fall

fall
Originally uploaded by in7thheaven

Come visit me at my new blog~

http://pinkpaintedlady.blogspot.com/

come on over

I'm so irritated with this blog I could scream.The reason I haven't posted in several days is well....because my blog dissapeared!!!! That's right.Every time I logged in it said "the URL didn't exist.ACKKK!! With that and my pics never posting where they are supposed to etc etc I've gotten frustrated and just gone off and started fresh with a new one.
This one will still be here but I'll posting at the new one.
Come on over and visit!It's a work in progress.

http://pinkpaintedlady.blogspot.com/

Mr Groundhog says................................

6 more weeks of winter.Yep,I knew it.
http://www.groundhog.org/prediction/
I really don't mind the winter that much,at least I didn't used to.I love the holidays and snow and all that but by Feb I'm usually hankering to see some green.I think most of my family suffers from that "seasonal disorder",especially hubby and my oldest son.Gosh they whine and sulk all winter long then that 1st spring day hits and they're like new people!
Speaking of my oldest son,he had one pair of jeans that fit him due to his giant growth spurt over the last 6 mos so we went to Tar-gay last night to get him a pair.
We walk in and he immediately veers off in the other direction,I call his name and he keeps walking pretending not to hear me or know who I am. I fianlly catch up with him in the clothes and he starts speaking to me and his sister in a very heavy (loud)british accent!(can we say Britney-bi-polar y'all!!!)He hasn't gone off the deep end or anything this is just his idea of being funny and amusing and embarrasing the heck out of his weary mom.I had to laugh tho he really can pull off that accent quite well!!!!lol
Yep,teenagers are a barell of fun folks.
My youngest is finally feeling better,I found out that his eardrum actually burst due to the infection.Poor little guy,that had to be so painful.
He is eating again finally,running around screaming and hurling his trucks across the room so it appears he's back to his little terrible two destructive self.
I caught 2 of my fave movies on last night,"Father of the Bride" and "Father of the Bride 2"!The 2nd one aired prior to the 1st for some weird reason but whatever.My middle daughter watched them with me and we laughed and talked about how perfect that house in the movie is.Those movies never fail to make me smile!

So I'm off to make the troops some breakfast.I guess it's Super Bowl sunday?
The only person in our house that follows football at all is my oldest daughter,I know that the Patriots are in it but I have no idea who the other team is.lol
It seems even if you don't like football you just MUST make some nachos and wings then turn on the game like you're interested.Hey,good excuse to eat some junk food!

My nutty header photo

I have been trying to change my header photo for weeks,I mean I like it but I'm wanting a new one since christmas has been over for quite a while now!
When I go in and click "remove image" it just blinks and won't let me!!!AGHHHH!!!
If anyone knows how to do it or what might be wrong please help!

Mondays...(((sigh)))

I had an ok weekend,I thought the kids were finally getting over whatever they all had then Sat night my baby came down with it.It's awful when they're sick and there just isn't a whole lot that you can do other than comfort them. He has an ear infection and when I say that I MEAN it.I've never actually been able to SEE it in one of the kids ears but I could with this one. I guess his ear drum actually burst and all the "stuff" came out.It totally freaked me out but I guess it's fairly common.NOT pretty!I'm sure it's quite painful too,poor little guy.
My girls and I sat around and watched movies yesterday which I very raely do and even when a movie is on I still get up every 5 minutes and run around.I find it very difficult to sit for that long whie I'm thinking about 25 things that need to be done.I actually sat through "Steel Magnolias"(yes,again!) and get this...."Titanic"! What is that like 3 hours long???!!!I adore both of those tear-jerkers,so as you can guess I spent more than 4 1/2 hours on the couch crying.lol I must be getting sick or something though to stay in one place for that long,I did have a very sore throat last night and have been guzzling hot tea.Please don't let me get it,what's the chance I won't tho? (slim....very slim)

I spent ALL last Sunday cooking freezer meals,this was something I'd wanted to try but never have.Well,while I have enjoyed not having to come up with dinner every night it was sooo exhausting! It took 2 days to recover from all that.Man,I'm old.
Here is a list of what I made.................
lasagna
mac n cheese
taco meat
spaghetti sauce
broc casserole
chicken noodle casserole
meat loaf
BBQ meatballs
beef n bean enchiladas
grilled chicken
lemon pepper chicken
roated rosemary chicken w/veggies
chicken n dumplings(from the roasted chicken)this was by far the whole familys fave!
I know there was a couple more but I can't remember what they were now.
It's been nice to have homemade meals every night but I'm tellin ya by last night the kids were begging for take out pizza!!! Should my feelings be hurt?lol
I might do the freezer thing again but maybe not so much in one day,lesson learned.
I actually got inspired from this wonderful lady at her blog,it's one of my faves to visit.

http://thehomespunheart.blogspot.com/search/label/from%20my%20kitchen

Tonight I'm making Easy Salisbury steak over noodles.My mom used to make this but I never really tried it till I found this recipe,it's good and easy!

Speedy Salisbury Steak


1 egg
1 can (10-1/2 ounces) condensed French onion soup, undiluted, divided
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch pepper
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cold water
6 cups hot cooked egg noodles
Chopped fresh parsley, optional
Directions:
In a large bowl, beat egg. Stir in 1/3 cup of soup, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture; mix gently. Shape into six oval patties.
In a skillet, brown patties over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside; drain. Add the water, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and remaining soup to skillet. Bring to a boil. Return patties to skillet. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Remove patties. Combine flour and cold water until smooth. Stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve patties and gravy over noodles. Garnish with parsley if desired. YUM!

I actually already made this earlier today so I just have to re-heat it.

I'm hoping and praying that my baby is on the mend by tomorrow,the anti-biotics usually start kicking in in a day or so.He just seems to have gotten it so much worse than the others did.

Bad week

I'ts true,sometimes life just does not go the way you want it to.
We have good days,we have bad days and this week I'm having some of those not-so-great ones.
I'll get over it,life goes on....nothing else to say right now.

Giant cupcake!

This has to be one of the cutest things I've seen in awhile!
It's a cake pan that makes a cake to look like a big cupcake!You can ice the top,add sprinkles,etc
I just love it! I have 2 of my daughters birthdays coming up in the spring and I sooo want to get this and try it.
Too cute!!
I found it on several websites but saw it here first.
http://www2.gooseberrypatch.com/gooseberry/products.nsf/v.weball/Giant_Cupcake_Pan_-Itemh632?editdocument&lid=is_H632|cartprocess=textsrcat

Bliss~

There's been a word following me around lately,(you know when you hear or see something then all of a sudden it seems like it's everywhere?)
It's ~"BLISS"
I have never used that word much or really heard it that often but it seems to be just "wanting" me to notice it.
What is "bliss"? The official definition follows~

"blithesomeness; gladness; now, the highest degree of happiness; blessedness; exalted felicity; heavenly joy."

Wow,the "highest" degree of happiness! Have I found that? What does that mean?I started thinking about it in bed last night and there are some times in my life that I think I've felt that.
~the days and even exact moments my children were all born
~my wedding day
~seeing my children doing something that makes them completely happy

ok,other than that I can't think of a time when I could say that I've acheived "heavenly joy"
In the definition it also mentions "blessedness",now I think most days I feel very blessed in my life but that seems different to me than the other stuff.
I would love to be able to feel that way every day,I mean who wouldn't?!Is it a feeling,a state of mind,a journey?
Maybe someone is trying to tell me something? I even saw a book I beleive it was (or possibly an article,I can't recall right now but I noticed it)called "Finding Your Bliss"
How do you go about that? (on a daily basis anyway)
I mean I know I've probably been much more focused on the negatives in my life recently so maybe this is the brick I needed to fall on my head?
I believe Oprah said when those little "whispers" speak to you~LISTEN!
Ok,Ok "BLISS"~I'm listening,now where do I begin?

It's still winter

Well,the 60 degree days we had were just a little tease for spring because now we're freezing! It's like 18 here right now!
BRRRR!
I got this recipe in my e-mail this morning from
http://www2.gooseberrypatch.com/
it sounds soooo good.I have been obsessed with soup lately mainly because it's generally easy,fast and not high in fat or calories.This recipe could even be tweaked a bit to make it more WW (weight watchers)friendly.
Is there anything better on a freezing cold day than soup,especially with cheese!!!
I think not.

Cheddar Cheese Soup~~
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 12-oz. cans evaporated milk
1 c. beer or chicken broth
2 t. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. dry mustard
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
8-oz. pkg. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese


Garnish: additional shredded cheese, sliced green onion

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, stirring constantly until bubbly. Add evaporated milk; bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; stir in beer or broth, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes; stir in cheese until melted. Garnish as desired. Makes 4 servings.

Here is a little winter poem my 8 yr old daughter wrote,thought it was appropriate

~I feel a chill
Beside the windmill

Snow falls all around
right onto the ground

I threw a snowball
right when I fall

Well blow me down!!!!

We actually have a severe WIND advisory here until 7:00 pm tonight.I can't really recall the last time we had one of those.
Geesh,talk about your weirdo weather so far this winter,snowing 8 inches 1 week,65 degrees out the next now we're in a wind storm!
The little ones get so confused,my 7 year old asked me yesterday why winter went by so fast!lol
They had outside recess today,but by next week they'll probably be home on a snow day.
I'm making a new recipe tonight,if it turns out edible I'll post it tomorrow.;o)

Timeless~

My parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past Christmas day.(they are actually my grandparents but they raised and adopted me so when I refer to my mom and dad that's who I'm speaking of)
We had a big anniversary party for them last weekend and it was just wonderful.Gosh,if hubby and I make it even to 20 years I want a party!!!;o)

Happy anniversary to a very special couple
Here is their wedding pic

Highly irritated and Happy New Year

I've been trying to change my top header photo for a week now and it won't let me!ACCCKKKKKK
Anyhoo................
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Gosh I'm glad this last year is over.I hate to complain but it's been a rough one in so many ways.I'm hoping and praying that 2008 will be a better one for all of us.I'm feeling hopeful about it.
I couldn't even stay up till midnight on New years eve this year,I fell asleep around 11:30.Gosh,I'm lame.

My 2 oldest boys share a birthday on New Years day so we had (requested) home made enchiladas and I even made them a cake.I usually get one from an awesome bakery that I know but I just didn't have the extra $$ this year.
I still can't believe that I'm the mom of a 14 year old boy,a 14 year old anything for that matter.When did this happen? You know when your kids are small people say"enjoy it now,they grow up so fast"
Well, you know it's true.
I'm thinking if he goes to college he could be out of the house in 4 years.How do you do that? How do you let your 1st born baby walk out the door on his own??!! I know people do it every day but it's beyond me.I have alot of prep to do I guess.Is there a class I could take maybe??
My middle son (who turned 7) is telling me at least once a day that he's joining the army or marines when he gets old enough.WHAT??!! HUH???!!! Where did that come from?
I have the utmost respect for the guys and girls in our armed forces but you don't want to hear that from your little boy,especially now.(((sigh)))This growing up thing is for the birds.

Here are some pics from the boys b-day

Happy Birthday Hubby

Today is my hubbys birthday.I would've forgotten(again)if my oldest daughter wouldn't have mentioned it last night. Poor guy,with Christmas and New Years and my 2sons birthdays being on New Years day he always seems to get pushed aside.
We've been together for 16 years this February and it's not always been perfect but I can't imagine my life with anyone else,ever.
Here we are,15 years ago today.If I had only known.......Just kidding!!!!!!!!!
I remember that evening well,it was snowing and we ate steak and drank champagne at this fabulous restaurant.
Times have changed,we've changed (like I'm not brave enough to wear red lipstick now!lol)but we still have so much fun together.
I love you hubby and Happy birthday!

Merry Christmas

Well,all of the food has been eaten,gifts opened,the kids are happy and I'm exhausted.
It was a good christmas,stessful but good.
I was very blessed to have almost my entire family at my home for dinner last night and tomorrow we'll be spending the evening with hubbys family.
I hope you all had a holiday spent with those you love and that you found the joy of the season in your heart,not just for this day but always.
Merry Christmas




What Child is This

What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!


So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant king to own Him,
The King of kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

A little reminder for all of us

I saw this on another blog today (http://mrsrabe.blogspot.com/)and I wanted to re-post it here.I hope she doesn't mind,it really stuck a nerve in me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen,
carol in the nursing home,
and give all thatI have to charity,
but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata,
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return,
but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.

Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust.
But giving the gift of love will endure.

Merry Christmas!

Author Unknown

Oh FUDGE!!

Well I knew it,I was getting sick.I felt like I was on my death bed yesterday but today is better.
I'm still not up to eating much but at least I'm keeping what I do eat down now.I absolutely hate being sick,I'm praying my kids don't get whatever I had.
I'm going to start baking for Christmas tomorrow night,(I wanted to make sure I was germ free before I started)I have to make 4 lbs of fudge for 2 school "winter" parties and then I'm making some cookies.
Here is my very fave fudge recipe,I've been making it for almost 12 years now and it's pretty much goof-proof.I think the peanut butter and milk chocolate are the best!!!

Famous Fudge ~~

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) Evaporated Milk
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups (9 oz.) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels,(or whatever flavor you prefer)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
LINE 8-inch-square baking pan with foil.

COMBINE sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

STIR in marshmallows, morsels, nuts and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into prepared baking pan; refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into squares

FOR MILK CHOCOLATE FUDGE:
SUBSTITUTE 1 3/4 cups (11.5-oz. pkg.) Milk Chocolate Morsels for Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels.

FOR BUTTERSCOTCH FUDGE:
SUBSTITUTE 1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) Butterscotch Flavored Morsels for Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels.

FOR PEANUTTY CHOCOLATE FUDGE:
SUBSTITUTE 1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Morsels for Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels and 1/2 cup chopped peanuts for pecans or walnuts.

Feelin like a slug

Have you ever had one of those days that you could sit on the couch in your robe all day and not move?That would be me today.I'm not feeling well and I'm cold.It's like 18 degrees outside and my house is basically warm other than the kitchen (which for some reason has never been easy to warm up)and of course that's where I spend most of my time.
I think I'm getting a virus or maybe just tired I don't know.The weekend went well,we watched "Deck The Halls" on Saturday and while it's no Oscar worthy show by a long stretch it is funny and a cute Christmas movie to watch with your kids. They watched it 3 times in all by last night I think. I made homemade pot pie and mashed potatoes for dinner then on Sunday I went grocery shopping,cleaned up the basement and bathrooms then we FINALLY got some lights up outside! I know,I'm so behind it's not even funny.I'm not even close to being done with my shopping yet and I still have baking to do,etc etc,oh well.I'm trying to slow down this year and enjoy the season,maybe I've slowed down a bit too much!
Here are a few of my fave Christmas links,some are new ones I've found and a couple are sites I visit every year.
cute~
http://www.santalady.com/stories.html

We visit this one every Xmas eve with the kids~
http://www.holoworld.com/santa/

I've been addicted to this channel for several years now and around this time of year they show all the good,sappy xmas movies. They're good to watch with the family
http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/publish/consumer/home.html

love this one
http://www.anoldfashionedchristmas.com/index.html

right up my alley
http://www.victoriana.com/christmas/default.htm

great site that one of the teachers recommended
http://www.northpole.com/

great recipes
http://www.smithfield.com/paula/index.php

I saw a recipe on Rachel Ray today that I do believe some of my family members will be receiving for Christmas, it looked so yummy and very easy.That's exactly what I need right now,easy! I think I might need another cup of coffee right now too,the kids wwill be home soon and I have to snap out of this or it's going to be a long night.

Here is the pot pie recipe,not quite homemade but close enough! I never have any of this left over.

Hearty Chicken Pot Pie~~


1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup cut-up cooked chicken(I use canned)

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1/2 cup milk
1 egg

I add 1/2 tsp each of ground sage,thyme,and tarragon

1. Heat oven to 400ºF. Mix vegetables, chicken and soup in ungreased 2-quart casserole.
2. Stir remaining ingredients in small bowl with fork until blended. Pour into casserole.
3. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.

The Christmas Rose

We're off to see Santa this afternoon, I HOPE to be able to get a picture of all the kdis together.It's always a gamble so I'm crossing my fingers!

Here is a story I found today,I love Christmas and roses so I think this is just beautiful.



Christmas Rose Legend~

When the Magi laid their rich offerings of myrrh, frankincense, and gold by the bed of the sleeping Christ Child, legend says that a shepherd maiden stood outside the door quietly weeping.

She too, had sought the Christ Child and desired to bring him gifts. But she had nothing to offer, for she was very poor indeed. She had searched the countryside over for one little flower to bring Him, but she could find neither bloom nor leaf, for the winter had been cold.

And as she stood there weeping, an angel passing saw her sorrow, and stooping, the angel brushed aside the snow at her feet. And there sprang up on the spot a cluster of beautiful winter roses, -- waxen with light pink petals.

"Nor myrrh, nor frankincense, nor gold," said the angel, "is offering more meet for the Christ Child than these pure Christmas Roses." These the shepherd maiden carries to Jesus, who smiles broadly and touches them, turning them pale pink.