What's For Dinner Wednesday's??

Last night we had meatloaf for dinner. We all really like meatloaf including miss picky, Alexa. I have always used my mother-in-law's recipe. This one however I only had to pull from the freezer, thaw and cook. When I stocked up on ground meat a couple of weeks ago I made two meatloaves for the freezer. Let me tell you how nice this is!!! So next time you make meatloaf go ahead and make two and stick one in the freezer for another time!

Here's the recipe:

2lbs. ground beef or turkey

1 cup oatmeal

2 eggs

1 small can tomato sauce (if using ground turkey then use tomato paste)

1/4 cup dried minced onions

Favorite seasoning to taste.

I mix all the ingredients minus the beef together and then add the ground beef. One of my kids usually likes to help mix it all togther because they get to use their bare hands. (after thouroughly washing them of course )

Then just shape it and cook. We have an oil core electric skillet that I always cook it in at 350' for 10 minutes and then I turn it down to 250' for 25-30 minutes. I also pile in green beans, carrots, potatoes and onions in there. I imagine it can be done in the oven at 350 for probably 45 min to one hour.

Happy Eating!

Sleep Over Fun

Monday night the kids wanted to all sleep together. So they asked if they could all sleep in Savannah and Alexa's room. I said sure. I didn't realize what a production it would be! They got blankets and pillows and cushions and made "litte beds" I would call them "little nests". Savannah slept in her toddler bed. Joshua made a bed in the corner after flipping Savannah's bed around and Anastasia made a bed with couch cushions and Alexa just slept in her crib. After getting up and out of bed several times Jay told them if they come out of the room again they would all have to sleep in their own rooms. Well that quieted them down. They usually sleep until about 7:00am but the next morning when one woke up they all woke up and they were awake by 6:00am. Joshua came in and told us that Anastasia told them stories last night about Frannie the fish. This was really neat as Mawma (Jay's mom) used to tell these made up stories to Anastasia all the time when she was little. So I think that was the secret to keeping them quiet last night not just "daddy"!

The Simple Woman

FOR TODAY April 28, 2008

Outside My Window...

the sun is rising earlier each morning

I am thinking...

why is there still a mess in the house when we had Savannah's party at the park??

I am thankful for...

Air conditioning

From the kitchen...

I can smell chocolate truffle coffee  Yum!

I am wearing...

my jammies still, I got the kids dressed but need to do so myself still

I am creating...

lists in my head as usual about what is going on this week

I am going...

to my doctor appointment this afternoon.  I wonder how much weight I have gained now???

I am reading...

through the book of Acts and other people's blogs

I am hoping...

We can stay on task and get a lot of school work done this week!

I am hearing...

the kids doing their morning jobs

Around the house...

It is fairly quiet this morning everyone is recovering from the busy weekend!

One of my favorite things...

Reading out loud to my kids.  I love it but need to do it more often

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

doctor appts, put our farm lapbook together, pe, church,fractions with Anastasia, buying a kiddie pool, going swimming at a big pool

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is my sister Brandy and today is her birthday!!  She is a wonderful sister,mother and aunt!!  Happy Birthday!!!

If you would like to participate in "The Simple Woman also please visit Peggy's blog: http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

Savannah's Party

Savannah Joy you live up to your name in everyway!!! I can't believe you are three already. You are such a delightful girl full of energy, enthuisasm and excitement. I love watching you play babies and dress up. You love to take care of your babies and feed and dress them. Your favorite thing to dress up in is your princess dresses Tow White (Snow) and Belle. One of my favorite stories from this past year was when we were at the park and there was a lady there with hair down to her knees. You kept staring at her and then asked me "mom is she a princess?" You love to watch the movie Rapunzle and of course she has long hair so you figured any lady with long hair like that must be a princess. It was so cute! I must say you are definetly our drama queen and can be quite dramatic when trying to get your point across. We love you and pray each day that you continue to grow in God's love. Happy Birthday Baby!!

We celebrated Savannah's party at the park with family and friends. There was even a special visit from a princess that left Savannah speechless. Mind you this is the girl who can talk non-stop in the car for over an hour or more.

Daddy made the Belle cake

Savannah watching the princess approach

The princess giving Savannah her crown,jewerly and wand

Savannah and Princess Annette

The princess and the party kids

Savannah with Aunt Nicole and Uncle Ben

Savannah and Papa and Grandma

Savannah and Pawpa and Grandma

Nana and Nana

Family picture

"Happy Birthday to you!"

Savannah and Mercedes (our wonderful babysitter)

Look at me!!

I can climb it all by myself!

Anastasia got Savannah a notebook and folder for her "math" and "school work"

Dancing with her Belle dress

We got Savannah princess bedding for her toddler bed

Savannah's Birthday but not Party Day??

Savannah turned 3 today!!! Jay and I were laughing as we can't even say "our baby turned 3" as she already has a younger sister and one more on the way already! She has been very confused by the whole birthday thing since we are not having her party until Sunday. Also at the beginning of the week she was not that thrilled about turning 3 since she says "only boys can be 3 not girls"??? I have no idea where she got that one from.

We had a busy day celebrating her birthday still. Our homeschool group had a trip planned to SuperstitionFarm (www.superstitionfarm.com) and then we went to lunch with Aunt Brandy and cousins to Chuckie Cheese.

The farm was great!!! The kids had so much fun and were so excited. They got to hold chickens, feed goats, and horses,learn about the cows, pet a donkey and rabbit and go on a hay ride around the farm to see all the cows. After the tour they got to have some milk with their choice of flavoring.

Savannah holding Henny Penny

Joshua holding Henny Penny

The chicken actually fell asleep in Anastasia's arms

Alexa checking out the cotton seeds that are fed to the cows

Alexa feeding the goats

There is a song about a "billy goat having a beard it's kind of weird"

Joshua and Devin thought it was pretty funny that these goats were put in time out.

Milk tasting time. Anastasia seemed to have a hole in her lip

We all had a "Moo-volous" time at the farm

The birthday girl with Chuckie

Not as if we didn't do enough today but we then came home and played on the slip and slide. I shouldn't say we because I was just lucky enough to be able to sit in a chair on the patio and watch without falling asleep.

Daddy got home from work and they all had to show him their "cool tricks" on the slip n slide. Then we ate dinner and Savannah got 3 candles in her chicken spaghetti and she was very happy with that. We told her she would get her princess cake at her party on Sunday.

Where Oh Where Could Alexa Be?

Everyone was upstairs playing or so we thought. I suddenly realized Alexa was not in the playroom. Anastasia ran downstairs to check and very quickly we heard "Mom, Dad come look at Alexa!!" She brought her upstairs and this is what we saw..... (It is not blood, it is my red lipstick) Although it does look like she got in a bad fight!!!

I then went downstairs and this is what I saw...... the contents of my purse strewn all over the couch!!!

God is So Good!

I never stop being amazed at God's provisions and blessings!! A few weeks ago when I participated in the food swap we each made enough to share with an elderly couple in need and also put together some foods from our pantrys. Well my friend who was coordinating this received a thank you letter from this couple and here is what she said:

Thank you so much for the food and meals. What a nice surprise. I

hope you don't mind but we gave some to other families with children in

need. So your food box helped 4 different homes.

Thank you, A & B

WOW!!! This means a lot to me as just a few months ago we were really strapped and struggling ourselves and received help from some people. Jay and I prayed to God that we wanted to return the blessing and soon. I am so greatful God was able to use me in this small way to help provide for 5 other families. We also this month were able to help another family financially which was such a blessing as we don't have the "extra funds" at all right now to do this but we prayed and God provided!!!!

So as we eat our meals from the swap this month we will be sure and say an extra prayer for the other families that these meals went out to that they might be blessed and that if they don't know Jesus they will get the opportunity to!

Thank you Lord!!

19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;21for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Books I am Reading

I have 2 different books I am currently trying to reread and pull info from. I usually try to read at night when the kids are in bed and Jay is working on his homework.

I am reading My Heart's at Home by Jill Savage for the 2nd time. I love the ideas presented in this book as my heart has been for my home and family. It gives wonderful, practical ideas for building your home life and great encouragement for moms. I am looking into getting some of her other books. I just visited her website and blog for the first time. Take a look: http://www.jillsavage.blogspot.com/

The other book I am reading that is awesome is The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian. I just love the insights and specific things to pray about. It is helping me stay focused in my prayers for my children. At the end of each chapter there is also a prayer and list of verses to claim. I am such a list person and I think that is what I like about this is the specific examples. But also it is not a "rule list" like you must pray for this more of just guidelines and reminders.

Our children are such a blessing from the Lord and they are my most important "job" I have. I feel so blessed even on the days I want to string them up by their toes or I can't wait for them to get to bed I can then go in and look at them sleeping and just feel blessed.

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:11

They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord and their offspring with them. Isaiah 65:23

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3

What's For Dinner Wednesday's??

I am going to try and share each Wednesday a dinner recipe. I know I have gotten stuck in a rut and am always looking for new and easy, quick dinner recipes. Now that I am doing the once a month cooking with friends I will share what we had here.

Tonight was Parmesan Oven-Fried Chicken Sticks. I bought boneless, skinless chicken breast on sale and needed to get them in the freezer. I found this recipe and am going to use it next month for omac. It was really yummy. My kids dipped the chicken in ranch. I served it with rice and green beans.

Parmesan Oven-Fried Chicken Sticks

Ingredients

· 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs

· 1/2 cup crushed saltines

· 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

· 2 tablespoons dried parsley

· 1/2 teaspoon Beau Monde, Old Bay, Poultry Seasoning, or ground celery seed

· 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt or powder

· 1/2 teaspoon pepper or cayenne pepper

· 12 chicken breast halves, boneless and skinned

· 1/2 cup Italian-Reduced Calorie salad dressing

· Vegetable cooking spray

Directions

1. Directions for Cooking Day:

2. Combine first 5 ingredients; set aside. Cut chicken breasts crosswise into strips about 1/2 x 1/2-inch by whatever length, probably about 2 to 3 inches. Dip chicken in salad dressing; dredge in bread crumb-cracker-cheese mixture.

3. TO FREEZE - Flash freeze and bag in large Ziplock bag. Squeeze out air.

4. Directions for Serving Day:

5. Pick out as many strips as you want to cook and heat on a cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until hot and crisp.

6. NOTES - You may substitute buttermilk, regular dressing, or mixed up egg, but the Italian dressing has a really good flavor -- use garlic powder instead of garlic salt if you use salad dressing.

Portions :

Makes 12 servings

Recipes from Once-a-month-cookingworld.com

The Simple Woman

FOR TODAY April 23, 2008

Outside My Window...

the wind is gently blowing the trees and it is a crisp clear day

I am thinking...

I have enjoyed having my husband home today

I am thankful for...

my children even when they get into lipstick and put it all over themsevles

From the kitchen...

is the wonderful smell of pinsol...I mopped today

I am wearing...

very comfy maternity clothes

I am creating...

a to do list for Savannah's party

I am going...

to Wal-Mart by myself this evening

I am reading...

My Heart's at Home by Jill Savage

I am hoping...

Joshua can sit quietly so that he can then get up and play

I am hearing...

Alexa playing in my lap with my cell phone

Around the house...

there are many projects that need to get done before the baby comes

One of my favorite things...

I am really enjoying blogging since I am a newbie

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

get things ready for Savannah's Princess Party, get caught up on laundry, plan the rest of the school year activities, and go on a field trip to the farm

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I just found out about this "Simple Woman's Daybook" it is supposed to be done on Monday's but I couldn't wait to get started. If you would like to do this also please visit Peggy's blog: http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

Hermit Crabs

Didn't I mention we would probably be getting Hermit Crabs??!!

Anastasia was so excited after seeing the hermit crab at Author's chair that she spent Friday afternoon cleaning her room spotless because she wanted to go to the pet store and "look" at the crabs.

So needless to say we met Jay at Petsmart Friday after he got off work and we did more than just look. We paid for some of the stuff (who knew crabs needed so much!) and Anastasia had to pay for part with her own money.

We didn't really know what we were doing and Jay had told Anastasia she needed to read about them first and get more info but she was convinced she was ok. We got home with the crabs only to find out we needed to make two more trips out over the next two days to get more "stuff". So now Anastasia is going to be doing notebooking pages and a report on Hermit crabs!

I must say they are pretty neat to watch. She named them Miley and Nick. Miley has already chosen a different shell.

At the pet store picking them out.

The cage

A Family Day

Now that we have the zoo pass we wanted to go back with Jay. It was a beautiful Saturday, not too hot and a little overcast. The kids were so excited to go back to the zoo so soon and be able to spend more time there.

Our first stop was the Sting Rays they are only here at the Phoenix Zoo until the end of this month. They don't stay over the summer because it is too hot. Joshua and Anastasia both got to pet one.

The Sting Ray Pool

The next stop of course was the carousel since it is right near the entrance.

Then we continued our day just walking around looking at different animals and eating our picnic lunch at our favorite spot "Harmony Farm". We even got to take the train ride as we had free passes that came with our membership. An exciting event for the day was while on the train we actually got to see the tiger leap up into a tree. That I must say was really cool as usually whenever we go they are just sleeping or barely moving.

The funniest part of the day was with Alexa in the petting zoo area with the goats. Whenever Alexa would spot an animal during the day she would scream with excitement and then jump up and down in the stroller. Well in the petting area she couldn't contain herself. She didn't know which goat to pet first. She would go up to one give it a pat and then run to another and then to another. It was so funny to watch and I wish I had the video camera with.

Petting one goat and then literally running to the next!!

These next pictures are in the "Harmony Farm" area

This is how we all felt at the end of the day!

Joshua fell asleep in the stroller before we got to the parking lot!

They all fell asleep in the car and then Jay suprised them with dinner at a very special restaurant "The Rainforest Cafe". Only Anastasia had been there before with us when she was smaller. They were all wide eyed walking in and seeing all the animals and hearing all the noises. The first time a "thunderstorm" happened they didn't know what to think!!! Everyone enjoyed dinner and the environment. We all espically liked dessert!!

A funny story I have to share while at the restaurant happened when we first walked in. The kids were behaving very well they got in their seats and then I had to go to the restroom. As I got up and walked by the table behind us the man there asked me "Are they all yours?" I said yes and laughed. He shook his head and put his head in his hand like to say "oh my". It was so funny I think he was just overwhelmed with his two girls that he couldn't believe we had four and another on the way. I told Jay when we got back to the table and he of course laughed. Then this same family offered us a coupon for a .99cent kids meal as they left. They probably figured we needed it!!!

It was a great day!

Enjoying dessert!!! We all shared a chocolate cream type cake.