tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64139072859395574932024-03-13T12:05:59.160-04:00Romer Family RamblingsSarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-83066881581165980932012-02-07T09:24:00.001-05:002012-02-07T09:24:03.597-05:00“Dude, get on that already!”<p>What??  What’s this??  TWO post in the same week??  It’s a MIRACLE!!!  :)</p> <p>I am really starting to feel like I am getting my “mom” routine down.  It’s been going a little something like this:</p> <p>8:00 – wake up, feed Jude, hear strange noises coming from the closet, go check it out and realize Miles has been up WAY longer than me, but is entertaining himself by hiding in my closet and playing Temple Run on my iPad (which he very sneakily got off my night stand without waking me).</p> <p>8:30 – Finish feeding the Judesters and put him back down to sleep, make spinach smoothies for myself and my little sneaker, (or pancakes, or oatmeal, or cheesy eggs if he wants them,) sit up to the table and have our “morning devotional.” This consists of a prayer, working on memorizing the monthly primary scripture, singing the monthly primary song, and quizzing Miles on his addition and subtraction. </p> <p>9:00 – clear dishes and send Miles to get dressed.  Once he’s presentable for the day he gets free time.  He usually chooses to use this free time by playing Temple Run on the iPad, or Tanks on the Wii.  I clean up breakfast, clean the kitchen and tidy the living room.  If it’s Monday I start my weekly cleaning routine.  If it’s T/W/TH, I go get myself ready, then change and dress Jude.  (If it’s Friday, I’ll probably let us all get back in bed & watch cartoons ‘til lunch)</p> <p>9:30 – If it’s Monday, I am still cleaning.  :)  T/W/Th – Get ready to leave for Gymnastics/Play group/Primary meeting.  I get Jude in his seat, tell Miles to go get buckled, run back inside when I decide I can’t leave without a diet pepsi, realize that instead of Miles getting in the car, he has chosen to ride his bike, and is now halfway down the block.  </p> <p>9:45 – Finally get Miles in the car and buckled, and we are off!  </p> <p>11:30-12 – get home from wherever we went, eat a quick lunch, load back in the car to head to preschool.</p> <p>12:15 – Drop Miles off at preschool</p> <p>12:30 – back home, feed Jude, put him down for a nap</p> <p>1:00 – 3:00 - MOMS FREE TIME!!!  (yeah right)  I try and use this time to get in a workout, grocery shop, finish cleaning, do laundry, plan my weekly menu, plan the Family Home Evening lesson, do Primary assignments, make my grocery list, shower, play with Jude, return phone calls, Blog, read OTHER people’s blogs, work on writing assignments, drink Diet Pepsi (lots and lots of Diet Pepsi), set the table, and start any necessary dinner prep.  </p> <p>3:00 – Get Jude loaded in the car, leave to pick up Miles from preschool</p> <p>3:15 – Pick up Miles</p> <p>3:30 – back home.  We have an afternoon snack and I try to pry any information I can about his day at preschool out of my tight-lipped son.  And then we work on handwriting.</p> <p>4:00 – Miles gets free time, Mom feeds Jude, then starts dinner.  If it’s a leftovers night, or dinner is in the oven, I play games with Miles, or we read stories.</p> <p>5-6:30 – Dad gets home (hopefully), we eat, clear the table, Dad plays with the boys while mom finishes dishes and tidying the kitchen</p> <p>6:30-7:30 – Get boys ready for bed, read stories & scriptures, prayers, lights out, then sing songs and snuggle a little.</p> <p>8:00 – Miles is asleep, I feed Jude and put him to bed, finish any house work, work on blog posts or writing assignments while watching some sweet TV shows, Dad studies and falls asleep at his desk.</p> <p>8:30, 9:00, 9:30 – Miles gets out of bed and says he needs to tell me something.  I put him back.  He cries and says I’m mean and that he’s not my “fwiend” anymore.</p> <p>10:00 – Miles is FINALLY really asleep</p> <p>12:00 – I feed Jude and go to bed</p> <p>3:30-4:00  - I wake up to feed Jude and realize that Miles has snuck down and made himself a little bed in my closet.  I leave him there and go back to bed.</p> <p>Then we wake up 4 hours later and do it all again!</p> <p>It has been great for us to be getting into a more regular routine.  It is really helping me manage my time more effectively, and allowing me a little more time to do things I WANT to do…not just the things I NEED to do.  It has been awhile since that has happened.  Doing things I WANT to do, that is, and my “to-do” list has been growing exponentially since the Judesters was born.  Which is why I have decided to follow the lead of my <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Bloggie Idols</a> over on <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">YHL</a> and adopt their “Dude, get on that already!” weekly challenge.  It’s simple enough.  I’ll just pick something I have been wanting to do but haven’t found the time to ACTUALLY do, and just DO IT already.</p> <p>But where to start…I could:</p> <ul> <li>pick my basement organization project that I have been wanting to get to since we moved this past June </li> <li>Or maybe I should catch up on all the posts I have been WANTING to blog, like Christmas, Miles birthday, and oh yeah…the birth of our second baby.  :)  </li> <li>Or should I pick a crafty project, like finally completing the nursery gallery wall, hanging the mobile I made for Jude’s nursery, or making the pennant banner I have been wanting to hang???  </li> </ul> <p>Decisions, decisions. </p> <p>In keeping with my “one little word” to prioritize..(what??? I haven’t shared that with you either?  I’ll put it on the list.)  I’m going to HAVE to bump my little blue-eyed cuties to the top of my “to-do”s.  Jude is already 4.5 months old, after all, and he has hardly logged any blog time at all.  Miles’ birthday was 4 months ago, and I still haven’t shared the pictures.  AND, I just love looking at those cute little faces.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QeCdhJbtkVQ/TzCsJkRhSPI/AAAAAAAACb4/M6kqInwHvEg/s1600-h/012712_1547%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="012712_1547" border="0" alt="012712_1547" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jdGwj27aqko/TzCsKGeOlOI/AAAAAAAACcA/T0w-6QlyiAE/012712_1547_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MqbpJkoC3Ug/TzCsKehzXYI/AAAAAAAACcI/v-UsJ7xNJGs/s1600-h/010112_1288%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="010112_1288" border="0" alt="010112_1288" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mkU3Dg1sIso/TzCsK7evT9I/AAAAAAAACcQ/9kKjw3yuMbY/010112_1288_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PTKUDIe9Axc/TzCsLMSRdyI/AAAAAAAACcY/d-XBAehmdtI/s1600-h/012812_1386%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="012812_1386" border="0" alt="012812_1386" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X_et_VKwSTs/TzCsLdxMnyI/AAAAAAAACcg/DnG0nKCD4Ac/012812_1386_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a></p> <p>So its settled.  “Dude…I am finally going to catch up on my blog posts”.  </p> <p>I’m giving myself 1 week to get it all wrapped up, and will share links to all my posts next Tuesday.</p> <p>Anyone else want to play along?  I’d love a little company!  What’s your “Dude, get on that already!” project going to be??</p> Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-86544055258001712862012-02-06T08:00:00.001-05:002012-02-07T11:11:31.883-05:00Menu Monday: Feb 6-Feb 12 2012Am I the only one who feels like I go to bed Sunday night and wake up on Saturday morning??? My weeks seem to just FLY by these days. But I scrounged up a bit of time to get my menu together. (Thank you Super Bowl for giving me permission to sit on my duff and work on my computer for a few hours!)<br />
A little news in the Romer household: Jude might be allergic to dairy! :( He has been getting rashes on his forehead and the crown of his head, so the pediatrician suggested I go “dairy free” for a couple weeks to see what happens. Long story short: After some experimenting, I became convinced it was his baby shampoo causing the rashes. So I went full-steam ahead eating anything that listed milk as an ingredient and discontinued using the shampoo. And now his rashes are back. Boo. Looks like it might be the dairy after all.<br />
So for all you dairy loving foodies…I apologize in advance for my cheese-less menus. Feel free to add as much cheese as you want. I’m jealous. But its for a good cause. Hopefully only a few “dairy free” weeks will allow us to pinpoint what is really causing the problem.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KOTR1VfFiuM/Ty9TC4rtjcI/AAAAAAAACaQ/EbUIbIxZ9rg/s1600-h/02%252520Feb%2525206%252520-%252520Feb%25252012%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="02 Feb 6 - Feb 12" border="0" height="534" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2lSAQ4ciuMI/Ty9TDtoAE8I/AAAAAAAACaY/xrkCebRpjLQ/02%252520Feb%2525206%252520-%252520Feb%25252012_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="02 Feb 6 - Feb 12" width="384" /></a> <br />
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<tr><td valign="top" width="250"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/01/easy-veggie-stir-fry/">Easy vegetable stir</a> <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/01/easy-veggie-stir-fry/">fry</a></div><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/01/easy-veggie-stir-fry/"><img alt="IMG_5532-e1326249816166" border="0" height="143" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-56pJkl9EydM/Ty9TD_Nco2I/AAAAAAAACag/BXfKeC5Kf3M/IMG_5532-e1326249816166%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5532-e1326249816166" width="240" /></a> </td><td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2012/01/quinoa-avocado-grilled-corn-salad-cilantro-vinaegrette">Quinoa, Avocado, & Grilled corn salad</a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s0K736wvpx4/Ty9TEUR0S3I/AAAAAAAACao/y1v7u1WPH60/s1600-h/quinoa%25252C%252520avocado%252520salad%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="quinoa, avocado salad" border="0" height="159" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R_IkeBGo6UE/Ty9TEjiwuSI/AAAAAAAACaw/BdS9t-hfS00/quinoa%25252C%252520avocado%252520salad_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="quinoa, avocado salad" width="240" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="250"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2012/01/coconut-shrimp-curry-silpat-giveaway.html">Coconut Shrimp Curry</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V5vqzHScA8w/Ty9TE9CamVI/AAAAAAAACa4/CGnTq4G8jp4/s1600-h/Coconut-Shrimp-Curry-BLOG-334x450%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Coconut-Shrimp-Curry-BLOG-334x450" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WLVy7LWnqGg/Ty9TFTHxDYI/AAAAAAAACbA/SiP3NW_TnN8/Coconut-Shrimp-Curry-BLOG-334x450_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Coconut-Shrimp-Curry-BLOG-334x450" width="182" /></a> </div></td><td valign="top" width="250"><div align="center"><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/best-homemade-meatballs-922838/">Turkey meatballs</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-URSd96-Gros/Ty9TFiWm4KI/AAAAAAAACbI/KcySbu6VJPM/s1600-h/meatballs%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="meatballs" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CYAKFCzQn3k/Ty9TF8dGdII/AAAAAAAACbQ/UgahBEDhYqI/meatballs_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="meatballs" width="240" /></a> </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.box.com/s/l3k2s64igb2ynx52oe07">Meatball Minestrone Soup</a></div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V3ppcSigC0s/Ty9TG3_Tq1I/AAAAAAAACbY/XkB6ajl5CIU/s1600-h/meatball%252520minestrone%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="meatball minestrone" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bBXuGNIk4vI/Ty9THbbFOlI/AAAAAAAACbg/0fiayWelWAM/meatball%252520minestrone_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="meatball minestrone" width="508" /></a>I’m trying the Shrimp curry on the advice of my sweet sister. She told me she wanted to “marry this curry”, so I am assuming it must be good. :) And a note about the meatballs…I never use 3 different kinds of meat. I’m a turkey only kind of gal. <br />
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Anyone else have experience dealing with a dairy allergy? Do you have any favorite “dairy free” recipes to share? I’d love any tips…otherwise I’ll be eating these same dishes for weeks!!<br />
Happy Monday!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FijPAlyOR7E/Ty9THmbBxkI/AAAAAAAACbo/TPeChTJSVws/s1600-h/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" height="71" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Sz7fK5tG_Ds/Ty9TH4IkKMI/AAAAAAAACbw/xWSwWUcynOE/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" width="142" /></a>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-38027388428319495002012-01-31T14:55:00.002-05:002012-02-07T00:04:49.023-05:00A Mom Knows… and other announcementsI know, I know…I’ve been promising an announcement. And probably MOST of you are already aware…but just in case you haven’t heard… <br />
It’s official:<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lm2uEwo80Ns/TyhHLDcDPZI/AAAAAAAACZw/iBeAHtDE8Q8/s1600-h/Imawriter12.jpg"><img alt="I'm a writer" border="0" height="283" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9V7p0UQdLpA/TyhHLt-h64I/AAAAAAAACZ4/NRpvbhBnH6Q/Imawriter_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="I'm a writer" width="513" /></a> <br />
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Yes, I’ve been writing on this ‘ole blog of mine for 4.5 years. (WOW!!! 4.5 years??? Where has the time gone!?!?)<br />
But now…I’m OFFICIAL!!! I’m super excited about being asked to be a contributing writer for a great new website <a href="http://www.amomknows.com/">“A Mom Knows”.</a> It’s a new site dedicated to sharing “what moms know.” (Which, in my opinion…is A LOT! Ha!) My first article was posted last Monday and what can I say?? I was PUMPED!! There was just something about seeing my words posted on a real, bonafide website for the whole world to see that was SO SUPER FUN! (Okay…maybe the whole world hasn’t seen it…but they COULD! And I am up to about 2200 page views…which isn’t too shabby for a first time published article.) <br />
Anywho…you may have noticed the new button on my sidebar. I’ll be posting links to anything I write for A Mom Knows over there. There’s only one so far, but I have several more in the works and can’t wait to get them finished. (Hopefully by the end of next week as well.) I’ll be sharing my <a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/onelittleword.php">“One Little Word”</a> for 2012, a tutorial on hanging an Art Gallery Wall, a video tutorial on making the PERFECT chocolate chip cookie, (Honestly…they are to DIE for!!), making a children’s keepsake with Crayola air dry clay, and so much more! You can bet I’ll post all about it here too. Have I mentioned I’m excited about it????<br />
Because of the new website gig, I’m getting lots more traffic to this little blog o’ mine…so I’m trying to spiffy it up a bit. Hopefully it will all be finished by the end of next week. (Which in “Sarah” time, really means the end of next month!) The increased traffic has also prompted me to create a new Romer Family Ramblings facebook page JUST for blog related things. I am hoping this will enable me to keep a little more separation between personal and blog “stuff”. If you’d like to be notified on facebook when I post something new HERE, or about articles I write for A Mom Knows…just click my “facebook” tab at the top of my sidebar to be taken to the page. (Or click on this link: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Romer-Family-Ramblings/343698455648312#!/pages/Romer-Family-Ramblings/343698455648312?sk=wall" title="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Romer-Family-Ramblings/343698455648312#!/pages/Romer-Family-Ramblings/343698455648312?sk=wall">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Romer-Family-Ramblings/343698455648312#!/pages/Romer-Family-Ramblings/343698455648312?sk=wall</a>) “Like” the page, and you’ll receive all my updates. <br />
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So there you have it! A new gig, a new blog design, a new sidebar tab, a new facebook page… and a renewed desire to blog my little heart out! <br />
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Anyone else have any exciting “new”s? I want to hear about it!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BA4JRtNp45M/TyhHMGKX1xI/AAAAAAAACaA/eSsAX4dKKgo/s1600-h/Sarahsignaturecopybiggersize3.jpg"><img alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" height="67" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vOF0SnX8VeM/TyhHMYX0gLI/AAAAAAAACaI/ev94bV049OA/Sarahsignaturecopybiggersize_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" width="138" /></a>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-40990695370956086152012-01-31T13:26:00.002-05:002012-02-07T00:05:37.734-05:00Menu Monday: Jan 30-Feb 5I should probably change the title to Menu Tuesday…seeing as that is when I usually get the darn thing posted, but it just doesn’t have quite the same ring. :) <br />
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Here’s this week’s disclaimer: My menu is kind of lame. I normally shy away from having so many of the same “types” of foods in one week, but I have several things in the fridge I need to use up before they expire. And I’m not at all feeling creative in the culinary department. And I just plain don’t want to go grocery shopping.<br />
I never got to the Greek Pastitsio last week, so it’s a repeat. I know. Lame.<br />
But here it is none the less….<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CNIhPIS1dP4/TygyHmudhSI/AAAAAAAACYg/SGvSTK5AZmM/s1600-h/01%252520Jan%25252030-Feb%2525205%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img alt="01 Jan 30-Feb 5" border="0" height="607" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1JQO3THqQKQ/TygyI2RpzOI/AAAAAAAACYo/tLnsEsn_lG4/01%252520Jan%25252030-Feb%2525205_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="01 Jan 30-Feb 5" width="439" /></a> <br />
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<tr><td valign="top" width="247"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2012/01/delicious-greek-pastitsio-casserole-style.html">Greek Pastitsio Casserole</a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fPLH_Lt40z0/TygyJcqCquI/AAAAAAAACYw/wG7tV8Ucn94/s1600-h/Pastitsio-Plate-BLOG-450x298%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Pastitsio-Plate-BLOG-450x298" border="0" height="163" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Q44riNsejI/TygyKEiAvnI/AAAAAAAACY4/KkOl0IC1Jik/Pastitsio-Plate-BLOG-450x298_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Pastitsio-Plate-BLOG-450x298" width="244" /></a> </div></td><td valign="top" width="253"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2012/01/the-best-chicken-enchilada-soup.html">Chicken Enchilada Soup</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A6mGPuJ1lyw/TygyKwH1zqI/AAAAAAAACZA/r-FkooqBbuI/s1600-h/Enchilada-Soup1-BLOG-450x298%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Enchilada-Soup1-BLOG-450x298" border="0" height="163" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A-MAIcVjKkE/TygyLBdcCXI/AAAAAAAACZI/lqFGTJSa9Nw/Enchilada-Soup1-BLOG-450x298_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Enchilada-Soup1-BLOG-450x298" width="244" /></a> </div></td></tr>
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<div align="center"><a href="http://www.box.com/s/gp7eyz7gldkj0phxicq2">Homemade Spaghetti Sauce</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lMnHCwuv4q4/TygyMYQ-ixI/AAAAAAAACZQ/9ByXVtR425w/s1600-h/spaghetti%252520sauce%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spaghetti sauce" border="0" height="373" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Brnm9K9PZKA/TygyNTBFf3I/AAAAAAAACZY/zR2FGKBIFYw/spaghetti%252520sauce_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="spaghetti sauce" width="498" /></a> </div>Anyone else suffering a major lack of creativity in the kitchen lately? Hopefully I’ll get my mojo back soon! <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MXf8_Hyzj18/TygyN9p42ZI/AAAAAAAACZg/eEATMS0IfJE/s1600-h/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" height="67" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0y2mqM45nuA/TygyOJmFSEI/AAAAAAAACZo/W32N71sezRE/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" width="138" /></a>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-16477657314367658532012-01-23T19:05:00.002-05:002012-02-07T00:06:11.536-05:00Menu Monday: Jan 23-29Lots of yummy things going on in the kitchen this week! <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8CoV1jxD8WQ/Tx31pFp6-PI/AAAAAAAACXA/AoE-mVctXXo/s1600-h/01%252520Jan%25252023-29%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img alt="01 Jan 23-29" border="0" height="593" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5glWv6DZMwM/Tx31rUFVk_I/AAAAAAAACXI/cZ5lSftAwus/01%252520Jan%25252023-29_thumb%25255B20%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="01 Jan 23-29" width="430" /></a> <br />
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<tr><td valign="top" width="258"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/broccoli-grape-pasta-salad-50400000115388/">Broccoli & Grape pasta salad</a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kddWtl98zfI/Tx31sTPoCvI/AAAAAAAACXQ/Jyln5fVioPI/s1600-h/broccoli-grape-pasta-salad-sl-l%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2001801_Harve006" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DBBk1TwlYsQ/Tx31tZq2bqI/AAAAAAAACXY/wx6AXJwnWpM/broccoli-grape-pasta-salad-sl-l_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="2001801_Harve006" width="240" /></a></div></td><td valign="top" width="242"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.box.com/s/a3026grohqbk99ra4y2m">Terrific Turkey Chili</a> </div><img alt="healthy-turkey-chili-cropped-399x300" border="0" height="203" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0wRJulPQebs/Tx31ue2E7cI/AAAAAAAACXg/P_NFv3cEt1g/healthy-turkey-chili-cropped-399x300%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="healthy-turkey-chili-cropped-399x300" width="268" /></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="258"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2012/01/delicious-greek-pastitsio-casserole-style.html">Greek Pastitsio</a> Casserole </div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9bTMcTD9_sc/Tx31vd50N3I/AAAAAAAACXo/gEOtSCBFLAs/s1600-h/Pastitsio-Plate-BLOG-450x298%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Pastitsio-Plate-BLOG-450x298" border="0" height="169" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gSpiovOclgw/Tx31wGkeNFI/AAAAAAAACXw/KnafwF1PNfQ/Pastitsio-Plate-BLOG-450x298_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pastitsio-Plate-BLOG-450x298" width="248" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="242"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/01/mini-puffed-oven-pancakes-with-berry-sauce/">Oven Puffed Pancakes with Berry Sauce</a> </div><img alt="Heart-Oven-Pancakes-sq1" border="0" height="225" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mgA7N5i9zko/Tx31w8uCo_I/AAAAAAAACX4/9ibPahZTxxA/Heart-Oven-Pancakes-sq1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Heart-Oven-Pancakes-sq1" width="225" /></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="258"><a href="http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/2007/11/jared-and-i-love-cafe-rio.html">Cafe Rio copycat Sweet Pork Salad/Burrito</a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nWQo2pHkXwE/Tx31yn8GznI/AAAAAAAACYA/QxOM7vYFx-8/s1600-h/Cafe%252520rio%252520Salad%25255B4%25255D.jpg"> <br />
<img alt="Cafe rio Salad" border="0" height="169" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jO-N7qAdWzs/Tx31zSEzG7I/AAAAAAAACYI/PA2woIX2Xj8/Cafe%252520rio%252520Salad_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Cafe rio Salad" width="250" /></a> </td><td valign="top" width="242"></td></tr>
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The Broccoli & Grape pasta salad was something I saw floating around on pinterest, and thought it looked delicious! I know, it is probably more of a “summer” food, but I just couldn’t resist trying it out.<br />
I know what you are thinking about the chili… “One more thing you are serving in bread bowls??” And its true. I think I have served something in a bread bowl every week this past month. But they are DELICIOUS, and I just can’t help myself. And I’ll be honest about the chili. It’s not terrific. It’s STUPENDOUS! MOUTH WATERING! AMAZING!! (Seriously). It has the perfect amount of spice and even some surprising vegetables thrown in there. I know, zucchini in a chili is a little unorthodox…but don’t let that sway you. It really is fabulous!<br />
I’m going out on a limb here with the Greek Pastitsio. I normally shy away from anything with the word “Greek” in the title. But Mel’s Kitchen Cafe has never disappointed me before, and the picture looks awesome, so I’m giving it a whirl.<br />
And those puffy pancakes…how adorable are they?? I’m trying them out now, and if they are great, I’ll make them for a valentine’s breakfast. Have I ever mentioned I love breakfast for dinner? Well I do.<br />
And my elusive Cafe Rio recipe. I still haven’t typed it up. But I found this one <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Cafe%20Rio%20copycat%20Sweet%20Pork%20Salad/Burrito">HERE</a> that is VERY similar. This is what I do differently:<br />
<ul><li>I use Dr. Pepper instead of Coke. Cafe Rio uses Dr. Pepper. For Reals! I can’t tell you how I know this, but I WILL say it involves a professional female weight lifter, an accidental caffeine overdose, and an intervention by a Cafe Rio manager. (SERIOUSLY!!! I couldn’t make this stuff up!)</li>
<li>I DO use the buttermilk ranch dry mix…not just the regular. It’s more…um, shall we say, “buttery”. Don’t worry…it doesn’t taste like butter. It just makes it taste creamier. (In my opinion).</li>
<li>I use my favorite Guacamole recipe from <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2009/10/crispy-southwest-wraps-vegetarian">HERE.</a> Just scroll down to the bottom, AFTER the directions for the wraps.</li>
<li>The picture is of a Cafe Rio salad…but I usually prefer to wrap it all up in a nice burrito. When I go “burrito style,” I like to use the uncooked tortillas from Costco. They are simple to cook and taste DELICIOUS! </li>
</ul>And that’s it! They are a lot of work though, so I usually like to save them for a day when Mike will be around. He’ll be home tomorrow…so he can help with my little hooligans while I spend my time in the kitchen.<br />
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In other non food related news…I have a pretty fun announcement! If you are at all observant, you may have noticed a little somethin somethin over on my sidebar. I’m super excited about it, which is why I think it probably deserves its own post. Check back tomorrow for a little news!<br />
And Happy Cooking!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4PiEpOrMgcA/Tx31zhpQJBI/AAAAAAAACYQ/fJf72w7MImY/s1600-h/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" height="67" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qQn6zv8Bihg/Tx310MujQ1I/AAAAAAAACYY/17TyDEc9Ll4/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" width="138" /></a>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-84209388991297064412012-01-08T20:52:00.002-05:002012-02-07T00:06:47.590-05:00Menu Monday: Jan 9-Jan 15Another week, and another menu. (And another week with ONLY my menu posted on the blog.) Ha! I guess we know where my priorities are! FOOD…always food. I’m trying lots of new recipes this week, and I am super excited. The only drawback is I can’t vouch for their deliciousness, because I haven’t tried them yet. But I am entirely confident they will be wonderful.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6GZ4_wsJ5Po/TwpIQ80IuCI/AAAAAAAACTk/kLgBRHBwHiI/s1600-h/01%252520Jan%2525209-15%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="01 Jan 9-15" border="0" height="551" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H1H4mPuCCNk/TwpISY-3CnI/AAAAAAAACTs/NXsZHpUTpYI/01%252520Jan%2525209-15_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="01 Jan 9-15" width="396" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2011/01/chicken-cordon-bleu-bread-bowls.html">Chicken Cordon Bleu Bread Bowls</a> – I saw this recipe on <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/">Mel’s Kitchen Cafe</a>, and I was intrigued! Using a bread bowl for something other than soup sounded interesting…and I just happen to have bread bowls in the freezer from <a href="http://romerfamilyramblings.blogspot.com/2012/01/menu-and-hangin-out-with-parentals.html">last week’s menu</a>. Perfect.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/01/smoky-honey-mustard-pork-chops/">Smokey Honey Mustard Pork Chops</a> & <a href="http://www.box.com/s/uxxud4e8r6ze2v7k5pe7">Pasta Salad</a> Mike headed to the store last night to pick up a few things. I told him I wanted a ham. He came home with pork chops. But at least he tried. And now I get to try out this (seemingly) yummy pork chop recipe. I am paring it with a pasta salad (which includes lots of veggies), and some simple orange slices.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7Kjby6SFUDI/TwpIT4OK-dI/AAAAAAAACT0/rGz_Pv5AtNQ/s1600-h/Pasta%252520Salad%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Pasta Salad" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Eu5FmXAbgLg/TwpIUq_p5CI/AAAAAAAACT8/gcikGPOCVY4/Pasta%252520Salad_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pasta Salad" width="459" /></a> <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/03/french-dip-sandwiches/">French Dip Sandwiches</a> - Thanks go to my sister for suggesting this dinner. I am excited to try it out…and I’m pretty sure there will be plenty of meat left over to freeze and use for a dinner next week too. Bonus!<br />
<a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2009/10/crispy-southwest-wraps-vegetarian">Vegetarian Southwest Wraps</a> – Since most of my dinners this week seem to be centered around meat…I wanted to lighten it up a bit. I HAVE made these southwest wraps on many occasion…and they are wonderful. I don’t even like beans, but I love these. The homemade Guacamole is DIVINE, and is a total must. Also…the more cilantro the better.<br />
I didn’t get to make my Sunday dinner yesterday because, as I mentioned, my lovely husband bought pork chops. I was so excited about eating funeral potatoes…I just couldn’t let the idea die. Hence the repeat. It’s looking like a very tasty week!<br />
I didn’t forget about the recipe for my VERY tasty peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. And when I say “very tasty”…that is an understatement. I guarantee you will eat them all, make more, then eat all those too. The recipe is coming…BUT, not quite yet. You see, I’ve had a little something up my sleeve, and this recipe is involved in part of it. It just might involve a new partnership on the blog…and a writing gig to boot. But I’ve said too much already! Stay tuned!<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z5ojLkX5dLg/TwpIVFpj_SI/AAAAAAAACUE/JLXvXa_6YHQ/s1600-h/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" height="67" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FYG1rxSu06A/TwpIVulnCYI/AAAAAAAACUM/fNDk7sLqBOY/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" width="138" /></a>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-32383402406737022942012-01-02T02:16:00.001-05:002012-01-02T02:19:27.880-05:00Menu (and hangin out with the parentals)<p> </p> <p>Ahhh, menu Monday.  The first of 2012.  I almost went ahead and skipped this week, because my most favorite parents are here in Michigan for a visit.  We have been having a great time hangin around, enjoying each others company, and baking LOTS of yummy treats.  So I thought I would just forgo planning my menu.  And then I realized, we still have to eat!  :)  So this is what I decided on.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B8Zq00bljBg/TwFZ4BgxJmI/AAAAAAAACSw/jbnq-6fMwlY/s1600-h/Jan%2525202-8%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Jan 2-8" border="0" alt="Jan 2-8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1bNDCEz2c28/TwFZ46rPkWI/AAAAAAAACS4/3QBi5wIht2A/Jan%2525202-8_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>Yes, I’m doing the <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2010/12/clam-chowder-2">Clam Chowder</a> and Italian <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/11/my-favorite-bread-bowls.html">bread bowls</a> again.  They are just SOO good.  Also, I have worked pretty darn hard lately to improve my cooking/baking. I am excited to show them off a little and impress my mom with my bread bowl making skillzzzzz.</p> <p>And PUH-LEASE, do yourself a favor and make these <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/06/ooey-gooey-peanut-butter-chocolate-brownies/">Ooey Gooey Marshmallowey Peanut Butter Brownies</a> from Our Best Bites.  Seriously.  Just do it.  (You can thank me later.)</p> <p> </p> <p>I have green and red peppers left over from my <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2008/12/chicken-a-la-king">Chicken a la king</a> I made over Christmas, so I decided it would be a perfect chance to whip up these <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2010/07/amazing-chilis-fajitas-2">Amazing Chilis Fajitas</a> from The Sisters Cafe.  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.box.com/s/izj1zmxr16i05rrvhzrp">Sloppy Joe’s</a></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Sloppy Joe" border="0" alt="Sloppy Joe" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pJnZk91gri4/TwFZ5WV-v5I/AAAAAAAACTA/mcpkn6eoCms/Sloppy%252520Joe%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="353" /> </p> <p>These <a href="http://www.box.com/s/izj1zmxr16i05rrvhzrp">Sloppy Joe’s</a> are so yummy.  It might look like a lot of ingredients, but its really not that bad.  And its worth it.  But I admit.  When I am in a pinch, or I just don’t feel like throwing this together…I open a can of “Manwich”.  We’ll see how it plays out.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.box.com/s/rj10mdmjqbxipoopljyl">Cheesy Mostaccioli</a></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Cheesy Mostaccioli" border="0" alt="Cheesy Mostaccioli" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dzoG4qYtENs/TwFZ5pldr_I/AAAAAAAACTI/T7Y2TUAB0Bg/Cheesy%252520Mostaccioli%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="350" /> </p> <p></p> <p>I honestly could not decide what to make for Saturday, until I remembered I had a pan of this tasty pasta in the freezer.  I {heart} a good freezer meal!  Hoorah!!!</p> <p> </p> <p>Sunday’s meal is going to be pretty simple.  I am just putting a ham in the oven, and preparing the most mouthwatering funeral potatoes ever.  EVER!!!  I haven’t typed up the recipe yet, but I’ll add the link as soon as I do.</p> <p>I am already stumped for next week’s recipes.  Any suggestions???  Or any foodie websites I HAVE to know about??  I am always eager to expand my list of “go to” sites!  Happy cooking!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q2i3PbF4ySc/TwFZ58a43XI/AAAAAAAACTQ/HOPxgE2X4-A/s1600-h/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uD_P-E6Tzl0/TwFZ6OTTkDI/AAAAAAAACTY/hU7ow3g0R2U/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="138" height="67" /></a></p> Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-40306060282846416702011-12-19T23:16:00.001-05:002011-12-19T23:16:57.090-05:00Christmas Menu Monday<p>Holy Smokes!  I can’t believe how fast the last few weeks have FLOWN by!  I have been a busy busy little bee around here.  I took a break from my menus because my schedule was hectic, My sister was in town, and I have been up to my elbows in finishing projects!  Yay!  I am NOTORIOUS for getting something about 80% finished, losing steam, and moving on to something else.  So I have been feeling pretty proud of myself for finally finishing up several things I have had in the works for awhile and even a spontaneous Christmas project (or 3).  Super excited to share.  Here’s just a little sneak peak.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bTV_I79SD0A/TvAMKr26ddI/AAAAAAAACRo/Ol5ZnDucajw/s1600-h/finished%252520projects%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="finished projects" border="0" alt="finished projects" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eVSHVcNLz7w/TvAMLF2HVhI/AAAAAAAACRw/7Jg_ZEfwVZo/finished%252520projects_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="265" /></a> </p> <p>But we’ll save those for another post.  Or two.  Or 7.  For now, here’s my weekly menu.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vRi6W-BGF94/TvAMLoPufsI/AAAAAAAACR4/vPO4kNyxVWw/s1600-h/Dec19-25%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Dec19-25" border="0" alt="Dec19-25" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xgblPahFxEM/TvAMMfl0PUI/AAAAAAAACSA/MZ4H8yRTIv8/Dec19-25_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="480" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2011/12/garlic-orange-shrimp">Garlic Orange Shrimp</a>, <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/desserts/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cake-mix-cookies/">pumpkin chocolate chip cookies</a></p> <p>     *I made the Garlic Orange Shrimp for the first time tonight, and it was really yummy!  I cut down the cayenne pepper by half…and it was still pretty spicy.  So, if you are not into spice at all…I would omit the pepper completely.  (Also, I didn’t have “Old Bay” seasoning, so I used my trusty Lawry’s season salt.  It tasted great.)</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Chicken Broccoli casserole" border="0" alt="Chicken Broccoli casserole" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-69T8XNNRoqc/TvAMMqbp0LI/AAAAAAAACSI/6qGeJuwjMS8/Chicken%252520Broccoli%252520casserole_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="209" /><a href="http://www.box.com/s/cjbrur9hq0tb9j9st3bv">Chicken Broccoli Casserole</a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YpILCiLUDV8/TvAMNGh2NcI/AAAAAAAACSQ/3JJ4fZIcQOY/s1600-h/Taco%252520Soup%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Taco Soup" border="0" alt="Taco Soup" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A6x-Dc6lOzc/TvAMNpGpC_I/AAAAAAAACSY/vWm5qeXjsLE/Taco%252520Soup_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="238" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.box.com/s/z1zxu1f59pd22oia474i">Taco Soup</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2008/12/chicken-a-la-king">Chicken a la king</a>, <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FQfjdKmQ4WKGsHppE0qYGBaXH8Yzy4XS-cV1GjbFKiI/edit">Atkinson Family homemade vanilla custard and hot fudge sauce</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.alattewithotta.com/2010/11/crock-pott-recipe-egg-brunch-casserole.html">Crockpot breakfast casserole</a> – I have to admit…I haven’t tried this yet, so there are absolutely no guarantees as to how it will turn out.  I figure if it is a bust, I’ll just whip out the bisquick…so no harm done.  :)  </p> <p> </p> <p>If you want a tried and true make ahead recipe for Christmas morning, I would happily suggest this <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/05/cinnamon-baked-french-toast/">Baked French Toast</a> from the Pioneer Woman.  Even the hubs commented on how good it was.  And bonus…if you have leftovers, it was even better re-heated the next day!</p> <p><a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2010/03/wonderful-mashed-potatoes-2">mashed potatoes</a>, <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2009/06/candied-walnut-salad-2">candied walnut salad</a> </p> <p>*The pomegranate spinach salad is nothing special.  Just add pomegranate seeds to your favorite salad.  The End.  :)</p> <p>Has anyone ever tried a crockpot breakfast casserole before?  I’d love to hear how it turned out!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GXivPYg8zJs/TvAMN5nQIAI/AAAAAAAACSg/HTe1AoaOyYM/s1600-h/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aIvZFuSc4Bs/TvAMOBnJPII/AAAAAAAACSo/hBkV3X_7liw/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="138" height="67" /></a></p> Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-90440963496860582152011-11-28T02:03:00.001-05:002011-11-28T02:03:38.303-05:00Little Turkey, and Menu Monday<p>We did it.  We survived Thanksgiving and all the festivities that come a long with it.  It was just my own little family for the big turkey day this year, so we kept things pretty simple.  After all, who wants to spend forever cooking in the kitchen for just 2 people??  (Okay, technically 3 people needed to eat…but I knew my little turkey would take about 2 bites of his dinner, so I didn’t really factor him into the food preparation equation).</p> <p>So we just had the basics.  Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, carrots, and we tossed in a glass of sparkling grape juice just for fun.  And pumpkin pie for dessert.  LOTS of pumpkin pie.  We ate at 1:30, were finished by 1:40, had everything cleaned up by 2:00, and were all taking an afternoon nap by 2:30.  It was great!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L4YPnXvptXU/TtMyI3h2CxI/AAAAAAAACO8/jg7tffP_hO4/s1600-h/112111_0912%252520edited%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="112111_0912 edited" border="0" alt="112111_0912 edited" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aVsRZbJ5YAo/TtMyJf7vb8I/AAAAAAAACPE/C6Xq3kPaw38/112111_0912%252520edited_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="480" /></a> This is my little Turkey at his Preschool “Thanksgiving Feast.”  One adult was invited to join them for their feast (snack time) last Tuesday.  I was the fortunate one to attend, and Miles was soooo excited. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1ZgNbx10lRU/TtMyJ5jPVsI/AAAAAAAACPM/QSJa2Z6rkYw/s1600-h/112111_0913%252520edited%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="112111_0913 edited" border="0" alt="112111_0913 edited" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FOeKL5G43qs/TtMyKRj-ONI/AAAAAAAACPU/qUplvfK5muE/112111_0913%252520edited_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U1wxEEwrtZ0/TtMyKwNBjKI/AAAAAAAACPc/AtDXd2K8MpA/s1600-h/112111_0914%252520edited%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="112111_0914 edited" border="0" alt="112111_0914 edited" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qU2zbpA4Y50/TtMyLdaBkbI/AAAAAAAACPk/Ls01N1jrjbU/112111_0914%252520edited_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="239" /></a> </p> <p>We got to make our own turkeys out of a bagel and cream cheese, veggies, cracker and raisins.  The kids also worked very hard in class preparing a pumpkin pie pudding.  (And I was shocked that it was actually REALLY good!) </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_EgzjCvqopE/TtMyLj7J1oI/AAAAAAAACPs/M45RhU3pnEo/s1600-h/112111_0918%252520edited%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="112111_0918 edited" border="0" alt="112111_0918 edited" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d1m9xjDTZII/TtMyMOach-I/AAAAAAAACP0/TZ03XCKrXHM/112111_0918%252520edited_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="530" /></a></p> <p> The Judesters was there too…but managed to sleep through the entire thing.  As usual.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k85JlQ7dUgE/TtMyM5wyHeI/AAAAAAAACP8/BtiBJ10kQxI/s1600-h/112111_0916%252520edited%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="112111_0916 edited" border="0" alt="112111_0916 edited" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vzeCf0VH_74/TtMyN3pcAlI/AAAAAAAACQE/lMAWsUGhFlw/112111_0916%252520edited_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="768" /></a> </p> <p>I had a great weekend eating good food and enjoying time with my little family…but now it’s back to the real world!  (Which means planning weekly menus)  </p> <p> </p> <p>So here’s mine for this week:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bTtp1X15lGg/TtMyOYqfyVI/AAAAAAAACQM/8hGccO7ftrc/s1600-h/Nov%25252028-Dec4%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Nov 28-Dec4" border="0" alt="Nov 28-Dec4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fx_bNn4k2UU/TtMyPf3QDvI/AAAAAAAACQU/HZI7kPuNuD0/Nov%25252028-Dec4_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="480" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.box.com/s/kh6qxb388pi6az6hfmfm">Turkey Pot Pie</a>  (it’s my cheater chicken pot pie recipe…only I am using leftover turkey) </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c2wpjpu8SuE/TtMyP8gLQvI/AAAAAAAACQc/9pqkmkLoIBk/s1600-h/cheater%252520chicken%252520pot%252520pie%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cheater chicken pot pie" border="0" alt="cheater chicken pot pie" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7y2eUE8Ua9Y/TtMyQHC7W6I/AAAAAAAACQk/C7DJcJX-0_4/cheater%252520chicken%252520pot%252520pie_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="349" /></a> </p> <p>Breakfast for Dinner – there’s no “official” recipe.  I don’t know for sure what we’ll have, but probably french toast.  Or waffles.  Or bacon and eggs.  Or all of the above.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PmXZwkTAbWY/TtMyQZ6kbHI/AAAAAAAACQs/AYPqCbicj7k/s1600-h/The_Sisters_Cafe_-BreadBowl_%252526_Clam_Chowder_-_wmark%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The_Sisters_Cafe_-BreadBowl_&_Clam_Chowder_-_wmark" border="0" alt="The_Sisters_Cafe_-BreadBowl_&_Clam_Chowder_-_wmark" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oDUMPHG8zW8/TtMyQoIGpkI/AAAAAAAACQ0/2uX6uU-7BF0/The_Sisters_Cafe_-BreadBowl_%252526_Clam_Chowder_-_wmark_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" height="169" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vLmd-D1it0g/TtMyRMRX3pI/AAAAAAAACQ8/Q2rqZSjZESY/s1600-h/Bread-Bowls-BLOG-450x305%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Bread-Bowls-BLOG-450x305" border="0" alt="Bread-Bowls-BLOG-450x305" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V_bi8NxZB-o/TtMyRkLmYaI/AAAAAAAACRE/tXVBoLAnNeY/Bread-Bowls-BLOG-450x305_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="167" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2010/12/clam-chowder-2">Clam Chowder</a> & <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/11/my-favorite-bread-bowls.html">Bread Bowls</a> – My friend Erin (from The Sisters Cafe) invited me to a luncheon last week to celebrate my birthday.  She served this clam chowder…and it was to DIE for.  I mean it.  And my friend Anona made these awesome bread bowls to go with them.  The combination was heavenly…(Thanks again to my amazing friends!!)</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Tshirts,_July_'08_009_best" border="0" alt="Tshirts,_July_'08_009_best" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k1uhUDTFFus/TtMyR5XF8fI/AAAAAAAACRM/mixL7fdousM/Tshirts%25252C_July_%25252708_009_best%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="224" /><a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2008/07/crockpot-southwestern-chicken-2">Southwestern Crockpot Chicken</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Cafe Rio Sweet Pork, Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Rice, & Cafe Rio Beans</p> <p>     The recipe I use for my Cafe Rio “copycat” dinner is one I have sort of made-up from several different recipes.  I’ll post it soon…but it still needs to be typed up, and since it’s almost 2 am…I’m going to BED! </p> <p>Happy Monday Everyone!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-is4GD8d3u6M/TtMySNDM3OI/AAAAAAAACRU/fjoli0MfrEU/s1600-h/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hsImCCjDxUE/TtMySe19VNI/AAAAAAAACRc/AnqNadNsOnY/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="138" height="67" /></a></p> Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-32625317190062241862011-11-23T00:06:00.001-05:002011-11-23T00:06:10.513-05:00The Paper Monster – kitchen organization project #1<p>Forgoing my menu this week. It seems I have amassed quite the supply of leftovers!  So we will be eating anything and everything left in the fridge, trying to make space for all the goodies that will need to be stored there come Thursday.  (MMMMM…can’t wait!)</p> <p>Instead, I’m finally getting around to the “how'-to” of my clutter-free kitchen counters.  Finally!!  For some reason, I deluded myself into thinking that when my oldest little tike started preschool this year I would suddenly have “all this FREE TIME!”  I seriously believed that I would gain an extra 3 hours a day of peace and quiet, in which I could sit and ponder, and write, and craft, and pretty much do anything I wanted!  </p> <p>Ha!  I laugh about that now.  Boy, was I wrong!!!  I still have to do everything I did when he was home with me.  True, it takes me a little less time to fold the laundry or go grocery shopping than it did with all the typical little boy interruptions, but any precious time I gain gets all used up again doing the “school routine.”  You know, helping the big guy get ready, doing reading and handwriting lessons, books and backpack packed, kids buckled into the car, driving to school, waiting outside classroom until he is allowed in, getting baby buckled back into car, and driving home.  Then doing it all again 3 hours later.  Extra time???  I must have been CRAZY!!</p> <p>So, yes.  It has taken me much longer than anticipated.  But here is my finished product.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8727ucaNPyg/Tsx_E2iD64I/AAAAAAAACMM/WEqrBs7cQgM/s1600-h/After%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="After" border="0" alt="After" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bLKeiSF8xpw/Tsx_FTrUteI/AAAAAAAACMU/ilHPC_5QWkM/After_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="343" /></a> </p> <p>You’re looking at my new Kitchen Command Center.  It was a lot of work to get it that way.  But the great thing about getting a space organized and functioning smoothly is that now, it takes very little time to maintain.  For a mom that already feels short on time, that is a HUGE blessing!  </p> <p> </p> <p>Remember the “Before”?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2fuNJ25H0Qg/Tsx_F8vU2FI/AAAAAAAACMc/uX7MJaoxkhg/s1600-h/Before%252520-%252520edited%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Before - edited" border="0" alt="Before - edited" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pWJcvmml1uY/Tsx_GToMC5I/AAAAAAAACMk/5VVe7wsUVlo/Before%252520-%252520edited_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="344" /></a> </p> <p>YIKES!!! Oh man…that’s bad.  That random rooster popping up there cracks me up.  Want a closer look??</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8YlKPbf8Tg8/Tsx_G5GYnkI/AAAAAAAACMs/0GXrWXx7clE/s1600-h/110211_0574%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="110211_0574" border="0" alt="110211_0574" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-loLDIE7NhwM/Tsx_HVLeIoI/AAAAAAAACM0/ediqRr-fsLU/110211_0574_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="480" /></a> Oh…if only it was actually true!!</p> <p> </p> <p>Unfortunately for me, I didn’t just have one craptacular, catch-all counter.  It gets worse!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IyIN53OM6Aw/Tsx_IZDEEmI/AAAAAAAACM8/xWocmXG6cPo/s1600-h/Edits%25255B24%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Edits" border="0" alt="Edits" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uNpGVowvw1c/Tsx_I5sC-1I/AAAAAAAACNE/mlK8FaEV5hw/Edits_thumb%25255B20%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="411" /></a> </p> <p>I had TWO!!!  As well as a completely ineffective (and over utilized) mail sorter, an under utilized and awkwardly positioned magnet board, and bags cluttering up the floor, because there was no place else to put them.  I had good intentions.  But it was COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL! Something HAD to be done!!  </p> <p>I knew I needed storage.  I needed a place to corral all the clutter, sort the mail, save papers and keep schedules and notes.  AND I knew I needed a SYSTEM to make it all work together and function smoothly.  Before I could brainstorm solutions to get this all cleaned up, I needed to know EXACTLY what was coming in and cluttering up my kitchen in the first place. So I cleaned off all my counters and went to work.</p> <p>I sorted everything into piles and realized my main problem.  I was battling a paper monster!  I had been inundated with paper, paper, and..you got it.  More paper!  It was coming in from EVERYWHERE!  And I knew corralling it HAD to be my first priority.  So I came up with a filing system to sort it all as it comes in.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3F8cdxAcOl4/Tsx_Jo68mFI/AAAAAAAACNM/il9Eo5bIjJo/s1600-h/111411_0624%25255B25%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="111411_0624" border="0" alt="111411_0624" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6_t0p4aYwzw/Tsx_KZUdMCI/AAAAAAAACNU/hMezPedsCX4/111411_0624_thumb%25255B29%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="654" /></a>After sorting through my mounds of paper, I was able to put everything into 7 main categories.</p> <p>1. “Take Action” - This includes things like permission slips that need to be returned to school, magazine subscriptions that need to be renewed, bills that need to be paid, and Netflix envelopes that need to be returned.  Anything that requires me to DO something, goes in this folder.</p> <p>2. “To File” – Things I want to store on a more long term basis go in this folder.  Credit card and utility statements, Receipts, product manuals, etc. are all corralled here and stored temporarily, until I get a chance to transfer it to our “long term” filing cabinet upstairs.   (Because lets face it.  We all know I would NEVER trek every little bit of paper upstairs immediately.)  Instead I  empty the folder about once a week.  (Usually every Sunday night when I sit down to plan my next week’s schedule.)</p> <p>3. Miles Preschool papers – Papers I want to save forever and ever go here!  (That’s a pretty tall order!) Mostly things like his weekly handwriting sheets (I am going to make them all into a book at the end of the year), special awards he has received, and any other extra special projects he comes home with.  These papers are stored here temporarily.  When the folder starts filling up, I transfer them to the school paperwork storage box I created a la Jen from <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/11/school-paperwork-storage.html">iheartorganizing</a>.  (A super fun project.  More to come on that later.)  :)  </p> <p>4. Miles Art – Holy Cow!  I had no idea how many “masterpieces” my little man would bring home every week.  Sweet little gems like this one……</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NHOFqU-qhns/Tsx_K3_wbLI/AAAAAAAACNc/tVzyUBwie20/s1600-h/111711_1013%252520edited%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="111711_1013 edited" border="0" alt="111711_1013 edited" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K0VZ_JzZ2QY/Tsx_LQMBsFI/AAAAAAAACNk/kesPKWu5fdc/111711_1013%252520edited_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="480" /></a> Seriously???  Hi-Larious. BEST part of having a kid in pre-school, hands down.</p> <p>BUTTTTT  the question remains.  What in the heck am I supposed to do with this thing???  (Besides of course, snap so many pictures of myself wearing this little dandy the artist himself becomes insanely jealous and is forced to tear it off my head.)  True story.  See that little hand in the corner??</p> <p>This is where having a “System” in place is important.  No my dear friends, having a file folder labeled “Miles Art” will get you nowhere.  TRUST ME!  (especially if you don’t have a kid named Miles.  Ha!) There are usually 3 or 4 projects coming home from school every day.  That’s about 15 a week, and 60 every month!!!  There is no way storing all those papers in one little file is feasible.  So, here is our system.  First, I snap photos of every single one of his masterpieces while oohing and aahing over them for an appropriate amount of time.  Then we remove the previous days art from the fridge, Miles gets to choose 1 or 2 new pieces to display, and I file the others in his “art” folder.  The REALLY special pieces will get filed in his special school specific filing box to keep forever and ever.  The rest of them get thrown in the garbage at the end of the week when my little man is sleeping.  Sorry Dude.  Flog me if you will, but I have absolutely no remorse, because I took photos of ever piece he created.  And at the end of the year, those photos will be combined into a lovely photo book, displaying the entirety of his preschool creativity.  And that is WAY more awesome than having random triangles and turkey legs floating around my house.</p> <p>5. Grocery Ads – I like to keep my Meijer, Rite-aid, and Kroger ads to refer to when making my weekly menus, and throughout the week for couponing purposes.</p> <p>6. Coupons – I like to use coupons.  It’s fun.  But they are messy if you don’t have a way to contain them.  I file all my coupon inserts by date upstairs in my “main” filing cabinet.  But sometimes I clip coupons I don’t use.  Or I print coupons to use later. Or I cut a coupon from a cereal box.  Those kinds of coupons go in my "Coupons – Grocery” folder.  I also get coupons to stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Ulta, Joanns, and restaurants like Arby’s and McDonalds.  All those “other” types of coupons get filed in my Coupons-Store folder.  </p> <p>7. Recipes– Any recipes I print out for my weekly Menu Plan are stored here.  If they are great, I will transfer them to my recipe binder.  If they are NOT great, they go in the garbage with the leftovers.</p> <p>I also gave myself and Mike our own folders.  These are for things we want to keep around for awhile.  Things we might want to use or refer to every so often.  For instance, I have been drawing up plans to build Miles a play table and chair set for Christmas.  My drawings and supply lists are in my folder, a long with extra copies of the to-do lists I like to use, my printable calendar pages, blog idea pages, etc. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qsEteKCFCtc/Tsx_L3nKGcI/AAAAAAAACNs/RVm4qcyvWno/s1600-h/111411_0623%2525202%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="111411_0623 2" border="0" alt="111411_0623 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0_ljihEFi48/Tsx_MjA_n5I/AAAAAAAACN0/xIxUGV4bYa0/111411_0623%2525202_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="350" /></a> Once everything was sorted, <a href="http://m.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/free-printable-storage-labels/#page=13">I labeled some folders</a>, filed all the paper away, and put the folders in a cute basket I bought in the Target clearance section.   </p> <p><strong>Mission Accomplished!  </strong></p> <p>All my paper has a place to go, and I have a system to make sure it doesn’t get out of control again.</p> <p>Then, I just added a few extra accessories to turn the space into the Command Central I  had envisioned. </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="111411_0626" border="0" alt="111411_0626" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xm1JLgd5_tI/Tsx_M7adSlI/AAAAAAAACN8/cFPy9cDywPQ/111411_0626_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="528" height="353" />A Calendar.  No family command center would be complete without one!  And I love mine.  I just print one off every week to keep track of our comings and goings.  I also have a monthly calendar underneath, to keep  track of all our long-term appointments.</p> <p> </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="111011_0745" border="0" alt="111011_0745" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LK16LDqJ9l8/Tsx_Nc0tnEI/AAAAAAAACOE/3X_55WvhNkM/111011_0745_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="386" /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-82bRjq4tE34/Tsx_N2yEwlI/AAAAAAAACOM/YHBu9LEgjb0/s1600-h/111411_0626%25255B10%25255D.jpg"></a></p> <p>My cup ‘o markers and a cute notepad to write down reminders and add things to the calendar</p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 408px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:f604ff10-fb0a-44d1-b21a-7fd1f2731b60" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=442fcdaa35511d58&page=browse&resid=442FCDAA35511D58!183&type=5&authkey=i!!OHpwGAT8%24"><img style="border:0px" alt="View Kitchen basket" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kw4ScH7SnXk/Tsx_OVykdbI/AAAAAAAACOU/foSd8eOLlTw/InlineRepresentationd47ebcce-8c1f-4267-936b-02eb42b86f61%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;" ><a href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=442fcdaa35511d58&page=browse&resid=442FCDAA35511D58!183&type=5&authkey=i!!OHpwGAT8%24">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p>A simple basket to house our modem/router and hide their cords.  I also stashed my stapler, tape dispenser, and iPad charger in there to minimize the “stuff” on the counter.</p> <p>I also added a couple small, leather journals to my filing basket, (one for each boy), where I can write down their milestones and funny things Miles says.  And my iPad rests in the basket too.  (That is, when it’s not out and streaming the Polar Express station on Pandora for me.  Listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving is AWESOME!!!)</p> <p>so that’s it my command center in a nutshell!  (A very large and overly wordy nutshell.)  It is working FANTASTICALLY, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.  </p> <p>Let’s take a gander at that before and after just one more time, shall we?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-krRNeDOfxrY/Tsx_O0k6jlI/AAAAAAAACOc/iIU16YLuEA8/s1600-h/Kitchen%252520organization%252520before%252520%252526%252520after%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Kitchen organization before & after" border="0" alt="Kitchen organization before & after" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sAwBf0oR-Ao/Tsx_P9pvsNI/AAAAAAAACOk/MFj4mgsd26s/Kitchen%252520organization%252520before%252520%252526%252520after_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="692" /></a> </p> <p>It DID take a bit of work and a lot of time to get it looking this way, but by having this space so streamlined and organized, I also actually SAVE time.  No more digging through piles and piles of papers to find the one thing I was looking for.  Everything is right at my fingertips and I can find anything I need in a matter of seconds.</p> <p>My Command Center was by FAR the biggest project of my quest for kitchen organization, but it was just the beginning!  I cleaned up my other catch-all counter, found a solution for my bags, and even DIY’d a simple keychain holder!  Then there was Miles’ schoolwork filing project, and my medicine cabinet redo.  So much to share!  Can’t wait to show you how it all works together to keep me organized, and our family functioning smoothly. </p> <p>How about you?  Any major organizing projects going on in your neck of the woods?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lQFfD2f9GCc/Tsx_QGhOxyI/AAAAAAAACOs/GW-ix8xAz1Y/s1600-h/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pQwX2qWE_to/Tsx_QaDt_-I/AAAAAAAACO0/0-Ch8pHRm2k/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="138" height="67" /></a></p> Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-17641885593069487612011-11-14T22:26:00.001-05:002011-11-14T22:28:28.867-05:00Menu Monday & organizing fool!<p>It’s true…</p> <p>I have been an Organizing FOOL around these parts.  (These parts meaning my out of control home.)</p> <p>And okay, it’s not really “out of control.”  But it could certainly use a little sprucing, if you know what I mean.  </p> <p> </p> <p>(Please say you know what I mean???!!!)</p> <p> </p> <p>I have been hard at work and am so excited to show you exactly how I transformed my catch-all, cluttered, make me want to tear my hair out, countertops, into a streamlined, organized, and fully functional space.</p> <p>Here’s a sneak peak:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e5sRSssEpDk/TsHb0Am7LXI/AAAAAAAACLY/uUr51upw-mw/s1600-h/Kitchen%252520organization%252520before%252520%252526%252520after%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Kitchen organization before & after" border="0" alt="Kitchen organization before & after" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j0s4DJbWnfY/TsHb1LQ66tI/AAAAAAAACLg/x3YT1Ox48_8/Kitchen%252520organization%252520before%252520%252526%252520after_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="713" /></a> </p> <p>Ahhhhhh…I can just breathe easier now that it’s finished.  It was a lot more work, and took SOOOO much longer than I anticipated, but was TOTALLY worth it.  Who knew looking at a kitchen  countertop could make me feel all giddy inside??</p> <p>There were lots of little projects that went into creating my new and improved, clutter-free counters, and I’ll post all about them this week.</p> <p> </p> <p>But for now…enjoy my weekly menu!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E_Sj-v2IoMA/TsHb1rz2zYI/AAAAAAAACLo/01d26_UkSwE/s1600-h/Nov%25252014-20%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Nov 14-20" border="0" alt="Nov 14-20" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2Ifon1N72hk/TsHb2JE9ECI/AAAAAAAACLw/tQ78rfp-oQY/Nov%25252014-20_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="531" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ER-HKgFjw7zhXPeOibqraD48Ma9gRrz9ZGjFtgx4uFE/edit?pli=1#">Creamy Garlic Alfredo Penne</a>, <a href="http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/maglebys-rolls/">Parmesan Rolls</a>, <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2009/05/olive-garden-salad-3">Olive Garden Salad</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2009/05/olive-garden-salad-3">Baked Potato Soup</a> & <a href="http://www.ldsliving.com/story/4234-lion-house-recipes">Lion House Rolls</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2009/08/honey-lime-enchiladas-2">Honey Lime Enchiladas</a>, <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2009/02/shredded-sweet-pork-salad-2">Cafe Rio Rice, & Cafe Rio Beans</a></p> <p><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B1y0hy1SCmiJvl6EKW_B8pApKvyu7IoDAcemrrPeGv4/edit">Calzones</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2008/07/crockpot-southwestern-chicken-2">Crockpot Southwest Chicken</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Happy Monday everyone!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MBbdooC8xTs/TsHb2Yfc3cI/AAAAAAAACL4/2mbTcRyVAow/s1600-h/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DFJQH_x2daQ/TsHb2gxcFNI/AAAAAAAACMA/X-uJMn4c-s4/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="138" height="67" /></a></p> Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-25473918030158524032011-11-07T21:31:00.001-05:002011-11-07T21:31:49.173-05:00Menu Monday – simple meals (and a couple repeats)<p>Back today with my weekly menu.  And before you judge me on its lameness…just know we had a rough week around these parts.  With a husband and a little boy both getting the stomach flu, and a Mommy who was sick (not the flu…just felt like it), several of our meals were “postponed” to this week.<img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Nov 7-13" border="0" alt="Nov 7-13" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qdTlT92uTVE/TriUkqMmGfI/AAAAAAAACJo/JeJMZHsgZhM/Nov%2525207-13_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="480" /></p> <p>Links:  <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/spinach-quiche-55546.aspx">Spinach Quiche</a>, <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2009/08/honey-lime-enchiladas-2">Honey Lime Enchiladas</a>, <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2009/04/rumbi-island-easy-mango-chicken-and-rice-2">Rumbi Island Chicken</a></p> <p>***It’s a busy week for us, so these meals are quick, easy, and crockpot friendly.  The Honey Lime Enchiladas are a freezer meal I made a few weeks ago.  SWEET!!!***</p> <p>bonus for me:  I save $$$ on groceries</p> <p>bonus for you:  well… there is no bonus.  You just get to see all my repeats.</p> <h2 align="center"><font color="#0080c0"><strong>Lame.</strong> </font></h2> <p>But there is one thing that should make you happy.  Like, very very happy.  </p> <p>I’m making spaghetti this week.  And OHHHHHH it is so good.</p> <p>So good, in fact, that after I took my first trip as a teen to the <a href="http://www.osf.com/">Old Spaghetti Factory</a> in Salt Lake City, I thought, “What’s the big deal???  My mom’s spaghetti is WAY better than this.”</p> <p>Sorry OSF…But I still stand by that statement.</p> <p> </p> <p>Behold…the oft requested Atkinson Family spaghetti sauce recipe.  You can thank me later.</p> <p><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/gp7eyz7gldkj0phxicq2"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="spaghetti sauce & mastaccioli" border="0" alt="spaghetti sauce & mastaccioli" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BpwNTcgyQRY/TriUlIQ9HcI/AAAAAAAACJw/8RgUPMiThw8/spaghetti%252520sauce%252520%252526%252520mastaccioli%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="535" height="407" /></a>Download <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/gp7eyz7gldkj0phxicq2">HERE</a> </p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Happy Monday Everyone!!!</p> Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-73377990608044292662011-11-04T00:04:00.002-04:002011-11-07T22:33:21.511-05:00Menu Mania: Part 2<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WMRkPm880vM/TrNkKKtBGYI/AAAAAAAACHY/YtLoiFhaozM/s1600-h/MenuManiaPart25.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto" title="Menu Mania Part 2" border="0" alt="Menu Mania Part 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oWZmxwNyLrM/TrNkKdIb9tI/AAAAAAAACHg/2PPUw0vyY8k/MenuManiaPart2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="100" /></a></p><br /><p>When it comes to creating a menu plan, there are a few things you should know.</p><br /><p>First…I’m no expert! There’s really no right or wrong way to create one. The IMPORTANT thing though, is that you just DO IT! Not only will it save you from pulling your hair out when that 4:30 after school/dinner time witching hour rolls around, but it will save you lots of $$$ and hours of time in the kitchen. Hours that you COULD be spending on more important things…like oolgling your next craft inspiration on <a href="http://pinterest.com/sarahromer">Pinterest!</a> Or, you know…playing games with your Littles. Whatever……</p><br /><p>(And speaking of littles…here are mine just before heading out the door Halloween eve. Oh, I DIE they are so cute! ) </p><br /><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EmQOCeCJRm4/TrNkK7I3RdI/AAAAAAAACHo/7A7WaGeRcxc/s1600-h/103111_0612%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="103111_0612" border="0" alt="103111_0612" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vpeKR65Q7Z0/TrNkLe0EmVI/AAAAAAAACHw/KTGK4V4GFI8/103111_0612_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="583" /></a> </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Wait…what was I talking about? Oh yeah, Menus. Continuing on…</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>So, let’s get down to it. Here is the play by play of my weekly menu planning process.</p><br /><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RWpF48NePvg/TrNkLk0HhsI/AAAAAAAACH4/YCq2mMsc814/s1600-h/check%25252C%252520check%25252C%252520check%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="check, check, check" border="0" alt="check, check, check" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hdzPtY781w4/TrNkMB7MwfI/AAAAAAAACIA/wu1ItV3qs-4/check%25252C%252520check%25252C%252520check_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="100" /></a> First, I check my husband’s work schedule. Nothing is worse than slaving away in the kitchen, ready to welcome my beloved home with a big hug and delicious dinner…only to find out (much too late) that he was on-call at the hospital and wouldn’t be home for dinner at all. I’ll be honest…if the hubs won’t be home to eat it…I usually won’t cook it. Instead, I usually plan a big dinner (as in, something that makes a LOT) the night BEFORE, so there will be leftovers Miles and I can eat when Mike is working.</p><br /><p>Next, I look at the rest of our calendar. Are there any special occasions that might warrant a special meal? Are we having guests over for dinner sometime that week? Are we attending any functions where dinner will be provided, or do I need to plan for a potluck? If so, I make a note of it on my menu planner so I can keep it in mind as I select my meals. </p><br /><p>The NEXT thing I check is the weather forecast. I know I know…it sounds a little strange. Now that it’s fall and winter is fast approaching, it’s not really an issue. (It’s always COLD!) But trust me when I say planning a week full of new recipes you want to try out on the Grill, only to have it be rainy and miserable the ENTIRE TIME, is a TOTAL BUMMER!! Lesson learned.</p><br /><p>The LAST thing I check before starting my meal search is the weekly grocery sale circulars. Planning my menus around items that are on sale each week (or items I stocked up on previous weeks) has really saved our family mucho $$$. For instance, last week Haas avocados were advertized at their lowest price of the season. (I don’t usually buy them, because they are pretty spendy!) So for dinner I planned <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/02/chicken-tortilla-soup/">Chicken Tortilla Soup,</a> Club Sandwiches, and Taco Salad…all meals that used avocadoes. Many of the other ingredients for the meals (like the chicken and beef, canned tomatoes, chicken stock, etc) were things I had stocked up on from a previous weeks sale and already had in the pantry. (Which REALLY helped my bottom line at the grocery store.)</p><br /><p>Then all that money I saved gets put into a special account for me to spend on pedicures, and massages, and just pampering in general! (Okay, not really. But wouldn’t that be AWESOME!!!)</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Whew! It sounds like a lot of work when it’s all written out like that. But really, its not. The whole process takes me maybe 15 minutes. Now that all our checking is out of the way, we are FINALLY ready to start picking out our meals. </p><br /><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nmGqe2ZjBwY/TrNkMV1qfPI/AAAAAAAACII/lqleiTbGLi8/s1600-h/What%252527s%252520For%252520Dinner%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="What's For Dinner" border="0" alt="What's For Dinner" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QXJbfCkv9qQ/TrNkMitpOuI/AAAAAAAACIQ/8MYA381M-bc/What%252527s%252520For%252520Dinner_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="100" /></a> Now THIS is the fun part! </p><br /><p>There are so many AMAZING sources out there to go to for yummy meals for my family. Here are a few of my favorites:</p><br /><p></p><br /><p align="left"><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="thumbnail" border="0" alt="thumbnail" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2f-IXlTDmtc/TrNkM-EkuII/AAAAAAAACIY/9hRGZnYH3Yw/thumbnail%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="139" height="186" /></a> <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="sisters cafe" border="0" alt="sisters cafe" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7TQXFhxJSy0/TrNkNFwPoxI/AAAAAAAACIg/7Mf23aGvfrA/sisters%252520cafe%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="175" height="175" /></a><a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="Mels kitchen" border="0" alt="Mels kitchen" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yyVkdGWKaL4/TrNkNIM2hBI/AAAAAAAACIo/f8g8B-OBfpM/Mels%252520kitchen%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" height="129" /></a> </p><br /><p align="center">(Click pictures to be taken to the website)</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Those are my three go-to sites for great, yummy, tried and true recipes that never disappoint. But there are SO MANY MORE out there!! </p><br /><p>So I peruse these fantastic sites looking for new recipes, or old stand-bys, or just anything that “calls out to me”, really. Then I hit up my cook books and my trusty Recipe binder. When I find something I like, I print it out (if I don’t already have it in my Recipe Binder), and write it on my menu plan. That’s it. Easy. More often than not it’s narrowing down the selection of yummy recipes I want to try that is the hardest.</p><br /><p>And that’s it. Well, ALMOST. Here are just a few tips and tricks I’ve learned through the years…</p><br /><p>(translation…Let me share all the ways I’ve messed it up…so you don’t have to!) <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UhqrIiSZjys/TrNkNb7lgaI/AAAAAAAACIw/yaVWVNlP0yA/s1600-h/tips%252520and%252520tricks%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="tips and tricks" border="0" alt="tips and tricks" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4WYegto6DVM/TrNkNnTceKI/AAAAAAAACI4/tK1DFIXEozY/tips%252520and%252520tricks_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="100" /></a></p><br /><ul><br /><li>Read through every recipe in its ENTIRETY at the beginning of the week to avoid “surprises” at dinner time. (Like the time I made the <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2010/07/amazing-chilis-fajitas-2">Chili’s Fajitas</a> and discovered 30 minutes before dinner time I was supposed to marinate the meat overnight. Oops!!) Or today when I set out to make my Corn Chowder, and realized I forgot to take the bacon out of the freezer yesterday, and I forgot to start the rolls this afternoon. Ummm, can you say “Epic Fail??” </li><br /><li>Jot down any prep work you might need to do in advance, (like say…taking the bacon out of the freezer, or starting the rolls) right on the menu, so it won’t slip your mind. (This is a skill I’m still trying to master.)</li><br /><li>Spend the time to create a Recipe binder. (Or Recipe box, or recipe…whatever) Just devote the time to organizing and storing all your favorite recipes in one location. I promise, you won’t regret it. </li></ul><br /><p>So there you have it! My steps for creating a menu plan. </p><br /><p>What about you? Do you have any meal planning tips and tricks? I’d love to know!!</p>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-30767158771157563012011-10-31T00:51:00.000-04:002011-11-01T23:14:17.232-04:00Menu Monday Part 1 & a Freebie!<p>If there is one thing I love, it is sitting down at the end of a busy day with my family to share a yummy meal.  I should say, I love sitting down and EATING said meal…but getting it prepped, cooked, and on the table by dinner time night after night is not an easy feat!  Bu there is one little thing I have found that helps me more than ANYTHING else to guarantee I can provide that home cooked meal and quality family time without pulling my hair out.  Two Words:  Meal Plan!</p> <p>That’s why this week, I am SO EXCITED to finally introduce a new feature to my blog:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zqylvuap6Bs/Tq98iMn2ldI/AAAAAAAACFE/txPrhHEEpSs/s1600-h/MenuMonday5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Menu Monday" border="0" alt="Menu Monday" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kG_001T2DyM/Tq98iVg16RI/AAAAAAAACFM/C5IPqf38TZA/MenuMonday_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="100" /></a> Spending a little time at the beginning of each week creating my weekly menu and meal plan, I think, is the most important thing I do!  It saves me countless hours in the grocery store, helps eliminate dinnertime stress, and saves us lots and lots of $$$.  </p> <p>And THAT’s a win/win/win for everyone!</p> <p>AAAANNNNNNDDDDDD……because I already spend the time every week planning my menus, I thought I would share them here so you don’t have to!  That’s a win/win/win/win!</p> <p align="center">So here it is, in all it’s glory:</p> <p align="center">(links to all the recipes can be found below the menu)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G2BG5pHVn7M/TrC06fxFLdI/AAAAAAAACGo/9LqvUpyxpD0/s1600-h/Oct%25252031-Nov%2525206.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="Oct 31-Nov 6" border="0" alt="Oct 31-Nov 6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tB1qtrVuJKc/Tq98kEHODyI/AAAAAAAACGw/TdD93qbWbRY/Oct%25252031-Nov%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="632" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Halloween Dinner ideas and photos from <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/10/easy-halloween-party-food/">Our Best Bites</a></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 536px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:1a957c1b-377f-45ad-a08f-80d3159ac885" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=442fcdaa35511d58&page=browse&resid=442FCDAA35511D58!179&type=5&authkey=H85ix44gDrc%24"><img style="border:0px" alt="View Halloween Dinner" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-77kSYywPI1A/Tq98kliBp_I/AAAAAAAACFk/btGtsUtf838/InlineRepresentation0ad5e68184034614.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:528px;text-align:right;" ><a href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=442fcdaa35511d58&page=browse&resid=442FCDAA35511D58!179&type=5&authkey=H85ix44gDrc%24">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Tuesday – <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/07/sweet-and-sour-chicken-updated.html" target="_blank">Sweet and Sour Chicken</a> & <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/03/asian-chicken-salad.html" target="_blank">Asian Chicken salad</a> courtesy of Mel’s Kitchen Cafe</p> <p>                (I am already drooling just thinking about this.  It’s better than any Chinese   </p> <p>                 takeout I’ve ever had!)</p> <p>Wednesday – <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2009/10/crispy-southwest-wraps-vegetarian" target="_blank">Crispy Southwest Wraps & Homemade Guacamole</a> from The Sisters Cafe</p> <p>Thursday – <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/09/creamy-corn-chowder/" target="_blank">Creamy Corn Chowder</a> from Our Best Bites</p> <p>Saturday – <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/spinach-quiche-55546.aspx" target="_blank">Spinach Quiche</a> from Kraft</p> <p>Sunday – <a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2009/04/rumbi-island-easy-mango-chicken-and-rice-2" target="_blank">Rumbi Island Mango Chicken and Rice</a> from The Sisters Cafe</p> <p>So there you have it!</p> <p>Now…I’m not going to stop there (even if you wish I would.)  ha!  No Siree!!  There’s a LOT that goes into creating my weekly plan. Tomorrow I’ll post all the details. So stay tuned for part 2.  </p> <p> </p> <p>But because you can’t have a weekly menu without , well… a menu… I’ll leave you with this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fQ9xoaQQhnM/Tq98k_b-fyI/AAAAAAAACFs/2IX80ixe-1E/s1600-h/FreePrintableMenu9.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Free Printable Menu" border="0" alt="Free Printable Menu" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8UB56jWoo7Q/Tq98k1SRNUI/AAAAAAAACF0/qnU_VNBsWOA/FreePrintableMenu_thumb13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="75" /></a></p> <p>Woot Woot! Once I got started, I couldn’t stop!  So whether you plan three squares a day, dinners only, or just want a small sheet to jot down a main dish, I’ve got ya covered!   </p> <p>To download, simply click on the picture that suites your fancy.  It’s that simple.</p> <p><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/uy3b0htg8nntskhbqj4j"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="menu planner" border="0" alt="menu planner" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HrmXrzbLnwY/Tq98lYRBJ2I/AAAAAAAACF8/RYXK9iyZ8RM/menuplanner12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="582" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Full Page Breakfast Lunch & Dinner: <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/uy3b0htg8nntskhbqj4j" target="_blank">Click Here to Download</a> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="dinner menu planner with shopping list colorful with yellow" border="0" alt="dinner menu planner with shopping list colorful with yellow" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xeliD3rv774/Tq98l_dNnhI/AAAAAAAACGE/hICAtJAIB-8/dinnermenuplannerwithshoppinglistcol%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="348" /> </p> <p align="center">Weekly Dinner Menu & Shopping List: <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/ksubyt9rvudt0op6yl0f" target="_blank">Click Here to Download</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/t8y6tsb2750ghe6m0k4c"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="blank 5x7 weekly menu with tag" border="0" alt="blank 5x7 weekly menu with tag" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-83QKbzME1i8/Tq98mfWwgyI/AAAAAAAACGk/Y0XOZteriI8/blank%2525205x7%252520weekly%252520menu%252520with%252520tag.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="492" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center">5x7 Dinner Menu Only: <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/t8y6tsb2750ghe6m0k4c" target="_blank">Click Here to Download</a></p> <p>Happy Halloween!!!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cZc9U--P1Vc/Tq98mkqzM9I/AAAAAAAACGU/yKnBR7gfFTY/s1600-h/Sarahsignaturecopybiggersize3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FkFEA-Y5up4/Tq98m9F1ySI/AAAAAAAACGc/zrrw9iuQM_g/Sarahsignaturecopybiggersize_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="138" height="67" /></a> </p> <p>**I share, because I care!  Feel free to download the menus and use any of my images, as long as they are credited to me and accompanied with a link back to <a href="www.romerfamilyramblings.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Romer Family Ramblings</a>.  Menus and images are for personal use only.**</p> Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-22576917870026431542011-10-26T22:41:00.004-04:002011-10-27T01:39:21.280-04:00ch ch ch ch changin...<div align="center"><span style="font-family:2Peas Typo;font-size:180%;">It's official....I'm under construction</span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tzseIIzFA0/TqjFF-4ekrI/AAAAAAAACDU/J75OdqrfOTE/s1600/Pardon%2Bour%2BDust.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667996837615669938" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tzseIIzFA0/TqjFF-4ekrI/AAAAAAAACDU/J75OdqrfOTE/s400/Pardon%2Bour%2BDust.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I don't know about you, but things have been feeling a little "stuffy" for me lately. As in, I need to open a window, take a deep breath, and let the fresh air swirl around my lungs (and life), taking with it all that is stagnant and in need of renewal. And when I get that feeling, that...I need to "shake things up" kind of a feeling, nothing can stop me.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I never felt the need to "nest" during my pregnancy. Actually, the opposite was true. I had absolutely NO desire to do anything but eat, sleep, and gestate. Now the gestating has been replaced with a new baby, a new routine, visitors and vacations, school, work, and sleepless nights. (Okay...not THAT sleepless. I swear I have the best baby EVER!)<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />In any case, my lack of nesting and detailed attention to life the past few months has finally caught up with me, and it can only be remedied by a total makeover. I'm replacing my cravings for mexican food and chocolate chip cookies with something new entirely. I'm craving structure. I'm craving order. I'm craving organization, and cleanliness, and all that mixed with a little need to create, to write, and re-invent. The past four weeks I have been hard at work recovering, visiting with family, figuring out my new routine as a mother of two, and brainstorming fabulous plans I wanted to implement when I was feeling up to it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />And By Golly friends...that time is now. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">So please pardon my dust as I shake things up a little bit. I could not be more excited about my new blog design (slowly...VERY slowly being implemented), my new weekly features and giveaways, organization projects and pinterest challenges, sharing my weekly menus and recipes, opening the blog up to sponsors, and all my craft and household projects I have on my "to do".</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Seriously....</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><h1><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff8000;">SO. EXCITED.</span></h1><span style="font-size:100%;">I'm takin it a little slow at first. I am still getting my "sea legs" after all. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">But change, she is a comin'. </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Anyone else have any big plans to make changes and get organized?? Do share!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b1vpgh6t89A/TqjZ_yFF8YI/AAAAAAAACDo/kMoO3CXhI4Q/s1600-h/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="Sarah signature copy bigger size" border="0" alt="Sarah signature copy bigger size" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qT3Co8q9fF8/TqjaAdCxobI/AAAAAAAACDw/zPQiUudCIO0/Sarah%252520signature%252520copy%252520bigger%252520size_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="138" height="67" /></a><br />P.S. To see everything I have in store, don’t forget to “follow” my blog over on the sidebar! You won’t want to miss it!Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-72733553449526326612011-10-13T22:14:00.002-04:002011-10-14T18:08:52.738-04:00Little Miracle Man<p>I’m just sitting here watching my little man sleep. He makes the most adorable noises. And it’s all I can do to keep myself from picking him up and nuzzling him into the crook of my neck.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>He’s a nuzzler. A snuggler. If I would let him, he would snuggle me 23 hours a day. If I hold him on my chest, he curls up into a little ball, rests his head on my shoulder, lets out a little sigh (and sometimes gives me a little smile), and dozes off. And he will stay that way as long as I let him. Or until he needs to eat. Whichever comes first.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>When he DOES need to eat, there is no sad newborn cry to make me aware it is feeding time. Nope. He’s not a crier. He’s too patient and content for that. Instead, he lets out a sound like a little lamb. Which has earned him the lovely nickname “My Little Lambie". </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>And when he eats, he just slurps it down as fast as he can, let’s out one big belch, then nuzzles back into my side and falls fast asleep.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>and I love it.</p><br /><p>And I Love him.</p><br /><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RKhKs0k8Q54/TpebACIv03I/AAAAAAAACC8/3U7MS6br8zw/s1600-h/Jude-Birth-Announcement%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="Jude-Birth-Announcement" border="0" alt="Jude-Birth-Announcement" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qq99zv6-T2A/TpebBBqsDRI/AAAAAAAACDE/y67KYAlMAiQ/Jude-Birth-Announcement_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="606" /></a> I waited a long time for you to join our family. And I’m so glad you’re here.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Welcome to the world, little man.</p><br /><p>XOXO</p><br /><p>Mom</p>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-2796863371771609182011-09-19T22:43:00.002-04:002011-10-14T20:39:46.056-04:00Growing Up<p></p><br /><p>Today, I am officially a mom. I have been considering a lot today the moment one actually becomes one. A mom that is. Its true, when my son was born I became his mother. But it wasn’t until today I officially became his mom. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I sent my baby to his first day of school. Pre-school, actually. And for only 3 hours. But I sent him away none the less. And it wasn’t anything like I expected.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kZ8Moeh5Ba0/Tnf9zv71eUI/AAAAAAAACBU/gzlLKL3TZxU/s1600-h/Miles%252520first%252520day%252520of%252520preschool_06%252520edited%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="Miles first day of preschool_06 edited" border="0" alt="Miles first day of preschool_06 edited" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BjA4ja0cFZE/Tnf903o20TI/AAAAAAAACBY/EVWwAAzhGAA/Miles%252520first%252520day%252520of%252520preschool_06%252520edited_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="768" /></a> </p><br /><p>I expected him to be excited about dressing up in his brand new clothes for school.</p><br /><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8cmdar5nzgw/Tnf91ZXAnZI/AAAAAAAACBc/HO_eg3qN35M/s1600-h/Miles%252520first%252520day%252520of%252520preschool_15%252520bw%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="Miles first day of preschool_15 bw" border="0" alt="Miles first day of preschool_15 bw" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OLAy9YjSFO0/Tnf91_TVVnI/AAAAAAAACBg/tdhjUaTsXzo/Miles%252520first%252520day%252520of%252520preschool_15%252520bw_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="345" /></a> He wasn’t.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I expected him to miss me (even just a little)</p><br /><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZLYib4IvsRM/Tnf92eDEFzI/AAAAAAAACBk/2sZPrVUn2V8/s1600-h/Miles%252520first%252520day%252520of%252520preschool_16%252520edited%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="Miles first day of preschool_16 edited" border="0" alt="Miles first day of preschool_16 edited" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OrWXdpoMYis/Tnf93GcTQaI/AAAAAAAACBo/bs5VpDGcLDU/Miles%252520first%252520day%252520of%252520preschool_16%252520edited_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="518" height="346" /></a>He didn’t. In fact, he couldn’t leave me at the door fast enough. </p><br /><p>I expected there to be a few tears. (From me, not him). But I managed to keep it together.</p><br /><p>And I expected him to be the cutest little (almost) 4 year old there…</p><br /><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ubv6JaheQwI/Tnf93tRLASI/AAAAAAAACBs/vPtK1bO_RaM/s1600-h/Miles%252520first%252520day%252520of%252520preschool_18%252520edited%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="Miles first day of preschool_18 edited" border="0" alt="Miles first day of preschool_18 edited" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6-6Eyaea5lw/Tnf94rIPUzI/AAAAAAAACBw/Fe3tByzaVwQ/Miles%252520first%252520day%252520of%252520preschool_18%252520edited_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="768" /></a> (Well…, I guess ONE thing was EXACTLY as I expected!) How did I get so lucky to have such a handsome little boy???</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I also expected to be excited about the three hours of afternoon peace and quiet I had planned for myself. (I had myself a delicious broccoli cheese bread bowl at Panera, and window shopped at Home Goods.)</p><br /><p>But the truth is…I missed my little Buddy. Even though I would have ordered him lunch at Panera and he wouldn’t have eaten three bites. And he would have begged incessantly at Home Goods to get out of the cart and play with the toys. But I missed that too.</p><br /><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Js_bRxutiso/Tnf95byYJfI/AAAAAAAACB0/2nPpOT6lSgY/s1600-h/Miles%252520first%252520day%252520of%252520preschool_37%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="Miles first day of preschool_37" border="0" alt="Miles first day of preschool_37" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rA6lGNFlTso/Tnf95_ipUwI/AAAAAAAACB4/QLg-HEYWv-4/Miles%252520first%252520day%252520of%252520preschool_37_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="480" /></a> </p><br /><p>When I picked him up, I asked him what he did in preschool today. Here are just a few of the things he told me:</p><br /><blockquote><br /><p><span style="color:#333333;">“I just went on a bear hunt, and played and played and played, and had fun!”</span></p><br /><p>“<span style="color:#333333;">I sang songs and danced, and played with my friends.”</span></p></blockquote><br /><p>When I asked him what his favorite part of preschool was he responded:</p><br /><blockquote><br /><p><span style="color:#333333;">“Washing my hands! I touched my shoes, and they are dirty, so I had to wash my hands. And then we had a snack. I had milk, and a granola bar, and just some cookies!”</span></p></blockquote><br /><p>He also told me they read “Brown Bear, Brown Bear”, and he has been singing “The cat came back the very next day…” all afternoon.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>So its official. I am a mom. A school mom. </p><br /><p>The boy had a fantastic time, and can’t wait to go back again tomorrow.</p><br /><p><br />I miss him already.</p>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-10310949498637037732011-03-29T19:44:00.002-04:002011-03-29T20:07:18.276-04:00well, well, well....<p>It seems I have fallen into a bad habit. A habit of promising "more to come", (as in posts on the blog) and I just can't seem to deliver. </p> <p> </p> <p>Has it really been 5+ weeks??? </p> <p> </p> <p>In case you may have begun to believe I had actually fallen off the face of the earth, I'll say this: </p> <p><strong><font size="4" face="2Peas Typo"><em>We are all here. And we are all happy!</em></font></strong> </p> <p>We came home last week from a fantastic little vacation spent sliding down water slides and strategizing winning card game moves with our close friends.</p> <p> Miles has taken to saying things like "I'm so spoiled because I take after my mommy!" and the ever classic "I'm so stinky because I take after my daddy!"</p> <p> And did I mention his "stinky" daddy turned 32 last week?</p> <p> (And FYI...my boys daddy isn't really stinky. Most of the time.) </p> <p>It suffices me to say that I am content. Content with my life. Content with myself. Content with my role as a wife and a mother. I'm just all around feeling A O K.</p> <p> I hope to post more. I hope to write more. And now that the sun is out and shinning, and winter is beginning to turn into a cold (and miserable) memory, I'm pretty sure the mood to spill my guts to mystery readers on the WWW will strike with increased frequency.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="4"> But if it doesn't, I'm content with that too</font></strong>. </p> <p> </p> <p>So, if it turns into another few months before you hear from me, just picture me out enjoying the sunshine, planting my garden, having bike races with Miles, flying kites, sewing to my hearts content, kissing my wonderful husband (um..on second thought, maybe DON'T picture that one), and enjoying life to its fullest.</p> <p> "And that's all I have to say about that...." </p> <p>                                               <span style="font-size: 85%">(Forrest Gump)</span></p> Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-62655372936750619202011-01-26T23:25:00.003-05:002011-10-14T20:41:55.134-04:00Interruption and 3 stories<p>I interrupt my ruminations to share a little story. A sad story. And a sweet story. And then maybe, to make my sister laugh, a funny story.</p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p><strong><u><span style="font-size:100%;">SAD STORY:</span></u></strong></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">My sister and her husband have a dog. Mocha. She is a large, (I mean large) chocolate lab with the bluest eyes you’ve ever seen. I remember meeting her for the first time when she was a puppy. She could make a dog lover out of anyone.</span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Last night Mocha was outside jumping and barking at some of the neighbor dogs. All of a sudden the barking stopped and the yelping started. And their sweet dog dragged herself back into the house…because her back legs wouldn’t move.</span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">They (Mocha’s parents) immediately called the emergency vet and took her in. They think that Mocha was jumping up in the backyard by the fence. By the fence where she has worn a compacted trail of snow. And that snow has been freezing and melting and freezing again. And it is now ice. So they think she was jumping up and when she was trying to land, slipped, and landed on her back.</span></p><br /><br /><p>The x-rays showed no broken bones. But they think the trauma has caused swelling and compression on her spinal cord. Ibuprofen and steroids might take the swelling down and give Mocha the use of her legs back. it might not. And if THAT is the case, (as in, the medicines don’t help) well……</p><br /><br /><p>So right now it’s a “wait and see”. So we’ll see. Poor Mocha. (and poor Ed and Rachel.)</p><br /><br /><p>Hang in there.</p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p><strong><u>SWEET STORY:</u></strong></p><br /><br /><p>I was talking with my sister and Miles overheard me talking about Mocha and picked up that she was hurt. After I hung up the phone he asked me.</p><br /><br /><p>“Mommy…Mocha okay?”</p><br /><br /><p>“No, Mocha has an owie.”</p><br /><br /><p>“Why?”</p><br /><br /><p>“She slipped on the ice and hurt her back, and now she can’t run and jump and play.”</p><br /><br /><p>“Oh…Mommy…I know…Mocha needs a go a doctor.”</p><br /><br /><p>“Yes, they took her to a doctor. But sometimes doctors can’t fix all of the owies.”</p><br /><br /><p>“Oh…Mommy…I know! <span style="font-size:130%;">I haf a say a pwayer!</span> yeah…I say a pwayer, then Mocha be happy.”</p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;color:#0080c0;">Oh my…he is just the sweetest little thing.</span> </p><br /><br /><p align="left">I love you Ed and Rachel and Mocha…</p><br /><br /><p align="left"></p><br /><br /><p align="left"><strong><u>STORY TO MAKE MY SISTER LAUGH:</u></strong></p><br /><br /><p align="left">He is a sweet little bugger. (emphasis on the bugger.)</p><br /><br /><p align="left">Yesterday we were playing in the living room and he knocked over our guitar hero guitar, and it landed sharply on the top of my foot. <strike>It HURT!! but I only cried a little. </strike>I “played it up” and pretended to be hurt.</p><br /><br /><p align="left">Miles: “uh-oh…sorry mom. I kiss it better.”</p><br /><br /><p align="left">Mom: Thanks, I feel better.</p><br /><br /><p align="left">Miles: No mom, you need a doctor. I know!!! <span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;color:#0080c0;">I a doctor! I go get my tools!</span></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">And this is how he returned…</span></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TUDzmCuC_lI/AAAAAAAACAk/7jdveOEuqWE/s1600-h/001%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TUDzmkJg78I/AAAAAAAACAo/daNHOAOeAj4/001_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="232" height="340" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TUDznB6qWgI/AAAAAAAACAs/E8_YEgq-aIs/s1600-h/003%20copy%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="003 copy" border="0" alt="003 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TUDznr8MtnI/AAAAAAAACAw/hwKwbtCufFM/003%20copy_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="232" height="341" /></a> </span></p><br /><br /><p align="center">Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words</p><br /><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><p align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">P.S.</span></strong></p><br /><br /><p align="left">…I exclaimed “ a saw??!! you’re going to saw my foot?!”</p><br /><br /><p align="left">He thought about it. very mischievously. for about one whole minute. then said “Ok mom, but just for pretend.”</p><br /><br /><p align="left">Gee. Thanks.</p><br /><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">P.P.S. I almost peed my pants. It was THAT funny.</span></p>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-9764428674088947272011-01-25T23:34:00.001-05:002011-10-14T20:43:31.602-04:00Ruminations on Christmas<p>So, lets talk about Christmas shall we?</p><br /><p>*Yes, it’s almost February.* *Yes, I am<strong><em> just</em></strong> getting around to writing about Christmas*</p><br /><p>But let’s just roll with it.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>So here’s the deal. When I said I was apprehensive about spending Christmas “alone” this year…that was an understatement. It kind of freaked me out. But certainly not because I didn’t want to spend alone time with my darling little family. (obviously!) Just imagine for a minute my first 30 Christmases. They were spent in a little Wyoming town, surrounded by both sides of my entire extended family. Christmases were a big deal. On Christmas eve we went to Aunt’s and Uncles houses, and sometimes everyone came to our house. On Christmas morning after presents, Grandma and Grandpa Barnard would stop by to see our loot. THEN…we would all head down to Grandma Hirst’s house with the entire Atkinson clan for our Christmas brunch/lunch/dinner. If that wasn’t enough family time, on the 26th, the entire Barnard clan would arrive on our doorstep to celebrate my Grandpa’s Birthday. We’re talking days and days full of fun, food, and family.</p><br /><p><strong><em><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:180%;">For 30 years.</span></em></strong> So to even consider the possibility that Christmas would feel like Christmas with only THREE PEOPLE…well, that’s just crazy talk. </p><br /><p>So I kind of freaked. And when that happens, there is only one thing to do. </p><br /><p>To prevent myself from becoming completely unhinged, I go into hyper drive. Planning and planning and planning until every.single.last.detail. is in place. Because if there is something I can’t control…I spend an exorbitant amount of energy trying to control everything else. (Thank you college Psychology.)</p><br /><p>But I did it. And now it’s over.</p><br /><p>Now then…let’s all breathe a sigh of relief. Ahhhhhhhhhh…… </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TT-nsojoVDI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/CJPN6JXYK_s/s1600-h/112710_0085%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="112710_0085" border="0" alt="112710_0085" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpL2uE-QDI/AAAAAAAAB9U/QG-6J8T7fVA/112710_0085_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpL3FhSRWI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/FsdfHkX94Es/s1600-h/122410_0010%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0010" border="0" alt="122410_0010" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpL3b6ZtJI/AAAAAAAAB9c/QhMA4wtLIFw/122410_0010_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpL39Da_8I/AAAAAAAAB9k/g5r9SkjDN9M/s1600-h/122410_0012%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0012" border="0" alt="122410_0012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpL4goDmaI/AAAAAAAAB9o/m85XTWFTuto/122410_0012_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a></p><br /><p>Mike was a good sport. He helped put up the Christmas tree, and lasted through about the first 4 boxes of tree ornaments. My general rule for decorating my Christmas tree is to keep throwing up ornaments until Mike says “WOAHHHHH…you are going way overboard here.” And then I hang about 200 more. </p><br /><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMMPjXgLI/AAAAAAAAB94/b19h1FcWDg0/s1600-h/122410_0037%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0037" border="0" alt="122410_0037" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMMj7bDyI/AAAAAAAAB98/ZxUEvQw5MlI/122410_0037_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="480" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">But oh….in’t it purty???</span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">But a purty tree…you KNOW I couldn’t stop there. Because, I secretly consider myself a Martha Stewart wannabe. And so I asked myself, <strike>Martha</strike>? ummm, I mean Sarah, what would Martha do?</span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Set the table. Definitely set the table.</span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">So I headed to my favorite stores, Home Goods and Target (TarJAY…if you are Oprah) and picked up a few chargers, napkins, napkin rings, and a table runner. And at my least favorite store (Wal-Mart, blech.) I bought some salad plates. But they WERE adorable. And they DID match with everything I had already bought. And they were only 2 dollars. 2 DOLLARS!!! An essential investment I say. (At least that is how I justified it to the hubs.)</span></p><br /><p align="left">So I set the table. Nearly a week before Christmas.</p><br /><p align="left">You might be thinking <span style="font-size:180%;">“Oh no she din’t”…</span></p><br /><p align="left">And to you I say <span style="font-size:180%;">“OH YES I DID!”</span></p><br /><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMAkKthPI/AAAAAAAAB-E/TBNVq3gXurM/s1600-h/122410_0016%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0016" border="0" alt="122410_0016" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMBKEM8cI/AAAAAAAAB-M/qBJlC9A58O8/122410_0016_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="329" /></a></p><br /><p>The fact that we ate on TV trays on the couch in front of the TV for a week didn’t bother me at all when I looked across the room into my dining area and saw this.</p><br /><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMJj7zuuI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/h6MCr4o8CtE/s1600-h/122410_0035%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0035" border="0" alt="122410_0035" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMJzLXFsI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/2vGxPQ6-Nd4/122410_0035_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="343" /></a></p><br /><p align="center">It was enough to make me feel all warm and happy and Christmasey inside.</p><br /><p align="left">And Confuscious says: “If mama ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy.”</p><br /><p align="left">at least that’s what I’ve heard.</p><br /><p align="left"></p><br /><p align="left">You can’t have a set table and not think about food. No you can not. So my next endeavor was the menu. Something festive, something special, something we could build a tradition out of. And most importantly, something that wouldn’t force me to be in the kitchen the entire Christmas eve day cooking, and the entire Christmas eve cleaning up.</p><br /><p align="left">Thank goodness for the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sisterscafe.blogspot.com">Sister’s Cafe</a>.</p><br /><p align="left">so I “borrowed” their <a href="http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/2008/12/chicken-la-king.html">Chicken a la King</a> (Chicken for the King). It was wonderful, and I love what it represents for a Christmas meal.</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TT-nxUmuvOI/AAAAAAAAB-c/OP6uhqFkOVs/s1600-h/DSC06176%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="DSC06176" border="0" alt="DSC06176" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TT-nxkn2UxI/AAAAAAAAB-o/SGKLUsPlusQ/DSC06176_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="251" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Photo from </span><a href="http://www.sisterscafe.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">www.sisterscafe.blogspot.com</span></a></p><br /><p align="left">I combined that with my own recipe for Spinach and pomegranate salad with raspberry vinagrette dressing, and some fresh pineapple spears.</p><br /><p align="left">And for desert, <a href="http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/2009/12/mud-pie_07.html">Mud Pie.</a> </p><br /><p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TT-nx0awnRI/AAAAAAAAB-s/FPGccZ7Hhec/s1600-h/Sisters_Cafe_Mud_Pie_watermark%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="Sisters_Cafe_Mud_Pie_watermark" border="0" alt="Sisters_Cafe_Mud_Pie_watermark" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TT-nySMneyI/AAAAAAAAB-w/hbMiPFOJBoM/Sisters_Cafe_Mud_Pie_watermark_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="203" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(photo from </span><a href="http://www.sisterscafe.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">www.sisterscafe.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">)</span></p><br /><p>*Sidebar: Just in case you have been living under a rock, I love the Sisters Cafe. And feel it necessary to thank them for minimizing my holiday unhingement. So thanks.*</p><br /><p><strong><em>end sidebar</em></strong></p><br /><p>Christmas dinner is important, but my favorite meal is Christmas breakfast. So I combined my most favorite things.</p><br /><p>Eggs Benedict, oven crisped bacon, freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh fruit, and scones…glorious scones. Not those fancy schmancy English cakey variety scones. No way. I’m talking about all American, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, deep fried to perfection scones. With raspberry honey butter. NOT good for me…but OHHH so good. And besides, Christmas only comes once a year. (That’s how I justified it to my thighs, and derriere.) </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>A few more Christmas essentials…</p><br /><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMF3TYJQI/AAAAAAAAB-0/DlibPmA_UVc/s1600-h/122410_0029%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0029" border="0" alt="122410_0029" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMGQHdfiI/AAAAAAAAB-4/fhXpU5AUmDo/122410_0029_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMD_vSEjI/AAAAAAAAB_A/J7GH14o5IKc/s1600-h/122410_0019%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0019" border="0" alt="122410_0019" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMEe27vFI/AAAAAAAAB_E/L9jldhFbmDw/122410_0019_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpL5FEtwNI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/a-VnsLLbcAU/s1600-h/122410_0014%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0014" border="0" alt="122410_0014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpL-xQCXkI/AAAAAAAAB_U/jm8ahQqQuZk/122410_0014_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:180%;">And back to the food.</span> </p><br /><p>Every year I plan elaborate neighbor gifts. And ever year after I have washed my mixer for the eleventh time, I swear I will never do it again. </p><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0042" border="0" alt="122410_0042" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMQwp0ehI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/g7qQm2LqA0s/122410_0042_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="159" /> <br /><p>And the vicious cycle begins again. So this year I made my (secret recipe) chocolate chip cookies, <a href="http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/2009/12/oreo-truffles.html">Oreo truffles</a>, <a href="http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/2009/12/homemade-turtles.html">homemade turtles</a>, and <a href="http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/2008/12/homemade-caramels.html">caramels</a>. All wrapped up in festive little tins.</p><br /><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMRfpuUII/AAAAAAAAB_g/QkEjF9KqqA0/s1600-h/122410_0044%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0044" border="0" alt="122410_0044" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMSW6DC6I/AAAAAAAAB_s/tLQkqdUYgBA/122410_0044_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMPD5k60I/AAAAAAAAB_0/GMeVppEbNDE/s1600-h/122410_0040%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0040" border="0" alt="122410_0040" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMPzXAbkI/AAAAAAAAB_4/ihm1hsytvBA/122410_0040_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMTybD1OI/AAAAAAAAB_8/3xBXbiT1Lg8/s1600-h/122410_0049%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="122410_0049" border="0" alt="122410_0049" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TTpMUhsDzRI/AAAAAAAACAA/rDk7WfIVON8/122410_0049_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="240" /></a> </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>*Note to self – next year, when you get the urge to spend forever in the kitchen baking treats…JUST SAY NO!*</p><br /><p>Now HERE is where I would show you all the pictures I took of Christmas morning. But there are none. I didn’t take a single one. (GASP!)</p><br /><p>But lest you despair, I’ll tell you we recorded the whole thing. Because I knew I would much rather watch Miles’ excitement opening his presents again and again. So I decided not to bust out the camera and just enjoy the morning.</p><br /><p>I could go on and on.</p><br /><p>In my defense, I told you I had a lot to say.</p><br /><p>But frankly…I’m spent.</p><br /><p>(don’t deny it. you are too.)</p><br /><p>I’ll spare you any more. (tonight.) But rest assured, our Christmas morning video is currently being edited to share with the world wide web a la “Ruminations on Christmas part deux” (woohoo!) (rhyming intentional.)</p><br /><p>Get excited. That’s all I’m gonna say.</p>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-46675022293838930302011-01-05T00:40:00.004-05:002011-10-14T20:47:42.663-04:00RuminationsI've just nestled myself down into my favorite corner of my comfy sofa with a cup of steamy hot chocolate (extra marshmallows, please!)and my trusty old laptop. It's a little after 1 am, which for me, means I am just getting my second wind. This is my favorite time of the day. When I can sit. Quietly. And just think. Usually I let those thoughts swirl around in my brain until they have formulated themselves into something I wouldn't be completely embarrassed to share on this blog. Usually.<br /><br />Maybe you noticed I have been relatively absent from blog land as of late. True,there WAS my shameful plug for free Christmas cards and an Elf Yourself video. But other than those two gems, my musings have been completely void of any real substance.<br /><br />Yes, It's been awhile. Perhaps you considered the possibility that I haven't been writing because I simply had nothing to say. Or maybe you figured it was because I had no thoughts to share. But ACTUALLY...it's the opposite that is true. There have been so many ruminations going on inside this head of mine, that I had no idea where to start.<br /><br />And if I am being completely honest, I have to admit that the last several weeks have been really difficult. Really. Honestly. Sometimes life is hard. But sometimes life is pretty darn great too. And I want to write about it all.<br /><br />So the dilemma. Where to start?<br /><br />Do I tell you about my Christmas? Maybe about how I was really apprehensive about spending our very first Christmas alone...as in with absolutely no family within 1000 miles. But that ACTUALLY...it turned out to be my most favorite, and very.best.Christmas.ever. EVER!!! (Sorry all you other Christmases) And I'll be had pressed to ever be swayed to go "home" for Christmas again.<br /><br />Or should I tell you about my job. My job that I Hated (with a capital H, no less). The job I only got because I made a deal...and that deal wasn't exactly providing the desired results. And I could tell you that I was miserable and completely out of whack, and felt everyday like I was failing at everything I tried to do. Oh yes...those days were some real doosies.<br /><br />ORRRRRR...I could write about motherhood. I could tell you that the same miserable job solidified for me what I already knew...that my calling as a mother is divine. That there is no greater work I will ever do than the work I do in my own home with my family. And that despite my occasional grumblings...I really do LOVE it.<br /><br />And oh...there's so much more. But what to share.....<br /><br />That is the million dollar question.<br /><br />And then it dawned on me...I can write about it all. It <em>is</em> my blog, after all.<br /><br />So that's what I intend to do. hold on to your seats folks...now that I've started typing...I'm not sure I'll be able to stop.Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-78985520650861448442010-11-29T19:08:00.002-05:002011-10-14T20:48:43.143-04:00Carded<p>It always seems that December just creeps up on me! I have great intentions of sending out Holiday cards every year, and most years I find myself rushing to the mailbox the day before Christmas to get them mailed, in hopes they will reach their destinations before the start of the New Year. </p><br /><p>And it’s like this EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. (Despite my good intentions)</p><br /><p>But not this year! Oh no sirree. I was prepared. I spent just a little time online and armed myself with every necessity I needed to get those cards out in a timely fashion. </p><br /><p>If you need a little help in this department (like I did) I’ll share my secret with you.</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.shutterfly.com"><strong><span style="font-family:Berlin Sans FB;font-size:180%;">SHUTTERFLY!!!</span></strong></a></p><br /><p align="left">I love Shutterfly. I use them for all kinds of snazzy things. Their <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars">Calendars</a> make perfect Christmas presents. I’m using these <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-gift-tags">Christmas Tags</a> to top my gifts this year, and have I mentioned their <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards">Christmas photo cards</a>? OHHHHHHH…those Christmas cards.</p><br /><p align="left">I print my cards with them evvvvvery year. Even the years my family and friends don’t get them until February.</p><br /><p align="left">Some of my Faves this year:</p><br /><p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TPRAUXNGkoI/AAAAAAAAB2M/ir-TwVDIJeE/s1600-h/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23046-2407-MERCHTHUMB-v128103972300017680%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23046-2407-MERCHTHUMB-v128103972300017680" border="0" alt="STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23046-2407-MERCHTHUMB-v128103972300017680" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TPRAVYM8hYI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/l5yC9HmHLcE/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23046-2407-MERCHTHUMB-v128103972300017680_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="168" height="226" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TPRAV_7ZzFI/AAAAAAAAB2U/ptSAmSfWd-c/s1600-h/STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27137-2519-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1281025784000107809%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27137-2519-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1281025784000107809" border="0" alt="STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27137-2519-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1281025784000107809" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TPRAWXvI75I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/CRCZ8zrAvK4/STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27137-2519-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1281025784000107809_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="155" height="212" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TPRAW0WBC_I/AAAAAAAAB2c/hwNE9SIiT0c/s1600-h/STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27137-2931-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1288741683000129080%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27137-2931-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1288741683000129080" border="0" alt="STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27137-2931-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1288741683000129080" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TPRAXnK3FVI/AAAAAAAAB2g/R48MGLwcx4c/STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27137-2931-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1288741683000129080_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="162" height="222" /></a> </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>And this one:</p><br /><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TPRAYO1_cQI/AAAAAAAAB2k/1fb3mmQNFBo/s1600-h/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23046-2901-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v128874100800083429%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23046-2901-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v128874100800083429" border="0" alt="STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23046-2901-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v128874100800083429" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TPRAYjFuz9I/AAAAAAAAB2o/1A8GGpoJm7A/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23046-2901-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v128874100800083429_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="242" /></a>Oh…I DIE over that card. Seriously?? I bet you don’t have to guess which category Miles would fall under. (Hint: it rhymes with Potty)</p><br /><p>There’s a style for everyone! </p><br /><p>And you know what else totally rocks? You don’t even have to use one of their designs to have a card printed. If you are really ambitious and want to design your own card<span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;"> (or if you use my favorite design site </span><a href="http://www.digitalgreetings.etsy.com/"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;">www.digitalgreetings.etsy.com</span></a><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:130%;">)</span> you can still have your cards printed at great prices. Just upload your design, order the number you want, and badda bing badda boom…they will arrive at your doorstep beautifully printed and ready to send out. It is seriously that simple.</p><br /><p>So this year I opted to <strike>design my own card</strike>. (ahem…I mean have my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.digitalgreetings.etsy.com">talented sister</a> design one for me). If you want a sneak peek, click on over to <a href="http://www.digitalgreetings.etsy.com/">www.digitalgreetings.etsy.com</a>. You just might find it there. I will upload my design, order 50 cards, and have them shipped right to my doorstep. </p><br /><p>Do you want to know how much my 50 cards will cost me?</p><br /><p>…</p><br /><p>…</p><br /><p>…</p><br /><p>(pausing for dramatic effect)</p><br /><p>…</p><br /><p>…</p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">NOTHING!!</span> I know…it doesn’t really get better than that. I just pay the shipping, and 50 free cards are headed my way.</p><br /><p>And because Christmas is the giving season, I’ll let you in on a little secret.</p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">YOU CAN GET 50 FREE CARDS TOO!!</span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">SQUEEL! </span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">It’s as simple as this: If you are willing to write a blog post about Shutterfly, just click on this link: <a title="http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/" href="http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/">http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/</a>, fill out the form, and Shutterfly will e-mail you with the requirements. Do those, and your golden. I mean it. GOLDEN!!! </span></p><br /><p align="left">I know….this may sound like a shameless plug in order for me to get 50 free cards. And I can’t lie. It is.</p><br /><p align="left">But I can’t lie.</p><br /><p align="left">I really DO love Shutterfly. With or without the FREE-ness.</p><br /><p align="left">And I promise, you will too!</p><br /><p align="left">Happy Shopping!!</p>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-65988122173662692482010-11-26T22:02:00.002-05:002010-11-27T09:07:21.638-05:00‘Tis the season<p></p> <p>We had a fantastic Thanksgiving. Great food, great company…an all around A+ affair!</p> <p>We spent our post Thanksgiving day trimming our Christmas tree, listening to Christmas Carols, hanging up Christmas lights (it was FREEZING!!!), making a 7-eleven run for hot chocolate, and spontaneously deciding to take Miles to see “Tangled”.</p> <p></p> <p>We are ready for the Christmas season to begin.</p> <p>Well……<em>ALMOST</em>. </p> <p>There was just one little thing missing. I just couldn’t imagine starting my holiday season off without one of these. And because it’s better to give…I thought I would kick your Christmas off right and share this with you. (Enjoy!)</p> <p></p> <div style="background-color: #e9e9e9; width: 425px"><object id='A524755' quality='high' data='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=L6YnyfnoZapb0P9u&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' height='319' width='425'><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="movie" value="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=L6YnyfnoZapb0P9u&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself"></param><param name="scaleMode" value="showAll"></param><param name="quality" value="high"></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="FlashVars" value="external_make_id=L6YnyfnoZapb0P9u&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param></object></div> <p> <br /></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://www.elfyourself.com/">www.elfyourself.com</a></p> <p>Check it out. You seriously won’t regret it.</p> Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-1278343181823421302010-11-23T21:06:00.002-05:002011-10-14T20:50:14.606-04:00Cowboy Butts<p align="center">Drive Me Nuts!</p><br /><p align="center">Especially when it belongs to my little skinny-bummed 3 year old.</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TOxzL_37c3I/AAAAAAAAB1w/11IH7DlqMYY/s1600-h/102710_0572%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="102710_0572" border="0" alt="102710_0572" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_177WI3GKH3g/TOxzMS7Nj-I/AAAAAAAAB10/p0i5EMblEXE/102710_0572_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="480" /></a> </p><br /><p>Just a smattering of what my little cowboy is saying these days:</p><br /><p>Mom: Miles…who’s your best friend?</p><br /><p>Miles: Um…DADDY!!!</p><br /><p>Mom: What about Mom? Is she your best friend too?</p><br /><p>Miles: Nooooooo mom. You a GIRL!!</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Driving in the car yesterday, I had to turn down the music, because I heard this coming from the back seat.</p><br /><p>Miles: twees(trees), fwowers, pumpkins, more twees, wabbits, mommy, daddy, pwe-school, my tweats (treats), my cowboy shoes, elephants, monkeys, gorillas, my undies dwy (dry), I wuv seals, I wuv giraffes, I wuv polar bears…..</p><br /><p>and on and on and on he went. So I finally asked him why he was saying all those words. And he replied with the OBVIOUS…</p><br /><p>“MOM! I’m FANKFUL!!!!!!!”</p><br /><p>(Oh…Of course that’s what he meant. How could I not have known???!!!)</p><br /><p>Turns out they talked about Thanksgiving at Pre-school, and those are all of the things he is Thankful for. I am also especially grateful for his dry undies. :)</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Mom: Miles, eat your dinner so you’ll be big and strong like Daddy.</p><br /><p>Miles: No…not wike Daddy…big wike Josh and Joey! (some of his buddies from our ward)</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>And the classic:</p><br /><p>Mom: Miles…what do you want for lunch?</p><br /><p>Miles: Not Poop! That’s Yucky! No…that’s GWOSS!!!</p>Sarah Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09185313093988810957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413907285939557493.post-40384642178541757162010-11-14T20:10:00.003-05:002011-10-14T20:51:09.072-04:00Who knew the boy loved cows?Several weeks ago I started doing a little preschool for Miles everyday at home. Our first unit was all about the short "a" sound, as in apple. So we learned about <a href="http://zoophonics.com/home.html">Allie the Alligator</a>, Johnny Appleseed, did some fun apple stamping crafts, and read all kinds of fun books. One of my favorite books from that unit was called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Make-Apple-World-Dragonfly-Books/dp/0679880836"><em>"How To Make an Apple Pie and See the World,"</em></a> by Marjorie Priceman. The premise of the book is that a little girl heads to the market to buy the ingredients for an apple pie...only the market is closed. So she sets out on an adventure around the world gathering the ingredients she needs. And Miles' favorite part of the story was when she headed to Vermont to milk a cow. (The milk is then churned into butter...in case you were wondering.)<br /><br />So tonight, I was starting our bed time routine. Story was read, prayer was said, and he asked for a drink of milk before bed. I obliged and brought him his little cup. And then Oh MY OH MY!!! I never expected such a meltdown. Over something as silly as a glass of milk.<br /><br />After some serious time spent calming the little guy down, he was finally able to articulate why he was so upset.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;color:#000099;">"No mom...I wanted to milk my own cow!!!"</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">Oh, he is just the cutest little thing. But there's just one problem.....</span></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I found myself promising I would actually take him to milk a cow. Seriously. I think I am in BIG trouble. BIG BIG trouble. Where in the world am I going to get a cow? </div>Just Bead It Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03004329440771835642noreply@blogger.com4