Easy, Yummy Carmel's

 
  I have had this recipe for about 10 years, but have never made it due to the fact that I don't like cooking in the microwave because I feel that it takes a lot of the nutritional value out of foods. . . but let's be serious . . . how much nutritional value can you get from Carmel's?  LOL  So, this year I decided to try them & all I can say is "Why did I wait so long?"  It was REALLY easy & cheap to make!  The hardest part was actually getting the Carmel's our of the baking dish, so that I could wrap them.  But I figured it out, & the time & energy it took was well worth it!!  These would also be good dipped in chocolate!!  Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!!

Easy Carmel's (Microwave Style)

In a large glass bowl, melt 1 cup butter

then add:

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white Karo syrup

1 can sweetened condensed milk - stir well

~ Microwave on high for 14 minutes, stirring a couple times while cooking. 

Beat with mixer for 2 minutes, then pour into buttered 9x13 baking dish. 

Freeze for 1/2 hour or place in fridge for 2 hours. 

Cut & wrap in wax paper.

Fresh Cranberry Salsa Over Cream Cheese

  My new found friend, Carrie, introduced this DELICIOUS recipe to me about a month ago & I have made it a few times.  You will definitely want to share this mouth watering, unique appetizer with your family & friends this holiday season!  It's very yummy & very festive with it's red & green colors! 

  This recipe makes enough to cover 2 (8 ounce) blocks of cream cheese.  So I would make the whole recipe, put 1/2 on one block of cream cheese, then store the rest in the fridge until I needed it.  It keeps well in the fridge for several days:)

Cranberry Salsa Dip

1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries

1 bunch green onions, chopped

(the entire thing all the way down to an inch from the end)

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded then chopped

2 Tbs chopped cilantro (about 1/4 of a bunch is what I used)

 1/2 cup sugar

1/2 - 1 tsp. cumin

2 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened

Instructions:

Wash and pick through fresh cranberries.  Discard any soft or wrinkled cranberries. Put cranberries, green onions, jalapeno, & cilantro in a food processor. 

Pulse until ingredients are chopped finely.

Add sugar & cumin, then stir together. 

Put in a bowl, cover & let season for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. 

Spread softened cream cheese on a serving plate. 

(I divided the cream cheese between two plates.)  

Spread cilantro salsa over the cream cheese. 

Serve at room temperature with chips or crackers. 

(I used Ritz crackers & loved it:) 

Note--this dip needs at least 1 or more hours for the flavors to blend.  It is a little bitter when it is first made, but tastes different after it has had a chance to sit for a while. 

Enjoy & Happy Holiday's!!

It's Been A Minute

 
  Phew!!  It seems like it's been a minute or two since I've posted anything on here.  I have been sick for the past month or so & I am finally starting to feel a bit better!  I had an awful cold, with a horrible cough.  In fact, my cough was so bad that my muscles & tendons tore away from my rib cage!  Let me tell ya . . . that did NOT feel good!!  Anyway, I'm starting to feel lots better now & want to start posting more.  So, what are some ideas that you would like me to discuss?  I can do the research on a specific topic, find a recipe for you, or whatever else you have on your mind.  By the way, I will be posting a way YUMMY, & very pretty, recipe on here tomorrow that is PERFECT to take to a holiday party, so stay tuned!  Do I post to many recipes?  Oh, well!  I just enjoy cooking & like to share the goodness with my friends:)  LOL  Do you have a recipe that you have been looking for & can't find it?  I also have some REALLY yummy, fun holiday treat recipes if you all want them.  Better run for now, but don't worry . . . I'll be back tomorrow :0)

Children Learn What They Live

If a child lives with criticism,  He learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,  He learns to fight.

If a child lives with redicule,  He learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame,  He learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance,  He learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement,  He learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise,  He learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness,  He learns justice.

If a child lives with security,  He learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval,  He learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,

He learns to find love in the world.

                                                                   By Dorothy Law Nolite

 

Becky Kelley - Where's the Line to See Jesus - OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

  What a wonderful song for the holiday's! Makes me remember what's important & why we are celebrating this time of year!! Hope it touches some of you the way it has touched me! God Bless & spread the love:)

Turkey Potato Soup

  Thanksgiving has come & gone . . . so now what to do with all those leftovers!  Here's a easy, yummy recipe that you can use a lot of what you already have.  Enjoy!

 

Turkey Potato Soup

1 stick butter

5 stalks of celery, medium diced

2 medium onions, small diced

6-8 small potatoes, large diced

1 large carrot, chopped

8-10 cups Turkey broth

(Can use chicken broth. plus any leftover gravy:)

2-3 cups chopped leftover turkey

2 cups mashed potatoes

seasoned salt & pepper to taste

~ Melt butter in large pot.  

Sauté onions & celery until onions are translucent.

Add potatoes & carrots, & sauté them briefly in the butter. 

Add broth & turkey, bring to a boil. 

Test broth for salt & pepper & add as needed.

Once potatoes are done, dip out about 2 cups of broth

& place in large bowl. 

Then add mashed potatoes & whip/stir/blend

together until all lumps are gone.

Add back to soup.  

Serve with rolls or turkey sandwiches!!

Ten Commitments For Parents

1.  I will always love & respect my child for who he is & not who I want him to be.

2.  I will give my child space - to grow, to dream, to succeed & even sometimes fail.

3.  I will create a loving home environment & show my child that she is loved,

whenever & however I can.

4.  I will, when discipline is necessary, let my child know that I disapprove of what he does,

not who he is.

5.  I will set limits for my child & help her find security in the knowledge of what is expected of her.

6.  I will make time for my child & cherish our moments together, realizing how important, 

 & fleeting, they are.

7.  I will not burden my child with emotions & problems he is not equipped to deal with, remembering that I am the parent & he is the child.

8.  I will encourage my child to experience the world & all it's possibilities, guiding her in its ways & taking pains to leave her careful but not fearful.

9.  I will take care of myself physically & emotionally, so that I can be there for my child

when he needs me.

10.  I will try to be the kind of person I want my child to grow up to be -

loving, fair-minded, moral, giving, & hopeful.

author unknown

Missing Grandma Winward

            As I lie on the couch sick, covered up with one of my Grandma Winward’s blankets, smelling the Vick’s vapor rub on my chest, I can’t help but miss her.  She was the most amazing woman.  Her laugh . . . her hugs . . . her smile . . . her wisdom . . . her listening ear . . . and of course her sharp tongue!  J  There are so many things that remind me of her from day to day, but being sick is making me miss her even more.  I remember the days when she would take care of me when I was sick with a cold or something else.  She would ALWAYS make homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.  Where she would boil the chicken to make her own broth & roll out dough to make her own noodles.  I can still see her standing there in the kitchen, with flour on the counter top, hand prints (made from flour) on her pants, rolling the dough & cutting them into strips.  During this cooking process, she would always make sure that I was on the couch covered up with a blanket, & had Mentholatum on my chest & under my nose.  The smell of any vapor rub takes me back to these days.  I still remember where she kept the vapor rub . . . in her headboard & the canister it came in was a tin, round, short can, & had either pink or greenish-blue writing on the lid.   

After I first met my husband & was living in Salt Lake City, we went up to see her & Grandpa.  We always had fun visiting them.  Staying up until wee hours of the night, playing cards, eating popcorn & laughing until our sides hurt!  Listening to Grandpa's stories at the kitchen table, then Grandma reminding him that he already told us that story!  LOL  Good times, good times!  While we were there, I happened to get sick with a nasty cold.  Grandma swung into gear & started making her soul healing soup.  She sent me home with the whole pot so that I would get feeling better faster.  There was nothing better than sipping on her soup, cuddled up in a blanket, relaxing on my couch & yet still feeling the love & comfort of Grandma even though she was 3 hours away.   

That was the last time I had her homemade soup . . . Grandpa passed away in November of 2001 & soon after, Grandma went into assistant living due to her falling & breaking her hip.  Even though she wasn't in her own home, she was still full of life, love & fun.  She was always making the nurses & everyone she came in contact with, laugh & feel loved.  I can still hear her laugh.  When we all got together, we sounded like a bunch of cackling hens.  Nobody could take a nap when Velma's family came to visit!  My kids & I loved to go visit Grandma & I wish we would have done it more often.  In February 2010, the Lord decided he needed her back home with him.  It hasn’t been a year yet since Grandma passed away, & I am still missing her like crazy.  It saddens me to know that my kids will never know Grandma the way I knew her . . . I guess there’s only one thing I can do about it . . . learn to make homemade Chicken Noodle Soup!  I love & miss you Grandma!!

Mom's & Dad's Do List

  

Mom's & Dad's Do List

Hug Em & Scrub Em

& Feed Em Good Stuff.

Hear Em & Cheer Em

& Don't Be Too Rough.

Squeeze Em & Tease Em

& Share Work & Play.

Whisper I Love You In

Each Ear Each Day.

*Author Unknown

 

  This is a poem that I got from my son's preschool a few years back.  I just came across it & thought I would share.  It's a short, simple poem that makes a lot of sense.  We, as parents, should remember to do these things to make sure our children ALWAYS feel loved!

Hot Artichoke Dip

  With the holiday's fast approaching, I thought I would share some of my favorite recipes that I like to make for social events.  I have two different Artichoke Dip recipes.  One is spicy & has more ingredients, while the other one is just as yummy, without the spice, & easy to make for those times you need a quick appetizer.  Both are absolutely DELICIOUS!!!  I serve with torn pieces of french bread, but you could serve with crackers, chips or toasted baguette bread.

Spicy Artichoke Dip

1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups real mayo

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, slightly chopped

1 can (4 oz) green chilies

1 can (4 oz) diced jalapeno peppers

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup slivered almonds

paprika

~Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Spray a 9 inch baking dish w/Pam cooking spray. 

Combine cream cheese & mayo, stir until smooth.  

Stir in Parmesan cheese, artichokes, chilies, jalapenos, & almonds. 

Spoon into baking dish.  Top with paprika. 

Bake at 325 for 30 minutes. 

OR

Easy Artichoke Dip

1 can artichoke hearts, cut up

1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies

1 cup real mayo

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

~Stir together.  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

DO NOT stir while baking.

Andrea's Meatballs

  I took a few different recipes & combined them into this yummy recipe for Meatballs.  This recipe will make 30 big or 60 small.  (If you make 60 small meatballs, freeze half & use later in the Turkey Meatball Soup recipe found on my Monthly Meal Planner:)

  Andrea's Meatballs

1 lb. ground beef

1 lb. ground pork or sausage

1 small onion, chopped

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

3 slices of bread (torn by hand)

1/4 cup FRESH parsley, finely chopped

2 tsp. Italian seasoning

2 eggs

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

~  Preheat oven to 350.  Line cookie sheet w/aluminum foil, spray w/cooking spray.  
In large bowl, mix all ingredients.  Roll into the size of meatball you like.  
Place on baking sheet (can be close together, they won't stick).  
Bake 30 to 35 minutes.

Chicken Avocado Tortilla Soup

  I got this recipe from my sister, Krista, & it is AMAZING!!  I have tried other tortilla soup recipes & this one is the best I have found.  Hope you like it as much as my family & I do!!

Chicken Avocado Tortilla Soup

1/2 onion chopped

1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. pepper

8 cup chicken broth

1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies

1 cup chunky salsa

10 corn tortillas

1 1/2 lbs. chicken, cooked

3 Tbs. cilantro, chopped

salt to taste

1 large avocado, sliced

1 (14 oz) diced tomatoes

2 Tbsp. sugar

shredded cheddar cheese to top

1 ~ In large nonstick pot, stir first 6 ingredients over med. heat for about 1 minute.  (onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and pepper until spices are fragrant)  Add broth, tomatoes w/juice, green chilies, salsa, & sugar.  Cover & bring to a boil over high heat.

2 ~ Meanwhile, stack tortillas & cut into 1/8-inch-wide strips.  Add to boiling broth (this will thicken your soup).  Reduce heat, cover & simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3 ~ Slice & chink chicken  into 1/2 inch pieces. Peel the avocado, pit, & thinly slice.

4 ~ Add chicken to broth, stir in cilantro & salt to taste. Ladle into soup bowls, top with grated cheese & avocado. 

** Note:  Can top with sour cream, & it helps cool it down if it's too spicy. 

Can also add a can of corn & black beans for color.

Serve with chips, corn bread, or rolls.

Enjoy!!



My Bruschetta Recipe

 I had the BESTEST Bruschetta at a local Italian Restaurant & I knew I wanted to try to recreate it!  I took a little from one recipe & some other stuff from another recipe & this is what I came up with!  I shared it with 2 of my girlfriends & they LOVED it!!  So here it is!!  Enjoy!

My Bruschetta

6 roma tomatoes, chopped in pieces the size of a quarter

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup FRESH basil, stems removed, choppedin big pieces

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 loaf of Artisan bread

Mozzarella

~ Preheat oven on broiler setting.  In large bowl combine tomatoes, garlic, oil, vinegar, basil, salt & pepper. 

Allow to sit for 10 minutes.  Cut bread in slices, then in 1/2.  Lay on baking sheet.  Broil for 1-2 minutes, flip bread, broil for 1-2 minutes.  Cut fresh mozzarella.  Put on bread, top with tomatoes.  Broil for 1-2 minutes.

DELICIOUS!!

Unshaven Legs

  Are you perfect!  Do you think you are perfect?  Do you think that you should work on being more perfect . . . whether it's for you or others?  I will be the first to admit that I am NOT perfect!!  I will admit that I have felt like I need to be perfect around others, so that I can be a better example & give hope to others!  To show that I have everything going for me; life is GREAT; there aren't any problems; I have the perfect marriage & home life; nothing is ever wrong; life is perfect!!  Little did I know that when I do this, make my life SEEM so perfect, it makes other's feel inadequate . . . hopeless . . . lonely . . . & like a failure!  That has NEVER been my intent!!  I am so sorry for betraying some of you & making you believe something that is NOT reality!!  I didn't know what I was doing.  Reality is that there are days that I feel like I am going to loose it . . . I yell at my children; my house isn't perfectly clean; my legs aren't always clean shaven & I am not always ready for the day; I'm overweight & I don't have any ambition to change it; sometimes dinner may be out of a can or box; & I have junk drawers, corners, & closets that aren't organized . . . & it's OK!!!   NOBODY'S PERFECT!!! 

   My husband has so much wisdom on something's, that it AMAZES me when he says things like he did the other night!  He said to me, "How do you know that your life isn't perfect already?  What is your perfect?"  Then he continued to say, "I don't really like the word 'perfect', why not use the word 'happy'?"      What I do know, & have realized, is that life is to short!  Live life for each day & remember what is important . . . family & the time you spend with them!!  Laugh often, especially if it's at yourself, & never take for granted what you have!  If I can help one person with this post, then I have done what I have set out to do! 

  It made me start to think that maybe perfect is having kids to yell at, a house to not keep perfectly clean, legs to not shave & enough money to buy the food that keeps me plump.  (LOL)  It's not the "perfection" but the "happiness" you have in your life!  That is the true question . . . what makes you & your family happy?  What is YOUR perfect?  What is your HAPPY?  

  Recently I came across this post on a blog & I had to share it with you all.  PLEASE READ!!  This is a post that EVERYONE should read!  It is talking about the disease of "Perfection"!  What are we teaching our children?  What are we passing down?  The need to feel perfect . . .

click here to read the post - The disease called "Perfection"

  Hope this makes you think about your weaknesses & what you are portraying to others!  What are you ready to admit & pass down to your kids?  The first thing to do to move on to a BETTER YOU is to admit your weaknesses!  Then work on changing them!!  I still struggle with this!  I pray & ask for strength, everyday, to help me with my weaknesses.  We are all here to learn from our trials & mistakes!  What are you willing to admit & overcome? 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup pumpkin

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup oil

1 egg

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp milk

1 cup chocolate chips

1 tsp. vanilla

* Combine pumpkin, sugar, oil & egg.  Mix well. 

Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, & salt, then add to pumpkin mixture. 

 Add soda to milk, combine all, add chocolate chips & vanilla.

Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes.

Surprisingly Yummy Pasta

  I have a recipe on my Monthly Menu Planner that is called "Farfalle Al Salmone" & I was wanting to make that, but didn't have any smoked salmon, so I found a recipe & added my own touch, & it is SURPRISINGLY very good!!  I didn't know if it was going to be all that good.  I thought that the tuna was going to be too "fishy" tasting for my kids, but they didn't even know it had tuna in it!  BONUS!!!  My 3 yr old had SECONDS & my 6 yr old ate ALL his!  So here you go, hope you like it!!

Alfredo Tuna Pasta

8 oz. pasta noodles

(I used angel hair, whole wheat spaghetti)

1 (6 oz) can tuna - drained

1 (15 oz) frozen peas

1 (16 oz) jar of Alfredo sauce

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. dried basil

shredded Parmesan cheese to top

~ Combine tuna, peas, sauce, & seasonings in pan. 
Stir together & heat over medium-low heat. 

Stirring often so it doesn't burn.  Cook pasta, drain & add to sauce. 

Top each dish with shredded Parmesan.  Serve with garlic bread & salad.

Let me know how it turns out for you!!

The 5 Love Languages

    After having my first child, almost 7 years ago, I remember there was a time when it felt like my husband & I weren’t close & communicating very well anymore.  Things had changed.  I was busy taking care of our new addition to the family, trying to recover from a c-section, & was very sleep deprived . . . like all new parents are, & he was trying to get used to it all & the fact that I wasn’t available all the time like I was before.  I knew I had to do something to get us back on track.  When our son was about 6-9 months old, I confided in a friend & she told me about a book by Dr. Chapman “The 5 Love Languages”.  It is an AMAZING book!  It has REALLY opened my husband & my eyes.  We both now know & understand how the other person feels loved. 

  Many people feel loved in different ways.  Dr. Chapman says everyone has a primary love language.  He identifies the 5 love languages as (1) words of affirmation, (2) quality time, (3) receiving gifts, (4) acts of service, & (5) physical touch.  Here is a brief summary to describe each language:

Words of Affirmation – If this is your love language, then compliments & words of positive affirmations mean the world to you.  May include receiving notes, cards, or phone calls where expressions of love, appreciation & encouragement are given. 

Quality Time – This person likes spending full undivided time together.  Nothing says “I love you” like really being there, with the TV off, fork & knife down, chores & other distraction put on hold.  This makes them feel special & loved.

Receiving Gifts – This is not to be confused as being “materialistic”.  The person with this love language, the receiver of the gift, feels the most loved from the thoughtfulness & effort behind the gift.  The gift or gesture shows that they were thought of & cared for.  These tangible gifts may be a flower, a note, a candy bar, a favorite soda pop drink or money to spend on whatever they want.

Acts of Service - If this is your love language then anything that eases the burden & responsibility from you is an act of service.  Such things as doing the dishes, vacuuming, making dinner, doing laundry, or other duties can all be expressions of love  The words this person likes to hear the most are, “Let me do that for you.”

Physical Touch – This language isn’t all about the bedroom.  A person with this love language is, not surprisingly, very touchy.  They like hugs, snuggling on the couch, a pat on the back, holding hands, a kiss, thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder or face are all ways to show love.

  What is your love language?  You can feel loved by more than just one way, so you may have a primary & secondary love language.  One way to determine your love language is by looking at what YOU do, the most, for the OTHER person.  Chances are that you’re doing what you would like the other to do for you.  Once your spouse & you know what each other’s love languages are, then it will be easier to communicate & show love to each other.  It may be hard to do some of these things, but that’s what marriage & relationships are all about.  Trying to make each other feel loved, needed, & wanted.  I’ve used this quote before, but I think it explains love perfectly:

“Love is not just a feeling.  Love is an action.  Love is a choice.  When an action doesn’t come naturally it is an even greater gift of love.” By Laura M. Brotherson

  I know that my relationship got a lot better when we started thinking about each others love languages & then actually doing more of the actions that the other person wanted & needed.  I hope this can help someone out there, because I know it helped me!

Let's Get the Love Back

 

  Remember when you first met your husband, wife or partner, & that feeling you felt deep inside you?  The butterflies in your stomach, your heart felt like it was going to beat out of your chest & you felt like nothing else in the world mattered but you two.  Then REAL life happens . . . work, bills, kids, keeping up on the house & so on.  Well that fire that you felt inside at one point in your lives, can start to burn out after awhile & that's ok!  It’s normal!  A relationship takes commitment & some work, but you can make it fun work!  I have been there!  Where it seems like you will never feel those feelings again like you did before.  I thought to myself, “I have another 60 plus years with this man, so I better get to figuring this thing out!”  That’s when I decided to do some research & get ideas on how to keep my love alive & get that fire started back up again. 

  There are many things you can do to get back, & keep, that spark in your relationship, (which I will be adding different ideas in other posts), but this is one idea I came across that will bring you & your partner closer.  Both people in the relationship, make a list of 10 things that most make you feel loved & cared about.  Be specific, positive & descriptive.  Write what you want, instead of what you don’t want, & how much of what you want & when you want it.  Be as specific as possible, so that your partner can be successful at loving you.  Think of things that make you feel truly loved & cared for.  Start each sentence like this, "I feel loved when . . .”  Some examples might be “I feel loved when . . . you kiss me & tell me you love me each time you leave the house” or . . . “the house & kids are clean when I get home from work”

  Many people may find that what their partner needs & wants the most, may seem difficult for them to do.  Love is not always easy.  Sometimes love requires doing things you don’t want to do or don’t like to do, but knowing that there is a reason behind it.  I love these words; “Love is not just a feeling.  Love is an action.  Love is a choice.  When an action doesn’t come naturally it is an even greater gift of love.” By Laura M. Brotherson

  When you're both finished, share with each other what you both wrote.  BOTH of you commit to do at least one thing every day that makes your partner feel loved.  Try it for awhile, then get back together & talk about how things went & maybe change your lists up a bit. I got this idea from the book, “And They Were Not Ashamed” by Laura M. Brotherson, CFLE.  This book also has many other ideas to strengthen your marriage.  It was turned out really well when my husband & I did this activity.  It really gets you thinking about the other person, instead of yourself. 

  Let me know how this turns out for you & your relationship!  Can't wait to hear from you all!! 

My Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

 
  It's my favorite time of year, Fall!  The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisper, & my time in the kitchen gets to be longer!!  Love it!  All I wanted to do today was make home made Vegetable Beef soup, because I had a lot of rolls I needed to use up & you can only use them to dip in soup;)  LOL  I threw some stuff together & it turned out DELICIOUS!!!!  So here it is:

Andrea's Vegetable Beef Soup

1 lb. ground beef

2 stalks chopped celery

1 med. chopped onion

2 cloves minced garlic

1 pkg. frozen mixed vegetables

1 can diced tomatoes

2 c. cubed potatoes

3 c. beef broth

salt & pepper to taste

garlic salt (a few shakes)

bay leaves, a few shakes

1/4 tsp. marjoram (if you don't have it, that's ok...it will still be good:)

1/2 tsp. thyme leaves (also, if you don't have it, don't use it)

~Brown ground beef, drain.  Sauté celery, onion & garlic with beef until celery is tender.  Add all the other ingredients to meat & simmer for 1 hour.  Serve with rolls:)

   There ya' go!  Sorry I don't have exact measurements on some of the seasonings, but that's how I cook.  My rule of thumb is, start with a little bit & you can always add more.

The Therapy of Cleaning

  How many of you have that junk drawer, cluttered closet, or the “catch all” place in your home?  Or do you ever look at your baseboards, walls, light fixtures or ceiling fans & think how they need a good cleaning?  I know I have a couple different places that tend to get over cluttered & things that need some extra special attention.  I always tell myself that I'll get to it later.  Then later becomes days, weeks & months.  Well, yesterday I decided to clean at least one or two different places that have been driving me nuts.  I ended up cleaning & organizing four places & it felt GREAT!!  It is so funny how when you de-clutter & organize your living space, you feel so much better about things.  I think I’ve come across a good therapy technique for anyone who is feeling down or over stressed.  J

 

  So here’s what I'm doing.  I’m making a list of the things that are driving me nuts, then I'm starting at the top & working my way down.  What a perfect way to have your house feel & look, extra clean & ready for the Holiday's!!  I'm so excited!!  Take one time a week that you clean one place that has been bugging you.  It always seems so overwhelming to do these kinds of tasks, but not when you do one or two things a week.  It could be your bedroom closet, the hall closet, the kitchen counter, the kids’ closet or room (but make sure they help:), the junk drawer, the kitchen cupboards, or the desk in your office.  Whatever it is, just commit to doing one place a week.  It could also be deep cleaning things, like wiping down base boards, washing blinds, windows, washing light fixtures or dusting ceiling fans.  Those are things that I see & want to do, but it seems I never have time for.  The hardest part is actually getting started, but once you do, you will probably be able to do a few a week!  So make the commitment now!!  Are you excited?  Can you just see you sparkling, clutter free home?  Can you feel the stress lift from your shoulders?  Can you feel the self confidence & pride in your work?  So. . .who's with me?  My day will be every Wednesday or Friday around 1 pm.  Which day are you picking?  It will make us all feel so much happier & less stressed!  I know we can do this!!  I want to hear how you are feeling after your successes, so keep us updatedJ  Happy De-Cluttering & Cleaning!!

The Unspoken

  I decide to write this, because I know that there are a lot of other women, & men, out there that have had a miscarriage in their family, but no one ever talks about it.  That leaves the woman feeling inadequate, alone, sad & scared.  I wanted to shed some light on my personal experience so that maybe someone out there can have hope, love & forgiveness within themselves.  This is my story:


  I told my husband, Shay, that if we weren't pregnant by the end of August, then we'd wait until the following year to try again.  I did not want another newborn baby during the winter.  I already had 2 babies that had RSV (a really bad cold that affects babies & 1 of mine was hospitalized for it) & that was enough.  Within 2 weeks we were pregnant!  That was not normal for me.  I'm not a very fertile Myrtle.  We both were so excited!  This would be our 3rd child & the due date was May 28th, three days after my birthday.  PERFECT!!  It was all planned out.  We told everyone right before we left for the Elk hunt, which is the first part of October.  Everyone was so happy & excited for us. 
 
  Out of the city & headed to the mountains we went.  With the trailer in tow, two smiling kids & one VERY happy & excited husband.  We set up camp, mingled with our other camper/hunting friends & was enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors & the clean crisp air.  We had been there a few days now & having so much fun.  Me sipping on my green tea's & enjoying the peacefulness of it all.  Shay decided to take a ride up the road to see if he could see any Elk.  After he had been gone for awhile I decided to take my little Abigail for a short 4-wheeler ride.  We weren't that far from camp & I wasn't going that fast, when I started to feel some cramping in my lower abdomen.  I turned around & headed back to camp.  I went into the bathroom & there was blood. 
 
  Here I am, at Elk camp, with a bunch of manly men in camo & beards, my husband was gone, & I had Abigail with me.  Thank God there was another female friend, Carlene, there with her family.  I put Abby in the truck, walked over to Carlene, with tears in my eyes, & asked her to tell Shay I had to run down to the ER because I was bleeding.  With fear in her eyes & quickness in her tone, she told me to go lay down in the camp trailer while she went up the road to find Shay.  I heard her telling one of the other men to get Abby out of the truck & heard her take off on the 4-wheeler up the road.  Within minutes they were back.  I was laying on the bed, tears rolling down my face, when Shay came in & asked if I was ok.  I simply said, "I need to go to the ER.  I think I'm having a miscarriage."  He hugged me & told me everything was going to be ok, then put Abby in the truck, while I climbed in myself.  Our kind hunting buddies said they would watch our son, Callen, while we were gone.   
 
  We arrived at the hospital, settled into a room, then I was wheeled down to have an ultrasound done.  The ultrasound technician was very sweet as I lay there on the table, with tears still coming down my face.  I could see it in her eyes that she was desperately trying to find a heart beat.  She then typed in “NFHB”.  It didn’t take me long to figure out that meant “No Fetal Heartbeat”.  Now the tears were really flowing.  I got back to the room & Shay could see the news in my eyes.  The doctor & nurse came in & confirmed the bad news. 
 
  Maybe I shouldn’t have drank those green tea’s or had coffee.  Maybe I shouldn’t have taken Abby on that short 4-wheeler ride.  Maybe I should have lost some weight before I got pregnant.  Maybe. . .we’re not suppose to have any more kids.  All these things were going through my mind & I know that that doctor & nurse were suppose to be there for me.  As I asked why this had happened to me & what could I have done to prevent this, the doctor reassures me that there was nothing I could have done to prevent this.  He continued to tell me that God made our bodies perfectly & that my body knew that this baby wasn’t growing correctly, so it got rid of it on it’s own.  He then told me a personal story about his wife had 2 miscarriages & they have 3 children.  The nurse then continued to tell me that she had one after her second child & that it happens a lot more than people think.  People just don’t discuss it.  We gathered up our belongings & headed back up the canyon to camp.  It was a very long & quiet ride.  Me sobing quietly & Shay holding my hand. 

  The next day was Abby’s 1^st birthday.  We put on our happy faces, cute birthday hats, & opened some presents.  We  celebrated the birth of our first baby girl.  Later on, I drove up the canyon, to where I got cell phone service & made a few calls to break the bad news to my mom & a few close friends.  I asked them to spread the word, because I didn’t want to be asked how I was feeling or even talk about any of it.  This was 2 years ago next week.  I have talked about it a little with some of my closest friends & family, but this is the first I have truly spoken about it. 

  After I had my miscarriage I was so hurt & upset for quite a long time.  I thought I never wanted to get pregnant again because I didn’t know if I could ever go through this kind of pain again.  I felt like my husband blamed me & that I lost one of his children.  Which was totally wrong!  He never blamed me. . . .I blamed me!  I was always wondering what I could have done to prevent it, or what I did to cause it.  I knew in theory that it wasn’t my fault, but it didn’t help the pain.  After time & a lot of prayer, I started feeling better about things.  That's when I came to the conclusion that it's not our plan. . .it's God's plan!

My Weekly/Cleaning Schedule

  Did you ever have Saturday cleaning days, when you were younger, that took ALL day long?  I did & I remember working almost all day Saturday, then when you were done, you were so tired to even go play.  That's why I knew, as an adult, that I did NOT want Saturday cleaning days.  I never realized how GREAT schedules are, until I made one for me & my family.  I get more done & the kids seem to act a bit better when I use a schedule.  Do I stick to it ALL the time?  No, but I do try to make sure my cleaning gets done, so that I have the weekends off with my family.  I also have a few tricks to make cleaning a little easier.  Like these things:

* Most people get overwhelmed with the thought of cleaning their entire home at one time.  That is why I divide it into sections & clean an area a day, Monday thru Friday, so I can have the weekends free.

* Never leave a room without taking something with you.  Put it where it belongs, so you don't waste time later looking for it.

* Learn to multitask.  If you are heading in the direction of the laundry room, take some dirty clothes or towels with you.  Going to get the mail?  Take the garbage out.

* Clean up your dishes after every meal.  Instruct each family member to rinse & put away their own dishes.  This goes for cups, glasses, utensils & other dishes used throughout the day.

* Use a plastic grocery bag to scrub your tub.  Yes, you read it right.  A plastic grocery bag to clean your tub!!  Put your comet, or whatever tub cleaner you use, on the tub, get a white plastic grocery bag, turn it inside out so that the print is on the inside, place your hand in it, & start scrubbing.  It works better than a scrub brush or anything else I've ever used!  AMAZING!!

*When you get done washing your face every night, which I know you all are doing, use your washcloth to wipe down the toilet & floor area.  BUT make sure that cloth goes right into the laundry & use clorox to wash them;)  If you keep up on your toilet, then it's not such a huge, gross task when it comes time to clean.  

* Always keep your bathroom sink & counter area free from clutter, hair, make-up, toothpaste, or whatever else.  It takes just a few moments to rinse the sink & put stuff away before you leave the bathroom.


PLEASE let us all know your tricks on cleaning & schedules.  Thanks & happy scheduling:)



Weekly Schedule

(A More Real) Love Story

I had to share this with you all! This is GREAT!! It really makes you think about what is most important in your life. I think it's my relationship with my hubby! If we are happy then it makes a happier home life for the rest of the family. Hope you enjoy the video!

I Want Your Opinion. . .

Hi All!
  So, I want your opinion on a few things, & be honest.  Are you all craving for more of my intellectual knowledge on what I have learned throughout this life of mine?  I bet you all are, you just don't want to admit it!  LOL  No, but seriously, what is it that you all want me to talk about next?  More on marriages, cooking, parenting, communication, attitude, organization, household duties & chores?  Let me know & I'll start on it. 
  Also, due to the fact that I'm new at this, & don't want to bore people, I am curious on how often you all would like new posts.  I have a lot that I would like to share, & I really want to get some of your recipes, opinions & feedback on some of my topics.  So what do you think?  Should I post everyday?  Every other day?  Tuesday's & Thursday's?  Once a week?  You all are my audience, so I am here to please...to a certain point:)  Thanks & I look forward to your comments!

Things to Discuss Before Marriage

   

  Sometimes I think people jump into marriage thinking it's going to be easy & fun.  I mean how could it not be fun & easy, if you LOVE this person with ALL your heart & soul?  Well folks, I am here to tell ya' that marriage is a little work, just like any relationship.  There are good times & bad times; exciting times & boring times.  You just need to work through them. 
  Before I got married, I asked my Grandma, who had been married to the same man her whole life, what advice she could give me on how to have a happy marriage.  She simply said these things. . .

"Always have a sense of humor & laugh often. Be able to laugh together & at yourself.  Don't take everything so seriously.  Pick & choose your arguements, don't sweat the small stuff, & never give up." 

  She then  continued to tell me how she remembered when she was so mad at Grandpa one time, that while he was out working on the farm, she packed up the kids & some clothes, loaded the car, and sat there....she thought to herself, "My gad!  Where am I going to go?  I have wasted a whole afternoon on this.  I better unpack the car & get supper made."  And that was that!  Back then, you couldn't give up so easily.  You made a VOW to spend the rest of your lives together & that's what you were going to do!  For better or for worse!  I do know that times are different, BUT if we took the time to get to know someone before we said "I do", then maybe we would have less divorce in this world. 
  Therefore, I feel that there are some things that a couple should discuss before they commit to spending the rest of their lives together.  If you are already married, & never talked about these things before you got married, then now is a better time than never.  It’s not to0 late.  Talking builds your relationship & makes you closer.  Just remember that you are discussing these things with your BEST friend, so be respectful to their opinions & keep it fun.  Who knows, you might learn something newJ Here are just a few & please feel free to add more if I forgot some.  (These are in no particular order)
 
1)  Finances – Who’s going to run the finances?  What are your financial goals?  What are your plans in buying a home?  What are each of your financial debts?  Are both or one person going to be in charge of paying bills, running the check book, saving & budgeting?  I think, whomever is better at saving & budgeting should be the main person over the finances.  That doesn’t mean that the other one has no part in decision-making or has to ask for money.  That just means that they pay bills, shop & save together.  Whatever works best for you both, but be open to change.

2)  Sexuality -  Can you both talk about sex & feel comfortable?  Are you both comfortable in talking about your likes & dislikes?  Do you respect each other enough to not cross the other person’s  boundaries?  Do you think it is important to be faithful to one another?  If one person is feeling frustrated or uncomfortable about something, then you need to discuss the issue sooner than later, without getting angry.  If you wait, then you are building up aggression.  Whether you want to believe it or not, sex is a HUGE part of a marriage.  If you are not intimate & don’t keep the spark there, then you might as well be roommates, & that’s not what you want. . . you want a partnership, a love, a MARRIAGE!!!

3)  Parenting – Do you want children?  If so, how many?  How do you plan on dealing with consequences/disciplining your children?  Do you believe in spankings, time outs only, grounding, or a little of everything?  Look at your partner’s family & see how they discipline their kids.  Ask how your partner was raised & what their childhood was like.  That is probably how they are going to raise their children.  Unless they break the cycle & are determined to make it better. . .not worse;)  If you believe in two totally different techniques, then it’s better to know about it now.  And if you are planning on not having any children, then do something about it.  Snip, snip!  LOL

4)  Spirituality – Does religion play an important part in your life?  Are your faith’s the same?  If not, can you get around it & compromise?  If not, then this will be a BIG issue for both of you.  How do you plan on teaching & practicing religion, when you have children? Are your morals & core values the same?  I feel that everyone should believe in something.  Whether it’s God or a higher being.  I feel it gives people a feeling of hope, love, gratitude, & that they’re not alone during times of need.

5)  Household Duties & Gender Roles – Is everything split 50/50?  Do you work together on everything, inside & outside?  What if one is out of work, does the one staying home pick up the other ones half?  I say, heck yes!!  If one person is not working, then their JOB is to take care of the home!  Cook, clean, laundry, errands, lawn, snow removal, etc.  BUT does that mean the other one can come home & sit around?  No!  Wouldn’t you help your BEST friend out so that you can spend time together?  It’s a partnership!!! 

6)  Goals – What do you, as a couple want out of life?  Where do you see each other in 30-40 years from now?  What are your personal goals & does the other person support them?  Goals can change.  Nothing is in concrete, but if the goals change?  Then both people need to be on board with the change.  Talk about growing together & not leaving the other behind.

 
  When it really comes down to it, the things you need to make sure you talk about, are the things that are the most important to you & your partner.  I'm sure there are more topics you can discuss, but these were just some that I thought were important.  
  My last thoughts are this; I think you should never change who you are, what you believe in, or what you stand for, for anyone!  Also, remember YOU CAN’T change anyone but YOU!!  So don’t try to or think you can later.  Love them for who they are!!