{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by Soulemama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.




Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!
For more moments, hope over to Soulemama.

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by Soulemama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.




Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!
For more moments, hope over to Soulemama.

Menu Planning Monday - December 6th

Happy St. Nicholas Day!! (ok, i admit, we didnt do anything for it this year)

So here I am, again, finally. As I am sure for everyone, life is so busy and hectic right now! Our van died 2 weeks ago, so we haven't had a regular menu since, hence, me not posting one. But as we get into the "no car" routine here for the next few weeks, I'm finding that having a set menu, even if I have to shop more often, is even more crucial!


Monday: Asian Orange Chicken over brown rice
Tuesday: Grilled cheese and soup
Wednesday: One Dish Vegetarian Dinner
Thursday: Breakfast for dinner
Friday: Baked Teriyaki Chicken with rice and green beans
Saturday: Pizza night
Sunday: clueless - will update during the week!

Giveaway: One Hook Wonder

A wonderful blog I love to read, One Hook Wonder, is having a wonderful giveaway for a spiral Advent ring, made by the blogger's own husband! Here is a photo from her blog, showing you the spiral Advent ring.

Would you like to win one?

If so, hop over to One Hook Wonder for your chance to win this lovely ring. Giveaway ends this Tuesday!

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by Soulemama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.




Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!
For more moments, hope over to Soulemama.

My 2010 Christmas Baking List!

I know I haven't been around much - I'm still pretty much recovering from Thanksgiving, and having my in-laws here for 2 days as well as my sister-in-law and her family here for the day... I'm still wiped from it! WHEW! But I think a good time was had by all...

This is a very optimistic list - and this is the order I'll make them in (stuff that i don't mind not having done, is last). I haven't included that I'll be making a batch of crinkles for a friends fundraiser, as well as cookies (what ones?!?!) for my church's annual cookie sale. These I'll be baking first, tomorrow and this weekend.

• Toll House Cookies
• Chocolate Crinkles
  
• Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Magic Cookie Bars
• Sugar cookie Cut outs
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Chip Cookies
• Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites
• Jello Coated Popcorn
• Double Decker Fudge
• Peanut Butter Fudge
• Chocolate Fudge

I do have some small changes to a few of these recipes (no nuts in the cookies), but mostly, these are the tried and true cookies i grew up helping my dad baking at Christmas time. So....

LET THE BAKING BEGIN!!!

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by Soulemama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.




Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!
For more moments, hope over to Soulemama.

Menu Planning Monday - November 15th

Here we are - quickly approaching the Holiday season. So many things going on right now - I am grateful that menu planning removes that "what's for dinner" anxiety! We have something EVERY night this week going on - WHEW!

Monday: Baked Potato with choice of toppings and Broccoli

Tuesday: Breakfast for Dinner

Wednesday: Spaghetti

Thursday: Wraps and leftovers

Friday: Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Saturday: Pizza night

Sunday: TBD

Make sure you swing over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu planning ideas!

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by Soulemama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.




Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!
For more moments, hope over to Soulemama.

Menu Planning Monday - November 8th

Here we are, another week. Working on healthier meals... the lack of a menu last week meant we ordered out, three times! YIKES! So, here's this weeks attempt at healthier meals (at least, compared to ordering in/take out):

Monday: BLTs

Tuesday: Chicken and Rice with Broccoli

Wednesday: Pasta and salad

Thursday: Sausages w/ veggie (not sure what veg yet)

Friday: Chicken Fajitas

Saturday: TBD

Sunday: Slow Cooker Stew

Breakfast:
french toast
homemade waffles
toast and fruit
bagel thin w/ PB (for me)

Lunch:
mac and cheese
PB&J
leftovers

snacks:
graham crackers
raisins
peanuts

As always - make sure to check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu planning links, ideas and inspiration!

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by Soulemama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

circa 2006

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!
For more moments, hope over to Soulemama.

WIP Wednesday - Winter hat and a handmade holiday update

So it's been awhile since I've done a WIP Wednesday post. I admit, I really have not crafted since the last posting. It's been a whirlwind of family visits, Doctor appointments for my knee, and most recently, the death of my grandmother (who's funeral is in a few hours). So while yes, it's technically Thursday at the time I post this - I haven't really slept yet, so it's still Wednesday to me :-D

First WIP I have is a new winter hat for my daughter Lizzy (age 7). This is a beautiful acrylic yarn I purchased last fall, when our local walmart was being remolded to a super center, and they placed nearly all their craft dept on clearance (boo!). Since I was working for the remodel at the time, I was lucky enough to be there to see them start marking down the yarn. I was able to get about 15 skeins of yarn at $1 a piece, instead of the $4-$5 a piece they would have been (SCORE!). This yarn is in a color that lion brand no longer makes to sells, so when I started running out, thank goodness for ebay! I have 2 skeins on the way and should be arriving this weekend. After accidentally felting her wool hat I made her 2 years ago, I decided that for now, acrylic yarn is the way to go for her.

she doesn't know yet it's for her

Now, on the Christmas gift crafting.... yeah, I haven't started. But I'm not worried either. Yet. But I have started making a more formalized list:

Lexi:
Juggle sticks (I'm buying these, but they are handmade on Etsy, not a mass produced set)
Mixed music cds (we put our entire cd collection on the computer, so we're looking into make a few mixed cds for her cd player)

Lizzy:
Doll repair (new hair, face, etc)
Pioneer dress with a matching one for her doll
Doll clothing

Andrew:
Super Why! dress-up costume (was going to be for Halloween but... hoping I have enough leftover to make a matching one for his doll)
I-Spy bag
Doll repair (wash, few stitches to fix)
New outfit for doll

for them all (most Liz/Andrew)
more crocheted play food
Crayon Roll (I'm considering this pattern over the one I previously posted)

As it is no surprise to me, Lexi is the hardest one to plan for. I'm really hoping i come up with more gift ideas for a 12 yr old, that are handmade, before much longer.

Do you have any W.I.P.s yourself? Doesn't matter the "craft", come share it in the W.I.P. Wednesday flickr pool! You can also head over to Musings From the Fishbowl for a list of fellow Wipsters ! Hope you have a crafty rest of your week!

Menu Planning Monday - October 25th

Another busy week here for us. I'm returning back to handbell choir this week, after being out most of the last month. Lexi has a Halloween dance Wednesday night as well this week. And now that Lizzy is in girl scouts, her meetings are about every other Thursday, so there is that as well. WHEW - tried from thinking about it all!

My grandmother died last night, this week may not end up as planned.

One of my cookbooks (Veganomicon) is missing *weep* but thank goodness for the internet, I was able to find someone blogged the recipe I needed! Check Friday's dinner for that recipe! Gonna be pulling out that slow cooker more too...


Monday: Asian Orange Chicken, rice and broccoli

Tuesday: White Bean and Chicken Chili

Wednesday: homemade baked Mac and cheese

Thursday: Subs/sandwiches

Friday: Pumpkin baked ziti with sage crumb topping

Saturday: Pizza

Sunday: Halloween! Snack food night before trick-or-treating

Breakfast: Pumpkin waffles with Apple Cider Syrup
I also hope to try these waffles and syrup over the weekend for the kids, seems it would make a nice Halloween type breakfast.

As always, make sure you head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu planning links and ideas!!

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by Soulemama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.



Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!
For more moments, hope over to Soulemama.

Muffin Tin Monday - October 18th

I have not done a Muffin Tin Monday lunch in a LOOOOOOONG time, and took the opportunity today to make one for Andrew before preschool. There was no theme this week - so I just went with what we had (and a nice, easy way to get back into the habit!!

(please excuse the crappy picture)

Top row (l to r): green seedless grapes, apple jelly sandwich in leaf shapes, baby carrots
Bottom row (l to r): American cheese squares, vanilla yogurt, "fruit loops"

Andrew LOVED having his lunch this way! YAY! Normally it's impossible to get him to eat!

If you like, you can go check out this weeks other muffin tin meals at the host blog: Muffin Tin Mom

Menu Planning Monday - October 18th

Feeling really uninspired for cooking lately (and you think with it being cold and finally having a range I would be all about cooking... meh)

Here's what this week looks like:

Monday: Tacos (with TVP filling)
Tuesday: Breakfast
Wednesday: Pasta and salad night
Thursday: Turkey soup (bought a couple of thighs to cook for the "leftover" turkey), rolls
Friday: Grilled sandwiches and leftover soup
Saturday: Pizza night
Sunday: Asian Orange Chicken, rice, broccoli

I'll be back later to do a Muffin Tin Monday post for Andrew's lunch today!

And as always, make sure you go over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu planning links!

Menu Planning Monday - October 11th

My knee feels to be improving. I'm being conscience of how I'm walking, and trying to not hobble so much - and it seems to be helping. I'll know officially if I tore something, after my MRI (hoping they tell me there, and I don't have to wait to see the jerk Orthopedic surgeon again).

So, my move, push, to being more healthy. I'm going to try and include walking (and hopefully sooner rather then later, running) to my days. I have 3 hours of "alone time" Monday - Friday, I am sure i can fit in 3 days of walking/running (when i am able) in there! I'll be blogging that separately from this blog (which is mostly for my creative endeavors)... you can view that blog here: I Move

On the menu this week (and not ordering out like we did 2 times out of the last week)...

Monday: Italian sausages (mine is a vegetarian one) on a whole wheat roll, and a veggie platter to much on

Tuesday: Turkey Taco Wraps (I'll be having salad and a left over vegetarian sausage)

Wednesday: Pasta night (just plain old shells and jar sauce)

Thursday: Chicken fajitas

Friday: Left over night!

Saturday: Pita pocket personal pizza (decorate your own night!)

Sunday: Slow Cooker Ham and Mashed Potatoes (not sure what I'll be eating, but it won't be salty ham, and I dislike the texture of mashed, so i may do a baked potato for me)

I am also going to attempt to make my own whole wheat flour tortillas this week (though I did buy a package of them as a back up for Tuesday at least), and maybe finally get around to making some pear-sauce for canning... and baking some cookies for coffee hour at church.

Make sure you check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for more links to menu planning ideas!!

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by SouleMama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.


for more moments, hope over to Soulemama.

An update, and frustration....

*disclaimer: I am not using names, please don't ask.

So, yes I haven't posted here in nearly 2 weeks. Well, my menu, but not a real post.

As I may have mentioned in other posts, I somehow hurt my knee camping in July. Oh man did it HURT then! It started to get better over the summer, and with my Doctor having some screwy summer hours, didn't feel I needed to go in right away, seeing as I had to see him for my thyroid check up anyways. I re-hurt my knee about a week and a half before my appointment, I knew it had to be something more then just me being a wimp over a sprain or such.

So I did bring up the pain issue then, and he believes I have a torn meniscus. Basically, torn cartilage in the knee, and referred me to an Orthopedic surgeon.

Whom I saw and meet today.

Now, everyone local asked who I was seeing and they all have fabulous things to say to be about the surgeon. Even my own Doctor had his torn meniscus fixed by this very man. Apparently I was seeing one of the best locally I could see, and for that I was most happy. Until I met the guy.

Now, first, let me stress that I DO know I am overweight, obese in fact. This very fact does not escape me. The fact I am working towards losing weight (I had lost 25, almost 30 pounds) before being derailed by my knee, frustrates me, to NO end. I DO know that being obese increase the risks for many things, included various diseases, illness and conditions.

So to have some Orthopedic Surgeon tell me that I need to lose weight because I WILL get diabetes and heart disease, and that my weight is why my knee is shot, that it is making my knock knees even WORSE (I have knock knees, this is news to me), and that I should have Bariatric surgery done...

yeah... I'm pissed.

Dude - you meet me for 10 minutes. You do not know me, my history, and what, if any medical issues I have (just the thyroid, really. I just had lab work and the rest looks beautiful!!). And even worse, when I stood up for myself against your "fat attack", you tried to play it down and just talk about the "mechanics" of being so heavy does to my body.

YOU started the damn argument, and by golly I WILL have my say in it.


He didn't like it when I told him, under no uncertain circumstances would I ever have Bariatric surgery (I'm not 100% against it in general, I am 100% against it FOR ME). He acted like I signed my own death certificate. I am not kidding when I say this. He all but SAID that HIMSELF.

Basically I had to totally advocate for my own care. I had to tell him about my primary Doctor's opinion/diagnosis about my knee (the tear) to which he agreed to have an MRI to make sure there is no tear there. He kept stressing how my weight is making the knock knees worse, and that they really no longer do surgery to correct it, and that even if they did, I am a special high risk person to even have surgery... but if there is a tear that going in laparoscopically might be ok to fix a tear.

Dude, I just want to be mobile again.

Add in that he had to put in his 2 cents on what he thought about my husband (who is also overweight, and losing), really did it for me in hating this guy. Sorry, but this appointment was about ME and my KNEE, not my husband and his weight!

So there is it. I go for a MRI next week, and the following week I see him again for a follow up to that. Really, I am HOPING and PRAYING there is no tear, so I can be DONE seeing this doctor.

And now, that I have some insight to my knees, that maybe its the misalignment of my knee causing pain, I'm going to buy one of those braces from the store, and maybe even a new pair of sneakers.

So yeah, for everyone who loved this guy, must have loved him cause a) thy are of normal/average weight or b) didn't really deal with his "bedside manner" and maybe he just a really excellent surgeon.

Anyways....

I will get in shape, I will be healthier... if nothing else then to shut up ignorant, arrogant, assuming pricks, like the Orthopedic I saw today.

Menu Planning Monday - October 4th

What a past few weeks it's been around here! After 3 months of walking around (or rather, hobbling around most of the time) with a hurt knee, I finally got myself to the Doctor office (had to anyways for my thyroid check up). My Doctor thinks I tore the meniscus. Fantastic... I now have and appointment to see an Orthopedic Surgeon this upcoming Thursday.

I'm trying to find some healthy meals that require little prep, so if when I need to send my husband my oldest to fix dinner, it's something quick, easy and won't require skills or patience she may not have yet.

Sunday: Oven Friend Chicken, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Apple Crisp for dessert.

Monday: Perogies

Tuesday: Leftovers

Wednesday: Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Thursday: Corn dogs (yes, i know, but i see the Ortho this day, not sure what I'll be up to making)

Friday: Leftover pasta shells i dont fill wednesday with tomato sauce

Saturday: Pizza (need a new idea, for homemade, not ordering out!)

Make sure you check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for more links to menus planning ideas (maybe much more inspiring them mine!)

Menu Planning Monday - September 20th

So we're are into our 2nd full week of school here, and I am really finding menu planning for the week SO helpful! Even if we don't make a dish on a particular night, we're just swapping one night for another if something comes up. It's oh so helpful!

So here's this weeks menu, it's going to be INSANE around here this week preparing for my in-laws to come and stay here with us Friday and Saturday! My mother-in-law's birthday is Wednesday, so Dinner Friday is her birthday dinner meal (and we'll have cake/etc Saturday when my father-in-law can join us, since he's still going to work)

Sunday: Asian Orange Chicken and rice

Monday: French toast, herb roasted potatoes, fresh fruit

Tuesday: Lo Mein

Wednesday: One Dish Vegetarian Dinner

Thursday: fend-for-yourself/leftovers

Friday: Eggplant Parmesan, salad, and some FRE Merlot

Saturday: Pizza

And as always, head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more links to other menu planning for ideas!

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by SouleMama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.




For more moments, take a swing over to SouleMama.

WIP Wednesday - A Handmade Holiday for 2010

As the title of my post might suggest, I am going to attempt to make it an handmade holiday for our family this year. This will be a rather huge undertaking considering that 1) it's mid-September and I haven't started yet! and 2) IT'S MID-SEPTEMBER AND I HAVEN'T STARTED YET! AM I CRAZY?!?!?

Yes (and I prefer it that way).

I do think that my oldest and husband might try to buck this a bit, so in fairness, my daughter's birthday (only 26 days before Christmas) will not be handmade items (she's 11 going on 20 some days, I swear it). For dad/husband, I can honestly say at this point - I'm clueless as to giving him gifts, so we'll just have to play that be ear (though i do have some idea for handmade items for him).

I've done a mostly handmade holidays before (2007 & 2008), but I'm going to try for 100% here this year. It all started when reading one of my favorite blogs (Frontier Dreams) and seeing the button for Handmade Holiday 2010. I followed to that link, and as they say, the rest is history.

So - my WIP right now is more of a battle plan! My goal is to use as much of my crafting supplies that I already have (loads of yarn, flannel, etc). Realistically, I know that for some gifts I have planned, I will need some supplies. I actually want to post out my intended gifts, with links to any patterns or tutorials that I use. (maybe even coming to do that later tonight, when the insomnia hits me anyways). My beginning list of gifts to make is at the very bottom of this post (web ones i can link, books ones will come later). Call it my accountability in following through with my plan here.

So that's it (for now) for my WIP post. I can't wait to get started on this. I'm really excited about it! And other then finishing a prayer shawl (I know, I know) and sewing a couple of Halloween costumes, This will be my mega WIP from now until Christmas.

If you would like more information on Wip Wednesday, click the image at the top of this post. For more information Handmade Holiday 2010, please click the button on the right side of my blog.

Fabric Doll House - I plan on making 2 of these, 1 for each of my 2 youngest.

Notebook and Pencil Holder - 3 of these, at least. One for each of my children (maybe for the nieces and nephews too, I have LOADS of ideas for them all!)

I-Spy Bag - For the youngest, the only one who doesn't already have one (and is always taking his sisters!).

Flower Stix (video tutorial in Spanish) - For the oldest (this maybe the 1 thing I bought handmade as opposed to making it, if the rubber becomes hard to find).

Day to Night Reversible Tote Bag: For the 2 youngest (I hope this makes ALL our morning and night transitions easier!) They will likely get them Christmas eve (stuffed with new PJs, a tradition for us).

Menu Planning Monday - September 13th

Our first full week of school finally - and hoping we can start getting back into a regular routine around here. I have bell choir re-starting this week, and Lexi while forgoing Girl Scouts this year, may do 4H, as well as numerous clubs at school she is interested in. We haven't had a real routine in about 14 months now (we had a few, small routines at the tiny efficiency). I'm also trying to figure out a location still to put up our nature tables so we can have it ready for the autumn equinox in just over 1 week! YIKES!

After not having a range for so long, I'm just NOW getting into using it... timidly though. It's older, and there is no pilot light for the oven part at all (so i always have to use the lighter stick), and the ranges on top are known to not light all the time. Plus, a mice is on the smaller oven 1/2, so i don't dare use it! I love that it's a huge side-by-side oven, but I may start pricing gas ovens here shortly, for my piece of mind.


Sunday: Incredibly Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf and mashed potatoes

Monday: Chicken tenders and french fries

Tuesday: Pasta night

Wednesday: leftover night

Thursday: Soup and bread sticks

Friday: Pierogies

Saturday: Just the kids and I, Maybe I'll make something cool!

Make sure you hop over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for links to more menu planning ideas!

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.



For more moments, take a swing over to Soulemama

Menu Planning Monday - August 30th

Another week, another menu. I did finally use my oven for the first time - and love it! I have yet to try and bake, but I know baking will be coming in the near future. Some canning too, since the oven, a old fashioned side-by-side, has 5 burners! More then enough space to make and can some goodies before winter comes.

This is the last full week before school, so we;re going to keep things simple and easy so we can enjoy these days.

Monday: Pasta night

Tuesday: Sandwiches and Veggies

Wednesday: Homemade Mac and Cheese

Thursday: leftovers

Friday: Breakfast for dinner

Saturday: Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

Sunday: Maybe i'll finally do ham and potatoes for the hubby

And for more menu planning inspiration, make sure to check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for links to other blogs!

Menu Planning Monday - August 23rd

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted here. It's been a very chaotic and busy time for us! I guess the biggest news is that... WE FINALLY HAVE MOVED! *jumps for joy* after nearly 13 months in our 1 room efficiency, we are now in a 3 bedroom apartment. But I'll save more of that for another post.

Here though, we have our menu, and now I have a actual stove and oven to use! It's hard though to plan on using it, after not having one for so long, but I'm lovin' knowing i have it to use!

This week is a tad chaotic, being that pretty much all day Thursday, we have stuff going on, Friday night we'll be out to pick up 1 kid from grandma's house, and Saturday we'll be at a birthday party. But, it's going to be a great week!

Monday: Hot dogs and macaroni and cheese

Tuesday: thinking we may go out. I have a buy 1, get 1/2 off coupon, and Tuesday is kids eat free night.

Wednesday: Snack food night

Thursday: BLTs (Lexi has 6th grade orientation that evening)

Friday: Not sure, since we'll be driving to my In-laws and back that evening

Saturday: Baked Teriyaki Chicken, rice and a veggie (something fresh and green, whatever looks good at the market)

Sunday: Grilled pizza and homemade wings

Grocery list for July26th

Well, i had a number of questions about my grocery list after posting about it on Facebook. I spent about $80 to feed our family for the week (for 5 of us).

So here is my list, and a slight breakdown of what i bought (I'm not including non-food items, or the stuff for our cat)

Wal-Mart
2 packages of fajita mix
total spent: $1.56
(crazy to go there for just this mix - but its the best stuff we've found!)


Save-A-Lot
1 package of frozen Broccoli
1 jar of pasta sauce
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
sour cream
corn meal
vanilla
1 package of pre-cooked bacon
1 package of chicken breasts
total spent: $11.28
(approx - i didn't count the kitty litter, which i cant remember if it was $4 or $5)


Wegmans (over 3 trips)
heavy cream
2 packages of whole wheat Tortillas
1 red bell pepper
1 head lettuce
1# of organic carrots
1 pint of grape tomatoes
1 huge container of sliced turkey
gallon of milk
high active yeast
6 bottles of weight watchers soda
lemonade
1 loaf bread
1 container of dough
1 bag of pre-shredded cheese
pepperoni
black olives
1 box cereal
1 bunch bananas
6 mini apples
total: $55.56

grand total: $68.40

that's not including the occasional ice cream treat out ($1 a kid) during the week... so by the time that's done, $80 is about right. I'd still like to get some caramel syrup for my frappe's - but i can wait till Friday :-D

This is for meals from Saturday (which was leftovers), up though this coming Friday (with some of the items for this upcoming weekend). You can check out my menu here.

Menu Planning Monday - July 26th

Ahhh... here we are again. I feel much better about this week's menu then last week. I don't know why... maybe since I'm making a couple of dishes we have not had in awhile. As well as something new, which I was striving to do every week, and have been really lacking in accomplishing lately.

I did not get all my baking done last week, though I did get blueberry zucchini muffins done. I did these last year too, but WOW, I did NOT remember there being 1 cup of oil in the recipe! With all the humidity and that oil, these were really dense and moist. So moist, I put them in the fridge to try and dry out some! But the kids still gobbled them up, though in the future, I will (and highly recommend) replacing 1/2 the oil with applesauce! I also upped the baking soda and baking powder to help them be slightly more cake like, and less bread like (doubled the soda, tripled the powder).

I also made the English Muffins. There are a few things I did differently. First, the dough was WAY too wet to roll on corn meal, so I used flour. After they doubled, but before placing them on the griddle, I had corn meal in a plate that I drudged them on each side, then placed on the hot griddle. But - they are REALLY good. I think next time I'll just skip the corn meal.


Monday: Chicken Fajitas

Tuesday: Taco Turkey Wraps

Wednesday: BLTs

Thursday: Pasta night

Friday: Breakfast for dinner night

Saturday: Pizza Pinwheels

Sunday: Chicken Divine


While I do need to keep in mind making sure I plan lunches, I'm not going to post them anymore, as usually its just whatever we have on hand, not needed for dinner. Sometimes just sandwiches, or leftovers, sometimes it's even cereal.

Remember, you can always jump over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu planning inspiration!

30 day Blog Journal - Day 24

I already know I hate this post. Our next topic is - where I live.

So why do I hate it? Where I live is quiet depressing, even though as a family, we make it work. But I still dream of when we can FINALLY move from here... that day can not come soon enough.

So, where so I live? In a motel efficiency room.

Despite the total lack of privacy, it's actually a quite workable room. We have a huge main room, a good sized kitchenette, and then 1 full bath. That's it. We have 1 dresser, a queen sized bed, a recliner love seat, 2 desks and a tv stand in the main room. We blow up a queen sized air mattress at night, and 2 kids sleep there, and 1 on the love seat.

In the kitchen, we have a full size fridge (ours, the room came with a dorm sized one), a shelf that holds a microwave (theirs) and our toaster oven and a space for 1 other small appliance (usually, my frappe maker). We have 1 lower cupboard that holds the skillet, the griddle, electric kettle, and various pans. Another long shelf holds out dinnerware and cups. We have a storage cube set up to hold dry/canned foods, and on top of the fridge holds 2 crock pots. Yeah, we have a LOT of kitchen appliances here, but without a proper stove/oven, with all those we really make do in having more then microwaved meals all the time.

Thankfully there is a nice big grassy area for the kids to play in... and ironically, we are not the only family here. Another family of 5 shares another room, smaller then ours.

I can't complain. We are all here together, and while this is not ideal, we really make it work for us. Staying in this community has been important to us. We have actually looked to move away, and all attempts have failed. I don't know if its density or God or what, but i truly feel as we are meant to stay here.

But I still long for a bedroom that is not also the living and dinner space, and not shared with 3 children, and a proper kitchen (how I MISS really baking!).

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.




For more moments, swing over to SouleMama.

30 day Blog Journal - Day 23

So close to the end - I can taste it!

Today's topic is a YouTube video.

Again, how vague.

I have only 1 cool video to share. My son recorded it last march in our old apartment. He was not quiet 3 at the time.



He's so funny.

Join me again tomorrow when i post about where I live.

30 day Blog Journal - Day 22

Internet connection stunk yesterday, so we'll play a little catchup here posting yesterday and today's 30 day blog posts (can you tell, i want them to be DONE!)

Today's Yesterday's topic was - a website

Well, that's vague enough, isn't it? I visit LOADS of websites! I am sure anyone who reads this, does also.

So, where does that leave me in writing this? I don't know. It would be simple enough to list my most frequented website (facebook) and call it a day. But what sense is that? I think this challenge is more then just the simple 1 word answer (or maybe it's not?). So, instead of the most well known page in my bookmarks to list - I'll go with what i think maybe be a relatively unknown know to the vast majority... Ravelry.

Now, for anyone in the know in the crochet and knitting communities, KNOWS this website. Mention it to anyone who is not (or is not married to one who is), and you get the blank stare of death.

First - this site rocks! When it first was started, there was a month plus waiting list to get approved as a user - DANG! it was the longest time in my LIFE (ok, maybe waiting for my babies to be born was, but you get my point, right?)

The website is basically a social community for those who are into fiber arts (crochet, knit, spinning, etc, etc...). You can search for patterns (there are THOUSANDS, both free, and paid), join groups and post on their forums, and even catalog your projects, yarn stash, have a queue of items you want to work on, and favorites from other users. You can friend other users, and even buy and sell among them.

Personal - I LOVE seeing my WIPs (work in progress) and cataloging my FOs (finished objects, as often what I make, I give away.I've gotten private messages left asking who I've made something (just last week, is was the beards on knit gnomes I made 2 years ago).

So - that's the website I am sharing with you. If you are into fiber arts, or know someone who is - share it! And if you join (it's free!), feel free to look me up on there. My user name is kjoslyn78

Stay tuned for our next topic, a YouTube video.

30 day Blog Journal - Day 21

Oh, how I love this day... as I do not have to go on and on with an opinion and such. Today's topic is - a recipe.

The question is - WHAT recipe? Do i share one of my favorite things to cook? or bake? something new i recently tried? or a tried and true favorite? decisions, decisions...

I'm going with a non-cook wrap recipe. a tried and true around here that my crew love. And in the hot, humid summer heat that we experience here in NY, no-cook anything is a blessing.

Taco Turkey Wraps
recipe as found on allrecipes.com

2/3 C sour cream
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
flour tortillas (about 6 - 8" tortillas)
1 C of shredded Mexican blend cheese OR cheddar cheese
1/2 pound of thinly sliced deli turkey breast
salsa

In a bowl, combine sour cream and taco seasoning. spread onto tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese, top with turkey and roll. Serve with salsa if desired.

We also add lettuce to our wraps also. You could experiment with other fillers too! My kids and husband gobble these UP! and are perfect to make ahead and pack in a picnic lunch for a day out.

I hope you enjoy this recipe, and come back tomorrow where the topic is a website.

Menu Planning Monday - July 19th

Here we are again. As much as I do enjoy meal planning, it can become a bit, monotonous. Especially in the summer, with all the kids home. I feel like I am constantly making someone SOMETHING to eat. Let's not forget that with so many "picky" eaters, mostly me, that coming up with something everyone will eat (and not waste food), is a challenge. I HATE wasted food, I rather make everyone a different sandwich then make a great big meal only 1 or 2 (out of 5) will eat.

So - here it is:

Monday: BLTs (we ended up not having these last week, as the hubby was out for his final tux fitting)

Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner (last time i did pancakes, so we'll be going for french toast this time)

Wednesday: Pasta night

Thursday: Hot dogs on the grill, salad, maybe some watermelon too

Friday: Chicken fajitas

Saturday: Pizza night (thinking of trying grilled pizzas - yum!)

Sunday: we'll see where the week takes us!

Breakfast:
toast
eggs
cereal
pancakes

Lunches:
sandwiches (various, from your typical PB&J to grilled cheese, etc..)
mac and cheese

It's suppose to rain either Friday or Saturday, so I'm looking to doing some baking (in the evening, after kids are asleep, so it may survive a day or two).. esp after the HUGE zucchini my mother-in-law sent home with us!

chocolate zucchini muffins
blueberry zucchini muffins (from this bread recipe - works great as muffins)
homemade hot pockets (ham and cheese, and using home made dough)
Breakfast puffs (made ahead w/ the drizzle)
and if I get ambitious, English Muffins

and as always, make sure you hop over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for my menu planning inspiration!

30 day Blog Journal - Day 20

Only 10 more "days" to go! YAY!

Today's topic is - a hobby if mine.

I already touched on this in my last entry - my talent of being creative. I love to knit and crochet, and often have more then 1 project going at a time.

But, I'll touch on another hobby of mine.... baking.

Oh how I LOVE to bake.

Being sans oven right now makes it a tad more difficult then usual. I hope we are able to remedy that soon, but until then, i can do little baking. Muffins , cupcakes, even small square or round cakes.

In the past i've baked all our own breads (both quick breads and yeast breads), cakes, cookies, muffins. I've done "special diet" baking, including vegan (no animal products at all) as well as tried gluten-free baking (Lisa liked those cupcakes! heck, so did I!)

But I really shine during the holidays. I bakes some wheres around 7 different kinds of cookies, as well as making candy (esp fudge... and most esp peanut butter fudge!). as well as special holiday breads... my mouth is watering just thinking about it!

I don't know if you all consider baking a hobby, but i most certainly do!

Technical Difficulties

Please excuse my lack of blogging the past few days, esp after posting that I would be blogging again! Our DSL has taken to not staying connected for more then a few minutes at a time since a huge storm passed through here Tuesday evening.

Unfortunately with a wedding and a baptism to attend this weekend, we are not going to even have the change to get to a payphone (since our phone is Vonage, which is VoIP, can't use that if we cant stay connected - UGH!) to call and complain about this.

Hopefully I'll be back up and running smoothly on here again soon!!

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

For more inspiring moments, swing of to SouleMama.

30 day Blog Journal - Day 19

After my much needed break from reality, here I am, back at finishing the 30 day blog journal entries.

Today's topic - a talent of mine.

First, what is talent? Merriam-Webster defines talent as a characteristic feature, aptitude, or disposition of a person or animal, or the natural endowments of a person. Wiki says that talent (in the sense of natural ability or giftedness) is not the same as skill, which is a learned process, and one which is enhanced or inhibited by an underlying talent.

So, a natural ability or endowment, and not a learned skill. So, what is my talent?

After posing the question on Facebook, and doing some thinking, I would have to say my strongest talent is being creativity.

In my teens, this would have been focused in music... I played the flute (but stopped after 2 years due to practice time being too early in the am, I never got back into it), sang (at school and in church, both in a choir, as well as few solos) and played hand bells at church.




As this has changed a bit as I've grown. Lacking time to hone my musical skills, I've taken up working in fiber arts. While I've known how to crochet since I was 8 or 9, I've really only done well with it, since becoming a mother (and naturally felt the need to prepare for my baby). Since I re-started working with fibers 11 years ago, I've nailed down counted cross stitch, and finally learned to knit 2 1/2 years ago. I've done a little sewing (scrub tops and skirts, doll diapers...). My hope is to learn needle felting next. I've also done some pretty creative baking, something I think I get from my father (who was a fantastic baker). And, something that I think helps keep me grounded, I started to play hand bells after years of not doing anything musically. Music really does touch my creative soul.

Without having written this post, without really thinking about it, I may have said I am talent-less. But I truly don't believe anyone is. We all have talents, it just takes recognizing, honing, and using them .

Come back tomorrow, where our topic will be... a hobby of mine.

Menu Planning Monday - July 12th

Here we are again. Finally after the craziness of planning and going, then returning form our vacation to my brother-in-laws river lot in PA (see pic in previous post - it was lovely there!), We are back into a routine.

Even with it being summer, we're tremendously busy! This Saturday my husband will be a groomsman in his brother's wedding. My 7 yr old is in summer reading camp at school for the next few weeks, and my oldest has book club twice a week as part of her summer reading project for school. I'm also assisting again this year with our local Vacation Bible School - I LOVE IT! Again, working on games for the kids (last year I was in charge of the preschool class games) with a lovely lady, I have yet to meet, but I am sure it will be a blast. It's so inspirational to work with children! I know what it does for my faith...

but I digress... we're menu planning! So I have time to take all the kids to their things and still feed them great meals to keep them healthy and growing.

Monday: BBQing hot dogs, pasta salad and chips

Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner

Wednesday: Pasta, salad

Thursday: BLTs, fruit salad

Friday: Chicken Fajitas

Saturday: Wedding day - who knows where we'll be at dinner time!

Sunday: Not sure, we'll be driving to and from my in-laws to pick up the youngest rug rat... so something simple and easy, maybe pizza

Lunches this week will include:
leftovers from dinner the night before
Nutella and fluff sandwiches (the girls LOVE these!)
veggie and fruit tray
"brunch"

As always, make sure you hop over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu planning inspiration!

Back into the swing

For the (very few) reads of my little blog, you may have noticed i haven't written in over a week. Mostly due to being out and spending the holiday with family. It was lovely and nice... and I'd give just about anything to be back there now (though 4 days does seem to be the limit for a few family members, esp sans shower and laundry abilities! LOL)

our view off the camp lot looking at the west branch of the Susquehanna river

some fishing

some boating

some swimming

some fireworks

and of course a big bonfire

Rather then try to play catch up on all my posts I normally would have done, I'm just going to start fresh.

I hope everyone had a happy, healthy and safe holiday!!

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

For more moments, swing over to Soulemama

30 day Blog Journal - Day 18

Today's topic is - my wedding.

My wedding was not a huge affair. Our original Date was selected for June 19th, 1999. After having a preemie at the end of 1998, and my husband changing jobs that would result in us getting insurance, you hastily moved the date to the Friday before, February 12, 1999.

We don't have many pictures of the event, as we did things very simply and last minute. In fact, I only told my dad about the nuptials 7 hours before we were to wed! Any young ladies reading this, I HIGHLY suggest you give your father more notice then that! (a few months, preferably!) And what photos i do have are currently in storage and needing to be scanned into the computer.

Given though what my husband and I have endured, the obstacles set before us, I don't think anyone (even ourselves) imagined that at 11 years and counting, we were still be here, together and strong. We've had ups and downs, I think ever marriage does. But, we were 20-somethings, with a child, and little else when we married. Surely accord to statistics we should be divorced by now, maybe even divorced from a 2nd marriage!

But here we are, and I like it that way.

30 day Blog Journal - Day 17

Sorry this is a day late - We have been busying ourselves for camping this upcoming weekend.

Today's topic is a piece of art. This is hard for me. I don't hate art, but music seems to be my preference as far as my artistic ability, and interest.

But, now and again a few things catch my eye, and this piece i saw online, did just that.

Escher's "Relativity" in LEGO®

And while I know "Relativity" is a piece of art of it's own accord, the scene kind of reminds me of a part near the end of the movie Labyrinth (which I LOVED as a youngster).

Our next topic is my wedding/future wedding... Guess I better get to it and catch back up!

30 day Blog Journal - Day 16

So here we are, another day, another post. Almost makes you happy that after today, i only have 13 days left, doesn't it?

So today is a song that makes you cry (or nearly). And my choosing is the Moody Blues song I Know You're Out There Somewhere.



Those who know and are close to me in real life know that my dad died in August 2003. And my dad was a HUGE Moody Blues fan... HUGE I tell you! And while I know it's a continuation of the love song "Your Wildest Dreams", the chorus really spoke to me in my grief and in missing my dearest father.

I know you're out there somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere
I know you're out there somewhere
Somewhere you can hear my voice
I know I'll find you somehow
Somehow, somehow
I know I'll find you somehow
And somehow I'll return again to you

I do think I will see my dad again, I do believe in an after life. Every day I miss him, and i do cry when i hear this song (or really, almost anything Moody Blues, because that was such a "him" thing as was calling him Buddha). I love you dad

my dad holding a newborn me - circa 1978

Dad holding my first born - Nov 30 1998

Come on back tomorrow, where the day's topic is an Art piece.

30 day Blog Journal - Day 15

Yeah! The half way point in this journey though a 30 day blog journal!

Today's topic: Your dream house.

like I haven't been thinking about a dream house for.. oh.. DECADES!

Now, when most people describe their dream home, it's huge. Ginormous even. My idea though, it a lot more down to earth. I don't believe bigger is always better, and homes are blew up since I was a child. Too large and impersonal. I want a small, cozy... home.

Anyone who has thought of a small home, may have heard of the The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company.


This is a company that specializes in tiny and small homes. Many of the homes are even built right on trailers! And while I wouldn't want a house THAT tiny with a family (100 sq feet or smaller), but small home is what I have in mind.

Lucky me - they make some "bigger" houses too! And I have had my eyes on their B-53 design for as long as I can remember now.


Their biggest stationary house to date, the B-53 is a 2 bedroom house, at 743 sq ft. There is the option for a 3rd bedroom, making the total 837 sq ft. But if you look at the plans, it does not seem lacking to me! The bedrooms are plenty big, especially the 2 upstairs (the add on one is slightly smaller), and while the kitchen seems small, for some, I grew up in a tiny kitchen with not much more space then the fridge, stove/oven unit, sink, and a couple of cupboards and zilch counter space. I love the built-in kitchen booth, and you could even expand the space if you decide to build this over a full basement, rather then a simple foundation.

What isn't there to love there? I already know that I would like the exterior to be some fake log looking siding, and as much real hard wood inside as humanly possible, maybe not full walls, but 1/2 wall, have drywall maybe. I'd like to paint a little too. Solar power/heating as much as possible... and then sit this on some acreage with plenty of trees, and land to garden.

Now if i could only win the lottery :-D

Come back tomorrow for... a song that makes me cry. oh joy *insert sarcasm here*

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.


For more moments, take a swing over to Soulemama

30 day Blog Journal - Day 14

Apparently I'm playing blog catch up today.

Today (for actual today) is about a non-fiction book. And the last non-fiction book I actually finished is The Simple Rules for Christian Living by Jeanne Torrence Finley.


Three Simple Rules for Christian Living is a reflection of the three principles of Christian living as illuminated by John Wesley in the General Rules, and revisited in the book Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living by Rueben Job. Using the words of John Wesley, Ruben Job, and the Bible, the book reflects what those rules may have meant during Wesley's time, as well as what they can mean to us today. The book is presented as a six week study in which the three rules; Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God; are studies and presented in how to practice them in daily life. The study presents an early Wesleyan understandings of spiritual disciplines that can transform us and the world that we live in, and leas us to a more faithful way of living as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I did this as a Lenten study via facebook with the church our family attends this year. And it was a real eye opener on many levels. If you ever have the chance to partake in reading or following a study using this, I highly suggest it.

Please come back tomorrow, where I will elaborate on my dream home.

30 day Blog Journal - Day 13

Today's Yesterday's topic - a fictional book.

I'm assuming that this is suppose to be about a fiction book I've recently read, as we've already covered all the "favorites" during the first few posts for this 30 day blog journal.

So that last fictional book I read was The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom.


Here is one summary from a review, as shown on Amazon.com

Wearing a work shirt with a patch on the chest that reads "Eddie" over "Maintenance," limping around with a cane thanks to an old war injury, Eddie was the kind of guy everybody, including Eddie himself, tended to write off as one of life's minor characters, a gruff bit of background color. He spent most of his life maintaining the rides at Ruby Pier, a seaside amusement park, greasing tracks and tightening bolts and listening for strange sounds, "keeping them safe." The children who visited the pier were drawn to Eddie "like cold hands to a fire." Yet Eddie believed that he lived a "nothing" life-gone nowhere he "wasn't shipped to with a rifle," doing work that "required no more brains than washing a dish." On his 83rd birthday, however, Eddie dies trying to save a little girl. He wakes up in heaven, where a succession of five people are waiting to show him the true meaning and value of his life. One by one, these mostly unexpected characters remind him that we all live in a vast web of interconnection with other lives; that all our stories overlap; that acts of sacrifice seemingly small or fruitless do affect others; and that loyalty and love matter to a degree we can never fathom.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and finished is in only about 3 hours, so it's not a very long read.

Be sure to come back, as our next topic is on a non-fiction book!