Simply Things Family

Sweet Music

2012-02-10T09:43:00.000-06:00

We are blessed to have 2 of our children in our district's strings program. Over the past month, we have had the pleasure of attending each of their concert's.

These concerts make for a great evening. It is wonderful to listen to the progression of the children through the years.

(Sorry it is a little blurry, I am still learning me camera's settings.)

My children enjoy practicing and having shows for anyone who enters our home.

Here is my son at his very first violin concert.

The children are required to play violin the first year. After that, they can stay with violin or switch to viola, cello or bass. My oldest has stayed with the violin.

This sweet music to my ears is definitely a finer thing!

Do your children plan instruments? Do they put on show for the family?

Linked to: Finer Things Friday

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Our Accidental Kitchen Renovation

2012-02-07T07:36:00.002-06:00

It all started a couple of weeks ago with lunch at Red Robin for by birthday. Since we were in the area, why not stop at the Sears Outlet and look at microwaves? (Ours was 30 years old and you had to slam the door HARD to get it to work OR stand and hold the door while it did it's thing.)

So measurements in hand, we dropped in and looked around. Immediately, we found one we liked,

Inexpensive (we don't use the microwave too often, so why get something expensive)

Stainless Steel

Measurements worked

We brought it home, took down the old one, and said..................OOPS!

It was TOO big! I went online and searched various sizes. For the most part, they were all too close in size. After some detective work, we discovered that the one we were using was WAY TOO close to the range top below. (One drawback to custom cabinets is they are custom to your current appliances). The new one would be closer.....

Too close to use big pots

Too close for manufacturer's recommendations

Look at the lovely, old tile we found behind our microwave. That and the brick is now gone.

Thus our renovation began (please note: the work we are doing has been discussed in the past, just not prioritized). We are not doing a complete renovation as we don't have the time, patience or money. We plan to improve our outdated kitchen by picking the most important items, according to us, do the work ourselves and shop around).

I told my husband that the cement board looked much better than the brick did. Oh, how great it felt to take a hammer to that brick!

More to come next week...............

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Menu Plan February 6-12

2012-02-06T07:36:00.001-06:00

What a great game last night for the Super Bowl! We hung out at home at made lots of goodies.

These pictures aren't the best. I asked my oldest to take them and she waited until the food was almost gone. Here is our crescent-wrapped smokies and buffalo wing dip.

Edy's Touchdown Sundae Ice Cream and Cookies Dough Brownies (My first time making. My husband and children loved them. They were a bit too rich for me.)

Monday- Lasagna

Tuesday- Heaven Pasta

Wednesday- Dinner at Church

Thursday- Rotini with Sausage

Friday- Pizza

Saturday- Kentucky Fried Chicken and Unfried French Fries

Sunday- Pork Chops and Applesauce

Extra's that I will be making for snacks and breakfast:

Coffee Cake

Puppy Chow

Cinnamon Rolls

Peanut Butter Pie

French Breakfast Muffins

What are you making this week?

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Eating Healthier This Year

2012-02-03T07:51:00.002-06:00

I would say that every year I make it a goal to serve healthier meal choices to my family. As I get older and more informed, I am learning that many so called healthy meals are just the opposite.

One of my children's favorite breakfast items is cereal. Of course, it has gotten a bad rap in the past of being loaded with sugar and not very 'good for you'. Not that this isn't true of many cereals out there.

So, I was very excited to learn about what General Mills is doing. They have taken more than 50 varieties of their cereal and put whole grain as the first ingredient on the label.

What does that mean for you? It means that there is more whole grain than any other ingredient in their cereals. Here is what they had to say:

"In connection with healthier lifestyles, a diet rich in whole grain has been linked to healthier body weights, and it may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers."

All you need to do when shopping is to look for the white check on these cereals boxes. Very easy!

For more information, visit their whole grain website (it is worth checking it out!)

Linked to: Finer Things Friday

**I was given samples of their cereal to try. I am very excited about their ingredient changes**

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January Book List

2012-02-01T07:40:00.000-06:00

One of my goals for this year is to read more. I love to read, but I can get wrapped up in watching television during the evening hours. So, I have decided to take some of that time to read some of the many books on my 'to-read' list.

For the month of January, I finished 3 wonderful books.

The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of America's Largest Families--How they Do It: I have actually read this book before, but I needed a refresher. Their family story is so inspiring! I love Jim Bob and Michelle's honesty and heartfelt advice. This is a book for anyone to read. You will leave with a positive sense of family and great encouragement. I love how Jim Bob and Michelle communicate with each other. My husband and I talk, but we could focus on more moral and character issues relating to the children.

A Love That Multiplies: An Up-Close View of How They Make it Work: I had not read this book before. I loved all the family pictures they included! This book had many new pieces of wisdom along with the story of Josie's birth (their youngest child). Once again, Jim Bob and Michelle were honest and forthcoming in their stories and encouragement. Another great read!

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--a Love Story: This book I stumbled across at the library. Upon bringing it home, I realized it was her and her husband's love story. How boring, I thought. But before tossing aside, I decided to read a couple of chapters. Wow! What a great love story! I have been reading Ree's blog for a while, but I was not a reader when she posted some of this on her site. She is an accidental country girl! I couldn't put this one down. (Side note: I told a friend about the book. She said Ree was in St. Louis last year with Marlboro Man and she got to meet her. Bummer! I missed her, but I will be there next time.)

What have you been reading in January?

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Menu Plan January 29-February 5

2012-01-30T07:28:00.003-06:00

What a week last week! I was sick from Monday and began to feel better on Friday. So thankful my oldest daughter did not get sick!

That being said, much of my food did not get made last week. Eating was light for all of us.

Also, our Saturday night family dinner did not happen. You see, our goal this year is to host a meal and/or get together once a month our home. However, our guests were under the weather on Saturday. We will try for February!

Monday- Bow-Tie Pasta and Chicken

Tuesday- French Onion Burgers and Vegetables

Wednesday- Dinner at Church

Thursday- Chimichangas

Friday- Pizza

Saturday- Stuffed Peppers (my husband is cooking!)

Sunday- Superbowl Food: Buffalo Wing Dip, Crescent Wrapped Smokies, Chips and Dips, Crockpot Buffalo Chicken

Extra's that I will be making for snacks and breakfast:

Lazy Granola

French Toast

Hot Cross Buns

Brownies

French Breakfast Muffins

Egg Nests

Cookie Dough Brownies- I can't wait to try these!

What are you making this week?

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Menu Plan January 23-29

2012-01-23T09:14:00.000-06:00

My husband did not end up getting his wisdom teeth pulled on Friday. He has some other problems, and we need to get more tests before they do anything. We are praying that everything will be alright.

So, I was able to have a little more variety in meals this weekend than I had originally thought.

Here is what I have for this week (my youngest daughter and I are sick, so I am not sure how much we will be enjoying).

Monday- Grilled Cheese

Tuesday- Bow-Tie Chicken and Pasta

Wednesday- Dinner at Church

Thursday- Chicken and Rice Casserole

Friday- Leftovers

Saturday- Chop Suey with family

Sunday- Country Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Extra's that I will be making for snacks and breakfast:

Cream Puff

French Toast

Hot Cross Buns

Brownies

French Breakfast Muffins

Egg Nests

Cookie Dough Brownies- I can't wait to try these!

What are you making this week?

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Sausage and Egg Casserole

2012-01-18T08:20:00.003-06:00

I have mentioned this recipe on my weekly menu before, but I never posted the recipe. It is a family favorite.

I received the recipe from a friend that I used to work with. She would get up early and treat us to a nice, warm breakfast. YUM!

4 eggs
2 1/2 c. milk
3/4 t dry mustard
2 1/2 c bread cubes
2 c shredded cheese
2 lbs bulk pork sausage
1 can cream of mushroom or celery soup
5 oz milk

Brown pork sausage. Pour bread cubes in 9 x 13 pan. Put browned pork sausage and cheese over bread cubes.

Mix eggs, dry mustard and 2 1/2 cups of milk. Pour over all.

Cover and refrigerate overnight. Mix soup and 5 oz milk, pour over the top. Bake at 300 degrees for 90 minutes. Enjoy! (Sorry, we enjoyed before I could get a picture of the final product. I was delicious!)

Linked to: Women Living Well Wednesday's

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Menu Plan January 16-22

2012-01-17T07:42:00.000-06:00

I am a day behind in my posting. The children and my husband were off for MLK day yesterday. My husband worked on our kitchen. I took my little one to a birthday party.

Monday- Monthly German dish- Pork Chops and Fried Potatoes (switched from Sunday. We were working on the kitchen, so we had a pizza)

Tuesday- Fettuccine Alfredo

Wednesday- Dinner at Church

Thursday- Bratwurst and Sauerkraut

Note: My husband is getting his wisdom teeth removed on Friday, so the meals will be light and built around how he feels.

Friday- Soup

Saturday- Mini-Burgers and Rice

Sunday- Grilled Cheese

Extra's that I will be making for snacks and breakfast:

French Toast

Hot Cross Buns

Brownies

Chocolate Pie

Egg Nests

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

What are you making this week?

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What a Difference a Week Makes!

2012-01-13T11:29:00.000-06:00

Remember last Friday's post?

Well, we are not having that kind of weather anymore.

Winter has arrived in St. Louis!!

This is what I saw outside my window yesterday.

I took these while my little one played outside yesterday (her and I get our afternoon's together).

So, has your weather changed in the last week?

Linked to: Finer Things Friday

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My 2012 Bible Reading Plan

2012-01-12T07:51:00.002-06:00

I am so excited to be following my church's Bible reading plan this year. They are using YouVersion.

After visiting the site and registering, I found that they have MANY plans to follow.

Here are a few examples:

One Year Bible

Life Journal Reading Plan

Historical

First Steps Reading Plan

Psalms and Proverbs- I think I will sign up for this one, too

The Gospels

Old Testament

I know there is a study for you. The studies have varying lengths. Also, you are able to select the version of Bible that you read. I have the reading sent to my inbox every morning. Once I read it, I can mark it as read.

The study that I am currently participating in is A Moment with Scripture. It is a full year study.

In addition, I will be pulling out some of my devotional books to use for further study. Currently, my husband and I are studying With All Your Heart by Ray Vander Laan.

What are you studying this year?

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Woman in the Word Wednesday's

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Yummy Cinnamon Rolls!

2012-01-11T07:36:00.004-06:00

I have a confession to make. Ready?

I have been putting homemade cinnamon rolls on my menu for a while now. What I have not said is that I was deathly afraid to make them.

Yes, afraid! You see, I do poorly when it comes to making anything with yeast.

I was never taught how to cook and bake. It was something that I learned on my own and with the help of my husband (who is a WONDERFUL cook).

****Just a little side note: Please teach your children to cook. It is not fun learning from nothing. Cooking is a life skill that all of us need.****

Anyway confession aside, I am hiding no more. Look what I made yesterday:

They turned out so YUMMY and were a great treat after my son's first violin concert last night. The one missing was me testing them out (wouldn't want to give my family something yucky.)

The recipe I used was from Family Fun. I encourage you all to give it a try. It was quick (in using yeast terms), easy and delicious (my 3 criteria for a great recipe).

Lastly, I hear bread machines are wonderful. I am looking into purchasing one, so that I can keep baking!

Do you make homemade cinnamon rolls? Do you have baking with yeast?

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Menu Plan January 8-15

2012-01-09T07:38:00.000-06:00

If you notice the title above, it includes 8 days. Since I post on Monday's, I decided to change my posts from Monday to Sunday. Last week I did not post the 8th's menu, so this week's post will be 8 days long to include January 8th.

Something else that I am doing this year is highlighting each menu item on my printed calendar after I make it. In the past, I have been great about making the meals. The extras have not always gotten made. By highlighting them, I can easily spot the items that I need to make.

Lastly, we are bringing back big Sunday meals. We attempted this in the past, and we did not stick by it. So, Sunday will have a nice meal and dessert.

Sunday- Cider Beef and Mashed Potatoes, Apple Pie

Monday- Pizza

Tuesday- Hoagies

Wednesday- Dinner at Church

Thursday- Cowboy Beans

Image from: Penzey's

Friday- Bow-Tie Pasta and Chicken

Saturday- My birthday, so we will be eating out!

Sunday- German theme: Pork Chops, Sauerkraut, Dessert (still deciding)

Extra's that I will be making for snacks and breakfast:

Cookies

Cinnamon Rolls

Sausage Casserole

Chocolate Pie

What are you making this week?

Linked to Menu Plan Monday

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Was Yesterday January 5th?

2012-01-06T07:42:00.001-06:00

I asked this not only because I live in St. Louis, but I saw this outside of my window yesterday.

Yes, it was in the sun. But STILL!!!!

I saw this about 20 minutes later....

We broke a record yesterday with a high of 66 degrees. Normally that is a temp around April 16th!

After school time was spent outside tossing a football and riding bikes. I love that!

How is the weather by your home?

Linked to: Finer Things Friday

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More Family Games

2012-01-05T07:37:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned last month, my family loves to play games. However, competitiveness was getting in the way of having fun.

So, we have been trying to play 1 game 1 time every night. The holiday threw us off slightly, but we still enjoyed many good times.

Here is what has been on our FUN list:

This is a fun game to leave out when you have family and friends over the house. Quick and easy to play by yourself.

Wooden Triangle I.Q. Test Solitaire Peg Game

Our family received this game as a gift this year. Very fun!

Pictureka Disney

Lastly, we decided to purchase this after Christmas (Target had a deal too good to pass up!). We will use to play games and stream Netflix.

Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect

What fun games did your family play over Christmas break? I would love to hear about them.

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Some Holiday Pictures

2012-01-03T23:50:00.005-06:00

I finally figured out how to load pics from my new camera onto the computer. Yippee!!!

So, here they are a little late. Enjoy!

The Christmas plates my children made. Thanks to Glazed and Confused.

My little one at the Fox Theatre to see Beauty and the Beast.

All dressed up to host our family on Christmas Eve.

Making gingerbread houses after Christmas.

Enjoying the start of 2012 (please note, their drinks are grape juice). My husband and I had the champagne! (Not sure if you can tell in the pic, but my oldest has a cast on her left arm. Poor thing fractured her wrist last week trying to enjoy the nice weather we were having!)

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Menu Plan January 1-7

2012-01-03T09:19:00.000-06:00

A new year, a new menu plan. I am looking forward to getting back to a regular cooking and baking routine.

Sunday- My mother-in-law's house

Monday- Lasagna

Tuesday- Hamburgers and French Fries

Wednesday- Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Thursday- Chili and Biscuits

Friday- Pizza

Saturday- 10-Person Skillet

Extra's that I will be making for snacks and breakfast:

Lazy Granola

Puppy Chow

Cookies

I never did a big holiday baking this year. Instead, we enjoyed the cookies and fudge that we brought to our house. YUM!!!

What are you making this week?

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New Year's Day Tradition

2012-01-03T09:11:00.003-06:00

This is a repost from last year. I wanted to rerun, since it is the beginning of the year.

We started this when my oldest was 3. It is fun to look back on previous years and see what the children said. So, what is the tradition?

We ask the children 5 questions every year. They are the same questions. That is what makes it so fun to look back on previous years' answers.

The questions that we use are:

I am lucky because:

If I had 3 wishes, they would be:

I am a little afraid of:

Favorite color:

Favorite toy:

I don't remember where I first saw this idea or got the questions, but I love doing it. One thing is that I don't remind them or give the older kids the questions in advance. It is fun to see the spontaneous answers.

What are your New Years traditions? If you don't have any, start one this year. Remember, it is never to late to start a new tradition!

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Recap of 2011 and Hello to 2012!

2011-12-30T07:35:00.000-06:00

I am taking the rest of the year off to spend time with my family. Please have a fun, safe New Year! I am looking forward to 2012!

Below are a few of my top posts from the past year:

Badges of Fun

Using Blogs for Decorating Ideas

How I Save Money

A Frugal Valentine's Day with Love

Total Money Makeover Update

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-24T09:11:00.000-06:00

I hope you and every one of you have a happy, blessed Christmas this year.

I made Jesus' birthday cake last night and can't wait to celebrate!

I pray for those of you who will have family trouble over the next couple of days. And I pray that everyone can remember why we celebrate Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

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Family Game Night Solution

2011-12-21T07:47:00.001-06:00

I have always been a HUGE fan of all kinds of games. So for many years, I have been purchasing all kinds of games for our children. Unfortunately, we have one who is very competitive and tends to ruin any chance of a perfect family game night.

Last week, I was thinking about this and came up with a solution that has worked for us the past week (Ok, we are only a week in. But if it works, go with it!).

I decided that we would play 1 game every night. One game, one time. I realized that a WHOLE evening of games is overkill. So every night, we rotate and each pick a game (nothing too long) and play it 1 time.

So far, it has been great! I am so happy. Requests are made to play more, but we stop it at one. That seems to be the right amount of time.

We have had 4 game nights, so far. I wanted to share what each person selected:

My little one loves:

Noodleboro Picnic Basket Manners Game

My son choose a dice game called 19. You roll on die as many times as you like to get close to 19, without going over. The player closest to 19 wins the game.

My oldest wanted:

Twister

Lastly, my husband chose bowling:

Wii Sports

What are your families favorite games?

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A Home Full of Peace

2011-12-20T07:43:00.001-06:00

I have always wanted a peaceful home.

One that is peaceful, inviting, loving.

I have been thinking of this more lately, as I see my children getting bigger.

I realize they are growing up so fast.

I want them to have many experiences in our home.

I want them to have a peaceful home.

Many people do not have this.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. Luke 2:14

Please enjoy some of my last pictures taken on my old camera (new one came yesterday. I just need to figure out how to load them on the computer.)

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Menu Plan December 18-24

2011-12-19T07:53:00.000-06:00

All of our busyness of last week is over, so we will be relaxing and enjoying this week.

Sunday- Hoagies and Corn

Monday- Lasagna

Tuesday- KFC, Baked Fries and Beauty and the Beast Cupcakes (my little one and I are going to the show this week!)

Wednesday- Fettuccine Alfredo

Thursday- Chicken and Rice Soup

Friday- Pizza

Saturday- Hosting both families for appetizers. I am still working on my portion of the menu. Here is what I have so far: Little Smokies, Winter Berry Salad, Buffalo Wing Dip, Birthday Cake

Extra's that I will be making for snacks and breakfast:

Egg Nests

Smores Pie

I did not do my separate baking post last week, because I did not get to my baking. I need to get my groove and I will post when I complete.

What are you making this week? What do you prepare for Christmas dinner?

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The Firm- Television Show

2011-12-15T10:33:00.001-06:00

As I have posted in the past, I am thrilled to be part of John Grisham BzzCampaign!

I recently reread one of my favorites from the past The Firm. I read this again in anticipation of the new television show starting in January. The Firm will premiere on Sunday January 8th on NBC.

Bookmark this page to remind you to DVR the show. It should be the best new thriller of the year. You don't want to miss a minute of it.

Are you going the watch The Firm on television?

I received this product from BzzAgent. I was under no obligation to review say anything specific about it if I did. Everything that I've written about the product is my own opinion.
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Cookie Exchange (My First!)

2011-12-13T09:17:00.002-06:00

I was so excited to host my very first cookie exchange this past Sunday.

The good news is that 6 friends and I had a great time.

The bad news is that my camera would not take many photos (a new one is on the way, I can't wait to use it!)

Here it the lone photo from the event:

The picture is of the goodie bags that my guests brought home. My husband and I made vanilla dipped pretzels, put them in a pretty cellophane bag and tied with a candy cane.

I planned to give the best cookie maker a relaxation prize, but the cookies were all so good. So, we randomly gave the bag away. It included cozy socks and a lotion from Bath and Body Works (how I love that store!).

I asked each person to bring between 2-4 dozen cookies to swap and 1 dozen to share. Then, I gave them a tray to display them on the table.

After introductions, chatting and drinking (I served water, eggnog, coffee, and wassail), we dug into the cookies.

Varieties included: white chip and cranberry, orange chocolate chip, kolaches, nutmeg sparklers (I made these), gooey butter cookies, salted caramel chocolate and snickerdoodles. Delicious! Cookie names were written on name cards that I made from red card stock and snowflake envelope seals (for a little decoration)

Guests brought their cookies home in cute, cookie boxes from Hobby Lobby.

The afternoon went by quickly, but the memories will last. I would say it was a success! I can't wait to host again next year.

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