Family...

"If you don't have enough time for your family, you can be 100 percent certain you are not following God's will for your life." Patrick M. Morley

 

 
 
 
 
 Spend quality time with those you love and have a blessed Christmas weekend! 

Life Lessons & Thankfulness

Where has the time gone?  For over a month I have been on the road.  Paige and I spent 2 weeks in Vegas with my parents...Tyler was supposed to join us for Thanksgiving but we had a change of plans so he spent the holiday with his family.  The Monday before Thanksgiving we received a call that my grandpa had been admitted into the hospital.  He had a stroke about 6 months ago so he has regular check-ups to monitor his progress, but this checkup wasn't good.  A tumor was found on his brain and further testing showed it is what had caused the strokes and had been there this whole time.  I won't get into every detail of the past few weeks but my grandpa left this life last week and he will forever be in our hearts.  Although the past few weeks have been terribly hard, I have comfort in knowing my grandpa is in Heaven watching over us and even though he was taken from us sooner than we would have liked, life is too short no matter how long we spend on this earth.  I am thankful for memories, thankful grandpa will live in my heart forever, thankful he gave a piece of himself to so many of us.  I see him in my dad, my uncle, myself, my brother, my cousins and everyone he touched along the way.  I hope to instill some of his amazing qualities in my parenting and in my child(ren). 

Every time someone close is taken from us, we learn a little more about cherishing the time we have with family and friends, doing good for others, making sure those close to us know how very important to us and thanking them for all they have done for us.  As I sat with my grandpa at the hospital I couldn't help but think about all of the most important moments in my life.  Christmas's, Thanksgiving's, high school graduation, college graduation, my wedding, and the birth of my daughter...and lots of special times in between, he was there, my grandpa was there with me-cheering me on through it all.  Had I thanked him?  Did he know how much it meant to me to have him by my side?  I am thankful I could be by his side, holding his hand and having Paige tickling his fingers so he knew we were with him on his final journey of this life.  I have joy in knowing he will be watching over us from Heaven and thankful God chose him to be my grandpa.

 

"Sure, there's a heap o' sense in some nonsense, mind that! And never be so foolish, just because ye grow up and get a little book knowledge, as to turn up your nose and mock at the things ye loved and believed in when ye were a little lad.  Them that do, lose one of the biggest cures for heartache there is in the world, mind that!" -Ruth Sawyer: This Way to Christmas

"All glory be to God on high,

And on the earth be peace!

Good-will henceforth, from Heaven to men

Begin and never cease." Christmas Hymn

I am counting my blessings and thankful for the time with my family and friends.  Although there has been great heartache this holiday, there has been great joy spending time with my parents, my uncle, great aunts & uncles, cousins and so many others.  Thankful Paige has been surrounded by so much family--which truly is the gift of the season.  Thank you for all of the sweet emails, messages, thoughts, & prayers during this time. 

I have lots to catch up on the blog...Paige has lots of updates, NYC and so much more so be on the lookout! 

 

Quote of the Day

Loved this quote...it is so so true!  Take a moment and think about it! 

“Always set high value on spontaneous kindness. He whose inclination prompts him to cultivate your friendship of his own accord will love you more than one whom you have been at pains to attach to you.”   - Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) English author

No Place on Earth I'd Rather Be...

than buried under these two!!!

So THANKFUL for a life full of love, laughter, snuggles, footed jammies, *dog*  fur, quilts, and so so so much more!  Oh yeah...and mexican food takeout...

Photo of the Day

Chicken Picatta

When I find something I really like to eat, I can go crazy with wanting to eat it everyday.  Especially when I was pregnant...I had to put in place massive rules with my Toaster Strudel addiction...no more than 3 per day, must eat with a side of fresh fruit...blah blah blah.  Anyway, I love Chicken Picatta from Cheesecake Factory!  I HAD to have it once I got my appetite back from the Black Plague then 2 days later then 2 days later.  Cheesecake Factory is pretty darn expensive!  In fact, eating out anywhere that often is expensive!  So I decided I better try to duplicate the recipe.  I made it today and it was WONDERFUL!!  Sorry Cheesecake Factory...

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breasts--I bought the Tyson thin breasts because I do not like to pound on chicken...yuck!

a few tablespoons butter

1 lemon

a few dashes of white wine vinegar or white wine if you have it on hand

italian seasoning, black pepper, sea salt-or regular salt

1/2 a jar of CAPERS! 

splash of heavy cream (1/4 of a cup)

angel hair pasta

Melt your butter in a pan, slice half your lemon in fine slices and throw in the pan.  Put your thin chicken breasts in and squeeze the other half of the lemon on top of your chicken.  Add your wine or wine vinegar. 

 Let cook on this side on med-med/low for about 6 minutes.  Then flip your breasts and add in several tablespoons of capers (about half a jar). I went ahead and covered it for the next 6 minutes just to be sure my chickies got all cooked!

Meanwhile, you should be getting your water boiling so you can drop the angel hair pasta!  It only takes 5 minutes!  I also chopped some broccoli and threw it in another pan with some pam, salt and pepper and a tiny squeeze out of my lemon.  Once your chicken has cooked 15 minutes it should be done so turn it down to low and add ina splash of heavy cream.  It only takes a tiny bit but I think it is essential to calm down the vinegar and lemon juice.  Serve your chicken over the angel hair and a drizzle of the yummy lemon sauce with plenty of capers and a side of crunchy broccoli!

Delicious!!  This will be a new regular around here!!! 

Quote of the Day

Loved this quote this morning and wanted to share...it will be a good one to have in my pocket for Mini come junior high! 

"Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things." Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) American clergyman

Monkey See, Monkey Do

I thought I would share a few funnies that are the latest craze around here!  When Paige is upset (crying) I always say "OH NO!" in a dramatic tone I'm sure and then go check on her.  Well, a few days ago she started making her theatrical debut and when I won't pick her up on demand, she breaks out the crocodile tears and starts wandering through the house saying "OH NO!!!"  "OH NO!!"  "OH NO!!"  over and over!  It is one of the funniest things EVER!  If she really wants to put on the dog, she drags blankie with her! 

Wearing a combination of both of our headbands and dragging our suitcase around the house! 

Discipline time??!!  We do get onto Paige when she is doing something naughty...like standing on couches and chairs.  They are for sitting not taking nose dives into the hardwood!  Or when she decides to throw a fit.  Mainly we say no and then ignore her as to not promote that behavior!  But yesterday I made Paige and I chicken tacos for lunch.  Nothing fancy but lunch usually isn't a hot meal unless its turkey dogs or scrambled eggs.  So I thought my little eater would be excited!  Oh was she!  The second she got in her chair she started grabbing handfuls of her little tacos and throwing them as far as she could across the room!  You BETTER NOT be laughing!  :)  So I got her out of her seat, washed her hands and told her there would be NO lunch for her today!  Tyler thought that was kind of mean but clearly she wasn't hungry or she wouldn't have been acting like a heathen.  I almost gave in and fed her a nutrigrain bar or something and I thought, nope...I remember doing this sort of thing and having to leave the table and it really teaches you a lesson waiting for that next meal!  Sure enough, she was dancing around for dinner and sat like a very good girl and ate her ENTIRE meal! 

The crime scene...

So here's to hoping she doesn't do that for awhile and praying we always come up with a rational approach to parenting that teaches our daughter AND the strength not to laugh when she is being super naughty but it is oh so funny!!  The kid does have an arm on her though...

Chocolate Crinkles!!!

I love food that reminds me of my childhood.  The older I get, the more I feel like I forget and I hate it!  Both of my grandmothers passed away when I was young...before I knew how important it would be to have their recipes or ask them questions about their lives.  But I do remember these chocolate cookies my grandma would make me and I can still taste them, that's how good they were!  I just remembered they cracked on the top and had powdered sugar on them.  Gooey and sweet!!  I have seen several recipes that were similar but none that were a match.  Until now that is!!  I served these this weekend for one of our halloween treats and have it marked for a cookie exchange for Christmas time!  They seemed to be a big hit with everyone else too!  Hope you enjoy! 


1/2 cup vegetable oil


4 oz. (4 squares) unsweetened chocolate

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 powdered sugar (for rolling the dough in )

1. Melt chocolate in a small bowl. (I did this in the microwave with the instructions on the chocolate box)

2. In a large mixing bowl blend the oil and melted chocolate.

3. Beat in the sugar and eggs (one at a time) and continue mixing until fully combined.

4. Add vanilla.

5. Stir in the flour, salt and baking powder.

6. Cover dough (in bowl) and chill several hours or overnight.

7. When the dough has fully chilled, make small balls of dough (about 2 Tablespoons) and roll in a bowl of powdered sugar. Place on lightly greased baking sheets (or line baking sheets with Silpat liners).

8. Bake at 350* (in pre-heated oven) for 8-10 minutes.  (I used my convection bake which made every other cookie recipe turn out perfect...for some reason these seemed like they needed to cook a little longer so just watch them.  Mine cooked about 11 minutes.  I haven't ever made chocolate cookies so I was nervous they were raw for some reason.)

Public Service Announcement-Cinnamon Bun Pancakes

We decided to end our fantastic weekend with a yummy Sunday breakfast!  I came across a recipe for cinnamon bun pancakes on a blog the other day and it sounded like something my fam would like.  That is an understatement!!!  We all LOVED them!  I don't like sweets all that much and especially not for breakfast.  I am a hearty kind of girl...you know...meat and potatoes.  But these puppies are A-MAZING! They are sooo good if you let them get a tiny bit crispy on the outside. The glaze that goes on top...I could drink it!  Ok, enough bantering here's the recipe!  If you know what's good for you, make these!  These would be a super special treat on a little one's birthday morning or Christmas morning or tomorrow morning for that matter!!

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 Tbsp white sugar

1/2 tsp salt

4 tsp baking powder

1 Tbsp Cinnamon

Combine all of these and whisk together! 

Wet Ingredients

2 eggs (whole) beaten
1 Cup of milk (or a little more if your batter isn’t runny enough for you)

2 Tbsp Corn Syrup
1/4 Cup butter or margarine, melted

1 Tbsp vanilla

Beat together these wet ingredients, then add them to the dry. Mix well.

Drop the batter by about 1/3 cup fulls onto the pre-heated/greased griddle and cook until the tiny bubbles JUST start appearing on top, then flip over. These only take a couple of minutes to cook. But DO let them get a tad crispy...I cook mine really slow so the inside stays super soft and the outside has a nice crust! 

Maple Icing Syrup


1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cups butter – melted

1 Tbsp Maple Syrup

1/4 cup milk (more if you want it a little runnier)

Combine all of these ingredients with a wisk and drizzle over your cinnamon bun pancakes.  It makes such a pretty glaze and you only need a tiny bit!! 

I wish I had a picture to share but we were all like a bunch of vultures and scarfed these down before we could blink!  Best. Pancakes. Ever.  I Promise! 

Update:  Here is Paige really enjoying the leftover pancakes!!  

 MMMMM MMMMM Good!!

Bootastic Bash with the Beaver's!!

The treats and festive touches.....from pumpkin cookies with maple glaze, to snickerdoodles, to chocolate crinkles and Buffy's delicious pumpkin cheesecake trifle...

The folks behind the bash...just a bunch of YARD ART!!!!!  Our little garden gnome wouldn't wear her hat...daddy as the flying pig--which he thoroughly enjoyed wearing...and mommy as a pink flamingo!  I love how we were accidentally color coordinated!  Don't forget the "junk"yard doggy!

And the Characters that made the night extra special!!  Some of our favorite creatures!!!  Ladybugs, tigers and spiders...OH MY!  Greasers, cowboys and cowgirls and to really heat it up...a devilish momma!  Luckily a zoo keeper came to keep this bunch under control!!! 

We had such a blast celebrating and look forward to next year!  We even took the little ones to trick or treat at the neighbors!  P had her first piece of candy--and loved it!  Thanks to all who made our Spooktacular event extra-special!!!

Picture Perfect Weekend!

We have been on a different adventure everyday this weekend since Thursday!  Mini and I had lunch with a great friend and her new baby Thursday afternoon and watched daddy and Chad do their annual pumpkin carving that evening!

 
 On Friday we baked away lots of goodies to complete the treat part of our trick or treating bash!  We have lots of FANTASTIC cookie recipes to share!!

  Friday evening we headed to a Halloween village designed for the wee little ones!  Lots of nursery rhymes, hayrides and fun!!

 
 
 Saturday morning we got up bright and early and participated in a family Halloween walk where the munchkins dress up and get a little exercise!  We needed that because we had LOTS of goodies planned for the big frightful evening!


To Be Continued.......

Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget...

No matter what you are shopping for it is good to have a little research under your belt, a set budget and expectations.  The older I get the better I get at such things.  But still, I think its human nature to kind of long for the upgrade! 

This morning Mini and I had to go get two tires repaired.  We acquired to semi-flat tires in our weekend adventures which could turn out to be pretty dramatic when you only have one car in your family!!  We made it to our local tire shop and they fixed us right up!  On the way home I decided I would stop at a Bernina sewing machine shop since its on the way home and I have been gathering information on sewing machines trying to decide which one to get.  DISCLAIMER--I had NO idea how much these little beauties were before going into the store! 

I have only used Singer machines...my grandmother's, Janet's and Kim's.  So I have been planning on getting myself a Singer.  In fact, I did the research 6 months ago and decided on one that Martha Stewart recommended for someone with my skill level and the type of projects I plan to do but CANNOT find the note I made myself telling me the model.  Grrrr...so I decided one of the sweet ladies at Bernina might be able to help!  Oh could they!  The sweet lady walked us around showing us everything and asked what type of projects I like to do or wish to do.  I told her I make simple blankets but would like to get better at quilting, making drapes, bedding, pillows...mainly household things and possibly some simple children's clothing but nothing extravagant or fancy stuff.  Then she brings up embroidery.  Hmmm...I would have said no right off the bat but several of my friends have recently invested in embroidery machines so I wanted to know more...what's the craze all about?  Then I saw a few treasures made with the embroidery machine.  Well, I MIGHT be interested...then Janet, Tiff and I could all benefit from this machine right?  So if its a little more expensive but we ALL get use out of it, might be worth it.  So I will listen.  Like all good sales people, they never give you any inclination what these treasures might cost.  But the more she showed me, the more I felt like I was in a multi-million dollar house and had a budget of $150,000.00.  Or just slipped on a $15,000 wedding gown but had a budget of $1,000.  It feels so good at the time but when you reach for your pocket book...chirp chirp chirp!  Luckily Mini started squirming so I asked for a few brochures and prices so I could look everything over and come back in for more demos when I had some extra hands to help with the babe. 

Again, before letting me know how much the three dream machines we "test-drove" were, she let me know I would have a free two year bumper-to-bumper warranty, free sewing classes and a few other things I can't quite remember.  So I was getting excited!  Everyone is getting something bedazzled for Christmas!!  As I look at the price sheet and listen to her I realize the numbers she is saying are in the thousands???  I must have misunderstood?  I looked at the sheet...no, it was not a misunderstanding.  I have just test drove three machines that range in price from $2800-$3600!!!!!!!!   I honestly didn't know they could get that expensive...no wonder there is a "bumper-to-bumper" warranty!  They cost as much as a car!  So I went from looking at a sewing machine that costs $150, to one that costs $3600.  I am sad to report that you all should stop getting excited about your embroidered treasures for Christmas this year.  Its not going to happen!!! 

Lesson learned...I will be cruising up to Target later to pick up a trusty Singer that fits into my budget and as Kim said, "You've been using mine for a year now and it never did you wrong, now did it?!"  Nope, it didn't and it certainly won't require a 15 year mortgage!  It will probably be a while before I stop dreaming of that Bernina...she sewed like butter and did tricks your wildest crafting dreams couldn't even begin to imagine....If you are a sewer and want to waltz through dreamland, google the Bernina Aurora 440-Quilter's Edition.  Or if you want to purchase it and send it to my house, send me a message and I will gladly send you shipping information:) 

Dear Santa, I have been a VERY good girl, please send me the Aurora 440 Quilter's Edition...I will never ask for another sewing machine if you bring me this one!!!!!  xoxo, heather

P.S. If any of you are sewer's and have a good recommendation for a machine, let me know!  I am going to go with a Singer but can't decide which model yet...

Oh Martha...

I have gone back and forth over the years on if I really can handle Martha Stewart.  Not because I don't like her as a person--she is just so intense that I was always intimidated by her projects and recipes.  She always says they are easy but really you would need 6 months and a staff of designers and chefs to complete anything.  But, this past year I have grown to love her...I have made several of her recipes thanks to my friend Leah and her projects seem to be toned down a bit.  I catch her show every once in awhile and she seems less abrasive too.  Anyway, I really want her new crafting book and am crushing on this pumpkin centerpiece from one of her blogs. 

Isn't it magnificent!?!  I may have to give this one a try this year.  Wouldn't this be fabulous as the centerpiece at a fall wedding!?!?!   

The Black Plague

The Beaver family came home with a not-so-pleasant party favor last weekend--a really nasty stomach bug!  Paige started the lineup on Monday with mommy going downhill very early Wednesday morning (just in time for Tyler's birthday!) and daddy finishing the family off yesterday.  I will leave out the disturbing details but it has been a pretty horrible week!  This was Paige's first, official illness and first time throwing up:(  Nothing a mommy likes to see or clean up! She is back to her self today but still crabby with sleepy time. 

The champ of the week is Oscar!  He has been by my side every second.  Its so amazing how dogs just know what to do--its times like these that I know, he knows, he is my dog!  He LOVES Tyler and Paige.  So much!  Tyler runs with him, takes him places and worries about his feelings all of the time.  So it kind of seemed like he became everyone's dog after we had Paige and I focus more of my attention on her.  But when times get tough, he sticks with his momma.  When I would rock Paige he would lay his head on my lap and stay out of the way.  When I got sick, he laid right next to me-never moving a muscle.  When Tyler got sick and I got stressed from more germs and nearing my limit of disgustingness...he did not go lay with Tyler...he stayed with his mom. 

And here are a few oldies but goodies...

This was the last time Tyler got sick...my 26th birthday!

 Isn't he delicious?! 

Looking through these I think Oscar may just be an Opportunist.  He seems to capitalize on others' feelings and knows he can get on furniture and lay on top of people when they are at their worst!  I love this furry guy and whatever his motives, he sure helped us all get through this horrific week of yuck!  Our brown bear turned three last week!  For his birthday, we went to a local BBQ joint and had lunch at the park and he dined on polish sausage.  Then we got him his favorite toy--a Kong Wubba!  He shreds the main part of the toy in a day but the ball inside is the real treasure.  It lasts about a year and he carries it EVERYWHERE!  A year is a long time for a toy when you have a doberman!  He just destroyed his old one last week. 

Snicker-Delicious!

As reported, I made Tyler's favorite cookie for his birthday...Snickerdoodles!  It was the first time I have ever made them because I am just not a fan.  But these were actually decent...Ok, that doesn't sound convincing, I know...But Tyler loved them.  Here's the skinny:

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

For rolling-
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon


Directions
 
1.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F).

2.) Cream together butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat until fluffy (30 seconds).
3.) Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
4.) Mix the 2 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
5.) Using a large cookie dough scoop, make balls of dough, and then roll each ball into the bowl of cinnamon/sugar.
6.) Place dough 3 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
7.) Bake 8-10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. Remove from baking sheets and cool on a cooling rack.

Recipe source- Glorious Treats
I will get on one soap box today...I highly recommend investing in good, quality vanilla for your baking!  It makes a WORLD of difference in your cookies!  Its a few dollars more but you will never go back!  I purchase a few varieties from Williams-Sonoma that I just LOVE.  Or if you happen to vacation in Mexico, definitely bring back a big, glass bottle of vanilla--YUMMO!

The Cowboy's Birthday...

Tomorrow is the Mr.'s birthday so I have been trying to decide what sort of treats to make him!  He loves snickerdoodles (I despise them) but I figure its his day, you know?  So I will whip a few up!  But I think he is going to enjoy the pre-birthday celebration with some DELISH Cowboy Cookies--he may not be a cowboy exactly but he does look fab in cowboy boots so that counts right? 

They are thick, soft and wonderful!  They even include a few of his favorite ingredients...cinnamon, oats and vanilla!  I think these will be my go-to for cookie exchanges this year...and maybe some chocolate crinkles.  Sooo good!  I can't wait to dunk one in coffee in the morning!  The house is smelling good enough to eat right now.  Paige is chasing me around the house saying "BITE!" "PEEEEEAAAS!"

Ingredients

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups chocolate chips

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1 1/4 cups sweetened flake coconut

1 1/4 cups chopped pecans

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350*F

2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl and set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute)

4. Gradually beat in the sugars until fully combined.

5. Add the eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla.

6. Stir in flour mixture until just combined.

7. Combine chocolate chips, oats, coconut and pecans in a large bowl, then add that mixture to your dough.

8. Using a large cookie scoop, place large balls of dough on an ungreased cookie sheet.

9. Bake 9-11 minutes.

10. Transfer cookies to a rack to cool.


Once I stop eating these, I will snap a photo so you can see how scrumptuous they are!

Oh! Most importantly...here is my source!  I am in love with this blog and printed about 10 recipes the first 5 minutes I cruised around!  Its called Glorious Treats and I have no doubt all of them are glorious!  I am going to make her pumpkin cookies with maple glaze later! 

Slider Hold Out!

I realized I forgot to post the sliders recipe and I certainly don't want to forget about it!  These were incredible...from the sauce to the mushroom/onion topping...everything...if a slider could be perfection this would be it.  The flavors are amazing.  I kind of wanted to marry the Pioneer Woman when she said to throw in some cream to the ground beef...divine!  Here you go pals...I will probably make these as regular size hamburgers next time but Kim brought up a valid point and the sliders would be perfect to cook in an electric skillet.  She has all of her brilliant ideas just after I need them! 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayo
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon cayenne
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 of an onion-finely diced
8 oz white mushrooms-finely diced
1/2 cup red wine
4 dashes worceshire sauce
salt/pepper
2 pounds ground beef
4 tablespoons heavy cream
4 dashes woreshire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
pepper
4 slices swiss cheese
10 dinner rolls or slider rolls-split

Preparation Instructions


In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and cayenne. Stir together until totally combined. Set aside. (This is the spicy fry sauce.)

Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onions and cook over medium heat for five minutes, stirring frequently. Add mushrooms and toss around, then add wine (if using), Worcestershire, salt and pepper. Cook for several minute over medium heat, or until all liquid has evaporated. Transfer mushroom mixture to a separate bowl, scraping all contents from the skillet.

Mix ground beef, heavy cream, Worcestershire, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly mix ingredients. Form 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the meat mixture into patties, making an indentation with your thumb to keep the patties from plumping too much when they cook. In the same skillet as the one used to cook the mushrooms, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium to medium-high heat. Add four patties at a time, indented side face up. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip. Spoon generous portion of mushroom mixture on each patty, then top with one or two squares of Swiss, depending on your preference. Place lid on skillet and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until burgers are cooked through and cheese is melted. Remove to a place and keep warm while you repeat with the rest of the meat mixture.

Toast halved buns under the oven broiler. Spread generously with spicy fry sauce. Place patties between buns and serve immediately with fried onion strings.

Original recipe here

This is the Pioneer Woman's photograph but I promise mine looked exactly the same!!  If I find my photo I will share!  

You will not regret this...after trying the mushroom/onion topping with some good quality swiss, I now want both on EVERYTHING!!! 

Currently cooking:  Taco Soup-family fave
On Deck:  Buffy's Pumpkin Trifle, Pumpkin spice cookies, Chocolate Crinkles, Cowboy Cookies and a Christmas quilt!

The Current Fave Omelet

Paige and I have been eating a lot of eggs lately!  They are quick, easy, healthy and we both seem to enjoy them quite a bit.  Sometimes for breakfast but usually for lunch??  Here goes--this feeds both of us so cut down or add to feed your desired amount of hungry mouths:

4 Large eggs
good splash of milk
butter
1/3 of a cup of chopped mushrooms
handful of hand shredded spinach
a few cubes of cream cheese (or any shredded cheese you have on hand)

add butter to your skillet to melt.  Then throw in your mushrooms to cook up.  Beat your eggs with milk.  Once your shrooms are almost done (about 5 minutes) add spinach and then eggs.  Let cook a minute then toss on your cubes of cream cheese.  You cannot imagine how silky, creamy, perfect, eggs are with a little bit of cream cheese!  I wish I could remember the food network star that taught me this trick but it was a long time ago.  I can only imagine it was Paula or Rachel but I just can't remember.  We use cream cheese sometimes or shred a little cheddar or colby jack.  But the texture with the cream cheese is unbeatable.  Serve this up with an english muffin and call it good!  Veggies, dairy, protein...can't beat it! 

Moments I don't ever want to forget...

I wish I had today's funny moment on video tape...I am sure it will happen again so cross your fingers!  While I was making breakfast I hear jibberish coming from Mini.  Nothing unusual about that.  She never stops moving or talking...especially when it is just us.  She talks really fast and it sounds like something from Star Wars.  I take a minute to see what she is talking about and look over to see Paige with a purse on her wrist and her hot pink cell phone in the other hand standing next to the blind doberman AKA Oscar with the phone held up to his ear and she was smiling and talking for him.  He looked scared to death!  All of the men around here look a little scared when we start talking but its even worse when it is in an unfamiliar language!  She was dead serious though and was using lots of hand gestures and facial expressions.  I nearly died it was so funny.  Bless Oscar's heart!  He is so good to his little blonde best friend! 

Oh here she comes now with a baby stroller and her phone I hear her saying, "Hello, Yeah...Yeah...Hello...Please...Ha!....Yeah...".  I wonder if that's all I say when I talk on the phone?  Its pretty hilarious....

I am certain I will love this story when Mini goes off to college...

A Prayer for a Little Home

God send us a little home;

To come back to when we roam.

Wooden floors & fluted tiles;

Wide windows, a view for miles.

Red firelight & deep chairs;

Small white beds upstairs.

Great talk in little nooks;

Soft colors, rows of books.

One picture on each wall;

Not many things at all.

God send us a little ground;

Tall trees stand 'round.

Homely flowers in fertile sod;

Overhead, thy stars, O God.

God bless thee when winds blow,

Our home and all we know.

~Florence Bone

"And each heart is whispering 'Home, home at last!'" ~Thomas Hood

Tyler has been traveling a lot the past few weeks and my favorite thing when he gets home is watching his face as he comes home and looks around at our home and I can see his happiness.  Mostly he loves that we are here but he also loves our crazy pumpkins, our comfy sofas, and all of the cozy little touches that make this house our home.  I love that he appreciates things like that and always compliments me on how "home-y" our house feels. 

Counting my Blessings...

Mission Accomplished!

I am thrilled to report thst I have finished the office area and the whole family seems to really love it!  For such a small budget, I am amazed at how much we like it!  Its so much more exciting decorating on a budget because at the end of your project, you can look around the room and think...WOW!  I made this kind of transformation with such little money!  It does take more time and imagination but sooo worth it!  At some point I will figure out how to make all my cords disappear but I haven't mastered that skill yet. 

I am SOOO in love with the abacus and feel it adds such an unexpected piece of interest! It also ties all the colors together.  The orange chest pops with the kelly green accents.  I searched the internet for a green lamp finding several varieties all in the $400 price range...considering that's more than my whole room makeover I obviously didn't do that...but ran into this beauty at Target for $16!  Also found the green trunk at Target for $19 and it is the perfect home for my printer!! 

Its hard to see how great this moose canvas is but it has so many of the room colors and it looks like pop art yet not too "poppy":) 

 The frame collage came together today...from scrapbook paper, fabric, random quote and the manufacturer insert...we have a funky, creative wall...at least to me:)  Oh and one tinsy weensy family photo from last xmas.  

 I'm still thinking I may frame a few of these squares of scrapbook paper but Tyler likes it sitting here...interesting fellow my husband! 

If I Could.....

have this coat and this wreath...my life would be complete...OK, I am kidding...kind of.