The San Fansisco Treat~HOMEMADE!

I saw this recipe on The Rachel Ray show one day last week it was quite intriguing!
She made HOMEMADE Rice-A-Roni!
I grew up eating the little box version at least once a week so I had to try this one.
Seriously now,the thought that you could do it at home never even occurred to me but it turned out pretty well.The flavor is subtle and not nearly as salty but still good.

I didn't measure anything really but here is how she made it.
1 Cup broken pasta noodles(I used whole wheat spaghetti and some regular linguine)
olive oil
chicken broth(or stock)
salt
pepper
butter
1/2 tsp parsley
1/4 tsp or so of sage and thyme
brown the broken pasta in some olive oil for about 6-7 min
add the chicken stock,butter, and seasonings then simmer until all the liquid is absorbed.


It even smells like the box version,YUM!

Season of change

I can't believe we are so close to Thanksgiving, and Christmas is just around the corner!
We have some BIG changes going on around here right now and I hope to be able to post about them soon.It's amazing what blessings can come to you when you least expect it.

I've been hopping around some of my fave blogs this morning and so many of them have been all gussied up in Christmas style so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon.I know it's still early but in my mind you can never start the holiday season too early!
My kids must feel the same way because I've already been given 3 Christmas lists all folded and and ready to go to Santa!

They are all off school today for parent/teacher conferences and yes I have to go to 5!(not all in one day thank goodness)It's alot cooler out today than it has been all week,yesterday it was 75 degrees and today it's not even 60 and pretty dreary out as well.Yep,it's November!

I found this link on one of the 12,000 blogs I visited today (can't recall which one,sorry!)It's an online radio site that plays Christmas music all 24/7!I love it!!

http://www.live365.com/stations/elfedzachary?play

I had my 1st Peppermint Mocha Latte of the season from Starbucks yesterday and I'm thinking I might swing by there again today.I don't usually care for super sweet drinks but this one is just a must for the holiday season.YUM!
UMMMMMM,can ya tell I love this time of year?? ;o)

Our Trick or Treat 2008

Well,the kids had fun and I'm still recovering.;o)
Here is a quick little slideshow from last night.
My allergies are positively killing me today so I'm not up for writing much more.I hope everyone (those who celebrate)
has a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Goober Haystacks!

I adore Paula Deen! I've been watching her since "Paulas Home Cooking" premiered on the Food Netwok.My middle daughter always watches her with me whenever she's on and it's become a sort of "bonding time" for us.We've whipped up so many of her recipes and I just love that time that she and I spend together.Well,when I saw this.......



I knew I had to get it for her for Christmas!This will actually be the 2nd cookbook I've gotten for her but I think she'll really love this one. I glanced through it a bit and found this yummy recipe.It would be fun to make with the kids or for a Halloween party.

Goober Haystacks~~~

Recipe c/o Paula Deen~

What you’ll need:

dry measuring cup
measuring spoons
medium glass bowl
large spoon
teaspoon
waxed paper
resealable plastic bags or plastic storage container with tight fitting lid
Ingredients:
1 cup butterscotch Morsels
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 cup chow mein noodles
Directions:
1. Put the butterscotch morsels and peanut butter into the mixing bowl. Microwave on high power for 1 minute, remove the
bowl, and stir. butterscotch morsels should melt as you stir, but if they don't, don't worry! Just put them back in the
microwave for 15 seconds more and stir again.
2. When the butterscotch is completely melted and smooth, stir in the peanuts and chow mein noodles. is will be stiff and you
may need an adult to help you . Use a teaspoon to scoop out a little of the mixture and mound it on to the waxed paper. These
should look like haystacks.
3. Let them stand at room temperature until they are set. is will take 45 minutes to an hour. Store in resealable plastic bags or
a plastic storage container with a tight fitting lid. *makes 20 to 24 small haystacks

Great giveaway!

"FARMCHICK" is having a super giveaway on her blog!
The candle sounds wonderful and her blog is so neat!
Go check it out~http://farmchickskitchen.blogspot.com/

Have you had your mammogram?

Sadly,I must admit that it's been several years since I've had one.It shames me to even say that and it really does weigh heavily on my heart to get one done soon.
I wish we would take care of ourselves more than we do but I know many women who do not get them regularly.I have breast cancer in my family so you'd think that I'd be more on top of it.I've seen a loved one endure the lumpectomies and radiation.
You think about it and swear you will make an appt but then the time just seems to get away from you.
We all MUST do this for ourselves and so we can be here for our families,our children and grandchildren.I want to be that 90 year old woman sitting on my porch holding my great grand-babies!

Fireside soup and a good movie

I don't remember where I got this recipe but I've had it a long time.
It's unusually warm around here this weekend but it still sounded sooo good to me today.The name is definitely fitting,this would be great to have on a chilly fall evening in front of the fire.

4 Cups 2% milk
1 can cream of chicken or potato soup (either will work fine)
1 Cup frozen has brown potatoes(cubes)
2 TBSP each of finely chopped celery and onion
1 TBSP butter
1/2 tsp each of sage and thyme
3/4 Cup shredded cheddar
1/4 cup sour cream
3 pieces crispy cooked bacon chopped
dash of salt and pepper

cook the celery and onion in butter till tender.
add all other ingredients and bring to a low boil then simmer for about 15 min.
Top with some sliced green onions and addtl cheese if you like.
So rich and good, just plain comfort food. Just what the Dr ordered for me today!

I also pulled out one of my fave movies to watch around this time of year.
It's a Hallmark movie (which are all so good)called "A Time to Remember".I guess it was on TV back in 2003 but I never saw it until I got the DVD at Target a couple years ago.
It's a very touching story and worth watching.


I was thinking of heading to the pumpkin patch this weekend but I like to go when there is a bit more "chill" in the air.lol It just seems more like fall when it's not 80 degrees outside.
The leaves are just starting to turn colors around here and it is just gorgeous.
I just love this time of year!

The kids are starting to eye the costumes that they want and here is a pic of my 3 youngest boys and the middle ones oh so lovely and charming zombie costume.(on sale at CVS it was normally 19.99 and I got it for 13.99 with the 25% off sale and coupon.(love that CVS card!)
You know I liked it better when they wanted be something cute like Pooh or Mickey Mouse.geesh.

My witchy welcome~

Well,here I am again after I've been slacking.
I finally put some Halloween-ish decorations outside this week.
Thought I'd post a pic of my front door wreath.I've had that thing for years and it's looking a little ragged but I still like it.I did add the witch hat to it this year.(found it at the $$ store!)Too cute!

October!

haunted-house-wallpaper-3-1280
Originally uploaded by aerodyneebay

Happy October!! I just can't believe it's here already.
I'm really excited for Halloween this year! We've never lived in a neighborhood like this where we could actually go trick-or-treating without having to travel all over town.
The kids are wanting to do up the house all haunted house-ish so this should be fun.

My oldest son will be going to his 1st High School Homecoming(yikes,with a GIRL!) this weekend!How did this happen??!!


I've been wanting some pumpkin pie for weeks and kept thinking I should wait at least till October so I think I'll make one this weekend if I have time.I just love this time of year!

Super Fast Supper!

I've been on a bit of an unplanned "blog break" this week but here I am.I just can't stay away very long.lol
I've been dealing with some pretty unpleasant "stuff" that I don't want to go into but it looks like things are hopefully improving.


This is probably one of the very first things that I ever cooked for the hubby way back in 1873.(just kidding!It's really only been about 16 years ago)
The mom of a good friend of mine used to make it and and I had her give me the recipe when we moved into our 1st apartment together.I think I actually only knew how to make like 5 dishes and this is one of them!
It's so super simple but I probably never would've thought to put the stuff together on my own.
If you need something fast and easy this is it!The kids never complain about it too much either so I make it every other week or so.

1 pkg smoked sausage or polska keilbasa
1 Large can green beans/potatoes
seasoning salt
pepper

In a large pot brown the sausage in a bit of olive oil for about 4-5 min
throw in beans and poataoes(along with water in can)
throw in a dash of seasoning salt and pepper then simmer for about 15 min or so.
I usually serve this with crusty french bread with herb butter.

Herb butter~
1/2 stick softened butter
dash of olive oil
1 TBSP "Herbs De Provence"

Mix well and spread on sliced french bread then place under broiler for a bout 4-5 min.(top with parmesan cheese b4 baking if you'd like)

Wow!

Well,we've been without power since yesterday afternoon due to the remains of hurrican Ike sweeping though.It was unbelievable.We had up to 75 mph winds,trees are down all over,4 people died,several areas are looking at days with no power.
We lost a shutter,some window screens,many huge limbs came down. I've never seen anything like it.Thank god none of my family or friends were hurt as far as I know.I'm still trying to get into contact with some of them.
I can only imagine what it was like where the winds were double what they were here,along with massive rain and flooding.It makes you appreciate what a hurricane is really like that's for sure.
I took some pics I'll post later.I need to get my house and yard back to some sort of order.
It was scary,very scary.

I thought I was a bit old fashioned!

Wow,these ladies have me beat.
Who am I to judge? Things sure did seem simpler then.The hubby sure would be thrilled!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1042702/Time-Warp-Wives-Meet-women-really-live-past.html

Praying for those in Ikes path

I just saw a report on the news that basically said if parts of Texas did not evacuate they'll be facing certain death.Oh my,I hope somehow it turns out to be weaker than they think. I'm sending thoughts and prayers out to all those in it's path.I have a couple "web friends" in Texas and I'm hoping they have found a safe place by now.

Burrito Casserole aka Mexican Lasagna

I hadn't made this in a long time and it's a super simple quick-fix meal.I think it's called Burrito Casserole but the kids always called it mexican lasagna.It does look like that with the all the yummy layers.

1-2 lbs ground beef (or turkey but that will give it a different flavor)
1 pkg 8" flour tortillas
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 jar salsa
1 can refried beans(I use fat free)
1 small onion chopped
2 Cups colby/jack cheese blend
1/2 tsp fresh or dried cilantro
toppings~shredded lettuce,tomatoes,jalepenos,black olives,sour cream,whatever you like.

brown beef and onion then drain,add taco seasoning with a splash of water and let simmer for a few min.Mix salsa and beans together in bowl.
Begin layering tortillas (2 at a time) in 9x12 casserole dish.
add some of beef mix then bean mix,then some cheese.Continue layering just like you would lasagna.Top with cilantro then bake at 350 for 20-25 min then under broiler for about 5 min or until a bit brown and bubbly.
YUM!

Daybook~Remembering

Today~September 11,2008~

Outside My Window...is sunshine.

I am thinking... of that day 7 years ago.

I am thankful for...my family and friends,especially today

From the kitchen... oldest daughter getting ready for school.

I am wearing...green shirt and shorts

I am creating...mmm,nothing right now.

I am going... dogsit again today

I am reading...a few blogs this morning

I am hoping... for some peace

I am hearing...my 2 yr old chase the dog

Around the house... Laundry,dirty dishes,and a bunch a fall stuff waiting to be put out

One of my favorite things... is the crisp fall air this morning

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
We all should take at least a moment today to remember.Where were you? What were you doing? I was standing in my kitchen after getting my 2 oldest off to school,I was watching the news when it happened.My hubby was home and I think we were just shocked.Was this true? Sadly it was.I remember crying and being so fearful of what would happen.This truly changed all of us and our country forever.
Has it really been 7 years already? We've all moved on but I know I'll never forget.
Today I will still pray and shed tears for all of those who lost their lives and the loved ones they left behind.

My wordless Wednesday~

This photo was taken at my parents home last month.My youngest daughter found a wild strawberry outside and was just fascinated.She kept it for days in her room until it just shriveled up.I just love this shot.
(I guess that wasn't totally wordless was it?!)

The Festival hopping has begun!

Well,we went to our 1st festival of the season yesterday and it's one of many more to come over the next couple of months.There were actually like 3-4 going on but we went to the closest one to us. We've gone almost every year for at least 15 years or more.It's always super hot and insanely crowded but so much fun.The smells of all that wonderful greasy food and the quaint little craft booths.(I didn't go overbaord,just a BBQ sandwich and some fried shrooms)There's tons of stuff for the kids to do as well. My oldest son decided he had to go with his friends for the last 2 years and this time my oldest daughter seemed to cringe every time one of hers went by and saw her with (yikes!) her family!!!
The weather this year was actually much cooler than it usually is and that made it more enjoyable.I look forward to these festivals all year and it's one sure sign that fall is coming.I think we have 2 on the agenda for next weekend!


My family at the Festival~(oldest son not seen due to humiliation/has to look cool factor)

Gee,no real suprise there

Controlling???!!! ME??!!! NEVER!!!!!!!!!! :o)

You Are the Mother

You have an abundance of love for humanity. You care about all the people of the world. You love helping others more than anything else. You love to be needed. At your best, you unconditionally love people. You are very nurturing. You are a wise and gentle teacher. You are happy to guide anyone who needs your advice or explanations. At your worst, you are controlling and overbearing. You smother people with affection and gifts.

What Family Role Do You Play?

Horsin around

I took these pics of my oldest daughter and my mother in laws house over the weekend and this is one of 3 horses that she has.
We've watched this horse be born and then grow into this giant majestic animal.(she's actually standing on a chair next to him)They hired a trainer last year to teach them to ride and break him in.(I believe that's the term)She has been waiting and wanting to ride him for so long and she finally got to do it.I was nervous about it but they both did really well.He's a pretty mellow horse compared to his mom and sister.Both of whom are very excitable and stubborn.I thought it was just so amazing to see how far he had come.
I'm not a big horse person and know very little but I always enjoy being around them.
My silly camera decided to stop working when she was actually on the horse so I'm hoping to get a few shots of her when she goes back this weekend.She really seems to have a connection with these amazing animals.It's funny that all 3 of my girls love the horses but none of my boys seem in the least bit interested.Wonder why that is?

Crock Pot Apple Butter

Nothing says fall like some fresh apple butter on a warm biscuit!YUM!

8 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
4 cups white sugar
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS~~
Fill a slow cooker with diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Cover, and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 12 hours, or until thick and dark golden in color.


I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Labor Day!
My prayers are still with those in the path of the storm.It sounds like it might be weakening,let's hope so.

Just some thoughts

I never got around to making the apple butter yesterday but I'm going to try it someday! There's just never enough hours in the day.
The hubby ended up only working for a short time so we went to my mother in laws house to drop of 3 of the kids for the day.She has horses and dogs and all kinds of room to run so they enjoy being there.It was nice to get a little break I must say.
We only had my oldest daughter and the 2 youngest so we walked around the flea market which was hot but fun,then we ate dinner at a local place famous for it's wings. (it was actually where hubby and I had our 1st date,real romantic huh??!!)
We had a nice day.

I've been keeping an eye on the giant hurricane headed for Louisiana and it's just so frightening.I have family in Florida so every time there's a storm down there I worry.My thoughts and prayers go out to all those people in it's path. I hope they can get to a safe place. I can't imagine feeling that helpless,just knowing it's coming and not a single thing to do about it.