Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Snow Angels
Doesn't matter that it wasn't 1/2 inch thick, it is the first real snow fall for us in quite awhile. The kids were bouncing off the walls. Finally I said bundle up and let's go out back. So we did. They had a blast. Sliding down the slide, making the below pictured snow angels, fighting with the snow. Now we are inside, warm cozy with soup simmering for dinner.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
I am
Owl Haven is doing a writing contest. I absolutely loved the formats she had to choose from. I am going to use the "I am From" format for a writing lesson with Brittney. I chose the "I am" format for a guideline.
I Am
I am the baby born in Dumas, Texas delivered by the same doctor who had delivered my father 25 years earlier. I am the baby of a military dad and a stay at home mom. I am the baby who once slept in a dresser drawer because the military housing was unavailable and the temporary quarters were too small to accomodate a crib.
I am the child who played with kids who spoke no english but didn't care. I am the child who could speak German by the time she was eight. I am the child who was forced outside because otherwise I would just read and draw. I am the child who loved my parents and knew that something wasn't quite right and that I wasn't getting the anticipated brother or sister. I am the child who welcomed the little boy that did make it. I am the child that can still remember the night her brother was born. I am the child who dreamed of being an artist and traveling the world. I am the child that never wanted to be a mommy or a wife and if I ever did become a wife I most certainly would not take my husband's name.
I am the teenager who used no hairspray because it was bad for the enviroment. Who still said she would never marry and even if I did I most certainly would not take my husband's name. I am the teenager who loved to cruise town with my friends and bought cassette tapes with my money. I am the teenager who dreamed of being an artist and a fashion designer and who knew she would never marry or become a mom.
I am the woman who has loved, who has lost, who has experienced happiness and grief. I am the woman who is proud to have my husbands name. I am the mother who thanks God for my blessings everyday. I am the mother that prays daily for her children. I am the mother who cries as she realizes what the doctor has told her about her son. I am the mother that thanks God that there is a treatment. I am the mother that imagines my childrens future testimonies. I am the mother who homeschools. I am the mother who probably knows as much about the human brain, and abnormal masses as some doctors. I am the mother that loves to hear her daughter sing even if it is off key. I am the mother who has loved, who has grieved, who prays, and who believes that the most important thing is that my children walk in the truth.
I am the woman who is a perfectionist. I am the woman who tries to let things go and be more flowing. I am the woman who cares if the cabinets are organized, but care more about the time I have with my husband and kids. I am the friend that has a hard time saying no. I am the person who volunteers even when I know I don't have the time. I am the person that knows I have much to learn in my walk as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, niece, friend and most of all a child of God. I am the woman who still loves to draw and paint. I am the woman who loves to redesign my kids rooms. I am the mother and wife that no longers yearns to be an artist or to travel the world. Instead I am the wife and mother that wants to do art projects with her kids, and travel with my family.
I am the person who dreams of her children, her grandchildren, of being old and gray and beside my husband. I am the person is who grateful to God for his blessings, even those that I don't understand, even those that to my flesh seem harsh. I am the person who strives to remain faithful to the Lord. I am the child, the teenager, the wife, the mother, and I contine to grow.
I Am
I am the baby born in Dumas, Texas delivered by the same doctor who had delivered my father 25 years earlier. I am the baby of a military dad and a stay at home mom. I am the baby who once slept in a dresser drawer because the military housing was unavailable and the temporary quarters were too small to accomodate a crib.
I am the child who played with kids who spoke no english but didn't care. I am the child who could speak German by the time she was eight. I am the child who was forced outside because otherwise I would just read and draw. I am the child who loved my parents and knew that something wasn't quite right and that I wasn't getting the anticipated brother or sister. I am the child who welcomed the little boy that did make it. I am the child that can still remember the night her brother was born. I am the child who dreamed of being an artist and traveling the world. I am the child that never wanted to be a mommy or a wife and if I ever did become a wife I most certainly would not take my husband's name.
I am the teenager who used no hairspray because it was bad for the enviroment. Who still said she would never marry and even if I did I most certainly would not take my husband's name. I am the teenager who loved to cruise town with my friends and bought cassette tapes with my money. I am the teenager who dreamed of being an artist and a fashion designer and who knew she would never marry or become a mom.
I am the woman who has loved, who has lost, who has experienced happiness and grief. I am the woman who is proud to have my husbands name. I am the mother who thanks God for my blessings everyday. I am the mother that prays daily for her children. I am the mother who cries as she realizes what the doctor has told her about her son. I am the mother that thanks God that there is a treatment. I am the mother that imagines my childrens future testimonies. I am the mother who homeschools. I am the mother who probably knows as much about the human brain, and abnormal masses as some doctors. I am the mother that loves to hear her daughter sing even if it is off key. I am the mother who has loved, who has grieved, who prays, and who believes that the most important thing is that my children walk in the truth.
I am the woman who is a perfectionist. I am the woman who tries to let things go and be more flowing. I am the woman who cares if the cabinets are organized, but care more about the time I have with my husband and kids. I am the friend that has a hard time saying no. I am the person who volunteers even when I know I don't have the time. I am the person that knows I have much to learn in my walk as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, niece, friend and most of all a child of God. I am the woman who still loves to draw and paint. I am the woman who loves to redesign my kids rooms. I am the mother and wife that no longers yearns to be an artist or to travel the world. Instead I am the wife and mother that wants to do art projects with her kids, and travel with my family.
I am the person who dreams of her children, her grandchildren, of being old and gray and beside my husband. I am the person is who grateful to God for his blessings, even those that I don't understand, even those that to my flesh seem harsh. I am the person who strives to remain faithful to the Lord. I am the child, the teenager, the wife, the mother, and I contine to grow.
Busy busy
It is hard to hit the week in full force when you can barely walk. Yep perfect time to twist my back. Ugh so frustrating. It got continually worse yesterday...of course I am too stubborn to stop so I kept doing things while fighting back tears. Finally took a muscle relaxer about 6pm. I was hoping it would be 100% this morning, no such luck. It is better but not great.
Of course we have a million and one things going this week. Hopefully after this settlement conference for the big case I have been working so much on things will slow down. Also this is the last Saturday of ball games, of course it is tournament day and since I coach two teams I will be there from sun up to sun down. But at least there is a light at the end that shows this extra hectic busy time will at least slow down and become just busy soon. Just busy sounds very good to me right now. I can handle busy, I am just having a hard time with extra hectic busy!
Of course we have a million and one things going this week. Hopefully after this settlement conference for the big case I have been working so much on things will slow down. Also this is the last Saturday of ball games, of course it is tournament day and since I coach two teams I will be there from sun up to sun down. But at least there is a light at the end that shows this extra hectic busy time will at least slow down and become just busy soon. Just busy sounds very good to me right now. I can handle busy, I am just having a hard time with extra hectic busy!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Sorry Pals
Rushing around to get out the door for church this morning just the kids and I since hubby had to work.
I could not find my watch and wedding rings, when I take them off I hook them together.
I told Brittney "Help mom find her watch and wedding rings".
Her response said while hand on her hip and in her I am so adult voice was:
"Mom if anyone comes up to you at church just say sorry pal I am married".
It was pretty funny, I finally did find the watch and ring so luckily I didn't have to tell anyone anything...haha.
I could not find my watch and wedding rings, when I take them off I hook them together.
I told Brittney "Help mom find her watch and wedding rings".
Her response said while hand on her hip and in her I am so adult voice was:
"Mom if anyone comes up to you at church just say sorry pal I am married".
It was pretty funny, I finally did find the watch and ring so luckily I didn't have to tell anyone anything...haha.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Calgon take me away!
I dont chat a lot about my freelance work I do, but basically I work as a paralegal putting together trials. Most of the time I average 8-10 hours a week which is perfect for me with the other things I have going on. This past week I logged in 50 hours, that is with hubby being out of town, homeschooling, girl scouts, etc. So needless to say I am exhausted. I wasnt even able to pick up hubby from the airport today, my dad had to take the kids and do it. I won't be complaining about the paycheck because with all the trips to Tulsa, etc it will be nice. But oh I will complain about being tired, lots of complaining. One more week of these kind of hours and then this case should be wrapped up.
Tonight hubby is home going to play video games with the kids and what did he bring his wife for a suprise.....bath salts....yeah for me...so that is where I am headed.
Tonight hubby is home going to play video games with the kids and what did he bring his wife for a suprise.....bath salts....yeah for me...so that is where I am headed.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Fun at the Aqaurium
It is always fun to go without having to be just a doctors visit. Today my good friend rode with me and her two kids to go to homeschool day a the aqaurium. I think I enjoyed the ride down their just visiting as much as I did the aquarium. The 4 kids get along so well together.
Here are a few pics from our day. I had my Homeschool Mom sweatshirt on that matched the kids sweatshirts but I forgot to get my friend to snap a pic of the kids and I together.
Here are a few pics from our day. I had my Homeschool Mom sweatshirt on that matched the kids sweatshirts but I forgot to get my friend to snap a pic of the kids and I together.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
this number has been disconnected...
Yesterday one of my friend calls my cell phone yesterday and asks why is your home phone disconnected. I was like what. Sure enough. Okay no clue why. I call find out if it is an outage or what the deal is.
The informed me I hadn't paid my bill. Oh yes I did, no you didn't. Okay instead of arguing like a two year old I pulled up my banking online. I asked the lady is this the amount and she said yes. I said I paid it on this date. She said no you didn't.
Well yes it did and I have the bank receipt right here as well as my printable receipt from the phone company. So I finally wrangle a name and fax number out of them, they didn't want to give it to me they just wanted me to pay over the phone with a check. No I had proof and so I fax it to them.
No call back, no call back, but about an hour later the phone is back on.
So I call and stay on the phone about 30 minutes to find who I was speaking to before. I say yes I wanted to verify that everything was taken care of. She said well isn't the phone is back on. I said yes so you do have the bill credited now, and it was paid on time. She said yes it was paid on time.
Ugh no sorry about taking half your morning up to show us our mistake.
I didn't need this for the week. Hubby is on business, activities are in abundance, my freelance work load is out of control, but yes I get to spend two hours proving I paid a bill so that I can have my phone back...UGH!
The informed me I hadn't paid my bill. Oh yes I did, no you didn't. Okay instead of arguing like a two year old I pulled up my banking online. I asked the lady is this the amount and she said yes. I said I paid it on this date. She said no you didn't.
Well yes it did and I have the bank receipt right here as well as my printable receipt from the phone company. So I finally wrangle a name and fax number out of them, they didn't want to give it to me they just wanted me to pay over the phone with a check. No I had proof and so I fax it to them.
No call back, no call back, but about an hour later the phone is back on.
So I call and stay on the phone about 30 minutes to find who I was speaking to before. I say yes I wanted to verify that everything was taken care of. She said well isn't the phone is back on. I said yes so you do have the bill credited now, and it was paid on time. She said yes it was paid on time.
Ugh no sorry about taking half your morning up to show us our mistake.
I didn't need this for the week. Hubby is on business, activities are in abundance, my freelance work load is out of control, but yes I get to spend two hours proving I paid a bill so that I can have my phone back...UGH!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Gloomy Day
Fox News this morning said that according to a survey today is the gloomiest day of the year.
I thought how silly.
But as the day goes on it is cold and overcast out I am tending to agree.
I thought how silly.
But as the day goes on it is cold and overcast out I am tending to agree.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Cookies and basketball
Girl scout cookies, lots and lots of cookies. We dont have them in yet, but tonight I entered each girls sales into the computer and on various worksheets. I am sure I will be dreaming about cases and percentages tonights.
Both kids won their ball games today so they were thrilled. This was the first game Britt's team has won.
That was my day in a nutshell: Cookies and basketball.
Both kids won their ball games today so they were thrilled. This was the first game Britt's team has won.
That was my day in a nutshell: Cookies and basketball.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Ready for the cold
We are about to leave the house, have to go about 2 hours away but in those 2 hours the temps drop and there is ice still on the parking lots and side streets from a previous storm.
We hope to be back home before the storm hits our house on Friday, because if I am going to get iced in then I want iced in at home not in Tulsa.
Braden got out his new hat, scarf and gloves (Power Rangers) and he is ready.
We hope to be back home before the storm hits our house on Friday, because if I am going to get iced in then I want iced in at home not in Tulsa.
Braden got out his new hat, scarf and gloves (Power Rangers) and he is ready.
A Good Question
I recently heard a new song that just encompassed everything I wanted for my kids, but most especially it spoke to me regarding Braden.
It was just such a touching song by Mark Harris who prior to this I had not heard. It is called Find Your Wings. I immediately got the cd.
I had it playing in the car, it was just the kids and I. After playing the song a few times I was telling the kids about specific parts of it and what it meant. Then I told Braden when he got married and had to dance with me at his wedding this was the song we would dance too.
We then started discussing weddings, and the song, etc.
About 30 minutes
Braden: Mom remember that song we are going to dance to?
Me: Yes, what about it?
Braden: I am glad we picked a song to dance to but I have one question.
Me: What's that?
Braden: Whose going to be the bride?
It was just such a touching song by Mark Harris who prior to this I had not heard. It is called Find Your Wings. I immediately got the cd.
I had it playing in the car, it was just the kids and I. After playing the song a few times I was telling the kids about specific parts of it and what it meant. Then I told Braden when he got married and had to dance with me at his wedding this was the song we would dance too.
We then started discussing weddings, and the song, etc.
About 30 minutes
Braden: Mom remember that song we are going to dance to?
Me: Yes, what about it?
Braden: I am glad we picked a song to dance to but I have one question.
Me: What's that?
Braden: Whose going to be the bride?
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Works for Me Wednesday (Helping kids learn spelling words)
My kids love to practic their spelling words! Love it! I should say now they love it, back when I was just trying to get them to write them and recite them we got no where fast.
Some of the things we now do to learn our spelling words:
Write them, but not just on paper we use Brittney's doodle bear and Braden has a doodle monster that are often covered in new words (just throw them in the washer for the next weeks words).
We use windo markers by crayola and they can write on the glass door front or back (it just takes a windex wipe to clean it off quickly). They can write them on their bedroom windows.
Play hangman on a big white board alternating Britt's words then Braden's.
Play Mother May I spelling. I stand at one end of the hall they start at the other. They only get to take a step forward if they spell the word I give them correctly.
Spelling baseball, set up bases in the living room and to get to each base they have to spell their word correctly.
We do also write them on paper and do word searches and things like that but I always try to put a fun activitiy with it. They may write their words 4 times and then we play baseball. Sometimes they will write their words on the front door or doodle bear then sit and do a word search.
Repetitiveness helps them learn but adding in the fun helps them enjoy the learning.
More Works For Me Wednesdays at Shannon's
Some of the things we now do to learn our spelling words:
Write them, but not just on paper we use Brittney's doodle bear and Braden has a doodle monster that are often covered in new words (just throw them in the washer for the next weeks words).
We use windo markers by crayola and they can write on the glass door front or back (it just takes a windex wipe to clean it off quickly). They can write them on their bedroom windows.Play hangman on a big white board alternating Britt's words then Braden's.
Play Mother May I spelling. I stand at one end of the hall they start at the other. They only get to take a step forward if they spell the word I give them correctly.
Spelling baseball, set up bases in the living room and to get to each base they have to spell their word correctly.
We do also write them on paper and do word searches and things like that but I always try to put a fun activitiy with it. They may write their words 4 times and then we play baseball. Sometimes they will write their words on the front door or doodle bear then sit and do a word search.
Repetitiveness helps them learn but adding in the fun helps them enjoy the learning.
More Works For Me Wednesdays at Shannon's
Monday, January 15, 2007
Memories
Kids just grow up too darn fast.
Tonight we were transfering over a lot of our home movies to dvds.
I have seen Brae back when he was undergoing treatments in PreK and had no hair, but had the biggest smile.
Britt in her frilly Christmas dresses with hair all the way down her back.
Wow just seems to have flown. I am glad we have taped so many things, I actually want to tape more. I love looking back.
Last night hubby and I were talking about our upcoming 12th wedding anniversary. We discussed how fast the time has flown. Of course me being one that always likes to give hubby a hard time I commented that just think in 12 more years Britt would be 21...needless to say that didn't go over well...haha.
Tonight we were transfering over a lot of our home movies to dvds.
I have seen Brae back when he was undergoing treatments in PreK and had no hair, but had the biggest smile.
Britt in her frilly Christmas dresses with hair all the way down her back.
Wow just seems to have flown. I am glad we have taped so many things, I actually want to tape more. I love looking back.
Last night hubby and I were talking about our upcoming 12th wedding anniversary. We discussed how fast the time has flown. Of course me being one that always likes to give hubby a hard time I commented that just think in 12 more years Britt would be 21...needless to say that didn't go over well...haha.
Pajama Day
It is 20 degrees, chance of snow flurries a covering of ice on vehicle, roads, etc. So we are home and in pajamas for the day.
Britt questioned last night why we were having homeschool when it was a federal holiday...I was like how did you know...apparently her calendar stated it.
So we compromised we did homeschool but a very light version and I relaxed the no TV or video games after homeschool rule. Usually no video games or TV till after 3pm, but not today.
Warm and cozy and inside for the whole day. Potato soup will be simmering for dinner....yum.
Britt questioned last night why we were having homeschool when it was a federal holiday...I was like how did you know...apparently her calendar stated it.
So we compromised we did homeschool but a very light version and I relaxed the no TV or video games after homeschool rule. Usually no video games or TV till after 3pm, but not today.
Warm and cozy and inside for the whole day. Potato soup will be simmering for dinner....yum.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
We counted and named them all...
Quiet, rainy and cold here today. Hubby is working so Britt talked me into "helping" her and Brae name and count her littlest pet collection. She is pretty much out of toys, except for Littlest Pets...she loves these and has been collecting them for quite awhile. Today we counted them (108) and her and Brae named each and everyone of them. Of course I had to snap a pic.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Random Saturday Thoughts
Rain, rain, and more rain. Suppose to turn to Ice, ice, and more ice. So we are stocked and ready just in case, we have lots of soup, stew, and chili fixins since this is the perfect weather for it.
We made it to basketball this morning, shortly after our games the parking lot flooded out so I was glad we got out when we did. Brae's team won 24-19 and Brae scored a point so he was so excited. Britt's team lost 14-8 but it was still good because last week the team they played scored 40 points so I told them they did good keeping the score that close. It was a rough team, lots and lots of fouls. Poor Britt will probably have bruises tommorow.
We got our passports in the mail today! Yeah! Not that we have plans to go anywhere anytime really soon but we wanted to get them done before the new passport laws and prices went in effect.
Just a overcast dreary day and I think I am going to get a book and read while the kids play.
We made it to basketball this morning, shortly after our games the parking lot flooded out so I was glad we got out when we did. Brae's team won 24-19 and Brae scored a point so he was so excited. Britt's team lost 14-8 but it was still good because last week the team they played scored 40 points so I told them they did good keeping the score that close. It was a rough team, lots and lots of fouls. Poor Britt will probably have bruises tommorow.
We got our passports in the mail today! Yeah! Not that we have plans to go anywhere anytime really soon but we wanted to get them done before the new passport laws and prices went in effect.
Just a overcast dreary day and I think I am going to get a book and read while the kids play.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Crazy strikes again
Those who have been reading awhile or who know me personally know my Sister in law is nuts! I used to feel sorry for my Brother in law but those days are long since gone. Now they are both beyond nuts.
Tuesday, knock on the door. Both BIL and SIL are there. Middle of the day. No kids with them.
Odd.
Well it seems that they have decided they can't handle the kids, they aren't listening, destorying the house, etc. So they sent them for 2 weeks to her mother's house.
The kids are 3 and 4!!!!!!!!!!
I tried to be reasonable and explain that they HAD to get them under control. I was met with "But we can't", "They don't listen", "nothing works"....well BULL. Something will work it will just take consistency and a little work on their part. I tried to throw my two cents or twenty cents in but it went in one ear and out the other, basically they were tired of their kids and sent them off. They don't want to take the time and selfdiscipline that it would take to teach their children, to make them mind.
It might be okay if her mother would discipline or show the boys some attention, but sadly she wont at all. So the bottom line is the boys are going to run the show, not do naps, not listen, destory what they want.
How sad that our nephews are going to grow up to be totally out of control brats, because you know that is where this is headed. There is still time to stop it unfortunately SIL is to crazy and BIL just wont be a man and take control of his family.
Tuesday, knock on the door. Both BIL and SIL are there. Middle of the day. No kids with them.
Odd.
Well it seems that they have decided they can't handle the kids, they aren't listening, destorying the house, etc. So they sent them for 2 weeks to her mother's house.
The kids are 3 and 4!!!!!!!!!!
I tried to be reasonable and explain that they HAD to get them under control. I was met with "But we can't", "They don't listen", "nothing works"....well BULL. Something will work it will just take consistency and a little work on their part. I tried to throw my two cents or twenty cents in but it went in one ear and out the other, basically they were tired of their kids and sent them off. They don't want to take the time and selfdiscipline that it would take to teach their children, to make them mind.
It might be okay if her mother would discipline or show the boys some attention, but sadly she wont at all. So the bottom line is the boys are going to run the show, not do naps, not listen, destory what they want.
How sad that our nephews are going to grow up to be totally out of control brats, because you know that is where this is headed. There is still time to stop it unfortunately SIL is to crazy and BIL just wont be a man and take control of his family.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Too much organic food?
We have been continually trying to eat healthier and introducing more and more organic foods into our home.
I guess Brae has had enough as this was our conversation:
Me: Tommorow we are going to have a playdate at McDonald's.
Brae: Do we get to eat there?
Me: Yes we can eat there.
Brae: (Jumping up and down) Yeah, Yeah no organic food for lunch!
I should have told him that McDonald's switched to organics, but I didn't think about it. Brittney was glad she was going to get ketchup that isn't organic..lol.
Little stinkera they can't even taste the difference, he just knows it's better for them so they don't want it!
I guess Brae has had enough as this was our conversation:
Me: Tommorow we are going to have a playdate at McDonald's.
Brae: Do we get to eat there?
Me: Yes we can eat there.
Brae: (Jumping up and down) Yeah, Yeah no organic food for lunch!
I should have told him that McDonald's switched to organics, but I didn't think about it. Brittney was glad she was going to get ketchup that isn't organic..lol.
Little stinkera they can't even taste the difference, he just knows it's better for them so they don't want it!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Crock Pot Healthy Recipes
This week Shannon is having a theme Works for Me Wednesday: Healthy Eating! I love to use my crock pot so it is great to do lower fat and healthier recipes and still get the convenience of my crock pot.
Crockpot Autumn Chicken Recipe
4 chicken breasts
2 carrots
1 acorn squash
1 14.5 oz. can of chicken broth
1 TBSP garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
nutmeg
honey
Peel and chop carrots and place them in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic. Place chicken on top. Pour in broth. Cut squash into chunks and slice off the skin. Place on top of chicken. Sprinkle desired amounts of salt, pepper and nutmeg on top of squash and drizzle enough honey on top to lightly cover the squash. Cook on low 8-10 hours.
Lowfat Crockpot Spaghetti
1 1/2 lbs. extra lean ground chuck
1 onion , diced
1 bell pepper chopped
Large can tomato sauce
1 tsp. oregano
1 pkg. Spaghetti seasoning mix
1 can mushrooms or cup of fresh
12 oz. pkg. spaghetti, cooked
Parmesan cheese, if desired
Heat crockpot. Brown beef, bell pepper & onion in non-stick skillet. Drain and place in crockpot. Add mushrooms, tomato sauce, spaghetti seasoning, & oregano. Cook 8 to 10 hours on low or 6 to 8 hours on high. Cook spaghetti according to package direction. Serve sauce over cooked spaghetti. Top with Parmesan cheese as desired.
Healthy Crock Pot Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cans low-fat cream of mushroom soup
1 onion chopped
3 stalks celery chopped
1/2 can fat free milk
1 tablespoon parsley chopped
8 cups noodles cooked
Combine chicken, soup, onion, celery, milk and parsley in crock pot. Cook on high 5 to 6 hours. Serve over hot cooked noodles or brown rice.
Easy Crock Pot Chicken Stew
1 large can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 large can low fat cream of mushroom soup
1 large can low fat cream of celery soup
1 bag of frozen mixed veggies
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 cup low fat milk
salt and pepper to taste
Mix the cans of soup and the milk in a Crock Pot. Add the tomatoes,
spices and chicken and stir. Add the veggies and stir. Cook on low heat until
the chicken is cooked (approx 5 - 6 hours).
The beauty of this recipe is you can vary the kind of soup and spices
to create a variation to suit your own tastebuds!
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
3-1/3 cups canned crushed tomatoes, in tomato purée
1-2/3 cups chunky style prepared salsa
6 ounces tomato paste
2 lbs. canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 lb. corn kernels, thawed if frozen
1/4 lb. canned diced mild green chilies, drained
1-1/2 Tbs. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
5 corn tortillas
2 ounces olive slices, drained
Combine first 8 ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly. Pour about 1 cup of mixture into the bottom of an electric slow cooker on low heat. Spread evenly and top with 1-1/2 tortillas, cutting to fit pot. Spread 1/3 of remaining tomato mixture over top. Repeat layering process, ending with tomato mixture. Spread top evenly. Sprinkle with olives. Cover and cook about 5 hours. Serve hot.
Baked Potatoes Crock Pot Recipe
6 medium sized baking potatoes
butter or margarine as preferred
1/2 cup water in bottom of crock pot
Wash potatoes well then prick with a fork. Rub each with butter or margarine, then place in crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 3-5 hours or on low for 6-10 hours. Remove and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Cut open and serve!
Crockpot Autumn Chicken Recipe
4 chicken breasts
2 carrots
1 acorn squash
1 14.5 oz. can of chicken broth
1 TBSP garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
nutmeg
honey
Peel and chop carrots and place them in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic. Place chicken on top. Pour in broth. Cut squash into chunks and slice off the skin. Place on top of chicken. Sprinkle desired amounts of salt, pepper and nutmeg on top of squash and drizzle enough honey on top to lightly cover the squash. Cook on low 8-10 hours.
Lowfat Crockpot Spaghetti
1 1/2 lbs. extra lean ground chuck
1 onion , diced
1 bell pepper chopped
Large can tomato sauce
1 tsp. oregano
1 pkg. Spaghetti seasoning mix
1 can mushrooms or cup of fresh
12 oz. pkg. spaghetti, cooked
Parmesan cheese, if desired
Heat crockpot. Brown beef, bell pepper & onion in non-stick skillet. Drain and place in crockpot. Add mushrooms, tomato sauce, spaghetti seasoning, & oregano. Cook 8 to 10 hours on low or 6 to 8 hours on high. Cook spaghetti according to package direction. Serve sauce over cooked spaghetti. Top with Parmesan cheese as desired.
Healthy Crock Pot Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cans low-fat cream of mushroom soup
1 onion chopped
3 stalks celery chopped
1/2 can fat free milk
1 tablespoon parsley chopped
8 cups noodles cooked
Combine chicken, soup, onion, celery, milk and parsley in crock pot. Cook on high 5 to 6 hours. Serve over hot cooked noodles or brown rice.
Easy Crock Pot Chicken Stew
1 large can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 large can low fat cream of mushroom soup
1 large can low fat cream of celery soup
1 bag of frozen mixed veggies
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 cup low fat milk
salt and pepper to taste
Mix the cans of soup and the milk in a Crock Pot. Add the tomatoes,
spices and chicken and stir. Add the veggies and stir. Cook on low heat until
the chicken is cooked (approx 5 - 6 hours).
The beauty of this recipe is you can vary the kind of soup and spices
to create a variation to suit your own tastebuds!
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
3-1/3 cups canned crushed tomatoes, in tomato purée
1-2/3 cups chunky style prepared salsa
6 ounces tomato paste
2 lbs. canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 lb. corn kernels, thawed if frozen
1/4 lb. canned diced mild green chilies, drained
1-1/2 Tbs. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
5 corn tortillas
2 ounces olive slices, drained
Combine first 8 ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly. Pour about 1 cup of mixture into the bottom of an electric slow cooker on low heat. Spread evenly and top with 1-1/2 tortillas, cutting to fit pot. Spread 1/3 of remaining tomato mixture over top. Repeat layering process, ending with tomato mixture. Spread top evenly. Sprinkle with olives. Cover and cook about 5 hours. Serve hot.
Baked Potatoes Crock Pot Recipe
6 medium sized baking potatoes
butter or margarine as preferred
1/2 cup water in bottom of crock pot
Wash potatoes well then prick with a fork. Rub each with butter or margarine, then place in crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 3-5 hours or on low for 6-10 hours. Remove and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Cut open and serve!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Not him this time.
Brae was very happy yesterday and this morning.
Because his sister was sick.
It's not really as bad as it sounds. Poor Brae has been sick probably for as long as he can remember off and on so he feels he has had more than his share of being sick.
Yesterday Britt had a stomach virus and all Braden could say was "Mom it's not me that is sick"...over and over.
Britt didn't even mind. She said she would rather be sick than Braden always having to be sick...she is such a good hearted girl.
Even this morning Brae says to me "Mom I still am not sick it was just you and Senna (which is what he calls Britt)".
Luckily it seems like it was a short stomach bug which is good news!
Because his sister was sick.
It's not really as bad as it sounds. Poor Brae has been sick probably for as long as he can remember off and on so he feels he has had more than his share of being sick.
Yesterday Britt had a stomach virus and all Braden could say was "Mom it's not me that is sick"...over and over.
Britt didn't even mind. She said she would rather be sick than Braden always having to be sick...she is such a good hearted girl.
Even this morning Brae says to me "Mom I still am not sick it was just you and Senna (which is what he calls Britt)".
Luckily it seems like it was a short stomach bug which is good news!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Of course
I have a super busy (busier than usual) week ahead. Had a ton of stuff to do today so of course we got a stomach bug...what fun...so far it only hit Brittney and I, but it has not been a productive day at all. I do not want to organize for the week...I dont want to do anything, yet I have so much to do.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Game time
Today was the first basketball games for the kids. The next several Saturdays will involve a hot sweaty gym for hours at a time. I coach Britt's team (2nd-3rd) and one for Brae (K-1st).
I have to say this year start off games went much better than last year.
Britt's team didn't win but they did very good and held their own until the end. Britt is getting to be really good and agressive. Brae's team had two back to back games. First one they one 14 to 13 and the second we got clobbered 24 to 4.
I had several comment on how much Braden had improved. Last year he couldn't even hit the net he actually made points this time.
I didn't get any pics from today because I was too busy coaching but my aunt did snap this one that I loved because you can see the ball Braden just shot for his free throw going into the basket.
I have to say this year start off games went much better than last year.
Britt's team didn't win but they did very good and held their own until the end. Britt is getting to be really good and agressive. Brae's team had two back to back games. First one they one 14 to 13 and the second we got clobbered 24 to 4.
I had several comment on how much Braden had improved. Last year he couldn't even hit the net he actually made points this time.
I didn't get any pics from today because I was too busy coaching but my aunt did snap this one that I loved because you can see the ball Braden just shot for his free throw going into the basket.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
The cashier update
Those of you who read and commented on my experience, I finally got a response. I had went ahead and wrote the manager and put the details of what occured, cashier's name, etc. Got a response and Woohoo $50.00 WalMart card an official apology.
"Mrs., it is regrettable as a manager to have had this incident occur in my store. The complaint has went into the employee file of (cashiers name). I attach for you a $50.00 gift card good at any location."
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Works For Me Wednesday (Using White Boards)
I am a chart junkie...I love them, chore charts, reading charts, calendars. The preprinted white boards are more expensive and are rarily exactly how I want them to be.
So what I do is a purchase the white boards whatever size I want and then I use permenant sharpie markers to make my lines, or in the case below my picture. Then it is on the board permenantely. I do this to give myself enough room on calendars, etc. Just do the lines, and then you can fill in the information with wipe off markers.
These are the kids reading charts. The entire picture is done on a white board with permenant markers. They then color in the completed amount with a wipe off marker. THen when they have completed the whole chart I clean off the washable markers and the permenant picture is still on there to do the chart again.
Works for me, lots more ideas at
Shannons
So what I do is a purchase the white boards whatever size I want and then I use permenant sharpie markers to make my lines, or in the case below my picture. Then it is on the board permenantely. I do this to give myself enough room on calendars, etc. Just do the lines, and then you can fill in the information with wipe off markers.
These are the kids reading charts. The entire picture is done on a white board with permenant markers. They then color in the completed amount with a wipe off marker. THen when they have completed the whole chart I clean off the washable markers and the permenant picture is still on there to do the chart again.
Works for me, lots more ideas at
Shannons
Monday, January 01, 2007
Should I be mad?
Ok anyone who knows me knows that I put a lot into the homeschooling of the kids. Schedules, activities, etc. Of course I have met a few and at first glance I wonder if they should be homeschooling, but for the most part all the moms I meet put a lot of work into it.
Anyway today we ran to WalMart on my way to parents house.
I had bought some white boards, and a ton of markers for a new project. Also picked up some things here and there.
I load the stuff on the conveyer belt and the cashier says: "Are you loading up on school supplies". I reply "No we homeschool and this is for a special project".
While we were in line there is a bin that says "Christmas cd's 50% off". I had already picked up some regular Christmas items for 75% off but thought 50% off was good for Music cd's. I grab two and load it on with the other things. The kids are standing on the side by me. The cashier picks up the 2 Christmas cd's and says "You know these are not 75% off they are only 50% off?" I said "Yes, no problem I saw the sign". (I figured people had tried to argue saying the other stuff was 75% off so I was really friendly about it).
Then she says and I qoute word for word "Well you said you homeschool so I wasnt sure about you reading the sign"
OKAY...At the time she said it I just looked at her and I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to say, so I just kinda stood there, those were the last two items she rang up so I paid and headed out. Brittney asked what she meant about homeschooling. I told her not everyone understands about homeschooling. My brother's girlfriend thought the whole thing was hilarious and I fielded reading jokes from her all day. But it ticked me off. Enough that I wrote down her name, but I didn't write it up....yet. She was an older cashier, and I think that comment was out of line and rude. My mom says I am taking it to personally. I think anyone in contact with the public should make an effort to be polite and I don't think that was polite. So am I too sensitive? Should I write it up and mail it to the manager? Should I have blasted her attitude?
Anyway today we ran to WalMart on my way to parents house.
I had bought some white boards, and a ton of markers for a new project. Also picked up some things here and there.
I load the stuff on the conveyer belt and the cashier says: "Are you loading up on school supplies". I reply "No we homeschool and this is for a special project".
While we were in line there is a bin that says "Christmas cd's 50% off". I had already picked up some regular Christmas items for 75% off but thought 50% off was good for Music cd's. I grab two and load it on with the other things. The kids are standing on the side by me. The cashier picks up the 2 Christmas cd's and says "You know these are not 75% off they are only 50% off?" I said "Yes, no problem I saw the sign". (I figured people had tried to argue saying the other stuff was 75% off so I was really friendly about it).
Then she says and I qoute word for word "Well you said you homeschool so I wasnt sure about you reading the sign"
OKAY...At the time she said it I just looked at her and I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to say, so I just kinda stood there, those were the last two items she rang up so I paid and headed out. Brittney asked what she meant about homeschooling. I told her not everyone understands about homeschooling. My brother's girlfriend thought the whole thing was hilarious and I fielded reading jokes from her all day. But it ticked me off. Enough that I wrote down her name, but I didn't write it up....yet. She was an older cashier, and I think that comment was out of line and rude. My mom says I am taking it to personally. I think anyone in contact with the public should make an effort to be polite and I don't think that was polite. So am I too sensitive? Should I write it up and mail it to the manager? Should I have blasted her attitude?
Resolutions
Let's see how I did on last years resolutions:
2006 Resolution No. 1. Be healthier/Lose weight.
My goal 35 pounds. I would be at my ideal weight if I lose 35 pounds. I know I will never be twiggy skinny but the 35 pounds would put me at a healthy weight for my height and I would feel good at that weight and believe I could maintain.
I would like to loose 10 pounds by Feb 5
I would like to be at a total weight loss of 20 pounds by March 15
I would like to be at a total weight loss of 30 pounds by May 1
Let's just keep this on the 2007 list because I think I misunderstood it last year and gained the 35 pounds instead of losing it.
2006 Resolution No. 2. Spend more quality time with kids and hubby. Things get so busy I want to get back to reading their devotions before bed and just having that no tv time together with them before bed. With hubby I would like to have at least 3 nights of the week that we dont watch tv after kids are in bed but just make it an us date.
This one I have actually done really good on, especially on more quiet special time with hubby, and more time with the kiddos. I will try to continue to improve and add on this one in 2007.
2006 Resolution No. 3. Be more time organized. I know my hubby thinks I am organized as do most of my friends. But I really think I could be more conscious of where the time goes and how it is used. I am still working on this one and it will be on the 2007 list as well.
2006 Resolution No. 4. Have fun, planning a big family vacation in June, enjoy the kids basketball and being the coach, have fun going with friends to Canton Texas in April just enjoy all the things and not just looking forward to events but enjoy the events along the way.Did good with this one. Will continue to make fun and special events throughout the year as well as daily things that are fun and special too.
2006 Resolution No. 5. Be more assertive. Dont worry that I am not saying yes to someone that someone might be mad at me for not doing something for them. Take a stand say yes to things that I want to help with but not things that will in turn make me crazy with time constraints and so on.I think even hubby has to admit I have gotten better on this one, but still I admit I have a way to go.
New ones for 2007:
More health conscious not necessarily for weight but in general health, organics, vitamin supplements, etc. (I type this one as I am smelling my chocolate sheet cake baking in the oven..but hey these don't start officially until the 2nd)
Work on heart issues more with my kids. Not just turn them into robots that behave but don't understand why they have to behave.
Be more financially conscious, read more of Dave Ramsey's book and cut corners and pay things off as we can.
Read more books, I love to read, I also want to read more substance next on my list is "Don't Make Me Count To Three" By Ginger Plowman...this corresponds with resolution number 2 and working on the heart issues with my children. Of course I will still read my enjoyment books too!
2006 Resolution No. 1. Be healthier/Lose weight.
My goal 35 pounds. I would be at my ideal weight if I lose 35 pounds. I know I will never be twiggy skinny but the 35 pounds would put me at a healthy weight for my height and I would feel good at that weight and believe I could maintain.
I would like to loose 10 pounds by Feb 5
I would like to be at a total weight loss of 20 pounds by March 15
I would like to be at a total weight loss of 30 pounds by May 1
Let's just keep this on the 2007 list because I think I misunderstood it last year and gained the 35 pounds instead of losing it.
2006 Resolution No. 2. Spend more quality time with kids and hubby. Things get so busy I want to get back to reading their devotions before bed and just having that no tv time together with them before bed. With hubby I would like to have at least 3 nights of the week that we dont watch tv after kids are in bed but just make it an us date.
This one I have actually done really good on, especially on more quiet special time with hubby, and more time with the kiddos. I will try to continue to improve and add on this one in 2007.
2006 Resolution No. 3. Be more time organized. I know my hubby thinks I am organized as do most of my friends. But I really think I could be more conscious of where the time goes and how it is used. I am still working on this one and it will be on the 2007 list as well.
2006 Resolution No. 4. Have fun, planning a big family vacation in June, enjoy the kids basketball and being the coach, have fun going with friends to Canton Texas in April just enjoy all the things and not just looking forward to events but enjoy the events along the way.Did good with this one. Will continue to make fun and special events throughout the year as well as daily things that are fun and special too.
2006 Resolution No. 5. Be more assertive. Dont worry that I am not saying yes to someone that someone might be mad at me for not doing something for them. Take a stand say yes to things that I want to help with but not things that will in turn make me crazy with time constraints and so on.I think even hubby has to admit I have gotten better on this one, but still I admit I have a way to go.
New ones for 2007:
More health conscious not necessarily for weight but in general health, organics, vitamin supplements, etc. (I type this one as I am smelling my chocolate sheet cake baking in the oven..but hey these don't start officially until the 2nd)
Work on heart issues more with my kids. Not just turn them into robots that behave but don't understand why they have to behave.
Be more financially conscious, read more of Dave Ramsey's book and cut corners and pay things off as we can.
Read more books, I love to read, I also want to read more substance next on my list is "Don't Make Me Count To Three" By Ginger Plowman...this corresponds with resolution number 2 and working on the heart issues with my children. Of course I will still read my enjoyment books too!
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