Good morning:)

Happy New Year’s Eve!  Do yall have your black eyed peas, cornbread and cabbage ready to go tomorrow?:)  I have to admit, I do not. I have to get to the store in a bit and grab everything. I think I’m going to get a pork roast to cook as well, seeing as Sear-Bear and I are the only ones that will eat it. So probably will have to throw some mashed potatoes, pork roast and mac and cheese into the mix.  That should please just about everyone:) I tell you, it’s never easy to cook for my brood.  Last night, I did make the lasagna and the Shepard’s Pie.  Sarah and I ate the lasagna and Matthew and Daddy ate the Shepard’s Pie. Jamie made himself White Castle burgers *sigh*.  Everybody got fed, so that’s all that matters. I tried taking pictures of the Shepard’s Pie but they just didn’t come out all purdy. I’m going to try to run them through the filters and see if I can’t make them look ‘postable’.  That’s something I’d like to do on here is post the pictures of things I make. My friend Carrie over at BarelyControlledChaos takes lovely pictures of her crafts. I love sites like Pioneer Woman and Mommy’s Kitchen. Pioneer Woman is more professional looking but Mommy’s Kitchen is so homey.  Both two sites I enjoy very much.  I’m going to work on that though. It is one of the reasons Paul did a redesign for me. My kitchen though, is not the most ….. um…. well, it’s not really great to be honest. Our house was built in the late 40’s early 50’s and it feels almost like an after thought. There is no room in there. Although we have a big window looking out to the back yard, it feels dark and cramped. It is very small and not real functional. But then again, I hear (and I’m NOT comparing myself to her whatsoever!!) that Julia Childs kitchen was super small and everyone knows the culinary wonders she came up with.  So  I shouldn’t complain. It is in bad need of remodeling though.  Oh well, in time… it’ll get there.

I think I told yall a month or so ago that I began reading the Twilight series. Well, I just finished Eclipse last night (book 3 of 4).  It wasn’t my favorite book so far but it was good.  I’m debating whether I want to start the last one or not. I’m so sad I’m on the last one. I’m going to miss the Cullens. It’s like when I read the last Harry Potter.  I have to admit, I like these even better than Harry Potter.  I guess I will go back to reading my lovely Katie Fforde books after this.  My sister in law gave me two books for my birthday that I want to read.  One is Strictly Love by Julia Williams and the other is Tales of Beetle Bard (Dumbledore’s favorite book:). However, a certain little red headed girl has run off with my Beetle Bard book.  One other book I want to get read before the movie comes out is the Time Traveler’s Wife.  I’ve had that book for a couple of years. I started it then I started re-reading Pride and Prejudice then it was on to Northanger Abbey.  Then Elena (my sister in law) introduced me to Katie Fforde so it just kind of got away from me.

We don’t have any big plans for tonight. We never go out on New Year’s Eve. I find it’s just safer to be home and watch Dick Clark :)  I’m not even sure we have fireworks for tonight. I can’t believe tomorrow is 2009. Crazy crazy. I’m leaving yall with some very quick, very simple appetizers if you’re saying in tonight and having ppl over; or you may just want to have a little ‘do’ but have a little something special:)  If yall go out tonight, please be careful.  Have a very safe evening and if for some reason I don’t speak to yall tomorrow, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!! *hugs*

take care,
~kat:)

p.s. I just ran the pictures through filters and that didn’t help:( I’ll keep trying. But here are some that I just found on my camera from this past year, including our Christmas Tree this year:)

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Nannie’s Cheese Straws

Spiced Pecans

Mushroom Bread

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Aunt Kathy and Sarah - Mother

Christmas Tree 2008

Momma London Black Cab

Good morning:)

The sun is shining and it looks like a gorgeous day:)

Jamie had a Dr’s appointment yesterday at Children’s in Chicago.  I made a lasagna before we left so I could take over to the little boy I told yall about, Mikey’s, house in the afternoon.  So we left Chicago at 2, picked up the kids at Aunt Kathy’s and made a mad dash home.  I threw the lasanga into the oven and started my string beans with bacon and the chocolate chip cookies.  I didn’t get a chance to make the bread… but Monica had told me that someone else was SUPPOSED to be taking food over there yesterday afternoon as well. I figured though, the lasagna would hold off for another night or could be frozen and the string beans would just get better if they set overnight anyway. Anyway, so I got that to their house around 4. Mickey looks really good:)  They had just gotten back and he was feeling a little sick, but he looks really good. I think Jamie was relieved. I think he was afraid of what he’d see.  After we dropped that off and visited for a few minutes, I ran down the street and picked up Elizabeth and Jacob. We were meeting Maria, Marko and Nina at the movies to see the Tale of Despereaux.  That was a very cute movie:) We all enjoyed it very much. I want to see Marley & Me but I hear it’s very sad at the end. I haven’t read the book. I wanted too, but just never got around to it. Another movie that I would like to take the kids too is the Adam Sandler movie, Bedtime Stories. I hear it’s really cute too:)  I called Paul after the movies and Maria called her husband and they met us at the Old Country Buffet afterwards. So it was a nice evening:)  I mean, OCB isn’t my numero uno place to eat but the kids enjoy it and it’s very relaxed (and cheap!).

This afternoon, Matthew has a check-up and is getting his flu shot. I hope it doesn’t cause him to feel bad. But I’m giving him Motrin before we go.  I think I may make another lasagna for us tonight. I will have to make Paul shephard’s pie or something but it looked so good yesterday and I haven’t had it in a long time.  I’m leaving yall with the recipe for this and also Monica’s Trifle. I made it for desert on Christmas. The kids loved it. Paul doesn’t think of it as a trifle - being all British and all *ahem*:) but I think he really enjoyed it seeing as he doesn’t like real trifle *ahem*:)

Yall have a wonderful day and will speak to you soon:)

take care,
~kat:)
RecipesUnlimited.com

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Monica’s Trifle

Rich Lasagna

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Good morning.

Hope yall had a wonderful Christmas:)  Our’s was really nice.  Aunt Kathy and Martha came for breakfast. I made cinnamon rolls the night before and then stuck them in the oven Christmas morning for us. I also made Danish bacon, scrambled eggs with cheese (moz and cheddar), OJ, coffee and Sunny D — Yes it’s OJ as well, but the kids like it better:)  Paul put out our Christmas Crackers and so we had fun with those; wearing our crowns through the meal:)  Afterwards, we opened our gifts. When I was growing up, we did gifts from youngest to the oldest. Each person opened all their gifts then on to the next person. I am not sure how Paul did it but it seems mean to us to make the kids wait so they get to each open one present each (Sarah, Matthew,Jamie, Sarah, Matthew, Jamie etc etc)… then the grown ups all open theirs up in blocks.  Anywhooo:) I was spoiled as usual:) I think we are going to return 3 sweaters to Carson’s  that Paul received for Christmas. He’s very hard to buy for in the clothing department. Even when I’m absolutely sure what he will like — it’s not right. The only thing that seems to fit him without having to return it is a Border’s Gift Card:)  He loves books.  We all love books. Momma gave me 2 new recipes books and I am soooo excited, I can not wait to have a go with the recipes:) One is “Screen Doors and Sweet Tea” and the other is “River Road IV - Warm Welcomes”. The last one is put out by the Junior League of Baton Rouge. I’ve been wanting these books forever:)  I can’t wait to take them to school and show Mrs. Dawn (in the office).  Sarah receieved a couple of new cookbooks as well. One is “Christmas with Paula Deen” and the other is “Pink Princess Cookbook”. She gets as excited about cookbooks as I do:)

We’ve been out the last couple of days looking for great after Christmas sales. On Friday, when most of the roads were closed down because it was nothing but one great big sheet of ice EVERYWHERE, we ventured out like idiots heading to Skokie.  I found out there was a new LL Bean open there and we really wanted to see what we could find. Our main goal was to find Paul more flannel lined jeans (they were out online) and seeing as how far he has to walk from the train station to his work, he really needs them badly.  They were out as well though:(  Well, his size was out. If he would have been 2 feet wider and 3 inches shorter, there would be plenty for him to choose from.  I was just so happy to be there though:) I love love love LL Bean.  The shopping mall we were at was really big and an outdoors one. The only place we found great bargains at was Macy’s.  We bought Sarah a new coat (London Fog) and several sweaters and shirts all for under $50 dollars. So that felt good. After striking out at the Gap and several other places, we headed into Nordstroms to see if we could get lucky.  Wow, you can tell I haven’t been into Nordstroms much at all…. this isn’t the kind of store that you pick up something to look at the price. If you have to do that, you shouldn’t be there. And so we quickly made our exit (after a bathroom stop). We decided we should just cut our losses and head on back home to our little corner of the region and try closer to home. I love Kohls and Target. I don’t know why I felt like I had to go anywhere else:)  We struck it lucky at Kohls with shirts for the boys (even got one for a dollar and something!). Our kids were in such bad need of new clothing it was really sad:)  I think they will be fine now at least til Spring.

Yesterday, we did a big grocery shop at Super Wal-Mart. I am so torn over Super Wal-Mart. Paul and I watched the movie they made. We were disgusted. I swore it off, but in these times, you can not beat the prices and their store brands are really very good.  Anyway, their shelves were barren. Not a lot of choice in meats. They were totally out of powdered sugar.  But we have almost restocked our cupboards and we shall have food again for another week or so:) Tomorrow, I am taking supper over to a classmate of Jamie’s. I think I told yall about him, possibly. He’s in 5th grade and he had a brain tumor removed a few days after Christmas.  Now, he is undergoing chemo 5 days a week. Chemo and radiation.  Monica set up days/people to take over supper. My night was supposed to be yesterday, however, they were going to finally get to have their Christmas last night so my day is moved to tomorrow.  I am going to make lasagna, I believe. Lasagna, green beans, french bread (ok, so it’s the Pilsbury French Bread loaf) and then some chocolate chip cookies.  I will make it today because Jamie has a Dr’s appointment tomorrow and I may not have time to put it together.  I also thought about maybe putting a mac and cheese together so they would have for another night if they needed something.  Yall keep him in yall’s prayers please. I just can not imagine how scared they have to be.  His name is Mikey — God will know who you mean:)

Ok, well I am off. I am about to start lunch. I’m making smothered steak and gravy. Don’t know what kind of potatoes I will make–probably mashed but I am making rice for myself. Since my first flu episode after eating roast chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli— yeah…not quite there yet. Urgh..

Anyway, yall have a wonderful day:)

take care,

~kat:)

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Creamed Chicken on Biscuits

Chuck Wagon Meatloaf

Baked Lima Beans

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Hi all:)

I just wanted to say, MERRY CHRISTMAS:)   Paul and I have been out shopping all morning, tying up odds and ends. He’s still out there, bless his heart. I had to come home to start the cinnamon rolls. We are expected over at Aunt Kathy’s at 5 this evening.  Then it’s back home to track Santa.  Aunt Kathy and Martha will be over for breakfast in the morning and then we will open our gifts. They are going to Bob’s tomorrow night for supper so I’ll be making Christmas Dinner just for the 5 of us:)  Roast turkey, roast potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrots, cranberry sauce and Paxo stuffing. I am making Monica’s Trifle for desert.

I hope yall have a wonderful Christmas and I’ll speak to yall soon:)

HUGS TO EVERYONE!!:)

take care,

~kat:)

Good morning!

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!:)

We are having more snow. Snow snow and more snow.  Paul just left for work. The kids are up and playing some game on the Xbox. Sarah was sitting here eating her cereal but has now finished.  I have put a pot of coffee on so I’m waiting for that.

We did our gift wrap fundraiser last night at Borders. I always look forward to that because it’s a lot of fun:)  I think we probably did really well yesterday.  I was very worried because in the past years that we’ve done this, they have had our table set up just before you walk out of the door and we are able to snag ppl there.  However, the beginning of this ‘fund raising wrapping season’, the table was set up in the BACK of the store. Although the employees and organizations protested (because no one wants to purchase their items and walk back into the store all the way to the back to have them wrapped — that is if they even remember that you’re sitting back there)the new GM insisted that’s where it should be for some bizzarre reason.  <Enter the District Manager> . Thankfully, the Borders DM came to the store and told the GM that the table HAD to be put back at the front.  And so it was:) THANK YOU BORDERS DISTRICT MANAGER!! Monica, Maria, Lori and I did the 8-10 shift. It flew by. Like I said, it’s just always so much fun:)  Aunt Kathy went and did the 12-2 or 3 shift with Matthew’s teacher and the other 3rd grade teacher.  Aunt Kathy is very good about helping out when needed. Aunt Kathy and Grandpa:) Grandpa is Jackie (who we went to American Girl with the other night)’s grandpa. And they are referred to as such, it’s funny:)

Matthew is supposed to have a Dr’s appointment today to get his flu shot, however, I think I may be putting that off until after Christmas. I’m afraid it may cause him to run fever and feel bad for a couple of days and I don’t want to ruin his Christmas.  He asked Paul for the flu shot last week.  Then I spoke to one of the Asthma nurses that call to check in on him and they want him to get the shot, check for polyps in his nose (because he always sounds congested) and check his weight and height so we can find out what his peak flow meter should be reading when he blows into it.

Today, I have to get to the grocery store and get my turkey. I should really get the items I need for my marathon cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate mix. The cinnamon roll recipe is one that I use every year when I make them. I found it on Taste of Home from a user named Maddymoo. I’m also going to be making the Hot Chocolate that you mix up in the garbage bag with the carnation milk, powdered sugar, Quik etc. I think I told yall, a good friend of our family used to make this every year for us. It was so good.  I hope I can get it all done and delivered tomorrow!

Well I need to be off and tying up the loose ends that I can get done. I HOPE to speak to yall tomorrow:)  Have a wonderful day everyone:) Hugs to you all!!

take care,
~kat:)
RecipesUnlimited.com

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Cherry Fruit Cake

Fresh Cranberry Relish

Sweet Potato Casserole

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Maddmoo’s Giant Cinnamon Rolls

CINNAMON ROLLS

2 pkg. dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 tsp. sugar
Mix above and let set 5 mins. to proof the yeast.

3 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 cup milk, scalded and cooled to 110 degrees
1/3 c. veg. oil
2 eggs - room temp
Yeast as above
Add another 1 1/2 cups flour.

Put out onto breadboard and knead 8-10 mins. Put in greased bowl and cover and let rise till double (1 hour). Roll in 18×10 inch rectangle and spread with filling. Roll tightly from long side. Cut into 14 slices. Grease two 9 inch round cake pans. Put one bun in center of each and 6 buns surrounding each center bun. Let rise till double (about 30-40 mins). Bake 350 degrees for 25-30 mins. Let set 5 mins…invert and ice.

Filling:
1/2 cup soft oleo
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 Tblsp. cinnamon

Icing:
1 cup conf. sugar
2-3 Tablespoons warm milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

** I like a lot of icing on mine, so I usually make a double batch of icing.

Yield: 14 very large buns

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