Weekend Update

What a cold, busy weekend.

Friday night we traveled north to the away football game.  We saw some great friends, and it was cold.  Brrr!

Saturday, we were up fairly early to go to a band competition.  It was only the fourth time the marchers had competed.  It was cold, they did terrific, and we had fun.  We got home in time for supper.  Daughter went to babysit and Son went with his friends to Kings Island's Fear Fest.  Foxy and I stayed home and rested.

Sunday, Foxy went to work.  Daughter and I went to church.  We then picked up Son so he could go mow at Gpa's.  Then Daughter and I went to a college fair.  That was fun.  She was so many different colleges that interested her.  Her top three (at this moment) are University of Indianapolis, Otterbein College, and Wilmington College.  The second two are in Ohio, and not far from home.  She is looking for a small college that is not far from home.  She wants to be a teacher.  I am so proud of her for knowing what she wants in a school and a lot of particulars.  She has a lot of colleges and a year before she has to start applying, but the earlier we start, the earlier we know.  She takes the PSAT in 9 days, so I wish her luck for that.

This isn't too bad of a week.  It's suppose to get warmer every day.  I'm applying to everything I see, and hopefully something turns up soon.  Have a great day!

Espresso Spread and Cappuccino Chip Muffins

Today is a busy day.  But I am happy and glad.  Today I have a lunch meeting with our Associate Minister at Tim Horton's (yum!), then I have to go to the school and deliver the uniform pants and hats that I had to clean (they got muddy).  Tonight I don't have a lot going on, but I do need to get my grocery list together because we have such a busy weekend.  So I am trying to get my coupons in order and match them up for the best deals.

What I do is plan out my our meals for two weeks using my ads and figure out where I can get the best bang for my buck.  It takes a lot of time and energy, but since I am not working, it is a necessity.

One way I try and save money is making my own muffins.  One of our favorite is Cappuccino Chip Muffins.  You can even make an espresso spread to go with it. My family loves these.  Here is the recipe.

Expresso Spread:
4 oz. Cream Cheese, cubed
1 Tablespoon Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Instant Coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
1/4 cup Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

In a food processor or blender, combine the spread ingredients; cover and process until well blended.  Cover and refridgerate.

Muffin:
2 cups Flour
3/4 cup Sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 cup Milk
2 tablespoons Instant Coffee granules
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 Egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Vanilla
3/4 cups Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and cinnamon.

In another bowl, stir milk and instant coffee together until coffee is dissolved. Add butter, egg and vanilla; mix well.  Stir into dry dry ingredients just until moistened.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Fill paper-lined muffin cups 2/3rds full.  Bake for 17 - 20 minutes or until muffins test done.  Cool for five minutes before putting on a wire rack.  Serve with Espresso Spread.

It's really a yummy recipe!

Back Up and Running

The blog title is a little deceiving.  No, I did not lose my computer, I did lose my job, though.  So I've been trying to figure things out and I am back.

Autumn is in full spring and I think our garden is just about dead.  The air is cool, it's already the 2nd wettest September in Ohio's history for our area, and band and football are in full swing.

Last weekend was homecoming.  Here are some of my daughter's pictures.  She went with friends and had a great time!

They had a lot of fun and they all looked gorgeous!  Have a great Tuesday!

Foxy's Garden & A Recipe

I'm a bit late with the pictures of the garden this week, due to the other things I wanted to post about and last evening was the first I have been out to the garden in a while.  Praise God for his bountiful blessings!  As the pictures show, we are getting an abundance of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and the beans are finally starting to come around. 

Today, Foxy is going to try his hand at making Bread & Butter Pickles.  I have a lot of cucumbers, so this will be good if he can get it done. He is also getting the dehydrator out and drying the cayenne peppers.  Then tonight, after I take Son to get his Soccer Ref outfit, I will be canning tomatoes.  Hopefully, I will get to the banana pepper rings this weekend.

Lots of salsa, sauce and tomatoes to be put up for winter.

The first of the beans.  They just need to plump up.

Also, here is my recipe of the week, Beefy Rice Pie, from mrfood.com.

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound hot/sweet Italian pork sausage, casings removed
8 oz tomato sauce
2 cups cooked rice
4 slices Mozzarella cheese
2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet, brown ground beef and sausage for 8 - 10 minutes over medium-high heat, until cooked and crumbly; drain off excess liquid and set aside in a medium bowl.  In another medium bowl, combine tomato sauce and rice, then layer half the mixture in skillet.  Top w/half the meat mixture, then place 2 slices of mozzarella cheese over the top and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.  Repeat layers.  Cover and cook over mediume low heart for 8 - 10 minutes or until cheese melts.  Let sit 5 minutes, then slice into wedges and serve immediately.

Sounds yummy!

New School Year and Attitude

Monday was the beginning of the new school year.  I haven't taken first day photos for quite some time, But I decided to embarrass them.  But of  course, they do get all hammy for the camera.

Son and Daughter making fun of this.

Oops, my finger slipped!

So Daughter tells me that she is in a class of four people.  This one class is to help her pass the OGT for history.  She didn't pass that or science.  Anyway, this class has the four kids who didn't take the test again over the summer.  After the test in October, the rest of the semester will be watching movies and writing papers.

She also informed me that her two favorite classes are Accounting and Zoology.  She loves math, so that will be very helpful.  Yesterday she said in Zoology she will get to dissect seven different animals.  Now she freaked out over the dog killing a rabbit, but she is now excited about opening up dead animals?  We'll see what really happens.

Son is kind of indifferent on his classes, but that's okay.  I'm sure I'll have stories for you soon enough on his clowning around.

The Rabbit Died

Saturday morning, Josie Belle was out on the back porch.  The kids and I were up and I noticed Josie Belle was digging around in one of the unused large plastic pots.  The last time she did that, she pulled out a dead animal and ate it.  This time, I noticed she had something in her mouth, but I had no idea what it was (her back was to us).  I told the kids to look at her.  They commented things like, "gross", and "stupid dog".  We kind of giggled about it and went back to getting ready for the day. 
Then my daughter started screaming!  She is  freaked out, and I came running to the back glass door and saw Josie Belle with something in it's mouth.  It was the head of a rabbit!  The face was hanging out, you could see the cute little nose, the beady eyes, and the the ears flopping toward the ground.  She ran back and forth across the back porch and then to another empty pot and buried it.  Daughter is still freaking out, yelling things about needing therapy and I run to get my camera to take a picture.  Alas, she would stay still long enough for the Kodak moment.
It was quite the morning.  I think I need to get rid of those pots, yet strangely, I secretly love the fact that my dog's quite the hunter and saves her food.  This was not her first rabbit.  She's killed mice, birds, squirrels, and just a couple weeks ago, she tried to get a raccoon out of our garage.  What a girl!

Weekend Update

What a crazy, busy, fun weekend! 

Friday night, Daughter, Son and I took Foxy out for his favorite pizza, then to the football scrimmage.  Don's Pizza was so yummy, and the football team won!  Woo-hoo!

Saturday, was my family reunion.  What a wonderful time.  We had not had a reunion in over 15 years, so almost 100 people showed up from all over, from Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky.  What a great time! 

Groups of our family sitting around talking, catching up.

Great-Uncle Dan and my Dad

Dad and his brother Bob.

The Tanneruther Clan

Cousin Dick and his son Joe.

The Rainey family

 

 

It was so good to catch up and see how we had changed and made it through the years.   It was such a nice day and amazing to see us all there.  Those that put it on deserve a Huge Thank you!

Sunday we went to church, then rested until Hornet Day.  The band played, football, girls volleyball, soccer, cross-country, golf teams and band were all announced.  I helped the After-Prom Committee make money for what the kids want, which is go to Laser Web after Prom.  That sounds like a lot of fun. 

It rained on us a bit, but we did get everything in and had a great time. 

Today, the kids started back to school.  I did get a picture of them that I show later, plus shots from last night.  This is not as busy a week, but I am glad we are back on a schedule.  The kids need that structure for school.  It will wear them out this first couple of weeks, but that's okay.  Maybe Son will go to bed earlier!  NAH!

How was your weekend?

It's Friday!

In the words of Rebecca Black, "It's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday."

It has been a long week.  Not quiet sure why, but I'm glad I only have two more hours of work.  It is going to be a busy, fast-as-lightning weekend too.

Today:
Running errands including:  getting vehicle licenses, banking.  Making two cakes for two picnics, taking Foxy to his favorite pizza place in his hometown, and then going the the football scrimmage in a nearby town.  Go Hornets!

Tomorrow:  we have a family reunion.  I think Daughter is taking her BFF, AJ, homecoming shopping.

Sunday:  church, church picnic and then Hornet Days, which is where the fall sports, band, cheerleaders, etc. are introduced.  I will be actually helping running a booth for the After-Prom committee.  So it will be fun!

How is your weekend going to go?

Thursday Recipe Day

To use up my zucchini in a new and interesting way, I am trying a new recipe I found through email. I am so sure my kids will not like it, and my husband will complain because it's vegetarian.  I may try it with turkey sausage or something.

Zucchini Manicotti

12 Manicotti shells
1 T olive oil
1 meduim onion, chopped
4 medium zucchini, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (14 oz.) can Italian Stewed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
3 cups grated parmesan cheese

Cook manicotti shells according to package directions.  In a large skillet, heat oil.  Add onion, garlic and zucchini.  Cook on low heat for about 15 minutes until zucchini is tender.  Cool zucchini mixture, and then add cottage cheese, cheddar cheese and 2 1/2 cups of Parmesan cheese.  Mix well, adding seasonings to taste.  Stuff shells with mixture and place side by side in greased 9X13" baking pan.  Put stewed tomatoes in a blender to chop tomoatoes.  Pour over shells.  Cover and back at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.  Uncover, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and continue baking 10 - 15 minutes.

I think it sounds pretty good.  What do you think?

Busy End of Summer!

So yesterday was crazy busy at work.  But today may be a little more calm, though we have one person out sick and the other is with her daughter at the hospital waiting on a baby to be born. But at least right now it's pretty good.

So Son asked a girl to Homecoming. He bought her flowers, made her a big sign and sat her in car after band practice, waiting for her.  She loved it and said yes.  So he has a date for that.  Hmmmm.

Last night, Foxy and went to the garden and harvested quite a bit. As you can't see here, there are a lot of tomatoes, 2 zucchinis, green peppers, banana peppers and cucumbers.  Yummy!  I wish I could get the pictures to download.  But something is not good with this computer.  I am sad.  Tonight I am canning the tomatoes and maybe the banana peppers (I have a bunch more).    I will also grate one of the zucchinis and leave the other to grate on Friday night or Saturday.  I have a family reunion and a new chocolate zucchini cake recipe to try out. 

There is a church picnic on Sunday afternoon.  Then Sunday evening is Hornet's Day at the school.  Plus it being Foxy's birthday on Saturday.  We are going to get pizza from his favorite place, and go watch the football team scrimmage at a close rival.  I am excited about the weekend.  So hopefully I will fix this picture problem and be able to show you all the pictures I took over the weekend. 

Tomorrow evening, the kids have band practice, then they are having some friends they met over the summer over for a cookout over the fire pit.  That will be fun, and I am glad I am going to meet them.

Weekend Update

Well that was a fun weekend!  Foxy worked the whole time, Son went through Soccer Ref Clinics, Daughter went to a sleepover, we had a fire in the firepit, and yesterday was my company picnic.  It's was fun, though.

Son will start refereeing this coming Saturday at a tournament.  I have to find him a referee yellow shirt, black shorts and back socks with 3 white stripes.  So I am looking.

At the picnic yesterday, Son decided to do some Owling.  Have you heard of this?  First there was planking.  Planking is where you lay face down on some small thing.  Owling is where you perch on something small, or very high up. I'm trying to get a picture to upload, but having some trouble.  I'm so sad about not getting the picture up.  It's a great picture!

As soon as I can get it to post, I will.  How was your weekend?

What The Friday?

So last night, Son talked to me about three things.

1.  He finally wants to get a job.  He wants to go to the soccer clinic and be a ref for SAY soccer on Saturday mornings.  I'm kinda surprised, but that's good.  The clinic is tonight and tomorrow morning.

2.  He is going to ask a girl to Homecoming.  See Monroe's Homecoming is 33 days after they start school, so the kids better get a headstart.  He wants to get a bouquet of flowers and make a poster asking her.  He will put it on her car after band next week.  The kicker is that she is two years old than him.

3.  Finally, Daughter wants to get her ears pierced (she's 17).  He wants to also.  What do you think about a 14 year old getting his ear pierced.  I don't have a big problem with it, but there is a nagging of perception.  Is it such a big deal?  Foxy is more opposed than I am, but we will get a lot of flack from family, I am sure.

This is a busy weekend.

Tonight and tomorrow AM, Son has soccer clinics.  Also tomorrow, Daughter is babysitting and staying at a friends house.  Sunday is church and my company picnic. 

Have a great weekend!

Easy Sausage Red Beans & Rice Recipe

As we approach the start of another school year, I am looking at easy quick meals.  This makes for an interesting list of recipes.  We will have band, football games, homework, church and all the other activities that go along with it.

My husband loves this recipe.  It takes no time to make and sometimes easy and quick are the way to go!

Ingredients
1 package of Kielbasa (your choice), cut up into 1" slices
1/2 onion, diced
2 packages of Knorr Red Beans & Rice

Make Knorr Red Beans & Rice according to package.  Add Kielbasa and onions and simmer for 10 minutes. We added French style green beans and bread and butter as sides and have a great meal that takes no time.  Plus clean up is a cinch!

Foxy's Garden

Harvest is upon us!  Well, the start of it is.  With me being gone last week, the weeds are around, but the tomatos, peppers and zucchini are really taking off.

This is just a little of the harvest we picked last night.  The zucchini is great, the peppers and tomatoes are coming in, and the cucumbers...well, they are a bit bitter, but yummy.

That little white ball is my first watermelon.  I hope it starts growing!

This is a two-hander tomato.  It was hard to pick last night.

Here are two more tomatoes.  Most of the big tomatoes are not getting red, but a pinkish color.

Band on The Run 2011

One of our many band fundraisers has been a 5K run.  We have had success the past two years.  Here are some pictures of some of the runners.

Josie and the Raccoon.

I'm back!  Band camp was wonderful, but I'll tell you more about that another day.  Today I have to tell you about Josie and the Racoon.

On Friday morning, Foxy and I had to get up extra early because he had a stress test (as far as we know, all is well there).  We have normally been leaving the door from the garage to the back porch open, so Josie bell can come in and eat her food, and cool off.  We haven't been closing this door.  Well this morning, Foxy put Josie Belle out and all of a sudden she heard this racket in the garage.  He tried to open the door from the laundry room to the back door, but Josie was right in front of door, trying to get behind the deep freezer.  He started yelling at the dog, but she wouldn't have it.  So I came out to the dining room to see what was going on.  Foxy told me that the dog has something trapped in the garage.  I got my shoes on and went out the back door, through the porch and into the garage.  Josie was wagging her tail and barking at the thing.  Then I heard it growl.  Well, I went right over to Josie and grabbed her collar and got her out of there.  I closed the door and brought her in the house.  She went to the laundry room door, back to the back door, pacing and whining.  I left the room, and came back, and her ears were perked up and there was scratching on the walls.  It was trying to get out the way it came in.  So I went and opened the big garage door and watched.  After a few minutes, I saw a huge raccoon come out of the garage.  It was as big as Josie Belle was.  I then closed the door again and that was that.  Or so I thought.  Ever since that happened (on Friday morning), Josie has been obsessed with going out to the garage, sniffing everything out, getting behind the deep freezer.  Here is her last night just sitting waiting for someone to open the door for her.

I think she just wants to play, but she goes and spends hours in the garage now.  Over the years she has caught rabbits, birds, mice, and killed a skunk.  But she has not gone up against something this big.  She seems fearless thought.

Foxy's Garden

The watermelon is vining and blooming but there are no watermelon.

This is one of the volunteer plants.  Cherry tomatoes soon!

The green beans are rising high above the fence and blooming

See my peas.  They are almost ready!

Last week this cucumber was barely and inch long!

My 2nd zucchini!  I shredded them, used some for bread last night and froze the rest.

Wax pepper plant was full.  I picked them.  I may try and pickle them tomorrow evening.

Last night's harvest - peppers, radishes, cucumbers and zucchini.

My Grandma Rainey's Zucchini Bread. I wish I could share it with you!