Happy Homemaker Monday

Be sure to visit Sandra for more Happy Homemakers!

The weather::: Beginning of the week is low 30s but mid week it's going to get up to mid 40s!


On my reading pile::: Jonah, A Life Interrupted--Bible study at church

On my TV::: Nothing right now. Soon the news and cartoons!


On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Chicken pot pie (Special for Ken b/c this is NOT my favorite)
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Lamb barley soup & rolls
Thursday - Pretzel crusted chicken & corn
Friday - Swedish meatballs & green beans 


On my to do list::: I went to the store this weekend, so no errands today :) I need to catch up laundry, sweep the floors & pay some bills/ find the last paper work to file our taxes.


What I am creating::: Valentine's day crafts for Mae & the lil girl I baby sit to do.

Looking around the house::: Quite, Mae & Bailey are sleeping. TV is off. I see lots of chores I need to do today, though!


From the camera::: MaeMae after church! "HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY!!!"

Something fun to share::: Ken won't be home until late on Tuesday, Valentine's Day, so I made a special treat for him: chocolate bread pudding, homemade hot fudge sauce and whipping cream! Here is the recipe!

On my prayer list::: The women of my bible study group. I am excited for this semester!


Bible verse, Devotional::: God will equip You to handle the challenge!

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Happy Valentine's Day, Kenny & MaeMae!

1 (1 pound) loaf of French bread, cubed

6 eggs, lightly beaten

2 1/2 cups milk  

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup coffee, brewed strong 

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoons almond extract

1 cup sugar

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

-In a large bowl whisk eggs then add milk, heavy cream, coffee and extracts. Whisk until combined.

-In a separate bowl combine: sugars, coco powder and cinnamon and stir until combine and coco powder is fine. Then add to egg mixture.

-Add cubed bread to egg mixture. Lightly toss until each bread cube is coated. Allow to sit for 10-20 minutes for bread to soak up liquid.

-Transfer bread mixture to a 9x13 baking dish coated w/ cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until center is set (knife comes out clean).

Note: I always cook mine in a water bath. If you do not have a large enough pan that the 9x13 will fit in, cover the bread pudding for the first 30 minutes of cooking time.

-Top w/ hot fudge sauce, whipping cream or both :)

Happy Homemaker Monday

Be sure to visit Sandra for more Happy Homemakers!

The weather::: Mid-Low 30s


On my reading pile::: I just started a new bible study- Jonah, A life Interrupted by Priscilla Shirer


On my TV::: Cartoons for Mae


On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Lemon chicken w/ artichokes & brussel sprouts 
Tuesday - Coconut Curry Beef w/ rice
Wednesday - Spinach fettuccine w/ Bechamel sauce ( I didn't make it last week)
Thursday - Tacos
Friday - Manicotti
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday - Lamb chops, mashed potatoes & green beans

On my to do list::: Errands, make a snack for my Mom's group tomorrow,wash all bedding & just clean up from my lazy bday weekend!


What I am creating::: Hopefully hash browns to freeze, I didn't get it done last week!


Looking around the house::: Messy: dishes in sink, lots of laundry...

From the camera:::


Something fun to share::: I had a great birthday! Thanks for all the well wishes on Facebook, texts and birthday cards!


On my prayer list::: Praise- My God has provided more money coming in to us!

Bible verse, Devotional::: "[The Lord] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" -Psalms 147:3

Happy Homemaker Monday

Visit Sandra for more Happy Homemakers!

The weather::: Mid 50s! This weather really is strange!

On my reading pile::: Marriage Covenant


On my TV::: Nothing at the moment. But morning news and cartoons will be shortly!


On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Spaghetti & garlic bread
Tuesday - Shredded chicken tacos & Spanish rice
Wednesday - Tuna pockets & broccoli **New Recipe**
Thursday - Beef Stroganoff & broccoli
Friday - Homemade pizza
Saturday - My birthday! Not planning anything....
Sunday - Homemade Spinach fettuccine w/ Bechamel sauce **New Recipe**


On my to do list::: Laundry from a weekend out of town, run errands, pay some bills & organize office!


What I am creating::: Frozen hash browns for Friday's Freezer Friendly Food but also still working on getting the basement cleaned!


Looking around the house::: Quite.


From the camera::: Yet again, I did not take any pictures from this weekend. My camera stayed in my purse all weekend :/

Something fun to share::: 2012 is going to make me an aunt x2!!! Two sister in laws announced they are expecting this summer :)

On my prayer list::: Ken's Grandparents. He is so blessed to be 28 and have all 4 of his grandparents- The grandparent/grandchild relationship is such a special one.


Bible verse, Devotional::: “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew 5:5

Friday's Freezer Friendly Food-Herb Butter

If you didn't already think I had too much time on my hands, now you will :) This week I made 1 lb. of herb butter to freeze. Whenever I make homemade bread, which is often, I always mix up some herb butter using just a few tablespoons. I decided to make a large batch to freeze for better convenience.

Use whatever spices you like. Here's what I did:

1 lb. butter, softened at room temperature for several hours (Not previously frozen)

1 Tbsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. honey

1 tsp. Tastefully Simple season salt (B/c it was unsalted butter)

- Add all ingredients and mix using whisk attachment on Kitchen Aid

-Portion into 6, 1/2 c. Glade containers. (They were not full)

-Put all 6 containers into a large Ziploc bag so they aren't rolling all over my freezer. 

 -When ready to use, allow a hour to thaw.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Visit Sandra for More Happy Homemakers!

The weather::: Low 40s & rainy


On my reading pile::: Same= Laura Bush's autobiography & Covenant Marriage

On my TV::: Cartoons for Mae. She was up early today.


On the menu for this week:::
Monday -  Cheese Ravioli w/ pumpkin sauce (Didn't get made last week)
Tuesday - Italian beef sandwiches
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Baked fish w/ citrus sauce & rice pilaf


On my to do list::: Babysitting a friend's daughter this morning, errands & start cleaning/organizing the basement.

What I am creating::: Nothing this week- I'm cleaning and organizing our basement!


Looking around the house::: MaeMae has already destroyed this place and its not even 9am!


From the camera:::  I know, I know-All my pictures are of Mae. But I can't help it.

Eating her"Oatmealllllll"

Something fun to share::: I can't ever think of anything for this...


On my prayer list::: Ken's Grandparents


Bible verse, Devotional::: Church started a series on the Psalms= Psalm 139
²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
   test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
   and lead me in the way everlasting.

Mexican casserole Wins!

Ken asks "What is for dinner?"

I say "Mexican casserole."

Ken: "Huh? Oh, you mean Mexican lasagna?"

Whatever you want to call it this recipe is quick and easy. It's also easy to keep all ingredients on hand, I love those kinds of recipes. I like to serve 1-2 vegetarian recipes a week so when I make this I always keep it meat free--but it would be delicious w/ some ground beef browned up and among the layers!

Mexican Casserole/ Lasagna- Makes 6 servings
4 Tortillas. thawed
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
1 can (16 oz) fat free re fried beans
1 green pepper, chopped
1 c. corn (I use frozen, thawed)
1/2 c. onions (white or green)
1/2 tsp each: parsley, chili powder, cumin and cilantro
salt & pepper to taste
1 c. low fat cheddar cheese
1/4 c. black olives, sliced

-In a large skillet over medium heat add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add green pepper, corn, onions and all the seasonings. Saute just until tender, about 5 minutes, b/c they will finish cooking during baking process!
- Spray your crock pot w/ cooking spray. (FYI-This dish can also be done in the oven. 350 for 35 minutes) Put 2 Tbsp. of enchilada sauce on bottom. Next, pour remaining enchilada sauce into a separate, deep, dish.
-Dip 1 tortilla into enchilada sauce and put in crock pot.
- Top tortilla w/ 1/4 of the re fried beans, 1/4 of corn mixture then 1/4 c. cheese.
-Repeat 3 more times!
-Top last layer w/ cheese then black olives & any remaining green onions.
-Put lid on crock pot and allow to cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4.
-Serve w/ salsa, sour cream etc.
==1 serving is 5 WW pts!

Happy Homemaker Monday

For More Happy Homemakers visit Sanda at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

The weather::: High of 42 today and rain :( All the pretty snow is going to melt!


On my reading pile::: Almost done w/ Laura Bush's book. So I'm finishing a book called "Convent Marriage" that I started several months ago.

On my TV::: Cartoons for MaeMae

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Oven fried Chicken & wilted spinach
Tuesday - Mexican casserole
Wednesday - Salmon cakes & couscous
Thursday - Beef Barley soup & rolls
Friday -  BBQ chix pizza (Thanks Michelle)
Saturday - Buffalo Sloppy Joes & oven baked fries
Sunday - Cheese Ravioli w/ pumpkin sauce
WHAT??? I planned a menu w/ no leftovers :( I'm going to be kicking myself!!!!


On my to do list::: Grocery store, make treats for Mom's Life tomorrow, sweep & swiffer floors!


What I am creating::: Blueberry pancakes to freeze for Mae's breakfasts, herb butter for Friday's Freezer Friend Food


Looking around the house::: I did a good job of keeping the house tidy :)

From the camera::: Mae enjoying the cookie dough beater





Something fun to share:::


On my prayer list::: As always and always lil J.R.E.

Bible verse, Devotional::: Its a song that has been in my head= I waited for the Lord on High

Friday's Freezer Friendly Food- Tortillas

Homemade Tortillas: (Makes 8 tortillas)

2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 c. water

3 Tbsp. Olive oil

-In a large bowl combine flour and salt

- Add water and oil

-Knead for 10 minutes

-Cut dough ball into 8 equal size pieces

-Roll each piece into a 7 inch circle

-Over medium heat warm a skillet and spray w/ cooking spray

-Cook each tortilla until browned on each side (3-5 minutes)

Makes 8 tortillas

After I finished cooking each one I laid them out in a single layer on bread board to cool.

Wrapped in 3 sets of 5 tortillas.

These are so delicious fresh, right off the skillet! I made a double batch and froze them.

-Allow them to cool completely.

-Place parchment paper in between every few tortillas.

-I then wrapped them in groups of 5 in Scran wrap b/c that is how many my family will eat at a time.
-Place all tortillas in a Ziploc freezer bag! Freeze up to 3 months!
-When ready to use- allow to thaw completely and warm in microwave or skillet.

Fish N Chips, Julified Wins!

My take on Fish N Chips! I love fish, especially grilled in the summer. This recipe is a way to change it up! Baking it saves several calories and fat grams.  Serve w/ malt vinegar!

Fish:
2 white fish fillets (Ex: Cod, Mahi, Grouper), thawed
salt & pepper
1/4 c. flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
3/4 c. Panko bread crumbs
Parsley

1. Season fish w/ salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in flour, shake off excess.
3. Dip in egg then in Panko, coating all sides of the fish.
4. Place on a wire baking rack over a cookie sheet. (This allow fish to cook evenly and bottom doesn't get soggy.)
5. Sprinkle w/ parsley and spray lightly w/ cooking spray.
6. Bake at 450 degrees for about 15 minutes or until browned.
7. Serve right away w/ malt vinegar for the traditional "Fish N Chips" taste!
-6 WW pts for 1 fish fillet


Chips:
2 medium sweet potatoes
2 Tbsp. Olive oil (aprox)
Course salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

1. Scrub potatoes well! Peel off any blemishes.
2. Slice thin into rounds. Place in a large bowl w/ remaining ingredients. And toss to coat. (Just use enough olive oil to lightly coat potatoes)
3. Line a cookie sheet w/ foil & place potatoes in a single layer, make sure none are touching.
4. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes, flip each potato and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
-6 WW pts

Happy Homemaker Monday

Be sure to visit Sandra for more Happy Homemakers!

The weather::: Mid 40's


On my reading pile::: Laura Bush's autobiography-I've got less than a moth to finish it!!


On my TV::: Nothing


On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Fish & chips, Julified
Tuesday - Veggie Lasagna
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Tamale pie
Friday- Leftovers
Saturday - Paninis
Sunday - Cream of Zucchini soup


On my to do list::: Mom's Life leadership meeting & catching up on chores around the house.

What I am creating::: Homemade tortillas for "Friday's Freezer Friendly Food" & more homemade yogurt!


Looking around the house::: I really really need to mop my floors today. Ugh, I swear as soon as I do it they get dirty again.

From the camera:::

Something fun to share:::


On my prayer list:::


Bible verse, Devotional:::
'When the time was right,
the sea parted,
the walls fell down,
the lions went hungry,
the sun stood still,
the star appeared,
the waves were calmed,
the stone was rolled away,
the Lord ascended...And when the time is right, the King of Kings will return. God is never early & He's never late-He's always right on time and His plans for you are good.'

Friday's Freezer Friendly Food-Carrots

I know its been awhile since a "Friday Freezer Friendly" post. I have a few ideas for the next couple weeks, so I hope to keep them coming! This week's F.F.F.F. is on CARROTS! This post will probably be too late for most of you but not for me b/c my father- in- law picked carrots on New Years Day! And because this winter has been so mild these carrots are perfect! This past fall I canned 7 pints of carrots but I decided to freeze these since I didn't have a large quantity Here's what I did:

1. Wash carrots
2. Peel carrots
3. Cut to desired size/shape
4. Drop into boiling water for 3 minutes if carrots are chopped or diced (5 minutes if carrots are whole)
5. Strain in colander and rinse w/ cold water
6. Once cooled, transfer to Ziploc freezer bags in 1.5-2 c. portions & label. Freeze for up to 6 months.
-Use in soups, stir frys, casseroles or serve as a side. I know at least Sweet Pea loves carrots!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Happy Homemaker Monday Wednesday?!?!?! I was still out of town Monday and Tuesday I was busy busy around the house. Here's to a blessed week-Just think- It's now half over :)

Visit Sandra at Diary of a SAHM for more Happy Homemakers :)

The weather::: Blah, its suppose to be 40 today- 50 on Friday. Still no snow :(


On my reading pile::: Finish up Laura Bush's biography before woman's bible starts back up.


On my TV::: Nothing right now.


On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Meatloaf, green beans & applesauce {beans and applesauce canned by yours truly}
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday -  Chicken & dumplings
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Whole wheat spaghetti pomodoro & cottage cheese
Saturday - Breakfast= Crepes. Lunch= "Mustgoes" as Dawn says. Dinner= Coconut curry beef over rice
Sunday - Brunch= Eggs & potatoes. Dinner= Leftovers

{I am luckily Ken likes leftovers :)}


On my to do list::: Grocery shopping & bank, finish taking down Christmas decorations & make a few phone calls...

What I am creating::: Hopefully more laundry soap. I bought all the necessary ingredients before Christmas but never made it.

Looking around the house::: BARE w/o Christmas decorations.


From the camera::: Would you believe I didn't take 1 picture over Christmas break??? Ooops!


Something fun to share::: I am already working on a "Product Review" post of some of the gifts I received for Christmas, Stay Tuned!

On my prayer list::: Friends: healing of ill children, healthy pregnancies & stable marriages.

Bible verse, Devotional::: "If the Lord allows"- From Sunday's New Year's day service!

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods: ICK! 38-42 degrees w/ rain, snow mix :(

Things that make me happy: This most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Book I'm reading: "Why the Nativity" by David Jeremiah {I highly recommend this book during the most wonderful time of the year!}

What's on TV today: Notha

On the menu for dinner: Greek pizzas

On my To Do List: 
1. Grocery store
2. Make food for Mom's Life meeting
3. Make cookies for a cookie exchange
4. Finish up coupon lesson for Mom's Life meeting
5. Wrap gifts
6. Laundry

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon: I made Eggnog bread pudding this weekend! Delicious. I didn't use a recipe though. Made it up myself :)


Looking forward to this week: Hmmm, I'm not sure? Not too much going on!!! Are you kidding- Christmas!

Tips & Tricks: Several of you might already do this- When I was shopping this weekend GAP said they didn't have boxes b/c the store decided to "Go Green"! For the woman in front of me this was the worst news she'd received in weeks! But not for me b/c every year I save boxes & decorative bags that are in good condition and store them w/ my Christmas stuff. (My Mom taught me this) I highly recommend this b/c I think as the years go by more and more stores will "Go Green".

No Words Needed: Our house last year :( We haven't seen a lick of snow this year :(

On my mind: Finishing everything up by the end of the week!


In the craft basket (B/c I don't do crafts- This question will usually be involving food or a DIY project): I actually will be doing a "craft" this week!!! Aren't you proud? I am making Candy cane play dough for my favorite neighbor kids!

Devotionals, versus etc.: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests" -Luke 2:14

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods: 40s-50s & rainy!?!? Are you kidding me? I WANT SNOW!!!


Things that make me happy: Bright, white, crisp SNOW!

Book I'm reading: "Why the Nativity" by David Jeremiah {I highly recommend this book during the most wonderful time of the year!}

What's on TV today: Nothing right now.

On the menu for dinner: Tuna noodle casserole- it was on last week's menu but got skipped.

On my To Do list:
1. Run errands: Wal-Mart, Walgreens, post office, return movies, Target, & Hobby Lobby
2. Sweep, Swiffer & mop floors (Let's be honest--I probably won't mop;)
3. Finish up laundry--Yay, not much bc I actually stayed caught up this weekend
4. Finish Christmas cards and get them sent
5. Look over/pay some bills
 
New Recipe I tried or want to try soon: I have cube steak I need to use. I found this recipe and it sounds easy and pretty tasty! Chicken Fried Steak

Looking forward to this week: Getting the majority of my Christmas shopping done! Ekkk, I'm running out of time!

Tips & Tricks: Man, I had one earlier in the week but I forgot it---Sorry!

No Words Needed: I couldn't get a very good picture. It's my lil MaeMae in the church program! Isn't she the cutest sheep EVER?!?!

On my mind: Too Much!

In the craft basket (B/c I don't do crafts- This question will usually be involving food or a DIY project): Make another batch of Laundry Soap, make gingerbread cookie dough and possibly more Yogurt if I find time!

Devotionals, versus etc.: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11