Menu Planning Monday

I know my blog has been VERY boring lately. We have just been sooo super busy. I havent been getting on my computer very often, other than my phone to check facebook or my email.

But I found a new website that I love the name and the site. Thought I would share.

Mennonite Girls Can Cook .

Here is my plan:

Monday- Barbeque Chicken, Roasted Cauliflower and Corn

Tuesday- Beef Enchiladas
Wednesday- Mushroom Chicken Recipe here

Thursday- Chili

Friday- Homemade Pizza

Saturday- Having company over. Lasagna, Salad and Bread

Thanksgiving Thursday

I have to say that Thursdays ....do sneak up on me.

I really do enjoy doing this, as it makes me stop to think of the simple things in life that make me so thankful!!

I am thankful for:
1. My sister in law and kids having a safe trip back to Okinawa..may she arrive safely.
2. Our coal burner--doesnt make me sneeze like a wood burner and its cleaner!!
3. Scrapbooks that are almost done
4. 2 puppet teams that are coming together nicely.
5. My great friend Lori, that met me for lunch at Panera yesterday(no kids). A nice break..for both of us from kids. Together we have 9 kids!!!
6. Dieting--lost 3 pounds!!!
7. KLOVE...I cant believe the difference it makes in attitude in me and the kids when all we listen to his christian radio.
8. a cruise which may be in my near future
9. Warmer weather...believe it or not. It has been in the 40's!!! that is really warm here for January!!
10.Our great preacher who is going to start taking Chloe visiting with him during that day. What a great experience for her!!

I may start a Wednesday Wishlist...is that bad!!!????

Here is my current list:
1. More hours in a day
2. SUNSHINE

Hospitality

What is Hospitality?

Wikipedia says, "cordial reception: kindness in welcoming guests or strangers."

What does the bible say about Hospitality?
Luke 10: 38-42
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

This is my favorite example of hospitality in the bible. I feel that I have been the anxious and troubled sort, like Martha. I love to have people over but I have been making excuses to myself. The house is a mess or we are to busy with our kids. I have also realized that I am very selfish with the time we do have. I like to bed with my husband by 9 and I like my kids to be home. I like things to go smoothly.

But I also need to get out of my little comfort zone..I am here to worship God first. FIRST AND FOREMOST. I think this is definetyl an area where I am lacking.

But yesterday, it was brought to my attention that someone wasnt feeling welcome at our congregation. What???!!!! Where have I been? Why have I missed this? I should have noticed.

The sad part is ..maybe I did and have been too caught up in my own busy life that I havent been making an extra effort in this area.

So here is my new goal:

Every 2 weeks I am going to invite a family that I havent had over to our house, for dinner and games.

Some of you maybe thinking...yes Wendi..get on this. You know what to do!! But some of you might be saying wow...that is hard to do. So let me give you a few secrets...

~Invite one new family and maybe another family that is a veteran family (one that you are comfortable with and one that is VERY talkative)
~Games...bring out the games...especailly the Wii..people can be so competetive...bring on the bowling games!!! Or even boxing!!
~Kids...get your kids to help you get ready! My kiddos can whip the house together in no time.

So onto my invitations....Any other ideas? Meal ideas?

Menu Planning Monday

Hello all!! Busy weekend..glad its over and now onto the busy week!!

Monday-Chicken and Dumplings
Tuesday- Chicken Angel Hair Pasta
Wednesday- Chicken, Spinach and Gnocchi Soup
Thursday- Tacos
Friday- Homemade Pizza
Saturday-Veggie Soup
Sunday- Leftovers

Lots of chicken this week...

Thanksgiving Thursday!!!!

I am trying to get back in the swing of things here on my blog...

Here is my top ten:

1. I am thankful we have a had a great week home schooling. This week has gone very smoothly and we have covered every subject every day!

2. I am thankful for my hubby who is installing a new larger furnace in our basement....cant wait for warmer floors. He is soo awesome!

3. I am thankful for warmer weather...its in the 40's for next several day!!WOOWOO!!

4. I am thankful for my mom who is coming to see us tomorrow!

5. I am thankful for how wonderful my life is , after watching the Haiti footage, really reminds me of all our blessings.

6. I am thankful for cookbooks.

7. I am thankful for Amish Romance Fiction..that keeps me reading till 2am. Get ready Mamaw..I have 3 new ones for you!!

8. I am thankful for a very resourceful husband.

9. I am thankful for kids who are excited to learn about Gods word. They are cramming for the Bible Bowl and are reading Hebrews every morning and every night.

10. I am thankful for lists. I make lists all the time.I know that may be a little OCD....and I am sure I got that from my dad who is always making lists as well.

Praying for:
Several people needs transplants at our congregation.
My dad who is having surgery today.
All the Haitian people.

Happy Birthday Camye!!!!!

I know I know..I have blogged 4 times today!! I just have several things to get done and didnt want to be distracted later by wanting to blog!!
Its true..my baby girl has turned 9 years old!!! I just cant believe it. She is growing up so fast!!! We have decided to have family birthday parties this year. And she decided to make her own cake!! The only thing she asked for for her birthday was a green striped sweater!! And well Mommy went out in 8 inches of snow and 10 degree weather to our OUTSIDE outlet mall and found it!!!! I couldnt let her down!!!

She is such a joy to us!! Very sensitive and sweet!! She did recieve all sorts of things, ballerina jewerly box, panda necklace, webkinz, zum, Beads, Lettering book...

Chloe decided to surprise on Saturday morning by decorating the cake for me. Being the control freak I am...I did spaz slightly (inside of course) but was very grateful for her thoughtfulness and wanting to decorate her sisters cake.

Happy Birthday Camye!! We love you!!

Lads to Leaders Update

Its January and we are wrapping up all those last minute details.

Chloe has finished Advanced Speech this year, I am very proud of how far she has come in the past year. She now volunteers for public speaking, last year she barely looked up from her speech cards.
Chloe and Blake have finished a year of Advanced Puppets, that is alot of work. Tedius work, like setting up the puppet stage...have a new script, having puppets for all..I am thinking I wont be doing Advanced Puppets next year, other than for VBS.
Blake and Camye have done Know the Books.

We are now working on for this year:

Puppets- We have an 8th grade team and a 3rd grade team. And WOW....last night was our first practice but I am very impressed!!

Speech- Chloe, Blake and Camye are all practicing away at their speeches!!

Song Leading- Chloe, Blake and Camye all have their songs selected and are practicing!!

Scrapbooking- Chloe, Blake and Camye are almost done!!

Art- Chloe, Blake and Camye are done!!!

Pearls- Test in February
Bible Bowl- Test in February

and if that was not enough....Blake and Chloe were both chosen to be on a Bible Bowl team, actually Blake volunteered to be on the 7th-8th grade team!!! He is soo excited!! I on the other hand..am thinking...more to do!!!!

For 2011- Chloe and I have committed to reading the bibly thru in a year!!!

My dog may be having idenity issues...

Okay I am not sure if I have ever blogged much about my dogs!! We have 2 Maltese/Shih Tzu dogs. They are 4 years old. They are very sweet little dogs. They arent the best behaved dogs...because I do not have the time to train them or walk them as they should be. They are loved and fed though!!!! Our puppies are sooo close, Tex and Penny. Kenny's parents have their brother Scooter...very cute to see all them playing!!

Like I said ....they are loved!! Paul LOVES them..I mean LOVES them...he is sooo close to both of them!!! Maybe because he was only 6 months old when we got them...but his entire day is based on what the dogs are doing. But lately I think Penny maybe wanting to change her idenity, in hopes of keeping Paul away..!!! I found Penny in this box....Paul said she wanted to be a "Puppy in His Pocket"....hmmmmm. Highly Doubtful!!

While we were in Texas, my adorable niece Amelia was napping so peacefully in the dining room, I just peaked in on her to find our Penny...on her lap!!!!!!!!!!! Sleeping so peacefully!!!

Menu Planning Monday

OKay...I do not have a menu planned AT ALL!! I have been soooo extrememly busy with Lads to Leaders last week. I havent even given a second thought!

Monday- Leftover Veggie soup and Chili (which i made yesterday..not on the menu..:))
Tuesday- Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Corn
Wednesday- Hamburgers and Baked Potatoes
Thursday-Chicken Fettucine
Friday- Homemade Pizza
Saturday- Potatoe Soup

Pretty good..for just whipping that out!!!!

Snowy days and Homemade Waffles

Sorry for the many many blogs..I have to catch up!!! Since we woke up to all this this morning!! And that is about 3 inches just on my van!! Most of it has blown off. We decided to sleep in ....
and fix our favorite homemade waffles!!! This is my favorite recipe. It is from Love and Food Cookbook by Dr Gary Smalley

Grandma's Waffles
2 eggs
2 cups of soy milk (we dont use soy, just regular milk)
6 TBSP of butter (I have been cutting that back and they are just as good with 4 TBSP)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup soy flour
1 1/2 cups of Whole Wheat Pastry Flour ( I use all Whole Wheat Pastry)
1/2 tsp of sea salt
1. Beat together egg , milk and butter
2. Mix together in a seperate bowl baking powder, flour and salt.
3. Add dry ingredients to liquid and mix well.
4. Batter should be thin. Add a small amount of milk if needed.
6. Bake in a waffle iron.
=YUMMY!!!

Snow Ice Cream---Yummy

The weather outside is frightful...but there is an upside to it. SNOW ICE CREAM!!!! I have made this in the past and it has never tasted as good as it did this time. Maybe because we have been fasting from sugar since we returned from Texas or what. But here is my recipe.

Snow Ice Cream

16 cups of snow

1 cup of sugar (we used organic cane sugar)

2 cups of milk

1 tbsp of vanilla

Mix and freeze. We froze ours outside the front door!!!

Couldnt keep little fingers out of it!!!

Santa has arrived---Christmas Day!!!

My inlaws beautiful Christmas tree that the kids decorated..in a hurry. They just threw the beads everywhere...and I thought it looked really nice!!!!! Stockings before the attack of kids...

Seeing their stockings for the first time....very excited to see a Webkinz peaking out over the top.

Just getting started....

Every little boy needs a light saber..!!!!!

Blake has recently started seriously into Legos. Some of you may remember my younger brothers infatuation with Legos...so Legos are in abundance at my brothers house. We have some smaller sets and bags of odds and ends I have picked up at Goodwill. I waited in line for 2 hours on Black Friday to get this Lego set...$100 off the original price. He is still working on it.:)

Paul and Austin both recieved Moon Sand for Christmas. Paul just opened his and is having a blast making Moon Treasures!!

Chloe was ecstatic to recieve the Ipod Itouch this year...the video I took of her is awesome and for some reason I cried when she opened it. That Santa gets me everytime!!!LOL!:)

Camye got the Elizabeth doll, best friend to her Felicity doll. She was very excited!!

Blake got a DS....his broke aout 6months ago and he has been saving his money for a new one.

We had a most blessed Christmas and hope all our family and friends did too. Also we did not do Christmas cards this year. So dont think I cut you off my list, when we stay home next year and things arent so chaotic....you will recieve one.:)

Christmas Traditions

Even though we were in Texas, we did try keep some of the Traditional Traditions. And of course sugar cooking making and decorating were on that list.:) There were plenty of desserts though, peanut butter balls (buckeyes), no bake cookies, butterscotch scotties, pecan pie, cheesecakes, cherry o creme pies...and the list goes on and on. Fun Fun Fun with their cousins...

Christmas Eve~~~FUN!!!

We spent Christmas in Texas with Kennys family. It was a lot of fun and a lot of chaos with 9 kids!!! But lots of fun was had by all.:) I tried to keep to most of my traditions even though we werent home. One of them being opening up jammies on Christmas Eve.
Below is Paul and his cousin Austin...they opened matching pajamas on Christmas eve and were ecstatic.:) Below is my four kids and my sister in laws kids opening their jammies on Christmas eve.

4H Ice Skating = Fun Fun Fun!!!

Our Heart and Home 4H club went ice skating in mid December! We really had a great time! Even I got out their to ice skate...a little scary....I did fall twice...but finally caught on.:) Chloe was flying around that rink!!

!!!!

Blake and his buddy Jacob...they were diving, flying, skating, running, rolling the rink!! They would both be great hockey players:)

Camye was a little shaky at first and her Paul were using these walkers to get around!! I highly recommend these for all!!!:)

Menu Planning Monday

e the Okay so we are home!!! I do have the kids and myself unpacked, my co-op bag/pile cleaned up(couldnt take it anymore), the spice cabinet cleaned out (have know idea why I tackled this one this morning and the front of my fridge shining( again..no idea why I tackled this either today). I have not touched the christmas presents that need to be unpacked and I cant find my camera (no pics yet), my keys ( Kenny drove the entire time) or my 2010 calander!!!

BUT I do have my menu planned for the next week...:)

Monday- Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Salad and Corn and Homemade Rolls
Tuesday- Chicken Penne Pasta and Salad
Wednesday- Veggie Soup
Thursday-Chicken Phyllo Roll and Salad
Friday- Homemade Pizza and Salad
Saturday- Potato Soup

I may blog my recipes for my Veggie soup and Potatoe Soup..because they are delicious!!

Anyway..more blogs to follow...just have to get organized..even my spices.:)

Happy New Year!!