October 31 – November 9^th

Friday -  HALLOWEEN -Squirmy Wormy Sandwiches, Fries

Squirmy Wormy Sandwiches - good add to site!

1 package (16 oz) hot dogs

1 tbls vegetable oil

1/2 cup ketchup

1 tbls brwon sugar

2 tsp Worchestershire Sauce

1/2 tsp spicy brown mustard

Dash Liquid Smoke, optional

6 Hamburger buns

Cut each hot dog into eight strips.  In a large skillet, saute hot dogs in oil until goden brown.

Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worchestshire sacue, mustard and Liquid smoke if desired; haeat through.  Serve on buns.   Yield 6 servings.

Tip:  Use your favorite bottle barbecue sauce for even quicker treat!!!  

Garlic Pumpkin Seeds- good add to site!

1 TBLS canola oil

1/2 tsp celery salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp seasoned salt

2 cups fresh pumpkin seeds

In a small bowl, combine oil, celery salt, garlic powder and seasoned salt.  Add pumpkin seeds; toss to coat.

Spread a quarter of the seeds in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.  Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1 minutes; stir. 

Microwave 2-3 minutes longer or until the seeds are crunchy and lightly browned, stirring after each minute.  Repeat with remaining pumpkin seeds.  Serve warm, or cool before storing in an airtight container.  Yield: 2 cups

Sat -  Split Pea Soup

http://jasmine1931.tripod.com/Cooking/Soups.htm#SPLIT%20PEA%20SOUP%20WITH%20HAM

Sun – Melt in Your Mouth Chicken, Vegetable

Melt in Your Mouth Chicken

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories :

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 chicken (boil until tender) -- (1 to 3 lb.)
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cups chicken broth (I used the water the
chicken cooked in)
1 stick melted margarine
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup self rising flour (I never use self rising flour - I use Bisquick  and this works GREAT!)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Cube chicken and place in greased casserole dish.

Combine the cream of chicken soup and the chicken broth and pour over chicken.

Combine margarine, buttermilk,flour, salt and pepper and pour over above to make crust.

Bake at 425 for 30 minutes.

Mon – Left Overs

Tues – Pancakes, Bacon, Scramble Eggs

Wed – Spaghetti and Sausage with Garlic Bread

Thurs – Shortcut Chicken Cordon Blu, Green Beans, Jello Parfaits

http://www.menus4moms.com/kitchen/weeklymenu/2008/081103.php  - good add to site!

Fri – Chinese Food – Chow Mein – (crock pot 6-8 hrs)

  http://crockpotrecipes101.com/blog/2008/07/crockpot-chicken-chow-mein.html - good add to site!

Egg Rolls, General Tso, Wontons with Rice

Sat -  Steak , Potatoes. Green Beans with nuts

Sun – Ground Beef Soup (crockpot)

http://askmsrecipe.com/2008/09/23/ground-beef-crock-pot-soup/#comment-246

Here was the view out my window yesterday!    The construction has officially started.  ARGH.....I am a nervous wreck.

More details and pictures later!  

Jen C

Our Sons at Erik's Confirmation Celebration

Erik (16), Tommy (7) and Josh (20)

Yesterday, hubby was in a car accident.  He was stopped to make a left turn and a guy rear ended him at full speed.   Hubby seems to be ok, but the truck isn't.    We are home today trying to get a rental and get his truck fixed.   Luckily for hubby, we think the towing package made the damage less than it could have been.  The rear end is shoved forward, but not as bad as it could be. 

TODAY

The ashpalt company is coming and is going to removed our driveway and sidewalk.   They have to stop by the city and pick up the permit, which was finally approved then they will get to work on our project.    I have book group this evening at my friend Syd's house.   I had planned on reading the book last night, but with the excitement of the accident, I didn't get to that.  Oh Well.....we have 6 new members joining our book group.  Tonight will be their first time there.   I hope everyone gets along ok!   

I am taking the day off tomorrow as I need to plan Tommy's Birthday party!    My parents are also coming tomorrow to visit, so I better get some food planned and wash bedsheets.   Always plenty to do!!

Well time for me to get some things done and head to work.   Have a great day!!

 Jen C

Weekend Update....

Morning Everyone....Fall has definitely arrived in MN.   There is a good coat of frost on the cars and grass this morning.   I was up early and cleaned a bit.   We thought that the workers for the demo of the driveway might show up today, but no such luck.   They called yesterday and said they would be here at 7:00am to start the demo.  Later in the day I received a call that the city had not issued the permit for the work yet.   The city was saying the driveway was too big for our lot.  This is very strange to me since we are only replacing the one that is already there.   If that one was allowed to be installed, why would a replacement be too large??   They said too much square footage for our lot.   They are working on getting that straightened out. 

FRIDAY

I went into work later in the day as Erik was still off of school.   I had a late meeting in Lakeville.  I picked up Buffalo Wild Wings on the way home that my hubby had ordered for supper.   After eating, hubby, BIL, Tommy, Noah and I went to the movie.  I still had some free passes so we went to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua.  Some funny bits, but overall not the best of movie. 

SATURDAY

We were up early for a Saturday and went to look at the windows and door showroom for Biessel Windows.   We made a couple of changes to the windows we were ordering and gave them a deposit so they would order our windows.  The owner of the company will be coming out to re-measure our windows prior to the order being submitted.   We are pretty happy with our choices.  

Then we stopped at home and picked up my BIL and headed to Tommy’s soccer game.  Since I hadn’t slept I took a nap after the game.   That evening we went to Josh’s for his house warming party.   It was great to get together with family and hang out with Josh and Charlie. 

SUNDAY

We went to church.  The service was a little different it was an entire service of prayer.   There was no actual sermon.   After church we headed home and cleaned out the fridge of leftovers for lunch.  

I then went into work for a while.  I worked from about 1 until about 5:30.  When I got home I was pleasantly surprised to find that my hubby had done about 5 loads of laundry for me.  He had it all folded and waiting for me to put away.  So I spent my evening putting away laundry and going through the last of my clothes.  It is hard to believe, but I actually have all our winter clothes out and summer things packed away.   I still need to make sure that Tommy’s snowpants fit.  I have one garbage bag of clothes to take to Goodwill.   I also have a big bag of clothes to go to my niece for her boys. 

MONDAY

Monday is my longer day at work.  I worked about 12 hours.  I had meetings most of the day, but was able to work on some time entry in the evening.   I did make it home by 9:30, which is early for me!  

TUESDAY

Today was pretty productive for me.  I was up and showered by 6:30.  That really worked well and I am going to try and continue that habit.  I am NOT a morning person.   But this morning, after I took the dogs out, I simply didn’t allow myself to go back to bed. 

I was on the computer for only a bit and then I cleaned the living room.   I picked up stuff, dusted and vacuumed.   I then worked on waking up Tommy.  Once he was up, dressed and had eaten, I had him practice his piano lesson.   He was suppose to practice last night, but he had told Daddy he didn’t know the handset to play the two new songs.   Hmmm….thumbs always on middle C is how I teach him.   Last night for Daddy, Tommy just played things he liked, Chopsticks, Mark Had Little Lamb., etc…   All the songs he has memorized.  

This morning he played both pieces for his lesson.  Luckily for me he is very quick to learn new songs.  He was able to play both songs within 15 minutes and then we were off to school.  I dropped him off at school and headed to work. 

I had my flu shot this morning and my arm hurts!   I think we have decided on the doors for our house.  I changed my mind and am getting half doorlights and sidelights on the front of the house.  We had thought about ¾ but the dogs I think would mess up the glass.   The front will have decorative glass in the door and sidelights.  We are having a ½ door on the back as well with grids.   I called the window company as they were suppose to be out last night to re measure and didn’t call to schedule.  They said the owner, Josh will call me today.  We will see.

I also followed up with the asphalt company to see if the permit issue with the city has been resolved.   They still have not heard back from the city, but will call them again after lunch.   I decided I will continue to follow up with everyone each day to make sure we are moving forward.  The window company in particular seems to need constant reminders from me or they forget about our project.   It is a big project too….we are changing every door and window in our home!  

Tonight, I will be home to make supper.  I am going to make Quiche, Bacon, and Potato Patties.  My hubby really likes to have breakfast for supper, so I have been making that once a week for him. 

The rest of the evening I need to wash some whites and clean up the kitchen a bit.   I need to straighten my cupboards a bit as well.   I like them pretty orderly and having others putting away my dishes is making them a bit messy, which is driving me nuts.

YEAH!!  The owner of the windows company just called and will be out tonight to re-measure our windows so he can place the order! I will need to really hurry home after my last appointment to make it home in time.  

Well lunch break is over, time to get back to work. 

Jen C

Sometimes insomnia comes in handy.  I fell asleep easy enough, but have been awake since about 3:30 or so.   I got too many things running through my head to sleep.   But in going through my email I found the coolest website!!!  This is going to come in so handy for me!

Betty Crocker has teamed up with Cozi.com and came up with a free online family organizer.  I just love it!!  It has a calendar, family journal, place to make lists, etc.   What a fabulous thing to use to get organized.  The best part of all is that all the lists and things can be texted to you phone.  I have unlimited texting so this is great.  I can keep my weekly shopping list on the site and when I am going out to do errands, I simply have the list sent to my phone!  Amazing!!!

Check it out you will not be disappointed!

www.cozi.com

Jen C

I am off today as Erik does not have school.   I have so many things I want to accomplish today.  I hope I get some of it done.   I suppose getting off the computer would help.   ARGH...

This morning so far one electrician has come and I took Tommy to daycare.   Another electrician is coming at 1:00 to give us an estimate.

THINGS I WANT TO DO TODAY:

• Get Winter Clothes Up (Tommy and Mine)
• Bake Some Muffins
• Laundry
• Scrub Floors
• Transfer Tom's Mural to his wall

I am off to dig our winter clothes out of the basement.   Our basement is such a scary, messy place!!!!  I really need to clean up and organize down there again.

Later!

Jen C

Believe it or not.....for the first time since about June or so, hubby and I are going out on a date.   My BIL is watching the kids for us tonight and we are going to the movie.   It is so seldom we are out alone.  I am looking forward to it!

I have heard alot about the movie Fireproof from friends at church and other bloggers, so we are going to check it out. 

**UPDATE**

Firewifemon - you were 100% right, hubby and I both loved the movie. 

Tough times don't last, but tough people do.

I am going to add these to my next menu....they look so yummy!!

Lasagna Rolls
Enjoy this recipe from Family Favorite Recipes Cookbook (M591).

Hope You’re have a TERRIFIC TUESDAY….

SATURDAY - Soccer game in the morning for Tommy.  His team won!   Erik was able to sell his pop cans he has been saving.  Then it was home for the afternoon.  I worked on my menu and shopping list.  I went to get groceries in the late afternoon since supper was in the crockpot. 

GROCERY SHOPPING

ALDI – 118.32

Festival – 20.92

TOTAL - $139.24

I will not get groceries again until 10/27/08.  This will last for a little over 2 weeks.  My total to feed three adults and 2 kids was approximately 69.62/ week.   I am happy with this.  I try to stay around 75.00 a week or so.  

You can checkout our menu for the next few weeks to see what I bought with my money and planned for meals. 

SUNDAY -  I took the children to church.  Hubby left early in the morning and got home pretty late.  He went to the Vikings Game and out for a bit with friends.   I am really glad he got to do this.  He rarely goes out and I think he needs the break at times. 

My BIL helped me take Tommy to swimming lessons as I can’t take him into the women’s locker room.   Erik played basketball at the YMCA while Tom had his lessons.  Tommy just LOVES swimming lessons.  He is eager to sign up for the next session.   He didn’t quite pass Polliwog II class.   Afterwards we went to run some errands at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. 

We watch via the Internet the Senate debates for MN, Norm Coleman and Al Franken.   I am not that impressed with either as it has been such a smear campaign.  

MONDAY -  I stayed home in the AM and got Tommy’s B-day invites made.  I think they turned out pretty cute.  I still need to plan the party and games, but there is time for that yet.  Then I did the dishes and headed into work.  I decided to only work 8 hours on Monday as I was so very tired!!!

I got home at nearly 10:00 and was ready to go to bed.  I chatted with hubby a bit as I was upset about something and then headed to bed.  I called to talk to Josh and he was not feeling well.   I hate having my baby live away from home and have him ill.   

TUESDAY – I was more rested feeling when I got up this morning.   I think part of my problem is that we have been so busy each weekend, that I really never have any down time.  ARGH.   Also when I work late on Mondays I usually forgot to eat for the entire day.  At least when I work a normal day, I go home and have to make the family supper.  That makes me eat as well.   So today I am making a point of eating.   I had a banana for breakfast and little bit of cereal.   Right now I am having a Weight Watchers Four Cheese Pizza.     

I need to be home a bit early tonight as the man from Asphalt Specialties is coming over to present his contract and blueprint for the front step/sidewalk.   Then we will get going on the work!  I am very excited about this.  Tommy also is suppose to have soccer practice tonight. 

TOMORROW -  Tommy is off of school tomorrow and will go to Busy Bees Daycare at the college with Daddy in the morning.  He is complaining about going, but I hope it goes well.   My BIL took the next few days off so he will also be home for the rest of the week. 

Hubby and I are planning on going to the movie Fireproof tomorrow night since I don’t have bible study.  My BIL agreed to watch the kids for us.  It really is nice to have my BIL living with us.  He is good about helping out when he can.  And my children are learning the most important lesson in life, family is always there for family.  

We are teaching our children to take care of those that need our assistance, real family or our Christian family.  Wouldn’t the world be a nicer place if everyone would live by the same philosophy?  Wouldn’t families be closer and more loving if everyone believed in caring for each other?  I am a Christian social worker and feel this way.  My hubby is a wonderful Godly man and would never turn anyone in need away.   I see my sons growing up to be the same kind, Godly men and I am so proud of them!!   They could not have a better example.  God has blessed us and we share that with others as much as we can. 

Matthew 25:31-46 pretty much sums it up for me.  (Below is part of those passages)

Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

   45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me.

   46 And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.

Christian Love - Selfless & Giving Love
Christian love is giving to others those things that you would want them to give you if you were in their situation -- and it's doing so even if they can't pay you back. In fact, it's doing so especially if they can't pay you back! Christian love is respect for others. It's mercy. It's charity.

When the King James translators came upon the Greek word agape (God's Love), in addition to using the English word "love" to transliterate it, they often chose the English word "charity." This was meant to reinforce the idea that agape is a selfless, giving love. God's Love is unselfish and unconditional.

Think about it.  Take a moment today and be kind/helpful to others….you will make a difference in someone’s day or maybe even life.  If everyone did that, what a different world we would live in.  That is the one thing I will say about having my son in a Christian school, he is learning real compassion and love for others.  In our school family, if one family is struggling we all find ways to help them.  We make meals; watch children, collect funds, whatever we can do to help the other members of our school family in their time of need.  

Ok…stepping off my soapbox.  

I am taking the day off on Thursday again as Erik does not have school and his PCA can’t be at our house until 3:00.   I scheduled to have the two electricians to come and give us estimates.  This is exciting too!!   Once the electrical is fixed, that will mean I can use the George Foreman Grill and Microwave at the same time in the kitchen without tripping the circuit.  We might even be able to have Christmas Lights outside this year!!

My lunch break is over, got to get back to work!

Jen C