Running away? I'll help you pack.

The Tooth that caused it all …

2012-02-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

I thought I’d give everyone an update on Caden and the dentist. As you may know we had to have Caden’s tooth pulled. We then had a spacer made that day BEFORE the tooth was filled (they cast it).

We then went back the 2 weeks later I was told was crucial that it had to be then. We show up WAIT 45 minutes to be brought back to be told oh the spacer is not here do to the snow the week before! So we leave which isn’t helping Caden’s fear of the dentist. We then get a call the following week the I NEED to bring him back the following day! I rearrange my day of work yet AGAIN for them. THEN a few hours before the appointment they call and say they need us to come in EARLY due to oh yes get this “Caden’s Behavior last time”. HELLO he is 4 and scared you pulled said tooth(pictured above) out of his head. Was is necessary to say this to his mom no! So we go early to get in and 4 ladies come in the room which of course scares Caden then they all bend over and start telling him to calm down. The waterworks begin and then the No’s start. Then the ladies of course start telling him to calm down etc. So of course I can’t take any more of this and tell him we have to go. They tell us to come back again.

So yesterday I let Rick and my dad take him. Rick said the appointment went better we had been practicing at home with a plastic mirror in his mouth so he was prepared what she was looking in there for. She said she didn’t want to freak him out anymore then he already is so they didn’t put in the space just going to watch it. They cleaned and gave him a fluoride treatment and looked and no cavities! We have to go back in 2 weeks for another fluoride treatment.

We are thankfully are done with this spacer for now, and this last appointment will be the LAST time I go to this clinic. A friend gave me a referral to an affordable that I can pay cash and when we get dental insurance. Thank you again for all the love and support!

Getting my craft on for V-Day

2012-02-08T20:18:00.001-08:00

Most of you know I’m a little nutty and LOVE to make things for Cole’s classmates. I’m also a crazy planner that actually thinks about these events for months in advance. Pinterest has become my new helper to keep my thoughts straight and what I want to do. Then it’s time to weed down and to what I’m going to make. Cole get’s to help me make the items which he loves plus his classmates love it and feel special. I’m thinking I’ll make a treat and then something for each kid to take home. Here a few things I’ve pinned that I thought were cool and what I think I’m going to make. I’m going to be hitting up Michael’s this weekend and hoping to to get everything done by Sunday since I have my women’s group at church Monday nights.

If you want to see how to do any of these click on HERE and it will take you to my board called “Hearts & Love Things to do”

If I was really cool I’d do boy and girl cards

this one for the girls:

This one for the boys

Or this one for the boys!

Or this for both boy & Girl

Isn’t that just to freaking cute!

For those who don’t like V-Day

But I think I settled on:

Making whoopie pies either heart shaped if I find the pan or normal

Homemade Chalk for each kid

(Depending on how cost to make)

if making chalk is to spending I’m making Play dough Hearts

And between these two cards:

You rock Valentine

Or if I can get it to come out right I want to do this:

I’m thinking for my Woman’s group I’ll bring this:

I’m loving this card, I think I’ll make them for Grandparents

From the bottom of my heart (two hands)

to the tips of my toes (one foot)

I love you! 2nd gift for Grandparents

Do you have any plans to make treats? Rick and I don’t really do anything so it’s kind of fun for me to do something for others! What do you think?

Healthy Drink Week 2

2012-02-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I’m been doing my work out at home with Jillian Kettlebell DVD. I’ve been even better about my eating habits no snacking on crap during the day and doing a healthy smoothie in the morning for breakfast. I really never thought this would feel me up but it’s actually doing the trick. This week I tried a new recipe and I must admit it’s not as tasty as the Green Monster I posted last week and is not as filling. I know you would think I would like the one that was more fruity. Here is the Kate’s Power Smoothie I found for this week.

Kate’s Power Smoothie
Recipe by Our Best Bites

1 cup orange juice (preferably the good stuff, like the not-from-concentrate orange juice)
3 tablespoons oat groats or 2 tablespoons steel cut oats (optional…kind of…)*
3/4 cup fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt (make sure it’s Greek and not Greek-style)
1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
3 cups baby spinach leaves
1 1/2 cups crushed ice

Combine ingredients in the jar of your blender and blend. You may (read: probably will) need to run it through twice. Serve immediately. Makes 1 giant smoothie, 2 smaller smoothies, or 3 snack-sized smoothies.

I used Steel cut oats since that is what I could find.

This was made with blueberries and you would think I would LOVE this over the GREEN one from last week but not really. LOL I know who would think a Green shake in the morning would be ideal for me. I have decided a whole week of this would not be good since I get hungry to quick after drinking it and don’t want to get into the habit of snacks again. So I am going to try a new one I found has tofu. I’m a little scared but let’s wish me luck!

On a side note the boys started up swim again 2 days a week. Tuesdays are going to be my down fall since swim is right after school and then we come home and our Tuesday dinner friends come right over. So no work out that day, BUT I’m going to stick to 5 days a week with my DVD instead of 6 so I don’t feel too guilty. When it gets nicer out we can take the kids to walk to make up for it! I’m on a mission .

Bringing Treats to the Parties

2012-02-06T21:32:00.000-08:00

We had two parties to go to this weekend. The first was a birthday party for friends’ son. He wanted spiderman so I found 2 recipes that were spider themed! The first one was Saucy Spider with Hairy Leg Sticks. Mine was a little on the fat side … yeah no comments we won’t go there but I think he was still cute! I did make my own pizza dough.

Next on the spider theme was Spider “Eggs”, I started first with EatingWell Deviled Eggs and then cut black olives to look like spiders.

And for a superbowl party I found this yummy Jalapeno Popper Dip that was so yummy I could probably eat it all .

I hope you found a recipe you may like to try. I didn’t have time to make up the fun little recipe cards (if any one has an easy way to add to blogger let me know). FOR you who want to answer … lol no one on spot … What is for dinner tonight?

Yet another Meatloaf & Potato (but Skinny Style)

2012-02-05T22:49:00.001-08:00

As you may have guessed meatloaf is HUGE in this house. Now to find new recipes is my mission. PLUS to switch out turkey for ground beef is a huge thing for me. I found a new website I love that for you weight watcher people she list the point value. The first recipe I tried of hers is the Barbecue Turkey Meatloaf. The boys loved it and no complaints on it being turkey.

Key Ingredients won’t let me post a recipe card any longer so I found Smilebox. Let’s see how this works.

This recipe card design made with Smilebox

Next on the list is a side dish of course and she also posted this Skinny Mash Potatoes which was so yummy! It was the perfect balance for dinner.

Make a free printable recipe card

So there you have it, it’s been a crazy busy weekend between parties and outings. My house is a mess and I’m pooped .. lol. I think I’ll finally make for dinner (it’s been on my list for weeks). What is on your menu tonight? (Beth I know this puts you on the spot don’t worry about it ... lol, hehe you crack me up my dear)

The best Question … Money Series

2012-02-03T02:00:00.000-08:00

Last week I posted about the best question series we are doing at church. This past Sunday was about money and I actually took notes like no tomorrow. Usually I’m not a big note taker but I was looking for more paper to keep writing. With Caden about to enter Kindergarten meaning that our monthly school tuition is going to double. I need to find ways to pay off bills and get that extra monthly budget. So DON’T get scared that I say church I think really this is something that can apply to practical life again!

BEST QUESTION ASKED:

In light of my financial past, my present financial circumstances, and my future financial hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do?

“Of What use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?” Prov. 17:16 = Hmmm makes you think right?

1. Asking the WRONG Questions. Example

Can I afford it?
Can I make the payment?
Is it on Sale? (I do this a lot)
If I can make it work, then I should get it.

2. Assessing your financial Priorities

Currently how we use our money:

Spend it
Repay Debt
Pay Taxes
Save it
Give it

What is wise from my financial past? Priorities, Knowledge & Self Control mandates how we do it.

The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender’s Slave. Proverbs 22:7

Leaned someone money and it changes the relationship! When you’re in debt to someone (friend, creditor, etc) means your in slave to them!

Dave Ramsey gives you this acronym “F.I.X G = M”

FOCUSED INTENSITY X GOD = MOMENTUM

Adjusting your Financial Focus

Live like no one else! If you’re living like a Rock Star it will lead to being upside down.

Change the way we use money, instead of how we currently do it. Do this:

Give – Now that doesn’t mean to church if you don’t go. Give to others in need. It comes back 10 Folds.
Save – Have an Emergency Fund of $1000 or at least $500.

The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets. Prov. 21:20 – AGAIN HMMM makes me rethink what I’m always doing!

Repay Debt - Instead of Funding Someone else's future fund your own – I LOVE THIS!!!

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Prov. 22:7

Pay Taxes – Remember if you GIVE and Save you PAY less taxes! Hello you can write off charitable giving!
Spend it – What ever is left spend that!

I know it is a crazy way to do things but we have been given the task of trying this for 3 months and see what happens!

I thought really hard and prayed on this. I’m on board I gave double what I usually give last Sunday (not close to 10% but a % that works for us). Then I wasn’t sure what was going to happen this week but I knew it would work out. THEN today my boss emailed me that a surprise BONUS had been given to me! I’m telling you I fell off my chair! I automatically put a portion in savings and then was able to enroll both boys for school and pay the registration fee! All I can say is I’m blessed and I’m putting this new practice forward!

Something else our pastor talked about that made me stop dead in my tracks. Take ALL your bills write down from smallest amount owed to largest amount owed. Then take the SMALLEST bill you owe on, double what you minimum payment each month this will help pay off this bill faster. WHEN that bill is paid off then take the money you have been sending to that bill to the next SMALLEST bill and so on. It’s called Debt snowball, pay off smallest to largest payment and then retire that bill. It makes it more manageable and not so over whelming to take care of your debt! With my bonus I made a triple payment and hope to have this bill paid off by next month and then on to the next smallest bill!

This may not be easy but it is the wise thing to do! Wish me luck but I think I may have just had my “Ahh Haa” moment and will take control of my financial life!

Glasses are the new black dress right?

2012-02-02T02:00:00.000-08:00

Since I don’t think I’ll be getting an eye surgery anytime soon I’ve become obsessed with glasses. And being the crazy sale person that I am found one site that I could buy glasses with a coupon for a $1 + shipping. THEN I found anther site that your first pair is free + shipping. Being the thrifty person I am under each site I logged in as one me and then two Rick so I could get two glasses from each site. I know but I can’t pass up a deal like that! So for around $25 I bought 4 new glasses worth around $88 a piece! Yes for you math wizzes that is $352 glasses for $25!

Let the fashion show begin!

My studious reminds me of a man’s business look. I’m funny but when I’m home working on web things I like to wear these. YES I know I’m nutty!

My pink blush pair, that are not my fav since they have the plastic noise piece and I think they blend too much with my skin tone right now. These will be for when I’m tan.

My Pink animal print (inside it’s a peek a boo), which I thought would be my favorites but the next pair actually has turned out to be.

These Blue animal print (on the outside) have become my favorite. They are super comfy and I love the splash of color I never would have thought I’d like blue but something told me to get them.

On an amazing ending note, Rick had the weekend off for his birthday. He was SO kind Friday came home told me to go get a pedicure! I didn’t even say a word about wanting one. Then Saturday he hung out with the boys while I went grocery shopping ALONE! Sunday he took the boys WITHOUT me asking to Chuck E Cheese to play for FOUR hours so I could go get my hair done! It was the MOST (yes a lot of caps because that is how excited I am) relaxing and BEST weekend I have had in a very very long time!

So there you have it a fashion show ! Hope you’re all having fab week! Much LOVE!

On to Healthy

2012-02-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

Ok friends I’m doing it, well I may be feeling like I’m being beat to death but I’m doing it! The kettlebell work out by Jillian Michael's may only be 25 minutes but I’ve come to the conclusion we could use it as some form of torture system. Move over water boarding hear comes the KettleBell. Just playing well sort of! I’ve been doing good on our meals and this week I’ve started with The Green Monster Smoothie in the mornings. It’s actually filling and taste rather well. I think I may put in some protein mix or flax seed. My bullet is getting a work out itself and doesn’t fit all of it in it so I have to do it in 2 parts but it’s great!

Week 2 of Kettlebell is started. AND I made an appointment at a local clinic that is a place I can make payments and it’s at a reduced rate! My appointment is in 2 weeks so hopefully I’ll get my thyroid back on track too!

So there you have it, it’s been very busy around here. I find that when I’m working out I have less me time but it’s good and soon I’ll find my groove again and be back to visiting. Sorry if I haven’t said hi, soon I’ll catch up!

On diet and I can still have Rice and Pasta!

2012-01-31T02:00:00.000-08:00

So I’m doing good on my exercise and been eating well and still finding great recipes that feed my need to eat yummy food. First off I found this Kalyn's Stuffed Cabbage Casserole. I loved it, the boys thought it was just ok but I’m all that matters right? LOL … My neighbor got the other half since my boys don’t do left overs.

Last yummy on my list was Healthified Mexican Pasta Skillet that the boys of course loved since they are all about the Mexican food.

We have our Tuesday dinner friends coming over so we have Meatball and Spaghetti Soup. What is on your menu tonight?

Crockpot Soup to the Rescue

2012-01-30T02:00:00.000-08:00

I made a great soup that was easy to throw into the crockpot and was ready for dinner time! Another one from my Pinterest that I saved and actually made. My goal is to not just save cool things, but to actually do them!

This Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup was so yummy and easy and low in points if you do the Weight Watcher Plus System.

Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup (WW 7pts)

From: Skinnytaste.com Servings: 6 • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups + cheese • Old Points: 5 pts • Points+: 7 pts Calories: 260.9 • Fat: 6.6 g • Protein: 25.4 g • Carb: 29.9 g • Fiber: 6.7 g • Sugar: 4.1 g Sodium: 572 mg (without salt)

See Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup (WW 7pts) on Key Ingredient.

So what is on your meal for tonight?

Ok so it’s not so BAD …

2012-01-27T02:00:00.000-08:00

I saw this cartoon and just died laughing I so would be this person! Full of excuses why I can’t do the exercise. I’m happy to say that I have worked out every day since Saturday except Sunday. I have cut my excuses and figure that 25 minutes a day won’t kill me. IT may make my arms and legs feel like jello with weights attached to them.

I have found that my overweight body can’t do all the hops and the down to the floor move with one arm up in the air just may not be in my future. I instead of the past don’t fast forward threw these parts I do an exercise that I can manage at this time.

So I’m surviving my first week of exercise, I haven’t passed out yet and I am walking slow but still moving. Let’s see if I’m still moving next week!

The Best Question ever Asked …

2012-01-25T02:00:00.000-08:00

We’ve started a new search at church, ok for you non church people don’t run away =D. I think this is a “PRACTICAL” idea you can input into your life. Almost like a resolution but I really think it is so much more than that.

The Question:

“In light of my Past, my Present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do”

At first I was like oh boy this is another resolution I won’t follow threw with. But then I sat on it and really started thinking. Our pastor gave us 4 Areas to look into our life.

Physical
Relational
Spiritual
Professional/Education

So of course I look at my Physical which I know hinders my Relationship. When I feel frumpy, well you know the rest. So on to bettering myself. I feel this is so much better then a resolution. I put my butt (literally) into gear. I broke out my Shred it Video by Jillian Micheals and my Kettlebell and here we are today will day #4 of the work out and let me tell you my legs are like jello and my arms feel like I’m an ape and they are hanging down and no way are they coming above my head!

Some other things with this lesson I think also can be PRACTICAL in every day life are:

There is cumulative VALUE to INVESTING small amounts of time in certain activities over a LONG period of time.

My Goal: working out a few minutes per week! Also spending special time with the boys (playing Wii Games, instead of sitting on my arse). And praying nightly with boys.

There are rarely any IMMEDIATE consequences for NEGLECTING single installments of time in any AREA of life.

YES it won’t hurt if I miss one day of the above Goal, but it becomes easier and easier if I “SKIP just this one day”

NEGLECT has a cumulative EFFECT.

My Goal: There will be no weight loss, special time or night time rituals if I NEGLECT these items!

There is no cumulative VALUE to the URGENT things that we allow to interfere with the IMPORTANT things.

My Goal: NOT allow myself to say I just need to check facebook or make this call etc instead of doing what is important to my health which is the working out!

Last on my list is I NEED to get insurance for myself. When Rick changed to current job the insurance went from being affordable to no way jose! I think I found a place that I can get me and the boys for $150 a month. NOW to find the extra money and I can do this! I MUST go to the doctor I have been off my Thyroid Medicine for a LONG time which is NOT good and I know is effecting my health and with my motivation. Thyroid controls so much in your body including your weight and energy.

Thank you Google Images for the picture above.

Twist on Meatloaf & Potato

2012-01-24T02:00:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday due to the snow our Tuesday night dinner friends didn’t make it but I still made up our dinner that was planned. It was actually good it was just us due to the boys liked this meal so much they ate it all! Cole told me I was the best cook and I need to be on one of the cooking shows I watch … ahh! Than Caden told me I was a “Cool as Grave Digger” we recently went to Monster Jam …. LOL. Thank you again to Pinterest you make my meal planning easy!! When growing up Meatloaf & twiced baked potatoes where something my mom would make all the time. I love to bring things from my childhood but with out all the calories. Here are some great twist of family favorites that won’t bust your pants.

I made the meatloaf with ground turkey due to that was on sale the other day and I stocked up! I found this Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf and I think I may have to make it again soon!

“This is my entry to the Hotpoint family baking competition”

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

Meatloaf, Low Calorie, Ground Turkey

See Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf on Key Ingredient.

And of of course a side, I loved this one the boys were so so on it. These Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes were easy to make (I did them first in the microwave). The recipe called for baco bites but I did up some turkey bacon!

Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes (WW 3pts)

PER SERVING: 194 calories; 1.5g fat; 5g protein; 17g carbohydrates; 2g fiber

See Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes (WW 3pts) on Key Ingredient.

What is on your menu tonight? Thank you Pinterest we have Kalyn's Stuffed Cabbage Casserole on our menu for the night.

Is it really Monday?

2012-01-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

I think I lost a week there? Oh wait I did a week of my sanity with the snow and the kids being home all week long! Between snow and kids I think I was going looney. Rick had Wednesday and Thursday off but I lost my cooking mojo most of the week. I did make up this Taco Casserole I first pinned on my Pinterest board. It was a super easy and yummy weight watcher meal.

Taco Casserole (WW 6pts)

Dinner, Casserole, Taco, Weight Watcher, 6 points

See Taco Casserole (WW 6pts) on Key Ingredient.

What is on your menu tonight? On our meal plan is Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Snowed in & Watching Movies

2012-01-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang it’s no longer snowing “thank God” but we had ice rain all day yesterday and a lovely chill keeping the snow on the ground. We are now on day FIVE of no school! I think I may loose the little marbles I have left. Thankfully Rick was scheduled to have Wednesday and Thursday off already so he hung with the kids those days. Today I’m on my own! Which if I didn’t have to work would be fine, but working from home doing calls with the boys is always fun!

The boys had fun in the snow and here is their “Snow Cone” Snowman … TeeHee!

We have thankfully also had our power the whole time “knock on wood” some of my friends are going on a few days with none. Which means mom can watch moves! Here are a few ones you must see :

I’ve be waiting for this movie to hit DVD and it came on when we had a Star’s free preview weekend. It’s another great faith based movie that even Rick liked (probably because it had police officers in it). The Grace Card is a must to see, it will make you cry but it really gives you a calm.

This movie Field of Vision was on LMN and it was a must see also, it had some great Christian music in it but I don’t think it was a faith based movie. It really was a great movie that showed bullying in high school, there were a few cheesy parts but I loved it.

Sexting in Suburbia was another great movie that sadly showed how bullying is in our schools and what it can do to those around us and sadly what it does to our youth.

Walking the Halls is another movie about what happens in to kids in high school that parents kind of loose them. It was a sad movie with the drama of a lifetime movie.

There you have it, it’s cold and mom is trying to get over a cold and watching movies! Hope you’re all staying warm!

Tooth was Pulled & Tears were Shed!

2012-01-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

It’s taken me a bit to write this, due to it was such an experience that really rocked this poor mama and little boy. Last Friday we headed to the dentist, due to loss of insurance I took Caden to a clinic I could pay cash and make payment to. It is a “kids” clinic, so I figured it was the best place since they deal with just kids.

We got there they took us back a sweet young lady I think doing her residence put Caden in the chair put some cool sunglasses on and the gas mask on him. Caden kept breathing threw his mouth so of course wasn’t getting the juice. Then the doc came in tried to cover his mouth so he’d breath threw his nose but not really much luck. She then put some numbing gel on his tooth, but didn’t wait for it to kick in and went right in with the needle. That is when the apt went down hill. The 8 shots sent Caden into a meltdown of screaming that they were hurting him and he wanted me. At first they kept telling me to sit down they didn’t want me near him. But I couldn’t take it anymore and went to be with him. He was trying to crawl out of the chair. Then she went to try to remove it. That of course didn’t go over well more screaming and “leave me alones”. I tried to comfort him. Then came in assistant #2 who decided that this was the perfect time to come in and say “Ok Caden, this is enough” in her lovely stern voice! As some of you know we have someone in our life that says this same thing to Caden all the time while Cole can get away with murder … I digress … ugh!

2nd time they had me lay down on his legs while I’m in tears and Caden was in tears they were able to grab the tooth and remove it! My parents picked Cole up and offered for him to stay the night. Caden and I hit home with the ice cream he was allowed for dinner and I took some Nyquil and early to bed we went. Cole then decided he wanted to be a turd and didn’t want to go to sleep. I was knocked out, Rick at work so when they called to bring him home no answers. They brought him home, poor thing only stays there around 1 or 2 times a year so when it was time to go to bed he of course was not happy and wanted to come home. UGH What a freaking day! THEN the next day I took boys to Lowe’s kid clinic that I signed up 3 weeks a head of time for. But of course my gas light came on so I stopped to get gas got to the clinic at 10:18 to find at 10:15 they gave away one of my kits to some SMUCK who didn’t pre-register and just showed up! YUP that was my weekend. Head cold finally going away, Caden doing much better now to get over the snow … lol!

Snow Snow Oh How Pretty .. But Please Can you Go Away!

2012-01-18T05:30:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah they predicted 8 to 10 inches of snow and I think we are there or are very close to it! We live in Washington snow is not something we usually get a lot of. Rain now on the other hand, which is cool with me. But Snow can really throw a wrench into my day. Now Snow is great the kids can play and have fun and when I work OUTSIDE the home it was great. I could call into work due to not being able to drive there and just hang with the kids. Since my office is located in my house that leaves me with no excuse for not going to work. SO we are on DAY 3!!! of kids home. The kids go play for a while but come right back in and it’s all day long of “he touched me”.

THANK God Rick has the day off today so he can help out or you may all be seeing me in a looney bin! Wish me luck and that the snow goes to higher ground where people love it and I can look at it from the distance … lol!

We Interrupt Your Regular Programing …

2012-01-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

The Pacific North West has been hit by snow, thankfully yesterday was a Holiday so it didn’t mess up school but today we have been hit again. It’s coming down like crazy, I swear it looks like a blizzard outside. So a quick post today but of course I leave you with a recipe to keep your belly warm! The boys of course are loving this, and mom is just trying to stay sane with boys in the house.

And for something to warm you up from the cold, well it’s served cold but when I was young mom would always serve it warm . I found an amazing recipe for Refreshing Apple Tapioca Pudding.

Refreshing Apple Tapioca Pudding

Calories 212.6 Total Fat 4.5 g Sodium 121.8 mg Total Carbohydrate 40.2 g Dietary Fiber 0.8 g Protein 4.1 g

See Refreshing Apple Tapioca Pudding on Key Ingredient.

What is on your menu tonight? Are you getting snow?

Tuesday Friends with Full Bellies

2012-01-16T02:00:00.000-08:00

Last week was a Mexican meal week, I didn’t realize that while I was making my meal plan for the week. This was super yummy and I can’t believe how easy! This Bubble-Up Enchiladas were a hit even my friends son that is a picky eater.

Bubble-Up Enchiladas (WW 6pts)

Nutrition Info: Calories 390 | Fat 11.5g | Carbohydrate 36g | Fiber 2g | Protein 33g Serves 6

See Bubble-Up Enchiladas (WW 6pts) on Key Ingredient.

Then for dessert I made a Apple Oatmeal Crisp, that was easy and way to yummy!

Apple Oatmeal Crisp

Dessert, Apple, Crisp, Rolled Oats

See Apple Oatmeal Crisp on Key Ingredient.

So what is on your menu tonight?

We literally are Pulling Teeth :(

2012-01-13T02:00:00.000-08:00

Pulling teeth is one of my favorite go to frazes when I call people for work and I’m trying to confirm and gather their information. But today is a different type of pulling teeth. 2 weeks ago Caden couldn’t sleep and was complaining about his mouth. Being the Amazing Super Mom that I am just thought he was being the little drama queen he always is. Then when we didn’t sleep at all one wink I looked in his mouth to find that he back molar was cracked … UGH.

Called a local dentist to see if we could get him in. When Rick changed jobs we lost our insurance so it was all out of pocket, thankfully this place let’s you make payments! So we went in for a quick x-ray and a prescription for an antibiotic. Along with an appointment to come back in two weeks for an extraction. YUP not looking forward to that bill! So today is the day for the extraction. Caden is very scared and mama is too. Wish us luck tomorrow!

He was all happy last time, plus got to play brothers DS!

Of Course when dentist came in it was all tears .

Happy Friday the 13th Everyone! Stay away from black cats & walking under ladders. I think I have had my far share of good and bad luck, I’ll be trying to find me a four leaf clover .. lol.

Look My New Work Clothes Arrived!!!

2012-01-12T02:00:00.000-08:00

Rick was so sweet and bought me a new outfit for my work day, but sadly it was a size too big. You should have seen his face when I put it on and you really could fit two of me in there, now if it was my regular size and that happened I’d be happy but come to find out it was just the wrong size. So back it went and last night my right one came and this one was roomy too but not too bad.

Here is my new Work Day Outfit:

Aren’t they cute?? Oh yes they are pink, soft and have cupcakes all over them!! What I work from home! At least it matches and doesn’t have stains! lol Happy Thursday only 2 more work days for me! Yeah!!

Sticking to a Resolution

2012-01-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

Well I gave up with resolutions I don’t seem to follow threw with some things. So why not something I NEED to do and won’t end up with me in tears laying on the bed trying to pull on a pair of pants … well I digress!

I tackled my spice rack that drives me insane. The more cooking I do the more I rely on my spices. Every day I’m pulling down all these bottles to get just the right spice and of course each time it’s in the back! I saw some great ideas on Pinterest but my cupboards are older and I couldn’t do the cool idea with the magnet paint and hang the spices on the door. So I went on a search of what I can do!

I then hit my favorite store Winco with their amazing bulk section they have great spice bottles for like 79 cents! I then had Rick’s label gun and went to town transferring my spices to the new bottles and labeling them. I then went OCD and put them in alphabetic order and put them in my new Christmas Present to myself the Swivel Store Spice Rack at Bed Bath & Beyond for $19.99 and used my 20% off coupon!! I need to go back for one more rack, I’m just waiting for my next coupon to come in the mail. I want to do all my baking stuff like the sugars and other decorating items I have.

Check out my mess to HEAVEN!

My year is getting off to a good start! Now to tackle my spare room and get it ready for the boys to have separate rooms!! Do you have a practical new years resolution?

Light Dish for us & Sweets for the Girls

2012-01-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

Last night I made a yummy dish for the boys (their favorite Mexican) and then I had my women’s group at church and I wasn’t sure someone was signed up for snacks so I whipped up a little something.

I started a new board in Pinterest for my Weekly Meal Plan Menu. I found this Crockpot Chicken Bake. I was late getting my meal together so I baked the chicken in the oven, shredded it and then put the recipe together but then put it in the oven.

Chicken Bake (WW 8pts)

Dinner, Weight Watcher, 8 points, Greek Yogurt, Chicken

See Chicken Bake (WW 8pts) on Key Ingredient.

Then when I was getting the kids ready to go to church for my women’s group. We haven’t meet with the holidays for a few weeks so I thought why not bring something since I didn’t think anyone was signed up for snacks. So I was trying to find something healthy but then I entered what I had in the pantry and out popped a yummy but not healthy treat … lol! I found Anne Burrell’s Oatmeal Cream Cheese Butterscotch Bars but I didn’t have the butterscotch chips like I thought so I threw in milk chocolate & white chocolate!

Oatmeal Cream Cheese Bars

Dessert, Anne Burrell, Food Network, Rolled Oats, Cream Cheese, neufchatel cheese, Bars

See Oatmeal Cream Cheese Bars on Key Ingredient.

Tonight is Tuesday Dinner friends on our menu is Bubble Up Enchiladas. What is our your menu for tonight?

Keeping it Warm

2012-01-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

It’s chili time around here again! The boys LOVE chili, if Cole could have his way we’d eat it EVERY day! I try to find a new recipe to make every few weeks. I found this recipe on Nutmeg Notebook, which a great site with Weight Watcher points!

Slow Cooker Beef & Bean Chili (WW 5pts)

For Chili not including optional serving ideas or toppings. Per Serving: 213 Calories; 5g Fat (19.1% calories from fat); 16g Protein; 29g Carbohydrate; 10g Dietary Fiber; 24mg Cholesterol Old WWP 4 / New <span ...

See Slow Cooker Beef & Bean Chili (WW 5pts) on Key Ingredient.

Enjoy, hope this warms your belly like it did ours . On our meal plan for tonight is Crockpot Chicken Bake on my Pinterest Board (No More Fluffy Girl Meals).

What is on your menu tonight?

A Sad Good-Bye

2012-01-06T02:00:00.000-08:00

As many of you know we got a puppy last Christmas for the boys. Cole named him Jake. He was such a sweet pup and the two of got along great. I get up around 5:30am and he would hang and sit with me while I worked. Then I would get Cole up around 7:30am. In his cage he would go since he was a little hyper still and would knock the boys over. Poor Caden was so scared of him. We hoped it would get better but a year later no go and poor Jake spent most of his time in the cage our outside barking and annoying the neighbors … UGH.

I finally had to put him up for sale . I felt bad that he would spend his day in a cage due to Caden home and the tears that Jake was scaring him. A very nice lady with her daughter (who was visiting from college) came to meet Jake. Earlier that day Jake had jumped and accidently scratched his face and was having a melt down for HOURS over it hurting … UGH. He got himself so worked up he got a fever and couldn’t stop crying. But it was good since Jake was very attached to me for me not to be there when he meet his new mommy. I was sad to see him go, Cole was a little bit.

I’m sorry Jake I really wish this worked out, but I’m glad we found you a new loving home.

Feeding the Troops

2012-01-05T02:00:00.000-08:00

For Christmas I used my bonus to buy Rick a new garage door with an opener. Tonight he had some buddies come over to help him install and my Tuesday night dinner friend came over tonight instead of last night so I switched my meal plan up at the last minute. I was pretty darn excited with what I came up with.

First off I saw this on my new obsession Pinterest and found a recipe for Cheesy Artichoke Bread.

Cheesy Artichoke Bread

Bread, French Bread, Cheesy Bread

See Cheesy Artichoke Bread on Key Ingredient.

Then I saw this Scooters Spaghetti that looked easy to do and how can I go wrong with friend onions on top?

Scooter’s Spaghetti

Dinner, Spaghetti, Beef, Casserole

See Scooter’s Spaghetti on Key Ingredient.

And I had a bag of cranberries that I had to use up so my friend Google lead me to Apple-Cranberry crisp.

Apple-Cranberry Crisp

Dessert, Crisp, Apple, Cranberry

See Apple-Cranberry Crisp on Key Ingredient.

In a way I can’t wait for next week then I might be back on track. For now some more recipes . Hope you might enjoy one of them!

Anything special on your menu tonight?

Another Belly Filling Dinner

2012-01-04T02:00:00.000-08:00

I love Pork Chops and Apple sauce (yes the Brady Bunch show comes to mind when I say that … if you don’t know what I’m talking about you so need to youtube it).

I started with the Crock Pot Applesauce that was so simple to make from Skinnytaste.com.

Crockpot Apple Sauce (WW 1pt)

Servings: 12 • Size: 1/4 cup • Old Points: 1 pts • Points+: 1 pts Calories: 65.9 • Fat: 0.2 g • Protein: 0.2 g • Carb: 17.5 g • Fiber: 2.8 g • Sugar: 12 Sodium: 0.6 mg

See Crockpot Apple Sauce (WW 1pt) on Key Ingredient.

Then I went to the recipe that lead me to the applesauce, the Pork Chops and Applesauce. The pork was the best I’ve had in a long time.

Pork Chops and Applesauce (WW 4pts)

Servings: 4 • Size: 1 chop, 2 tbsp applesauce • Old Points: 4 pts • Points+: 4 pts Calories: 180 • Fat: 8.2 g • Protein: 20.3 g • Carb: 4.8 g • Fiber: 0.3 g • Sugar: 1.5 Sodium: 29.3 mg

See Pork Chops and Applesauce (WW 4pts) on Key Ingredient.

I’ve been hearing about using cauliflower for a mash potato substitute. So I went to Spark Recipes for Mashed Cauliflower with Beans. I think I was the only one who enjoyed this one.

Mashed Cauliflower with Beans (WW 8pts)

Servings Per Recipe: 3 Amount Per Serving Calories: 323.8 Total Fat: 5.5 g Cholesterol: 0.0 mg Sodium: 43.4 mg Total Carbs: 53.7 g Dietary Fiber: 15.0 g Protein: 18.3 g

See Mashed Cauliflower with Beans (WW 8pts) on Key Ingredient.

Happy Wednesday everyone, I’m still all out of whack with the holidays etc and can’t believe it’s Wednesday but happy for a good week to come!

So what is on your menu for tonight?

Ringing in the New Year in Style!

2012-01-03T02:00:00.000-08:00

Well Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012 and we can say we’re going to do a lot of things but right now I’ve decided to just do one day at a time and be better then I was before! Well it’s what I’m going with right now, stop giggling and just let me live in a little bliss for today .. hehe!

My friend had us over to her house for a little get together for the count down and I made a few things to share. I can never go to a party empty handed.

I took this Apple Pie Cucake and tweaked it a bit to include Sparkling Apple Cider. I thought it was perfect for the new year!

Sparkling Apple Cider Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes

I adapted this recipe to include Sparkling Apple Cider for our New Years Eve Party

See Sparkling Apple Cider Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes on Key Ingredient.

Then I had to make some dips. The first dip was a Weight Watcher Feta & Spinach Dip.

Feta and Spinach Dip (WW 2pts)

Snack, Spinach, Feta, Weight Watcher, 2 points

See Feta and Spinach Dip (WW 2pts) on Key Ingredient.

And the hit of the party was the Weight Watcher Hot Artichoke Dip.

Hot Artichoke Dip (WW 2pts)

Calories:98 (37% from fat)Fat:4g (sat 2.2g,mono 0.9g,poly 0.1g) Protein:5.8g Carbohydrate:10.3g Fiber:2.4g Cholesterol:9mgIron:0.5mg Sodium:488mg Calcium:108mg

See Hot Artichoke Dip (WW 2pts) on Key Ingredient.

Happy New Year! Hope you all had a wonderful year and many more blessings to come this new year! What did you do for the New Year? Did you make anything yummy?

Christmas Break so Far …

2011-12-30T02:00:00.000-08:00

It has been a very busy time around here as I’m sure it is at your house too! This has been a pack it in Christmas Break at our house. Here’s a little look at what we have been up to!

Santa came to Rick’s work so we stopped by to say hi!

Cole’s school put on a beautiful Christmas program!

Christmas Eve we stopped by my parents house to exchange gift since they were spending Christmas elsewhere. The boys loved their new legos and a Telescope for Cole.

Christmas Eve night the boys opened their one present the new PJ’s.

Rick worked Christmas Eve at the Football game and came home in time to take the boys and me to Fantasay Lights. Who knew Christmas Eve would be so crowded! It took us a 1/2 hour to get in and then we took about a 1/2 to drive around. The person behind us was riding our behind to go forward faster. I say if I spend this much I’m taking my time .

Christmas Morning was an explosion of paper and gifts. You can see my feet with the coffee to prove I was there since I was picture taker … lol.

Christmas night we bundled up the boys and hit the zoo for Zoolights!

Cole’s school bought a few rows at the Thunderbirds Hockey game so we took the boys! Since Rick works security there his boss grabbed the boys and took them to the front to shake hands with the players.

Wowzer and we still have a few more days until peace comes back to my house. How I can’t wait for school to begin soon .

What are your plans this weekend?

Humble Pie Serving Up a Slice for me …

2011-12-29T02:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a little smack is what we need … lol. When Christmas approached I complained about a not so full card tree … and guess what I have here after Christmas with a full Card Tree!

It’s funny how we can sometimes loose what Christmas is all about and get wrapped up in that. I saw myself the day before in a mood due to a present saying it was delivered but no where to be found and just in a pissy mood over spending the holidays with people etc. I found myself in a being a moody turd … even posted a snippy comment on FB. A friend called me and I saw myself threw the looking glass. Yup God sure has a way of sending us that humble card when we get too big for our britches.

Thank you all for the beautiful Cards that have loaded my tree and sometimes fall to the floor with the weight . Just what I needed, thank you again. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and enjoyed it with family and the true meaning.

As I’m typing this up I was watching Soul Suffer and just at the right moment she said people say the Lord works in mysterious ways, and she thinks that is understatement. I must say I agree! Many Blessings!

Soup and a Side (not your normal side)

2011-12-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

Some comfort foods to help keep us warm and full bellied here! I’ve been waiting to try this soup and I finally did. The boys kind of liked it (more the rice then anything). I really enjoyed it but that is me … lol. From my favorite site Skinnytaste.com comes this Stuffed Pepper Soup.

Stuffed Pepper Soup (WW 7pts)

Servings: 6 • Size: 1 1/3 cups soup, 1/2 cup rice • Old Points: 5 pts • Points+: 7 pts Calories: 261.2 • Fat: 4.8 g • Carb: 37.5 g • Fiber: 4.7 g • Protein: 17.6 g • Sugar: 6 g Sodium: 606.3 g (without salt)

See Stuffed Pepper Soup (WW 7pts) on Key Ingredient.

And a healthier side that was super easy and so yummy I could eat for dinner anytime! Again from Skinnytaste.com comes this Turkey Stuffed Zucchini.

Turkey Stuffed Zucchini (WW 5pts)

Servings: 4 • Serving Size: 2 halves • Old Points: 4 pts • Points+: 5 pts Calories: 214.8 • Fat: 4.6 g • Protein: 31.6 g • Carb:11.0 g • Fiber: 2.9 g

See Turkey Stuffed Zucchini (WW 5pts) on Key Ingredient.

Enjoy these made for a nice dinner here! It’s been a rough time with everything going on to make a good meal instead of take out. I’m hoping to get us on the bandwagon today. Porcupine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (2 Points) I believe is on my to do!

So what is on your menu for tonight?

Cookies & a Tray for the neighbor

2011-12-27T02:00:00.000-08:00

My dear neighbor asked if I could make some cookies for her family cookie exchange. She loved the Snickerdoodles crème’s I made before and wanted them. Instead of making the ones I made last time with the betty crocker mix. This time I made Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles first.

Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles

Cookies, Snickerdoodles, Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles

See Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles on Key Ingredient.

Then I found this Quick Vanilla Buttercream frosting on the food network that worked perfect for my center!

Quick Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (Food Network)

Dessert, Frosting, Buttercream, Food Network

See Quick Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (Food Network) on Key Ingredient.

Then I assembled them! 8 Dozen cookies made for 4 dozen whoopie pies. I used the poor man pipping bag, AKA ziplock bag with the corner cut off.

Snickerdoodle Whoopie Pies

Whoopie Pie, Snickerdoodle

See Snickerdoodle Whoopie Pies on Key Ingredient.

Then I found this on Pinterest to do a peppermint Candy tray. I took the green ones and shaped a cross. At first I started with a small pan and had to go to the big one! NOW be very careful it will break as you can see in my picture below!

Peppermint Candy Tray

A fun way to spice up your holiday treats

See Peppermint Candy Tray on Key Ingredient.

So there you have it some simple fun things to make! Sorry I skipped yesterday was running around delivering cookies .

Caught Santa Video Giveaway (First Five win)

2011-12-24T09:39:00.001-08:00

One of my fondest memories of Christmas is waiting up for Santa, but of course I would always pass out before he came. I would wake up to find presents left for me. Wouldn’t it be great to catch Santa? I just watched a movie last night about a girl that did just that. Well instead of making a contraption to tie up Santa why not take a video? Would your kids LOVE to see Santa filling their stockings? A video of Santa in YOUR living room is easy to do! And guess what for the first FIVE people who reply to this post will do just that!

The Santa Video gives you a gallery of different options to choose from to please every little boy and girl!

For you who are not lucky enough to win these first five spots don’t worry you can head to their site or their Facebook page.

Now all you need is:

Upload your picture (Supported Image Formats: .gif .png .jpg .jpeg, Image must be taken Landscape Style (lengthwise) Upload File Size Limit = 10mb)
Choose a Video (Collection of Scenarios)
Add a Song (handful of classics)
Finish and Share!

Super easy I promise, it took me around 5 minutes to do (and that was only because the boys kept walking in and out and mom had to switch screens quickly)!! For $14.95 you will have a memory that will last a lifetime! I can’t wait for my boys to see this! Merry Christmas All and to All a good Night (sorry just had to say it!)

Thank you The Santa Video for a memory my boys will be talking about for years!

Now first five here is your chance, come over and leave a comment on what song you would choose:

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies
Jesus, Joy of Man Desiring
Jingle Bells
Oh, Little town of Bethlehem
Silent Night

Christmas 2011 Gift Jars

2011-12-22T22:00:00.001-08:00

Finally I got my gift jars photos together to post them. I found these really cute jars at the dollar store that I used instead of the mason jar’s I usually do. First off I made an Oatmeal Craisin Gift Jar.

Oatmeal Craisin Cookie Gift Jar

Cookies, Oatmeal, Craisin, Gift Jar,

See Oatmeal Craisin Cookie Gift Jar on Key Ingredient.

Next on the list was a silk Hot Cocoa Gift Mix, I didn’t have the chocolate jello so I used the jello mousse caramel flavor, figured that would be nice touch!

Then for the coffee & hot cocoa lover. I made this Spicy Mocha Mix.

Spicy Mocha Mix Gift Jar

Spicy Mocha Mix, Gift Jar, Mocha

See Spicy Mocha Mix Gift Jar on Key Ingredient.

Then I found these peppermint mallows that worked prefect for this Peppermint Dark Hot Chocolate Mix.

Peppermint Dark Hot Chocolate Mix Gift Jar

Peppermint, Hot Chocolate, Gift Jar

See Peppermint Dark Hot Chocolate Mix Gift Jar on Key Ingredient.

So there you have this years gift jars! I think I’m done, maybe few little treats for my church friends.

Hope you all have a wonderful day! I’m going to put up a giveaway tomorrow for icaughtsanta pictures!

Easy Fudge & Caramels

2011-12-22T22:00:00.000-08:00

First off on the list of goodies made are some super easy ones that ALL could be made in the microwave! Yes it was a easy type of goodie year!

I had 3 good ones and ONE epic fail .. Yes I took a picture of the fail.

This was a very easy and yummy recipe done in the crockpot! This skinny Holiday Fudge is a must!

Crockpot Skinny Holiday Fudge (WW 3pts)

Nutritional Content 1 serving = 1 piece of fudge Calories: 114 g Total Fat: 8 g Saturated Fat: 5 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 21 mg Carbohydrates: 13 g Sugars: 10 g Dietary Fiber: 1 g Protein: 1 g

See Crockpot Skinny Holiday Fudge (WW 3pts) on Key Ingredient.

I made this last year and it was so easy I had to make it again. This Homemade Microwave Caramel is simple and so tasty!

Homemade Microwave Caramels

Dessert, Caramel, Microwave, Watkins

See Homemade Microwave Caramels on Key Ingredient.

And then I found microwave Peanut Butter Fudge and found a new favorite!

Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

Dessert, Peanut Butter, Microwave, Fudge

See Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge on Key Ingredient.

And the epic fail … I thought it was going to turn out I was so excited it tasted so yummy but all I got was goo! Yup it happens and I must post. Sadly this Microwave Pumpkin Fudge didn’t turn out and the worst part is I doubled it so I would have enough.

Next up is the gift jars I made!

Have a S’Moretstastic Day

2011-12-21T02:00:00.000-08:00

Yet again it has been crazy around here I can barely breath or sit down just for myself. I do have my gift jars up but haven’t had a chance to download the photos and put them together. So we go to something fun I did. My friend Debby posted about making this little s’more bags and told me it was on her pinterest site. So I hoped over there and found them and thought what a fun project to do with the kids. I even found one to make for Cole’s teacher!

I found this easy S’more Teacher Appreciation gift to make for Cole’s teacher. A free printable label is there also!

S'More Teacher Appreciation Gift

Dessert, S'More, Teacher Gift

See S'More Teacher Appreciation Gift on Key Ingredient.

Then I made this S’more gift for our friends, it has the link for a free printable also.

S'Moretastic Gift Bag

Dessert, S'More, Gift Bag, Holiday Gift

See S'Moretastic Gift Bag on Key Ingredient.

Crazy times here we don’t have anything go on tonight so I hope to clean up hurricane Alexis in the kitchen. And maybe lay down I now have a stupid headcold again! UGH

So what are your plans tonight? And more special treats to make?

Cut out Cookie Time

2011-12-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

I signed up to make cookies for Cole’s classroom, of course it was the same night as our Christmas party for my women’s church group. I made the treats for the Christmas party and a potato soup for the potluck and then ran home to make cookies. It turned into 4 dozen … lol. Cole had a ton of fun rolling these out and cutting them all out. I let him choose what cookie cutters and do everything except pull them out of the oven. He loved being able to do the whole thing himself. I did make up my gift jar’s hopefully put those up tomorrow. Now to make it to the post office, maybe sometime today … lol.

The recipe calls for drop cookies, but we rolled out. I did make mine on the thick side. I found the recipe here.

Soft Sugar Cookies

These weren’t for rolling out but I did so my son could cut them out in shapes for his classmates.

See Soft Sugar Cookies on Key Ingredient.

Enjoy, this was one of my favorite cookies to make and super easy! We didn’t frost since the kids were going to do this in their class today.

Do you have any cookies that you’ll be making this week?

Ham & Brownies what could be better?

2011-12-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

Our Tuesday dinner friends came over and I whipped this dinner up! This was a easy casserole that was suppose to be done in the crockpot but I threw it all together and in the oven and the muffins were super easy!

First we started out with a Creamy Ham And Broccoli Casserole, that was a hit even if my rice was a little mushy … lol.

Creamy Ham And Broccoli Casserole

Dinner, Ham, Rice, Cheese

See Creamy Ham And Broccoli Casserole on Key Ingredient.

Then we ended with a super easy Yum Yum Brownie Muffins that is made up of TWO yes 2 ingredients. Now I read the boards and a lot of people thought the points weren’t correct on this recipe but if you only use the 2 ingredients than it is true! If you add the eggs and oil the box calls for then YES it would change the points but you don’t need that extra stuff.

Yum Yum Brownie Muffins (WW 5pts)

1 Muffin, or 3 minis – 181 calories, 3.5g fat, 37g carbs, 2g fiber, 2g protein — PointsPlus® value 5*

See Yum Yum Brownie Muffins (WW 5pts) on Key Ingredient.

I hope to have some yummy Christmas Fudges done to post tomorrow. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Are you ready for Christmas? What’s on the menu tonight?

Christmas Movie Time!

2011-12-16T02:00:00.000-08:00

As most of you that have been friends with me for a while know that I LOVE Christmas Movies. This is my favorite time of year and my DVR gets a work out! Hallmark has the best but so does Lifetime. Here is the list of ones that I’ve watched this year and thought I’d give you a heads up so you can catch them too. Most of these are new to this year, I did have one that is older that I just caught. The only movies that I will watch more then once are classics like it’s a Wonderful Life. Hope you find one you may like, click on the name to find out more about the movie.

Looking for a good romance and heart warming story:

A Princess for Christmas

This is the movie I caught that is a little older.

A Christmas Wedding

I love Jennie Garth since 90210. Cute movie with talking dogs

A Christmas Wedding Tail

Mitch Albom’s books make me cry and so do the movies. This is a MUST to see.

Mitch Albom's Have a Little Faith

We’ve seen this theme before but still a cute movie

Holiday Engagement

Now I’m not a BIG fan of Elizabeth Berkley (loved her in saved by the bell, but then that movie killed it for me). This movie did help my love for her again.

Lucky Christmas

What a cute movie that gives you a warm feeling about Christmas Spirit.

Mistletoe Over Manhattan

Take on a classic with a new twist

The Case for Christmas

This was such a cute movie, I’ve seen one like it before but still worth the time to watch.

The Christmas Pageant

And the last for today turned out to be one of my favorites! I saw a movie last year about trading houses for vacation and this was better! You know my love of Debbie Macomber’s is one of my favorite authors.

Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone and I hope you have find one you like.

Look for a little Crème? How about Cookie style!

2011-12-15T02:00:00.000-08:00

I wanted to make something nice for the ladies at my women’s church group and ran across this recipe. Around this time of year I always stock up on Betty Crocker Cookie mixes since they have box tops and they are great starters for cookie recipes. This Snickerdoodle Crème Cookies turned out great, I switched out the cream to Wilton’s Buttercream Icing.

Snickerdoodle Crème Cookies

Cookies, Buttercream, Sugar cookies, Snickerdoodle, Sugar cookie Mix

See Snickerdoodle Crème Cookies on Key Ingredient.

Wilton Buttercream Icing

Frosting, Wilton, Buttercream Frosting

See Wilton Buttercream Icing on Key Ingredient.

Then Cole’s was in the Children’s play at church so I thought I would whip up a Pumpkin version using the Betty Crocker Pumpkin Spice Cookie Mix. Well I got the cookie made but then found out the kids needed to be there early for rehearsal so they went in the fridge and now will be passed out to neighbors . I used the Very “Butter” Cream Frosting that I made a while back that pared perfect!

Pumpkin Spice Crème Cookies

I loved the sickerdoodles version I made the other day so I thought why not make Pumpkin Spice.

See Pumpkin Spice Crème Cookies on Key Ingredient.

Now on to more cookie making this week, must get all my homemade gifts out the door this weekend!

Have you done any baking? Do you make cookies for friends/family?

Ba Hum Bug … Christmas Cards

2011-12-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

Do you do Christmas Cards? I remember being young and loving to go the mailbox to around this season to see what cards came in. Even better was when I moved out and getting a card in the mail was fantastic .. heck it wasn’t a bill who wouldn’t be thrilled. Then the older the I get less cards I get … bummer!!! Last year I told Rick ok I won’t mail to anyone who didn’t mail one back.

Well then came this year and what did I do I bought 80 photo cards, then bought my stamps. Yes it came close to $100 but it brings me joy! Then the wait each day the boys and I go to the box to see what cards we get, I’ve gotten Cole now all hyped about cards. And sadly we go each day and no cards. My sad little Christmas card holder is looking a little sad. Cole even added one of our Christmas Cards, a thank you card from his classmates birthday gift and one of my friend accidently sent us two. So we added some filler … lol

So do you send Cards? Do you send a card if you get one? Yes I will send one out if I receive one from someone who wasn’t on my original list.

My Card Tree with out filler

hehe looks a little better with filler

Merry Christmas even if I don’t get a card from you . Just joking!

Soup and Other yummies remade!

2011-12-13T02:00:00.000-08:00

It’s getting colder here and since mom is cheap and won’t turn up the heat we have to have warm meals to keep our bellies warm. Now I’m just joking but it sure is nice to have something warm in your belly!

Now the boys loved this Cream of Broccoli soup, it wasn’t one of my favorites. It needed little something for me, like tons of cheese but of course I was a good girl and didn’t put it in there … lol.

Cream of Broccoli Soup (WW 3pts)

Soup, Weight Watchers, 3 points, Broccoli

See Cream of Broccoli Soup (WW 3pts) on Key Ingredient.

From our next favorite new site Nutmeg Notebook I found Superfast Salisbury Steak / Weight Watchers PointsPlus 7. Cole and Rick both loved this one and went back for seconds. Mom was good liked it and only had the one .

Superfast Salisbury Steak (WW 7pts)

Per Serving; 255 Calories; 11g Fat; 27g Protein; 12g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 71mg Cholesterol; 577mg Sodium. Old WWP 6 / New WWPP 7

See Superfast Salisbury Steak (WW 7pts) on Key Ingredient.

From my new favorite site Skinny Crock Pot I found this Skinny Fried Chicken. Now I of course was running behind this day so I baked mine but it still was yummy!

Skinny Fried Chicken (WW 7 pts)

Nutritional Content 1 serving = ½ chicken breast filet Calories: 240 Total Fat: 3 g Saturated Fat: 0 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 37 mg Sodium: 84 mg Carbohydrates: 32 g Dietary Fiber: 5 g Sugars: 2 g Protein: 21 g

See Skinny Fried Chicken (WW 7 pts) on Key Ingredient.

So there you have some yummies for your tummy! On our meal plan for tonight is Creamy Ham And Broccoli Casserole.

What is on your menu for tonight?

Where’s the Beef MOM?

2011-12-12T02:00:00.000-08:00

Rick has been complaining we have been having too much chicken and wanted some beef. So I picked up some lean ground beef and away I went!! I pulled out some ground beef and decided I’d make it for tonight’s so I made the dinner and then prepped the next day, now that was a breeze I may have to do that more often!

First on our list was Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis Weight Watchers PointsPlus 7. I found this new website Nutmeg Notebook that is an amazing site with low calorie meals that are to die for and if you’re doing weight watchers she post the points also.

Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis (WW 7pts)

CALORIES 256 ; FAT 11.6g (sat 5.7g,mono 3.9g,poly 0.9g); CHOLESTEROL 112mg; CALCIUM 159mg; CARBOHYDRATE 11.2g; <span ...

See Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis (WW 7pts) on Key Ingredient.

Last on my list was from Skinny Taste which you know I love. She has been reworking some of her recipes for the crockpot! This Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs rocks!!

Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs (WW 5pts)

Servings: 6 • Size: 4 meatballs with sauce • Old Points: 5 pt • Points+: 5 pts Calories: 200.4 • Fat: 8.1 g • Carbs: 12.6 • Fiber: 0.6 • Protein: 17.3 g • Sugar: 4.4 Sodium: 427.5 mg

See Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs (WW 5pts) on Key Ingredient.

So where’s the beef, well right on your plate dear ! Hope you enjoy one of these. On our meal plan for tonight is: Beef and Bean Chili – Slow Cooker Weight Watchers PointsPlus 5

What is on your menu for tonight?

Homemade Ornaments

2011-12-07T22:04:00.001-08:00

We’re onto some fun ornaments to make with the kids.

Now I saw these Candy Cane Reindeer a few years back. An engineer at my old company made them for his friends at work. No sadly I wasn’t one of the lucky ones. Yup not bitter about that or the baby blanket his wife made for the engineers that had new babies but not this assistant .. lol. These are super fun and easy to make with the kids. REALLY you can pick everything up at the dollar store.

Candy Cane Reindeer

A special treat to make for the kids

See Candy Cane Reindeer on Key Ingredient.

I made these Snowmen Handprint Ornament last year and I loved how they turned out that I want to do them every year. This year the kids moved there fingers so my snowmen were a little on the thin and then fluffy side … lol.

Snowmen Handprint Ornament

This is our 2nd year of making these for gifts. It’s a great gift that will be a keepsake to pass down.

See Snowmen Handprint Ornament on Key Ingredient.

And for the last ornament I found this Cinnamon Applesauce Holiday Ornament that were a not as fun as I thought to make … hehe. I’m honest they were kind of a pain. They smelled good and are cute but my applesauce sucked up cinnamon like a sponge. Now the gal I got the recipe from had the whole ornament with glitter. I emailed asking how she got it on, I should have frazed it did you bake it with glitter or after. hehe she sent me and email back with just the word Glue. HEHE she so thought I was dumb. So for you who want to know after they are baked you can glue. I found glitter glue at the dollar store and we bedazzled from there.

Cinnamon Applesauce Holiday Ornament

Something to make your house smell good and something fun for the kids to make.

See Cinnamon Applesauce Holiday Ornament on Key Ingredient.

Wow so there you have it some fun things to do with the kids!

Remember to stop by my Friend Amy and her Round Robin:

Homemade Gifts–Canvas Time

2011-12-07T02:00:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again and I’m making sure I have all the gifts wrapped along with some homemade gifts for the grandparents. Now let’s just hope that this year we won’t get any comments about homemade gifts vs bought gifts … lol.

First off we started with the Keepsake Handprint Christmas Trees with the boys. I found that Caden with the smaller hands turned out the best. I bought 11x14 and I believe she used a larger size which allowed them more room. But it still was super cute, I hope they like them.

Keepsake Handprint Christmas Trees

Great idea for Christmas Gift

See Keepsake Handprint Christmas Trees on Key Ingredient.

Next on the list was the Keepsake Footprint Christmas Trees with the boys. This one Cole’s larger feet turned out the best it filled the canvas the best. I bought 12 x 12 and it was the right size to even add a little note and their names.

Keepsake Footprint Christmas Trees

Another great idea for a Christmas Gift

See Keepsake Footprint Christmas Trees on Key Ingredient.

Hope you like and maybe want to make one for a loved one. Do you make any homemade gifts for Christmas? Do you like Homemade or store bought best?

Remember to stop by my Friend Amy and her Round Robin:

Leftover Turkey & Cupcakes!

2011-12-06T02:00:00.000-08:00

I found this amazing recipe to use the last of my turkey. I used my hard apple cider instead of beer (it’s my special treat every once in a while .. lol). I used Agave instead of honey. Cole liked this so much that he had me put it as his warm up the next day at school. The Turkey Chili with Whole Wheat Orzo is one of the best chili’s I have made.

Turkey Chili with Whole Wheat Orzo

Chili, Turkey, Whole Wheat Orzo, Dinner

See Turkey Chili with Whole Wheat Orzo on Key Ingredient.

This was the best butter cream icing I have ever made, talk about super buttery .

Very "Butter" Cream Frosting

Frosting, Buttercream, Buttercream Frosting, Cupcake

See Very "Butter" Cream Frosting on Key Ingredient.

I took this S’Mores Cupcake recipe and tweaked it since I didn’t have time to make the pretty frosting. Ok the thing is I didn’t have a kitchen torche and Rick’s Man Cave scares me to go out there to get his torch. I did the base the same with the graham cracker & chocolate cake part. Just used a butter cream frosting instead (see above recipe).

Graham Cracker Chocolate Cupcakes

I took a S’More’s cupcake recipe and tweaked it a little bit to come up with this recipe with a very butter cream frosting.

See Graham Cracker Chocolate Cupcakes on Key Ingredient.

Something warm for your tummy and something sweet for your sweet tooth . Do you have something on your menu tonight?

Yummy Side Dishes & a Sandwich!

2011-12-05T02:00:00.000-08:00

It was my turn to make a treat for the girls at my Women’s Group at church. I thought I would try out a few healthier options, and they were a big hit! I also made a really yummy pork sandwich that was also very yummy.

First off I made Pumpkin Pie Dip for the girls to enjoy with some sliced apples. This is one of my favorites.

Pumpkin Pie Dip (WW 3pts)

Servings: 12 • Size: 1/2 cup • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts Calories: 102.9 • Fat: 0.1g • Protein: 1.8 g • Carb: 27.7 g • Fiber: 0.9 g

See Pumpkin Pie Dip (WW 3pts) on Key Ingredient.

Next off was Makeover Spinach Gratin from my favorite site Skinny Taste. Thankfully all the girls love spinach and ate it right up!

Makeover Spinach Gratin (WW 3pts)

Servings: 13 • Serving Size: 1/2 cup • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts Calories: 111.1 • Fat: 5.5 g • Protein: 7.7 g • Carb: 9.2 g • Fiber: 2 g • Sugar: 2.6 g Sodium: 287.1 g

See Makeover Spinach Gratin (WW 3pts) on Key Ingredient.

And for a yummy sandwich that was so tasty! This BBQ Sandwich with Homemade Slaw, which is the first time I’ve ever enjoyed slaw!!

BBQ Pork Sandwich with Homemade Slaw (WW 7pts)

Dinner, Pork Sandwich, Homemade Slaw

See BBQ Pork Sandwich with Homemade Slaw (WW 7pts) on Key Ingredient.

I hope you enjoy and maybe make one to try out, I promise all three where a hit! What’s on your menu tonight?

Christmas Wish List

2011-12-02T02:30:00.000-08:00

I love my hubs but Christmas shopping has not always been a homerun for him. NOW one year I got all new Kitchen Aide cookware, but some years lets just say he may hit Walgreen’s Christmas Eve for some items … We won’t talk about the lady grooming trimmer for my lady parts … lol. TMI moment … Sorry dude the hint was not taken and it was never used hehe.

So I’m making a list to help, Thank you Google Images for my pictures shown below:

Oh how I would love an iPhone

So this is just a WISH it would never come true but you have to have one item on your list totally out there. It’s nice to dream!

I’ve been seeing these cupcake pop pans everyone I need one!

Thank you Debby for the Cupcake PJ idea.

Dessert Bar Pan looked pretty cool

I so want this K-Cup holder

I would love a Silicone Baking Mat

I’m addicted to these silicone reuse coffee cups.

I so need one more, so when the other 2 are dirty I have a spare one!

I want to redo my cabinets and need a place for my spices. Instead of them falling down on me each time I’m trying to find one I need.

I sent a hint to Rick via email for this cute pink Giraffe purse.

This one also was sent in a hint email. Pink Zebra Purse

I would love a Miche Purse

You know I have a Dooney and Gucci but it seems I get more use out of the more affordable purses. I’m practical what can I say … lol.

So there you have it some things on my list for Rick. What is on your list?

Something Sweet … Only One Please

2011-12-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

I’m a little blah on something to write about so why not share a recipe … lol. I made these for our Tuesday dinner friends, the kids of course ate the outside only … hehe. Thankfully it’s a rare treat around here.

Hope you are having a great week and maybe have something sweet today!

S'mores Apples

I cut my bag whole too big so the chocolate was a little thicker then I wanted but still yummy!

See S'mores Apples on Key Ingredient.

Weekend to be Thankful …

2011-11-30T02:00:00.000-08:00

What a fun weekend it was like a 4 day break, but I had to work a short time on Saturday like usual but 3 hours was nothing.

As most of you know I spent most of Wednesday after working prepping and cooking and then cooking before my guest arrived for Dinner. Sadly my dad was sick so he stayed home and my cousin and family didn’t stop by so it was very small with lot’s of food … lol.

If you’re needing some yummy weight watcher friendly holiday foods here are my two post of what I made.

First off I noticed that wow my roots are looking crazy long … then I counted and I was a few weeks overdo for a color. I gave our cousin a call and she was so sweet and squeezed me in after hours.

Thanksgiving was a great day, my mom and grandmother stopped over for dinner. The boys even got to stay the night with my parents! Yeah!!

Now the stores went and moved Black Friday up to Thursday PM which wasn’t bad it was kind of nice to do it early. So I put my teenies on and my hat (Well at first the wrong one … lol). Rick decided to work for his security job they took on security for Walmart shoppers. That left me shopping by myself. I was a little nervous to go by myself. Then by God’s hand I ran into a old friends mom, I hadn’t seen either of them in almost a year. We said hi and then I went on. I looped around and again and ran into both of them got to talking and I had instant shopping buddies which was really cool. So we finished up Walmart & went on to Target. NOW the only bad thing was Fred Meyers stuck to their 5am so after we tried two restaurants to come to the conclusion who is going to be open Thanksgiving pm, we headed to my friends house for a snack and coffee. We killed 3 hours watching Son’s on Anarchy, my first time watching. By 6am I was done with my Christmas shopping. I finished the boys, the boy at church Cole picked to buy for, Rick and even for me. Plus I had a pile of things to go back, I have the grab and return later if I don’t need theory .

By Friday I had the presents wrapped and the boys home. Rick brought down the tree and put it all up for me and even put the presents underneath. The rest of the weekend was kind of lazy, except Sunday for church and then the boys and I helped decorate the church. Now to finish up the stocking stuffers and we’re done!

So how was your Thanksgiving? Did you Black Friday shop? Is your shopping done?

Our Thanksgiving Feast Part II

2011-11-29T02:00:00.000-08:00

I started my Turkey day up at 7am to make sure everything was done up right and ready to go for my guest to come visit.

The night before I made my list of what I needed to do and the order I needed to do it in. Made my day run smooth. I even found a way to put up my note with a magnet on my stove hood … lol

My morning started with taking the turkey out of the brine rinsing it and putting it in the oven. Then came next on my list to do the Mashed Sweet Potatoes Brulee. Which turned out so yummy. I had Rick take his torch to the top to caramelize it … lol.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Brulee (WW 3pts)

Servings: 14 • Size: 1/2 cup • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts Calories: 113.4 • Fat: 1.5 g • Protein: 2.2 g • Carb: 25.6 g • Fiber: 2.9 g • Sugar: 14.8 Sodium: 141 mg

See Mashed Sweet Potatoes Brulee (WW 3pts) on Key Ingredient.

Next on my list was a veggie I hated as a child but now as an adult I love (I’m sure it had nothing to do with it being paired with Pancetta either .. lol). These Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta were so yummy I think I may have to make them every week.

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta (WW 1 pts)

Servings: 14 • Size: about 1/2 cup (not packed) • Old Points: 1 pt • Points+: 1 pts Calories: 56.2 • Fat: 2.8 g • Carbs: 6.1 • Fiber: 2.5 • Protein: 2.2 g

See Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta (WW 1 pts) on Key Ingredient.

And then of course the best part and you all know my love of pumpkin, which was a perfect way to end our course with Skinny Pumpkin Pie. Mine wasn’t as pretty as the recipe I got it from but it sure did taste good!

Skinny Pumpkin Pie (WW 5 pts)

Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1/8th • Old Points: 3 pt • Points+: 5 pts Calories: 172.3 • Fat: 6.4 g • Carbs: 31.4 • Fiber: 1.7 • Protein: 3.5 g • Sugar: 20.7 Sodium: 143.1 mg

See Skinny Pumpkin Pie (WW 5 pts) on Key Ingredient.

Hope you enjoyed the meals you had and might like want to make something here. Thank you again for being a blessing in my life. Have a wonderful day and I hope a great meal tonight. Anything special planned for tonight?

Our Turkey Day Part I

2011-11-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

Well my all weight watcher meal turned out very yummy and no complaints! Sadly my dad was sick and my cousin didn’t stop by this year so it was a very small gather with LOT’s of food left over. Now I must say I didn’t make the end photos all dressed up like I usually do. My guest showed up an hour later then I planned so it was a little rush at the end to just get everything out before it was too cold.

Let me start with the items I made the night or prepped the night before to make the next morning run so smooth!

First off I started with Brined Turkey that was so easy and turned out VERY most. I have never done a brine before and was very surprised how it turned out.

Roasted Brined Turkey

Turkey, Brine, Thanksgiving

See Roasted Brined Turkey on Key Ingredient.

Next on the list to make was the Cranberry Pear Sauce that was so yummy. I’m not a big cranberry fan (ok except the jelly in a can I know STOP judging me). The pears in here cut the bite and made it so delish!

Cranberry Pear Sauce (WW 2 pts)

Servings: 13 • Size: 1/4 cup • Old Points: 1 pts • Points+: 2 pts Calories: 61.6 • Fat: 0.1 g • Protein: 0.2 g • Carb: 16.3 g • Fiber: 1.7 g • Sugar: 10.9 Sodium: 0.5 mg

See Cranberry Pear Sauce (WW 2 pts) on Key Ingredient.

Next on my list was a favorite of Rick’s done on the light side. These Skinny Scalloped Potato Gratin were very yummy. While did get a little crispy on top due to guest late and they had to go back in the oven to warm up, but STILL very yummy!

Skinny Scalloped Potato Gratin (WW 3pts)

Servings: 7 • Size: about a cup (1/7th) • Old Points: 2 pt • Points+: 3 pts Calories: 160.2 • Fat: 4.4 g • Carbs: 24.6 • Fiber: 1.8 • Protein: 7.2 g • Sugar: 2.6 Sodium: 42.6 mg (without salt)

See Skinny Scalloped Potato Gratin (WW 3pts) on Key Ingredient.

And my last prep of the night was the Chicken Sausage and Herb Stuffing. I MUST tell you this was the BEST stuffing I have had in a long time and it was nice not to feel guilty eating it.

Chicken Sausage and Herb Stuffing (WW 3pts)

Servings: 12 • Serving Size: 3/4 cup • Old Points: 3 pt • Points+: 3 pts Calories: 136.2 • Fat: 6.4 g • Carbs: 31.4 • Fiber: 1.7 • Protein: 3.5 g • Sugar: 20.7 Sodium: 143.1 mg

See Chicken Sausage and Herb Stuffing (WW 3pts) on Key Ingredient.

So there you have it my night before prep work made the day of so much easier. And thankfully everything turned out wonderful!

How did your Thanksgiving go? Did your meals turn out? Did you try anything new? Or did you do like me and do everything new?

Thanksgiving Meal Plan

2011-11-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I want to first off say thank you all who stop by, you make my day and are true blessings in my life. I give thanks to you all who have touched my life more then you will ever know!

I know we’re all busy and I won’t be around much today but I thought I would give you a taste of what I will be doing around here. I’m going to try to do a all Weight Watcher Friendly Meal, wish me luck! All recipes and pictures are from my favorite site Skinny Taste.

Brined Turkey

Chicken Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

Skinny Scalloped Potato Gratin

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Brulee

Cranberry Pear Sauce

Skinny Pumpkin Pie

Thank you to Skinny Taste you have the best recipes and I can’t wait to have everyone try them today!

Thanksgiving treats for Cole’s School

2011-11-23T02:30:00.000-08:00

So I picked the turkey treat I want to make for Cole’s classmates. The Rice Krispie Turkey Pop Treats turned out so cute and THANK God my friend April was here for Tuesday night dinner to help out. Let’s just say these little suckers were not my friend at first. I might have said a few not lady like names and thrown the whole batch away if it wasn’t for her. She had the idea to take a knife and but a whole before putting the candy corn in.

Happy Early Thanksgiving, it will be a busy day at work today and some serious cleaning before my parents come over and of course a bunch of cooking.

Hope you have a wonderful day and if you get a chance make these little guys.

Turkey Treat Pops

I made these for my son’s class to celebrate Thanksgiving.

See Turkey Treat Pops on Key Ingredient.

Here is what we did last year .

It’s feeling like Fall …

2011-11-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

I found another great Ham recipe. I found Jenn-o makes turkey ham that is very tasty and perfect for recipes. This Ham and Apple Casserole was a perfect for these cool nights we have been having.

Ham And Apple Casserole

Dinner, Ham, Potato, Egg Beater, Cheese, Dinner, Casserole

See Ham And Apple Casserole on Key Ingredient.

A quick and easy meal for when you’re in a pinch. I have to get my Thanksgiving menu together!

How about you are you ready for Thanksgiving?