Game Schedule

Here is the game schedule for this week:

Monday: Drake 5:15 Pioneer/Lebanon
Tuesday: Gunner 6:10 Boys & Girls Club/Albany
Wednesday: Drake 7:00 Pioneer/Lebanon
Thursday: Gunner 5:10 Boys & Girls Club/Albany

So if any needs us, I am sure we will be a gym somewhere watching basketball. (Lucky me, baseball tryouts are on February 28th)

Menu Planning...

Menu Planning is something that I have been doing for some time now, between that and doing my "cooking" days, some days, it helps me keep my sanity. I have gotten alot of ribbing, grief, jealousy, whatever, about my menu planning, but man does it work. (and being a stay at home mom now, we don't eat out near as much and I do actually have to cook more).

Since I don't have much to talk about some days, I thought I would post this week's menu. If I knew how to link, I would/could link to the recipes.

Saturday: Homemade Monkey Bread, then dinner was Pork Loins, with twice-baked potato casserole and corn
Sunday (SuperBowl): Homemade Chili, with Brats and cornbread
Monday: Baked Ziti, with garlic bread and salad
Tuesday: Crockpot Lasagna
Wednesday: Pizza Casserole, with salad
Thursday: Zesty Italian Crescent Casserole, with green beans
Friday: Smothered Mexican Lasagna, with salad

Yes, there are several casseroles this week, that is not normal, but we have games 4 nights, so I need to either fix ahead and then bake, or they are quick. Yes, we also eat that much salad. I am not always sure what I am having for a side dish, it varies and depends on our moods.

That is just a sampling of a weekly menu I do. This saves soo much time and money. Some weeks I might switch meals around, depending on time.

Enjoy, and if anyone wants a specific recipe, let me know

I'm Exhausted!!!!

I was going to post yesterday, but still trying to recuperate!! Had a GREAT day yesterday. Nichole picked me up about 9:00 A.M. (yes, that time is correct, yes, I was showered, yes, I was dressed, and YES, I did the best I could with my hair!!) We headed up to Salem, in the fog, to go shopping (window). First we went to Scrap Fever, never been to that store before, it was awesome, we spent about an hour there!! Although all I bought was some alphabet stickers, I will definitely go back once I have a regular paycheck!!

After that we needed a break, so we decided (it was about 11:00ish), it was time to lunch. Well, when in Salem, you have to go somewhere we don't have down here, so off to Olive Garden. YUMMMY!!!! We were both good and had soup, salad and breadsticks. We ended up sitting there for about 2 hours talking. It was really weird to sit there and have a 2 hour lunch. This one waiter kept coming back to make sure we didn't need anything. I think he thought Nichole was cute :D

After getting some sustenance and energy, we were off to the next scrapbook store. We went to Scrap Happens next to Sportsman. I don't think we spent as much time in there and I only spent a $1.00 BIG SPENDER!!!!

When were done there, the day was still young, so off to Crafters Warehouse we went. Had to browse the fabric department (Found some ADORABLE baby print flannel, but don't know anyone having a baby so had to leave it on the shelf). Then we migrated over to the scrapbooking department. Not sure how long we were in there, but I was kinda afraid they might start charging us rent. I was doing pretty good on the self control thing, until, I found this page protectors I had been coveting (is that a word!?) on the internet, and they were the same price, so had to buy them.

Once we finally got out of there, we decided to end the day with a nice chocolate malt from Carl's Junior (hey, don't judge, we did 8 laps this morning!!) and headed back to Lebanon. I was able to get home in time to take Gunner to his game (previous post). As I said, I would have posted sooner, but I am still trying to recuperate!!

It was a very nice, relaxing, low key day. BUT, let me tell you, when you are not used to it, shopping can WEAR YOU OUT!!!!

Of course, if she asked again, I am game (as long as it is not for clothes TEHEHEHE).......

Game Update...

WOW, that is about all I can say about Gunner's game. I feel bad for him and his team. Not really any highlights, they lost 15-45, it was kinda hard to watch.
Next week's schedule is as follows:

Monday, 2/2 Drake 5:15 Pioneer School/Lebanon
Tuesday, 2/3 Gunner 6:10 Boy's & Girl's Club/Albany
Wednesday, 2/4 Drake 7:00 Pioneer School/Lebanon
Thursday, 2/5 Gunner 5:10 Boy's & Girl's Club/Albany

Maybe I will have something better to update about next week!!

Off to walk.......

I GOT IT!!!!!

YEAH!!!!! Finally, got my first unemployment check. I know, how pathetic am I, that I get excited about something like that. Well, let me tell ya!! I have been off work for 3 weeks and this is my first check, so how excited would you be!!!

All I can say is, I thought unemployment would be like this!
But, OH NO!! Reality had to come along and bitch slap me and it feels more like this!!
(I'm not bitter!) :D ROFLMAO j/k, have a good day!!!

Game Update

Drake's team did it again, they won 32-22. Drake had 2 baskets, a couple nice passes, he played a really good game. Man is he fast!! He now has a few days break, his next game is on Monday, the 2nd, 5:15 P.M., Pioneer School. (gunner plays tomorrow night @ 5:30, Seven Oaks) Let's hope Gunner's game goes as well.

It's raining, I'm melting........

Got up to walk this morning with my partners in crime, it did start raining, but for only about a lap and no I didn't melt......We did manage to walk 8 laps (just a reminder, that is 2 miles!) in about 40 minutes, not too bad for 3 people who used to sit in chairs an only walk to the copier or the coffee pot. I have still been trying to elliptical in between, but ya know, with my crazy schedule it is hard some days :D I have not seen any results on the scales, which is a bummer, but then again, as I am sitting here typing, drinking my coffee and eating a donut!!!

Still trying to figure out a un-employed, what do I do with myself all day, routine. Have not had any crazy cleaning/organizing whims this week, not sure if those will kick in (Saving my now normal morning chores for the boys HEHEHEHE early release today, I think they need to do some work, MEAN MOMMY). Did manage to scrapbook one day and do 2 pages, but that was it. I think I need to plan another play day with Nichole to motivate me. I also, still, have not got any quilting done. I know, I know, WHAT do I do with my days!!!

Both boys had games on Monday, one good, one not soo good....Gunner's team lost by about 20 points, Drake's team won by about 20 points (no they did not play each other HAHAHA). I was at Gunner's game and he played pretty good, scored a basket, had some shots, played all but about 2 1/2 minutes, Chewy getting some exercise!! Did not get to see Drake's game, but he also scored a couple baskets and had a really good game defensively. Drake has a game tonight and I should be able to see that.

No much to report, as mentioned, trying to get in a routine, but some days it is hard!!

Well, Donut gone, coffee almost gone, must be about time to head to the shower. Have a good day......

This about sums it up.....

This was how I spent the weekend........exciting huh?!

Well, we have 4 games this week, 2 each,

Gunner plays Mon @ 6:45 @ Cheldelin/Corvallis and then on Thurs @ 5:30 Seven Oaks
Drake plays Mon @ 7:00 @ Pioneer/Lebanon and then on Wed @ 5:15 @ Pioneer/Lebanon

That is about I know for the week. Have a good one.........

TGIF.....

I know, I post this as a title ALOT, but does anyone every really, truly, get tired of it being Friday?!

Time to kick back and relax......I think I will have a few of these and call it good!


ENJOY!!

Well, that was ugly!

Gunner's game last night. We ended up losing 17-62. Gunner scored the first points of the game. He would have played the whole game, but he got hurt towards he end of the 3rd quarter. When he down, I thought he broke his leg, but he rolled/turned his ankle, he should be good to go for his game on Monday (7:00 P.M. @ Cheldlin/Corvallis). It was really rough game, their kids were tall and Gunner tried to defend, but when you are short it is hard. He did bang with them a few times and did manage to stop a couple of fast breaks. I hope his teams wins atleast one game this season!!

Drake's first game was on Wednesday, they won 37-24 (I think). It was a pretty good game. Drake is feeling frustrated and having some shooting issues (it's not going in), but we told him to just keep shooting and it will eventually fall. Nothing like Coach Mom and Dad on the sidelines. I don't think he scored any points, but he had a couple of good defensive plays, plus he is pretty fast (I think football conditioning was good for him!). His next game is on Monday at 7:00 P.M. Pioneer/Lebanon. Looks like we will be going opposite directions AGAIN! :D

As for me, just kinda kickin' it. Walked again this morning. I think we walked at a faster pace today, my legs kinda hurt, but it's good for me. I really enjoy our morning walks, it is very peaceful and kinda nice to catch up and chat. I think when I go back to work, I will definitely miss those morning walks.

Got Mocha???

I DO!!!!!!
Yummmy, yummmy for the tummy, tummy.........
Don't these look sooooo good?!!!

I have not had a mocha since, I think Christmas and since I was a 2-3 times a weeker, that is like a record. I feel like a junkie that has gotten her fix (and this is all that is left!)

I was feeling a little blue today and so I thought I would treat myself with a mocha. Of course when it kicks in I will be buzzing and have energy that I won't know what to do with.........we do have a basketball game at 5:30 and then drake has practice at 7:00, I will post scores tomorrow, so I am off to enjoy my MOCHA!!!!

Reporting in.....

Wow, bad blogger again, and I don't even have work as an excuse. I am still unemployed and let me tell you, some days (most days), I just do not know where the time goes!! I don't watch much tv (except the weekends) and I have not read much (except at night in bed), both are the same as when I was working. I have been walking about every other day with the girls (Nichole and Cindy), we meet at the track and walk about 6 laps. It is very nice and refreshing and nice conversation. On the opposite days I have been on the elliptical, trying to stay at around 18 minutes (picking up the tempo though!)

Today did a little scrapbooking and made a couple cards (Nichole came over) and it was a very nice day. Laidback, relaxing and I got some photos in an album, maybe that will start a trend.

I did manage to get my puter desk cleaned off (really should post before and after pics), and cleaned up/rearranged my bedroom, what an improvement!!

Gunner had a game Monday, they lost, won't even bother to post the score! His next game is Thursday @ 5:30, Seven Oaks/Lebanon. Drake has his 1st game tomorrow night at 5:30 in Sweet Home, hope it goes well.

That is about all I know, oh yeah, would this be a good look for a interview??????

JUST KIDDING!!!!! (made ya laugh!)

24 minutes YEAH BABYY!!!!!

and that is me on it :D (I wish)

Quick and Easy........

Here are couple quick and easy recipes. The Pizza Bake is a nice standby and I usually try to make sure I always have the ingredients on hand. Have it with a salad and some fruit, and you have a quick, easy, mostly kid friendly meal (not alot is low-fat, hmmmm, need to work on that!) .

For those that don't know, I love to search the internet for recipes and try new things. My family is not always the most agreeable and the best test audience, but I try anyways. I have tried some real duds, but that doesn't stop me from trying....Most of time I search Pillsbury.com, Kraftfoods.com, BettyCrocker.com, Allrecipes.com, Cooks.com, I am sure there are more, but those are off the top of my head. Here is some quick and easy (also some of the photos come from the websites as well)........

Grands Pepperoni Pizza Bake

1-16.3 oz can Pillsbury Grand Biscuits
1-8 oz can pizza sauce
8 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese
Sliced Pepperoni

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Seperate dough into 8 biscuits and cut each biscuit into 8 pieces, place in medium bowl. Add pizza sauce and 1 cup of cheese, toss to coat. Spoon and spread mixture in 9 inch square pan, top with pepperoni and remaining cheese. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until golden brown and not doughy in middle. YUM!

Velveeta Down Home Macaroni and Cheese

1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup flour
1 cup milk
8 oz Velveeta Cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked & drained
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 ritz crackers, crushed

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 3 tbsp butter in saucepan on medium heat. Whisk in flour, cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in milk; cook until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Add Velveeta, cook 3 minutes or until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in Macaroni.

Pour mixture in 2-qt casserole, sprinkle with cheddar, melt remaining butter, toss with crackers, sprinkle over casserole. Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.

Game 2...

Well, it is not starting out too promising. Gunner's team lost last night 37-51, it was a VERY physical game. There were only 2 kids Gunner's height, the rest were all the same height as our tallest kid, that does not bode well for a short team. Gunner played an excellant game, he was not on the bench much. What he lacks in height, he makes up for in thought. He had a couple really good defensive plays and was on the floor a few times (Drake thought we were watching football). Gunner scored 10 points, and 2 of those were 3 pointers. It was awesome!!

His next games are on Monday, the 19th @ 7:00 P.M., Seven Oaks/Lebanon and then again on Thursday, the 22nd @ 5:30 P.M., Seven Oaks/Lebanon.

Drake starts games next week, he only has one, it is Wednesday, the 21st @ 5:30 P.M., Boys & Girls Club/Sweet Home. Surprisingly, they only have one game that they both play, of course same times, opposite directions!

1st Game.

Gunner had his 1st game last night in Corvallis. I gotta say, it was not as bad as I was thinking. Our team was actually tied 28-28 until about the last 2 minutes. We did end up losing 28-37, but the score does not tell the whole story. Gunner did pretty good, especially since, the top of his head comes up to some of the kids shoulders. He has fairly decent ball control and thinks on his feet, he just needs to be a little faster. He had a 3 point shot that hit the rim and ALMOST went in, I wish it would have for him.....Well he will get another chance tonight, he plays @ 7:30 Boys & Girs Club, Lebanon. I will post next weeks game schedule later (I'm busy right now LOL).

As for the recipe below, yes, MIL, is milk, as I posted in my comments, the brain cells go fast when they are not being used...

Trying/starting to settle into a routine. I thought I had my laundry caught up, but I think it breeds in the basket and I don't think, especially with kids, it is EVER all caught up! Some days I do wonder how I ever had time to work!!

Today, I am off in a few to take Drake to school, then going to meet Cindy @ 8:30 and walk the track (Did 16 min on elliptial last night, I know less minutes but I went further, which means I was going faster). Both boys have early release today, so I think I will pick them up after school and chill for the afternoon.

Surprisingly, also, I have only read 1 1/2 books since "the day"...Can you believe it? I can't!!

Have a good day, until next time

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie...

Ok, I can't believe I am going to share this recipe, but the copy I have is getting to smeared to read, so I needed to retype anyway, so thought I would post. Again, this is with my modificiations and how I make it........ENJOY!!!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon mil
1 cup (generous) peanut butter, creamy
1 - 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 - 9 inch graham cracker crust
1 - 3.9 oz pkgs instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup cold milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 peanut butter cups, cut into pieces

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, 1 tablespoon milk and peanut butter until smooth. Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups of whipped toping. Spread mixture in bottom of pie crust.

In a 2nd bowl, stir pudding mix with 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream, mix until thick, immediately stirring in remaining whipped topping. Spread mixture over peanut butter layer.

Scatter peanut butter cups over top of pie, cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Of course, this recipe should be avoided by ALL who are trying to be good in this new year (Myself included). As you can see it is not exactly fat free. and to keep me honest, did 18 minutes on the elliptical last night. Each time I have added 1 or 2 minutes YAHOO for me!!

A Recap

I have survived my 1st week of unemployeement, let's recap....I think the earliest I have showered on any given day was 9:00 A.M., I have managed to catch up on all my DVR'd shows (Starter Wife, Top Chef, etc). Not sure why, but have NOT cooked dinner everynight because I was too busy or tired (BWHAHAHAHA). Hmmmm, let's see. I had my mom in hysterics when I asked her in a text message how to make a pot of coffee, because I did not know how much coffee to put in...........

I have my laundry almost caught up (washing bedding now) even folded (anyone who knows me very well, knows how scarey that statement is!), linen closet straightened up. Started to clean around the puter desk SCAREY, save that for another day and still need to do something with my room, but ya know, Rome was not built in a day.

I do think I need to get out my scrapbooking and quilting, maybe work on that. Thought about trying to teach myself to knit from youtube :D, we will see (I do still have some books to read)

A good thing (funny, that I would think this now), we start basketball games this week. Gunner plays at 5:30 @ Boys/Girls Club in Corvallis on Tuesday (1/13) and then again on Wednesday (1/14) @ 7:30 Boys/Girls Club in Lebanon. He plays his games in Lebanon, Albany and Corvallis. Drake starts games on the 21st and they are in Lebanon/Albany (will post schedules later)
I have had several requests for recipes, which I will continue to post, as that is one of my goals, is to organize my recipes. SO here is the recipe for today, it sounds weird, but it is DELISH!!!! Some of the recipes I have modified and will be posting the modified version, because I like them better! Enjoy!

Chiken Enchilada Quiche

1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box
4 eggs
1 cup 1/2 and 1/2
1 can (12.5 oz) chunk chicken, in water, drained (or 1 1/2 cup chicken)
1 1/2 cups broken tortilla chips
3 cups shredded cheese (I usually use colby jack, or straight cheddar)
1 cup chunky salsa
1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles
1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place pie crust in 9 or 91/2 inch glass deep dish pie pan. In medium bowl, beat eggs with wire whisk until blended. Beat in 1/2 and 1/2. Stir in chicken, chips, cheese, 1 cup salsa, chiles and salt. Pour into crust lined pan. Sprinkle pepper over top of filling. Bake 55 to 65 minutes or until crust is light golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Cut into wedges, serve with Sour Cream and/or Salsa.

How I spent my day.....

Ok, this is how I spent my day, looks good huh!! :D
Except for the lounge chair, the pool, the sun, the bikini and the frosty drink..........

OH DAMN, I HAVE TO WAKE UP NOW AND COME BACK TO REALITY!!!!

DAY 3 -- TGIF

TGIF, just what exactly does that mean to me anymore?! Not sure! Today was the ultimate though in the drop your kid off at school fashion statement (I can NOT believe I left the house like this) Flannel pj bottoms, baggie t-shirt, old ratty sweatshirt, of course flip flops, no bra, hair not combed and mascara down the side of my face. HOLY COW, what was I thinking!!!!
Although, I don't have the lion slipper, but this gives the general idear!!

Soo, I ended up doing 16 1/2 minutes on the ellipitical, at the end of 15 I was in the middle of a good song on the ipod, so had to wait for the song to end.

Went to lunch with Sally Sunshine (AKA Mary Jo) and had a really good chat and lunch. BTW, we walked from her office to the deli. Came home and wnated to take a nap, but it was cold in here, so I walked 1/2 way to the school and meet the boys and walked home with them. YES, I walked twice in addition to the ellipitcal!! Can you believe it!!!!

Since, I really don't have anything else to say, how about a recipe:

Beef Enchiladas -- basic recipe

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion chopped
1 (1.5 ounce) package dry enchilada sauce mix
10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In medium skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until beef is evenly browned and onion is tender.

Prepare the enchilada sauce according to package directions. Pour 1/4 cup of the sauce into the bottom of 9x13 inch baking dish.

On each flour tortilla, place an equal portion of the ground beef mixture and about 1 ounce of cheddar cheese, reserving atleast 1/2 cup of the cheese. Then tightly roll the tortilla and place seam side down in the baking dish.

Pour the remaining sauce over the top, sprinkle with remaining cheese and olives.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and cheese is thoroughly melted.

Of course, this is a basic recipe and I modify. I put some of the olives inside, and I usually use more cheese than is called for. I also sometimes use a can of sauce instead of the packet. here is a pic again In the picture there are only olives on 1/2 of them because Drake won't eat olives. SO 1/2 are with and 1/2 are without.

Day 2......

Ok, I promise this won't last very long (not the unemployment, but the daily monologue of the sausage sweats saga).

I FINALLY GOT MY HAIR DONE!!!! Can you freaking believe it (ok some people will understand this) I repeat, I FINALLY GOT MY HAIR DONE!!! OMG, it feels sooo much better!!! I was getting sooo desperate that this was looking good and tempting!!!!

I had 6 inchs cut off and then highlights and lowlights? (Is that right missy) a little bleachy blonde and a color called mocha and because I am now a government unemployee, that will be the closest I get to a mocha in a long time BADA BING!!!

Ok, so, got my hair done, like I said, it feels great! will maybe post a pic tomorrow, because right now it looks really sad (mark liked it too!! HEHEHE j/k)! Went and had lunch my mamma and my sista, and it was really nice...after that had to do a little grocery shopping, needed milk (but then I always need milk)!! I am kinda wishing now Miss, that I would have bought those jeans (I just now had to get in my jammies so I could wash my 2 pairs of jeans) because when I got to the grocery store, I found some money I had stashed in my wallet that I had forgot about......Oh well!!!!!

Soo, tomorrow is Friday, another day...not sure what my goal for tomorrow is, but I will figure it out when I get up (Oh yeah, elliptical for 15 minutes!). I will also try to post a couple recipes tomorrow Missy, because that will help me get organized and I need to re-type a bunch of them anyways!!

Ohhh and I decided to post a pic tonight of my hair, kinda last minute, so dont mind the muss!!!
Have a good night and until tomorrow, Princess Sausage Sweats out.....

OH, BTW, when looking for pics, be very careful what you google, you just never know what you are going to seeeee, there are ALOT of strange people out there!!

Ok, this one just made me smile!

Day 1....of unemployment

WOW, hmmm, sooo, welll,ok, it is feeling kinda weird. The alarm went off and I rolled over and just wanted to pull the covers over my head and sleep some more. BUT, had to take Drake to school. Soo, got up, brushed my teeth and was wondering what the latest fashion statement is for the unemployed mom dropping her child off at school was. Well, it turned out to be the clothes I had on yesterday, no bra, flip-flops and not even combing my hair :D (SCAREY!). Came home and wallowed for a bit, read for a bit, tried to take a nap and after about a hour (all the above done in that time) decided it was time to get up and do something...............

SOOO, I got my arse off the couch and dusted off the elliptical. Did 15 minutes on that. I know that does not sound like much, but until you have been on one and know how they can kick your butt, 15 mins in good. Especially since I have not been on it for ummm,hmmm atleast 6 months. Since I was nice and sweaty and stinky, I straighted up the living room, started a load of laundry and headed for the shower. Well, in between phone calls and text messages (Thank you everyone who loves me!), I managed to also straighten up the kitchen, pick up the kids (I walked (yes walked) 1/2 way to meet Drake coming home from school) and went to the bank (the check was definitely green, lets hope it doesn't bounce!). Not too bad for the first day!!!

I think I am gonna go read, still need to finish book 4 of Twilight and figure out what tomorrow will bring.....OH YEAH, my hair appointment YEAHH!!!!!! (desperately in need!)

All I can say, is I don't want to end up looking like this!!!!

It's not blue anymore......

I don't know if anyone reads this close enough or remembers, but awhile back I posted about the few times it was good for something to be blue. Well, one of those things was for my paycheck to be blue. I haven't received it yet, but I am pretty sure the one that comes Fed Ex tomorrow or Thur will not be blue. Yes, I have been a casuality of downsizing, a crappy market, the buyout, whatever you want to call it. But I am now officially UN-EM-PLOY-ED!! It feels SOOO weird!! I have worked since I was 16/17 and the only time off really, was my maternity leaves (and I don't think those count!). As I am sitting here typing, I am wondering what I am going to do with myself!! (Yes, I have already filed my unemployment claim online!) It has been a very emotional 2 days. Go back to work after vacation and have the big wig walk in and tell you the office is being closed, turn over your files and you have 2 days, then you are done. After 13 years, that was all there was. I can not explain how it felt walking out of the office and there was a big pile of boxes (for someone else to pack up files) and that was all that was left after 13 years. Even though there was, at times, alot of trials and tribulations, I worked with 2 of the girls for 10 and 13 years, we were like a family (and fought like one too!!) and we all knew each other so well and worked together pretty well, most of the time :D I really don't know or understand sometimes the thought process of corporate america!!

Soo, to the girls from the office and to everyone that I ever worked with, it was a helluva ride and I am sad to see it end.....Here is a toast to everything we did, everything we will do and as hard as it is right now (because man is it tough!), Everything does happen for a reason and we all have to remember we will come out stronger in the end!!! Hang tough! and as soon as we all receive a unemployment check, we should do lunch (McDonald's dollar menu HAHAHA!)

OHHH Yeah!!! One good thing that did come out of this!! I was able to get a hair appointment!! YEAH!!!! Soo, I have a hair appointment, will have awesome hair, but no one to show it too!! I will have awesome hair as I am home on my ass, watching daytime tv in my sausage sweats!! (heard that the other day and thought it was the funniest thing!!)

Recipe....

Ok, I am not going to post them all now, but I will post as I can (or think about it!) But be warned, I have LOTS of recipes, because I LOVE to cook and try new recipes!!!

Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Ironically, I got this recipe from Missy YEARS ago, it is a favorite of Mark's. Used to make it alot, then made it while I was pregnant with Gunner, and something about the smell or something, but, it was probably atleast 5 years before I made it again. Now I make it about every other month or so, sometimes more/sometimes less. As i said, I have lots of recipes!!)

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup oatmeal, uncooked
2 tbsp onion, chopped
1 beaten egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Mix together, form into balls and brown. Then mix together the following in a saucepan

6 tbsp worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp vinegar
6 tbsp sugar
1 (heaping) cup of Ketchup
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup finely chopped onion

Bring to a boil, then pour over browned meatballs and simmer for about 30 minutes. Serve over rice.

This recipe, the meat part, is also good for meatloaf. Enjoy (picture of balls simmering in post below)......

Need a little retail therapy....

Ok, or maybe I just need a little therapy! HAHA.....

Sitting here on this quiet Sunday afternoon (kids next door playing video games, mark channel hopping) and experiencing a little cabin fever. Had the opportunity to go somewhere, but ya know, nothing sounded very appealing. So, thought I would sit down and do a little online browsing....looking at TV's, but the prices are kinda scary...., looked a clothes, but that is just damn depressing (NOTE: need to start walking track while boys at basketball practice - gonna do it!! Mon, Tues and Thurs!), looking at scrapbooking stuff, but would need to actually do it, kinda the same with quilting/sewing (although I think this is cute!) might have to make one, but I would also need to practice my applique!!

I am eligible for a phone upgrade but can't decide which one I want. I would REALLY like the Blackberry Storm, is this not the coolest/funnest looking phone?! but, just gonna have to keep hopin and wishin....(yes, I have a phone fetish!!) Would really like one of these
hmmmm, need to start saving my pennies....

Have to go back to work tomorrow, kinda sad, it will be nice to get back on some kind of a routine, but not looking forward to the normal work grind, kwim?! Plus, I am not sure what I am going back too, I guess I will find out in the morning.....(of course working will get me closer to my new phone! HEHEHE)......

Well, not sure the retail therapy is working, really can't find anything I need/want/gotta have!! I think I might go read some more. I think I have read about 4 or 5 books while I have been on vaca! (need to go finish #4 of Twilight, WHOA, did not expect that twist!! Kim, you should read them....)

Out with the Old, In with the New ~~2009~~

Happy New Year one and all!!

Another year to look forward to. Can't say as I am too sad to see the end of 2008, but then again, it wasn't the worse year ever. There were actually quite a few highlights for the year. As previously mentioned, we spent the summer traveling around the state to baseball tournaments. It was alot of travel and with gas prices what they were, well, OUCH!, but ya know, I would not have traded it for anything. It was alot of fun to see both boys play and we saw some really good games and some really good plays (ok some not soo good too, but ya know). Although, I don't think I care to repeat the Redmond tournament in the snow, that was a bit much!!

Because of the sports, we did not get much camping in. I think we went 3 times and 2 of those times was while the boys were on their roadtrip to Branson (which I still wish I could have gone on!)

We did get some playing in too. Took the boys snowboarding in March, went fishing 4th of July (mom caught a monster bass!), went to a Beaver game, went to the coast, as mentioned, the boys had their 3 week vacation back to the MidWest. Mark and Gunner did some deer hunting and are now enjoying some duck hunting....

As for me, I do wish I would have had more time for some quilting or scrapbooking. I have been doing alot of reading (alot of times it is while I am waiting for practice to get over or at the orthodontist), but, that is about all. Some days there are just not enough hours in the day!! We spent most of the year going from practices, games, tournaments and the other stuff just kinda thrown in...and guess what!! We start basketball games week after next :D......

Here are a few pics to recap the year of 2008....May 2009 bring you everything you want and more!!! (So far all is has brought me, besides rain, is a teenager!!)a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr6fz_hwvRg5MuOM94rsNkTtEa9yZMvL1in-SadjLTX-0UuMR04SCmowbwNR-3tQ0DmoZYYkIoPQ4v-Yd1U13mkDuqb3_thCjd5v_j6i7VUHt25tD7bFvrGTsiof4QqJXh5UflXmdC44/s1600-h/DSC02196.JPG">a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiNZ6KYTrgLr7zW3IFrT5KH4sN_T9SGzlOF5CL89ZY2pZzdWzINI9cRtfhCOMur4tQticGY8mO5-2nVWlchVqw8L0hgr5oT135U2H1TG_OGp0ID72MCcovmDWqL4xXG7J-ImkVOnIROs/s1600-h/DSC02618.JPG">
Happy Birthday to Gunner, he officially turned 13 yesterday. I think with the recent acquistion of braces, it makes him look older (where did my sweet little boy go!!)