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Saturday, March 31, 2012

Moments to Remember

Moments to rememberMoments to Remember was developed as a simple way to look back on our week as homeschoolers and find photos that encompass the memories we want to remember. The week may have been tough, there may have been more bumps than smiles, but in the end these are the moments that keep us going. These are the moments to remember.



We are part of a weekly co-op that meets on Fridays.  Each of my homeschool children attend, and I teach in one of the classes each week.  I have been teaching in the two Elementary Classes all year, rotating between the two.

We are studying:
Government & Economics – Upper High School Class (my rock star son is in this class)
American History – Lower High School Class (my unique son is in this class)
California History - Upper Elementary Class (my golden girl and my angel are in this class)
States & Early American History – Lower Elementary Class (my little one is in this class)

Hobo'sMy unique son’s class, recently studied  “The Great Depression.” 

They had a day were they dressed up as Hobo’s to class as part of their study. 

Some good looking Hobo’s if I do say so myself. 

They had a great time.

I love that we can be creative in our classes and learn at the same time.

Enjoying these weekly momnets~ Pin It

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Pizzas Bites

Anything pizza orientated in our house is a hit...

  Pizza Bites    

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Ingredients:
½ batch pizza dough (enough for 1 pizza)
4 oz. mozzarella cheese, cubed (about 20-24 pieces)
Sliced pepperoni
For topping:
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or cake pan. Divide the pizza dough into 20-24 roughly equal sized pieces. Take one of the dough pieces, top with a cube of cheese and a slice or two of pepperoni. Pull the edges of the dough around the fillings and pinch closed. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
Lightly brush the tops of the dough balls with olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Serve warm, with dipping sauce as desired.
As for dipping sauces, I go with this classic pizza sauce. Ranch dressing would be good too, if that’s your thing. Really though, these are so good on their own I don’t think a dipping sauce is necessary. I have found that a half recipe of the pizza dough (enough for one pizza) is just the right amount for one pan of these bites (about 20-24 bites). If you want them to be identical in size, you can use a kitchen scale to make sure you use the same amount of dough for each. I just rip a small hunk of dough off and try to stay consistent with the size.
Source: inspired by Chaos in the Kitchen

Basic Pizza Dough

Ingredients:
½ cup warm water (about 110°)
1 envelope (2 ¼ tsp.) instant yeast
1 ¼ cups water, at room temperature
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups (22 oz.) bread flour, plus more for dusting
1 ½ tsp. salt
olive oil or non-stick cooking spray for greasing the bowl

Directions:
Measure the warm water into a 2-cup liquid measuring cup. Sprinkle in the yeast and let stand until the yeast dissolves and swells, about 5 minutes. Add the room temperature water and oil and stir to combine.
Place the flour and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Briefly combine the dry ingredients at low speed. Slowly add the liquid ingredients and continue to mix at low speed until a cohesive mass forms. Stop the mixer and replace the paddle with the dough hook. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Form the dough into a ball, put it in a deep oiled bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Press the dough to deflate it.
To bake, place a pizza stone in the lower third of the oven. Heat the oven to 500° for at least 30 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Form both pieces of dough into smooth, round balls and cover with a damp cloth. Let the dough relax for at least 10 minutes but no more than 30 minutes.
Enjoy~
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Pepperoni Pizza Thins

 

Pepperoni Pizza Thins

My awesome hubby made these on day for the kid's (we had these pizza thins in the freezer for months -not getting used)  so be made pizza's out of them - I did a search for them and found an actual recipe for it - We like to think he invented them!!! Here is the recipe I

Ingredients

  • 1 Jar pizza sauce
  • 1 Package Sandwich Thins
  • 1 Package of pepperoni slices
  • Pizza Toppings of your choice – onions, mushrooms, black olives (our favorite Topping)
  • 1 package of  shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (You can use a blend of your favorite cheeses- we usually like Mexican blend - cheddar and jack or mozzarella)

Directions

  • Spread pizza sauce over each half of sandwich thin. Top with pepperoni, extra toppings and cheese. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 4-6 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Here is a picture of the Sandwich Thins  Made with Whole Grain White
These are so easy to make.  You can also buy the sandwich thins in a mini size which are perfect for lunches.

Enjoy~
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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Sweet Pepper Frittata

clip_image001   Sweet Pepper Frittata
Ingredients:

1 small onion, chopped
3/4 cup chopped green pepper
3/4 cup chopped red pepper
2 Tablespoons butter
5 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
Sauté onion and peppers in the butter for 5-7 minutes or until veggies are tender and your family comes running into the kitchen to see what smells so good. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in a bowl. Stir sautéed vegetables into egg mixture. Pour into an ungreased pie dish. Bake in a 350° oven for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle of the frittata comes out clean. Serves 6-8.
Pasted from <http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/>

Enjoy~ Pin It

Monday, March 26, 2012

Praying the Psalms

 Praying the Psalms

"What matters is not what we feel like praying about, but what God wants us to ask him for. Not the poverty of our own heart, but the riches of the Word of God must decide how we are to pray."

                                                                        Dietrich Bonhoeffer from - The Psalms - Prayer Book of the Bible.

Recently the ladies from the growth group that my hubby and I go to had a Jammin’ with the Psalms night.  We made jam together, shared sweet fellowship together, and spent some time reading a few Psalms and then praying through them. 

It reminded me of years ago, when I was a fairly new believer and I would meet once a week with a group of ladies at the crack of dawn and we would pick a Psalm, read a few verses and then pray.  We would go around the circle and take turns praising Him -  it was so precious to pray God’s word back to Him.  I had forgotten how much I enjoyed doing that. 

I have been reading the Psalms and Proverbs with my younger children this year. (we have not gotten to far yet).  But I want them to become familiar with them. To see the poetry and language in them. To learn that they can go to their Father with anything.  


I love how the Psalms are so real…       so vibrant…      so full of emotion…

…so full of life

They remind us… 


we can go to our Heavenly Father
                          with ALL our emotions and feelings and lay them before Him. 


We can be so transparent with Him and bear our souls... 


He longs for us to come to Him as David did. 


For He knows that when we allow ourselves to be that close to Him…


            we can’t help but experience His touch…


                                          His presence…


                                                       His transforming power…


The Psalms have been an invaluable resource to prayer in every generation and tradition.

The Book of Psalms
PSALM 1 – True Happiness in God’s Law
PSALM 2 – A Psalm for a Royal Coronation
PSALM 3 – Threatened but Trusting
PSALM 4 – Trust in God
PSALM 5 – Prayer for Divine Help
PSALM 6 – Prayer in Distress
PSALM 7 – God the Vindicator
PSALM 8 – Divine Majesty and Human Dignity
PSALM 9 – Thanksgiving for Victory and Prayer for Justice (A)
PSALM 10 – Thanksgiving for Victory and Prayer for Justice (B)
PSALM 11 – Confidence in the Presence of God
PSALM 12 – Prayer against Evil Tongues
PSALM 13 – Prayer in Time of Illness
PSALM 14 – A Lament over Widespread Corruption
PSALM 15 – The Righteous Israelite
PSALM 16 – God the Supreme Good
PSALM 17 – Prayer for Rescue from Persecutors
PSALM 18 – A King’s Thanksgiving for Victory
PSALM 19 – God’s Glory in the Heavens and in the Law
PSALM 20 – Prayer for the King in Time of War
PSALM 21 – Thanksgiving and Assurances for the King
PSALM 22 – The Prayer of an Innocent Person
PSALM 23 – The Lord, Shepherd and Host
PSALM 24 – The Glory of God in Procession to Zion
PSALM 25 – Confident Prayer for Forgiveness and Guidance
PSALM 26 – Prayer of Innocence
PSALM 27 – Trust in God
PSALM 28 – Petition and Thanksgiving
PSALM 29 – The Lord of Majesty Acclaimed as King of the World
PSALM 30 – Thanksgiving for Deliverance
PSALM 31 – Prayer in Distress and Thanksgiving for Escape
PSALM 32 – Remission of Sin
PSALM 33 – Praise of God’s Power and Providence
PSALM 34 – Thanksgiving to God Who Delivers the Just
PSALM 35 – Prayer for Help against Unjust Enemies
PSALM 36 – Human Wickedness and Divine Providence
PSALM 37 – The Fate of Sinners and the Reward of the Just
PSALM 38 – Prayer of an Afflicted Sinner
PSALM 39 – The Vanity of Life
PSALM 40 – Gratitude and Prayer for Help
PSALM 41 – Thanksgiving after Sickness
PSALM 42 – Longing for God’s Presence in the Temple (A)
PSALM 43 – Longing for God’s Presence in the Temple (B)
PSALM 44 – God’s Past Favor and Israel’s Present Need
PSALM 45 – Song for a Royal Wedding
PSALM 46 – God, the Protector of Zion
PSALM 47 – The Ruler of All the Nations
PSALM 48 – The Splendor of the Invincible City
PSALM 49 – Confidence in God Rather than in Riches
PSALM 50 – The Acceptable Sacrifice
PSALM 51 – The Miserere: Prayer of Repentance
PSALM 52 – The Deceitful Tongue
PSALM 53 – A Lament over Widespread Corruption
PSALM 54 – Confident Prayer in Great Peril
PSALM 55 – A Lament over Betrayal
PSALM 56 – Trust in God
PSALM 57 – Confidence Prayer for Deliverance
PSALM 58 – The Dethroning of Unjust Rulers
PSALM 59 – Complaint against Bloodthirsty Enemies
PSALM 60 – Lament after Defeat in Battle
PSALM 61 – Prayer of the King in Time of Danger
PSALM 62 – Trust in God Alone
PSALM 63 – Ardent Longing for God
PSALM 64 – Treacherous Conspirators Punished by God
PSALM 65 – Thanksgiving of God’s Blessings
PSALM 66 – Praise of God, Israel’s Deliverer
PSALM 67 – Harvest Thanks and Petition
PSALM 68 – The Exodus and Conquest, Pledge of Future Help
PSALM 69 – A Cry of Anguish in Great Distress
PSALM 70 – Prayer for Divine Help
PSALM 71 – Prayer in Time of Old Age
PSALM 72 – A Prayer for the King
PSALM 73 – The Trial of the Just
PSALM 74 – Prayer at the Destruction of the Temple
PSALM 75 – God the Judge of the World
PSALM 76 – God Defends Zion
PSALM 77 – Confidence in God during National Distress
PSALM 78 – A New Beginning in Zion and David
PSALM 79 – A Prayer for Jerusalem
PSALM 80 – Prayer to Restore God’s Vineyard
PSALM 81 – An Admonition to Fidelity
PSALM 82 – The Downfall of Unjust Gods
PSALM 83 – Prayer against a Hostile Alliance
PSALM 84 – Prayer of a Pilgrim to Jerusalem
PSALM 85 – Prayer for Divine Favor
PSALM 86 – Prayer in Time of Distress
PSALM 87 – Zion the True Birthplace of Diaspora Pilgrims
PSALM 88 – A Despairing Lament
PSALM 89 – A Lament over God’s Promise to David
PSALM 90 – God’s Eternity and Human Frailty
PSALM 91 – Security under God’s Protection
PSALM 92 – A Hymn of Thanksgiving for God’s Fidelity
PSALM 93 – God is a Mighty King
PSALM 94 – A Prayer for Deliverance from the Wicked
PSALM 95 – A Call to Praise and Obedience
PSALM 96 – God of the Universe
PSALM 97 – The Divine Ruler of All
PSALM 98 – The Coming of God
PSALM 99 – The Holy King
PSALM 100 – Communal Thanks in the Temple
PSALM 101 – Norm of Life for Rulers
PSALM 102 – Prayer in Time of Distress
PSALM 103 – Praise of Divine Goodness
PSALM 104 – Praise of God the Creator
PSALM 105 – God’s Fidelity to the Promise
PSALM 106 – Israel’s Confession of Sin
PSALM 107 – God the Savior of Those in Distress
PSALM 108 – Prayer for Victory
PSALM 109 – Prayer of a Person Falsely Accused
PSALM 110 – God Appoints the King both King and Priest
PSALM 111 – Praise of God for Goodness to Israel
PSALM 112 – The Blessings of the Just
PSALM 113 – Praise of God’s Care of the Poor
PSALM 114 – The Lord’s Wonders at the Exodus
PSALM 115 – The Greatness of the True God
PSALM 116 – Thanksgiving to God Who Saves from Death
PSALM 117 – The Nations Called to Praise
PSALM 118 – Hymn of Thanksgiving
PSALM 119 – A Prayer to God, the Lawgiver
PSALM 120 – Prayer of a Returned Exile
PSALM 121 – The Lord My Guardian
PSALM 122 – A Pilgrim’s Prayer for Jerusalem
PSALM 123 – Reliance on the Lord
PSALM 124 – God, the Rescuer of the People
PSALM 125 – Israel’s Protector
PSALM 126 – The Reversal of Zion’s Fortunes
PSALM 127 – The Need of God’s Blessing
PSALM 128 – The Happy Home of the Just
PSALM 129 – Against Israel’s Enemies
PSALM 130 – Prayer for Pardon and Mercy
PSALM 131 – Humble Trust in God
PSALM 132 – The Covenant between David and God
PSALM 133 – A Vision of a Blessed Community
PSALM 134 – Exhortation to the Night Watch to Bless God
PSALM 135 – Praise of God, the Ruler and Benefactor of Israel
PSALM 136 – Hymn of Thanksgiving for God’s Everlasting Love
PSALM 137 – Sorrow and Hope in Exile
PSALM 138 – Hymn of a Grateful Heart
PSALM 139 – The All-knowing and Ever-lasting God
PSALM 140 – Prayer for Deliverance from the Wicked
PSALM 141 – Prayer for Deliverance from the Wicked
PSALM 142 – A Prayer in Time of Trouble
PSALM 143 – A Prayer in Distress
PSALM 144 – A Prayer for Victory and Prosperity
PSALM 145 – The Greatness and Goodness of God
PSALM 146 – Trust in God the Creator and Redeemer
PSALM 147 – God’s Word Restores Jerusalem
PSALM 148 – All Creation Summoned to Praise
PSALM 149 – Praise God with Song and Sword
PSALM 150 – Final Doxology
Psalms list from: Creative Prayer - Praying the Psalms.

I desire to spend time weekly praying through the Psalms again...  Will you join me?



#201 hangtown cafe'
#202 reviewing Gold Rush Days
#203 working with fun mom's at co-op
#204 quiet night at home
#205 reminder of your sacrifice
#206 bracelet of remembrance
#207 belonging - worshiping you
#208 made pure as white as snow
#209 praying for wonderful godly man at church who needs healing
#210 insight on disciple
#211 hubby being willing to start diet with me
#212 hubby willing to walk with me after hard days work
#213 smoothies
#214 green tea
#215 hunger pains
#216 police following leads
#217 God's covering over report
#218 fresh veggies to eat
#219 our Godly rep. from my special son's school
#220 Praying with him for guidance with our special son - in public school building!!!
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Sunday, March 25, 2012

Weekly Menu Plan

Week of  3/26 – 4/01

So my hubby and I are starting a diet this week… the 17day Diet.  I have some friends who have done this diet and liked it.  I am not sure of the long term effects, but I know it will help us to develop a healthier mindset. I will share later this week what our menu looks like for the first 17 days.  But here is what is on the menu for the Kids:  This menu plan is different from my March Menu Plan for this week.

I made a big batch of Black Beans in the Crock Pot today for the week:

Monday – Black Bean Soup   
Tuesday – Burritos and Rice
Wednesday – Pizza Roll Ups
Thursday – Spaghetti (jar sauce with spaghetti noodles)
Friday – Pizza Ole’ – with leftover black beans and taco meat)
Saturday – Left Overs or Chili Rellanoes
Sunday – Chicken Salad *  This we can all eat.

I am trying to make things that do not take a lot of effort, since my mind will be on not being able to eat what I make….

 Linking up to: http://orgjunkie.com/ 

Enjoy~ Pin It

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Moments to Remeber

Moments to rememberMoments to Remember was developed as a simple way to look back on our week as homeschoolers and find photos that encompass the memories we want to remember. The week may have been tough, there may have been more bumps than smiles, but in the end these are the moments that keep us going. These are the moments to remember.

My missionary daughter took my angel, little one, my special son and pepper out to the park for a little P.E and nature break. I love these pictures.  They are full of life and fun. Little one is quite the poser for the pics. 

I love the little coat on pepper... can you tell she is a girl!!!


It has been such a blessing having my missionary daughter home this past 6 weeks.  We took her back  Saturday to her mission base were she will be a full time missionary serving with YWAM. It is so exciting to see your children walk in their callings.  Before she left she made sure she had some special time with each of her siblings. She is such a wonderful sister.

 It was such a beautiful day. The clouds were gorgeous.













 .




My little one saying...
"oh, stop and enjoy the moments of your day"
Enjoy your moments this weekend~
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Friday, March 23, 2012

Scrambled Egg Muffins

I love how easy these two recipes are to make.  They freeze well for a quick breakfast meal or snack.

   Scrambled Egg Muffins

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Brown sausage; drain well.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°.
  3. In a bowl, beat eggs, then add onion, green peppers, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
  4. Stir in sausage and cheese.
  5. Spoon 1/3 cupfuls into greased muffin cups.
  6. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clear
Recipe From: http://www.food.com/recipe/scrambled-egg-muffins-12975#ixzz1oUIdSgiA

These ones are so pretty ~  I bought some of these silicon muffin cups at Grocery Outlet the other day.  They are in bright florescent colors and so pretty to look at.  I can’t wait to make these:

  Egg Muffins

(Makes 12 muffins)

15 eggs (for silicone muffin pans,  use 12 eggs for metal muffin tins or individual silicone cups. You can use less egg yolks and more egg white if you prefer.)
1-2 tsp. Spike Seasoning-  or use your favorite seasoning
1-2 cups grated low fat cheese (I like sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar/Jack cheese, use less cheese if using meat)
Add Favorite Veggies, Meat and Cheese:

     Optional but highly recommended, 3 green onions diced small, chopped veggies such as blanched broccoli, red pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, etc. (Using veggies will reduce the fat content)

      Optional: diced Canadian bacon, lean ham, or crumbled cooked turkey sausage
Preheat oven to 375 F. Use regular or silicone muffin pan, 12 muffin size. If using silicone pan, spray with nonstick spray. If using regular muffin pan, put two paper liners into each slot, then spray liner with nonstick spray.

In the bottom of the muffin cups layer diced meat, if using, vegetables, if using, cheese and green onions. You want the muffin cups to be about 2/3 full, with just enough room to pour a little egg around the other ingredients. Break eggs into large measuring bowl with pour spout, add Spike, and beat well.  Pour egg into each muffin cup until it is 3/4 full.

Bake 25-35 minutes until muffins have risen and are slightly browned and set.

Muffins will keep more than a week in the refrigerator. Egg muffins can be frozen and reheated.  For best results, thaw in refrigerator before reheating. Microwave on high about 2 minutes to reheat

Recipe From: http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2006/10/egg-muffins-revisited-again.html

Enjoy~ Pin It

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Menu Plans–A week of Chili

Holy Spirit-Led Homeschooling Stewart Size Chili

image




Click on the above link for free recipe download from Holy Spirit-led Homeschooling. This is a great chili recipe. Chili is something that can be made in big batches and used for creative meals all week. 

We will sometimes have a Chili week or a Beans week – where I make a big batch of one of those and serve it all week by changing it up and making different meals all week with it:


Here is a sample of one of our Chili Weeks:
Chili Week:

Monday – Chili (with all the fixins’ – sour cream, onions, black olives, etc.)
Tuesday - Chili Baked Potatoes (serve over baked potatoes)
Wednesday – Chili Corn Bread Casserole*
Thursday – Chili Mac (serve chili over pasta)
Friday – Chili Nachos (serve chili over nacho or tortilla chips - with cheese)
Saturday – Chili Subs (serve chili on sub sandwich bun with cheese)
Sunday – Chili Soup **

There you have it.  I am sure there are many other recipe ideas.  If you have other creative ways you use chili, please add them in the comment section.

* Recipe Corn Bread Casserole
Put cooked chili in a Casserole pan or a glass bake pan.  Make 1 -2 boxes of corn bread mix according to directions.  Pour the corn bread mixture over the chili and bake at 350 degrees until the corn bread is baked.

** Recipe Chili Soup
1 can tomato juice (46 oz.)
1 can tomato soup
1/2 cup of pasta
Add the above ingredients to chili and cook on medium until heated through.

Enjoy~

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Angel Biscuit Rolls

Angel Biscuit Rolls Recipe 



Angel Biscuit Rolls

Ingredients
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
  2. Sift together flour, sugar, soda, baking powder, and salt. Add buttermilk and dissolved yeast. Add shortening and stir. Store dough, covered, in the fridge until ready to use.
  3. Roll out on a lightly floured surface or shape into balls--these do not need to rise. Brush tops of biscuits with melted butter.
  4. Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes.

Recipe From: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/angel-biscuit-rolls/detail.aspx

Enjoy~
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Artichoke Bread

Artichoke Bread  Artichoke Bread
Ingredients
  • 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
  • 1 loaf Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise
Directions
  1. Mix the artichoke hearts, green onions, garlic, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, mozzarella and Parmesan reserving some of the cheese.
  2. Hollow 1/2 an inch out of the center of both halves of the bread.
  3. Spread the mixture into the hole in the bread slices and top with the reserved cheese.
  4. Bake in a preheated 350F oven covered in foil for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Recipe From: http://www.closetcooking.com/2010/01/artichoke-bread.html

These are so good.  I made some the other day and froze the extras to be able to heat up at another time or for when I am craving some "special" carbs.

Enjoy~
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

10 Easy Special Meals

So, I wanted to start some Top 10 lists for my blog and my own menu planing. 
I am going to start with the  -  10 Easy Special Meals:

In our family if there are toppings of your choice for a meal - it is a hit because you can pick and choose what you want to add - and with 10 people that is important.  With that in mind many of these 10 easy special meals are special because of the toppings...

  1. Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
  • 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
  • 1 (10 ounce) can chunk chicken
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green Chile peppers, drained
Directions
  1. Open the cans of corn, chicken broth, chunk chicken, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour everything into a large saucepan or stock pot. Simmer over medium heat until chicken is heated through.
Recipe From: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/six-can-chicken-tortilla-soup/detail.aspx

  2. Olivia's Easy Lasagna

1 box Lasagna Noodles
1 pound Ground Beef
1 can Spaghetti Sauce
2 cups of Shredded Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese
Boil the lasagna noodles. Brown 1 pound ground beef. Add a can of spaghetti sauce to the ground beef. Layer sauce mix, noodles and shredded mozzarella and cheddar. End with a layer of noodles and a layer of cheese. Bake at 350 for an hour. (Cover with foil for the last 30 minutes.)

 3. Quesadillas

You can make anything on a tortilla. I love to mix up our fillings for these grilled tortillas—
luncheon (ham, turkey or chicken) meat and shredded cheese
maybe steak or chicken strips, red and yellow peppers, and mozzarella cheese
taco meat salsa and Mexican cheese
shredded cabbage,Italian dressing and shredded cheese
and of course JUST shredded cheese
anything goes! And it's quick and easy as long as you're using leftover/pre-cooked meat.

Jiffy Jambalaya Recipe  4. Jiffy Jambalaya
Ingredients
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pound fully cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 drops hot pepper sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked instant rice
Directions
  1. In a skillet, sauté onion and green pepper in oil until tender Stir in the sausage, tomatoes, water, sugar and seasonings. Bring to a boil; add the rice. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Recipe from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/jiffy-jambalaya-2/detail.aspx

   5. Baked Potato Bar

Bake potatoes in oven during afternoon
Place favorite toppings in containers – I have an old Tupperware container with divided sections that I use.
Topping Suggestions:
cheese – a must – what ever kind you like or have on hand
margarine or butter – we prefer butter
bacon bits, diced meat (ham, turkey, chicken)
onions, green onions, chives
broccoli, diced tomatoes, diced peppers

  6. Bean & Cheese Burrito

1 –2 cans of pinto, black or chili beans
1 package of Mexican cheese blend
1 package of flour tortillas
garlic powder-garlic salt
any other toppings you wish – onions, sour cream, tomatoes, salsa.
Open cans of beans and season with garlic powder-salt to taste.  You can add other seasoning that you like.  I will add a little taco seasoning or cumin sometimes. 
place spoon full of beans on middle of tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Fold tortilla and microwave for 25-30 second.  You can also lightly brown  the tortillas on a griddle or in a pan, then add toppings.

  7. Quiche
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli *
  • 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese *
  • 4 eggs, well beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
* You can add your favorites: 
meat – ham, bacon, ground sausage you want.  
veggies – broccoli, red – green- yellow peppers, zucchini
cheese you want – Swiss, cheddar, jack, Mexican blend
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Over medium-low heat melt butter in a large saucepan. Add onions, garlic and broccoli. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft. Spoon vegetables into crust and sprinkle with cheese.
  3. Combine eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in melted butter. Pour egg mixture over vegetables and cheese.
  4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until center has set.
Recipe From: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-broccoli-quiche/

all crafts Top 10 Easy Dinner Ideas {recipe}  8. Beef Stew

2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut in 1″ cubes (or you can even buy stew meat already cut up)
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. paprika
Bunch of  baby carrots
2 cans of potatoes (this is the trick…whole canned potatoes don’t go soggy)
2 onions, chopped (I just throw in big chunks so I can scoop them out afterwards)
1 stalk celery, sliced
Please meat in cooker (no need to brown first). Mix flour, salt and pepper and pour over meat; stir to coat meat with flour. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix well. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or high 4-6 hours. Stir stew thoroughly before serving.

    9. CROCKPOT 40 CLOVE GARLIC CHICKEN

-1 large broiler/fryer whole chicken (as big as your crock will fit)
-thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley (Italian Seasoning)
-salt & ground pepper
-40 cloves UNPEELED garlic  (buy in a jar already peeled)
Season the chicken in and out with salt, pepper, and generously with the herbs. Place on top of the celery. Place the cloves all around and on top of the chicken. Cover and cook on low 8 hours.
Remove chicken and celery to serving platter. Remove garlic to small bowl

GRAVY

-1/4 cup cream
-2 - 3 tablespoons cornstarch
-salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Skim the fat off the liquid in the crockpot. Turn to high. Add the cream. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water until smooth and add to liquid. Stir, cover and heat until thickened. You can pour some on the chicken and put the rest in a gravy boat.
Serve with noodles or garlic mashed potatoes made from some of that wonderful roasted garlic in the pot.

Recipe from: http://orgjunkie.com/2006/09/slow-cooker-beef-ste.html

  10.  Nacho  Bar

Make your own Nacho Bar using some of the items below:
         Of course it you want it really easy- just use of few of these - (like chips & cheese)

Chips:
A variety of tortilla chips (white corn, yellow corn, nacho, blue corn, or multigrain)

Cheese:
Shredded Monterey jack cheese
Other shredded cheese
Nacho Cheese Sauce (put in crock pot and cook on low until heated through)

Beans:
Black beans*
Pinto beans (*cook beans in crock pot during the day)
Refried bean dip

Meat:
Chili with beans, bought or homemade
Chili with no beans, bought or homemade
Chorizo (regular or vegetarian) sausage crumbles
Ground beef (or ground sirloin), cooked
Ground turkey, cooked
Shredded rotisserie chicken

Vegetables:
Corn kernels
Diced avocado
Diced red onion
Chopped green chilies
Chopped scallions
Chopped tomatoes
Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, green) or jarred roasted red pepper
Sautéed onion
Sautéed mushrooms

Garnishes:
Cilantro
Fresh lime
Sliced black olives
Sliced jalapenos, pickled or not
Shredded lettuce

Sauces:
Salsa, bought or homemade: Mild, medium, hot
Flavored salsas (Mango, Verde, Habanera, Garlic/Lime, etc.)
Sour cream
Guacamole
Taco sauce
Ranch dressing

There you have it – 10 easy meals that are fun and a little more special than a jar of spaghetti and pasta.

If you want to list and post your easy meals -

Click on over to this cute Top 10 Easy Menu Lists to print these out: http://www.livinglocurto.com/2009/04/printable-meals-list/

Free Printable Meal Plan List   Free Printable Meal Plan List

Enjoy~ Pin It

Monday, March 19, 2012

Resurrection Eggs

Over the years and the children, we have gone through, lost pieces and done many versions of the Resurrection Eggs to tell the Easter Story...

I love the simplicity of this version of the Resurrection Eggs.  I love that each child can make their own without a huge cost or having to make each ornament x 3 or more for each of my children. 

Emily over at "Raising Busy Chickadees"  has made these awesome printables to make this version.
The following is straight from her blog with directions to make the eggs and how to use them: I have added comments at the end of each direction.
  • printed these two pages
  • found 12 plastic eggs
  • kept (or emptied) an egg carton - I like the Styrofoam cartons the best because they are easy to cover with pretty paper - Kathey
Ok, ready for the easy directions?

1. print the free download (Click here to print.)

If possible, print on card stock to make them sturdier. The first page contains the 12 cards you will use to tell the Easter story. Each card has the picture and word(s) to describe that part of the story. The second page has a short version of the Easter story to tell to your children when they open the corresponding eggs.

2. cut out the 12 cards

I like to use a paper trimmer to cut them, but scissors would work fine too.  - believe me a paper cutter works so much faster if you are doing more than one set - Kathey

**3. totally optional–laminate the cards**

I like to laminate mine because I have a laminator and it makes the cards sturdier. However, this step is optional because you have this download to print as many as you need if something happens to them! -   I would suggest laminating them for durability - Kathey

4. collect 12 plastic, Easter eggs and egg carton

I found a bag of 42 eggs for $1.97 at Walmart. (I made a set for each of my 3 children.) - I have found these at the Dollar Tree - for of course a $1 - Kathey

5. write the number on the eggs

I used a permanent marker to write the number on the outside of each egg. I also like to write the number inside the corresponding spot for each egg in the egg carton if they get dumped out!



6. put the cards in the eggs

Now you are ready to put the cards inside the correct eggs and snap them shut. - We are also going to attach ribbon on at least one of our sets (by threading the ribbon through the hole on the top) to hang on our "Learning Tree" - Kathey

7. share the Easter story

Have your child open and egg and you tell them the part of the Easter story that goes with that picture. Next time, have your child tell you the Easter story. - Love having them tell the story to reinforce the lesson - Kathey

There you have it.   I will try to post pictures of our "Learning Tree" once we have the ornaments on the tree. 

Enjoy celebrating the season...









#186 spending one last time - talking with my missionary daughter
#187 watching my missionary daughter complete the things she needed to
#188 hearing her heart and knowing the Lord has done great things
#189 taking missionary daughter to her new home
#190 being able to help her set up her room
#191 the forgiveness Rock
#192 the fountain that the forgiveness Rock was thrown in
#193 the embracing of the saints
#194 a fullness where fear of an emptiness would be
#195 husband that doesn't mind doing the driving
#196 hamburger for $1.69 a pound
#197 joy in seeing whole family play angry birds on nook
#198 freezer filling up
#199 Kraft mac & cheese
#200 seeing the faithfulness of His servants

with gratitude...
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Sunday, March 18, 2012

Weekly Menu

Week of 3/19 – 3/25


Monday – Crock Pot Chicken & Veggies
Tuesday – Tater Tot Casserole
Wednesday – Pizza Roll Ups
Thursday – Chellsen Chicken & Rice
Friday – Sloppy Joes & Potato Wedges
Saturday – Chili Rellanoes
Sunday – Wild Rice Soup

Linking up to: http://orgjunkie.com/


Enjoy~

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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Moments to Remember

Moments to rememberMoments to Remember was developed as a simple way to look back on our week as homeschoolers and find photos that encompass the memories we want to remember. The week may have been tough, there may have been more bumps than smiles, but in the end these are the moments that keep us going. These are the moments to remember.


We can not get enough of this little doggie.  She is such a distraction at times... But a welcome distraction.  She will spend time down at our neighbors that gave her to us, visiting them.  It is so cute how she goes back and forth.  She has a tendency to get out and we know that she will end up there or she will come back and wait on the steps or scratch at the door.  Our neighbors gave us this coat for her... Isn't she just adorable.  My little one loves putting the coat on her and taking it off.  It is like she is dressing a doll.  So many lessons we learn from having pets. I will do a post on that soon!!

Enjoying lifes little moments...
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Friday, March 16, 2012

Just a Homemaker

intentionalhomemakingbanner


So often I hear these words come out of some sweet, dear mommies mouth…

          “I’m JUST a homemaker”  or  “I’m JUST a mom”

I know that I have muttered these words myself…

Years ago I use to share…

          “I am a stay at home mom that is never home”

I was proud of this… I was involved in many activities and ministries… 

            I was being used by God.

I would dress and load up my 4 children (at the time), throw some cereal in a zip lock bag for them… and off we went.  At night the common question asked by one of my little ones was… 

           “where are we going tomorrow, Mommy?”

The truth was that I thought JUST being a mom, JUST being a homemaker was not good enough…

                not worthy enough…
                                  
                                 JUST not enough…

And then…

God spoke gently to my heart – He said,

         “I am calling you home…” 

                     “I want to teach you who you are…”
        
                            “I want to show you what I have called you to be… to do…”

so, after wrestling with this, I gave up all the ministries I was involved in and…

                I came HOME…
                                                   ...home to Him

It was there that He taught me (and is still teaching me) what it means to be His child…

What it means to be defined by Him…

         What it means to be His…

I will share more on this journey, He has take me on in future Intentional Homemaker posts.

Check out Esther’s articles on being an Intentional Homemaker.  To start at the introduction of the series click here or read Part 1, 2, 3 or 4.

The latest Intentional Homemaking Challenge:
  • Keep in the word! {Daily!} Put the Lord FIRST and FOREMOST at the beginning of your days. {And keep record of the change that you see in your life & your home.}
  • Take the Proverbs 31 Challenge {Read Proverbs 31:10-31} for 1 week daily…and observe more about this woman. Write your findings down.
  • Serve your family with a new & refreshed heart.
“There is no need to get intimidated when it comes to the Proverbs 31 woman.
Don’t get discouraged when you read about her spinning wool and flax! Don’t get lost in all the tiny details and forget about the big picture. Which is a woman who is defined by her Lord and Savor, who seeks to become more like Him, in all that she does. Be it through her laundry, making dinner for her family or keeping a tidy and pleasant home.

Find Esther over at www.oursimplecountrylife.com

~only a child of God,

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Recipe Binder

I shared in this post about my recipe binder.
I wanted to share more details and show you pictures of this Binder

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I take my monthly menu and post it in this Binder in a sheet protector that is attached to the inside cover of the binder
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All of the recipes are put in the binder in sheet protectors in the order that they appear on the menu.  This way I can locate them quickly.
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100_9204
100_9197I store my Binder on the side of one of my counter tops.  Its stays there so I can find it!! 

  
When I need a recipe I pull it out and attach it to a clip on my cupboard so I can follow it as I make the recipe.
  
You can find this recipe for Pizza Ole’ here.



Enjoy~ Pin It