My Little Corner Office

You may want to check the number...

2011-05-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

A funny thing happened to me yesterday, and since it keeps running through my mind I thought I'd share. First you'll need a little history to understand the whole story. I am the President of our school's PTO, called C.A.R.E. We recently were given the opportunity to purchase a large amount of soda, bottled water, candy etc. from a teacher at the high school to sell at our concession stand at track and field day. That teacher's name is Loretta, and she has a daughter named Ali. We had planned to meet Wednesday right after school for me to pay her and pick up the concessions. The following texts were exchanged just before I left my house to meet her.

719-***-**** Have to go to Pueblo with Ali tonight. Can we find some time before Saturday evening?

me: Yes. Tomorrow after school or Friday anytime.

me: Or I can leave and be there by 3:30 today of that works better.

719-***-**** Gotta take Ali to Pueblo for sleep study at 7:30. So I'm leaving in less than an hour. Waiting to hear from Wilson on tommorow or Friday.

So I got to the school, got my kids from the bus and decided to run inside to find the secretary. On my way in I ran into this teacher. Confused, I asked her why she was still there, I thought she was leaving for Pueblo. She looks back confused, says no, to which I show her the texts. She laughs and says "nope." Hmmm. I can't think of anyone else I know with a daughter named Ali.
So we get back in the car and I text this mystery individual back:

me: I'm sorry, I believe you have the wrong phone #. I thought you were someone else and your texts made sense until I saw the person I thought you were at the school and she had no plans of taking her daughter Ali for a sleep study. So you may want to check the number.

719-***-**** This is the greatest wrong number notification I've ever gotten. Have a great evening!

I don't know this woman. But I'm really glad I text her back and let her know that the individual she was intending to text wasn't getting them. And I'm relieved that I had the decency to be polite. I even wanted to continue our text conversation. I've been to Pueblo with one of my own to have a sleep study done, so I almost felt a connection with this mystery woman. I'm not sure why this keeps going through my mind, I guess I just feel flattered that is was her greatest WRONG NUMBER notification ever.

When we're helping...we're happy!

2010-11-02T13:23:00.001-07:00

I am a control freak, and I know it. I don't know if it's because growing up I always shared a room with at least one sister, or why, but I like things done my way. Which is why I have a nearly TEN year old that has done the dishes a handful of times in her LIFE!!! But I am coming to realize that I'm not doing my kids any favors, or myself, by doing it all myself. Or maybe all the little tricks we've tried in the past have just been more hassle than anything. So when I came across this idea on a blog, I HAD to try it. An added plus was the fact that I didn't have to go out and buy anything...I had all these materials around the house. So......

The Clayton Family Chore boards

I used some frames that I had in boxes from our move 5 years ago. I painted them brown and sprayed to seal. I just used cardstock and my cricut to create a cute background that would be easy to read over. Stapled some ribbon to the back...this makes it easier to write/erase without knocking them off the wall. Then hung them up. Now I have dry erase chore boards. I write their chores for the day on the board, the have to have them all crossed off before going to bed at night. I read in The Total Money Makeover (Dave Ramsey) that kids should be paid a "commission" instead of allowance. I give them 3-4 chores each day. I watch to make sure all chores are done each day. If they are, then they get $5.00 at the end of the week. If not, then they don't get any money...not a single dollar. We'll use the envelope system to help them learn how to save, spend, and give their money wisely. I'm really excited, and I LOVE how it looks on my kitchen wall!

No more messy pumpkin carving here!

2010-09-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the holidays! All of them! And I LOVE to decorate for the holidays as well. So when I came across this little idea, I HAD to try it! It's just some used jars, (like from pickles or mayo, the kind you can't re-use for canning food), tissue paper, mod podge, black cardstock, and fabric. That's all.

Just cut your tissue paper into strips about 1 1/2 inches wide, and tall enough to reach from the bottom of the jar to the lower edge of the jar top. (What's that called anyway!) Then a little at a time, just brush on the mod podge and lay the strips down and press as you go. Allow that layer to dry while you make the faces/design out of cardstock. Then glue them on (I used stick glue, it seemed to work the best.) and then mod podge over the top. Allow to dry, then wrap a piece of torn fabric around the top and make a bow/knot. And it's done. Add a little tealight candle or some lights and you're ready!

This is my creation in the daylight.

And this is at night with the candles lit inside. I'm gonna go find my Christmas lights tomorrow and put them in, I think they'll shine brighter. This is also a great craft for kids.....it's messy and easy, what more could you ask for???

The Bench

2010-07-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

This bench has been in my dad's family for YEARS! I remember it being in my Great Uncle's house when I was a kid and I loved sitting on it and listening to their stories. So for Father's Day this year we were cleaning out my dad's loft in the garage, and found it, and I immediately staked my claim. It was in bad shape, pretty gross. Nothing a little soap and water and paint can't fix. So I brought it home........

It actually had some really old vinyl over it, the gray kind that is meant to look like marble but really doesn't. So I took that off, washed what was underneath (like I said, GROSS!) and then.......

spray painted it....and WAALAAH! I was in a hurry, which is why I used spray paint. Next time I will use real outdoor paint. Then I distressed it and stuck it out on our front porch. PERFECT place to enjoy the evening air and stars!

Springy Fun Flower Centerpiece

2010-04-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

I found this idea in both the Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes and Gardens magazines for March. It's just a branch, cardstock and hot glue. I used the template in the magazine for dogwood flower, cut them out, used markers to add detail in the middle, then cut out some leaves and glued them to the branch. It was an easy and FREE centerpiece for our table. Then I added some small rocks to a vase and stood the branch in it. A few days later we noticed there were buds forming, so we added water and now we have real leaves. So Chris didn't love it so much, but the kids and I did. In fact, each of the older three kids made their own for their rooms.

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

I walked through the stores this year and looked at the Valentines, and was so disappointed. I knew that we could come up with something better....so I started looking and found this idea at http://www.familyfun.com/. My kids LOVE their mp3 players, and I knew this would be a hit with any kid. And I was right. I showed my kids and they were sold. The only bad thing about them is that they took about 5 hours to put together. (We made 70 so maybe that isn't so bad.) And the only thing I had to buy was the heart candy, which was $2.00 for eight boxes. My kids told me they were the hit at school too!

So if you're thinking ahead to next year and like this idea, here's the materials.

For each mp3 player you will need:

1 box conversation hearts

red or pink cardstock

printouts of playlist/mp3 buttons

yarn

Rolos candy

glue stick AND hot glue

They have a sample playlist at http://www.familyfun.com/ that can be modified with songs of your choice and then printed. The only problem is that you can only print one per page, which wastes alot of paper. I just made my own using my scrapbook factory program on my computer and thought it looked great. Bailey searched on Napster and found the song titles.

Anyone who knows me knows how much of a perfectionist I am....so it was kinda hard for me to let my kids put them together by themselves and seeing that they weren't perfect. BUT, they did an awesome job and I realize now that my kids are pretty good little crafters!

(Note: I didn't let them do the hot glueing...I did that part. But they did the rest. Hot glue is only used to glue the yarn to the box and to the Rolos.)

Best Snack Idea EVER!!! Apple Smiles

2009-11-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

I was asked to bring the "nutritious" snack for Ryan's class's Halloween party. So I start thinking....Halloween.....Kindergarten.....candy....who is going to want a nutritious snack??? But I found this idea in some papers that I kept from a very awesome Enrichment Meeting when we lived in WA state. It's just apples, peanut butter and marshmallows. I sliced the apples and then dipped them in orange juice to prevent browning. Then I spread each slice with some peanut butter and put two slices together with some marshmallows in between to look like teeth. These were a huge hit with the kids, as well as all the staff!!!

Kids Craft...Halloween Pumpkins

2009-10-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

My kids had a Primary Activity this past Saturday and came home with the cutest little crafty pumpkins. So when Dallin took his apart, I had the girls show me how to put it back together. All you need is:

12x12 square piece of fabric of choice

empty paper towel cardboard, cut into 2 inch piece

plastic sacks (2-3)

2-3 inch long piece of a branch

Hot glue gun and glue stick

Center cardboard circle in middle of fabric (on the wrong side) and wrap plastic sacks around it evenly.

Hold sacks in place while folding fabric into the "hole." When all fabric has been folded in, glue "stem" into place with a big glob of hot glue. They stay together better if the stem is pushed down further.TA DA! Sariah even finished hers off with a cute little jack-o-lantern face made out of felt.

72-Hour Kits

2009-09-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

My sisters and I have been talking what kind of things we always "want" to do but put off doing either because it seems like no fun or because it seems like a huge job. We've decided to spend one day per month focusing on something. For example, this month we're going to get together on a given day and put together our 72 hour kits. The idea is to have everything we need so we can organize and put them together all in one day. So for this week, I am focusing on the toiletries and personal care for each individual in our family. Next week, I'll focus on clothing and bedding. By the end of September when we get together, I hope to have everything in a big ol' bag, and all I'll have left is to organize. I like this idea because I know that my sisters will have some great ideas that I never would have thought of, and hopefully vise versa. We can help each other and become more emergency prepared all while enjoying one anothers company! If anyone is interested in joining us, leave a comment!

Alice Springs Chicken.....Outback Steakhouse!

2009-07-15T23:12:00.001-07:00

When I go to Outback Steakhouse....I always order the same thing. The Alice Springs Chicken! I know I can't go wrong with it. So then it occured to me....why not try making it. I did a little searching, and wha-la, I found the recipe. It is so yummy.....of course I have to leave the mushrooms off when I make it for my family cuz I'm the only one that likes them, but it doesn't matter, this is one awesome recipe!

8 bacon strips

8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts halves

1 tsp. seasoned salt

1 cup honey

8 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

4 Tbsp. mayonnaise

4 Tbsp. light corn syrup

2 tsp. dried minced onion

1 cup sliced fresh muchrooms

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; set aside. Flatten chicken to 1/2 inch thickness; sprinkle both sides with seasoned salt. Brown in bacon drippings. Transfer to a baking pan coated with cooking spray (I also line mine with foil). In a small bowl, combine the honey, mustard, mayonnaise, corn syrup and onion; spread half of it over the chicken. Top with crumbled bacon and mushrooms. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Serve with remaining honey mixture.....

New Young Women Theme

2009-07-01T21:39:00.001-07:00

I've been relieved to find out that I'm not the only one waiting for the church to have the new Young Women Theme on a poster to order. And I'm impatient. So since I can't get my computer to download the ones on sugardoodle.net, I decided to come up with one on my own. Here's what I came up with...

Dang it...I need a new camera!

2009-06-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

I was getting ready to take pictures of Jimmy's graduation cake that I made, but got sidetracked taking a cute picture of Dallin licking the beaters. Anyway, as soon as the flash went of the camera shut down, and hasn't wanted to come on again. We've tried everything!!! So now I've got to save the pennies until we have enough for a new camera. Hope I don't miss too much!

I made this one up all by myself....

2009-04-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

When Christopher and I went to San Diego in February, we ate some yummy food. One of my favorites was this Black Bean Soup from the restaurant at our hotel. So I did some looking, and after NOT finding a recipe, I decided to make it up myself. It's a spicy soup, and I'm not big on salt, so this recipe fits my taste, but salt could be added, or the pepper could be omitted.

Ingredients:

1 can black beans

1/2 cup water

1/8 tsp. garlic salt

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

sour cream

pico de gallo

Drain black beans and rinse well. Blend in blender to liquid state...then add water (more if you want it thinner) and transfer to saucepan. Add garlic salt and cayenne pepper, and heat through. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and pico de gallo.

Serves. 1 (since I am the only one in my family that will touch black beans.)

I forgot how much I enjoyed this.....

2009-04-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

It's been 6 1/2 years since I made cakes for my sister's wedding...and even longer since I took the Wilton Cake Decorating Class. So when I was asked to do a cake for this birthday party, I was excited and nervous. But I dug out the ol' class manual, and before long I was having a blast making flowers. I have to admit, it turned out much better than I thought it would, although not as good as I pictured. Isn't that the way it always goes?! But cake decorating is FUN!

Easter craft.....what a mess!

2009-04-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do a fun craft for Easter with my kids. This is something I remember doing in third grade. Blow up a balloon to egg shape and tie it. Attach a paper clip to the top. Pour elmers glue (just estimate) into a bowl, then cut a very very long piece of yarn and put it in the glue until it is all soaked with glue. Tie one end of the yarn around the top of the balloon, then start wrapping it around the balloon. Hang to dry. When dry, cut a hole in the thread, add grass and candy, tie a ribbon at the top, and you've got a cute little easter gift for teachers, grandparents, etc.

Dump Cake

2009-03-01T23:09:00.000-08:00

This has got to be the EASIEST recipe I have ever tried, and it is SOOOOO yummy! I got the recipe from a friend at church.

Ingredients:

1 can pineapple tidbits, drained

1 can cherry pie filling

1 box yellow cake mix

2 cubes butter, sliced into 1/2 Tbsp. pieces

DUMP pineapple and pie filling into 8x11 pan, and stir to mix. Shake cake mix evenly over top, then place butter pieces evenly over top. Bake in 375 oven for about 35-40 minutes. Best served warm with ice cream, but simply delicious anytime and served alone.

Thanks, Bobbi!!!

Chicken Pillows

2009-03-01T22:58:00.000-08:00

I first had these in Washington at our Relief Society Christmas Dinner, and I'm pretty sure I was the only one who didn't know what I was eating. But it was delicious, so I got the recipe and this is a family favorite.

Ingredients:

3 oz. cream cheese

1/4 tsp. lemon pepper

2 Tbsp. soft butter

1 can chicken

3 oz. can of mushrooms

1 can crescent dough

2 Tbsp. melted butter

1/3 cup chicken flavored crust mix

1 pkg. chicken gravy mix

In a bowl, combine cream cheese, lemon pepper, and 2 Tbsp. butter. Add chicken and mushrooms. Separate crescent dough into 8 triangles. Spread each with about 1/4 cup chicken mix. Roll up. Tuck sides and point under to seal. Dip in 2 Tbsp. melted butter, then crust mix. Put on cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare gravy mix according to pkg. directions. Serve pockets with gravy.

Another yummy salad!

2008-12-05T23:23:00.000-08:00

I took this salad to our Branch Christmas Social tonight, and it was a hit. Several asked for the recipe, so here goes:

Fancy Bean Salad

1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen corn, thawed

1 can (16 oz.0 kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 medium cucumber, finely chopped

1 cup finely chopped sweet onion

1 medium sweet red pepper, finely chopped

1 cup fat free honey Dijon dressing

In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Pour salad dressing over mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving. *from Taste of Home

What is Christmas?

2008-12-05T23:17:00.000-08:00

This is an advent calendar I got out of the December 2003 issue of the Children's Friend. Each star represents one day, and has a scripture and a question and/or task for the family to discuss and/or do. I laminated mine and added magnets to the back of the calendar, and also laminated the stars. We just use picture putty to add the stars each morning, and I'm so impressed with how well our kiddos know the Christmas story.

My Nativity Collection

2008-12-05T23:07:00.000-08:00

I love Nativity sets! I have a small collection, but each one is special to me in some way.

My adorable little Lovebug!

2008-12-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure he'll like that nickname when he's older, but for now it fits perfectly. When I take pictures of my various crafts, Dallin follows me around saying: "wanna see" or " is it Dallin?" so I couldn't resist taking a quick picture to post. This little guy is so much fun and such a sweetheart. I love you, Lovebug!

Holiday Warmth

2008-12-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

I got the idea for this wreath from the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens. I'm being frugal this year, so I went out and about and found some evergreen trees to cut my greenery off of. Then I added some ribbon that I had left over from another craft, and wha-la! I like the simpleness of it!

Fabulous Fall Flavor!

2008-11-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

This is a new recipe (courtesy of Taste of Home) that I have been so eager to try. It's super easy and fast, and tastes so delicious. I'll be taking this to our Branch Thanksgiving Feast this week!
(and yes, this picture is the pumpkin roll I made!)

Pumpkin Cake Roll

Ingredients:
3 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional confectioners' sugar, optional
Directions: Line a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks on high speed until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and pumpkin, beating on high until sugar is almost dissolved. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold into egg yolk mixture. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; gently fold into pumpkin mixture. Spread into prepared pan. Bake at 375° for 12-15 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 5 minutes. Turn cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Gently peel off waxed paper. Roll up cake in the towel jelly-roll style, starting with a short side. Cool completely on a wire rack. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth. Unroll cake; spread filling evenly to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up again. Cover and freeze until firm. May be frozen for up to 3 months. Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before cutting. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired. Yield: 10 servings.

Taste of home show

2008-11-12T16:06:00.000-08:00

So we went to the Taste of Home Show on Monday evening. True to Colorado weather, it snowed all day Monday, and was so cold and icy. Several of the vendors didn't show up so the door prizes were limited, although there were two really nice gift baskets. Also, the state of the economy had an effect on the vendors too, so some of the bigger vendors prizes were, let's say, disappointing. (That's just my opinion.) My mom did win the pot of Jalepeno Chili, which smelled so good! (I didn't eat dinner before I left home, either.) I did, however, get the one thing I really wanted, which was the new Taste of Home brand name cookbook. It has tons of delicious looking recipes which I am so excited to try out. I'll share them when I have the chance try them out.

Night of all Nights

2008-11-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

I love to make invitations for all kinds of different occasions. I was asked to put together an invitation for our Branch Christmas Social. Our theme is Night of all Nights, with emphasis on the wise men and the star. I decided on purple, the color of royalty. After copying the shadow of wise men onto cardstock, I used a gold paint pen to draw a quick star. Our activites chairman (she's actually the whole committee) came up with the wording for the inside. I'm already excited!

FOOD STORAGE IS COOL!

2008-11-12T15:51:00.000-08:00

I was worried this year that we wouldn't be able to add much to our food storage, but I was pleasantly surprised. I decided to go through and organize our pantry. This is the first time since we moved here that it has been so full that I'm trying to find places for things. I canned peaches, pears, potatoes, pickles and salsa. I froze zuchinni, squash, corn and green beans. And our stake recently put in a giant order (65,000 pounds) to SLC for food storage items, from which I will be getting flour, sugar, oatmeal, potato flakes and rice. Given the current state of the economy, I'm thankful for the guidance or our church leaders!

I'M LEARNING!

2008-11-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

Maybe I'm a little slow, but I'm learning. I went grocery shopping today...something I really HATE doing. Maybe 'cause groceries are so dang expensive, maybe 'cause I always have to wrestle the kid(s) I have with me, I'm not sure. But something occured to me today, and I had to share. Walmart is no lower priced than any other store if you're shopping wisely. I bought the few things I needed at Walmart, which were all store brand, Great Value. Then I went to City Market and filled in the rest. I used coupons on top of the sale prices, and saved an amazing dollar amount! I was so excited to find french cut green beans 3 for $1. Or Viva paper towels, 2 for $2! (And they have box tops on them). Another bonus was the $.10 off each gallon of gas if I spent over $100.00 at City Market. I had to improvise on my menu, but now I know that I can go with a basic menu prepared, and fill in the rest with sale items. Yeah!!! If you have any other ideas for me, please...I'll take all I can get!

2008-11-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

This recipe is a favorite of everyone that I know that has tried it...including my dad! It's super easy...and fast...and yummy. I will be taking this to our Branch Thanksgiving Feast next week!

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WINTER FRUIT SALAD

Ingredients:

1 can (20 oz.) pineapple chunks

1 small package cook and serve vanilla pudding

1 quart mixed fresh fruit chunks

(apples, bananas, oranges, etc.)

3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Preparation:

Drain pineapple into a small saucepan. Set pineapple aside. In saucepan, combine pineapple juice and pudding mix. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Cool. Combine pineapple, other fruits, and nuts in a large salad bowl; add dressing and stir to coat. Chill until ready to serve.

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Just a note: My hubby doesn't like nuts, so I usually don't add them. He also doesn't like crunchy fruit mixed with soft fruit, so I usually use pineapple, bananas, and mandarin oranges. It's also good with Banana Cream cook and serve pudding mix.

2008-11-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the Taste of Home show!!! I am so excited...and talked all five of my sisters, my mom, aunt, and a few friends to going with us! Well, I really didn't have to do a whole lot of arm twisting. I'm sure I'll have so many new recipes to try out, so decided to post one now that we have tried and love.

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This recipe came from a friend in WA when we used to do "dinner group" with families from our ward. Each month we would decide on a menu and home to meet in, and it was always so fun, and we got to eat lots of yummy food, too!

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Chicken and Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

3 cooked and chopped boneless chicken breasts

1 box Uncle Ben's original wild rice

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 can french cut green beans

1 can cream of celery

salt and pepper to taste

shredded cheddar cheese to cover top

Preparation:

Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, saute onions and green pepper until soft. Mix chicken, rice, green beans, green pepper and onion. Mix mayo, soup, salt, pepper and lemon juice together. Combine with chicken mixture. Spread in 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Keeping recipes organized

2008-11-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am seriously addicted to Taste of Home. I probably visit their website at least twice a week for recipe ideas. And I am a subsciber. And next Monday, I am going to the Taste of Home Cooking Show. So instead of keeping every single issue that comes, I have compiled a recipe book. I cut out, copy, handwrite, etc. any recipe that appeals to me, and add it to my book. I bought a binder at Walmart (remember, that's about all we have here) and clear page protectors. I glue the recipe and picture onto some paper and slide it right in. This book is one of my best friends!

I'd also like to note that I have lots of recipes in this book that my Grandma's have given me. I glue the recipe card right in, because then I have a sample of their handwriting. It's a good idea to make sure a ball point pen was used, otherwise the writing will eventually fade.

Some more recipes!

2008-10-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

This one is from Taste of Home. I took it to our church Halloween Party, and it was a huge hit!
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Black Bean and Mango Salad

1 can (15 oz.) black beans

2 cups mango, diced

1 cup sweet red bell pepper, diced

6 green onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 seeded jalapeno pepper, minced

salt to taste

Combine ingredients in bowl. Toss and serve.

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This recipe is also from Taste of Home. I always have to double it to have enough for our family because it is so yummy and well-liked.

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Turkey Muffuletta

1 loaf Italian bread

1/3 cup olive oil

3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. dried basil

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 pound sliced deli turkey

6 ounces provolone cheese, thinly sliced

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1 large tomato

Cut bread in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, basil, garlic, and salt; brush over cut sides of bread. Layer turkey, provolone cheese, olives and tomato. Replace bread top. Wrap in plastic wrap, refrigerate for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

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And one more.....from a HFPE meeting when we lived in WA state. Very yummy and really easy, too. We served this last week at my sister's baby shower, and they were gone.

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Mini Cheese Cakes

Vanilla Wafers

2 (8 oz. each) cream cheese

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Pie filling of choice

Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs and lemon juice together until fluffy. Place a vanilla wafer in the bottom of each cupcake paper cup and fill with mixture until about 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes approximately 12 mini cakes. Let cool and add a spoonful of pie filling.

Keep our earth clean!

2008-10-31T23:06:00.000-07:00

We are teaching our kids the importance of a clean planet. So we have been collecting pop cans from alongside the road. (We live about 25 miles from town, so there's plenty of road!) The kids love it because we take them to be recycled, and they get money. Not alot, but enough. For the six bags of cans pictured, we got $11.70, enough for each of them to get a few dollars. It doesn't seem like much, but they're getting the point. Now when we see garbage along the road, they make a comment about "how rude that is" or "why do people do that."

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T22:58:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween! I love to do homemade costumes if possible. This year, we had a skunk, Luke Skywalker, a cheerleader (which I did not make), and a gypsy. I have so much fun with them! The skunk was the biggest hit! I guess ya don't really see that many skunk costumes, so we got alot of comments.

ROCK ON!

2008-10-29T21:24:00.001-07:00

So I go to the river and search for a bunch

of rocks, take them home and wash them...

Then, I start gluing them together, and soon (or not-so-soon)

I've got myself a little rock nativity. This one is still a work in progress. I'll add more picture

later when I get a little further. But aren't they cute!

Does it have to be diamonds?

2008-10-29T21:17:00.001-07:00

People are always complimenting me on my jewelry, and what most don't know is that I make most of it. So I decided to start giving them to my Young Women for their birthdays, and it has been a huge hit. They are always asking what the next one will be like, and who will get it. It is so fun, and easy, and I've got something to match pretty much whatever I wear! I know it's not diamonds, but would it still be "frosting?"

My Nativity of wood

2008-10-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

This was a project at our Super Saturday for Relief Society. After several layers of paint ('cause I'm so picky about having the exact color) I finally had what I wanted. Then I sanded it for that "rustic" look. Christopher thought I was crazy to paint it all, just to sand it off, but I really like how it turned out!

Super Easy and Fast!

2008-10-24T22:43:00.000-07:00

I got a similar recipe from my hubby's sister, but didn't have all the ingredients on hand the night I decided to make this, so I improvized. This is the result, and I must say, we didn't actually need all the seasonings, etc.

STROMBOLLI
Ingredients:
1 can refrigerated pizza crust
6 slices turkey or ham (we prefer Hillshire Farms deli sliced lunchmeat)
Pepperoni
Sliced Olives
Grated Cheese (we use mozarella, although I've had this with provolone, and it's yummy)
Parmesan Cheese
Preparation:
Roll pizza crust out into a rectangle, about 10x12 or so. Place meat down center of crust, then pepperoni, cheese and olives. (I didn't specify amount, because we just do what looks good, don't measure:) Close by folding sides of crust over toppings and make sure that it seals together on top and at ends. (It will look like a long loaf of french bread, kind-of.) Sprinkle top with parmesan cheese. Bake at 400 for about 15 minutes, until crust is desired color. Enjoy!

Something to warm ya up!

2008-10-24T22:32:00.000-07:00

This soup has been a favorite ever since it our neighbor brought some to us when I was sick. I've taken it to potlucks and family get-togethers, and have given the recipe out dozens of times. It's super easy, fast, and so yummy for the tummy!

CHEESY CHICKEN SOUP
Ingredients:
5-6 medium potatoes
3-4 carrots
3 cups water
5 cubes chicken buollion
1 (8 oz.) cream cheese
1/3 cup flour
1 cup cold water
1 can chicken
Preparation:
Cube potatoes and chop carrots, and boil until tender. Meanwhile, dissolve buollion in 3 cups boiling water, then add cream cheese and mix until smooth. Mix cold water and flour, then add to cream cheese mixture to thicken. Drain potatoes and carrots, add to cream cheese mixture. Add chicken and heat through.

I LOVE CHOCOLATE!

2008-10-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the upocoming holidays, I've begun testing some fun and delicious recipes. And since I love chocolate, I had to start with a fudge recipe. Here is the best one I've found. I got it from a Taste of Home Cooking Show I went to in '06. It is so yummy!!!

CARNATION FAMOUS FUDGE
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups (4 ounces) miniature marshmallows
1-1/2 cups (9 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Combine butter or margarine, evaporated milk, sugar, and salt in a medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil stirring constantly for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows, chocolate chips, nuts, and vanilla. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into a foiled-lined 8-inch square baking pan. Chill until firm.

Milk chocolate fudge: Substitute 2 cups milk chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate chips.