One of those days...

One of those days, one of those weeks, but I won't go into that story. It's times that I feel like this that I wish I could write some hilarious post, but since I can't...you have to go over to Big Mama and read some of her stuff. I'm telling you, she makes me laugh till I nearly cry. Sometimes I just pop in and read something she wrote--merely as a coping technique. I mean, really, with a name like Big Mama either you are down right funny or you drive rigs for a living (not that there is anything wrong with driving a tractor trailer). Anyway, I don't know her at all except what I read on her blog, and what I read makes me laugh, so for that reason alone, I write this post.

Back to me, I've been scarce this week, not only because I've been having one of those weeks, but also because I've had stuff to do. Lots of computer stuff which has taken up all my creative writing juices and left me lurking at other people's blogs with a longing look in my eyes.

Here's what I've been reading this week:

• Of course, I've already sung the praises of slap-your-knee funny Big Mama. I should not recommend just one, but if one's all you have time to read, then read this...too funny.
• Little Acorns Treehouse is one mom's blog about her homeschool. She is insightful, thorough and has lots of great ideas. Her recent Wordless Wednesday post is of her sweet, cutie pie, Savannah at the swimming pool.
  
• A Place of Quiet Rest--not much else to say--the name says it all. Oh, and the blogger's name is Heather (which I'm partial to).
  
• Ever want to visit Ireland? Well, visit Mark's blog in which he journals the adventures of his family in their new home--Ireland. I knew this couple in college (before they were a 'couple') and it's fun to read the journey God is taking them on. Lots of prayer requests and praises.
  
• Lastly, Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie has motivation and know-how enough for all of us. I knew that before, but just to prove my point 462 people commented on her recent giveaway. So, if you want to organize your house, visit her for some good ideas, but don't hold your breath about winning the giveaway.
  

Well, I must be going. Baby boy is up from his nap and something must be done about this house. I do visit more of you fun and thoughtful bloggers, I'll have to share those another time.

My Baby Boy is 2!

I blinked my eyes and my baby boy grew up! At our church, when babies turn two they move out of the nursery. Do you understand what this means...our baby boy is no longer in the nursery. Okay, I can see that you understand, but do you really understand?

Our baby boy is no longer in the nursery.

Today is his 2nd birthday. He squealed with delight when I sang Happy Birthday to him this morning. Bethany has been working with him all day, trying to get his two fingers up to tell how old he is. I've been squeezing him and kissing him every opportunity I get. It's just going too fast.

I'm so thankful to have him in our family. As each one of our children do, he adds an huge element of fun, laughter and love to our home and to those around us. He is a friendly little guy and has "fans" wherever he goes.

Italian Meatloaf--freezer meal

I get really excited about freezer meals. They are so handy on a busy day or a day when a gal just doesn't feel quite up to cooking. A few tips on freezing...

• Use heavy duty foil over top a layer of Saran Wrap. Or for some things you can wrap in foil, then place in a freezer ziploc bag.
  
• Use a permanent marker to label the dish with what it is, the date it was made and cooking instructions. This saves time and removes the possibility of "mystery meals".
• Make a simple chart or list of what you currently have in the freezer. I made one for my aunt this time so she doesn't lose any (or better yet, so she doesn't find something over a year old shoved back in the depths of the freezer! Yes, I speak from experience.)
  

This is a yummy recipe.

Italian Meat Loaf

1 egg, beaten
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce, divided
1/2 C. dry bread crumbs
1/2 C. finely chopped onion,
1/2 C. finely chopped green pepper
1 tsp dried oregano, divided
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1-1/2 lbs. ground beef (I sometimes use half gr. beef and half gr. sausage)
1/2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

In a bowl, combine the egg, half of the tomato sauce, bread crumbs, onion and green pepper, ½ tsp. of oregano, salt and pepper. Add beef; mix well. On a large piece of heavy-duty foil, pat meat mixture into a 14-in.x8-in. rectangle. Sprinkle cheeses to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up, jelly roll style, starting with a short side end peeling foil away while rolling. Seal seam and ends. Transfer to oven safe 9-in.5in.x3-in. loaf pan. In a bowl, combine the remaining tomato sauce and oregano. Pour over meat loaf.

Freeze wrapped in heavy duty foil. Thaw and bake at 350 degrees for 60-90 minutes or until tests done.

Lasagna--Freezer Meal

While at my Grandparent's home, I made freezer meals. I make them almost every time we go. They go a long way in helping my aunt who works full time and takes care of Grandpa and Grandma. I love it that I can do something to help them out. Living far away has it's disadvantages. Anyway, I thought I'd share some of the recipes that are tried and true favorites. I think I'll spread it out, to add to the fun and to bring you back looking for more! :)

Before I share tonight's recipe, I'd like to mention Mrs. Pear's blog. I found her through Making a house a home. I've just read the first 5 or so entries, but I really like it and her. She likes making freezer meals and she loves Crayola's (which I'll tell you about in another post). If I find out that her favorite color is orange (which I'll tell you about in yet another post), then I'll know we are long lost sisters, twins or something of the sort.

The best thing about this lasagna recipe is that you don't cook the noodles. Isn't that the worst part of making lasagna? Don't give into the madness ladies. Follow this recipe for yummy goodness right from your freezer.

One Step Lasagna

1 lb. ground beef
9 pieces of lasagna
32 oz. spaghetti sauce
12 oz. or 3 c. mozzarella shredded cheese
¾ c. water
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. oregano
12 oz. cottage cheese
1 egg beaten

In a skillet, brown beef; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce, water, basil, and oregano. Simmer 10-15 min. In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese and egg. In an ungreased 13x9 pan, layer one third of the noodles, one third of the cottage cheese mixture and one third of the meat sauce. Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers twice ending with the mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

To freeze: Before baking, cover with heavy duty foil and freeze no longer than 6 months. Let thaw before baking.

For my grandparents and aunt, I triple the recipe and instead of 13x9 pans, I use 9x9 pans. I also only do two layers ending with the mozzarella cheese. It makes a lot of pans.

Walk like Jesus

Tonight Bethany gave us a concert. A few days ago she made a guitar out of a fruit snacks box and an empty paper towel roll. Strumming her guitar strings, she makes up sweet songs. Tonight she said that she was going to sing us one of her Sunday School songs, but she needed a volunteer. Marissa "volunteered" and off they went so Bethany could tell her the plan.

The song is called "Walk like Jesus" and she wanted Marissa to be "Jesus". As she sang the words, Marissa was to walk around the room.

I want to walk, walk like Jesus.
I want to go wherever He leads.
I want to walk, walk like Jesus...

The tickets for this concert...priceless.

Home again, home again

We made it home and now we are trying to recover. The house is in desperate need of cleaning. Yesterday we spent the day in Cincinnati because my hunny's mom was having a procedure. She is doing well and we're thankful for that.

So today is my catch-up day!

Loni

My cousin Loni is always so fun to be around. She is a huge help, she loves the little kids and her and Marissa have a great time together.

Some pictures of the trip

Bethany and Trenton playing in the wheelbarrow
We have had a great time with my family. Saturday and Sunday went so fast. Saturday I made a bunch of freezer meals for my grandparents and aunt. And that evening we had a big picnic with lots of family members. It was so fun.

Sunday we drove to Washington D.C. to see my brother-in-law. He is a DC police officer and he recently won "Officer of the year"! Way to go, Mark! The afternoon we spent with my best friend and her family. We've been friends since I was in 1st grade. :) Her and her husband have two girls, ages 7 and 4.


Trenton in Uncle Tim's hat!
We are leaving today, not early by any means. It is going to take some creative packing to load up the van. :)

Before I share pictures with other family members, I am going to ask permission to post them on here. However, here are some with Peyton (his mommy gave the 'okay').

Pictures of Baby Peyton
Isn't this the sweetest face?!! Kissable cheeks for sure!!

Baby Boy (who isn't such a baby anymore!) resting in his car seat. A common sight during our travels, he slept a lot--what a blessing! My next post will be from home (and without high speed internet). We will Lord willing be home this evening, safe and sound.

Two busy days

Today and yesterday were spent visiting family members who live further east, still in Maryland, but a couple hours away. We had good visits and safe travels, thank the Lord.

My niece Samantha gave me permission to post pictures of her sweet little guy, Payton. So, when I get the pictures downloaded I'll show you how cute he is. :) Of course, I'm not biased or anything.

Trenton's sleep schedule is goofed up. He is up with me as I type this...at 11:20! Could be a long night.

We're Here!

We made it safely to my grandparent's home in beautiful mountainous Maryland! The trip went well, the kids traveled very well. I'm thankful to God for that!

We all slept well and are busy this morning--okay Trenton is busy and I'm busy running after him. Trying to teach him what he can and cannot touch...yea, this could keep me busy all day. :)

We are traveling about an hour away to see my sister, niece and nephew. My niece had a baby in January and this will be my first time to see the little guy.

My sweet aunt is going to let me borrow her camera. So hopefully I'll be able to share some pictures of our time here.

And the winner is....

Congratulations to Birdie and Jenibean for being the grand winners in this 100th POST party giveaway!! I told you that I was going to make Birdie the WINNER because she was the first to post a comment (first by a couple days), then only after I begged, did some more of you join the fun. Jenibean was chosen by a random drawing of all the names put into a hat. Marissa did the drawing. So, ladies, email me your addresses and I'll be getting those out to you soon.

Thank you for those who commented; it is fun to see who is out there. And Kristine, I nearly fell off my chair when I saw the comment from you. Marissa said you deserve a dishcloth just for commenting the first time ever! :) Sorry, you'll have to wait for Christmas or your birthday.


My Tuesday Tackles are

• trying to get packed for our trip across a couple states
• the girls each get a small suitcase and a bookbag for their goodies.
  
• Baby boy will share a suitcase with me, then his diaper bag, my book and project bag
• Toiletries bag
  
• finishing laundry so I can get packed for trip and so hunny has everything he needs (he will be joining us on the weekend and drive back with us)
  
• my other tackles (cleaning the air filter cover, cleaning baby boy's fan, etc.) will have to wait until after visiting family due to the downpouring rain. I am thankful for the rain!!

Visit www.5minutesformom.com for more tackling ideas. Still no pictures, still no working camera, sniff, sniff.

Hello out there!!

Well my best attempts at drawing out the "lurkers" have not worked. You folks can't even be tempted by homemade dishclothes and an apron! :)

Maybe you've been busy,
maybe you are on vacation,
maybe you don't want a dishcloth!

Many thanks to Birdie who so graciously commented on Friday! What a boost to my downward spiraling morale.


I have decided to leave the comment line OPEN for one more day. On Tuesday I will then draw Birdie's name and send her the lovely prize. I may even throw in some chocolate. ( I really would if I didn't think it would melt beyond recognition.) Seriously, Birdie will get the dishclothes and apron, HOWEVER if other people comment, I will have an official drawing and send that person two dishclothes. This is borderline pathetic...but I suppose it's all in fun anyway.

Savoring Saturday

We are looking forward to a quiet day filled with household chores and being together as a family. Wednesday we are going a couple states away to visit family. We really enjoy going out there and I love seeing my kids playing where I played as a child.


This picture is from last summer when we went. We stopped at a park near my grandparent's home.

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into the 100th Post Party giveaway! Look forward to hearing from YOU!

Come one, come all!

Enter the fun by leaving me a comment...and you'll be entered into the 100th Post Party Giveaway!! See sidebar for details. Looking forward to hearing from YOU!


"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."



Image courtesy of http://etc.coedu.usf.edu/clipart/galleries/people/children_3.htm

4th of July Goodness

Sleeping in
Hunny home
Relaxing morning
Packing a picnic
Thankful for freedoms
BBQ
Lemonade
Cherry Limeade**
Hot dogs on buns
Fun with cousins
Blowing bubbles
Playing ball
Happy Grandma
Hot & humid
Fireworks
Honoring the soldiers
Patriotic songs
Sleepy kids

**Yummy! I was introduced to this juice (made by Minute Maid) by my friend Lora. It has a refreshing taste with a zing at the end. The lime in it makes it zing! Without going on and on about it, you should try it, even if you don't think that you are a "limey" person.

100th POST PARTY!

Be sure to see the side bar for the details of the happy giveaway!

Revisiting my tackles

Today I'm determined to visit my previous tackles and tidy them up. I've sort of lost my grip on the house and the piles are starting. I heard that collective ---gasp--- and I know you're thinking that I said I would only handle a piece of paper ONCE. (For the incriminating evidence, take notice of "Habits/Changes I've put in place to maintain this organization" and "The biggest lesson I learned in this challenge". ) Oh, the tangled web we weave, when the stuff we start to leave!!

To tidy:
school room
linen closet
top of dryer, counter beside stove, dry sink
windows--I got them done last week, but I think just for fun, I'll go over them again. Should be easier this time, since there isn't months of handprints, dog prints, etc. caked on. Marissa exclaimed that the back sliding glass door looked like you could walk right through it. :)

There will not be any pictures due to the fact that our camera has a minor malfunction at the moment. I am hoping that it is momentary, we'll see.

So off to do a little crisis intervention. Visit www.5minutesformom.com for more tackles.