Stair makeup

So thanks to Pinterest I have been on a mission to rip up the super dirty and ugly carpet on our steps and stain and paint them instead... 

After our small flood in the laundry room it left me with the chance to also change all the wood from oak to dark. So some begging and pleading in Lowes and the hubby agreed to let me have my way... What else is new though! 

After purchasing the stain, a new brush, some tape and a few other supplies it was back home to pull up carpet and padding. That was a simple task, and then it was time to pull out the staples left behind... Those things hide well! 

At this point the steps looked like this... A hot mess! The paint needed to come up, and they needed to be cleaned up as well. So we used our little hand held mouse sander and a few hours later we had this.

We had to fill in a few spots with wood putty and then we vacuumed and swept the steps and then we took a wet washcloth and wiped them all down. 

Once they were dry we began staining every other step like this 

You will see here that it is really dark... After it sits for about 15 mins it will soak into the wood some at which time you wipe it down and allow it to sit another 4-7 hours before applying the second coat 

Day 2 we gave them a second coat 

Day 3 we started the opposite steps 

This has been one messy process for sure! 

Starting 2015 off with ease

Being a full time student now in addition to taking care of my busy family I needed to start off my year with ease so we are back at it with the freezer meals.  I didn't get the pictures of the prep this time (sorry) and really didn't pay much attention to the cost etc. either, but as we eat them I will add pictures (or at least attempt to remember) and calories.

Full prep time was about 3 hours this time but I ended up with that nights dinner and 10 freezer meals.  I bought about 8 lbs of hamburger meat and split into 2 freezer bags of chili and 2 freezer bags of taco meat.  Even though I normally make Chili from scratch McCormick seasoning packs were BOGO and I had a coupon so these 4 meals were very simple. 

My throw into the crock pot as I was making the others meal was Orange Chicken... and I totally did not get pictures but it was amazing!

Orange Chicken2 c Carrots Chopped
2 c Bell Peppers Chopped
3 lb Chicken Breast
3 cloves of garlic (when I do the freezer prep meals I just cheat on the garlic and but the minced in the jar)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
4 c Orange Juice
I also bought an Orange Ginger sauce and put about a 1/4 c of that in as well

If freezing toss all ingredients into freezer bag, mix up well. Be sure all the air is out and seal.  Thaw over night in fridge.
To cook toss into crock pot cook on low for 6 hours and serve over rice

This was about 8 servings and according to my app comes out to about 415 calories a serving.  Everyone loved this including my picky husband.

Baked RavioliI love this recipe, we have had it many times and given that our Martins always has either gas rewards on frozen ravioli or has good sales with them we also have everything on hand for this one.

1 (25 oz) bag of frozen ravioli (we use cheese)
1 (26 oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce (although we have made this with Alfredo as well and like it best that way)
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese to sprinkle

If freezing put into a 9x13 baking pan.  Spread 3/4 c pasta sauce along bottom of pan.  Arrange 1/2 of ravioli in single layer over the sauce. Top with sauce and about half of the mozzarella cheese.  Repeat layers starting with the ravioli. When I use aluminum pans I cover with saran wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in fridge over night before cooking.

To cook heat over to 400 degrees, sprinkle the dish with parmesan cheese, recover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 mins.  Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly. Allow to sit about 10 mins before serving . 

Beer and Beef StewMixing two of my favorites! 
1/4 c flour
2 lbs stew meat (I think I used a little bit more)
1 t salt
1 chopped onion (You can use more but the hubby hates onions, I also chop mine into big pieces so he can pick them out)
1 small can of tomato paste
8 c beef broth
2 beers (11.2 oz) Guinness or dark are best
1/2 t pepper
1 1/2 c carrots chopped
1 can green beans ( you can use frozen too, I just had some cans left from Thanksgiving sales)
To freeze mix together all except for 4 c of broth and 1 beer.  Be sure all air is out. Thaw the night before in the fridge. 

To cook toss into crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Serve with pretzel rolls.

Bar-B-Que ChickenLike the taco and chili this was almost cheating!  I cut 6 chicken breast in half and just dumped a bottle of barbecue sauce into the bag and froze.  Again thaw overnight in the fridge

To cook you can either cook in oven at 350 degrees for 30 mins or until the chicken is no longer pink inside or you can toss into the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours, my preferred method.

After cooking it I just wasn't in the mood for barbecue chicken so I instead shredded it and threw it onto a pizza crust! 

Super simple I put some barbecue sauce on the crust 

Then the shredded chicken

Top it with shredded mozzerella and shredded cheddar cheese

Cook at 425 degrees (or as crust says) for 10 mins and there you go

Everybody loved it! The calories for it were about 250 a slice and the left overs were equally as amazing! 

Chicken CacciatoreThis one is the one I am most excited about so it better turn out amazing!

6 chicken breast cut into halves
1 (26 oz) jar of vegetable style spaghetti sauce
1 zucchini sliced and chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1 sweet onion chopped

To freeze place all ingredients together and mix well. Be sure all air is out before placing into freezer.  Thaw in fridge the night before.

To cook toss into crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hrs.  Garnish if you choose... I have so many additional carrots left over that I think I will try out carrots on top.  Serve with pasta, rice or polenta. 

Mongolian Beef2 lb Stew Meat ( again I am sure we used more)
2 t olive oil
1 onion sliced thick
1 T garlic (see my earlier cheat to garlic)
1 c soy sauce
1 c brown sugar
1 c water
1/2 t fresh minced ginger (I totally cheated here)
1 c hoisin sauce

To freeze mix together in freezer bag, be sure it is mixed well. To thaw put in fridge overnight.

To cook put into crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hrs.  Serve with rice and chopped green onions. 

Beef Roast with Red Wine Gravy1 - 2 lb roast
3 T dried onion (BJs has this great big bottle of dried onion I love it)
2 small packets of beef boullion
3 T cornstarch
1 1/2 c dry red wine

To freeze mix ingredients together except the wine coat well.  Then add the wine, let all air out and seal.  Defrost over night in fridge.

To cook place in crockpot and cook on low for 10-12 hrs.   

So Mother Nature so sweetly gave us a day off school and I watched too much top chef so I decided to add to this a little. I cooked as directed and then made pasta with garlic and herb sauce (I cheated and used the knorr brand). Kids and hubby loved how it turned out and I love that I can change some of these up with our mood

Tater tot casserole

Tater tot casserole

1 lb ground beef 

1 (14.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup

1/2cup milk

1 cup sour cream 

1 16 oz bag frozen mixed veggies

3 cups shredded cheese 

Medium package tater tots

9x13 pan

Brown beef. In a bowl mix soup, milk and sour cream. In 9x13 inch freezer pan layer ingredients evenly as follows: beef, veggies, soup mix, cheddar cheese, tater tots.  Freeze.

To serve thaw and bake 1 hour at 350 or until tots are brown and casserole is bubbly

I recommend about an hour and a half to cook

Ratings 

Patrick 4 1/2

Justin 4 1/2

Tj 4

Haylee 5

Kayla 3 1/2 (she hates tater tots) 

Halloween Fun

Again another one that didn't post... not sure why....

 

 

Pinterest has become my drug of choice....

And Halloween was my first Holiday inspired decorating from Pinterest....

While it took a lot of time and effort...in the long run it saved me much money that I normally spend on Halloween and I haven't even blinked an eye at those after Halloween sales when I normally clear those shelves...

So here is some of what I created...and how

 

Witches Brewing Station

Beautiful bottles all purchased from thrift stores... some of the bottles were filled with water and food coloring and the others were filled with paint and shaken up

This jar was purchased for 10 cents at the thrift store and the eye balls were a dollar at the dollar store

 

This bowl was purchased at the Thrift store as well for under a dollar and the worms etc were purchased from the fishing section at walmart on clearance for under a dollar

 

 

Round 3 of freezer meals

I am feeling like an old pro at this point!  I spend a day gathering recipes, making my list of what I have, what I need, coupons and sales.... Then  I spend another day shopping and prepping the meals! 

 

This go round I did the following:

Flank Steak

1 Flank Steak 1 3/4 lbs cut in half

1 small can of green chilies

1 large red onion chopped

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1/2 cup water

1 tbsp olive oil

1-2 cloves of garlic minced

 

Brown the flank steak over oil oil on both sides

Add all ingredients and freeze

 

When ready to cook: defrost, cook on low for 4-5 hours if you like it sliced, if you prefer shredded cook for 5-6

Serve over rice

 

 

Beef Brisket and Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Beef Brisket

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 3-4lb beef brisket

2 cloves of garlic peeled and roughly chopped

1 12 oz bottle of red lager

4 stalks of celery cut into large pieces

2/3 cups of brown sugar

1 can tomato paste

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup brown mustard

1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp paprika

dash of black pepper

 

Make 2 bags for this meal.

In the first put the beef brisket, garlic and lager

 

In second but tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and pepper.

 

Add the celery when ready to cook

 

Defrost and then heat vegetable oil in large skillet, brown the brisket on all sides, with garlic. About 8-10 mins.  Transfer meat to slow cooker and then pour the beer from bag into the skillet. scape up brown bits and simmer for 1 minute.  Add to slow cooker and then nestle celery around the beef.

 

Pout the other bag over the beef and cook for 8 hours.
Remove from slow cooker and allow to sit for 10 mins before cutting

 

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

5-6 medium potatoes peeled and cut into chunks

1/2 cup milk

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic salt

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

 

In a large pot cover potatoes with water and bring to boil.  Boil approximately 20 mins.  Drain water.  Add remaining ingredients and whip with hand mixer

 

Plate by putting brisket over potatoes and drizzle with sauce from slow cooker. Top with French;s crispy onions

 

Frito Chili

2 lbs ground chuck

3 cloves garlic minced

1 can (12oz) tomato sauce

1 can (10 oz) Rotel

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground oregano

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 can (14oz) Kidney beans drained and rinsed (optional)

1 can (14oz) Pinto beans drained and rinsed (optional)

Frito's

Cheese

Onion

 

Brown the chuck with garlic over medium heat.  Add all ingredients except Frito's, Cheese and onion.

 

To cook, defrost, cook in slow cooker for 6-8 hour and low

 

 

Slow Cooker Carnitas

3lbs boneless shoulder pork roast

3 teaspoons garlic minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro

1 cup salsa

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup tequila

4 oz canned diced green chilies

 

Trim all excess fat from pork and cut in half.  Freeze all ingredients

 

When ready to cook defrost, place in slow cooker cook on low 6-8 hours shred with a fork and serve in bowl or on tortilla

 

Rootbeer Pulled Pork

2-3 lb pork roast

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp paprika

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 liter rootbeer (I used less)

Bottle of a sweet BBQ sauce

 

Add all but BBQ sauce to bag to freeze in

 

When ready to cook defrost.  Add to slow cooker cover roast with more Rootbeer.  Cook 6-8 hrs shred the pork mix with BBQ sauce and serve on buns

Chicken Cacciatore
2 lbs chicken breast cut into 1" cubes
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp marjoram leaves
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp crushed rosemary
1/2 tsp thyme leaves
1 cup chopped onion
1 medium green pepper cut into strips
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
spaghetti

Lay the cut chicken into freezer bag, sprinkle with salt and pepper, coating well!  Then add all remaining ingredients except spaghetti.  Mix well and freeze

To Cook: Thaw completely. Place in slow cooker.  Cook on low for 4-6 hours.  Serve over spaghetti!

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
12 new potatoes cut into 1/4 inch round slices
2 cans cream of... use your choice I used potato
2 cans of water
2 ham steaks cubed
8 oz of cheddar cheese
salt and pepper

Mix all together except the potatoes (they will blacken in the freezer) and freeze

TO cook: Defrost, put into crock pot and add potatoes cook on low for 8 hours

Lime Salsa Chicken
Juice from 1 lime
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
1.25 oz taco seasoning packet
2 jalapeno peppers finely chopped
3 lbs boneless chicken breast cubed
1 chopped red pepper
1/2 onion chopped
one jar salsa (any flavor)

Put all ingredients into freezer bag. Freeze

To Cook: Defrost. Put into slow cooker cook on high for 3-4 hours or low 6-8
Serve over tortillas with rice

Note on Lime Salsa Chicken: If you want a lime flavor I suggest using lime from a bottle or use several limes... one doesn't give much flavor....
We served over Indian Fry Bread and Rice...
It was very good, Patrick wasn't here for it not sure he would have liked with all the "stuff" in it but kids all had 2nds


Mediterranean Pork Chops
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
4 cloves garlic
2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp poultry seasoning
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried basil
6-8 thick cut pork chops

Put all into freezer bags

To cook: Defrost, put into slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours

 

 

 

A non-freezer dish

Mini Chicken Alfredo Shells

24 Dry Jumbo Past Shells

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast

Sauce:

1 1/2 c heavy cream

2 cloves garlic (again I use tastefully simple)

1 stick butter

1 1/2 c grated parmesan divided

2 tsp black pepper

4 Tbsp chopped parsley divided

Preheat  broiler with rack 5 inches from element

Spray 2 muffin tins with non stick spray

Boil water for shells

 

Cook shells al dente and then drain and rinse under cold water

 

Heat oil over medium heat and saute chicken till cooked through 8-9 mins per side

chop to small pieces

 

Warm cream and garlic in large saucepan over medium heat until steaming
Whisk in butter until melted
add 1 c parmesan, 2 tsp pepper and 2 Tbsp parsley

 

Increase heat to medium - high and simmer until reduced to 1 cup, about 10 mins

Stir in chicken and remove

 

Broil shells until sauce bubbles and parmesan melts and is golden about 2 mins

 

* this was one of our favorite meals EVER ... however it doesn't make for great leftovers

** Also I made several with out chicken

Round 2 of freezer meals...

So I didn't keep up so well last time so I will post all the recipes now and come back and add ratings, and notes

 

This time I cut back majorly and didn't do nearly as many!

I also bought a vacuum sealer this time!

 

 

Crock Pot Beer Chicken

6 chicken breast

1 bottle beer (miller lite for me)

1 tsp salt

1tsp garlic powder (I use tastefully simple garlic bread seasoning)

1 Tbsp oregano

1/2 tsp pepper

Throw together to freeze

 

When ready to serve:

 Defrost

add one more bottle of beer to crock pot and cook for 5-6 hours

Note: I also added Rosemary
Wasn't my fav....

 

Crock Pot Lemon Chicken

6 Chicken Breast

Italian Dressing seasoning pack

1/4 c olive oil

1/4 c lemon juice

throw together and freeze

 

When ready to cook:

Defrost

put 3 Tbsp butter in bottom of crock pot (3 separate locations)

Lay chicken in crock pot

drizzle 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice over

Cook 4-5 hrs high or 6-8 low
***NOTE I suggest cooking only 4 on low

 

Garlic and Brown Sugar Chicken

6 Chicken Breast or Thighs

1 C Brown Sugar

2/3 C vinegar

1/4 C lemon-lime soda

2-3 Tbsp garlic

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp ground pepper

 

Freeze

 

When ready to cook:

Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray

place mix in crockpot

cook for 6-8 hrs on low or 4 on high

Take chicken out of crock pot and drain liquid into saucepan

Mix 2 tbsp water and 2 Tbsp Corn Starch and mix well

let sauce boil for 2-3 mins or till thickens and turns to glaze

remove from heat and let sit for 2 mins

 serve chicken over rice and top with the glaze

Optional sprinkle with red pepper flakes
NOTE: YUMMMMMM!!! 

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
2 cans cream of chicken soup (10 3/4)
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
6-8 boneless chicken breast cooked and cubed
2 cups cooked ham
freeze in casserole dish

When Ready to Cook:
defrost
cook 2 packages of stuffing
place 12 slices of Swiss cheese over the mix
cover with stuffing
cook at 375 degrees for 35-40 mins
NOTE: Amazing! 

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
1 lb cubed beef stew meat
1 can of cream of mushroom (I use Chicken)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup water
freeze

When ready to cook:
Cook on low for 8 hrs or high for 5 hours
Stir in Cream Cheese  just before serving
***NOTE was yummy!!!! 


Beef Stew in Red Wine Sauce
2 lbs beef from shoulder
2 tbsp olive oil
salt
pepper
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 Tbsp finely chopped garlic
1 tbsp flour
1 bottle red wine (hold one cup)
2 bay leaves
1 sprig fresh thyme

Brown meat and then add to bag with mix

in separate bag combine
pearl onions
baby carrots
5 oz piece of pancetta
1 cup red wine
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
chopped parsley

Freeze both bags

when ready to cook:
defrost
put 1 Tbsp butter in crock pot
once melted pour bag one in

in the meantime
pour 2nd bag into a skillet with a tbsp of olive oil, and a 1/4 cup of water.  Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 15 mins at this point the water should be gone.  Uncover and cook on high sauteing the vegetables until nice and brown on all sides about 4 mins.

Add this to crock pot last hour

NOTES: This was the BEST roast ever! 

Slow Cooker BBQ SpareRibs
1 - 2 lbs Country Style Ribs
1 1/2 c ketchup
1 1/2 tbsp season salt
1/2 tsp liquid smoke
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c white vinegar

Place pork into bag pour sauce over ribs
Freeze

When ready defrost and cook on low for 6-7 hrs or high 3-4

 

 

Donut kinda morning!!!

Thank God for Pinterest! 

I found the greatest and quickest donut recipe on Pinterest...

How Simple....

A package of Pillsbury Grands Biscuits

cut with a shot glass

 



In a Medium frying pan use about a cup of vegetable oil, heat!

To test the heat take one donut and dip slightly if it bubbles its ready to go....

Cook 1 minute per side

Take them out and drain on a wire rack or on paper towel

Then coat....

I did 2 mixes ...Apple Cinnamon and Powdered Sugar

Apple Cinnamon I put a cup of sugar, a few shakes of cinnamon, a shake of nutmeg, and a couple shakes of apple pie seasoning

with the powdered sugar I just used confectioners sugar and coated well...

 

HUGE HIT!!!

Everyone loved! 

and SUPER EASY

 

 

(PS-Mechelle.... does this get me a little off the hook for being a slacker!  )



Ok I am a slacker!

So in the craziness of football, cheer, kids, vacations, school and just life in general I have forgotten to update the blog ALOT! 

So I am missing pictures and missing ratings but still have recipes and notes....

Newlywed Beef tips

2lbs beef stew meat

23oz french onion soup (I used Progressive)

1 package of frozen broccoli (added at end)

 

Mix all but broccoli in zip lock bag and freeze

 

To cook: Add 2 cups water and cook for 6-7 hrs on low. Mix in broccoli 30 mins before done!  Serve over hot noodles or rice with Parmesan

Notes: Everyone really enjoyed this meal! 

 

Slow Cooked Beef Fajitas

2 lbs beef round steak cut into strips (across the grain)

16 oz of canned tomatoes with chile's

1 large onion cut

1 green pepper cut into strips

1 red pepper cut into strips

2 tsp cilantro, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp cumin, salt and pepper to taste

1 jalapeno chopped

 

Add all into a zip lock bag and freeze

 

To cook: Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Serve on corn or flour tortillas use slotted spoon.

Notes:  I won't use this recipe again!  I will just stick with mine.... I like mine much better!  I will post that next go round! 

 

Lasagna

Lasagna Noodles (I used the don't cook ones -you just have to cook longer)

Ground beef 1 lb

Italian Sausage 1 lb

minced garlic about 2 tsp

14.5 oz whole tomatoes

tomato paste 1 small can ( I used 2)

Minced parsley 4 tsp

basil leaves about 10

salt tsp

ricotta cheese 3 cup ( I have a major addiction to Ricotta I use the whole container)

2 Eggs

Parmesan Cheese 2 cups

Mozzarella cheese 1 lb

Minced parsley 2 TBSP

Spinach 1 cup

 

If using the noodles that need to be cooked cook according to package.

In large skillet combine beef, sausage and garlic brown.  Add tomatoes, paste, 1/4 c parsley, basil, spinach, and 1/2 tsp salt.  Simmer 45 mins.  In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan and 2 TBSP parsley and 1/2 tsp salt.  Stir well. Assemble Noodles, Cheese, Sprinkle mozzarella, meat...repeat!  Sprinkle with Parmesan and freeze

I used an aluminum 9x13 pan

 

To Cook: Back at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or until bubbly

Note: I had to cook an additional 30 uncovered but everyone loved this! 

 

 

 

More will come tomorrow ;0)

Divine Chicken
6 chicken breast
4 cups sliced carrots
2 onions
salt and pepper
2 cans cream of chicken soup (add 1 at time of cooking)
2 cups of milk (add 1 at time of cooking)

Mix all but 1 can milk and 1 can soup freeze

To cook:put in clow cooker, add 1 cup milk and 1 can soup
Cook on low for 8 hours

 

 

 

 

 

 

And we are back at it....

We took off a few days :0) one was for Jamboree, one was for Game night with friends, one was left overs and one for Justin's bday night out... so now we are back at it!!!

 

Tonight is Chicken Florentine casserole!  This is another that when prepping I have been dying to have!!! Apparently this originated from Kraft

 

1 t oil
1 1b boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tub Philadelphia Italian cheese and herb cooking creme
3/4 cup milk
1 box bow tie pasta (farfalle), already cooked
1 package fresh spinach (10 oz)
1 cup mozzarella cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled  (I used 8 slices cause you can never have too much bacon)

 

Heat oven to 375 and heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken and garlic, cook and stir 6-7 minutes or until chicken is done. Stir in all remaining ingredients except bacon. Spoon into 9x13 baking dish that is sprayed with cooking spray and bake covered for 25 minutes or until heated through, uncovering and sprinkling with bacon after 15 minutes. HOWEVER If you make this ahead  double the cooking cream used because the sauce tends to dry out. Plus, you will need to double the baking time to bring it from cold to hot, rather than from warm to hot.

 

NOTES:  It certainly does dry out .. I'd say have an extra container on hand of the cooking creme to be able to add to it... and I would also suggest stirring up a few times to cook evenly.

 

So here are the ratings...

Patrick - 4

Justin - 3

TJ - 4

Haylee -3

Kayla - 3

 

It will be added to the cookbook but apparently wasn't their most favorite ever

 

Easy as Pie

Easy as Pie

Tonight was Upside-Down Fettuccine Bake

This prep took a little longer but was also the one dish I couldn't wait to try!

1/2 lb Italian Sausage

1/4 Onion (I had to leave out for Patrick)

1 8oz package of Fettuccine Noodles

1 14oz can of diced tomatoes

1 tsp Oregano

1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

3 Eggs

2 Tbsp butter, melted

2 Tbsp parsley flakes

1/2 tsp minced garlic (I used Tastefully Simple)

Freezer Pie

Brown Sausage, add onion. Meanwhile cook fettuccine according to the package directions.  Add tomatoes and their liquid to sausage mixture.  Add oregano and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 20 minutes.  Stir in mozzarella's.  Sprinkle 1/4 cup Parmesan over tomato mixture.  Mix eggs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, butter, parsley, and garlic together in a medium bowl.  Toss noodles with egg mixture.  Spread noodle mixture into pie. Pour sausage mixture on top.  Freeze.

To serve, thaw and bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

NOTES:  When I froze I wrapped with Saran Wrap then put whole pie into Ziplock bag

So today I braved the last of school clothes and shoes and book bag shopping.... with 5 kids.... at Potomac Mills.... and was sober! Between the hour and ten minute fashion show put on by Reagan, Kayla and Haylee in Justice, the heart attack I had when my son put on 32x32 jeans, and the 40 mins to go 5 miles on 95 getting back to Spotsylvania Mall since the Potomac Mills Justice didn't have the knee high converses in size 2 for "the princess Kayla" I was so relieved that dinner was practically ready for us at home!  Especially since I am pretty sure I need to sell a kidney after this shopping spree! 

This meal scored the following:
Patrick 5 stars (WHOOOP WHOOOOP)
TJ 5 stars (I repeat WHOOOP WHOOOP)
My brother in law Alex 5 stars ( and again......)
Haylee 4 1/2
Kayla 4
Justin 3

My feedback from both myself and TJ is skip that stupid pie crust! 
Feedback from me... it feed us all but dang it there are no leftovers and this has serious left over potential!  And maybe make a little more of the "sauce mix"

Tonight is Pepper Steak

Pepper Steak

Tonight was Pepper Steak and was SUPER successful!!!!

And this prep was super easy!!!! 

2lb beef round steak (slice against the grain)

1 pint of cherry tomatoes or 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (I used the cans)

2 green peppers sliced

1 large onion sliced

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 garlic cloves minced

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp ground ginger

salt and pepper to taste

Put in freezer bags, seal, mix together, lay flat and freeze

Directions to Cook: Thaw, put in slow cooker for 5-6 hours. 

 Serve over Buttered Rice

NOTE: I have been double bagging most of these....just in case!  And be sure to get all the air out

This meal was YUMMY!!! Not sure there is anything I would do different with this
Here are the ratings....
Patrick 3 Stars (considering it has onions, tomatoes, and Peppers that's a HUGE compliment)
TJ was 4 1/2 Stars
Haylee was 4 stars
Justin was 5 Stars WHOOOP WHOOOOOOP
Kayla was 4 stars
and our "adopted" daughter Reagan was 3 stars

All in all I will take it .... it will stay in the menu book! 

Tomorrow is Upside Down Fettuccine! 


And another note... I took it out at midnight last night popped it in the crock pot at 1:30... cooked rolls and rice at 7:50 kids and Patrick walked in at 8:20 as I was putting food on the table.... LOVING how simple this is! 

The First Freezer Meal

The First Freezer Meal

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bundles

So for the first day I made these and tossed them right in...

So I kinda cheated today!

Here is the recipe though

7 Boneless Chicken Breast

7 Slices of Ham

7 slices of Swiss Cheese

7 Slices of Bacon

Salt and Pepper to taste

1/4 cup of water

1 tsp of Chicken Bouillon

1/2 cup of Apple Juice

1 tsp of Cornstarch

1/4 cup cold water

Flatten Chicken with mallet to about 1/4 inch thick (if you use perfect portions they are good to go).  Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on top of each piece of chicken.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roll up and wrap with strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place into freezer friendly bag!

To cook: Thaw contents of the bag.  Throw into crockpot with a 1/4 cup of water, chicken bouillon, and Apple Juice.  Cook on high for 4 hours.  Combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup water, add to slow cooker and cook till sauce thickens.

MY NOTES: Sauce so did not thicken!  But recipe was great I cooked for 6 hours and it was too long... 5 hours tops or adjust and do on low 

This is right before taking from the crock pot

Tonight there was just me, Patrick and the boys... So I told them dinners had to be rated on a scale of 1-5stars while I do this

Patrick gave me 3

and both boys gave me 4

I agree with Patrick

The recipe is AWESOME taste amazing but I did cook about an hour too long... I freak out over chicken and always over cook! 

Tomorrow is Pepper Steak.... It is WAY out of Patricks comfort zone so lets pray he eats it

Freezer Meals

Freezer Meals....

I need something to help me get through football and cheerleading season without fast food and eating out every night.

I kept seeing all over Pinterest all these great pins regarding freezer meals.  So I hit the internet and the blogs and thought "I Can Do This". 

DAY 1

Day 1 was full of gathering recipes, cutting coupons, comparing grocery ads, and checking what I had in the house.  Seemed pretty easy on day 1 ... 17 days of meals over 18 days! Plus some breakfast meals.

DAY 2

Day 2 was a bit too much for me!  First I went to the grocery store.  For freezing supplies and all the food for 17 meals and 2 breakfast grab and go meals. It was close to $300 not my greatest grocery trip ever but some of that was spices etc which will last for several meals.  Basically it came out to $15.00 a meal not too bad for a family of 6 especially when if we eat out it averages $60 or more.

Once I got home came the overwhelming part!  SO MUCH FOOD!

Then came prepping the food, cooking some and storing... a full day later and I was only 3/4 of the way done.

Next time I am certainly preparing the menus ahead of time and then shopping on another day and cooking on another.

After Day 2 I had Sausage and Peppers, Teriyaki Chicken, Mini Meat loafs, Divine Chicken, Upside Down Fettuccine, Chicken Florentine Casserole, Taco Pie, Mini Chicken Pot Pies, Baked Oatmeal Squares and Breakfast Burritos

DAY 3Day 3 was round 2 of cooking and prep and packaging.  This time I did Pepper Steak, Newlywed Beef tips, Slow cooker Beef Fajitas, Beef Roast, Lasagna,  Beef Enchiladas, Trailer Park Stroganoff and Chicken Cordon Bleu Bundles.

The fridge was packed afterwards and we have 2!  Below are the pictures of the overly packed freezers.

All went into the freezer with the exception of the Chicken Cordon Bleu Bundles.

I will share the recipes and the feedback and thoughts on each meals as I go along! 

Let me also put a disclaimer on here that most of the recipes came from Pinterest and blogs found through Pinterest

Because sometimes Tomorrow Never Comes

You always hear it... "Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today" but how many of us do it...

Sometimes its something little buying milk, getting an oil change, or stopping by the post office its when you put off the big things that your life can be alterated forever.....

It's putting off a visit, a phone call, mailing a card.... or saying I love you! 

And sometimes "Tomorrow never comes"

For me right now this is my reality.  Being adopted is a curse and a blessing... you always wonder what would my life have been...but you also wonder what would I not have. 

I love and respect my adopted family, they made me who I am!  They gave me the life I had.  They sat with me when I sick, held me when I was scared, wiped tears, laughed with me and at me.... They were at school and dance recitals.  I can not imagine my life without the Fenske, Johnson, Ford and Allwine's but I would be lying if I didn't say that practically every day since I was 7 years old and learned I was adopted I didn't wonder....How would life be different...How would I be different...

This went deeper at 15 when my Daddy made a huge sacrfice and made it possible for me to learn more about who I was and where I came from when he put me in touch with my birth family.  Meeting the Covert family changed me forever! 

For the first time I knew where my eyes actually came from...before this I thought these baby blues came from my Husky after all she was the only one in the house with blue eyes.   I learned where my poofy hair came from, where my biting my lip came from , my laugh, how I sit, my shortness, and so much more....

But with this also came me realizing what I missed out on as well. I felt welcomed with open arms but also like I was sitting on the outside looking in.

Sadly I let this all get in my head and kept myself kinda in a protection bubble from feeling this way and with this I lost a lot time. I didn't feel like I could call up and say nana I want to come stay for a week! I didn't know what to say when I called! I just didn't know where I fit in the puzzle of the family!

Then poppy got sick... Very sick....

You would think I would have woke up and got over myself and my reservations, fears and my own paranoia but I didn't! When I was sick nana and poppy were there for me but while poppy was sick I let him and myself down....

Now he's gone and with out me saying the 3 most important words to him one last time!

3 day round 2

3 days with my Bestie... makes walking a billion miles so much better

First let me state that I had to update this because I never published it from when I wrote it....

Last year when I took this journey it was the most emotional time in my life... even more so than when I went through caner... so this year when I was ready to make this journey the first person to volunteer to do it with me was Kerrie and the second was Lauretta...as a volunteer though cause she is smart!  :0)

This year was Rainy!  And Rainy! And Muddy! It pretty much sums it up....

Opening ceremonies there was Andrea Mitchell interviewing Elizabeth Edwards Daughter!  Super cool moment.... I am not a political person and I wear my politics close to my heart and not on my sleeve but what ever your views are how can you not have amazing respect for the strength that woman had!  Her daughter has such beauty and as a mother I must say I filled with pride watching her walk! 

Opening ceremonies is so powerful ... I think this one was even more so than last year because I knew what was in store for me... the emotions, the pain, the sleeping bag! 

The first part of the day looked so hopeful as the sun rose over DC until lunch... a very cold... and very wet lunch!  Our panera was soaked, our cardboard seats we soaked and the thoughts of what camp had in store was scary!  Here is praying Rob never reads this.... So we cheated a little on day one!  We hopped the bus back to camp so we could set up before the storms got worse and camp got wetter.  And a good thing too our bags were soaked and so were the tents but we got set up in enough time and got the tarp on in enough time before round 2 of the storms hit.

Back at camp we finally got to catch up with Retta!

Then we CRASHED!

Day 2 was much better, the sun was shinning and the day seemed great except that pesky John Edwards who Kerrie had to keep me from throwing things at and for that dang jacked up side walk!  My knee may never be the same!

Once back to camp it was some much needed time in the massage chair, partying it up with Retta, dinner and some ice!

That last day starts the emotion .... Day 1 you are tired... Day 2 is time to party it up... and Day 3 is a mix of nonstop emotion... you are in pain from putting your body through this, you are home sick and know your family and friends are at the end, you are not sure you can take another step let alone 20 miles, but you also know WHY you just made this incredable journey and you don't want it to end!

And when it is all over and you are back on the Mall and you see those shoes in the air and the tears strolling down the cheeks and you remember WHY you did this you can't wait to do it again....

Or in my case your doctor tells you to take a year off....so I can not wait to do it in 2 years! 

I don't walk for ME ....

I walk for my kids....

I walk so my husband never has to be a widower...

I walk so my daddy never hears another one of the women in his life has cancer...

I walk so my grandmother has hope....

I walk for my beautiful Aunts.....

I walk for my hero's...my friends who have won....

AND I WALK FOR MY GIRLS!  CAUSE YOU CHICKS HAD THE HARD PART... MY FRIENDS AND MY FAMILY THAT IS.... I HAD IT EASY!  I NEVER WANT TO WATCH ANY OF YOU FIGHT THIS!  SO LETS GO KICK SOME CANCER ASS!