Simple Woman's Daybook, October 26, 2009

FOR TODAY...October 26th

Outside my window... the mountains are slowly losing the colors of autumn. The sky is blue with beautiful white clouds.

I am thankful for...my husband

I am wearing... a red mock turtleneck, black and white jacket, black slacks and shoes.

am remembering... the wonderful weekend away dh and I had last month.

I am going... to see the Rockettes next month.

I am reading... Raising A Strong Willed Child

I am hoping...for a peaceful week at school and home.

On my mind...Annie from MHH. Praying for her health.

From the learning rooms... at school, pumpkins and harvest.

I am noticing that... the days are getting shorter.

Pondering these words... "While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God's creation. "~Maya Angelou

From the kitchen... apple dumplings for dessert, sloppy joes and tater tots for dinner.

Around the house... doing laundry today.

One of my favorite things~ knitting

From my picture journal:

Blessings,

Lisa

Menu Plan Monday, October 26, 2009

Welcome to another Menu Plan Monday, hosted by Laura at I'm An Organizing Junkie .

This week will be another busy week with dental appointments, hockey practice, religious ed, parent meetings and dance. I hope to cook at home every night, but we'll see how it goes. Here's our plan:

Sunday~ Turkey Breast Tenderloin, Stuffing, Rice Pilaf and Green Beans

Monday~Sloppy Joes, Tater Tots and Corn

Tuesday~Spiced Pork Chops, Angel Hair with Garlic and Olive Oil, Salad

Wednesday~Lemon Chicken Tortellini

Thursday~Philly Cheesesteaks, Homemade French Fries, Veggies and Dip

Friday~ Pizza Night

Saturday~Happy Halloween! I haven't finalized the menu for our frighteningly good feast just yet!

Be sure to check out more menus at http://orgjunkie.com/

Have a week full of blessings!

Lisa

Pumpkin Patch 2009

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

We made our annual trek to the pumpkin patch today. We didn't make it to the usual farm we go to, but the kids seemed to enjoy this farm much more. We were able to pick our pumpkins right from the patch. The kids loved it! We plan on carving them later this week.

Blessings,

Lisa

Zesty Potato Soup

This is one of my family's favorite soup recipes. It's not only delicious, but easy to make after a day of work. We enjoy having it with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Zesty Potato Soup

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups water
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup milk
4 ounces process American cheese (Velveeta), cubed
3-5 dashes of hot sauce (I use Frank's)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley


In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes, water, onion, garlic, salt and pepper; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. (Do not drain.) Mash potatoes in liquid until almost smooth. Add remaining ingredients; cook and stir until cheese is melted. Serves 6.

Enjoy!

Blessings,
Lisa

Menu Plan Monday, October 19, 2009

Welcome to another Menu Plan Monday, hosted by Laura at I'm An Organizing Junkie . This week's menu includes some carry-over foods and a new recipe, as well.

Sunday~ Dinner at John's parent's house

Monday~Happy Birthday, John! Chicken in Cream Sauce over Linguine, Tossed Salad and French Bread

Tuesday~Spaghetti and Meatballs, Salad

Wednesday~Country Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Green Beans

Thursday~Zesty Potato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Friday~Pizza and Salad

Saturday~Easy Chicken and Dumplings

I will post recipes/links throughout the week.

Have a week full of blessings,

Lisa

Happy Birthday John!

Happy Birthday wishes are going out to my wonderful, sexy husband today!

I am so very blessed to have such a devoted, caring and loving man as my husband and the father of our children.

I love you John!

Happy Birthday!

Blessings,

Lisa

Family and Friends Join Us to Celebrate...

....John's 40th Birthday!

The guys are cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins

Laurie and Karin

Gene (John's Dad), John, and Robb

Coni (our sil) and My Mom

Thanks for stopping by today!

Blessings,

Lisa

40th Birthday Poker Themed Party

On Saturday, I hosted a birthday party for my dh's 40th Birthday. The theme was Poker Night, one of his favorite past times. Here are some photos from the party:

The Poker Table cake made by my brother's gf and her mom. Isn't it cool? It was delicious too!

I served finger foods and snacks. Here are three kinds of kielbassi...holiday, american cheese and hot pepper cheese kielbassi.

Spinach Dip and Beer Bread




Assorted cubed cheese at the request of my dh. I wanted to serve a "real" cheese platter, but he likes this kind. :0)

Of course, the standard vegetable tray with dip, too! We also served breaded chicken wings.

I set up a buffet table in the dining room. I used the green tablecloth to mimic the green felt of a poker table. It is much greener in real life.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out our party food! I will post some photos of friends and family soon!

Blessings,

Lisa

Menu Plan Monday, October 12, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends! It's Columbus Day here in America. Unfortunately, our school is open today, so I'm off to work. It will be a busy week for us with hockey practices, doctor appointments, dance class, and party preparations.

Here's our plan for this week:

Sunday~Weeknight Lasagna Toss and Cheddar Biscuits

Monday~June's Chicken Casserole with Herbed Rice

Tuesday~Meatloaf, Oven Roasted Potatoes, and Green Beans

Wednesday~Cube Steaks in Gravy, Mashed Potatoes and Candied Carrots

Thursday~Wedding Soup (from the freezer) and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Friday~ German Oktoberfest Pizza and Salad

Saturday~ John's 40th Birthday Party! Happy Birthday, honey!

Check out all the weekly menu's at Laura's!

Have a week full of blessings!

Lisa

New CD

Micheal Buble's new CD is now available. I just ordered my copy from Target.

Can't wait until it arrives!

Blessings,

Lisa

In Memory...

Twnety-one years ago today, my Nana passed away. I've lit this candle in honor of her. I know she is watching over me.

Blessings,

Lisa

Menu Plan Monday, October 5, 2009

Welcome to another Menu Plan Monday, hosted by Laura at I'm An Organizing Junkie! It will be another busy week in our household with doctor's appointments, hair cuts, dance classes and religious education classes on top of the usual school and work commitments.

Here's our plan for this week:

Sunday~Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Chicken Parmesan and Italian Bread

Monday~ Beef Tacos with all the toppings and Taco Rice

Tuesday~Crispy Fried Chicken , Mashed Potatoes with Country Gravy and Green Bean

Wednesday~Slow Cooker Cubed Steaks with Gravy, Buttered Noodles and Corn

Thursday~Slow Cooker BBQ Country Style Ribs, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Baked Beans

Friday~Pizza and Wing Night

Saturday~Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Pig in the Blanket) with Parsleyed Potatoes

Have a week full of blessings,
Lisa

Fall Living Room Updates

This is our mantel dressed for fall. I love the oranges with the tones of the wood.

We recently purchased new furniture after 13 years. We're very happy with it. I'm working on accesorizing. The green carpet is staying since we're planning on selling in the next few months.

Here's a shot of the rest of the room. I love the pillow on the recliner. It's from the Cindy Crawford collection at JCP.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Blessings,

Lisa

Going to the Movies....

The kids and I went to see G-Force today. It was a cute movie with great music! Can't go wrong with the Black Eyed Peas!

DD is settled in and waiting for the movie to begin.



My Pens fan humoring me, allowing his photo to be taken. I think he thinks I'm photo crazy! lol

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lisa

Look what came today...

My new RED bowls! Did you know red is my favorite color?

I love the quilted design...classic and whimsical at the same time!

They even nest for storage.

They were purchased from Gooseberry Patch on sale for 19.99 with a gift certificate from my friend Kathy. Thanks Kathy!

Blessings,

Lisa