Over this past weekend I was able to put together my dad's Christmas gift.

I purchased some pen and ink cards of John Deere tractors back in October.


This was just perfect; you see my dad restores old John Deere tractors.

Odd hobby in some ways but it keeps him busy and happy.

These John Deere drawings are beautifully created by Carolyn DeMorest Serrano a local NC artist who can be found at The Curb Market in Hendersonville, NC.

I zipped to Michael's and picked up with the boys the mats and frames.

They were very good at helping me decide what would look good with them.

I am pleased with how they turned out and I know my dad will really enjoy them.

He should not find out about these for they have no clue I have this blog.

Well, I hope they don't.

*crosses fingers*

Can you believe that it is that time of year again for the 25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family?

Gather up the family every night from now until Christmas Day and enjoy some holiday fun.

Don't forget to make some popcorn or hot cocoa for the show. :)

You can check out the 25 Days of Christmas Schedule and make it a family night.

Two Thumbs Up!!

Dh and I were left with two phones when we made the switch to our Iphones and I wanted to make sure that we recycled them in some fashion.

I researched and found Gazelle.com.

They take your old electronics and pay you for them.
We had two phones sitting around after we switched to our IPhones.
I wanted to make sure that we recycled them in some fashion so I went online looking for ways to do so.
I stumbled upon Gazelle.com and decided to give them a try.
They pay you for recycling your electronic items with them.
Sounded like a great idea to me. :D

The whole process is super easy.

Select what you are interested in selling, view the price, accept price, add any other items in and then select method of payment.
We opted for an Amazon Gift Certificate that will be used to purchase Christmas presents. :)
A box can be shipped to you or you use your own to mail in your items.
You are kept informed during the whole process, which I have to say is outstanding.
I received an email when the package arrived, when they were reviewing our phones, when the phones were accepted and when I could expect payment.
It doesn't get much better than that.

I used our own box, printed out the shipping label and mailed the items out.
The whole process took about two weeks from the point I mailed the phones to when I received notification of payment.

Oh.So.Easy.

So, if you have any electronic items in your place collecting dust you just might want to check out Gazelle.com.

Our dining room is finally done!

It has taken us a couple of years *cough4cough* to finally get it finished and I am loving every minute of the new look. The red actually makes the room feel so much bigger

We were quite lucky to have been able to hire Spencer's former soccer coach to come and skin the walls and then paint for us the week before Thanksgiving.

The holiday season is now upon us and what better way to celebrate than by offering a Christmas Gift Giveaway!

Oh! Nuts is nice enough to give me a $25 gift certificate to the lucky winner.

If you have never ordered from Oh! Nuts you are in for a real treat. They have a wide selection of candy and nuts that are of premium quality. We order our cashews, sunflower seeds and dried pineapple from them. The orders are filled quickly and shipped promptly, you will be surprised by the speed they arrive to you.



There are 3 ways to enter: I will pick a random winner and you will receive a $25 gift certificate from Oh! Nuts.

Easy Peasy.

Go on..

What are you waiting for?!?

Good luck!

Seriously.

Foamhenge!

We stumbled across this when we were driving down to Appomattox, VA.

I just had to stop and see it.

(That is put in a request to go back and see it since we zipped by pretty quickly.)

We went back on Sunday when we were leaving so I could snap a picture and say, "I was there."

Yes, it really is made out of foam and it is exactly like the real Stonehenge.

Pretty cool.

I was not too sure however that we were going to make it out of the pull off due to the mud and a Gigantic pothole.

Holy cow, I thought we lost the whole front end of the when DH hit it.

It was great fun, now we just need to see the real thing one day!





Psst..it's free too! :D

We had a whirl wind of a weekend and that is why there were no posts Saturday and Sunday.

I was really hoping that I would have time to drop a line or two with my Iphone but time was really not going as I had hoped.

So were did we end up?

Natural Bridge, VA

5.5 hours away, we left Friday afternoon and arrived home last night around dinner time.

All I can say is camping.

Yeah, you did see that correctly.

Camping.

It is so nice to be home.

*sigh*

No time to fuss making dinner tonight due to lack of time trying to get the kiddos working ahead on their work for next week.
Plus, many other things going on so this meant a crockpot meal of some sort.
First time is a charm with this recipe!
Great taste, and of course super easy to make.

Oh! I made a double batch and froze half for another crazy day in the future.


* Exported from MasterCook *

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Recipe By: Gemini062069
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time: 6 hrs
Categories: Main Meal

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 chicken breasts no skin - boneless
16 ounces black beans, canned
1 cup whole kernel corn, frozen
1 cup onion -- chopped
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 jar salsa -- mild, medium or hot
8 ounces Cream cheese

• Place chicken breasts in bottom of crockpot.
• Add beans, corn, onion, taco seasoning and salsa.
• Cook on high 4-6 hours.
• Add cream cheese when there is 30 minutes remaining.
• Stir before serving. Chicken will shred and the cream cheese will make a nice creamy sauce.

Source:
"www.mixingbowl.com"
Yield:
"4 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 432 Calories; 16g Fat (34.0% calories from fat); 45g Protein; 25g Carbohydrate; 6g Dietary Fiber; 133mg Cholesterol; 1024mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 6 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 2 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES:

• Can save even more calories using a FF cream cheese.
• Taco shells or tortilla shells any other fixings you would like - salsa, sour cream, lettuce

Alrighty..it's quiz time again.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner so no time like the present to throw a quiz out there.

This is a short (10 questions) quiz that is fun and easy.

Really, it is easy.

Go and test your memory on what you learned about Thanksgiving.

I scored a 9/10... not too shabby.

Good luck. :D

Thanksgiving Quiz

This past weekend I found a cute little holiday squeaky toy for Teddy, he needs a new toy every now and then.

He was thrilled with his new little toy.

He was took it outside, slept with it and of course played with it.

On Sunday he bounded outside minus his toy so I quickly brought out the vacuum to clean.

I was zipping around the floor, noticed his toy but was *cough*too lazy*cough* to push it out of the way. (I think you now know where this is heading.)

Really, I was aiming to just simply tap the side of the squeaky with the vacuum and the next thing I knew it was sucked up and into the bag.

*gulp*

I hoped he would not nice, silly me.

He noticed right away and then proceeded to give me the sad puppy dog eyes for hours.

Darn those eyes.

Above is his new toy and he now has a special hiding spot for it, can't blame him.

Vacuum 1 Squeaky Toy 0

To say the least this was a surprise!

It is mid-November, right?

Looks like one of the tomatoes that fell int the pot reseeded itself and with all the warmer weather began to grow.

You simply hit post when you have not even written anything in the body for the post.

You are getting ready for bed, grab the first red jar you notice without looking at it (your night cream is in the same color jar), open it up and begin spreading the "cream" all over your face. Only to find out after a minute or two of having the stuff on your face that you are applying your hair putty.

Yup, guess I have been a wit tired lately.

O.M.W!

So, it was lunch and I wanted a grilled cheese to go with my soup but as my luck would have it we were out of cheese.

Well, kinda sorta out of cheese for my sandwich.

You see DH and I purchase this Borden Applewood Bacon Cheddar Cheese a few weeks ago for Nate but he never tried it.

Nate + bacon = one happy teenager

I was really desperate for grilled cheese so, it was up to me to give it a whirl.

Let me tell you, I am thrilled that I did.

It has a wonderful bacon flavor mixed with the creamy cheese.

Oh.Boy!

I think I know what I will be having for lunch tomorrow.

*grin*

Trust me it is really that good!

How cute is this cake?

Six little pumpkins nestled in a fence that you can decide how to decorate; this would make the perfect cake for Thanksgiving which is right around the corner.

The pan is nonstick aluminum that is made by NordicWare an excellent name in bake ware.

You can purchase on here from BrylaneHome and it's on sale!

This is my marinade that is quite tasty and makes for some excellent fajitas.

The longer you leave the beef in to marinate the more flavor they will have.

Adjust the ingredients to your liking, cook any way you would like and simply enjoy!

:D

* Exported from MasterCook *

Fajitas Marinade

Recipe By: Phizzingtub


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 tablespoons garlic -- chopped
2 pinches Kosher salt
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/4 cup Cilantro -- chopped
1 tablespoon Tapatio Sauce

Mix all ingredients together, add beef and let marinate.

The longer you marinate the better the flavor will be in the steak.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 284 Calories; 27g Fat (83.8% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 261mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 5 1/2 Fat.

Lately we have been on a hot and spicy kick in the house especially Thai foods.
Mmm....
This recipe is from one cookbook I snapped up over the summer.
I have to say that this was one fast and easy recipe to make and enjoy.
A huge hit with the family. :D


* Exported from MasterCook *

Thai Beef and Noodle Toss


Serving Size: 4
Categories: Main Meal

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound beef round, tip, R-T-C -- cut 1/4-inch thick
1 jalapeno chile pepper -- chopped fine
2 tablespoons garlic -- chopped fine
2 tablespoons sesame oil -- divided
1 Package Ramen soup, baked -- beef noodles
1 cup carrots -- sliced diagonally
1/2 cup green onions -- chopped
1/2 cup A-1® Steak Sauce
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons cilantro -- chopped

• Cut steak crosswise into 1 inch wide strips; cut each strip in half. In a large bowl, toss steaks, jalapenos, and garlic with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
• Break noodles into 3 or 4 pieces; set aside seasoning packet. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and rinse. Meanwhile, heat large skillet or wok in batches 30-60 second or until steak is desired doneness. Remove steak mixture from skillet; keep warm.
• In same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil, stir fry carrots and green onions until tender. Add cooked noodles, steak sauce water and cilantro; sprinkle with remaining seasoning packet.
• Return warm steak mixture to skillet; mix lightly. Serve immediately.

Source:
"Favorite Brand Name Chinese - Publications International, Co"
Copyright:
"1998"
Yield:
"4 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 360 Calories; 19g Fat (46.5% calories from fat); 26g Protein; 22g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 69mg Cholesterol; 808mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES:

• The original recipe called for 2 cloves of garlic chopped, I opted for two huge tablespoonfuls of chopped garlic.
• I did not use the whole packet of beef flavor from the Ramen noodles.
• Original recipe called for Hearty A-1 Steak Sauce, I used what we had on hand original A-1. I would reduce it down a little bit.
• Peanuts can be added to the dish about 1/4 cup.

The kiddos were begging to have some sort of Mexican food for dinner, mainly tacos.
Eh..I wanted something else, different and yummy.

Off to my cookbooks I went and found this recipe.
Fast, easy and quite tasty.
:D


* Exported from MasterCook *

Mexican Lasagna


Serving Size: 8
Categories: Main Meal

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 pound ground pork -- mild sausage
1/2 pound ground beef, extra lean -- lo
2/3 cup diced tomatoes -- green chilies
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
10 3/4 ounces cream of celery soup, condensed
10 3/4 ounces Cream of Mushroom Soup 98% FF
10 ounces enchilada sauce
18 pieces corn tortillas
2 cups cheddar cheese -- shredded
1 cup Monterey jack cheese -- shredded
1 tomato
4 green onions -- chopped
1/4 cup cilantro -- chopped

• Cook sausage and ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain. Stir in jalapeno and next 5 ingredients; cook until th0roughly heated.
• Stir together soups and enchilada sauce in a saucepan; cook until thoroughly heated.
• Spoon 1/3 of sauce onto bottom of lightly greased 13x9"baking dish; top with 6 tortillas. Spoon half of beef mixture and 1/3 of sauce over tortillas; sprinkle with half of Cheddar cheese. Top with 6 tortillas; repeat layers, ending with tortillas. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese and next 3 ingredients.
• Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes. Serves 6 - 8

Source:
"Gooseberry Patch Family Favorite Recipes"
Copyright:
"2008"
Yield:
"8 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 517 Calories; 32g Fat (54.8% calories from fat); 25g Protein; 34g Carbohydrate; 4g Dietary Fiber; 98mg Cholesterol; 848mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 Grain(Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 4 1/2 Fat.

NOTES:

• I subbed in shredded Mexican Cheese mix for the Monterey Jack.
• I did not use cumin, not a big fan of this spice.
  

I'm ready!

Finally, the one holiday countdown calendar that is perfect for me. :D

Once purchased it was a big reminder that Christmas is not too far away.

47 days as of today

*gulp*

Spencer decided to draw Lwardo (yes, he even named his drawing) while I was trying to teach him ratios and proportions.
Busted.
I do have to admit I chuckled and smiled before he earned a few more Math problems.