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.