SO IT BEGINS!

Today starts my holiday notebook stuff. I will TRY to remember to post the "assignments" for each week. The book that goes with this is not expensive. It is set up in such a way that it seems easy to read and get through....not monotonous.

Anyway, I hope you will join me.

http://organizedchristmas.com/houseworks-holiday-plan/planning-week

If I DO forget to post each week, you can go to OrganizedChristmas.com and follow the schedule here.

Happy Holidays!

MAKING A HAPPY HOME MONDAY

GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS!

It's that time, y'all. Time for me to put up my "Making a Happy Home Monday" post. Yes....I still do this. Catey joins me and today, my friend, Lisa is joining me. Please pop on over and show them some love.

The point of this carnival is to inspire and encourage you to find an area of your home and make it happy. You can do this by cleaning, organizing or beautifying the area. It doesn't have to be a big job. It can be a quick, 5 minute job....like what I have posted here. Or it can be a lot more involved. It's up to you. Choose a spot. Make it better. Then enjoy the positive impact you have made. Make your home a happy home. Link up down below on Mr Linky. I would love to see what you have done.

Today, I'm finally back to my kitchen project. I think I can finish in three more postings. Remember, the goal is to make a happy home. It doesn't have to be big. And, right now, I have so much to do, that I really can't just focus on the kitchen. You know, the holidays are FAST APPROACHING! Just look over there -------> and you can see for yourself.

All that aside, let me tell you what I did today. I worked on our drinking glass and cup cabinet. It was a mess. I had lids with no matching cups. I had cups that had seen better days. I have a lot of mismatched glasses. That kind of drives me crazy, to be quite honest. But, I didn't want to up and get rid of a bunch of glasses, so I kept those.

This cabinet also keeps some dishes that are passed down from family. These are dishes that won't be used for various reasons like cracks or lead. But, they are sentimental, so I keep them.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I hope you will join me!

*Please excuse the quality of these pics. I think my camera is dying. Sometimes the pictures are red....anyone have any clues what it could be?

RANDOM JUNK

This is a "dump" post. One reason is to let you know that I am still alive and kicking. I hope to get on a regular, or at least more consistent, posting schedule.

So, let's see.

My anniversary was this past Monday. You knew that. 18 years....that's a lot. :)

Last night, my oldest went to spend the night with his best friend. The other 3 spent the night with grandparents while hubby and I went to a hotel for the night. Every summer, we take a weekend trip to some far-away place. Then, we take a night for just ourselves and stay the night somewhere. We ate good food at some dives...but they were all like 5 star dives. VERY good!

The big news, and most fun, is that I got a tattoo. I really did!

I had been told that it would hurt because of the placement....the foot. I was nervous, to say the least. I can handle pain, but I don't want to....I mean, who does? A round fellow named Caesar did the deed. ^-^ We told him what I wanted....a Christian fish....they drew the design then made a stencil. They put it on my foot (as a stencil) to make sure of placement. Then, they started drilling, or needling, or whatever you call it.

I was mildly freaked, at first. The doo-dad sounded exactly like a dentist's drill. Most of you may know that I don't like the dentist. On of my hubby's best friends is a dentist. I like him, the man. But, him, the dentist? I don't have much use for. In fact, when I go in for a cleaning, our friend's staff calls MY hubby and arranges for the cleaning. I don't even know until we are about 2 blocks away that I'm going in. I will NOT drive myself. Nope. Uh-uh! No way, Jose!

It was a bit uncomfortable, but not unbearable. In fact...I'm ready for another one. You kind of get an adrenaline rush, I guess. It was thrilling! And I'm SOOO glad I got it.

Off to another topic.

School is going alright. I have already been there to help out and hope to be able to help out a lot more. It is fun being there and visiting with so many teachers we have either had (or I have worked with), but not have the "job" to focus on. Does that sound bad?

I was browsing facebook the other day. The daughter of a cousin has some "not so nice" stuff on her profile and pictures. I am disappointed...not as much in the girl, but more in her mom. I wonder if she knows. If not....SHAME ON HER! If she DOES know, then DOUBLE SHAME ON HER! I know the girl is trying to appear cool and/or mature to her friends. I guess the old-lady in me is just disappointed in her, you know? It is not cool for me to read the language or see some of the pictures.

I have several more posts that I have on a back burner. I need to get to them. My hubby and I have been busy, though. We still haven't fully recovered from being out of town and taking so many little day-trips. We have been switching bedrooms for 3 of the kids....but that involved 3 of the 4 bedrooms in the house.

The 3 older kids are at Hawaiian Falls for the day. The older 2 earned it by getting another seal for JBQ....which I still need to post on. It's coming...I promise. I am here with the younger. He wanted to go, too, but he needs man-on-man defense. That usually falls to me, but my tattoo cannot be submerged for a few weeks and needs to avoid the sun. So.....I am here, they are there.

There is some Japanese entity leaving comments on my blog. I think it's a phishing site or something, but still....quite bothersome.

I need to work on cleaning the house....at least the front bathroom, living room, dining room and kitchen. We are having my folks out for church and lunch tomorrow. We will have grilled salmon and mahi-mahi, baked potatoes, steam asparagus, heirloom tomatoes...and especially for my hubby, tiramisu....the real stuff....with the rum and everything. Personally, I don't like tiramisu, and I don't think my mother will, either. SO, I will make a coconut cream pie for us.

Considering all that I have to do, I better get busy. I have trouble working for a long time. I was sick as a dog last week. Won't go into details, but I did lose about 5 pounds. Now, the most I can eat is the equivalent to 1 kids meal and 1 appetizer each day. I ate breakfast (migas with smoked turkey) this morning about 10:30. I only ate about 1/3 of my meal....and I'm STUFFED! It is almost 3:00. If that is a result from being sick, that is OK....maybe I'll lose more weight. But, I sure do miss my food. :)

Well, I should scoot. Lots to do and daylight's burnin'!

MAKING A HAPPY HEART

THE MUSIC

THE BRIDE

THE GROOM

THE PREACHER (a.k.a Father of the bride)

THE DRESS AND FLOWERS

THE RINGS

THE COUPLE

THE GROOMSMEN

THE BRIDESMAIDS

THE CAKE

THE RESULT

Thank you, to my love, my soulmate, for 18 wonderful years of marriage.

I love you.

TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAY

OK...This friend? Lisa? You know her. She does the whole "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday" blog carnival.

I love to post things on there and then to follow up with others and see some of their yummies.

For today's entry, I'm doing Fire and Ice Pickles.

They are SO easy.....and I get a lot of compliments on them.

FIRE AND ICE PICKLES

ingredients:

1 jar of sliced jalapenos

sugar

Yep....that's it!

Instructions:

EMPTY all juice from jalapenos.

Cover with sugar.

Let jar sit on counter for a few hours until sugar is dissolved. I turn the jar ever so often. (Sugar is like salt....it will draw out the moisture. So, even though you have drained the juice, a syrup will develop.) You can also reserve the syrup and pour over the next jar of pickles. I promise...they won't last long.

Juice is drained. This is probably about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar.

Tapping the counter a bit to get the sugar to fall down around peppers.

Turn the jar every now and then to get the sugar to fall and dissolve.

I don't know if you can but there is about 2 inches of syrup. If you want more syrup, then just add more sugar (without draining.)

MAKING A HAPPY HOME MONDAY

It's Monday....it always comes back to Monday, doesn't it?

I have quite a bit to blog about. I am finally a bit more released to blog on something I have been wanting to for a LONG time.....now I just have to write it. I'm sure it will make some folk mad, but you know....it's what I do. LOL!

So, as most of you know, Making a Happy Home Monday is a sad little blog carnival that Catey and I post on in hopes of encouraging and inspiring others to make their homes happy. You can pick a little project or a big project. You can make it pretty, more organized, decluttered, or clean. Whatever you do, any improvement is bound to make you happy, thus making your home a happy home.

I have been working on my kitchen for the past few weeks...I'm not done. I have a few more weeks that I can do on my cabinets. For today, though, I wanted to do something a bit more timely....for my household, anyway.

Today, school started. Three of my boys are in school. I did several things to get them ready. The parts that apply to MHHM are as follows.

First off, is school lunches. Hot lunch will not be served in our school until mid-September. Even when they do have hot lunch, my boys will almost always take their own lunch. For today and hopefully the rest of the year (if I don't get too rushed or lazy) I will pack their lunches the night before. It sure does help to have it done. The boys will help me. It is listed on the next portion of MHHM.

CHORE CHARTS!

Personally, I love chore charts. My oldest who (bless his heart) is a LOT like me, loves them, too. He is wanting to take a picture of each brother to attach to the top of the chart so we know who needs to do what. Isn't that cute?

We had some chore charts that I posted on not too long ago. Now that we are back in school, some things must change. Here are the new charts. I think you can click on them to enlarge and see the actual chores. (If you can't, and you are interested in a break-down, let me know.) They went into effect this morning. Each child checks off the appropriate box when chore is completed. They are in page protectors (Monday - Friday on front, weekend on back). They check them off with dry-erase markers so I don't have to reprint every week. Each Friday, they get their allowance, with a slight deduction for chores NOT completed.

Let me know how you are getting your household into school-mode! 

JUST STUFF

Hey, guys. Does anybody miss me when I'm not on? I haven't blogged in awhile. Sorry.....

I didn't get my Making a Happy Home Monday post up, nor did I connect to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday because my family and I were out of town one last time for the summer.

The trip was totally cool....not something that a majority of people get to do...well, not in the way we did, anyway.

My hubby is a pilot. You know that if you have read this blog for any length of time. He doesn't fly for a typical airline. He flies business jets....not for one particular person/business, but for the rich and famous who need to fly out to the Caribbean for the day or night or to North Hampton for lunch or what have you.

Whereas pilots for American get several one-way vouchers to share per year and get to fly immediate family for a nominal fee, my hubby's company allows its pilots to fly on their planes for free....wherever they may be going. AND, immediate family can join him....for free.

Some might think this isn't a very good trade off. I mean, you can't plan where you will go...you just go. You might have to rent a car back (which we did). But, we flew on a PRIVATE JET! It had first-class accommodations. It sat 8. It sat 8 VERY, VERY comfortably. Comfortable as in 4 of the seats faced the other 4. The seats can swivel out into the aisles, turn 360 degrees, and lay back (all the way). That flight, if we just bought tickets for the entire family through a similar private charter company, would have roughly cost $28,000. Not joking....we just looked. We got it for free.

THE PLANE


INSIDE THE PLANE

Some other benefits he gets are hotel points because he stays in hotels 10-16 nights per month. That works out nicely for us, as we haven't paid for a hotel for years. So this expensive trip really didn't cost us that much.

We had so much fun. It was a last minute flight. So last minute, in fact, that we only had 30 minutes to get ready and get to the airport. My hubby even forgot his clothes. LOL!

We didn't get to San Antonio until late. The next morning, we lazed around, then swam for awhile. We changed hotels and got on the Riverwalk. We did a boat tour, saw the Alamo, had a snack, then went for rest. After that, we went down to the Riverwalk and ate dinner. We swam for a little bit, then went to bed. The next morning (Monday morning) we went tubing down the Comal in New Braunfels. We went through Austin and saw some great friends. Had a few of their pretzels (YUM!), then ate at Hula Hut with Mommy Spice and Spicy Girl. (See Hunan Spice in my sidebar.

We got home LATE Monday night, or properly stated, early Tuesday morning....yesterday.

Yesterday was also the day we welcomed a new boy into our family. His name is Moose. He is really cute and has fit in nicely.

I have found out the teachers for my children and am thrilled that they will be working with my boys. I am going to be room mom for the kindergartner, but will help with my 3rd and 5th graders.

Other than that, we are slowly getting into a routine. School starts this Monday. I'm sad, but glad. I will be back in a few days. I have a lot to do. A lot to blog about. A lot of reminders about where we are in holiday planning. really, y'all....only a month before WalMart starts putting out their Christmas stuff!!! WOOHOO!!

THIS TIME

This time of year.....I don't even know how to start this post or what all I'm wanting to say....

This time of year brings a certain "feeling." I can't really describe it, I just feel it happening.

It is still hot, so it's not as if fall is in the air, though I think I smell a difference in the mornings.

It starts with the first day of August....or like this year....about July 28th. It happens when I get THE LETTER. The letter that reminds me of the day that the boys start school, tells me when parent orientation is and reminds me of the hundreds of dollars that I must spend in school uniforms. And, though I have already spent the money on uniforms, I still feel the squeeze. It's a squeeze in my heart that tells me a few things. It tells me that my kids are getting older and don't need me quite as much as last year. It reminds me that the holidays are coming a lot faster than even I am expecting. It makes me want to clean. (stop laughing) It makes me want to cook.

Why is that? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

So, what am I doing right now? Well, I have gone through and made sure that the uniforms that are passed down are laundered and in the proper closet. We have bought shoes, belts, socks and undies for the schoolers.

I have just decided to do a room switch. My poor hubby. He is so good to just go along. My 2 youngest share a room. It is a smaller room and close to our room. My oldest has his own room, which is large (a finished out 2 car garage.) BUT, that is also the play room/game room. Everyone is in this room at one time or another. I have decided that my oldest needs a bit more privacy. We will move the oldest into the smaller room (with a door he might be able to lock from time to time) and the 2 little ones, with all their toys, will get the bigger room.

School starts on the 17th. I have parent orientation/meet the teacher on either Monday or Tuesday. That depends on our last trip of the summer. We are going to try to fly somewhere. I'm not keeping it a secret, we just won't know where until we are actually on the plane. LOL. I will post about that if it happens.

I am starting to think about things I want to cook. I am not thinking about the holidays...well, not entirely, anyway. I do love to cook all the time. The summer is fun because of all the lovely fruits and veggies. But, the fall and winter.....THAT is the time I LOVE to cook and bake. To make comfort foods....that is so much fun. And, once the time changes and it gets dark earlier.....that is my favorite!!! I love when it gets dark early. (I'm only slightly resentful that they shortened the time, but I digress.)

I have come across a lentil stew recipe that I can't wait to try. I just don't want to try it when it is $100 outside. I also love to bake with pumpkin. Though I keep it in the pantry year round, there is something about the smells that brings fall into the house. I am consuming cooking shows and writing down recipes I long to try. My friend, Catey, has sent me some wonderful bread recipes that I'm eager to get going. Also, I am wanting to make a sweet, dark bread...you know the kind with golden raisins in it? Or is it dates? Either way, I eat this at some restaurants and I adore this bread.

Of course, planning for the holidays is hardly EVER far from my mind. The 31st of this month is when I start working a bit more diligently in my notebook and getting stuff together.

This month marks our 18th wedding anniversary. I have a neat post idea on that. I need hubby's help for that, since I'm not a techno-smartie...I need help with the scanner.

We also have some fun activities for this month....Paul McCartney concert! WOOT!!! Also Def Leppard. Going with some dear friends to both those concerts.

I will be room mom for my kindergartener. That is always a very active year...and I'm a bit....um....controlling. (I can't find the related post, so if you know where it is, let me know.)

Just an example of my nature when it comes to being homeroom mom.....well, last year, I went to Meet-the-Teacher night and introduced myself to both teachers as "Hello, my name is **** and I will be your room mom this year." The teacher, with a funny look on her face said, "Um...well, I'll send a note out to all those who are interested and we can determine the room mom in a few days." A few minutes go by. Another lady introduces herself to the same teacher and follows with, "I will be helping Mrs. **** with her room mom plans." ROFLMBO!!! You might think I'm joking. Those who know me, know this is true.

OK.....I need to get our guest ready to go to his house. And, I've regurgitated enough.....for now! :)

Y'all have a great day!!!

TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAY

You know what I'm talkin' about, right? The friend I have? I've told you about her? Her name is Lisa. Well, she and her twin Lana, cohost this blog carnival called "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday." A lot of folk post recipes, tips and kitchen tidbits....it is a lot of fun.

I like to pop in a share some faves...I will be a lot more diligent come holiday time. I had a blast last year. AND, I hope I was a little helpful.

This dish was one that I got the recipe for when on my honeymoon...almost 18 years ago. This is a "fancy" dish. It is easy (despite how it might sound) and SO SO yummy. I hope you will give it a try. I will not post the original recipe. I had to adapt it some, due to the availability of some of the products.

The dish is:

BAKED CHICKEN IN SHRIMP SAUCE

ingredients:

4 lbs. chicken breasts or parts

1/2 c. seasoned flour (just salt and pepper, y'all)

1/3 c. butter (real)

1 medium green pepper in strips

1 onion, sliced think

2 (10 oz cans frozen shrimp soup)**

**I use 2 cans of cream of shrimp soup and 2 cans of tiny salad shrimp...the kind you find where the canned salmon and tuna are.

1/2 cup water

1 (8 oz) can tomatoes, chopped (or 1 c. fresh tomatoes, chopped)

1/4 tsp. thyme

Dust flour over chicken. Brown slowly in butter. Remove and arrange in 2 (8X12) baking dishes (skin side up*) *I used skinless

Saute pepper and onion in drippings until tender. Pour off drippings. Add soups and shrimp and water. Heat until soup thaws (if using frozen soup). Add tomatoes and thyme. Pour over chicken. Cover and bake 45 minutes at 375. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more until tender. Serves 12.

OMGsh!!! This melts in your mouth.

Now, say for some STRANGE reason you don't do shrimp. You can use this method with any cream soup and leave out the shrimp all together. You will still get a melt-in-your-mouth piece of bird!!! ENJOY

MAKING A HAPPY HOME MONDAY

Man, I certainly need to work on my timing. Summer vacation has kind of thrown my game out of whack. Sorry this is so late.

This has been a tough week for me, for some reason. I have been thinking about some of the blogs I read....I'm about to dump some. I have a small list in my left sidebar, but I have several more saved. I will be purging from the sidebar, as well as from my bookmarks. Some of you, if you are purged, it is simply because you don't write that often.....no offense. Some are being purged because I just don't feel good after reading the contents.

I flew at a friend today, with words. *sigh* I KNOW that words can hurt, yet I use them to be hurtful. I already apologized to her. I was convicted almost immediately. Thank you, God, for the Holy Spirit....even when it hurts.

I have had a hard time with my oldest son. He's barely 10. SO, I foresee the next 10-14 years to just get harder. I have been reading "Bringing Up Boys" by Dr. James Dobson. This book is SO GOOD! Thankfully, my hubby and I aren't doing a lot of wrong things, but there are some things that we can do that are more right.

When hubby returns from this tour, he will have the rest of August off. That is good. The start of school is an emotional time for me...especially this year with my #3 going to school. We are also about to do a room swap. I know my hubby doesn't particularly like to do all the projects that I come up with, but he is more than willing to listen to my reasoning and, if sound, go along with it. I thank God for him.

I did make it into Hobby Lobby this past Friday. I started to tear up seeing all their fall and Christmas decorations that were already out. I bought a cute fall votive cup with some votive candles. I also bought a pretty cross with a Nativity across the top. I might post a picture of that soon....OR I might wait until I start doing Christmas decorations....which are going up earlier this year.

SO, MHHM. I'm still working in my kitchen. I have just a few more weeks to go if I continue at this rate. By the time I finish, I will be starting to dive into my fall cooking and planning holiday menus. I'm excited about that.

Today's cabinet houses my mixing bowls and storage containers. I had a lot of mismatched lids and bowls. I had several bowls with no matching lid and vice-versa. I have corrected that. All the plastic containers, and most of the glass containers now have a matching lid. I wonder how long it will be before I have to reorganize.

Here are the pictures. Tell me what you think. I think Mr Linky worked last week, so I will put it up again....maybe you can join Catey....my loyal partner in MHHM! Love you, girl!!!