Whats up Wednesday

Greetings all. I found a cute post yesterday over at http://www.5dollardinners.com/ and wanted to join in the fun. She asked what are your favorite 7 things in your kitchen, and she shared hers. It made me think and I made a list. When I went to take the pictures today, my list changed! LOL For people who like to cook, this is a harder question than it sounds at first. So here I am sharing my favorite 7 things about my kitchen . . .



NUMBER 7.


This is a peek into my pantry. Please don't look to closely and ignore the mess! My mother in-law use to also call this the Harry Potter room since it is under our stair case. Guess if you read those books you get that. It is pretty deep and on the other wall it's got several racks for spices and dry items.


NUMBER 6.
This is my back door, looking out onto our deck/sunroom. Couple years ago we got new doors for the house and our back door has those cool blinds between the glass. So cool, so clean! LOL It allows me to be in the kitchen and look out onto the back porch, pool deck and play ground, while I am cooking away!

NUMBER 5.


Cook books. I LOVE them! This is just a small portion that I have on top of my china cabinet. There are more, believe me - LOL



NUMBER 4,

My dishwasher. I sooooooo don't like doing dishes. With four kids still at home, we generate alot of dirty dishes.

NUMBER 3.

My coffee pot and most favorite cup. Do I need say more?

NUMBER 2.

My radio. I had a nice under the counter CD/radio right here. But it was one of the items stolen from us while we were on vacation last month. If you look closely up at the top you can see marks in the wall they left when they yanked it out. And I do mean yank. They ripped off the entire bottom of my cabinet, smashing all the dishes that were in there. Eventually we will replace it. But in the mean time my oldest DS is letting me borrow his old boom box. And yes, that is a stack of Christmas CD's next to it! LOL

AND MY NUMBER 1 favorite thing in my kitchen is . . .

My fridge. Actually I don't care for this model, with the side by side doors. I am sure I lost some cubic footage here. But it is way better than not having a fridge! Our old one was broke for almost a year, raining inside and freezing things solid. Even had my prayer group pray for the thing. We didn't have money for a new one or even a used one (Craigslist still pretty pricey), my friend found someone from her church who happened to have a spare in their garage. Actually I believe she said they had 3 they weren't using, so they donated this one to us at no cost - bless them! And the kids get a kick out of the ice crusher, our old one didn't have ice/water in the door. So I call this my friendship fridge.

Please share your most favorite kitchen items with us here.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

Hi y'all, hope everyone is staying warm. The mornings are crisp here, the days remind me of spring in MI, short weather - LOL

Well I shared my exciting finds of new recipe/food sites yesterday, so all that's left is to share this weeks menu plan. After reading the $5 dinner blog I took a closer look at my meals, and I need to do better. I know there are more people in my house, but I don't have more money. I thought by having some meatless meals I would save money - no. Dairy prices are thought the roof! Since I am shopping this week for the next two weeks, I am going to spend the next couple days prepping by calculating meal cost and seeing if I can do better. Although I maintain that food is not my biggest expense, it is all the paper/toiletries ect. Even items like new socks and underwear seem to come from my grocery budget. So, will see if I can cut anymore corners (already cut like 5, how many more are there?).

Here is our dinner menu for this week -

Monday: Beef Stroganoff on noodles w/ broccoli

Tuesday: Sesame chicken wings w/ cabbage wedges and corn bread

Wednesday: Church/mom's night off

Thursday: Sloppy Joe w/baked fries and coleslaw

Friday: Ham and Potato casserole w/green beans and spicy oat muffins

Saturday: Home made pizza w/ tossed salad

Sunday: Italian pinto beans w/garlic bread and mixed veggies

For more menu plan Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com

Whats for dinner at your home this week?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Another cool site

Guess I have been a busy girl this afternoon - LOL Mostly in the cooking dept. While prepping my dinner and waiting for it to bake, I took time to surf a few sites on cooking. We shop every two weeks, and this coming week is one of them. So busy finalizing menus and planning ahead. Always looking for a way to save time and money in the kitchen. We are a family of 6 and in a perfect world would like our dinners to cost no more than $5. Which leads me to the site I found, $5 dollar meals, visit www.5dollardinners.com or see the link at the right. It has great recipes, healthy food and money saving tips. Unfortunately her site feeds a family of 4, two adults and two small children. Won't work for us, two adults, two teenagers and two small children. My soon to be 16 year old son eats about every two hours and is soooooooo skinny it makes me sick! LOL Her site recommends about $7 a dinner for a family our size. Big sigh, still hopping to do $5, looks like alot more noodles for us. Either way, I will continue to check it out for some great ideas.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Look what I found . . .

I was surfing around today and came across two new blogs that are so cook I want to share them with you. The first one is a christian mom who has alot of cool ideas for Christmas, check out www.smellingcoffeetoday.blogspot.com or check out my links at the right.

The second one is a cooking site where a lady made a new years resolution back in January of this year to use her crock pot every day! How cool is that? I have no idea how I missed this before, but check her out at www.crockpot365.blogspot.com or my links at the right. She even made it on to the Rachael Ray show back in July. Now this blog has really got my wheels turning and making me wonder what I can do with this info? I just got gifted a (new to me) bread machine. That makes two, and I usually go through about two a year. I also have my eye on one at the local consignment shop. Wouldn't it be a thing of beauty to have all three on my kitchen counter going at once? Or maybe a crock pot, got 3 of those too, and a bread machine going together everyday on my kitchen counter? Hmmmmmmmm . . . .

Blessings, Beth Ann

Yet more vacation pictures

Here is just a few more pics from our South Carolina trip. Hope you all don't mind being nickled and dimed, just seems to work out that way.

Here is a snowy white egret in the salt marsh. The parts of the island that aren't ocean front, are backed by the salt marshes.



Here are my youngest two dd's on their bikes, riding around the park. Here they are at one of the ocean/beach accesses - good breeze (smile)

Here is my youngest ds with an even better example of the breeze - LOL

Here are my two sons in the RV, playing video games. That is what camping is all about, doing things you don't get the chance to do at home (rolling eyes here).

Will post more as the week progresses and time allows. Want to remind friends, family and stumblers to sign up to "follow this blog". Love seeing who is keeping up with us on our adventures.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Some vacation pictures

Greetings all. I must confess that I have been slacking on our vacation pictures. Good news for some, but others have asked . . . With everything that has happened to us it has been at the bottom of our priority list. I have about half of them back and will try to get them post over the next couple of days. Hopefully by next week or so I will have the rest.

Late afternoon was one of our favorite times on the beach in South Carolina. We would stay until it was to dark to see. We were blessed with a full moon also while we were there.

Here are the twins in a sand fort that their big brother helped build.

This is a picture of the pier restaurant at sunset, one of the landmarks of Edisto Island Beach.

Here the twins are running fearlessly into the surf (took them quit a while to get that brave - LOL)

And here is the full moon coming up over Charleston and shining brightly on the Atlantic.

Hope you enjoy sharing snatches of our most favorite places with us. After what happened it seems unlikely we will go back any time soon. Please pray for us.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Whats up Wendsday

Hey there. Just popping in to say hey and give a wave - LOL Actually I received lots of positive affirmation on yesterdays post and wanted to add a bit more to it as well. I want to add another example of the southern charity and good nature we have encountered in this sleepy little southern town.

Last week-end I finely got my act together and did a girls day out with my middle dd who is twelve. I try to do one of these ever few weeks, every other month or so on. For some reason time had gotten away form me, and it had been wayyyyyyyy to long, a fact my dd had be haranguing me about for a few weeks. So after our terrible "incident" I felt we needed a pick me up and caved in. I usually enjoy these little jaunts, but she wanted to go to the drive-in, and see the double feature on screen one. Ok, are you prepared to be shocked and horrified? Hold on to your underwear and don't say you weren't warned . . . High School Musical 3 and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. AHHH!!!!!!!!!! Now I wasn't opposed to the second feature( wich was so cute I have to buy it when it comes out on DVD), but I would have rather poked my eye out with a spork than see the first. I have sat through the first two HSM soooooo many times that I still wake up in a cold sweat if I hear the words "bet on it, bet on it". (only funny if you have seen the movie - sorry) Don't even get me started on the movie Camp Rock either. Which reminds me, Kristina if your reading this . . . please send that CD back so your sister will stop bugging me - thank you. Anyway, I digress. So I put my own personal revulsion aside and off we went. When we got to the main gates I was pleasantly surprised to see the owner taking tickets. I had met her like four years ago while doing a stint at the flea market which she and her DH also own (along with a ton of other stuff in town). Hadn't seen her in a while so we chit chatted a few minutes and I mentioned our "incident" to her as some of the vendors at the flea market were recent victims as well. As we wrapped it up I told her we were having our girls night out and she gifted us a free admission for the night. That small gesture not only brightened my evening but help put a bounce back in my step and jumped started my week with a positive attitude and a blessed calm about us and our situation.

So I could walk around saying how sorry I feel for my self and my family and blame this town for what happened, but I believe in the past couple weeks God has gone out of His way to show me the opposite. What a wonderful town full of caring people and now in these trying times it's more important to be closer than ever with your neighbors and lean on your church. I want to feel the light of God not only on my face but shining through my eyes.

Blessings, Beth Ann

It is our business to follow the Lord in simple faith. It is His business to make us into all He wants us to be.

"We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works." Ephesians 2:10 NLV

Gratituesday

Greetings all, yet another beautiful day in the mid 70's!!! Just love, love, love it here. Yesterday between all the company I had, the phone ringing off the hook and not getting my lunch until 3:30; I got absolutely nothing done . . . and I loved it! My first response was to be frustrated, but then I realized how blessed I was. Back in my old life I would never have had so many wonderful interruptions, which equal people who care about me and my family. Most were from our church, that is where the majority of our friends come from. Like minded people tend to hang out together - LOL People were even calling for me while I was in the shower yesterday, thought only my kids bugged me in there (smile). We now have a new pastor after a 16 month search. I am trying very hard not to have to many expectations for him and his wife, but it's hard. I feel like our church was in limbo and now has been set free. I am real impressed with the wife. In just two short weeks she has already treated me far warmer and made me feel more wanted in our church than her predecessors.

I also want to mention briefly a group of ladies who have taken pity on me and whom I have come to count on. I still have a hard time being in our house at night alone. I have called these ladies and they have done what they can (read baby sit me here - LOL). They never make me feel silly or like it's an imposition for them. They people in our church are some of the best people I have ever met and would encourage everyone to come meet them. Otherwise I might have to brag on them some more!

And as a special caper to my night last night, I attended my first book club meeting at our local library. It was fun and again I was made to feel welcome and part of the group. I have know a few of the ladies who work their, but kept putting off going. My kids hang out there 24/7 , so I am known as Z and B's mom - LOL Well they finely picked a book that I absolutely ardor and have read like 11 times, so I decided to treat myself to a cappachino and a mom's night out. So glad I did it. Not only was it good for my moral, but it is nice to be reminded how great this small town is and how welcoming it is to "strangers" (Yankees - smile) Again, wouldn't happen in my home town, in my old life. I am so glad God picked this spot for me and my family. It is the perfect place to raise the kids with the compassion, morals and opportunities a stones through a way, that every child should have. Yes, I live in the bible belt, heck, we're on the buckle! There is litterly a church on every corner, and I'm proud of it!

This week I am grateful for my church and my community. For more Gratituesday please visit www.heavenlyhomemakers.com

Blessings, Beth Ann

Greetings all, another beautiful day in middle TN. Temps to reach around 75 again! Love, love, love this place.

Looking at my monthly planner and it seems this month is full of appointments and obligations too. Every month seems to be. When will things slow down? Last week was crazy and hard to follow at dinner time as well. Between DH and DS work and other activities . . . Ah well, every day is a new chance to spend time in the kitchen with my family and make good food to eat. Easy to become overwhelmed, just take a deep breath and remember God is with you and will take care of you. Just remember what is important . . . family.

For more Menu Planning Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com

This is what is for dinner at our house this week:

Monday: Beef Chop Suey over brown rice w/ pineapple wedges and salad

Tuesday: Italian pinto Bean stew w/ garlic bread sticks

Wednesday: Church/Mom's night off

Thursday: Chicken Tetrazzini w/salad and corn bread

Friday: Zucchini corn casserole w/spiced oat muffins

Saturday: Home made pizza w/ veggie sticks and dip

Sunday: Ham and potato casserole w/ green beans and home made bread

Whats for dinner at your house this week?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Total Randomness

Warm weather greetings , today it has reached 75! What beautiful weather we have here. Easy to forget about the 100's we have in July - LOL

Today I just want to share a little of this, and a little of that. I have no plan, no rhyme or reason. Just stuff that I thought someone out there might like.

Here are my oldest two and friend (in polka dot's) getting ready to beg for candy.

Here is Z snuggled up on the couch in our RV, with his sisters pink comforter that she got for her b-day. I had to laugh, but he said he didn't care; it was the most comfortable blanket (silky). Then he preceded to watch a totally violent movie, Transformers - such a guy.

Here is another of my stitching projects. I picked this apple sampler since it's that time of year.

This picture of the twins was taken when we went to MI for dd wedding. They are with their great aunt Arliene and their great grandma Virgie (DH side).

And here is the shoe tree. Again, in MI between Kalkaska and Cadillac. Entire tree is covered in shoes!

Thanks for joining me in my randomness. Sometimes that is just how my mind works!

Blessings, Beth Ann

Just checking in

Happy Halloween all! Hope your all going to do something fun tonight. We are just going to visit the homes of a few friends we have here in town. Wednesday we had our harvest party at church and the kids had a blast. Saw some old and new faces there. To see pictures of the party visit Amy's blog at www.thisthatandlifesjoys.blogspot.com

Just thought I should check in as it has been awhile since I have been int the swing of blogging. Guess not much to talk about, even though many people felt the need to bring up the "incident" at the party. Just wanted to let everyone know we are alive and kicking. Oh, and saw gas for $1.99 today at the end of our road! Wish it had been yesterday since had to drive first to Manchester then to Tullahoma to renew my drivers license.


Wanted to share this picture of my dachshund, Howard, you guess which one he is - LOL



Do you think she wants to cook something in the microwave or clean something in the dishwasher? If she is just looking for some place to nap, the middle of my kitchen isn't it.

See you next month. Blessings, Beth Ann

God goes before you today and His presence is with you.

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you." 2Corinthians 13:14 NLV

Menu Plan Monday

Greetings all. Hope you are all enjoying a wonder fall season. The weather has been fabulous here in middle TN. and only the past couple of days have cooled off. Being from northern MI however I don't mind this a bit. Where I come from (up by the bridge) this still considered short weather - LOL The winters are soooo long and sooooo cold that in the spring as soon as temps in the 40's or 50's roll around, the shorts come out! Ah, good times, good times. LOL

Many fall type activities this week, so a hit and miss menu. For more Menu Plan Monday please visit www.orgjunkie.com

Here is what we are having for dinner this week:

Monday: Eggs and toast (Big kids on Hay ride and DH at work, just me and twins)

Tuesday: Orange Chicken w/rice and mixed veggies

Wednesday: Harvest Party at Church!

Thursday: Mexican zucchini casserole w. quinoa and pineapple slices

Friday: HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Bat wings(spicy), bug salad (raisins), goblin eggs (deviled w/food coloring) and jack o' lantern cheese ball!

Saturday: Home made pizza w/tossed salad

Sunday: Beef Chop Suey w/cashew rice and pineapples & salad

Whats for dinner at your house?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Moving on

I have had many well wisher and people praying for me and my family since I mentioned the break - in at our home while we were on vacation. We are handling it a little better every day and trying to move on. Many friends and family members keep asking about up-dates. I am only going to mention it this one last time to fill people in and then would rather not bring it up again unless they recover our items or catch the thieves. Then I will share the good news! LOL

(Sunrise on Edisto Island, S.C.)

No, they haven't caught anyone. No, they have no information. Yes, they took some expensive items and some irreplaceable items. They came back a second time and tried to re-enter our home while some one tried to steal my DH truck. Police believe they were going to clean us out and us our own truck to do it. The second time was pre-meditated as they dismantled our out door lights over the garage and carport. They only recovered one partial finger print, and no you can't get them off of wood. Yes we have combed all the pawn shops, eBay and Craigslist. Do we still have hope of them being caught, not much. Will we go on vacations or week-end camping trips again? Maybe, what else are they going to take? Do we feel safe in our own home, more each day thanks to new locks that DH installed and some wonderful people at church. Did we cut our trip short, yes by a few days. Kind of like getting your vacation stolen too. We go every year and save for it all year long :( They have NOT stolen our faith and we still LOVE our home. We will grow old in this house and pass it along to our children and grandchildren. We have prayed for the people who have done this and asked God to give them forgiveness and touch their hearts. May you please do the same.

Will try to resume my normal posting in the near future, have some great pictures of the kids to share from S.C.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Top ten . . .

List of things I have learned since being robbed blind ~

10. Not all police officers are created equal.

9. Your stuff is just stuff, until they take your kid's stuff.

8. Apparently all my neighbors are deaf and blind.

7. Something rotten happens every year on my birthday, hence forth all my future birthdays are being canceled as of now!

6. The perps can't read as they took none of the brand spanking new books I got the kids for Christmas and hid in my room.

5. The perps drive a crappy old truck too, as they stole the ignition switch from my DH piece of junk.

4. Something like this shows you how strong your family is and what their made of.

3. I refuse to be a victim and have my piece of mind also stolen from me.

2. I have never in my life been so blessed as to have the friends we have down here in Tennessee!

And the number one thing I have learned since being robbed blind is . . . Pawn shops are great places to do your Christmas shopping!

Blessings, Beth Ann

Warning

Warning - we returned home today from our vacation in South Carolina, early, because our home has been broken into and robbed. They also smashed and tried to steal my DH truck. They got many items and violated us. I am extremely angry and am not sure when normal blogging will return. I am warning that if you read this blog in the near future you may only encounter angry rants. Will try to keep you posted. Oh, and for family members - they stole the Christmas gifts I already had bought and wrapped - sorry - nothing more coming this year.

Beth

On Vacation

The H-D family will be on vacation, on Edisto Island South Carolina, from Oct. 10 ~ 22. See ya all then and keep us in your prayers, and stay out of trouble (you know who I mean!).

Blessings, Beth Ann and family

On the road

It has been a very busy week here at our homestead. So much to do to get ready for our vacation, it rained for the first time in 32 days and then we headed out for a inspirational movie. Fireproof. It was a wonderful movie. It was an awesome movie. It is a must see movie. What else can I say? I will defiantly be buying two copies of this t comes out on DVD. One for us and one for my dd who just got married. If I was made of money I would buy one for my ex and my church as well. If you are married, been married or just thinking of getting married ~ see this movie!!!

I have added the new blog feature, follow this blog, to my site. Please feel free to do so, it is located top right hand corner. I enjoy seeing who is all reading my random thoughts besides my family - LOL Even if you are family, please join in the fun and sign in.

Here is our Minnie Winnie, in her resting place at home. DH had this carport put in special, just for her. In about an hour DH is going to back her up and take her out to get filled up. Great news, gas here is down to $2.99! Never thought I would be excited about that! But it is the cheapest around. DH was in Manchester yesterday and they were still about 30 cents higher, usually they are the lowest in middle TN. We also checked when we drove into the city (M'boro) and they were also 30 cents higher, usually the Wal-Mart is the cheapest there. So we are excited that we can get such a great deal about a block from our house.

We are leaving around eight in the morning and won't be back for almost two weeks. So excited. Hope I have blogged enough this week to keep ya all occupied. I just wanted to get the b-day pics and p. patch pics up before we left, for the family. I know when we get back I will be way to busy and will have a bunch new to share. (busy with laundry - unless we head into Hollywood about 30 miles away to the nearest laundry mat) So please keep us in your prayers as we spend two computer - free weeks on the beach.

Our blue-tick heeler, Hershey, says "follow this blog for beach up-dates in two weeks!" We'll see you then!

Blessings, Beth Ann

Going to the movies

Looks like we are heading out tonight to the movies. A couple we know (bff) invited us to see a new christian film. I remember reading rave reviews about it on Lysa TerKeurst blog. Sounds good, and my friend has seen it twice already. Apparently she is so taken by it that she wants to go and see it again with us. I'm pretty jazzed. Last time we headed out on one of these we saw Ben Stein, love him. It will also be nice to see our friends again before we head out to S.C. on vacation, been awhile.





Will keep you posted on how the movie was. On top of all this, like I could stand more excitement, DH offered to buy me a Sonic burger on our way into the city; for dinner - LOL Just gotta laugh.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Whats up Wed. ~ Birthday edition

To day on Whats up Wed. I want to share my dd b-day pics with you. Her birthday was the second of the month, she turned twelve. Big sigh. Almost a teen. I vow to enjoy this last year before aliens take over her sweet disposition - LOL

What could it be? (birthstone earrings)

Such a big box!

Look, the new comforter set I wanted!

B loves to stamp cards and what not, she got a couple new sets of stamps on her b-day.

Here is the little kitten we gave her, taking a nap in her slipper! LOL

We also celebrate my mother, grandma V, DH father and my b-day this month. Happy birthday to everyone and anyone I missed. Hope the up coming year is a blessing to you and all your loved ones.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Pumpkin Patch

Last Saturday we took the whole gang, their friends, and our adopted grand parents to the pumpkin patch. It was part of my middle dd birthday party. We like to go to Ceaderwood, in McMinnville. We have gone every year since we moved here, and it gets better each time! Just wanted to share some pictures with you and a disclaimer; most pics are only of youngest dd. Oldest son and middle dd were to busy with their guests and twin ds spent most of his time lying on the deck over the pond watching the ducks and catfish. Twin dd was only to happy to be our model - LOL

Here are the twins at the entrance of Ceaderwood Nursery. I also get my mums there every fall, never been let down.

L to R; middle dd, her friend M, oldest ds, his girlfriend C and the twins

Here is twin dd driving an old fire engine. Such a beautiful day, only 83 ! We all came home with sun on us.

Twin dd sharing an outhouse with a friend!

Twin ds having a roll in the hay!

Twin dd and friend, trying to pick the perfect pumpkin!

Happy fall ya'll !

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday ~ two-fer

Greetings all. Second week of October already!!! My goodness, I can hardly believe it. I can remember everything I said and did on St. Patrick's day, like it was yesterday. Am I the only one who thinks time goes by more quickly the older you get? On the other hand, with the arrival of fall comes more bearable temperatures outside and a break on our cooling bill - hallelujah! It also brings our annual fall trip to S.C and the Atlantic Ocean. We are leaving this Friday for almost two weeks. So I will be posting both weeks of menus. I will be computer free and loving it! When we camp, we camp. No satellites, no mega monster motor homes, no expensive equipment, just the six of us and our two dogs crammed into our pre-loved class c. Basically we park, make camp and only go inside to sleep. We do most our cooking outside and even sit in the rain (which led us to get those nifty plastic runners for the RV from Wal-mart - LOL). When we walk past those 45 ft. MH with the large HDTV outside and their propane fires and ginormous fans, we look at each other and shake our heads. Why are they even camping? I know a lady that thought she was so cool, they bought a 45ft. 5th wheel w/2 baths! Now she doesn't fit into most State Parks. I think she regrets that a bit. On the other hand I know plenty of people who would rather only be at RV parks, big difference than a State Park. There is truly something out there for everyone. Some even view their trailers as status symbols. Us, we view it as a blessing and a great way to travel and have adventures as a family.

Menu's for Oct. 6th - 12th.

Monday: Chicken and wild rice pilaf casserole w/ steamed broccoli and fresh home made bread

Tuesday: Home made portabella egg rolls w/ tossed salad

Wednesday: Church (but eating at home) Grilled chicken breast w/crock pot baked potato and green beans

Thursday: Beef Kabobs w/ rice and salad

Friday: On the road/ Smoked ham with veggie sticks

Saturday: Home made RV pizza w/ chips

Sunday: Crock pot meat loaf w/ potatoes and veggies

Camping menu for Oct. 13th - 20th.

Monday: Chicken Enchiladas w salad and cheese rice

Tuesday: Awesome crab soup w/garlic bread and veggie sticks

Wednesday: Mystery? My birthday (big one) and DH said he would take care of it!

Thursday: Camping chili w/ corn bread and tossed salad

Friday: Hamburgers w/ tater tots and veggies

Saturday: Home made RV pizza w/ chips and salsa

Sunday: Spaghetti w/ garlic bread and salad

Monday: On the road/ Deli fried chicken w/ potato wedges and veggie sticks

I know there are a couple of unusual meals for camping listed. All I can say is that I am trying to cook some of my families favorites and I am using way more pre-pared food than usual. I make almost everything form scratch at home, but I am on vacation too! The difference sure showed up in our grocery bill too! However we don't eat out at restaurants when we camp, so it works out in the was as they say. Like I have mentioned in other posts, we litterly eat while driving down the road! LOL

For more Menu Plan Monday please visit www.orgjunkie.com

See you in two weeks. Blessings, Beth Ann

What do you think?

What do you think this paper says? My four year old dd drew this a couple days ago. My first take on it was "HELP". I know it's not a great picture, but just wondering what others thought of this. I would hate to think the first word she spelled was help! Help what? Help, get me out of this nut house? Looks like she went back to fix the L or what ever it is and then added balloons at the bottom. Just wondering . . .

Blessings, Beth Ann

Happy Birthday B!

Today is my middle dd 12Th b-day! So this blog is all about her. I did a birthday blog for her big sister K, and she wants one too. I have no problem with this as I feel she is a wonderful young lady and love to spout her merits (like any mom would-LOL).

The twelve years have sped by and I am not sure where they went. She has been head strong from the get go. Heck, she was two weeks overdue as a baby. She started out as a quiet child but soon learned that if you want to be heard in our crazy house, you have to speak up! Now she talks, and talks, and talks, and . . . well you get the picture. Since she is a Libra she is naturally creative and artsy.
Here is a picture of her being crafty at the Creation Museum, back in March. Don't you love that smile? (soon it will be paid for)

Every year when we have our one and only snow day, B runs outside and makes a snow man, no matter what! Sometimes it is little more than a pile of dirty white covered rocks, but hey, she revels in the moment.

I had posted last week that 3 little kittens were left on our doorstep. Bre took it upon herself to care for them, she even got up every two hours to feed them. I am sad to report that it turned out that they were only 4 weeks old and had Coxcydia. Two of the little kitties didn't make it. Bre did a lot of growing up this past week and I am soooooo proud of her. We still have the runt and am glad to say that she has responded to the medican and B's attention, most likely she will make it. So today on her b-day, we told her she may keep the little white bundle of fur for her own. What a lucky kitty.



Not a great picture but here is b and her new friend on the back deck working on school.

Finely, Miss B has a thing for boots. She had this old pair of brown boots with blue corn flowers on them about 5 years ago. Oh how she loved those boots. She wore them day and night. She even wore them a year longer than they actually fit! Sad day in this house when we finely had to put them up. Then her feet went through this ginormous growth spurt and our now the same size as mine. So we have had a hard time finding another pair to replace them. Most women's boots have heels way to high to be appropriate for a young girl. But today . . . of all days . . . on her birthday . . . .

We found them! The perfect pair of B boots. I had taken her to our local consignment shop to look for stuff for Halloween. When I saw these, they just screamed B's name - LOL They are so her when she is wearing them.

My middle dd is growing up fast and we are enjoying every precious moment of it! Can hardly wait to see what she will be when she is all grown up. One thing we know for sure is that we have given her the tools, and spiritual foundation to be successful in life, period.

Blessings, Beth Ann (proud mom of 5)

What's up Wendsday . . .

my youngest dd ! LOL The days are just beautiful here in middle TN and we take full advantage of them. My youngest dd has learned to "pump" and can now swing all by herself. A joyful achievement for her and a blessing for the arms of the rest of the house! The girl can swing for hours!
Here she is on the wind up . . .

making a smooth swing through. . .

and she finishes strong! Yea E!

Blessings, Beth Ann