Our Little House Blog

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2010-10-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

Life and Love in a Small Town

Starting something new

2010-06-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

The new blog is up and running ... sort of.

The about me page is done! :)

If you want to keep up with our new life and all the changes coming, please come visit me at

Life & Love in a Small Town

House Hunting/Killing

2010-06-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

Landon and I have been house hunting for the past few weeks.
Let me first start by saying, I hated it.
But, if you want to make money in real estate this is the place to sell a house, apparently.

$150,000 in a town of 500 people that's 70+ years old? Seriously??

Well, we finally found a house. A very, very small house in which 3 people can sleep. It's a two bedroom one bath home that could use quite a bit of work. It has already been redone to some extent but it could still use quite a bit of help.

Obviously this wasn't my dream home or even close, but it will be the first place of our own and I hope with a positive attitude (which I have to find) hard work (which I have to learn) and the help of YHL (Young House Love) for inspiration we can turn this house into a lovely home. It's possible, I suppose - now where can I find money growing on trees?

The one advantage the YHL couple has is the fact they live near several hardware stores, IKEA, etc. The closest thing here is Orschelns, which unless we need a big supply of ducks and feed, won't help us out much.

It should be an adventure, for sure.

So I'm thinking with this new leaf there should come a new blog. Either that over overhaul this one, but I think it would be easier to start again.

So, coming soon a new .... well, something.
Thanks for being so patient with me and understanding and maybe the next blog will be MUCH more organized, etc.

Thanks for reading!

Small Town

2010-05-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

LIFE

Well, here we are back in my small hometown.
Landon started his job a few weeks ago, and although it has been incredibly slow, he seems to be enjoying it.
At this time we still have our apartment back in OP but that will come to a close on June 14. We are trying to make the most of it by driving back on the weekends.

Why haven't I stayed, you ask? Well, I'm here working on a place for us to live. So far, no dice. We are (I am) growing more and more frustrated with every house. How do you win when the house has a toilet in a closet under the stairs (just a toilet, not even a light) and the bathtub is located in a center of the room with no walls around it. Oh, and they are asking 57,000 for it. By the way, that's A LOT here. Someone would be stupid to pay 10,000.

Right now, my parents spare room is looking like a mansion.

BABY

The baby started kicking in the past week - what an odd feeling. Almost like someone is running around popping bubbles in your stomach. The cravings kicked in a few weeks ago, up until then I hadn't really had anything I HAD to have - although I was enjoying ice cream for the first time ever. Today it's been chicken salad and dinner from Dixie Stampede.

Yes, I'm tempted to drive to Branson just to have dinner there. And yes, that would be a 4 hour drive! I just can't stop thinking about that chicken and soup! So, my goal tonight is ... MAKE IT. Who knows, maybe I'll kick the craving and if I don't my family and I are going to have our own STAMPEDE!!!!

BLOG

Sorry I'm so uninteresting right now. The last few weeks I've felt like everything was crashing around me and was NOT inspired to blog .... anything. It's been some pretty down weeks as of late with things looking pretty hopeless. But, I'm also Miss Negative and I intend to start working on that this week. Ha - wish me luck!!

Menu Monday

2010-05-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

A full week of menu planning - it may be the last one for awhile.

Monday

Grilling out at Landon's Aunts - not sure what we're having

Tuesday

Roast
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Cooked Carrots
Green Beans
Rolls

Wednesday

Pepper-Steak Sandwiches
Chips
Veggies

Thursday

Chicken n Waffles
Sugar Snap Peas

Friday

Roasted Pork Loin
Smashed Potatoes with Rosemary
Sauteed Firehouse Green Beans

Saturday

Lunch - ?? Will be garage sale-ing

Dinner
BBQ Pork Sandwiches
Steak Fries
Corn

Sunday

Lunch
Maple Pecan Chicken
Garlic Sourcream Potatoes
Roasted Lemon Pepper Broccoli
Bread

Dinner
At Landon's Folks

Week by Week 2

2010-05-03T07:45:00.001-07:00

The Bump

Week 11

Week 12 (At Night)

Week 13

Week 14

Week 15
(Clothes are straining here)

Week 16 (At Night)

Forgot to take a picture at Week 17!

Week 18 (At night)

Dear Everyone

2010-04-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry for the long overdue post.
Things have been crazy lately.

The baby is growing fine at the moment and soon I go in for my 20 week ultrasound so then we'll (officially) know what we're having. Even though, at this point, I've been pretty well informed.

So - important news, Landon and I are moving. Far from the city, back to my hometown. Or the town next to my hometown. We're not sure yet.

Landon made the final decision to move. Until things are more settled don't expect too many posts. There are just too many things going on in our lives right now. I want to post all about it and I will - but not until I can set down and catch my breath.

Currently, we will have to move into my parents house. But, we will be looking for a place out of very slim pickin's. When that happens, I feel a new blog coming on. Once we do find a house it will be a humdinger of a place to fix up. And we will be doing on the stringiest of shoe-string budgets.

The first blog chronicled our big city lives, I hope to do another one showing our new little town lifestyle.

I have no idea what is coming. All I know is that if we stayed in the city we would be seeing red every month. Moving to the country will at least (slightly) help us.

I'm not sure how I feel about things, it feels like either way we loose. Anyway - whatever happens, there is a little baby on the way and it needs our attention and positive thinking now.

I hope we're making the right choices.

I'm starting to believe -

2010-03-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

That this country won't be ruined by the health care bill ...

or the recession ....

or the wars ...

or the fact that we have a tax for everything (did you hear they're taxing tanning?) ...

or or the bailout "help" received.

I do think that this country will be ran into the ground by the whole no child left behind law.

Putting the no child left behind into effect is making all the children get left behind.

And discipline? No such thing. At all. Tell a kid no and listen to him/her yell right back at you how they ARE going to do it.

Tell the kid no and watch as he or she looks into your eyes and does it anyway.

Do I want to be a teacher?

I'm thinking maybe no.

Where are the parents?

Stories Out The ...

2010-03-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Wazoo -
something an ex-crush of mine used to say, not sure why.

It's late and I'm feeling super random now, but lemme tell you - I've got some stories about this teaching experience that seems to be making my head spin. I'm on my 2nd week and goodness - weather change? Perhaps - but boy did my kids go from nice to needing cages in a few days.

Recess is like going to the zoo. I watched a little girl take out after a boy ready to tear him apart because he caught her ball and got her out - A LITTLE GIRL, mind you.

What happened to ladies and gentlemen?
What happened to eyes ahead on the board?
What happened to "you NEVER TALK BACK TO A TEACHER!!"

Good grief, I have no idea what happened between the time I was in school to now, it's only been a few years.

Oh. My. Stars.

I'm so ridiculously worn out tonight - is this progress? No child left behind. A mess if you ask me. At the rate things are going now all the children are getting left behind. Do I make sense? Not so much - oh well. I know I'm 25, I know it's 10:00 and I'M GOING TO BED!!

Good Night, All.
Thanks for letting me ramble.

In the past ...

2010-03-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

48 hours it has snowed, melted, snowed 5 inches - sun came out - warmed up to bearable - melted all the snow.

I ♥ Missouri weather.

Target Tuesday

2010-03-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

If it's a girl:

girl by Jerra on Polyvore.com

February Review

2010-03-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

It's late - I know, but here's a review of February ...

1> Turned 25 - had the flu, felt awful (ironically I also had the flu on my 1st birthday).

NO PHOTOS! (At least not ones I'm willing to share.)

2> Continued to live away from Landon for a month and taught Art in school.

3> Found out I was PREGNANT.

4> Made an order for Valentines Cupcakes while having night sickness.

5> Watched some super funny dogs.

(The little one wins)

Nom Nom Nom

Week-by-Week

2010-03-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

6 Weeks

(Hadn't lost that holiday weight yet)

7 Weeks
(Taken at night)

8 Weeks
(Please ignore my face - the messy mirror - and my awful hair)

9 Weeks
(I'd been living out of a suitcase for 8 of those weeks, see room)

10 Weeks
(Ok, I don't know why I didn't hide my face better - oh my goodness. Please don't look at it. Yuck! I don't usually look THIS scary. Okay ... maybe I do. I'm in need of a shower - clothes that fit - and apparently by the look of my face, a bucket - in this picture.)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

Target Tuesday

2010-03-10T07:57:00.001-08:00

Okay, so most of this isn't from Target but this morning I wanted to work on some nursery ideas. So - if it's a boy:

Inspired by: Pottery Barn's Pique Nursery

Boys Room by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Menu Monday

2010-03-08T12:05:00.001-08:00

Week of March 8th

Monday
Peanut Butter, Banana, Bacon Panini
Hashbrowns
Fried Pickles - ??

Tuesday
BBQ Chicken
Green Beans
Twice Baked Potatoes

Wednesday
Sloppy Joes
Home Fries
Corn

Thursday
Pepper Steak Sandwiches
Chips
Fruit Salad

Friday
Cheese Ravioli Bake
Breadsticks
Salad

Helpful Hint

2010-03-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

Item: Tennis Ball

New Use: Open Jars

Amazon
$4.60

Original Purpose ::
Use for a great workout on the court

Ah Ha! Moment ::
Use to open a stuck lid. Carefully cut a ball in half with an e-xacto knife and use the rubber side to grip the lid and twist open.

Reward ::
No more stuck lids!

via
Real Simple

Wordy Wednesday

2010-03-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

How We Told

I told Landon about the baby in a way which I could re-do. But, I was freaking out and half asleep when he came to Mom and Dads.

At this point, of course, Mom - Kendall - and my Aunt are the only ones who know.

Landon came in and I woke up from a dead sleep, I didn't even think before I said "There's something for you on the dresser." Before he came I had wrapped up a baby pair of socks and the test. He got the bag and sat down the on the bed saying "What's This For?" I told him it was "Just Because".

(Opens socks first)
L: Humm, wonder what these are for?
(Test)
L: Um, you peed on this.
(Turns to me)
L: Have you heard that song by Akon & Eminem?

And that's all he said.

I totally freaked out thinking he was mad - and almost cried (or maybe I did a little) but I didn't want to push the issue so I didn't say anything. I was scared to death.

The next morning I told my Dad by telling him I had an early Father's Day gift.
I rolled up baby socks and put them him his hands ... he threw them down.

Me: You have to open it!
D: What is it?
Me: Look!
D: Oh, oh, oh, oh no - no NO Jerra, NO!
Me: Ummmm ... (holding back tears)

Dad left but later called my Mom saying that he wasn't mad, he just was really shocked and that he wished we had waited until we were more financially stable. Him and Me both. Also, I'm his baby girl.

At that point I realized I didn't want to tell any more people - I was done due to bad reactions all around.

Landon did come around after talking to my brother who joked with him about it. We found out that he was excited but more scared at the moment. Which totally makes sense.

Landon took me shopping for my birthday and it was really sweet because he kept acting like I was going to break - "Can you walk this far?" "Are you okay?" "Are you tired?" "Do you need me to get something?" On the way home he decided he wanted to call everyone - I told him I wanted to tell them in a special way when I was further along but he didn't want to keep a secret.

He called his family to tell them. When he called his aunt, she was super excited which excited Landon. So all's well that ends well.

I called my grandma that night - who was in shock. I guess she had to set down - it is a pretty big surprise when your first granddaughter is going to have a baby of her own. Anyway - so, no cutesy way of telling people. No fancy story just lots and lots of phone calls. Plus, several surprised people!

Everyone is getting more used to it now. My Dad is talking about his grand baby coming and my grandmother bought the baby it's first gift.

Anyway, that's about it for the "past" baby chronicles. Now it's time for "real-time" baby stories on Wordy Wednesdays. Hope you don't mind reading about this for awhile. I won't promise, but I'll try to not make my blog all about the baby, okay?

Target Tuesday

2010-03-03T06:22:00.000-08:00

A day late, again.

I'm really wanting to do a living room makeover. If money were no object ...

target living by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Menu Monday

2010-03-02T05:58:00.000-08:00

A day late --

This is the goal for this week - although cooking makes me feel a little sick so I'm not sure how much will actually get done.

Monday
Chicken Bundles
Apple Slices

Tuesday
Tacos
Corn (on Cob?)

Wednesday
Stew
Rolls
Sauteed Green Beans

Thursday
Chicken Currey
Rice
Sugar Snap Peas

Friday
Deep Dish Pizza
Canadian Bacon & Pineapple
Peperoni

Saturday
B: Pancakes & Bacon
Scrambled Eggs

L: P.B.B Panini Sandwiches
Carrots
Chips

D: Brisket
Mixed Veggies
Rolls

Cravings

2010-02-25T11:53:00.000-08:00

So far I've been craving ...

Strawberry or Berry Pop Tarts
Fried Pickles with Restaurant Ranch
Corn Dogs

KETCHUP!
Culver's Cheese Curds and Ketchup
Bacon with Ketchup
Chicken Strips with Ketchup
Eggs with Ketchup

Doritos (the other day I ate these dipped in ketchup)
Mom's Tacos
Milk Shakes
Butter

Pepsi that has been frozen in the freezer
Water that is so cold it makes your teeth hurt

ALL THIS JUST THIS WEEK!!!!

After I think about what I've eaten it makes me sick. Doritos in ketchup - ugh!

More baby thoughts ...

2010-02-20T06:57:00.001-08:00

First - thank you for your comments - you guys are so sweet to still be reading after my loooonnnggg absence.

Now, the continued thoughts ...

Baby Thoughts
"I Don't Want to Grow Up" (approx. 4-6 weeks)

Thursday, Feb. 4th
I spent the entire day at school without saying a word - I have no idea what we did or what I taught. I think some people at school are starting to wonder if something is going on. I keep "looking like crap" as the boys are telling me.

I got home and was still in a daze - after laying around thinking about it - I started to freak out. I brought my big yellow lab dog in and laid beside him - buried my face in his fur - and cried. And cried - and panicked - and cried - and freaked out. All I could think was "What Have I Done?" I think Dex eventually got tired of it because he put a paw on my face and pushed me away like "Common, get a grip".

Mom found me curled up by my dog with tears coming down my face and all I could say was "I don't want to get old" "How are we going to afford this" "What have I done" "Landon is going to be mad". Mom told me to relax that it was all going to be fine and we will get through it. And I don't have to grow up that much - Landon and I can still go play in the snow, as we did 2 weeks prior to finding out.

It seems dumb now that I freaked out about something so trivial. But I think what I really needed was just to be held by my Mom and know that no matter what I'll still be her little girl. I hope, so much, I can be a Mom like her.

Feb. 5th
Today was a half day at school so I didn't have to hide it as long. But, man, the morning sickness hit today. Good grief. While I'm teaching: I never eat breakfast (this goes for any day) - I always eat lunch at 11:20, a snack at 3:15 and supper around 8. Today I skipped breakfast - didn't eat lunch until 1. Mistake - I started to get nauseated about noon, nausea that brought me to my knees.

My brother has been so wonderful. He's so excited. He brought me a bucket to throw up in "just in case" and talked to me until my mind was off the puking.

I finally got some chicken noodle soup down, and some toast. Must not be much substance there because the sickness hit again around 5 when Mom and I headed into town to go to Dollar General (the only store in a 35 mile radius). I was looking for some cute gifts to give out as "Hey! We're Pregnant" gifts - but all I found was small socks. I figured I could work with that (we ended up not using them) But, looking at the food made me about throw up everywhere. So much for shopping.

By the time we got back to the house I was feeling less than lukewarm. My aunt came over for dinner so she was the next person I told because I needed help with the sickness. I folded up the tiny socks in a bag and gave them to her as a "gift". When she opened them she said "What are these for? I don't have a doll. Oh wait --- are you PG?! You ARE?! Oh my goodness. Really?!" We went on talking about it, needless to say she was pretty shocked.

She was able to tell me what to do about the sickness because she used to help deliver babies - so she told me all I needed to know, plus more. Like how my nose will swell a few days before giving birth. As long as it goes back down ...

So, the people who know as of this time is My Brother, My Mom, and My Aunt. Landon wold be arriving later that night so I was planning a cute way to tell him. It didn't work out so well.

How I told Landon will come next time.

To be continued ...

Ummm, Where's AF?

2010-02-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

I'm always a day late and a dollar short. I didn't realize I was pregnant until I was about 6 weeks in. Here is a little "story" with my initial thoughts on Baby Blue (for blueberry). By the way, I like calling it a blueberry but it grosses Landon out.

* To my Uncle (if you still read this) you might want to skip this post ...

** Don't forgot at this time I'm living with my parents due to work, so Landon wasn't the first to know but he knew 3rd.

Baby Thoughts
"Hummm, I'm never THIS late ..." (approximately weeks 4-6 weeks)

Jan. 18:
Wow, this is going to be a bad one. I'm already cramping. I hate periods.

Jan. 21:
Well, it's been a few days and Aunt Flow hasn't shown. Every day I'm having to take Tylenol for these cramps and since when did I get low back aches? Maybe it's just part of growing up - my period is going to be weird and I'm going to have cramps stronger and longer. Lovely.

Jan. 23:
Great, another sinus infection and cold. Why am I feeling nauseated with this? I've never been sick with a sinus infection before. Could I feel worse - I wish I wasn't so tired and grouchy.

Jan. 25:
1 week and I still haven't seen hide nor hair of Aunt Flo. Odd for me since I'm never late - but I suppose it could start to be a normal thing. I was off in December by 9 days.

Jan. 26:
Why am I so tired! And my boobs are so sore - I'm having to sleep in a bra. I'm sleeping like 14 hours a day. And I'm starved. I'm talking eat a whole bag of chips and still be starved. I don't want to get fat!!!

Jan. 31:
Nap ... Nap ... Nap ... Nausuated ... Nap

Feb. 2:
Still no period - maybe I didn't' ovulate and that's why there isn't one.

Feb. 3:
My clothes aren't fitting. Which makes sense since I have been eating like a cow. I've got to start exercising. Mom says to take a test just in case before I do something drastic. I really don't' think I am though. Ever other time I thought I was pregnant I wasn't and this time I don't feel it. So I'm probably not.

Feb. 4:
{Discreetly grab a Dixie cup}
{Take test}
{Lay on counter and get rid of cup}
{Take a look ... } Okay, one line - no big deal - I can start exercising
{Start shower}
{Go back to counter to get washcloth} Oh my goodness. Two lines, there are two lines, not one two ... two means ... oh my goodness that's what it means ... is it a mistake? ... what will Landon say?

Me: {waking my brother from a dead sleep my waving around my pee sick}
"Kendall READ THIS"
Kendall: "Get that away from me!" {just about falls out of bed waving his arms around violently}
Me: "No, R.E.A.D it!!"
Kendall: "Oh ... you're pregnant."

After my shower in which I don't believe I washed vital parts - used soap - or rinsed the shampoo out of my hair ...

(Mom pokes her head in)

Mom: "I saw you grab a cup - (I guess I wasn't so discreet after all) what did it say?"
Me: "Well, you're going to be a grandma."
Mom: "Really? I knew it, I've kinda figured all along."

Why and I so dumb? I should have known ... Wait, Now What?

To be continued ...

This Is Why ...

2010-02-16T07:46:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess my New Year's Plans will be going by the wayside. Mother Nature had other ideas for Landon and I ...

Yes, Landon and I are expecting a little one in September. While I'm excited, I'm also scared to death. It hasn't been easy so far - I spend most days feeling like I've been ran over by a truck and while the morning sickness (or in my case, morning - noon - night sickness) is getting better it still isn't totally gone.

Good news is - I FINALLY bought a laptop so while I'll laying in bed between moans maybe I'll get a few posts out. I really am going to try to do better! As soon as I stop gagging.

Things I Haven't Done

2010-02-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

Things I Haven't Done

- Checked, Read and Deleted E-mails
- Read all of my google reader
- Cleaned or Do Laundry
- Cooked
- UPDATED MY BLOG

Things I Have Done

-Slept

All with good reason ... a reason that is COMING SOON. Stay tuned.

Foodie Friday

2010-01-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

Restaurant Review

McDonald's Third Pounder Deluxe

Rating: C-

One Word Description: Fat

Comments:
It's a good idea, I suppose, compared to their other burgers - but the new third pounder is a bit much. It looked good on the sign so I tried it on a night when I needed comfort food for a drive home. About half way through the idea that I was eating such a large mass of meat and fat and excursiveness completely grossed me out. I felt like I weighed 400 lbs eating it. I tried one again this past weekend and figured out the way it tastes depends on the quality the McDonald's you get it from. The most recent one I got was extremely gross with the meat not even holding together.

The taste of the burger itself it okay - a grilled taste and the cheese is good. The lettuce is usually wilted but the pickles are okay. I didn't get the onions or tomato on it.

If I had to choose between this or Wendy's Jr. Bacon - I'd go for Wendy's

Will I Eat This/These Again?
Maybe - if there is nothing else

Thursday's Tip

2010-01-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

Tired of tying and re-tying those shoe laces?
Teachers - tired of hearing, "will you tie my shoe?"
The cure ...

ChapStick$0.99 @ Target

Original Purpose :: Protecting lips on dry days.

Ah HA! Use :: Keep shoelaces from coming undone. Create waxed laces by coating the strings with the balm where you loop and the knot stays tied.

Reward :: Laces that stay tied.

via
Real Simple

Wordy Wednesday

2010-01-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

Overheard

[Preschool]
- After telling them don't throw their crayon paper on the ground ...
"Mom says don't throw paper on the ground because then the bugs will come."

[Preschool]
Two cousins telling a story to my helper ...
1: "Uncle Alan was mean at me."
2: "That's cause you didn't do what he said."
1: "He was mean cause I didn't do what I was posed to."

[Preschool]
- After making cow puppets and they were supposed to draw the mouths on ...
Boy: "But I want a MEEEEEAAAANNNNNN bull!!!!!"
Girl: "There" - Drew two half triangles over his eyes for mean eye brows and a downward bow for a mouth. "He's mean, okay?!
Boy: "Yay! A mean bull!"

Only in a small town:

Our town has a "yotte" - what's a yotte you ask? Well it's like the yeti, but not. Only in a place like this would you find one.

One of the farmer boys shot a coyote and had been carrying it around in his truck - frozen - for quite some time. With the weather in negative numbers it stayed pretty fresh and became quite the centerpiece at school when another farmer boy found it.

The guy took the "yotte" and stuck it in a snow drift beside the AG shop. The coyote stayed there for several days before it was taken away due to the smell. Duing the time it was located at school -

- it was moved from place to place
- it was posed as though it was running
- it was tied to the teachers truck
- it stood guard on the sidewalk

Only in a country school would you find a dead coyote posed in running position with a rope around his neck standing guard (later in the week when it was warmer, laying guard) of the school.

Target Tuesday

2010-01-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

Target Time

Have you seen the new Giada De Laurentiis line at Target?
Oh my goodness.
Beautiful.

See it here: All Giada

January Review

2010-01-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

Food -

PW Cinnamon Rolls ::

Two Words: Easy - Yum!

Hawaiian Haystacks ::

A combo of food that doesn't sound good together but works oh so well - recipe to come.

Chocolate Covered Bacon ::

Looks gross but so good! White chocolate over crisp bacon - yum.

Book(s) -

Simple Pleasures for the Country Life - Country Living Magazine.

Menu Monday

2010-01-25T11:23:00.000-08:00

Random ideas for the week:

Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken
Chicken Wraps
Ham & Egg Hash

Fried Pickles
Lemon Pie
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Target Tuesday

2010-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Skirts

skirts by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Merona® Trouser Boot Skirt - Blue Denim : Target, $20
Mossimo® Black Women's Ponte Pencil Skirt : Target, $20
Mossimo® Black: Women's Convertible Maxi Skirt - Charcoal : Target, $22

Dresses

dresses by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Merona® Collection Women's Hailey Twistneck Dress - Yellow : Target, $40
Merona® Collection Women's Penelope Dress - Ebony : Target, $40
Merona® Collection Women's Caroline Shirt Dress - Black : Target, $40
Mossimo® Supply Co Juniors Smocked Back Sleeveless Tiered Dress -..., $20

Tops

tops by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Merona® Collection Women's Alex Pleated Top - Yellow : Target, $27
Merona® Collection Women's Madeline Crepe Top - Yellowbumbler :..., $20
Converse® One Star® Womens 3/4 Sleeve Tunic - Chambray : Target, $25
Converse® One Star® Womens 3/4 Sleeve Sport Shirt - Sapphire Coal :..., $23
Mossimo® Black Women's Classic Shirt - Dancing Blue : Target, $20

Sweaters

sweater by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Merona® Women's Classic Cardigan Sweater - Blue Magic : Target, $20
Target-Merona Elbow Sleeve Cardigan (Gray Dot), $15
Merona® Collection Women's Melanine Ruffle Front Cardigan - Ebony :..., $30

Shoes

shoes by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Merona Collection Black Cristina D'orsay Pump - 7.5 : Target, $50
Women's Mossimo® Virginia Pumps - Taupe : Target, $30
Women's Mossimo® Vanette Kitten Heel Pumps - Black : Target, $25
Mossimo Supply Co. Black Flats, $13
Women's Mossimo® Valonia Pump - Black Patent : Target, $30

Project 365

2010-01-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

Week 1

January 1: Spent the day sleeping in - playing games - and doing laundry

2: Games in the morning with chocolate covered bacon for brunch

3: On the road home

4: My new view - in the art classroom

5: Three friends, the big baby - medium baby - and tiny baby

6: One of my favorite past times - looking at cookbooks

7: Snow day - no school

8: Another snow day - funny dogs provide great entertainment

9: Warming my rear - Landon and I played in the snow for an hour in negative weather - my rear didn't warm until 3 hours after we came in

10: Kendall and Landon in matching hats watching The Office

Menu Monday

2010-01-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

Sometime this week I want to make:

Crock-Pot Chicken Salsa (check) - Even if I don't get to eat it.
Steak Sandwiches
Mini Burgers
Mac n Cheese with Ham

Foodie Friday

2010-01-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

Dessert Review

Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls
Recipe

Rating: A+
One Word Description: AH. Maz. Zing.

Comments:
Goodness these babies were good. HUGE rolls and I only made half a batch. They were SO easy to make, I can't tell you how much you should try making these rolls - you'll be thankful you did. Easiest rolls I've ever made. I left mine uncovered to see if they would dry out to a crisp and they stayed moist the entire time. I made a butter cream glaze for the icing instead of her maple icing - which is more our style.

Even my brother, who is the world's pickiest eater was a fan.
Make these. Your lips will love you - your hips will not.

Will I Make This/These Again?
Already have. :P

New Schedule

2010-01-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

If you've read my blog for awhile you know that each day was assigned some sort of title. Although, throughout the year I didn't do the most fantastic job of keeping up on my posting. Target Tuesday may have been posted on Friday - but she got there. Foodie Friday may have only had 2 posts during the year, etc and Menu Monday may have shown up on Tuesday.
A few weeks there was one or two posts and sometime it was such as the last few days where 3 or 4 posts all appeared on the same day.
You get the idea. Anyway - I'm aiming for a new schedule this week and a goal of more posts and a more steady schedule. Here's the idea - no promise that there will be a post every day.

Monday
Menu Monday - same

Tuesday
Target Tuesday - same

Wednesday
Wordy or Wordless Wednesday - same

Thursday
Helpful Hint Thursday - new(ish)

Friday
Foodie Friday - new(ish)
I plan on posting recipes and/or food reviews

Saturday/Sunday
Week in Review - new
Since I start p365 I want to end the week by showing the pictures I've taken during the week so I can keep an online scrapbook.

Extras
Craft Posts
Reading Reviews

Reading List

2010-01-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

I've long neglected my reading since being married. Oh sure, I've read - but noting like I used to. It seems the computer has became my main reading material over the last few years. I did do some reading last year (the Twilight series ... twice, for one) - but this year I'd like to get a few more books in. Also, I'm happy to say I'll be signing up for my first library card. Yes, you read correctly, the first one. I have a fear of the library (libraphobia?) that stems from a school librarian. Another story for another day.

On to the list I hope to accomplish. I know some of you have more than 50 books you plan on reading this year, I have to say I'm hoping for 24. But hey, even 12 is doing better than I did last year. I know, it's sad. As for the books, some of the books are new - some I'm re-reading and as you'll probably notice, some are Jane Austen books since I'm a huge fan.

**By the way, sorry for any and all mistakes, I'm using my bros laptop and I HATE the keyboard.

So, without further ado:

Reading List 2010

January:
- Where the Lilie's Bloom - Bill & Vera Cleaver
- Shepard of the Hills - Herold Bell Wright

February:
- Firefly Lane - Kristin Hannah
- My Atonia - Willa Cather
- Sarah's Key - Tatiana de Rosnay

March:
- Entre Nous - A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl - Debra Ollivier
- Girls in Trucks - Katie Crouch

April:
- My French Life - Vickie Archer
- The Wednesday Letters - Jason Wright

May:
- Persuasion - Jane Austen
- The Piano Teacher - Janice Y.K. Lee

June:
- Summer at Tiffany - Marjorie Hart
- Three Weeks In Italy - Phil Acosta

July:
- Carry Me Home - Sandra King
- Jane Austen Ruined My Life - Beth Pattillo

August:
- Summer of the Midnight Sun - Tracie Peterson
- The Happiness Project - Gretchen Rubin

September:
- Comfort Food - Kate Jacobs
- Under the Tuscan Sun - Frances Mayes

October:
- Other People's Love Letters - Bill Shaperio
- A Thousand Days in Tuscany - Marlena de Blasi

November:
- Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe - Fannie Flagg
- The Olive Farm - Carol Drinkwater

December:
- Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Motgomery
- Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

Helpful Hints Thursday

2010-01-07T10:50:00.001-08:00

Ah Ha! Moment:

Lost your mitten? Don't be a sad kitten - here's a new idea on what to do with a mate-less mitten.

Mitten

Coal Headwear
The Rosalita Mitten
$25.00

New Idea

via Real Simple

Former Use:
Keeping fingers toasty

Ah Ha! Moment:
Prevent scratches on lenses - slip them into the mitten to store in your glove compartment or purse.

Reward:
Beautiful sunglasses for the season.

Wordy Wednesday

2010-01-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

Overheard while teaching this week:

(2 skateboard type boys + 1 emo type kid)
1: "I had two years of bird calling in Jr. High."
2: "Really? I wish I had bird calling."
1: "Yeah, it was super cool - I use it a lot, learned it in ag."
3: "I so wish I had bird calling - I'd be so good at it."

Me: "Really? Bird calling?"

1: "Noooo"
2 & 3: "Oh [looks sad]

(8th grade girl)
"... You know, draw Squidward [from Spongebob Squarepants]. He has funny arms and legs and eyes. Don't forget to make all his testicles [meaning tentacles] ..."

Little Kindergarten Boy
- After asking what a tutu was ...
"It's what a bali-rin-tard wears"

Boy who wants a girlfriend a little too much
[talking about the town over]
"They all went gay, man - you can't find a girl over there anywhere - the hate men. They're all like I hate men, I hate men, too - Yay - be my girlfriend."

My brother [to me]
"Are you wearing a bop-it?"

Target Tuesday

2010-01-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

Cute new Target wear:

Purse
Croco Embossed Handbag
$30.00

Dress
Merona Shirt Dress
$39.99

Shoes
Mossimo Kitten Heel
$24.99

Sweater
Ruffle Sweater Jacket
$29.99

Menu Monday

2010-01-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

I know I said I wouldn't be doing a menu post, but there are a few things I'd like to make here at Mom and Dad's. Plus, I don't think I can go 8 weeks without cooking - I might go nuts.

(at some point) This Week:

Pepper Steak Sandwiches

Chicken Fajitas

Pork Roast

New Goals

2009-12-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

I don't make New Year's Resolutions - anytime I do I end up doing the opposite of the resolution. This year - I'm making goals, here are a few of the ones I'd love to accomplish.

Personal:

Huge overhaul on the ole blog

Loose 10 lbs.

Buy a laptop

Start Project 365

Read 1-2 books a month (better yet, get a library card)

Start a gift closet

Buy a dining room table

Buy a sofa

Find a HOUSE

Sell some of the book Landon and I have stockpiled away

Start exercising - again

Start school

To Make :: 2010

2009-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

Food Goals

January
Make: Sour Cream Crock Pot Chicken
Dessert: Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls (check)

February
Make: White Chicken Lasagna
Dessert: Red Velvet Cheesecake

March
Make: Monte Cristo Sandwich
Dessert: Lofthouse Cookies

April
Make: Mozzerellla Cheese
Dessert: Cookie Cake Pie

New Year Plans

2009-12-31T07:58:00.000-08:00

What are your Near Year's Eve plans? It's the day of and we still haven't made ours yet. I guess we'll figure something out about 8:00 tonight.

This year is going to bring some changes right off the bat. I'm moving back home for awhile - not because anything is wrong - but because I'll be spending the first 2 months substitute teaching for the art teacher at home. No, it's not the most convenient thing in the world, but I'm so excited.

I'm also supposed to be starting school again in January if my FAFSA ever comes through. I found a school online where I'll be able to get my BS in English for Secondary Education. Did I mention I can do it all online? Yay! Oh, and it's out of Arizona. Odd, right?

I'm been meaning to tell ya'll that I'm so thankful for all of you that check my blog regularly even if it isn't a pitiful attempt at something. I love seeing your comments and seeing new "followers" pop up. Thank You, Thank You!

Anyway - my year is already off to a bouncing start. I'm sending wishes to all of you that 2010 might be your best year yet.

Happy New Year, Dear Readers!!

Have You Seen ...

2009-12-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

The super cute stuff that Target has right now? Oh my goodness. It's adorable, and you know my love for Target, here's what I found ...

long by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Women's Xhilaration® Kameke Slouchy Buckle Boots - Gray : Target, $33
Mossimo® Black: Elbow Length Sleeve Maxi Dress - Deep Navy : Target, $30

Untitled by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Women's Mossimo® Valonia Pump - Black Patent : Target, $30
Merona® Collection Women's Plaid Tabatha Blazer - Yellow/Black :..., $45
Merona® Collection Women's Penelope Polka Dot Dress - Cream/Ebony :..., $40
Merona® Collection Women's Belted Megan Dress - Ebony : Target, $40

Untitled by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Women's Mossimo® Virginia Pumps - Taupe : Target, $30
Merona® Opaque Tights - Black : Target, $7
Converse® One Star® Womens Wrap Dress - Ebony : Target, $30
La Regale Beaded Evening Bag - Silver : Target, $25
Target Limited Edition Women's Bolero Cardigan Sweater - Ebony :..., $23

Untitled by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Women's Mossimo® Kady Boots - Grey : Target, $35
Xhilaration® Juniors Fashion Legging - Lame Black : Target, $13
Mossimo® Supply Co Juniors Smocked Back Short Sleeve Tiered Dress..., $20

Menu Monday (a day late)

2009-12-29T08:44:00.000-08:00

Menu for the Week of December 28

Monday
Cheese Tortellini with Marinara
Salad
Olive Garden Breadsticks

Tuesday
Beef Stew (using leftovers)
Biscuits
Firehouse Greenbeans

Wednesday
Country Quiche
Supersweet Cornbread
Fruit

Thursday
New Year's Eve Party

Friday - Sunday
Not sure of plans, yet

Dessert
PW Cinnamon Rolls

Target Tuesday

2009-12-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

Winter Look

winter by Jerra on Polyvore.com

'

New Releases and Limited Edition

shoes by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Cookies n Candy

2009-12-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Sunday
Jam Thumbprints
Peanut Butter Balls

Monday
Sugar Cookies
Oreo Truffles

Tuesday
Gingerbread Men
Caramels

Wednesday
Chocolate Crinkles with Mint Hershey Kisses
Marshmallows

Thursday
Mexican Wedding Cakes
Cinnamon Rock Candy

Menu Monday

2009-12-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

Menu for the Week of December 21

Monday
Baked Potato Soup
Sourdough Bread

Tuesday
Roast
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Green Beans
Jello
Rolls

Wednesday
Ravioli with Marinara
Garlic Breadsticks

Thursday - Sunday
Holiday Dinners and Snacks

Home Again, Home Again

2009-12-18T07:34:00.000-08:00

Goodness, I'm the worst blogger ever.
I have so much catching up to do - on here ... e-mails ... facebook messages ... cards ... letters ... wow! So - a quick review of the month of December.

Early December:

I was having some "sick" issues - as I posted on here. I thought maybe I was pregnant (was hoping, actually) but turned out to be a huge problem with hormones. Awesome, right. It's been a lovely month and I say that with the most sarcasm I can muster.

Mid December:

We visited South Dakota over a long weekend seeing everyone in Landon's family. While up there we were subjected to -25* weather with the South Dakotans (Dakotians? Dakotans? Dakota people?) thought "wasn't bad - gets much worse". I thought it was awful - I barely took my coat off up there the entire time. It made me appreciate Missouri.

We also got a new car which we broke in our our trip up North. By the way, it's not the Fed-Ex truck, it IS the Civic.

Late December: (plan)

This coming week I'm going to be working on cookies and candies. Party planning and general holiday merriment.

One of our friends is going to be in a local production of the Nutcracker. Sounds interesting, he's the Rat King, but in the process of his scene he will be performing a moonwalk and a choreographed flip during the fight scene. Doesn't sound like your typical nutcracker, huh? Should be interesting!

SD

2009-12-12T22:19:00.001-08:00

A high of 1 tomorrow. Plus a -25 windchill. Are you kidding me? KC is the tropics compared to this.

Holiday Trip #1

2009-12-11T07:47:00.001-08:00

We're on our way to South Dakota. The plan is to try blogging from my phone. We'll see how it goes.

Target Tuesday

2009-12-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

Keep Warm - Target Style

warm by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Women's Merona® Collection Rowena Tall Buckle Boots - Black : Target, $45
Mossimo® Black: Woven Sparkle Scarf - Black : Target, $14
Merona® Woven Scarf - Gray : Target, $13
CoffeeShop Classic Fitted 2 Pocket Plaid Jacket - Black/White : Target, $60
CoffeeShop Plaid Dress Coat - Black/White : Target, $49

Mix n Match - Target Pieces

set by Jerra featuring Converse

Items in this set:
New York & Company - Antique-Button Ruffle Cardigan, $50
Converse® One Star® Tunic Ruffle Blue Stripe M : Target, $27
Merona® Long Sleeve Turtleneck - Ebony : Target, $13
Merona® Sweater Skirt - Grey : Target, $20
Mossimo® Black: Trapunto Pencil Skirt - Black : Target, $20

Dinner Out - Target Dress

dress by Jerra featuring Old Navy

Items in this set:
Merona® Collection Womens Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater Dress - Ebony..., $45
Women: Women's Lightweight Boat-Neck Tees - Bradley Brown, $10
Denim Jacket, $30
Mossimo® Black Women's Stripe Sweater Dress - Polar/Black : Target, $30
Women's Glaze by Adi High Heel Ankle Boots : Target, $28

Menu Monday

2009-12-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

Menu for the Week of December 7th

** A lot of these are repeats - I didn't feel like cooking much last week.

Monday
Nach-o Meal
Mixed Fruit

Tuesday
change ...
Cheesy Chicken Bundles
Green Beans

Dessert - Cinnamon Rolls

Wednesday
change ...
Breakfast Hash
Pancakes

Thursday
Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
Corn

Dessert - Super Sweet Cornbread

Friday
Leaving for SD so McDonalds and Wendy's (more than likely)

Saturday
SD

Sunday
SD

Sorry ...

2009-12-04T21:51:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling awful this week.
I haven't gotten much done, since I've been in bed most of the week.

Yuck.

I guess this is where at laptop would come in handy (hint,hint Mom!)

Anyway -

I just wanted to say thank you to my followers and the people who check this blog faithfully, I am so thankful for you - it brightens my day to get e-mails, comments and see followers added.

Love it!

Anyway - as soon as I feel like I can focus, not sleep and not throw up - I'll be back.

Thanks guys - lots of love!

Menu Monday

2009-11-30T14:02:00.001-08:00

Menu for the Week of Nov. 30
See more at Org. Junkie

Monday
BLTs
Country Hash Browns

Tuesday
BBQ Chicken
Broccoli & Cheddar Rice
Peas
Biscuits

Wednesday
Sausage Gravy
Biscuits
Apple Slices

Thursday
Mega Nacho Meal
Corn

Friday
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon
Pancakes

*I have a pkg of bacon I MUST use this week, hence the multiple Bacon/Breakfast meals

Saturday
L: Leftovers or PBJ Sandwiches - busy day
D: At Landon's parents

Sunday
L: Out
D: BBQ Pork Burnt Ends
Chips

Wordy Wednesday

2009-11-25T10:20:00.000-08:00

My Great-Grandmother's Ring

As a farm wife during the depression it didn't make sense to wear a wedding ring. Not only was there no money to buy a ring, loosing it was too great a risk. My great-grandmother, MawMaw knew that before she committed to marrying a poor farmer, my great-grandfather, PawPaw She knew that there wasn't money to spare to buy a ring. She also knew that having a ring wouldn't make them any more married. So, my she went without.

For years she worked side by side her husband on the farm and when she wasn't beside him - she was caring for me. She milked jersey cows and turned out fresh milk, butter, and cream, made homemade bread and cooked 3 full meals a day to feed her hard working husband. She raised 3 children and later on had numerous grandchildren to care for. She had sisters and brothers come to stay at the farm with their children and cared for them, too. She saw sons off to war and watched them come back, she welcomed son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws and cooked many Sunday dinners for crowds. All this she did without a sparkling band on her finger.

There probably aren't too many people in the world as in love as my great-grandparents. As they got older and couldn't run the farm anymore they moved into town in a house for just the two of them, and it was like they had started their dating years over again. They were so in love and it showed in their eyes. They would look at one another with great admiration, go on dates on Friday night, and hold hands when ever the opportunity arose. At this time they were well into their late 70s and early 80s.

When my MawMaw was in her early 80s she suffered a stroke, I was a little girl and remember seeing her in bed trying to figure out who I was and even at 3 I saw the pain in my great-grandfather's eyes. She eventually came out of it but it started a downhill slide for her. She had several more strokes and then was diagnosed with diabetes and seemed to get worse instead of better. Still my grandpa sat beside her, day in and day out - caring for her, giving her the necessary medicine and slipping her a pecan cookie when no one else was looking. He was extremely spry for someone in his 80s.

One morning, MawMaw woke up and realized she wasn't wearing a ring. She could not figure out where she had put it, and frantically began to search everywhere within her reach for it. Everyone tried to reassure her she had not lost it, she had simply never worn one. It upset her dearly that she didn't have a wedding band. My grandmother (her daughter) thought it was silly that her 8o+ year old mother wanted a wedding band, but MawMaw wouldn't back down. "Daddy" was hers and she wanted everyone to know that.

PawPaw had an old Oldsmobile, one of the last trips he made from home was to a nearby jewelery store. The jewelery store was a typical small store with a small selection of jewelry, a smaller selection of rings and a large selection of figurines and snow globes. But, he painstakingly picked out a simple gold band. Tiny and delicate it looked like something a farm wife would wear, but it sparkled with newness. He took it home and slipped it on his bride of over 50 years. My MawMaw glowed with pride wearing that ring. She crossed her hands like a queen showing off her new sparking treasure. Finally, she had the ring she had been waiting for and proudly showed it off like a newlywed bride.

As the years went on, my her mind got worse. My great-grandparents were moved into a nursing home. There wasn't much they could do, both being in wheel-chairs and my grandmother's health deteriorating. They sat in their chairs and held hands, for hours. MawMaw's on the bottom, PawPaw's on top - sometime they would set like that all day - hands out in mid air between their two chairs. Still in love, happy to have one another.

One day MawMaw's ring was lost. Her mind was pretty bad and no one thought she would notice, but she did. She knew little else - but she knew her ring was gone. My great-grandpa picked himself up and left her at the nursing home and made a trip back to the old jewelery store to buy another ring. He bought the same one, a simple gold band that perfectly described their love and took it home to slip it on his loving wife.

She died first. One of the last things my PawPaw did was slip the ring off her finger to keep. He lasted only a few years later - but always said when he went back to his room that day he was deeply grieving. He sat in his chair - her empty one beside his and cried. Then he noticed a bright light in the doorway - it crossed through the room, lingered on the window sill, and then disappeared and his pain lessened.

That ring is still at my grandmother's house. I love to open the little box and see that tiny band that my MawMaw waited so long for. For her, it was so worth the wait.

I'm Thankful

2009-11-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

Thankful Week
No. 3
I'm so thankful for a husband who provides so that I can stay home and be an "old fashioned wife" working only when I want. I love our "old" lifestyle. We may not be rich, but we survive.

On an unrelated note - I'm thankful that my friend is getting her Thanksgiving wish by having a little turkey today - Congrats Elizabeth and Todd on the delivery of Ava!

I'm Thankful

2009-11-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

Week of Thankful

No. 2

I'm so thankful for a job I love. Now I have the opportunity to go back to school to finish my degree so I can continue doing even more of what I love.

Thanksgiving Menu

2009-11-24T18:43:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2009

Appetizer

Bruschetta with Cranberry Spread
Maple & Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Main Course

Roasted Turkey & Cranberry Sauce
Spiral Cut Ham
Roasted Pork Loin with Cranberry Pecan Glaze

Sides

Dressing
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Homemade Noodles
Sweet Potato Souffle
Corn Casserole
Crescent Rolls

Vegetable
Green Bean Casserole
Fall Spinach Salad
Vegetable Tray
Brown Butter Cauliflower
Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus with Romano Cheese

Fruit & Salad
Cranberry Fluff
Broccoli Salad
Corn Salad
Apple, Pear & Walnut Salad
Baked Apples

Desserts

Pies
Apple
Pumpkin
Pecan
Sweet Potato
Candy Bar

Pumpkin Dessert

Drinks

Holiday Punch
Hot Cider
Coffee
Tea, Water, Pop

I'm Thankful For ...

2009-11-23T18:30:00.000-08:00

A week of thankfulness -

Family

I am so thankful for my immediate family.

I'm thankful that Landon and I have became a family of two. Which is not to say I wouldn't mind expanding. I'm thankful for my family at home that is so full of love, how did I get so lucky to have such a wonderful family?

I'm thankful for Landon - who shows me everyday what it means to be loved by another.

I'm thankful for my Mom - who is my best friend, my confidant, my support, my shoulder, my everything. I couldn't survive without her.

I'm thankful for my Dad - who shows me how much he loves me, and has an almost admiration for me. I know I don't ever appreciate it enough.

I'm thankful for my Brother - who is m best friend and he person I laugh with, I love him for his work ethic and the fun he brings to my life.

Menu Monday

2009-11-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

Menu for the Week of 11.23 - 11.29

Monday - at Mom & Dad's
Old Fashioned Potato Soup
Rolls

Tuesday
Baked Steak and Potatoes
Green Beans

Wednesday
On the road

Thursday
T.h.a.n.k.s.g.i.v.i.n.g

Friday - Sunday
Not sure of our plans yet

2009-11-21T08:33:00.001-08:00

Sick again. Lovely. One day with elementary and sick as a dog. I must have the worst immune system. I'm surrounded by Kleenex, catelogs, liquids, and Twilight. Now all I need is a laptop.

Menu Monday (on Tuesday)

2009-11-17T07:17:00.000-08:00

Monday
Chicken n Rice
Cheesey Green Beans
Rolls

Tuesday
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Garlic Bread
Salad

Wednesday - Sunday
Gone

Foodie Friday

2009-11-14T05:56:00.000-08:00

Late, again ... I know!

*Photos coming this evening*

Landon's Favorite Brownies

Brownie Recipe

Brownies
2 stick of butter
1/2 c. cocoa
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 c. flour
1 t. vanilla

Method:

Preheat oven to 350*
Melt butter and cocoa over low heat, add sugar and then take off the burner.
I melt the butter in a microwave and then add cocoa and sugar.
Put in mixer and add the rest of the ingredients except nuts.
Stir in nuts and pour into an 8 or 10" pie plate.
Bake for 30 minutes (this makes them quite gooey so if you like your brownies "well done" bake them
until a toothpick comes out clean.

Chocolate Chips - Milk and Semi-Sweet (I used the mini kind)
Carmel Sauce
Pecan Halves (opt. toasted)

Make the brownie recipe and bake in a 9x9 or 8x8 square pan until done. This may take a little longer than a regular size pan due to thickness.

As soon as you pull it from the oven poke holes all over with a fork.

Drizzle with carmel sauce, thickly.

Sprinkle with chocolate chips

Add pecan halves - wait until the chocolate chips are nice and glossy (you may have to pop it back into the oven for a minute or two)

Serve - alone or with ice cream - a small one will make you about keel over!

Optional: Put the brownies in the 'fridge and serve cold.

Wordy Wednesday

2009-11-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

Seen & Heard - Thought & Observed
Just a few things I noticed in the past month or two.

Seen:
Common occurrences here:
- A 16 year old in a BMW SUV - really?
- A 20 year old in a Ferrari - are you kidding me?
- 3 Vipers lined up, who knows how old those drivers were.
- Lamborghini driven by a gorgeous model looking young Italian couple

- A house bigger than my school, my parents house, and my grandparents house put together. Check that - a few houses like that.

- A Dunkin Doughnuts located only a few miles away. I should wear heels when I visit. *see below

- Someone starting their car via auto start even though it was 70 degrees outside, guess you gotta warm it up.

Heard:
THUnk
THUnk
THUnk
THUuk-squeak
THUuk-squeak
THUnk-squeak
squeakity
squeakity
squeakity
THUMP
THUMP
THUMP
^ Our upstairs neighbor, who has not given up her exercise routine, unfortunately.

Ding-De-De-Ding
^ I wish I knew how to shut the notification alarm off on my new phone.

"Didn't you know he has a crush on you?"
"Well, I thought so, but I like two other guys"
"Oh"
^ High school girls

"Oooooo, I love me some Dunkin coffee."
"Yeah, girl - me too!"
"Wish I knew where one is"
(I interjected by telling them one opened nearby)
"Ooooo, we go'n to get us some doughnuts, baby."
^ Two women that got extremely excited over Dunkin Doughnuts Coffee in the coffee aisle.

Thought:
(After looking at a Peter Pan peanut butter jar that was quite small)
- When did "Earth Friendly" go from meaning "Save Earth!" to "Buy a jar with less content for more money!"

(After seeing the parking jobs of current tenants)
- I hate apartment living.

(After watching a women who was Botoxed to the max)
- I wonder how she would eat soup. I bet if she wanted to frown at me for staring at her she couldn't ... hmmm let's find out.

(After watching her friend with lip injections get up and get her food)
- Wow, her lips get places before she does.

(Having spent way too much time on my new phone)
- Everyone should be going to school to become eye doctors - they will be in great need in a few years due to everyone having bad eyes from staring/frowning at small screens.

Observed:
- When you walk down the aisle in a book store such as Barnes & Noble, everyone is standing straight up with their heads tilted completely sideways. It looks quite interesting.

- Kids looking at bad magazines in said stores always quickly put them away or shove them down in a chair and look around sheepishly - HA! Didn't food me, kid.

- A young girl setting on the lap of her (very young) boyfriend at B&N reading/showing him a Bride's magazine while he looked around with big eyes, scared. I'm sure he was wishing his mother would come back and get them.

- People standing in line for coffee often look agitated until their name or drink is called out, then it's like they take a huge breath and all their stress goes away, as long as they grab the right cup. Ahhhhh.

- When a waiter or waitress comes to the table we often stop talking - think they are uncomfortable?

- A high school crush - the boy weighs 75 lbs and the girl at least 250. It's nice love is blind and strong, apparently.

- I eat less when wearing heels.

Target Tuesday

2009-11-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to host a Thanksgiving dinner complete with place cards, centerpieces, multiple courses, etc. However, if I threw that out in our family - all the farmer's would laugh their heads off. Then, they would eat the fruit from the centerpiece and use the place cards to draw out their farming plots and terrace plans. So ... so much for that.

We always do it buffet style - but if I had it my way, I'd be using these pieces:

thanksgivng by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Simplicity 8-pc. Punch set :..., $45
Silk Table Runner - Cream :..., $35
Charisma Glassware Collection..., $30
Whittier Collection : Target, $22
Porcelain 3-Tier Server :..., $18

My Touch

2009-11-09T22:19:00.001-08:00

Trying a post via my new phone. Although the thing is way smarter than me, I'm having a blast with it. The only thing I'm worried about is it causing marital problems - I haven't talked much to Landon since I got it. :-)

Menu Monday

2009-11-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

Menu Plan for Nov. 9 - 15
See more menus at Org. Junkie

Monday
Chicken Enchiladas
Rice
Salad

Tuesday
(Using up leftovers)
Beef Stew
Jell-O
Sugar Snap Peas
Biscuits

Wednesday
Ravioli with Marinara
Garlic Bread
Salad

Thursday
Brisket (Going to try PW's recipe)
Potato Salad
Rolls

Friday
Potato Soup
Sourdough Bread

Saturday
L: Girl's Day Out
Landon's Working
D: Not sure

Sunday
L: (Landon's Favorite Meal)
Chicken & Rice
Green Beans with Cheese
Pillsbury Rolls
D: Popcorn

Foodie Friday

2009-11-07T06:24:00.001-08:00

Super Easy
Smothered Pork Chops

Ingredients:

Pork Chops - I used 3
Flour
Bacon Grease - I used about 3 Tablespoons
Water

Method:

Heat a fair amount of bacon grease in a skillet.

Cover pork chops with flour on both sides - pat it in or rub it on so it sticks well.

Place in heated skillet to brown on both sides.

Remove to oven pan or Pyrex dish. Add water to cover pork chops then cover with lid or tinfoil.

Bake at 350* for two hours, or until meat is fork tender.

Yum!

** Use the leftover grease, meat fat to cook your green beans (canned) add salt, pepper and dry minced onion to taste. Want them really bacon-y, throw in some bacon bits. You'll love 'em.

Yuck

2009-11-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

It's been 75* here.

Seriously? Seriously.

75 - in Kansas - in November.

I'm just saying ...

Yuck.

{Wednesday's Post}

2009-11-05T07:27:00.001-08:00

Wordy Wednesday, maybe I should change the name to Writer's Wednesday ...

Grandparents Day

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to serve a Grandparent's Day breakfast at school. It was a wonderful experience for me as it brought back many memories of the Grandparent's Days I had with my Grandmomma and Granddaddy.

Grandparents Day at our school was always a big deal. Our grandparents would arrive in the morning and they got to stay with us until after lunch. They would help us do our work, read stories and go to recess with us. At some point in the morning we would make a trip to the school's "Book Fair" and pick out a new book that our grandparents would just HAVE to buy for us. After lunch (always chili, crackers, fruit and a cinnamon roll - every year) we would go to recess again and one by one our grandparents would trickle off. The teachers then had to deal with a group of depressed kids which all wanted their grandparents back. That was the sad part of it!

The school does it quite differently now - they have a Grandparent's Breakfast and then the grandparent's are herded to the gym where each class proceeds to stand in front and each child has their moment of glory that makes their grandparent shine done. Of course, the Book Fair is set up especially for this time of year, and the grandparent's still have to go and of course their grandchild MUST have one of the books or pencils or posters or some other trinket lest the world come to an end.

Of course - the books or pencils or poster or whatever we walked away with was wonderful because our grandparent bought it. It may have been a pumpkin eraser that left black streaks across your paper and didn't erase a thing but it was an eraser that we just had to have. And, our grandparents got it for us - the smallest trinket was a wonderful treasure. I'm sure when we came running in the door after school, holding new books (we surely didn't need) and pens with feather's on them (that of course we didn't need), our parents were thrilled beyond measure - or at least, they pretended they were.

Grandparents were the saving grace of the day. It was a day I looked forward to all year! It wasn't that I didn't get to see my grandparents often, I saw them every week. But the joy of bringing them to class, to "show them off" was amazing. I loved that they would proudly set in chairs beside my desk and help me with math problems. It wasn't "how would YOU do it?" but "This is how you do it." They were the best teachers. At recess my grandpa would show all the boys how to climb UP the fireman's pole much to the teacher's dismay. The next day, of course, the boys would get in trouble for going up instead of down. I guess the teacher's didn't think that most of the boys would become farmers and needed to know to to grasp and climb with all the combine and grain-bin climbing in their future. Our grandparent's knew, though!

All year a teacher stood in front of us, and drilled facts and figures into our heads. However, I learned more on Grandparent's Day that would help me in the future than any other day of the year. I learned respect for elders and for others. I learned that when someone loves you - you have confidence do anything because their reward. Even if you mess up - grandparent's will love you, perhaps even more! I learned that I can do anything with a little guidance - my Grandmother, an ex-teacher, would help me with the math I struggled so with. I learned that some of the greatest teachers learned with experience, not college - as shown by my Grandfather who had only an 8th grade education.

I learned that love trumps everything in life - the love a grandparent has for their grandchild is unfaltering. I learned - no, strike that - I already knew I had the best and coolest grandparents of all.

{Tuesday's Post}

2009-11-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

The post I meant to put up for Target Tuesday - even though there is only like 1 Target item in these Polyvore sets. I though this might work though - Target Tuesday is all about cute for cheap, right? Well, I figure I got that same effect using Old Navy and Payless. Enjoy!

Old Navy has some super cute stuff this season! And have you seen Payless shoes lately? Wow - they've came a long way.

on2 by Jerra featuring Old Navy

on by Jerra featuring Old Navy

Menu Monday

2009-11-02T22:52:00.001-08:00

Week of Nov. 2-8

Monday
Steak and Chicken Fajitas
Chips
Fried Corn

Tuesday
Wild Rice Soup (with chicken)
Toasted Sourdough Bread

Wednesday
BBQ Pork Sandwiches
Fries
Cold Veggies

Thursday
Spaghetti Squash with Pesto
Fried Polenta with Marinara

Friday
Smothered Pork Chops
Green Beans
Rolls

Saturday
L: Leftovers
D: Out

Sunday
L: Roast
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Biscuits
Roasted Carrots
Jell-O
D: Popcorn and Leftovers

Menu Post

2009-10-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Here is our menu for the rest of the week.

Wednesday
We had breakfast sandwiches - they are so easy to make.
Recipe Here

Thursday
Lime Chicken with Salsa and Tortilla Strips
Chips
Corn

Friday
Roast Pork
Biscuits
Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans

Saturday
Halloween Party

Toasted Ravioli with Marinara

Mummy Dogs
Sliders

Veggie Tray
Apples with Carmel Sauce

Chips and Salsa

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Red Velvet with Buttercream

Sunday
Dinner with friends

Hello, All!

2009-10-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

I'm baaaaAAAAACCCKKKK.

I know I've been missing for a few weeks - I've been awful about updating. I've been back home working as a sub for the last few weeks and I was super tired after coming home. So I never had the energy to update.

Plus, I was being cared for by my mother, so I didn't have to cook or anything. Isn't that wonderful?

Well, now I'm back - for awhile anyway. So - check for updates. :)

Foodie Friday

2009-10-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

Cheesesteak Sandwich Sliders

Ingredients:
"Minute" Steak or Round Steak
Olive Oil

Green Pepper - Sliced
Onion - Sliced
optional Garlic - Minced

Worcestershire Sauce
Mayo
optional Philly Cream Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese - or other white cheese

Hot Dog Buns - sliced in half width wise.

Method:
Heat oven to 350*

Slice steak into 1/4" slices - heat a skillet over med. high heat and add about 1 T of olive oil to heat up. Once hot add meat and season with salt and pepper. Allow to cook, stirring ever so often until cooked through. Once done - store in oven to keep warm, make sure they don't burn though.

Add sliced pepper to a greased pan, put in oven to roast - keep a close eye on these. In the same skillet add more oil and the onions - saute until golden or "caramelized" in the last minute add the garlic if using and toss until garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat.

Warm the hot dog buns in the oven about 5 minutes. Take out and spread both sides with mayo - add a spread of cream cheese (if using) to top.

To assemble:
Take a bun - add meat slices, pour about 1 t. of Worcestershire over meat, add green pepper slices and onions. Top with cheese. Place in oven until cheese is melted. Serve warm.

Target Thursday

2009-10-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun working on the list for Tuesday I thought I'd do another one for today. This time I found a list for Fall's Top Trends, and as you might have guessed the prices were out of my range. I put together another list showing the "trends" at Target - now I just need the money to go shop at my favorite store.

I'm showing you the samples they put together and the list of prices. Below that is my Target Pick - I'll try to get at least 2 samples

Fall's Top Trends

From Real Simple

1. Lace

Shirt - White House Black Market
Unavailable

Skirt - Madewell
$88.00

Necklace - Adia Kibur $47.00

lace by Jerra featuring Anna Sui

2. Neon

Scarf - Echo - $42.00

Wallet - Forever 21 - $10.50

Necklace - Wendy Mink - $98.00

Purse - Mango - Unavailable

Cardigan - Express - $49.50

neon by Jerra on Polyvore.com

3. Ruffles

Purse - Chocolate Handbags - $90.00

Shirt - J.Crew - $89.50

Headband - Super Candy - $63.00

Flats - Report - $60.00

Tank - Jonesy - $99.00

ruffle by Jerra featuring Anna Sui

4. Plaid

Pants - Liz Claiborn - $89.00

Coat - Tulle - $99.00

Necklace - Wendy Mink - $98.00

Boots - Merona - $33.00

Clutch - Sondra Robers - $45.00

plaid by Jerra featuring Converse

5. Sequins

Dress - H&M - #49.90

Camisole - 213 Industry - $66.00

Sneakers - Converse - $90.00

Necklace - Wendy Mink - $79.00

Clutch - Moyna - $79.00

Target Picks:

Merona Sequin Envelope Clutch
$16.99

Sequin Swoosh Graphic Tee
$12.99

Converse Sequin Oxfords

$34.99

Converse Sequin Tank

$8.74

Wordy Wednesday

2009-10-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

Our upstairs neighbor has decided to get skinny.
She's taken up a wonderful exercise regime about ever 2 months - new month, new regime.
This time though, I think she's got it.

Her exercise plan is fantastic, really - guaranteed to make anyone skinny.
Or crazy.
It could make the neighbors skinny.
Or crazy.

Her regime consists of jumping in place - UNTIL THE PICTURES SHAKE OFF THE WALL.
Running laps around her 1 bedroom living room - LIKE SHE'S HERDING CATTLE.
Running in place, quickly - ON THE SQUEAKIEST JOINT IN THE FLOOR.

Really, what were people thinking when they started building apartments?

Man 1: "Hey, we should build a place where lots of people can live side by side."
Man 2: "Yes, perfect - an amazing idea! And, lets make sure you can hear through the walls and the floor."

Man 1: "Wow - genius. I think you should be able to hear every fight of the next door neighbors."
Man 2: "Yes, and you should be able to hear every pounding step of the neighbor upstairs."

Man 1: "Ah ha - I know, let's make the walls exactly 1 inch thick and the ceiling 2 inches thick. What do you think?
Man 2: "Well, we're gonna be rich, so I don't have to worry about living there."

Man 1: "Muahhh ha ha ha!!"

I L.O.V.E apartments living.

The other day I thought someone was killing a cat outside our window. There was a terrible screeching going on and a huge racket. I ran around to all our windows trying to find the horrible person that was doing such a thing. I quickly realized it was coming from above - 2 floors above.

The most obnoxious girl in the world was singing - loudly. No, loud doesn't explain it - she was screeching and wailing in a decibel I wasn't sure anyone but Mariah Carey could reach.

Speaking of Mariah - that's what she was singing, badly. No, bad doesn't explain it either, it was horrendous - the worst thing I've ever heard. I thought maybe she was dying - or holding Mariah down and squeezing sound out of her. Oh man, think of the worst person you've heard sing, now multiply that by 10 and add crazy volume. You got it - that's what she sounded like.

Well, if you can't beat 'em - join 'em, right?

Now, excuse me while I run laps around my sofa screeching out "All I Want For Christmas, Is Yoooooooooouuuuuuuu!"

Target Tuesday

2009-10-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

I spent the morning looking at Fall trends in clothing; half way through looking at prices like $99 for a scarf, I decided I'd try to find the same trend at Target for about a 1/3 of the price. Here's what I came up with:

5 Key Pieces for Fall

From InStyle

1. Bright Coat

Target Pick

Mossimo Black Satin Wrap Trench Jacket
$39.99

2. Cardigan

Target Pick

Mossimo Black Boyfriend Cardigan
$25.00

3. Day Dress

Target Pick

Merona Bell Sleeve Dress
$24.99

4. White Shirt

Target Pick

Mossimo Victorian Top
$19.99

5. Leather Jacket

Target Pick

Xhilaration Jacket
$29.99

Menu Monday

2009-10-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving to substitute teach this week - so it's going to be a short menu! Landon will have to fend for himself for the next 2 weeks. :(

Monday
Crock-Pot French Dip Sandwiches
French Bread
Green beans

Tuesday
Baked Potato Soup
Rolls
Sugar Snap Peas

Wed. - Sunday
Gone

Ah Ha! Thursday

2009-10-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Dish Towel

Target

$9.99 for 5

Original Purpose ::

Drying dishes

Ah Ha! Use ::

Bristro style table setting for 2. Let a colorful dishtowl span the center of your table voila - two placemats for the price of one!

Reward ::

A little bit of Paris in your own home.

Via

Real Simple

A picture of peace

2009-09-30T11:51:00.000-07:00

In words:

At our church convention we heard a lot about having peace in our lives. Taking time each morning to make take a time to be quiet and still - listening for the voice of God to guide our lives each day. I must admit, almost every morning I jump out of bed and head to the coffeemaker to start a pot of coffee, than I set down in front of the computer to check e-mail, facebook, etc. It isn't until much later that I think I have forgotten to give thanks for even having a new day at all.

One morning when I was up early and headed to the dining tent for breakfast I saw the something that reminded me of peace. I've thought of it often since and I can't get that thought out of my mind. I wish I had a camera with me.

I was looking out over a valley and toward some hills where the sun was coming up. It was a bit foggy and some still lingered in the low lying areas. There was steam coming from the ponds located throughout the field and the sky was just beginning to break. The ground still looked dark and just that bit of fog gave it a peaceful look, almost like you overlooking some clouds. It make me think that taking a step into that field would protect me forever - it just looked so serene.

The sky was a slightly pink with purple and navy blue tendrils streaking up from the sun. It was starting to get red with the sun would peek through at any moment. Although I was standing close to the kitchen were they were cooking, I found it extremely silent. As I stood there and watch the fog waft and the sky get brighter, I watched a loan hereon fly across my perfect landscape.

Oh to be that bird - to feel that peace and serenity. It has been in my mind as the perfect picture of peace; quiet, still, swift, lingering yet quickly changing. I wish I could pick up that picture prefect moment and carry it around in my heart - if only to feel the peace of the hereon that morning - if just for an hour, every day.

Menu Monday

2009-09-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

This week's menu is fairly monotonous - I'm trying to use up groceries and clean out my 'fridge, freezer and pantry.

Week of September 28
See more at Org. Junkie

Monday
Chicken and Waffles
Apple Salad

Tuesday
Pepper Steak Sliders
Rosemary Potatoes

Wednesday
BBQ Beef Sandwiches
(leftover) Mac n Cheese

Thursday
Chicken and Dumplings
Lemon Roasted Broccoli

Friday
French Dip Sandwiches
Firehouse Green Beans

Saturday
L: Leftovers

D: Pancake Souffle
Hashbrowns
Brown Sugar Bacon

Sunday
L: Out

D: Popcorn or something light

Baked Goods:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cinnamon Biscuits

What I made:

2009-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to buy a towel wrap, but when I went to get one at Target it was over 10 dollars.

I put it in my cart and carried it through the store with me - but after thinking about it I realized I could make it. So - I put it back and went to Joann's instead to buy strips of stick on Velcro.

I made the entire wrap for $3.00 using an old beach towel and two Velcro strip sets.

Super easy - Please ignore the horrible pictures - this was late at night and the lighting in our apartment is awful.

1. Take a towel and wrap it around you marking where the ends meet the towel - for example on me it was under each arm.

2. Attach the fuzzy part of the Velcro where you marked on the "pretty" side of the towel.

3. Attach sticky side of the Velcro on the opposite side/opposite end.

Wrap it around you and stick ... voila!

I'd show you the finished product, and I was going to - then I realized it would be weird to post a picture like that on here. So instead - make one. Easiest thing to do in the world - and you can save 6+.

Love it!

Ah Ha! Moment

2009-09-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Lint Roller

Staples

$2.79 ea

Original Purpose ::

Making your black clothes fuzz free.

Ah Ha! Use ::

Dusting a lamp shade. Run the roller up and down the outside of the shade to get rid of that pesky dust.

Reward ::

Getting rid of the dust - no more moving the dust from the top of the shade to the bottom.

Via
Real Simple

What I'm Wearing:

2009-09-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

This is exactly or close to what I'm wearing the next few days.
I know you're probably not interested - but I didn't know what else to blog about since my mind is going in a million different directions.
Have I mentioned I hate shopping?
I hate shopping - so the last few days were torture.
I wish I had a personal dresser - hey, CAbi lady, where are you!?!

Wednesday - exactly what I'm wearing

Wed by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Thursday - Exactly what I'm wearing

option by Jerra featuring Old Navy

Friday - Close to what I'm wearing

Thurs by Jerra featuring Old Navy

Just another option for Thurs or Friday.

Option 2 by Jerra on Polyvore.com

Saturday - Close to what I'm wearing

sat by Jerra featuring Old Navy

I couldn't find ANYTHING to show what I'm wearing Sunday.

But, if you go here you'll see the skirt I'm wearing with a black button down shirt and red Naughty Monkey shoes.

I've gotta get off here - I'm SOOOOO FAR behind schedule. See what a dedicated blogger I am? Haha.

This week:

2009-09-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

Our annual church convention is this week. I'm leaving tomorrow for it and Landon will come on Thursday. You have no idea how excited I am. If I'm absent from posting, I'm sorry. I just wanted to let you know so you don't think I've left my blog ... again. I do have some scheduled posts coming, so stay tuned.

Weekend Review

2009-09-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Friday Night ::

Highlights:

Landon and I had coffee after dinner, and just set at the table and talked - I enjoyed it more than anything in a long time.

I talked Landon into going to Target with me where I continued to look for clothes, even though I told him we were going for Kleenex and Milk. I did find a bra for $5.00 which I say is a successful shopping trip.

Saturday ::

Highlights:

Landon worked so his Aunt and I went shopping. I found the most amazing pair of shoes, that I should not have bought because it went WAY out of my budget. I couldn't put them down -- and they were on sale. Wow, I'm still talking myself into them. Sad.

We were supposed to go to dinner with Landon's brother and his girlfriend but I felt awful when I got home so I slept for about 3.5 hours and Landon went alone. I know I'm a bad wife - I should have gone with him but I couldn't hardly hold my head up.

Instead I spent the night alone - I did try to do a little more shopping, but after about an hour I felt like I was going to scream if I had to sniff one more time - so I went home.

Sunday ::

Highlights:

I still didn't feel well Sun. morning so I thought it best not to go to church and infect everyone there. Landon wasn't feeling the best either, so he stayed home.

Then I remembered it was Landon's birthday - his 30th!! What a way to start it off.
Poor guy - I think I ruined his 30th for him, I just couldn't get anything together and he had to do most of the work.

We had settled on a cook out at his Aunt's, which is what he wanted - nothing fancy, just his family together. So we went over there and grilled out. It actually ended up being a wonderful time and I think he really enjoyed it. It was more Landon's style than what I had wanted to do (a big party).

Now my husband is officially 30! Oh my goodness.

I'm sure a million more things happened this weekend, but I was in a fog most of the time. The biggest thing was Landon's birthday. He's happily 30 now.

I can't wait for the next 30+ years to be with him.

Menu Monday

2009-09-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

Just a note: I'm finally back, to normal, after a week of sickness. I know I've said it a million times, but this time I'm serious - back on track! Even though this week is going to be crazy (I'll explain later) I'm going to go ahead and do a menu. And remember when I said I was making chicken and waffles? Well, that didn't happen because I felt so bad by the end of that night. I AM going to (try) to make them this week. Seriously. Although, I did say ... try.

I'm leaving Wednesday so everything this week needs to be quick due to lots of packing, chores, shopping, etc.

Monday:
BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Chips or leftover Rosemary Potatoes
Green Beans

Tuesday:
Chicken and Waffles - Landon will be at a meeting until 7 and not home until 8, so I'll have plenty of time to make this.
Fruit

Wednesday:
Landon: leftovers
Me: leaving for our church convention, so something on the road

Thursday:
Landon will meet me at our church convention

Friday - Sunday:
Gone

Foodie Friday

2009-09-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Perfect!

I make half this recipe and it feeds us for about a week! It makes a lot.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (I use cayenne)
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic (I use garlic powder)
2 cups half-and-half (I use milk - whipping cream, whatever I have)
2 cups milk
2 (10-ounce) blocks sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided (I use a handful of shredded mild or medium cheddar and don't measure or divide)
1 (10-ounce) block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (I use about half a handful of shredded sharp cheddar + more for topping)
1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked (I use penne pasta)

Method:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Stir in salt and next 3 ingredients. Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk; cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened.

Stir in half of sharp Cheddar cheese. Stir in extra-sharp Cheddar cheese until smooth. Remove from heat.

Combine pasta and cheese mixture, and pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining sharp Cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes (bake 15 minutes longer for a crusty top).

Variation (my version):

After I toss everything together and put it in the 9 x 13 I mix some melted butter, Panko and Parmesan cheese together until crumbly.

Sprinkle with mac with sharp cheddar and then the bread crumb mixture - bake as directions state.

You can also toss in some chopped ham which makes it amazing and could pass for a main course dish.

Bad Shape

2009-09-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys - I know I said I'd report on everything that has happened lately. But on top of everything else going on - guess what ...

Can't guess, well - I got sick in the middle of everything. This just hasn't been a great summer - I was hoping with fall coming up everyone would get well. Instead - Landon got sick and infected my whole family and I got sick from him. Lovely.

I'm waiting for the day when everyone is healthy and well again.

I haven't forgotten you!

2009-09-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

Finally ...

- I'm back home

- I'm done making cupcakes *for the time being*

- I can go do some shopping

- I'm making chicken n waffles - TONIGHT!!

- I can get our apartment clean

- I'm doing laundry

I'll post cupcake stories tonight - it was an .... adventure, to say the least.

Where have I been?

2009-09-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

I've been to London to visit the Queen.
Ok, not really.

I've been in my kitchen making (what feels like) a billion cupcakes.

I haven't mentioned this because I'm a bit superstitious like my father, but I'm trying to start a "cupcakery" business. This weekend I'm going to my hometown to sell cupcakes at the town festival.

I'm too tired to explain much more than that right now - but I'll sum everything up next week when this is all over.

These are all homemade - no mix!
So - hometown people - come see me in the old barber's shop on main street. Cupcakes galore. There are also gifts and flower arrangements. If nothing else, come see what we did to the old place in the matter of 2 or 3 days.

Crazy!

List of flavors --

BASIC

Cake Flavor/Buttercream Flavor
Vanilla/Vanilla
Vanilla/Chocolate
Chocolate/Vanilla
Chocolate/Chocolate

SPECIALTY

Cake Flavor/Frosting
Red Velvet/Cream Cheese
Devil's Food/Cream Cheese
Buttercake/Fudge Icing
Buttercake/Vanilla Buttercream

GOURMET

Cake/Frosting/Garnish
Banana/Cinnamon Buttercream/Pecans
Pink Lemonade/Pink Lemonade Buttercream/Pink Sugar
Chocolate/Carmel/Sea Salt
Chocolate/Chocolate Ganache/White Chocolate Curls
White Chocolate/White Chocolate Buttercream/Sugar Flower
Yellow Cake with Sprinkles/Vanilla with Sprinkles
Chocolate Chip/Whipped/Mini Chips
Chocolate/Peanut Butter/Reece's

FILLED

Cake/Filling/Frosting/Garnish
Vanilla/Strawberry/Strawberry Buttercream/Red Sprinkles
Chocolate/Cinnamon Cream Cheese/White Chocolate Ganache/Cinnamon & Sugar
Chocolate/Chocolate Mousse/Coffee Buttercream/Chocolate Curl

Menu Tuesday

2009-09-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Week of September 7

Monday
Gone

Tuesday
Homemade Biscuits
Sausage Gravy
Peaches

Wednesday
Ravioli Marinara
Salad
Garlic Bread

Thursday - Sunday
Gone

Helpful Hint

2009-09-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

This works for me every week when I'm menu planning.
I'll try to get photos on here tomorrow.

I have two notebooks:

In notebook one I have a list of food I want to make on one page - the standard food I grew up on. As I make it, I cross off the food and that way I don't repeat (too often). In the same notebook I have recipes and a page of recipes I have tried or I've called my Mom trying to figure out how to make something and jotted it down. On another page of this magical notebook I have a list of recipes I want to try that I've found in magazines - this includes the page numbers and issue I've found them in.

In notebook two I have my menus for the week. I started this notebook the first day of June - that way I can flip back and see what I've made and haven't made recently. At the top I write the date of the week and then a small list - Chicken, Beef, Pork, Fish, Breakfast, Meatless, Quick, and Leftovers. For each day we haven't a different "main course" - that way I don't have hamburger 3 times a week. Quick is when I make sandwiches or pizza and Leftovers are well, leftovers.

In this notebook I also keep my grocery lists, coupons and budget lists. I can use a high-lighter to mark things that are on sale at Target or Hy-Vee but pretty much everything else I get at Wal-Mart. It's been a lifesaver, for the most part. There was one night that I accidentally bought 3 containers of laundry detergent because I marked the wrong thing. We shouldn't have to buy detergent until 2010.

That's my planning craziness - what's yours?

You may be wondering ...

2009-09-02T08:36:00.001-07:00

For those of you who read my blog regularly (Thank You!) you may be wondering why so many posts have been MIA as of late. To be honest, I just haven't had the strength or energy to post, lately. Here's why:

Landon and his family have been going though a multitude of struggles lately. The saying goes - when it rains, it pours and boy is that true with them. I've never seen a family with so much bad luck or health issues. Right now, I'm thinking of 3 people in their family as each goes through their own health struggles.

Landon:

Landon's MS flared up again about 3 weeks ago. That's mostly why I've been off here lately. I'm working so hard to be strong for him in the evenings, I'm totally worn out during the day. I'm not a very positive person, so it takes a lot for me to be positive for him. While I'm home by myself during the day I worry and rest so I can be happy and positive when he gets home.

This time, his right side has decided it doesn't want to work anymore. It started out pretty light, but as the weeks continued the numbness moved down his right side all the way to his foot. This past week he couldn't use his right hand at all. He can't type, use a mouse, write his name - nothing. He's only walking with a slight limp, but I know his foot hurts him. His hand is the worst. He had a doctor's appointment on Friday and was told that the lesions are getting bigger and are more active on one side of his brain (which explains the recent flare ups). He was put on some strong dosage of steroids to "distract" the MS and give him his feeling back; hopefully with no lingering numbness or damage. He's waiting on a prescription for his MS meds. to come through so he can start his shot again right away.

On Saturday he started on Fish Oil - 10,000 mg of Vitamin D a day - and a Multi-Vitamin; Tuesday he started the steroids. Since we can't "kick" this MS we're just going to work really hard to keep it in the background. Although there isn't much improvement yet - he does have a little bit of feeling back whether from the vitamins or steroids we can't be sure.

Landon's Cousin:

Landon's little 3 year old cousin was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia on Saturday. The doctors said that if you had to have cancer, it was the best kind of have since there is a 90% success rate. On Monday they started bone marrow and high dosages of chemo. So far she is doing good - the chemo is doing a number on her personality from the sound of it, but better an angry little girl than a sick one. They did not find any of the cancer in her brain or spine, so no need for radiation - I guess that's the silver lining in an otherwise dark cloud.

Landon is taking this news incredibly hard. He's spent several days crying and there isn't much I can do to comfort him. After hearing some positive news about her, he is finding some comfort now.

If anyone has any good ideas on what to send a sick little girl for comfort (something that can go through the mail) - we'd love to hear them.

Landon's Sister:

Landon's sister also had surgery today to see if a tumor she has in cancerous or not. We just heard she is out of surgery and of course, they don't know any news yet - but she is doing well in the meantime. Again, the thought that his 16 year old sister having cancer has broken Landon down. That is his "baby" and he has been extremely worried about her. Hopefully positive news will come out of this situation as well.

Poor guy (and family!) I'm not sure when they'll catch a break. It's the worst thing in the world to see a grown man cry, especially when he's your husband. I'm not good in situations such as this and I never seem to say the right thing. All I can do is hug him and say nothing. He is doing much better with everything now. My mother always told me when things got bad - go outside. I always hated that when I was growing up, but it's true. Something about going outside, even for a few minutes makes everything better. We've been doing a lot of that lately.

I hope that things start looking up for my new family. These past few months haven't been good for them, but hopefully the next few will bring good news. Things can only go up, right? Until it does - we'll be going outside ... a lot.

Menu Monday

2009-08-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

Week of August 31
More at Org. Junkie

Monday
Apricot Chicken
Mixed Veggies
Biscuits

Menu Changed

Orange Chicken over Rice
Mixed Veggies
Biscuits

Tuesday
Ham n Pineapple Pizza
Applesauce

Wednesday
Stew
Rolls

Thursday
Club Sandwiches
Pita Chips

Friday
Spaghetti w/ Meatsauce
Salad
Breadsticks

Saturday
L: Leftovers

D: Quiche
Biscuit Bites
Sunday

Sunday
Not sure of our plans yet

Teacher

2009-08-28T21:10:00.001-07:00

I saw that someone had posted this in a note on facebook. Even though I'm not a full time teacher, it's a great inspiration piece. I'm still working on that full time teaching thing!

Teachers

He says the problem with a teacher is, "What's a kid going to learn
from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"
He reminds the other dinner guests that it's true what they say about teachers:

Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.

I decide to bite my tongue instead of his
and resist the temptation to remind the other dinner guests
that it's also true what they say about lawyers.

Because we're eating, after all, and this is polite company.

"I mean, you're a teacher, Taylor," he says.
"Be honest. What do you make?"

And I wish he hadn't done that
(asked me to be honest)
because, you see, I have a policy
about honesty and butt-kicking:
if you ask for it, I have to let you have it.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional medal of honor
and an A- feel like a slap in the face.
How dare you waste my time with anything less than your very best.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall
in absolute silence. No, you may not work in groups.
No, you may not ask a question.
Why won't I let you get a drink of water?
Because you're not thirsty, you're bored, that's why.

I make parents tremble in fear when I call home:
I hope I haven't called at a bad time,
I just wanted to talk to you about something Billy said today.
Billy said, "Leave the kid alone. I still cry sometimes, don't you?"
And it was the noblest act of courage I have ever seen.

I make parents see their children for who they are
and what they can be.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids wonder,
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write, write, write.
And then I make them read.
I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely
beautiful
over and over and over again until they will never misspell
either one of those words again.
I make them show all their work in math.
And hide it on their final drafts in English.
I make them understand that if you got this (brains)
then you follow this (heart) and if someone ever tries to judge you
by what you make, you give them this (the finger).

Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:
I make a difference! What about you?

Shopping - blah CAbi - YAY!

2009-08-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of CAbi?

http://www.cabionline.com/Fall2009/flash/catalogue.html

It's a line of designer clothing that can only be bought at home parties.

The designer is Carol Anderson. Her clothes used to be found at Dillard's Nordstrom's and such but now it can only be bought though home parties (kinda like Home Interiors).

Anyway for someone who doesn't enjoy shopping (me! right here!) this is perfect. The clothes come to you - someone dresses you - and you see what looks good in the comfort of your (or someones) home.

Any size - any way - you'll love it if you aren't comfortable with those dressing room mirrors. We all know those don't always tell the truth. Plus, sometime you need to see the outfit you love through another persons' eyes. I mean, lets face it, sometime what we really love doesn't actually look good.

Lately I've been working on a "model" for CAbi. It's been fun - because these clothes are amazing. Yes, they are a bit pricey but they last. I have a beautiful maxi dress that I've washed several times and it stills looks brand new.

Most of us can't afford a closet full or couture - but it's always good to have some signature pieces that are good n sturdy. (That would be country girl talk for won't fade and wear). You can always take that beautiful sweater and mix it with a skirt or jeans from Target.

If you're interested in knowing more - leave a comment or e-mail me and I'll get you into contact with someone who can help you set up a show.

You'll love the clothes - they're divine!