ilovemy5kids

Glory Glory - It is COOKING day!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:38:00 +0000

I'm a cooking today so I can play tomorrow...(That should really be a song.)

My Thanksgiving Menu
(in case you need a little inspiration. I hope I'm not forgetting anything.)

Appetizers:

Deviled Eggs and Stuffed Celery

Main course:

Fried Turkey
(courteous of my favorite sister in all the world - she sent me this picture via her phone)

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Ever

Chicken Dressing
(recipe is my Dad's...shut my mouth!
It is not your the typical dried up and yucky kind. It is moist and almost like a bread pudding. I hope mine is as good as my Dad's.)

Brown Gravy

Green Bean Casserole

Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole (maybe...I forgot to buy the broccoli.)

Cranberry Sauce
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
(This is from my hubby's Granny - oh delish!!!)

My mom is bringing the following...

Bread and Desserts

I'm hoping I'm not forgetting anything!

I hope you have a precious Thanksgiving! I'm so thankful for all of my readers! It is an honor that you would even visit this blog. Now, I must go back to the kitchen. My dirty dishes must get clean!!!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

A new way to use Thanksgiving leftovers – EASY RECIPE…

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:47:00 +0000

I actually got this from the Rachael Ray show a couple of years ago. My family LOVED this more than the traditional meal. It got a 14 thumbs up…which is a rarity in this house.

Thanksgiving Stromboli
(Recipe from the Rachael Ray site…tweaked just a bit.)

(Okay, I tweaked it to my liking. I’m sure Rachael Ray doesn’t mind, if she does she can come to my house and prepare hers for me. Rachael – if you are listening…give me a 2 hour notice so I can do a FLY LADY clean-up job.)
Ingredients:

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (This is the most expensive part because you should have everything else from leftovers.)

2 tablespoons cornmeal

1 cup leftover cranberry sauce

3 cups leftover turkey, shredded

2 cups leftover stuffing

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Break open the tube of dough and remove it from container. Dust your hands and lightly cover your work surface with flour or cornmeal. Roll or stretch the dough out slightly then cut it lengthwise and across to make four sections.

Spread a spoonful of cranberry sauce across one section on a diagonal.

Layer the turkey and stuffing down the middle of the dough going from one corner to the opposite corner in a diagonal line. Cover the turkey and stuffing with the cheddar. (Be careful not to overstuff the stromboli or they won't wrap up!)

Tuck the two corner edges over the filling -- you should have turkey mixture running down the middle with some filling exposed at each end.

Brush with EVOO then sprinkle the sesame seeds on top and pat them into the dough. I used a pamper chef cooking stone and bake for 20-25 minutes, until evenly golden.

She used gravy to dip hers in but you don’t need to…tastes great without it.

YUMMY!!!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

Cran-Apple Cookie Cobbler (EASY and SIMPLE Dessert RECIPE)

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:07:00 +0000

Why? Why haven't I done this sooner? This is one of my ALL-TIME favorite recipes!!!

One of the reasons I blog, is so my recipes can be handy to myself, if for some reason they were ever destroyed. With a house of 7 - hey the possibilities are pretty high!

I had this at a party - before I was even married - some recipes are meant to be in your life and some are not - but this one has stuck.

Cran-Apple Cookie Cobbler

4 med. tart apples, peeled and sliced 1/4" thick
1 can (16 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 Tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tube (18 oz) sugar cookie dough

Yep, those my friend, are simple ingredients!

Place apples in grease 9 inch square dish.
Combine sauce, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon; pour over those babies (apples).

Cut cookie dough in half width-wise. Refrigerate the other half of dough for a late nite snack or a treat for kids who made your bed. (Wishful thinking!) Heck, I eat half the dough by myself! I know, I know...bad for my hair - I'll wear a hat.

Cut remaining dough into 1/4 inch slices. Place over apple mixture. Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until toppings are golden brown and apples are tender.

Can you say "MAMA-MIA???"

YUMMY!!!

Blessings to you!!! You are LOVED!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Friend Making Monday - Thanksgiving Edition...

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:07:00 +0000

1. Turkey or Ham? YUMMY - FRIED TURKEY from my precious brother in law, Nay and sweet sister Poo.

2. Favorite side dish. EASY Sweet Potato Casserole

3. Favorite dessert. EASY and Simple Cran-Apple Cobbler

4. Black Friday: Are you going or not? Yes, but with an awesome plan.

5. If so, what's on the top of your list? Already, bought it. But, shoes would be nice.

6. Going out of town or staying close to home? In my casa.

7. Hosting or helping? Hosting baby!

8. Name one family tradition at Thanksgiving. Going round the table and saying what you are most thankful for. LOVE THIS!!!

9. What do you do after dinner? Watch football and play games!!! 42 is the game this year!

10. What are you most thankful for this year? That the Lord has blessed us with more than we deserve.

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Guess what I found....Black FRIDAY SALES

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:34:00 +0000

Guess what I found???

Websites that have all the BLACK FRIDAY sales up!

Is your adventure- spirit- blood bubbling?

I'm making a zoom in and zoom out plan! This is going to be a 3 person job. One driver, one who stands in line, and one product finder (me). My step-father and husband are the other two people. (For some reason, my mom has graciously stepped up to babysit at 3:00 in the morning.)

However, when my hubby found out my plan - he found a better deal already at the same place...go figure!

SEARS - if you are listening - you are ruining my adventure! Why, would you put something on sale (that is a good price - mind you), if you already have a better normal deal on your site, WHY???

Craftsman 10 inch Miter Saw - Regular price $123.49 Black Friday Sale: $69.99

(Savings: $53.50)

Right now you can buy:

Regular Price: $159.99 On sale now: Craftsman 10 inch Miter Saw with stand for $99.99

(Savings: $60.00)

Okay, the price is a little higher but you are getting a better package that includes a stand AND you don't have to fight the crowds at the mall.

So, Sears is no longer on my adventure plan!

He bought his Christmas present last night. (A week before Thanksgiving with no adventure spirit!) Yes, I'm happy he got what he wanted at a fantastic price however it is missing something without the thrill of fighting an angry mob.

Okay, maybe when I put it like that - I'm beginning to see reason...NOPE!

I'm singing...Going shopping is on my mind...to the tune of Willie Nelson's song "Always on my mind".

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Joy in my heart....IT's MY SITs' DAY, again...

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:07:00 +0000

(Yes, I'm having another SITs' Day due to an error. If you made it to the last SIT's DAY take a look at my latest post THE OFFICE - TOTAL MAKEOVER!)

For my regular readers, this day is a treat! It is my SITs’ DAY!

For visitors – WELCOME to the blog of chaos – just like our house! Chaos in a good way – where there is love, laundry and Lego’s EVERYWHERE!

This is me - my name is:
Lana like BANANA.

(The paragraph below is about my blog…if you are in a hurry just keep scrolling down and find out what your objective is – yes, I have an objective for the comments.
Please do NOT write – Happy Sit’s Day!)
{If you write that – everyone will know that you have not read this post.}

At my refuge aka blog – I like to write about:

our crazy remodeling that we are doing to our house, including our kitchen re-do.
Easy Easy Easy Recipes (did I mention EASY?)
Ways to spend my money wisely (in fact I have 77 ways)
our home education adventure (with special rules and hints)
Family Trips (we are on a quest to visit The World’s Largest everything.)
Did I mention my sweet hubby loves to make things? He just finished this fort, this cat jungle gym, and even cornices for my living room. He’s all mine! :)
I also Twitter – it is pretty new to me – so I’m still in learning mode. Okay, I really don’t write about twitter – I just was passing on some information…
Mostly, I write because of and for my kids. Yep, I have 5 of them babies. (That is so funny because I really didn’t want any kids. Maybe that is not really funny – maybe it is just poetic justice. I’m truly thankful for God changing my heart and giving them to me. Yes – everyone of them is a gift and I’m so grateful that God has blessed my husband and me with them.

Just if you liked my blog:

My Follower Buttons are at then end of this page or you could subscribe to my blog by emails in the sidebar.

That would just bless my heart.

Okay, enough about me….

For those in a hurry STOP Here! This is the objective!

I want to know what you are thankful for, why and where you celebrate Thanksgiving!

If you did this the first time around, tell me what is the perfect gift you have ever given or received
.
(Yes, I need new ideas.)

My hubby’s family has the neatest tradition for Thanksgiving and since we are not going to be with them this year, I’d like to do it here.

About 2 weeks before Thanksgiving, Aunt Debbie sends out invitations for Thanksgiving day. It all starts with an early Turkey Bowl game (it is usually COLD and rainy) where men and women of all ages go and play “flag” football that usually turns into CONTACT sport. I think that Tylenol and Ibuprofen becomes a sweet friend during this time of agony. Then everyone goes home to clean up.

Around 2:00 or so, everyone comes back and meets in the tight-fitting but warm and cozy basement. Before ANYONE eats, everyone goes around the table and tells of something that they are thankful for. Usually many tissues are needed from birth announcements, to wedding plans, to simple love for a brother or sister. I love his family and this tradition – it truly reminds me of an Hallmark movie. (One year there were around 65 people who attended. That year there were 2 eating sessions.)

Something else I truly love, is that everyone is made to feel like family no matter if you blood related or not.

So, back to the objective.

Tell me something that you are truly thankful for and why. Then tell me something you do that makes this holiday special – if you don’t celebrate it - just tell me something you are thankful for!

BTW – Next week, I’ll be posting our Thanksgiving decor including the Thanksgiving Tree and ideas we have - to truly be thankful in all circumstances.

Did you notice I got a new header?

Sharon at

did it!
I absolutely love it.
She just wanted to give something out of the
abundance of her heart which is filled with the Love of God.

Right now, she is hosting an awesome blog party, which is Just the JOY of it. Just spreading some JOY around!

That’s all folks! Thanks so much for making my SIT's DAY so special!!!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

The Office – complete season. (It's a TOTAL MAKEOVER)

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:24:00 +0000

Warning: This post is unusually long with tons of picts. Really, I mean A LOT of picts. But, keep scrolling down to see the finished product - it really is a must see!

Well, this is a story that never has an ending.

Our 70’s home – coming in to the new millennium.

It started like this…I went away to Dallas for a convention in the Fall of 2008. Apparently, my hubby was bored and needed a project.

He never liked the wall between our bedroom and the office. So, the bricks started to come off.

He had helpers. They learned how to tear down walls. Even the princesses.I think they enjoyed themselves.

Now for the bedroom side… We don’t let them cut their own meat but… Then, an accident occurs…makes me glad I’m in Dallas. Thankfully, no injuries. Well, the window…but he was leaving anyway.Okay, glass is cleared up. Big hole in wall. Kids are so proud of themselves.Curtains always makes things seem right.Now for stage 2: (Spring)

We took off the ugly wood paneling. And started to add sheetrock in some places.

We had to take out the huge windows that had no seals and were anything but energy efficient.

We usually don't encourage our sons to hit windows with hammers...We also had to take off the ugly siding and add nice siding.The black paper is a weather barrier and it STINKS!!!

See my hubby’s socks (Yeah, he probably won't appreciate this picture). They mean he either - just got off work and the whites were not clean (like that would ever happen - hehe) or he couldn’t wait to work on the room. Hmmm....
Window is in…

From this side…he looks like a peeping Tom.

Stage 3:

Again, our Princess Helper… We need to take out these windows…again, not energy efficient. This had to be done with extreme caution… Because under the window… was a precious gem.
Our sweet friend B. came over! He was paid with a pancake supper. I’m telling you – those pancakes are delicious – he was begging for more work. Well, that is how I remember it. The gem (Amaryllis) bloomed like the next week.

Stage 4: (Summer)

Apparently, my hubby hung up all the dry wall and I didn’t bother getting pictures. We took off in the summer because it was TOO HOT.

FALL came…
Then we both tape and floated. I will say, this was not my favorite part. My least favorite was the SANDING! Oh, the dust!!!!

Stage 5:

Texturing Here is his brush… Here is his brush working…

I love when he is smiling when he is working. He was not smiling while we were tape and floating.

May I just say…

this exercise “thang” was pretty scary in the middle of the night.

I really liked this part. It just almost smelled done.

Plus, it meant I was going to have a “finished” project really “finished.”

Doesn’t this goo just look gross? I don’t care, it symbolizes something. Like peace and tranquility. Or really just our room completed. Which is peace in my book.

Oh, did I tell you…these used to be “popcorn” ceilings. I love the new lights!

Final Stage:

In November 2009…

Ta DA!!!!
I painted it while hubby was at work. He was surprised. Cider Toddy from Lowes. We really like it. It is very warm and neutral. Remember the lights, aren’t they fantastic?
We are so happy!

Yes, it finished.
(Well, except for the trim, wall decor and curtains.)

Stay tuned…

Can you keep a secret…we are going to put in a secret door.

Oh, I can hardly wait!!!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

This works for me!!!

Technorati Tags: Office remodel,The Office,Lowes,Sheetrock,Secret Door,Pancakes,Amaryllis

Fall Baby (Autumn Beauty)

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:22:00 +0000

I’ve decided to participate in the:

Week 45: Autumn Beauty

Since I’m kind of new at this, I put two photos.
The second one is entered. Oh, I don't know, maybe the first one. NOPE - I'm sticking with the 2nd one! Just overlook the first one!
I can't decide. HELP!!!

I did know, not to bull’s eye the face. But, I couldn’t help it.

I love FALL trees and my baby!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

The BEST Sweet Potato Casserole EVER

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:07:00 +0000

A precious friend of mine let me read some of her cookbooks. I copied so many of them. I believe this one came from a Texas cookbook – sorry, can’t remember the name.
Truly, this is my most fave recipe ever, well for sweet potatoes.
ARE YOU READY???
The BEST Sweet Potato Casserole EVER and easy!
3 cups baked, sweet potatoes
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
Topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine potatoes, sugar, milk, vanilla, eggs, and cinnamon and place in 2 quart baking dish.
Combine ingredients for topping and spread it on sweet potatoes. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
Serves 8 to 10.
Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

Buying Christmas presents – Have a merry one Without having to take out a Bank Loan!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:07:00 +0000

(Caution: This is a long post. Grab a cup of java.)

I’m amazed at how much money is spent at Christmas time.

(Last year, Amazon had a huge markdowns and free shipping.)

Can I have your attention please??? Really, I need your attention!

Listen carefully!

You do NOT, I repeat, do NOT,

have to spend a HUGE amount of money to have a GREAT Christmas!

I’m NOT talking about buying toys at the Dollar store either.

(Sometimes the toys there are more expensive and break too easy -

which in my opinion is not worth buying.)

(My girls loved their Barbie house.)

Want to know the secret???? Are you ready???

Here it is …You just have to have a plan!

Write down everyone you have to get a gift for!
I have 28 people this year. (Don’t forget teachers and family members.) This makes it so much simpler to remember when you are out and about.
Draw Names.
If you come from a big family, think about drawing names. Both my hubby and my family draw names for each sibling and spouse. Instead of 16 people, we only give to 4 people.
START EARLY!
(YES – THIS IS IN ALL CAPS FOR A PURPOSE!!!)
Again, I say – START EARLY and DON’T wait until the last minute!!! I look at shopping for gifts as a game. Finding the right gift for each person for MY price. If I find it, then I win!
Set up a limit for each gift.
(This is where my family needs to stop reading. I mean it – Go somewhere else!) I only try to spend $5.00 a gift – ever! (However, I do spend more on my kids.) Most of the time, this works great! Having a cash gift envelope makes it more fun to stay on budget.
Let the gifts have meaning and a theme!
When I give a gift, it usually has a meaning and a lot of thought has gone into it. I also loves themes. I’ll share some of my gifts that I’m giving soon. (Yes, almost all my shopping is completed.)
{One of my most fave gifts I ever received was a ceiling fan and it had nothing to do with the fan itself. I’ll write a post about it soon, to explain why!}
Don’t clutter someone’s home! (This one is not really a true $ saver but just a special word to hopefully make someone wiser.)
I know I just said let the gift have meaning but if the thought doesn’t extend to the receiver, let it go! Get a second opinion, if you question if an item is going to make a person happy! I truly don’t want more “junk” in my casa so sometimes even though I think it is cute ~ I need to “really” think of the other person and their tastes, to make sure it is not considered “junk” in their home.
Shop all year round!
I’m on constant alert for deals and sweet buys. I try never to buy retail price ~ Really, look at those clearance items ~ you might be shocked to see some of the finds!

(A sweet find last year ~ it was totally in our budget.)

Places I like to shop at for some great deals!

Kirkland’s ~ They send out a weekly coupon.
Hobby Lobby ~ They also have GREAT deals and a weekly coupon.
Amazon ~ (That link is not what you think but what I got my kids. HUSH, if you go to it.) Amazon has some major deals before Christmas. In fact, we already got our kid’s gift from here with free shipping and earned a gift card.

(My sister bought a mask and made a cape last year for my little guy. He still wears it.)

Okay, BLOGS are the best source to know where to find the deals!

I do NOT have time to actually go to every store

but I consider BLOGS are in my personal shopping team.

I use them to score big bucks!

These are some of my fave ~wheeling and dealing~ blogs!
(They have no idea I’ve listed them.)

“Deal”icious Mom
Money Saving Mom
Coupon Geek

Just a few gift ideas…

Need Christmas Cards????
How about 50 FREE of them babies?
I’m talking free shipping as well. I already ordered mine.

Freebies4Mom has so many deals! Love that site!

ETSY!!!

This site is so cool! Everything is handmade and you can find basically ANYTHING in ANY COLOR! I know most of you bloggers know about this site but there are so many who don’t.

Old Fashion Bartering
Don’t assume EVERY price is the bottom price.

TRADE Services
Teach piano for free babysitting. Can’t stand the teacher’s kids– cook meals for the teacher on a weekly basis.

(Hallmark ornaments are found best after season.)

Theme Ideas

Monogram Basket
(Monograms are so inexpensive especially at Kirkland’s and Michaels.)

Just a God Themed Basket
Everything in a basket has to have a meaning. I gave something like this to my sister for one of her bridal showers.

Dove Soap - to remind her that the Holy Spirit is in her marriage.
All Detergent - because God is our All in All.
Matches - To keep the fires burning at home at all times.
Pillowcase Cover - That the marriage is honorable and the bed is undefiled – it needs to be protected.

There are so many possibilities that one could come up with for themes.

Dinner Basket
Make a basket with all the goodies for a romantic meal.

A friend did something like this for my family. We were out of town for a couple of weeks and they were watching our home for us. When we came home, they had bought cereal, milk, spaghetti sauce and noodles. I’ll never forget that feeling of not having to rush to the store the next morning. That was one of the biggest blessings ever!

(Hobby Lobby usually marks down their goodies 1/2 off during the entire year.)

Last but not least… Look for FREE shipping! GOOGLE it!

I hope this encourages someone to have fun while shopping for this Christmas Season. You truly do not have to spend an arm or a leg.

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

Luke 6:38 (NIV)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

This Works for me!

Technorati Tags: Christmas,Christmas presents,Barbie,Trains,Give,Themed Gift Baskets,Baskets,Gift Ideas

A hangover (so to speak)...a good kind!!!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Wow! What an inspiring day yesterday was for me! So, many visits and comments for the SITs' Day and it turns out one of the links messed up so it was just 1/2 the fun. Another one will be coming soon because of the mess-up! What a super blessing!

I have soooo many emails to return - I'm talking over 200. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart if you left a precious comment. You warmed my heart! (If you didn't leave an email or blog address- consider this your THANK YOU!)

I love to hear all the "Thankful" comments! There were so many encouraging words - I was brought to tears more than once.

Oh, I can't wait to share my new header! Another friendly blogger did it for me and it captures my heart!

One more thang...
If you serve or served our military - Happy Veteran's Day! (You are appreciated and prayed for by this household!)

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Events that should have warned you – it is one of those days!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:31:00 +0000

Yesterday was a day of days!

I woke up to “Honey, I let the dog out in the middle of the night and she is missing.”

Okay, let me give you this picture…I’m asleep, haven’t had my coffee yet, and I hop up quickly to go look for a stinky dog (who is NOT my best friend at the moment.) I run into the living room and find the front door wide open and all my kids are in the driveway (with their jammies still on.) I peek in the kitchen…the dog is asleep under the table.

My sweet hubby is yelling at the kids to come into the house, the reality hits me that I’m not wearing suitable clothes as I’m standing in the doorway, and the ~~stupid~~ dog is in the kitchen fast asleep.

The morning then goes into some metamorphism of normalcy until I send the kids outside in the backyard. Let me backtrack – just for a second… I wanted to catch the Dr. OZ show on the internet that talked about fleas and ticks – that is a whole other story for another year. He said to basically keep your yard pest free – you need to pick up the dog’s you-know-what every other day. Since my eldest loves that job (I’m so kidding) I send him out to do the dirty work. (There I’m back on track.)

The next thing I hear is “Mom!!!! I found a dead possum!” What, I still haven’t had my coffee yet! We live in the city!!! I gave up the animals when we moved here! I refuse to admit that the city has predators just like the country.

Luckily, my hubby is still home. He takes care of the predator. I want to go back to bed! But, Fridays are the days we do our home school at the library. So, I get dressed and made up so to speak.

I get all the kiddies into the suburban. The car won’t start. Really??? Really. I then tell my sweet prayer warriors to pray! They do. It starts.

We run a few errands before the library. I make it to the street where the library is and my car goes berserk. It loses all power so I can’t even turn on my hazard lights. I’m in the center lane, turning the key, to turn the engine, with no prevail.

I call 911. After 10 rings, they answer then hang up on me. I’m not kidding! They hung up! I call my hubby. He is on his way! Then he gets to the middle of the city and there is a funeral procession. I’m not kidding!

Then two precious Hispanic guys show up. I mention that they are Hispanic because I really think they are Angels who speak no English. I don’t care they understand a mother who is on her last leg – that is a UNIVERSAL language. They are too precious! They push my HUGE suburban to the nearest gas station. My son says “They must work out at Gold’s Gym because they are strong!” I love that there are still Good Samaritans.

Then at the gas station, I call another friend who has a mini-van who can carry some of my crew back to the house. Thank you sweet friends!!! My dead vehicle is towed home. Now, we are looking for a new “used” vehicle to fit 8 people as my car RIP. Hopefully, after the cash for clunkers deal – there are still “used” vehicles available.

These are the days – when you wake up and say “I really should have stayed in bed.”

However, I know that we are still blessed beyond measure and I’m really giving thanks in ALL things.

But….I really still should have stayed in bed.

Blessings to you! You are loved!!!

Wassail – My Grandma’s Recipe!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:07:00 +0000

Talking to my Grandma sometimes makes me want to wet my pants. Our conversations go something like this…

Me: “Grandma, I’m calling for a recipe… I don’t have your Wassail recipe.”

Grandma: “Waffle???”

Me: “No, Wassail! Wassail!”

Grandma laughing: “I don’t make waffles.”

Me bent over from laughing back so hard and glad I have a strong bladder: “Grandma! Wassail! Wassail! Wasssssail!”

Grandma (not sure about her bladder at this point): “Oh, Wassail! I thought you said Waffles! Hold on – I’ll get it.”

I love my Grandma – she makes me laugh so hard plus her wassail is AWESOME! She has made it for me for many years.

This year I will try to make it in the crock pot! YUM!

Grandma’s Wassail

1/2 cup sugar
2 cups water
6 cinnamon sticks
7 whole cloves

Simmer the above ingredients for 15 minutes.

Then add:

1 cup orange juice
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup pineapple juice
4 cups apple juice
4 cups water

Simmer all DAY! Oh – it makes a LOT! YUMMY!

Blessings to you! You are loved!!!

It is snowing in my house….

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:07:00 +0000

Wait a minute…as my 3 year old says…that is not snow!

It is drywall dust! I DETEST construction! DETEST IT!!!

The next house we move in WILL be finished before we move in or my hubby and I will not be sleeping in the same room! Do you hear me MISTER??!!?? Well, maybe the same room but NOT the room being constructed - like right now!!!

I don’t like this white dust! I don’t like it on my clothes!
I don’t like it in my hair!
I don’t like it on my feet and in my shoes! I don’t like it in my closet.
I hate it on my toothbrush!
I don’t like it on my pillow!!! I don’t like it on my keyboard.
I don’t like it on my ceiling fan. I don’t like it on the toilet seat.
I don’t like it on my water glass. I don’t like it on my vacuum cleaner.
I don’t like it and I’m NOT going to do this again!!!

But, oh I do like my new walls. I do like that it is upgraded. I do like that this will feel like a new house. I do like that. So, maybe – well, just maybe, we will finish the playroom.
But, I don’t like the dust and I don’t have to!

Blessings to you!!!
You are loved!!! (Exception: if your name is DUST!)

30 Day Giving Challenge - Day 1

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:07:00 +0000

Today was our first day of the Giving Challenge. It was a treat.

My kids have been attending a local Home school Co-op so they decided to write thank you notes to their teachers. It is a lot easier said than done.

Our next feat was we made a thankful jar. We decided to write things we are thankful for. Each day, we will take out a paper and thank God for these things then make a paper chain out of them to put on our Thankful tree. (The tree is basically a bunch of long twigs stuffed into a pretty vase and adorned with fall leaves. We live in the Tropics so we have to make our own fall foliage.)

Due to my camera battery not being charged – I’ll have to take picts later. Until then you can take my word for it.

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

My sweet boy’s birthday….

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:07:00 +0000

Not many people truly make me laugh. This guy not only makes me laugh but feels my heart with so much joy!

I can’t believe he is turning 9 years old today. He is my Y2K baby. He is the guy who was a miracle and was born with blonde hair therefore our Blondie.

After such a miraculous birth – he is still such a blessing! (This pict was taken in a Life Flight helicopter.)

We call him our politician because he never meets a stranger. Honestly, it is a blessing to be his parent!

Happy Birthday – We love you!!!

An interesting challenge....

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:07:00 +0000

Kingdom First Mom is offering a 30 day giving challenge. In some way, we are to give something everyday for the next 30 days. It starts November 1, 2009!

I'm so excited! I'm actually starting on Monday, November 2, 2009 with my kids. This will be our first school giving project. This is going to be so much fun! What a delightful way to bless others and think of others more highly than ourselves.

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Questioning my chartreusse and fleur di lis...

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:50:00 +0000

The other night some friends and I went out for dinner. For some reason, we started talking about Fleur di Lis. I pronounce fleur di lis like fleur di lease and someone told me it was fleur di lee. What do you say? I looked it up and was still a little confused. So many dictionaries and not enough time in my world...

However, Mr. Language Man (who I found in a google search) explains it beautifully - basically I was correct - at least according to him. In French, it is pronounced Fleur di LEASE. If you speak French and disagree with this - I can't handle more errors right now - go tell Mr. Language Man.

Do you ever start questioning EVERYTHING, when you thought you knew something, I mean really knew something and then find out to be in err?

Now on to the subject: chartreuse.

As long as my hubby and I have been married - I have made fun of him not knowing his colors. (Already, are you thinking of a person with a haughty spirit will have a HUGE fall?) His usual statement is...who really knows and cares what is chartreuse?

I tell him - I think chartreuse is a DEEP Deep DEEP red. Apparently, thanks to my sweet mother in law and father in law - who showed me the error of my thinking, it is NOT!

Chartreuse is a fluorescent green color i.e. the new fire fighter trucks or the green go signs.

When and where did I ever come up with the thinking that chartreuse is red? I tend to blame my brother for things that I can't come up with an answer. (He lives 10 hours away and I love him to pieces therefore it is his fault.)

Who knows? Maybe my brother changed the crayons when I was growing up and put Chartreuse on my Violet Red color - yes, he would have done that, oh wait...I would have done that - not him.

So, if you have ever asked me for the chartreuse color and I handed you a deep red please forgive me. I'm sure this has happened many times in my life, I AM a home school mother.

One thing for sure, my children know what and how to pronounce fleur di lis and the color chartreuse - from now on.

Now don't you feel better about yourself?

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Easy Pancakes from scratch...

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:53:00 +0000

These pancakes have been in our family for years! When I got married I had no idea that they even made pancake mixes. (My mom always seemed to do everything from scratch.) I bought a pancake mix one time and it didn't taste good to me plus it was as much work as these.

We always double the recipe and you can easily freeze the pancakes for future meals.

1 1/4 cups flour
2 TBSP sugar
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1 1/3 cups milk (for thicker pancakes use less)
3 TBSP vegetable oil

The recipe says:
Mix 1st 4 ingredients. In small bowl, beat egg slightly, stir in milk and oil. Add to flour mixture.

What Lana does:
(To tell you the truth - I just add it all in the kitchen-aid mixer and mix. I do NOT like cleaning unnecessary bowls.)

Make in hot skillet or hot griddle. Lots of bubbles that have popped mean that it is time to flip. ENJOY!!!

Yummy!!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Feet hurt and we wonder why…plus a CHRISTMAS GIFT HINT!!!!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:07:00 +0000

Lego’s are a part of our home whether our feet like it or not. Those suckers HURT in the middle of the night when we are walking in the dark to get a glass of water.

In fact, they will make you scream out in pain. I’m ready to call in the troops because of all our LEGOs. They seem to be EVERYWHERE!

Our house could be nicknamed “Lego land in the Suburbs”, we have TOO many! So what do my boys want for Christmas??? You guessed it – more LEGOs!

I’m just saying for the record….Boys – you will NOT be getting LEGO’s for Christmas this year, at least from this MOMMY.

Well, I might change my mind for a SPA-PEDICURE!
Can you see the HINT???!!!??

Just in case:
“THIS IS A HINT!!!! –
I WANT A SPA PEDICURE FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!”

Just saying…

Blessings to you!!! You are LOVED!!!

A sweet gift…Barney, Andy, Opie, and Aunt Bee.

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:41:00 +0000

A friend of mine owns a little bookstore in town. Every once in a while, she invites us over and we can have whatever we want, that she will not be able to sell.

Well, I found a jewel. She said it was not worth anything but I would have to differ in opinion.

From Fried Chicken to sweet Desserts – I’m loving this cookbook! This is probably one of my FAVE shows ever!

What a sweet find!

Thank you dear friend, S. for giving me such a blessing!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

just some Sunday funnies...

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:44:00 +0000

As I'm writing this, we are watching "God's Team" - Dallas Cowboys on t.v. - they just scored yet another touchdown. I told my 3 year old boy, who we will call Lil' Boy Blue, that they are wearing pink (because of breast cancer awareness month) and they are "BOYS". (He basically believes that only blue is a boy color and pink is a girl color.) His John Deere Grandpa wore a pink button down shirt and Lil' Boy Blue told him to take it off. He ended up taking off his shirt because it had a stain on it but Lil' Boy Blue, felt like he had won the debate.

Oh, wow, they just made another touchdown. Again, I explain they are wearing pink and they are called a "Cow-BOY". No avail! He still will fight that boys wear blue and girls wear pink. He just said I had a boy shirt on. Oh, brother!

The other thing that has been going on in our home, is our precious kitty is growing up. Last night, she kept us up all night long with a loud crying. I made my hubby get up and check on her to make sure she was not tangled up in some cord. He just turned on a light and called Parker's name. She came right away.

He has a way with kids and animals - when I call a kid - they just seem to stare at me. Animals go in the opposite direction. Some would say it was defiance, I call it a gift. Come here Tiger! See, it has great advantages!

Anyway...Parker has kept up with this annoying squeal. She also has been jumping straight up and running crazy. It has been quite a show that has given us free entertainment.

I told my hubs "She must be in heat!"
My eldest son, replies "Ohhhh.."
I ask him, "Do you know what that means?"
He says matter of factly, "She's HOT! Duh!"
Nuff said.

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

7 Ways to Win the Wife of the Year Award...NOT!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:45:00 +0000

Not saying that I have EVER done any of these...because I'm the "perfect" wife.
(HaHaHaHaHa! Yes, that was in the Witch's voice from The Wizard of Oz and not the nice witch either.)

Leave the toothpaste cap open and make sure the paste is in the bottom of the tube.
Wash red lingerie with all White T-Shirts and white socks.
Have bras drying on the antlers or door knobs in the Living Room when the "guys" come over.
NEVER tighten the lids on the mayo jar that is in the door of the fridge or any lids for that matter.
Spray "Beautiful" in the closet and momentarily forget that the closet is shared.
Mow the yard and make sure to run over every stump so the blades get bent.

Yes, this will definitely get you some bonus points! I'm just saying - this might earn you "some kind" of an award. Again, not that I have EVER done any of these! I love you hubby!!! So happy you forgive my imperfections!

A little Fall going on…

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:48:00 +0000

I started decorating for Fall in September. My fave season seems to go so fast.

Fall colors just seem to make me happy!

This was our last years Cross Pumpkin…shining the LIGHT.

This is also last year’s…of course the Fleur Di Lis Lantern.

This is our Fall Village!

In our area, we do not have the colorful classic Fall colors outside. However, we do have citrus trees that are about to turn ripe. Juicy oranges are on their way!

Happy Fall!

My Halloween Opinion, for what it is worth!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!!

Go to Creations by Kara for more fall decor ideas!
This totally Works for Me!

Menu - Oct. 19 - 25th

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:41:00 +0000

Lately, my menu has been crazy - so last night I fixed it. When the menu is in place, my entire life runs more organized!

Monday - Chicken Tortilla Soup over chips

Tuesday - Baked Beef Stew

Wednesday - Turkey Cheeseburgers with homemade fries

Thursday - Friendship Casserole

Friday - Chicken Supreme

Saturday - Salmon patties with veggies

Sunday - Roast, Green Beans, and Mashed Taters

Here is another freebie: Apple Walnut Wonders - ooohhhhh, so delicious, cheap and EASY. Can be used for a snack, breakfast or just a sweet surprise for that someone special. YUM!

Let me know if you use any of these recipes and like them!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com