them would have said I was "really old" or something! and I am 35, almost 36 (and yes Mr. Man is 49...sshhh he hates to talk about that!)
What is one thing your mom is really good at?
Spirit: Laundry
Lefty: Cooking
Lady Bug: Making tea
#1 - laundry. I may be good at getting it done, but I sure hate this job! #2 - making tea? Where did she get that? and seriously, how hard is it to make tea??
What is one thing your mom is NOT really good at?
Spirit: MATH!
Lefty: Cleaning
Lady Bug: finding my doll clothes
Math- no I am NOT good at that!, cleaning - what??? Lady Bug is just mad I couldn't find Strawberry Shortcake's skirt! Man, she is a grudge holder!
What is your mom's favorite food to eat?
Spirit: Tacos
Lefty: Spaghetti
Lady Bug: Mac-n-cheese
I do like all of those things. I could eat Mexican and Italian food all the time!!!
What is your mom's job?
Spirit: Answer the phone
Lefty: Look on the computer and make pages
Lady Bug: I don't know, you go there
You are so right Lady Bug, I do go there. Every stinkin' day! For the record, I am a legal assistant. Thankyouverymuch.
What does your dad love about your mom? (this was sort of a trick...)
Spirit: She kisses him
Lefty: Her cooking
Lady Bug: When she laughs at him
No comment.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Here it is....the before and after
Can I just first of all say these pictures are more incentive than ever for me to lose weight! Ew yuck!! BUT, keep in mind the camera adds like 20 or 30 pounds...right??? LOL
Here is what my hair looked like before - very blah, a little longer than shoulder length, dark brown with lots of root grays!
Here is what my hair looked like before - very blah, a little longer than shoulder length, dark brown with lots of root grays!
Here is what it looks like now --Spirit took the picture for me last night:
Tomato, Artichoke and Salami Salad
This is a good summer time salad for the those hot nights when you just don't wanna cook. This is also a good salad to take to potlucks. Prepare it the day before and let it sit overnight. Viola! Dinner is ready!
I have also used turkey, pepperoni or ham instead of the salami. All are very good in this salad.
Tomato, Artichoke and Salami Salad
INGREDIENTS:
4 c cooked elbow macaroni
1 c shredded mozzerella
1 c shredded parmesan
2 c cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz salami cut into bite size pieces
1 c roasted sweet red pepper strips (I use the Vlasic brand)
1 jar (7.5 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/3 c Italian salad dressing
dash of pepper
Combine all ingredients in a large salad bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. Toss before serving.
I have also used turkey, pepperoni or ham instead of the salami. All are very good in this salad.
Tomato, Artichoke and Salami Salad
INGREDIENTS:
4 c cooked elbow macaroni
1 c shredded mozzerella
1 c shredded parmesan
2 c cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz salami cut into bite size pieces
1 c roasted sweet red pepper strips (I use the Vlasic brand)
1 jar (7.5 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/3 c Italian salad dressing
dash of pepper
Combine all ingredients in a large salad bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. Toss before serving.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Hairdo
I Really wanted to post pictures of my new cut and color...... but I forgot to get Mr. Man to help me last night and I tried again this morning and really could not get a good picture of it. SO, I have already made myself a note to have someone take my picture tonight! I promise pictures tomorrow!
So, for those of you that aren't too mad at me and will continue to read this post ;-) ...
I gave the teacher's the Teacher Appreciation gifts we made and they really liked them! One of the teacher's told me this morning that she has really gotten a kick out of reading the sayings on each one of the tea bags! I can't wait to show you all what we are making for the teacher's last day of school! (more on that later... when I have some pictures to go with it!)
OH, I figured out what Bread without Bread is..... bread without the crust! Thanks to those of you who figured that one out for me!! DAH!
So, for those of you that aren't too mad at me and will continue to read this post ;-) ...
I gave the teacher's the Teacher Appreciation gifts we made and they really liked them! One of the teacher's told me this morning that she has really gotten a kick out of reading the sayings on each one of the tea bags! I can't wait to show you all what we are making for the teacher's last day of school! (more on that later... when I have some pictures to go with it!)
OH, I figured out what Bread without Bread is..... bread without the crust! Thanks to those of you who figured that one out for me!! DAH!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Little bit of this and that *UPDATED*
Just a little bit of this and that today:
- Lady Bug is going to the doctor today. Her fever is still hanging around. The cough is gone and she has no other symptoms, but she has had the fever for 3 days so I called the doc and they want to see her. *UPDATE: Lady Bug has a mild case of croup. Phew. Not swine flu! We got some medicine and hopefully she will get better soon!*
- I tried to take a picture of my new hair style and color with my camera, but I am not good at turning the camera around and clicking... I ended up with several pictures of my nose or just the top of my head! So then I used my cell phone which is NOT a quality photo-taking-phone! So, if you guys can wait until tomorrow I will have Mr. Man take a picture of my hair using the camera tonight.
- Spirit (8 years old) has turned into a hypochondriac. He is always sick or hurt. I don't know what to do. Mr. Man thinks maybe something is bothering him at school so he is avoiding going. BUT, he hasn't been allowed to stay home yet, so I guess he better get a more sympathetic mom if he wants to stay home.
- I am so excited because one of my sisters is coming in a few weeks to visit and then a few weeks after that another one of my sisters will be here and will stay with me for a whole week! I can not wait to see them!
- Next week I will be posting a craft project the kids and I did for my mom and my mother-in-law for Mother's day!
- My ankle is still swollen on one side. The doctor says it could be another week or two before the swelling is completely gone. The bruising is almost completely gone now, but I still can't wear many of my super cute spring shoes because of the swelling - some of them hit my ankle just right and I can't get them on. Boo hoo!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Recap
I know I went missing for a few days, but I'm back! We had a busy weekend - here is a brief recap:
FRIDAY: after I got off work I went to the hair salon - scary times, it was a "new girl". Not new to the hair industry, but new to me. I hate trying new people. It usually ends in me crying and hating my hair. This time it didn't turn out that way. The girl came recommended to me by my friend and she was super nice and I felt very confident in her work. However, the color job (yes, full color to cover the enormous amounts of gray hairs on my head!) turned out lighter than I had hoped for. Mr. Man loves it though and so far my friends tell me they like it. The cut that I got is cute too, if I could just figure out how to style it then I will be set!
SATURDAY: we were out of the house by 10:30 to pick up a birthday present for a party the boys were invited to that afternoon (nothing like procrastination!) and then to the party store to get balloons for Lefty's party. Although his birthday was last Monday, we had a "family" party downtown at the Old Spaghetti Factory. It was a lot of fun! Got home at about 2:00, quickly wrap present for next birthday party and off we go. I thought the boys were just invited, but after I got there the father insisted that I stay and that I get my husband and daughter to come too. They are the nicest family and I couldn't say no. So after Mr. Man and Lady Bug got there we had some food and waited for the clowns to show up. Funny thing is that we were the only gringos in the bunch, everyone else spoke Spanish, including the clowns! It was such a fun party though and the kids had a great time! There was good food, and even though we had no idea what the clowns were saying we laughed and had a great time! Got home at 7:30 pm. Put a movie in and settled in for the night!
SUNDAY: Spirit and Mr. Man walked in a charity walk then met the rest of us at church. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful (I like it like that!)
MONDAY: 5:00 am here comes Lady Bug into our room crying. She doesn't feel good. She has a fever of 101 and is coughing. I stayed home with her. By 9:30 am the fever went away and her cough wasn't terrible. Since she did a lot of laying around, I did a thorough cleaning of Spirit's room and of Lady Bug's room. That felt pretty good. Lady Bug went to sleep at 7:30 last night and slept until almost 8:00 this morning when I woke her up. No fever today, but she appears to have lost her voice! My mother-in-law really wanted to keep her today, so she went to grandma's and I went to work! (boo hoo for me!)
That's the latest haps in my house!
FRIDAY: after I got off work I went to the hair salon - scary times, it was a "new girl". Not new to the hair industry, but new to me. I hate trying new people. It usually ends in me crying and hating my hair. This time it didn't turn out that way. The girl came recommended to me by my friend and she was super nice and I felt very confident in her work. However, the color job (yes, full color to cover the enormous amounts of gray hairs on my head!) turned out lighter than I had hoped for. Mr. Man loves it though and so far my friends tell me they like it. The cut that I got is cute too, if I could just figure out how to style it then I will be set!
SATURDAY: we were out of the house by 10:30 to pick up a birthday present for a party the boys were invited to that afternoon (nothing like procrastination!) and then to the party store to get balloons for Lefty's party. Although his birthday was last Monday, we had a "family" party downtown at the Old Spaghetti Factory. It was a lot of fun! Got home at about 2:00, quickly wrap present for next birthday party and off we go. I thought the boys were just invited, but after I got there the father insisted that I stay and that I get my husband and daughter to come too. They are the nicest family and I couldn't say no. So after Mr. Man and Lady Bug got there we had some food and waited for the clowns to show up. Funny thing is that we were the only gringos in the bunch, everyone else spoke Spanish, including the clowns! It was such a fun party though and the kids had a great time! There was good food, and even though we had no idea what the clowns were saying we laughed and had a great time! Got home at 7:30 pm. Put a movie in and settled in for the night!
SUNDAY: Spirit and Mr. Man walked in a charity walk then met the rest of us at church. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful (I like it like that!)
MONDAY: 5:00 am here comes Lady Bug into our room crying. She doesn't feel good. She has a fever of 101 and is coughing. I stayed home with her. By 9:30 am the fever went away and her cough wasn't terrible. Since she did a lot of laying around, I did a thorough cleaning of Spirit's room and of Lady Bug's room. That felt pretty good. Lady Bug went to sleep at 7:30 last night and slept until almost 8:00 this morning when I woke her up. No fever today, but she appears to have lost her voice! My mother-in-law really wanted to keep her today, so she went to grandma's and I went to work! (boo hoo for me!)
That's the latest haps in my house!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Friday Recipe - Baked French Toast
This is easy to put together and very tasty! The original recipe said to remove the crusts from the bread, I usually don't and I think it tastes just fine with them on.
Baked French Toast
INGREDIENTS:
1 stick of butter
1 c brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
7 slices of bread (if you take the crusts off you may need 1 or 2 more slices)
1 c milk
4 eggs
maple syrup
Melt 1 stick of butter in a small saucepan. Add in brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir well. Pour this in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
Layer 6 bread slices on top of sugar mixture. Fill in the center holes with slices from the last piece of bread.
In a small mixing bowl, beat eggs and milk together. Pour this over the bread.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden.
Drizzle a small amount of syrup over the top.
Place this back in the oven under the broiler (my oven has a HI and a LO, I usually do LO) until brown and bubbly, about 3 minutes.
Serves 6-8
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