It's A Winter Wonderland

Here in Colorado we've been getting some beautiful snow, so yesterday when the snow was really high and fluffy we had no choice but to spend the day playing in it:-)

My Hubbys B-day On a BUDGET!

http://slideroll.com/?s=7nf7mt3z

It's funny my Doggies b-day is the weekend before my husbands b-day sooooo As I am making my dogs b-day cake I am thinking ,"what in the world am I going to do for my Husbands B-day?"
So Here it is a B-day weekend on a budget!!

Started by Friday He woke up to find a homemade sign above his head that showed his New Age.The rest of the day continued like normal ,But Friday nights we have Date night so we enjoyed a movie and dinner at home.(That was simple enough.)

Now onto Sat- I booked a hotel room to check in @ 2pm . I gavve Him plenty of time(just in case He had somthing he wanted to do.{which He did} We checked in at 1:45 and out to the movies we went. We checked in for a movie that didn't start until later(sometimes when you do that they allow you to stop into another movie until yours is ready)
TWO Movies for the price of ONE you can't beat that!!
Well all movied OUT we headed back to the hotel But not before stopping by a fast food joint and picking up some junk food. AKA our dinner for that night.Easy so far RIGHT?

Now onto SUN- We enjoyed a complimentary breakfast at the hotel .Then checked out and headed home:{I planned that so we wouldn't have to pack our church clothes}. We checked on the dog changed our clothes and headed to church.
Sun afternoon I planned for his family to come and some of his friends.
I started making the food Quick food I made a 16" pizza but stacked real high (it feeds more people that way The cost of the pizza $8
I grabbed some frozen hotwings for $2.50 And some frozen bread sticks for $2.50 also
Total $13 to feed Apx 8 Adults (not bad)

I made a homemade 4 layer cake for hubby His favorite is Carrot cake So I made carrot and vanilla. Then we had a family movie night/party at the house.
It was Simple,Easy & Everyone had a BLAST!!

Quick dog cake recipe
1 cup flour
1tsp baking soda
1 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup veg oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1tsp vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1 egg
Mix all ingredients , place in a pre-greased pan and bake on 350 for 30 min.

For frosting Puree cottage cheese and add some sprinkles
Pawwww-fect for a pooch!

Forgiveness

Sometimes I can find it hard to forgive others, but God's Word is very clear that I must if I'm to be forgiven by Him. The following verses really reached out and grabbed me in my bible study:

Mat 18:21 ¶ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?


Mat 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.


Mat 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.


Mat 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.


Mat 18:25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.


Mat 18:26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.


Mat 18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.


Mat 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took [him] by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.


Mat 18:29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.


Mat 18:30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.


Mat 18:31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.


Mat 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:


Mat 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?


Mat 18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.


Mat 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Fun With Kids

As I've mentioned before, one of my favorite things to do is hang out with my kids. I try to make sure we go on at least one outing every weekend. Today we went to Bass Pro Shop. We had an amazing time! There was bull roping, bull riding (all pretend of course), a spin wheel, leather key chain pressing, etc...... The fun didn't stop there, we came home and made a fort in the living room floor. How much more fun could we have? Hangin' out with my hubby is always a blast, but there's just something about playing with your children, there's nothing like it.

Fun at Chuck-E-Cheese

Real Skin Age Test

Hey ladies
If you didn't know I am a certified Skin Analyst . I am trained to give this test to tell how old your skin REALLY is.
It is very fun and is correct So heres what you do......

Your skin Age is the biological age of your skin,based on how well you care for it.Determining your Skin Age is simple! Just answer these 10 Questions for your skin calculation.

1.) Your Age (based on the year you were born) _______
2.) Sun Exposure:
Wear SPF daily: -2
Use a tanning bed/booth: +17
Spend more than eight hours /week outdoors during the day: +8
3.) Skin Care Products:
Use daily skin care products (i.e,cleanser,toner,moisturizer): -2
Use age defying treatment products -5
4.) Nutritional Suppliments:
Use a mega multi -4
Or, Use a one a day supplement -3
Take additional anti oxidants(e.g vitaminC,vitaminE -1
5.)Experience high stress: +3
6.)Sleep 7-8 hours per night: -3
7.) Exercise a minimum of 60 min weekly: -2
8.) Live in a metropolitan area (pollution): +2
9.) Lifestyle:
Consume 4+ alcoholic beverages per week: +3
Smoke +8
Or regularly exposed to second hand smoke: +7
10.) Consume 8+ glasses of water daily: -2

Your Skin Age _________

Manicotti Recipe

Spinach & Beef manicotti

1 box of 8 oz manicotti noodles
1Jar minced garlic clove
1bag frozen spinach chopped
2 eggs
1 15 oz container of ricotta cheese
1 tsp salt
1jar of marinara sauce
1cup grated parmesan cheese
1 bag shredded mozzarella Cheese
1 lbs hamburger meat (can substitute turkey meat)

Preheat oven to 350
Cook manicotti noodles for apx 7 min; drain rinse and cool.set aside
Cook hamburger meat over med heat until brown&season (to taste),add garlic (to taste),and about 1cup of frozen spinach Sautee for about 2 min and set aside.
Beat eggs in a med bowl ,stir in ricotta cheese and salt.Stir inHamburger mixture.
Spread 3/4 cup of marinara sauce over bottom of 13/9 inch baking dish. Fill manicotti with hamburger mixture; place in dish. Spread remaining hamburger mix on top of the noodles,than spread the remaining sauce over noodles . Sprinkle parmesan cheese evenly over the top Lastly cover the Entire top of pan with Mozzarella Cheese .Cover with foil and bake for 30 min ,than uncover and bake until cheese is melted and browned.

Homemade Sourdough Bread

I just love homemade sourdough bread. It's so good and healthy. Serene from Above Rubies shares how

Outsmart the FLU!!!!

Wakey wakey eggs a bakey!

Or better yet Kick off your family's day with a breakfast rich in colorful fruits and veggies set against a backdrop of whole grain carbohydrates. The immune system functions better with a healthy diet. Also ask your doctor about giving your children a multi vitamin to make sure they're getting all the nutrients they need.

Germ Warfare

• Wipe down the handle of your shopping cart, the door knobs of public bathrooms,even your kids menu (think of how many tiny tots have licked the pictures of tasty treats )
• Bring your own books ,toys or portable video games. Most offices do clean their toys but the odds are huge that a sick child has had their hands on it)
• Adults carry germs too! Use your pen at the doctors office, pharmacy and the checkout counter.
• Spray down the bathroom with a household disinfectant , if a family member has been sick.Other germ magnets like phones,remote controls, microwaves and refridgerator door handles. You can spray down toys at the ends of the day. (I like to take a bowl and fill it with warm water and vinegar and dip the toys or wipe with that mix.)
• Try not to hug soiled linens to avoid spreading germs to other parts of your body.Take them off them wash your hands afterward.
• Sanitize like crazy if your go into an outdoor play place.

Wash wash and wash some more!!

1. When to do it - Have your child wash their hands before meals, after using the bathroom,after coughing,sneezing,nose picking ,touching animals and after coming from outside.
2. How Long - For at least 15-20 seconds, or long enough for your child to sing the alphabet or "Happy Birthday".
3. What Temp - Have your kid wash in warm water. Heat isn't going to kill the bacteria but washing removes them.
4. How Much Soap - Some Soap but not gobs (skip antibacterial soap.) Effective hand washing requires soap and friction so makes sure they rub their hands together vigorously.

Avoid Wardrobe malfunctions

From chilly bus stops to stuffy classrooms to hot gym classes: Most kids could use a series of costume changes throughout the day. Tempature fluctuations alone won't make them sick, but overheating can lead to dehydration, leaving them run down and more vulnerable to germs.. Layers that can be easily snapped on or zipped off with confidence will keep kids comfortable .

Speacially For Baby

Power up the probiotics, studies show that preschoolers who were given twice-daily probiotic supplements for 6 months experienced fewer fevers.cough and runny noses during the cold and flu season than children who were not. You can find probiaotics in Breast Milk and Formula, Foods Dannon makes yogurt and yogurt drinks with probiotics- Also Beech-nuts Goodmorning and goodevening baby food with prebiotics. Suppliments Ask your prediatrician about a supplement like Florastor Kids Or Culturelle for Kids, which is often used to treat antibiotic-related diarrhea.

Dish up the Vitamin D

Make sure your childs getting enough viamin (it helps activate immune cells) Good sources of vitamin D are Fortified Milk and juices,cheese,eggs and salmon. Still its tough to recommend 400-IU daily unless your childs a big milk drinker-one cup of mik only has about 100-IU of vitamin D. You should talk to your pediatrician about a 400-IU.Infants who are consuming at least 32 ounces of formula daily are covered, but once solids are added to their diet, they're likely to need a supplement too.

Wipe them Clean

Doctors agree that when you're on the go , the gentelist way to wash your childs hands is simply with a baby wipe. Since infant skin is more permeable , steer clear of alcohol based sanitizers until he is at least 2 yrs old.

H1N1 Update!

Should your child get the new flu vaccine? What's the latest treament advice? Find the most current H1N1 news at Parenting.com/flu

TOP NOTCH CARE PACKAGE

Somehow, somewhere, I picked up the H1N1 virus and was having an awful time getting over it. Now, it's down to a cough every now and then. My sister, Alonna, immediately went into HELP mode. She knew just what I needed, a homemade care package. This is the ultimate care package. It's got vitamins, minerals, pajama bottoms, all sorts of teas, etc........... THANKS SIS!!!!!!

GREAT BLOG GIVEAWAY

Nan over at http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/ is having a fun blog makeover giveaway. Please check it out! While you're over there browse her blog. She has tons of great info. and lots of humor.

My Sweet Ariana

I just had to post some pics. of my 2 year old. I think that she is the most wonderful, sweet daughter in life. It's such a blessing to be home with her and to watch her grow.
There's just something about having a little girl.

Exercises During the Holiday rush!

Sneak in these great exercises while.....


Waiting in line at the store*


Calf Lifts:Rise up on your toes and hold for 3 seconds,Lower and repeat 15 times..




Balancing: Stand near a counter for balance,shift your weight to one foot and raise the opposite foot. Hold for as long as you can . Repeat with the opposite leg.


Standing at a buffet table*


Ab Flattener: Tighten your abdominal muscles as if preparing to take a punch.Hold for about 10 seconds,release and repeat 10 times.




Addressing Holiday cards*


Chair squats: Stand in front of a chair as if your going to sit down;raise your arms out in front of you ,then bend your knees SLOWLY as if your going to sit in the chair.lightly touch the seat of the chair then stand back up. Repeat 15 times.




Preparing a Holiday dinner*


Tricep toners: Hold two 14 oz cans(cranberry sauce,pie filling ect)one in each hand, palms toward the ground. Raise your arms straight out in front of you until they are parallel to the floor. Pause then slowly lower arms straight down to waist. Repeat 15 times.




Bicep toners: Hold two 14 oz cans , one in each hand Palm up toward the ceiling ; starting with arms by your waist Slowly bring the cans up towards your shoulders, bending your elbows. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat 15 times.




Waiting for the oven to heat*


Hamstring kicks: stand facing the counter *hang on for balance* Shift your weight to one leg, and bring the other heel up toward your Glut. Hold and squeeze for a few second then return your leg to the starting postition, and lift it straight out toward the side and back down again.


Repeat 15 times with each leg.




Have Fun and Enjoy your Workout!!

A Week's Worth of Casseroles

Chicken and Noodle Casserole

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

6oz. egg noodles

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1 c. sour cream

salt & pepper

1c. crumbled Ritz crackers

1/2 c. butter

Cook chicken. Cook pasta. In a bowl combine and stir soups, sour cream, salt and pepper. Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in crumbled Ritz crackers. Top casserole with buttery Ritz crackers. Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 min.

Beef and Potato Casserole

1 lb. ground beef

1 chopped onion

1 can cream of mushroom soup

salt and pepper

3-4 medium potatoes sliced

Brown ground beef, salt, pepper, and onions. Cover bottom of casserole dish with a layer of potatoes and a layer of ground beef. Pour half of soup mixture over ground beef. Layer a second time. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Mexican Style Zucchini Casserole

2T. olive oil

3 lbs. zucchini, sliced

1c. chopped onion

1t. garlic

1t. paprika

1t. oregano

1t. cayenne

1c. cooked rice

1c. cooked pinto beans

2 1/2c. salsa

1 1/2c. shredded cheddar

Heat oil in a lg. skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and onions, cook and stir until tender(about 10 min). Season zucchini with all the seasonings. Mix in rice, beans, and salsa then cook until heated through. Mix in 1c. of cheese. Transfer to 9x13in. baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Cook at 350 degrees for 20min. Serve with tortilla chips.

Breakfast Casserole

(this is best prepared the night before)

4 slices of bread

1 lb. bacon or sausage

1c. shredded cheddar

6 eggs

2c. milk

salt and pepper

Grease 13x9in. pan. Tear bread and place in pan. Brown and drain bacon or sausage, crumble over bread. Sprinkle with cheese. In a bowl beat eggs with milk and seasonings. Pour over mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 35min.

Macaroni and Ham Casserole

1/4c. bell pepper

1/4c. chopped onion

1T. butter

1 can cream of mushroom

7 to 8 oz. uncooked macaroni

1c. diced ham

pepper

1/2c. milk

1T. chopped parsley

1/2c. cheddar

In a skillet, saute the bell pepper and onions in the butter for 5min. Add ham and continue cooking until thoroughly heated. Cook macaroni until tender;drain. Combine all ingredients except cheese. Pour into a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 min. Sprinkle with cheese and bake until melted.

Tator Tot Casserole

(this is a recipe from the Duggar family; http://www.duggarfamily.com/ )

2lbs. ground beef, seasoned

3-2lb. bags of tator tots

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

2cans cream of chicken soup

2 cans evaporated milk

Brown meat and place in lg. casserole dish. Cover with tator tots. In a bowl, mix soup and milk together. Pour over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Broccoli Casserole

(this is a recipe from the duggar family; http://www.duggarfamily.com/ )

3/4 lbs. velveeta cheese, cubed

2 small boxes frozen, chopped broccoli

1c. cooked rice

1 onion, chopped

1 stick of butter

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2c. milk

Saute onions in butter. Cook broccoli then drain. Cook rice. Combine all ingredients and pour into 9x13in. dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45min. or until brown.

I'm in the war on germs

I was recently drafted into a war, a war on germs. My hubby started off sick and now my 10 year old is sick. I immediately went into nurturer and warrior mode at the same, if that makes any sense. I ran to the store to grab some epsom salt, gingerale, and crackers. I already had the much needed tea and honey on hand. So, armed with the neccessary items for nurtering that's exactly what I began to do. Once I had both hubby and son comforted and relaxed I moved on to the weapons I would need to battle the germs. I grabbed the Clorox wipes, disinfecting spray, vinegar, and paper towels. Now that I had my weapons in hand I went to war. I must have blacked out because what seemed like an hour was really morning till night. Well, I just dare them germs to stay. Today hubby is feeling better, thank God. I'm praying that my son feels better soon and that the two "littles" don't get sick.

My Warm, Wonderfully Cozy Day

Have you ever had one of those days where you stop, look around and say, "This is nice." It's snowing outside so we're indoors enjoying the warmth and relaxation. We had gotten up late this morning, stayed in our jammies, and have no agenda. The kids helped me make breakfast burritos and then while I was cleaning up I looked over and saw the kids all lying in the livingroom reading books. Even my 2year old had her own book open looking at pictures. This is what I call a great day! What more could a mommy ask for? Later we're all gonna have pizza and watch a movie together.

What's On The Menu

My 2 year old daughter and I had a blast making dinner for tonight. We made homemade chicken pot pie and whole wheat apple cinnamon muffins. Our pot pie had all natural ingredients and a whole wheat crust. Our muffins were whole wheat, slightly sweetened with raw, unfiltered honey.

Choices In Educating Our Children

My Puppy

I would've never dreamed that she would give me this much Joy.

I mean isn't she adorable!!!

My Oldest Daughter

Thankful for this beautiful girl

With her in my life ,it's a whole new world

She's a teenager now, but that is ok

Because raised up in Christ,is what I have prayed

Truely sweet is this child,that your looking at

The joy that she brings me will eternally last!

My Youngest Daughter

She is one of the lights in my life,Truely sent to me from God! Plus who could possibly resist that smile.

A Quick view of my home

http://slideroll.com/?s=shccuu0a

I hope you enjoy!

A Week's Worth of Soup

I, along with my sister, Alonna, wanted to share some soups and stews recipes. The weather is perfect for a nice hot bowl of soup and as I'm sure you can tell by now that I'm in the mood for soups:-)

Corn Chowder

4 slices of bacon
2T. onion, minced
1T. celery, minced
1T. pepper, minced
2c. corn
2 potatoes, diced
3 tomatoes, cut-up
2 pints of milk
salt and pepper

Dice the bacon and put into pan to brown, add onion, celery, and pepper; fry until bacon is crisp. Add the corn and saute together for 3min. Add the potatoes, tomatoes, and seasoning, cover and simmer for 30min. Finally, add the milk, heat to boiling and serve w/ chopped parsley.

The parsley is optional but I think that it's the perfect addition to most soups.


Split Pea Soup

1lb. split peas
3qts. water
1 ham bone
salt
2 carrots, sliced
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1 lg. onion, chopped
pepper

Wash peas, add cold water, veggies, and ham bone and simmer for 3hrs. or until mixture is thick. Remove ham bone, stir, and season to taste. Dilute with a little milk.

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

1/3 c. whole wheat flour
1/3 c. butter
3c. water
12oz. cooked smoked sausage, quartered and sliced lenghtwise
1.5c. chopped, cooked chicken
2c. okra
1lg. onion
1/2c. green bell pepper
1 stalk celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 t. salt
1/2t. pepper
1/4t. red pepper
3c. brown rice

For roux, in a med. heavy saucepan stir together flour and butter until smooth. Cook over med-high heat for 5min. stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir contantly for 15min.

Place water in 4qt. crock pot. Stir in roux. Add sausage, chicken, okra, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper.

Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours or high 3hours.  serve with cooked rice.


Potato Soup

Yeilds 2 servings
Ingredients

•3 LG Potatos

•2 Tbs Butter

•1 Tbs Season Salt

•1 Chicken boulion Cube (1 Tbs Chicken boulion powder)

•1 Tsp Chicken Herb Seasoning

•1 Cup of milk

Chop & Boil Potatos When potatos are tender begin mashing . Drain 1/2 of the water(leaving enough to cover potatos) Add boulion cube and mash ,place in bowl and add all ingredients,mashing vigerously till its at your desired consistancy . (If you would like it more soupy add more water)

Optional (mix in bowl afterwards for added flavor)

•2 tbs white flour

•sour cream

•onions

•shredded cheese



Squash Soup

Yields 8 Servings
Ingredients

•6 bacon slices

•1 Lg onion

•2 chopped carrots

•1 tbs garlic powder

•3 Lbs Chopped,Peeled,& Seeded Butternut Squash

•1 can Chicken Broth

•2 tsp salt

•1tsp pepper

•1/8 tsp nutmeg powder

•1/2 cup whipped cream

•2 tbs lime juice

•1 1/2 tbs honey

Cook bacon . Remove and drain on towel

Suatee onions and carrots in bacon grease until onions are tender

add garlic powder ,squash and chicken broth Boil until carrots and squash are tender

Place in bowl and mix until smooth (you can also use a blender or food processor)

place in a Pot on med heat And add all ingredients except bacon

Simmer aprx 10 min until thickend

Crumble bacon and add to soup






Chicken & Rice Soup

Yeilds 4 servings
Ingredients

• 2 Lg boneless skinless chicken breast

•1 1/2 cup of white rice

•1 Lg chopped Onion

•1/2 cup chopped celery

•1 tsp Chicken herb seasoning

•1tbs Chicken boulion power

•1tsp garlic powder

•1 can Chicken broth

Fry chicken breast in a pan until done, remove and drain on a towel.

Boil rice and celery adding 1/2 cup of excess water

Chop Chicken breast into cubes

when rice is tender mix in All ingredients

Simmer for Aprx 10 min

Place in bowl and serve



Goulash

Yields 4 servings
Ingredients

•1 Lbs Ground beef

•1 Tbs Season Salt

•2 cups elbow macaroni

•2 cups spagetti noodles

•2 Tbs garlic powder

•2 Cans of Tomato sauce

•1 Tbs Onion Powder

•1 Can of Green Peas

•1 Can of Corn

•*2 Tsp Salt / 1 Tsp Pepper


Brown beef in skillet & boil noodles

when noodles are tender drain and add tomato sauce,garlic powder and onion powder to noodles.Boil on med heat for Aprx 5 min.

Drain peas and corn and add to noodles, mix in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Great Fun Over at The Happy Housewife

Toni, over at The Happy Housewife is doing daily giveaways this week.  Please join in on the fun.
http://thehappyhousewife.com/

Oh What Deals

Yesterday I needed a jar of coconut oil, so I walked into my favorite store, Blazer's Street Market. I just needed that one thing until I found out that everything in the store is 50% off through Sunday. Well, well, well.... I was then thinking I need a little bit more if that's the case. So here's what I walked out with:

4-14oz jars of coconut oil
2-coconut bars
1 can of coconut juice
3 bags of tortilla chips made w/ flax seed
12-50.73 fl. oz. bottles of sparkling mineral water
52oz. sauerkraut
16oz of raw unfiltered honey

Everything I purchased is organic and came to an awesome price of $24.00. I am so blessed, even in the small areas of my life.

The seasons sure are changing

The weather here in Colorado is becoming colder. The trees and leaves are changing. We are definately in fall. It's neat the things that change with the seasons. One of those changes are what we eat. In fall and winter here in my house we eat a lot of soups and sandwiches, so tonight I am making a big pot of hearty chicken noodle soup. I'm making it with lots of organic veggies and whole wheat noodles.