Service Minded December List...

 you can add some of these to your advent calendar...

 

1. Bring Christmas treats to the children in the Cancer Ward at your local Children’s Hospital.
2. Make tray favors for the meals on wheels program.
3. Go Christmas Caroling at a Nursing Home.
4. Make nutritional treats for the local animal shelter.
5. Record yourself reading a book on tape; donate the book and tape to a shelter or day care.
6. Write letters to service men/women.
7. Make some pretty bookmarks; leave them in a basket on the library counter for other students to take one when they check out books.
8. Take a special treat to a neighbor.
9. Pick a name from the giving tree. Find a gift for that person.
10. Make a card for a loved one and send it in the mail.
11. Recycle some toys to share with others.
12. Light a candle and say a prayer for a loved one far away.
13. Take food to a local food pantry.
14. Go see Santa.
15. Go look at Christmas lights & drink hot cocoa.
16. Make thank you notes before they are needed.
17. Write a list of 10 things you are thankful for this year. Share with your Grandparents.

our 2010 advent calendar...

Graham Family Christmas Advent

1. Make homemade fudge to give as gifts
2. Go visit Grandparents
3. Make a gingerbread house
4. Make Christmas Cards
5. Cut out paper Snowflakes and hang them up
6. Bake and decorate Sugar Cookies
7. Buy and donate a gift for the Angel Tree
8. Have a picnic around the Christmas Tree
9. Watch ‘A Christmas Story’ w/ popcorn and root beer floats
10. Take Christmas photos on the beach (in Santa Hats)
11. Read Christmas books before bed
12. Play Scrabble and other board games
13. Drive around to see all the Christmas Lights
14. Make a popcorn and cranberry garland
15. Have a full traditional breakfast while listening to Christmas music
16. Make mini photo wreaths
17. Make old fashioned lollipops with Zoe (Grandmom)
18. Go Ice Skating and drink Starbucks hot cocoas
19. Eat out at a festive restaurant
20. Go to a Christmas Concert
21. Attend City tree lighting event
22. Go to the park to feed the ducks
23. Play a Wii Games Marathon
24. Make bird feeder pinecones
25. Read about the true meaning of Christmas

Do you do Christmas Advent Calendars also? If so, what do you do with them?

another Halloween funny...

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

happy halloween rap...

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Owl Favorites...just a few

1. 69 Vintage

2. Retro Renovation

3. Liquid Paper Teensy Owls

4. rikyandnina on Etsy

5. enchantedlockets on Etsy

6. Amazon

7. Amigurumi Owl

Homemade Pop Tarts...

from: http://onceamonthmom.com/freezable-recipe-homemade-pop-tarts/

Pop Tarts:

• 1 box refrigerated pie crusts (2 per pkg)

• 1 cups Jam/Jelly (any flavor)

Glaze:

• 1.25 cup powdered sugar

• 4 Tablespoons milk

• optional sprinkles

Directions:

Using a pizza cutter trim the edges so that you have a square/rectangle to work with. Using the pizza cutter divide each rectangle into 4 squares. Place and spread 1-2 Tablespoons of jam/jelly on each square in the middle. Fold over the dough and seal edges with a fork. (With extra cut off dough, roll out and make 2 additional squares). Place on cookie sheet for baking. Bake at 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes. After baking remove for cooling and prepare glaze by mixing in milk until desired consistency. Spread on top of pop tarts and allow to cool.

Freezing Directions:

Once cool, flash freeze. When partially frozen place in gallon freezer bag for storage. To serve: Thaw or heat in microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat in oven. If adding glaze DO NOT put in toaster.

Servings: 10
===========

saturday plans...

...baking bread and scones in the morning w/ Carsy, weeding my garden (as James mows), making a big salad with my fresh veggies, tuna and hard boiled eggs for lunch, working on laundry as I watch TV and I might even cast on a knitting project. (see....it's not too much).

King Arthur Scone Recipe

Here's your basic "start here" scone recipe. While this simple vanilla scone is delicious as is, it's also the perfect vehicle for your favorite add-ins; we happen to love dried cranberries and walnuts. Though chocolate chips are tempting, too!

Our guarantee: These tender scones will have a dark-gold outer crust, and a light-gold, moist inner crumb. They'll taste mildly of butter and vanilla.

Dough
2 3/4 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 cup cold butter
1 cup to 2 cups chopped dried fruit, chocolate or other flavored chips, nuts, or a combination, optional
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or the flavoring of your choice
1/2 cup to 2/3 cup half and half or milk

Topping
2 teaspoons milk
2 tablespoons sparkling white sugar or cinnamon sugar, optional


Directions

1) In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients.

2) Work in the butter just until the mixture is unevenly crumbly; it's OK for some larger chunks of butter to remain unincorporated.

3) Stir in the fruit, chips, and/or nuts, if you're using them.

4) In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla or other flavor, and half and half or milk.

5) Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until all is moistened and holds together.

6) Line a baking sheet with parchment; if you don't have parchment, just use it without greasing it. Sprinkle a bit of flour atop the parchment or pan.

7) Scrape the dough onto the floured parchment or pan, and divide it in half. Round each half into a 5" circle (if you haven't incorporated any add-ins); or a 6" circle (if you've added fruit, nuts, etc.). The circles should be about 3/4" thick.

8) Brush each circle with milk, and sprinkle with coarse white sparkling sugar or cinnamon sugar, if desired.

9) Using a knife or bench knife that you've run under cold water, slice each circle into 6 wedges.

10) Carefully pull the wedges away from the center to separate them just a bit; there should be about 1/2" space between them, at their outer edges.

11) For best texture and highest rise, place the pan of scones in the freezer for 30 minutes, uncovered. While the scones are chilling, preheat the oven to 425°F.

12) Bake the scones for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they're golden brown. When you pull one away from the others, it should look baked all the say through; the edge shouldn't look wet or unbaked.

13) Remove the scones from the oven, and cool briefly on the pan. Serve warm. When they're completely cool, wrap in plastic and store at room temperature for up to several days.

Hands-on time: 10 mins.
Baking time: 25 mins.
Total time: 1 hrs 5 mins.
Yield: 12 scones

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

Meals for the School Year...

I made up this list as a reminder for the kids. It'll be on the fridge, so they can see the 'reminder' daily as they prepare for school.

Cameron & Carson~ make your pick...

Breakfasts: Have milk, juice and/or fruit with it.

• Waffles
• Pancakes
• Muffins
• English Muffin Melts
• Breakfast Burritos
• Homemade Pop Tarts
• Cold or Hot Cereal

Lunches: Pack Laptop Lunch Box with- ice packs, napkin, handy wipes and a chilled water bottle.

• Mini Pizzas
• Pasta Salads (pack a fork)
• Chicken Nuggets
• Roll up sandwiches
• Sub Sandwich
• Peanut Butter and Jelly or Fluff
• Cheese & Crackers
etc...
Add snacks: no more than 1 sweet/1 salty/1 fruit/1 veggie:

sweet- Yogurts/Pudding Cups/ Granola Bars/Grahams/Cookies (2)
salty- Pretzels/Gold Fish/ Cheese Crackers/Trail Mixes/Chips
fruit- Grapes/Apple Chunks/Orange slices/Pineapple Cup/Strawberries/Melon Chunks
veggie- Cucumber Slices/Baby Carrots/Edamame/Broccoli w/ dip

have a wonderful day at school!
smooches~
Mom

==========================

Recipe: Make-Ahead Muffin Melts

Recipe and photo source: Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) . Go to her site, because she has step-by-step gorgeous photos!!!!

Prep Time: 25 Minutes Cook Time: 5 Minutes Difficulty: Easy Servings: 6

Ingredients:

■12 whole Hard-boiled Eggs, Peeled And Chopped

■2 cups Grated Cheddar Cheese

■1 cup (real) Mayonnaise

■12 slices Bacon, Fried And Crumbled

■1 Tablespoon (heaping) Dijon Mustard

■½ teaspoons Garlic Powder

■3 dashes Worcestershire Sauce

■6 whole English Muffins Split

Preparation Instructions:

Combine eggs with all other ingredients. Fold together gently. Cover and store in the fridge overnight.

Spread on English muffin halves, then broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until hot and bubbly. (Don’t set them too close to the heating element.)

Serve immediately!

http://lifeasmom.com/2010/08/freezer-friendly-recipes.html

Vinegar works wonders...

This list is printed and going in my kitchen, so the boys can read it and follow it daily. And mind you, this is just some of the stuff Vinegar cleans. I use it for EVERYTHING! Going to add 1 c. White Distilled Vinegar to the carpet shampooer this weekend as I clean carpets (ok, as james cleans carpets), Going to add 1 c. to the laundry rinse cycles, toilets, showers, tubs, stainless steel, glass, mirrors, floors....the works!

============================================

Uses for VINEGAR in the Kitchen:

1. Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.

2. Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher by pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.

3. Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

4. Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so, then run hot water down the drain.

5. For cloudy glassware, soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit awhile before rinsing clean.

6. Get rid of lime deposits in a tea kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water.

7. Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners’ manual first.)

8. Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean.

9. Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.

going thrifting...

Source

Savory Party Bread....

I now HAVE to make this....'cause I KNOW it's got to be YUMMY!
Got this from: Cookin' Mamas

Savory Party Bread

1 unsliced round loaf (around 1 pound) sourdough bread
1 pound Monterey Jack Cheese, sliced
1/2 c. butter, melted
1/2 c. chopped green onions
2 to 3 tsp. poppy seeds
Cut the bread lengthwise and crosswise without cutting through the bottom crust. Insert cheese between cuts. Combine butter, onions, and poppy seeds, drizzle over bread. Wrap in foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Unwrap and bake 10 minutes longer or until the cheese in melted.


===============

S'more Brownies...

Crust:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch fine salt


Brownie:
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
4 large cold eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour


Topping:
4 cups large marshmallows

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8 by-8-inch square baking pan with foil so it hangs over the edges by about 1 inch.
For the crust: Lightly butter the foil with some of the melted butter. Stir the rest of the butter together with the crumbs, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Press the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the brownie. Put the butter and chocolate in a medium microwave safe bowl. Melt in the microwave on 75 percent power for 2 minutes. Stir, and microwave again until completely melted, about 2 minutes more. Alternatively, put the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with 1 inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl on the pan without touching the water. Stir occasionally until melted. Stir the light brown and white sugars, vanilla and salt into the melted chocolate. Add the eggs and beat vigorously to make a thick and glossy batter. Add the flour and stir until just incorporated.


Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean, with a few crumbs, about 40 to 45 minutes.
Remove from the oven and carefully position a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat on low. Layer marshmallows across the top and toast under the broiler until golden, (keep an eye on it, it can go quick), about 2 minutes. Cool on a rack, gently removing the brownies from the pan using the aluminum flaps. Carefully separate any marshmallow from the foil and fold away. Cut into 12 (2-inch) squares.


Copyright 2007 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved
==============================================

Carsy's Collection...

These are her list of Littlest Pet Shop Figurines....and still she has more, but they are in the garage, to be added later. I know it may seem a tad huge, but the girl does play with them. We took some time to mark them and record them for her today.

Carson’s LPS:


1. Pink Angora Bunny- ‘Fluffy’

2. Bunny (tiny)- ‘Cutie’

3. Bunny (big ears)- ‘Tangerine’

4. Purple Bunny- ‘Sugar Plum’

5. White Bunny (nail polish)- ‘Snowflake’

6. Ladybug- ‘Polka Dot’

7. Puffin- ‘Birdie’

8. Penguin - ‘Skippy’

9. Lavender Butterfly- ‘Frosty’

10. Yellow Butterfly- ‘Sweetie’

11. Elephant- ‘Ellie’ (Special Edition)

12. Platypus- ‘Perry’ (Special edition)

13. Grey Schnauzer- ‘Mike’

14. White Schnauzer- ‘Toto’

15. Jack Russell Dog (1 of 2)- ‘Jack’

16. Jack Russell Dog (2 of 2)-‘Jessica’

17. Pomeranian Dog- ‘Hachi’

18. Dachshund (1 of 3)- ‘Sparky’

19. Dachshund- (2 of 3)- ‘Cinnamon’

20. Dachshund- (3 of 3)- ‘Button’

21. Chinchilla (1 of 2)- ‘ChiChi’

22. Chinchilla (2 of 2) Grey w/ nail polish- ‘Chilly’

23. Hamster- ‘Jerry’

24. Pink Mouse- ‘Pinky’

25. Chipmunk- ‘Chippy’

26. Pig (1 of 2)- ‘Piggy’

27. Pig (2 of 2)- ‘Wiggy’

28. Cow- ‘Carlos’

29. Walrus-‘Willy’

30. Poison Dart Frog- (orange) ‘Froggy’

31. One Brown Ear Puppy- ‘Cocoa’

32. Border Collie- ‘Max’

33. White Poodle (1 of 2)- ‘Cotton’

34. White Poodle (2 of 2)- ‘Qtip’

35. Husky Dog (1 of 5) Hair on top- ‘Muffy’

36. Husky Dog (2 of 5)- ‘Puffy’

37. Husky Dog (3 of 5) larger- ‘Puddles’

38. Husky Dog (4 of 5)- larger- ‘Piddles’

39. Husky Dog (5 of 5) larger- ‘Chocolate’

40. Pug (1 of 2)- ‘Yuka’

41. Pug (2 of 2)- ‘Yoda’

42. Dalmatian- ‘Dally’

43. McD Dalmatian- ‘Spot’

44. Grey Terrier- ‘Sparkle’

45. German Shepherd- ‘Smore’

46. Yellow Lizard- ‘Lizzy’

47. Iguana- ‘Liz’

48. White Ferret (grey)- ‘Snowball’

49. White Ferret (pink)- ‘Snowy’

50. Purple Ferret- ‘Grape’

51. Land Turtle (pink shell)- ‘Shelly’

52. Sea Turtle (lime green)- ‘Sheldon’

53. Sea Turtle (sea foam green)- ‘Tippy’

54. Sea Turtle (blue/green)- ‘Algie’

55. Sea Turtle (neon w/ dots)- ‘Neo’

56. Hermit Crab- ‘Crabby’

57. Snake- ‘Slither’

58. Boxer Dog (1 of 3) w/ flowers- ‘Rosey’

59. Boxer Dog (2 of 3)- ‘Ruff’

60. Boxer Dog (3 of 3)- ‘Randy’

61. White Boston Terrier Dog- ‘Joe’

62. Cute Brown Dog (1 of 2)- ‘Brownie’

63. Cute Golden Dog (2 of 2)- ‘Macy’

64. Golden Ret. Dog- ‘Carly’

65. Greyhound- ‘Raindrop’

66. Purple/Pink Cat- ‘Sally’

67. Pink Cat w/ white tip- ‘Grace’

68. Grey cat w/ blue flower- ‘Sara’

69. Pink Cat w/ Pink- ‘Glitter’

70. Tan Cat w/ Orange- ‘Karrey’

71. Black Cat w/ paint- ‘Phillip’

72. Pale Pink Cat- ‘Strawberry’

73. White w/ Black cat- ‘Prissy’

74. Yellow Cat- ‘Sunflower’

75. Orange Cat- ‘Sunshine’

76. Small Pale Pink Cat w/ spots- ‘Crystal’

77. Calico Cat- ‘Mark’

78. Tan/Brown Cat- ‘’Ginger’

79. Yellow w/ streak Cat (missing foot)- ‘Lucky’

80. Fluffy Cat- ‘Tiger’

81. Yellow / Lt Brown cat- ‘’Sidney’

82. Siamese Cat- ‘Sam’

83. Persian Purple Cat- ‘Bailey’

84. Persian White Cat-‘Diamond’

85. Pink Horse - ‘Jewel’

86. Brown Horse- ‘Jill’

87. Yellow Spider- ‘Itsy’

88. Deer- ‘ Bambi’

89. Lamb- ‘Tawni’

90. Peach Duck- ‘Peachy’

91. McD Duck- ‘Duckie’

92. Bassett Hound- ‘Floppy’

93. Brown Panda (1 of 2)- ‘Pandi’

94. White w/ Purple Panda (2 of 2)- ‘Chin Chin’

95. Dragonfly (1 of 3 green)- ‘Dragon’

96. Dragonfly (2 of 3 green)- ‘Flutter’

97. Dragonfly- (3 of 3 green)- ‘Flit’

98. Dragonfly (pink)- ‘Pretty’

99. Monkey (1 of 2) Red- ‘Cherry’

100. Monkey (2 of 2) Pink- ‘Lollipop’

101. Ape (1 of 2)- ‘George

102. Ape (2 of 2)- ‘Jane’

fabric flowers...

I'm making some of these today. .....see the easiest fabric flower tutorial here:

Dear Lizzy's Fabric Flowers

supper is in the crock!!!

Peg’s TVP Crock Lasagna...

1 box uncooked shells
2 C. hot water
3 C. TVP (add hot water to reconstitute it)
16 oz. Ricotta
Italian seasoning, basil, salt, pepper
Garlic- 3 cloves minced
Olive Oil
2 T. Sugar
Onions and peppers (frozen bag)
1 jar Spaghetti/Marinara Sauce
Mozzarella Cheese- loads to layer
Grated Parmesan- to top off

Start with spraying crock pot with cooking spray (really well). Add noodles and hot water,. Next- in another bowl, add hot water to TVP to make it soft and dump on top of noodles. Add to crock pot-peppers & onions- frozen, then olive oil and seasonings. Now add some Ricotta. Mix sugar in sauce and add some sauce and Mozzarella to cover. sprinkle grated parmesan on top. Cover and cook 2 hours on high then, 2 hours on low.

Make a Cucumber Salad and Garlic Bread.

2-3 Cucumbers. Sliced
3-Fresh medium tomatoes, diced
Black Olives
Italian Dressing
Feta Cheese
Basil


Mangia! Mangia!
============

Carson's Puppet Theatre...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pegola/?saved=1

Cherry Vanilla Granola....

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
4 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup unsweetened coconut, flaked or shaved
1/2 cup golden brown sugar, packed
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbsp sugar
4 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup dried cranberries


Directions-
1. Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 300°F. Lightly spray large baking sheet with nonstick spray, or line sheet with parchment paper or silpat.

2. Mix next 7 ingredients in large bowl. Combine oil, honey, and sugar in small saucepan; bring to simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour hot liquid over oat mixture; stir well. Using hands, toss mixture until thoroughly mixed.

3. Spread granola on prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 20-30 minutes. Add dried cranberries.Transfer sheet to rack. Using a flat metal spatula, pack granola down on bottom and sides of cookie sheets. Cool granola completely. (Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.)

4. Add-in options: Raisins, dried cherries, apples, apricots or blueberries (after cooking)
Makes 6 cups

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
================

Homemade Blueberry Jam...

Ingredients:
Blueberries - 5 pints (which is:10 cups / 3.5 lbs)
Lemon juice - 1/4 cup
Water - 1/2 cup
Sugar - About 4.5 cups of granulated sugar
Pectin

Directions:

1. Sterilize jars

2. Wash and sort berries

3. Crush berries.

4. Mix the dry pectin with about 1/4 cup of sugar or other sweetener- Keep this separate from the rest of the sugar. Notes about pectin: I usually add about 20% more pectin (just open another pack and add a little) or else the jam is runnier than I like. With a little practice, you'll find out exactly how much pectin to get the thickness you like.

5. Mix the blueberries with the pectin and cook to a full boil-Stir the pectin, lemon juice and water into the blueberries and put the mix in a big pot on the stove over medium to high heat (stir often enough to prevent burning). It should take about 5 to 10 minutes to get it to a full boil

6. Add the remaining sugar and bring to a boil- When the berry-pectin mix has reached a full boil, add the rest of the sugar (about 4 cups of sugar per 6 cup batch of blueberries) and then bring it back to a boil and boil hard for 1 minute.

7. Testing for "jell" (thickness)- I keep a metal tablespoon sitting in a glass of ice water, then take a half spoonful of the mix and let it cool to room temperature on the spoon. If it thickens up to the consistency I like, then I know the jam is ready. If not, I mix in a little more pectin (about 1/s to 1/2 of another package) and bring it to a boil again for 1 minute.

8. Fill Jars- Fill them to within 1/4 inch of the top, and wipe off lids. Tighten lids.

9. Process jars in boiling water bath 5-10 minutes

10. Remove jars from bath and allow to cool. (Eat within 6 months)

The Puggies love 'Baa-Bette'....