The Cook with a Book The Daily Readings, Lovings, Bakes, and Makes

Only Because He's Patient with Us

2011-05-25T09:22:00.001-07:00

⁸Dear friends, don't forget that for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day. ⁹The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.
¹⁰The day of the Lord's return will surprise us like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a loud noise, and the heat will melt the whole universe. Then the earth and everything on it will be seen for what they are. ¹¹Everything will be destroyed. So you should serve and honor God by the way you live. ¹²You should look forward to the day when God judges everyone, and you should try to make it come soon. On that day the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and everything else will melt in the heat. ¹³But God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth, where justice will rule. We are really looking forward to that! ¹⁴My friends, while you are waiting, you should make certain that the Lord finds you pure, spotless, and living at peace. ¹⁵Don't forget that the Lord is patient because he wants people to be saved. This is also what our dear friend Paul said when he wrote you with the wisdom that God had given him. ¹⁶Paul talks about these same things in all his letters, but part of what he says is hard to understand. Some ignorant and unsteady people even destroy themselves by twisting what he said. They do the same thing with other Scriptures too.
2 Peter 3:8-16

Living the Dream

2011-04-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

I have been, My DEAR friends, living for the past few weeks in a house that is fantastic. It has been so comfortable and already feels like we have lived there for a long time. We have had friends over, in-laws, KIDS GALORE, and still it's home to us.

In my time before Monk wakes up in the mornings, I get to read. I ran across a verse the other day in my Bible that really got me thinking about the feelings of the past and present. It's the good ol' story of Jonah and the big fish. A favorite Veggie Tales movie of ours. Jonah is running from what God wanted him to do. When God causes a big storm and for Jonah to be thrown overboard by the shipmates, he is swallowed up by a big fish to set him back on track of his journey.

²When I was in trouble, LORD,
   I prayed to you,
   and you listened to me.
   From deep in the world
   of the dead,
   I begged for your help,
   and you answered my prayer.
    ³You threw me down
   to the bottom of the sea.
   The water was churning
   all around;
   I was completely covered
   by your mighty waves.
    ⁴I thought I was swept away
   from your sight,
   never again to see
   your holy temple.
    ⁵I was almost drowned
   by the swirling waters
   that surrounded me.
   Seaweed had wrapped
   around my head.
    ⁶I had sunk down below
   the underwater mountains;
   I knew that forever,
   I would be a prisoner there.
   But, you, LORD God,
   rescued me from that pit.
    ⁷When my life was slipping away,
   I remembered you--
   and in your holy temple
   you heard my prayer.
Jonah 2:2-7

I have always loved that story, but taking the time to read it made this sink in; reread verse 6.
How much LOVE!!!! How much grace and fantasticness!!!! What a divine plan for us to be rescued from our self-made pits. I look at where I have been in my life, and look at where I am now. I realize it is by the ever loving and continual grace of My God I am out of the pit.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, I will give Him the praise for the new house, and for taking the computer away from me, so that I may focus on what is really important. My ever daily and never ending walk with Him. Pray that I can keep it up, and hold me accountable. It's the least I can do for all He's done for me! Hello? Easter?!?!?!?!
I will tell you the house is finding it's niche. We have been moving furniture, setting pictures, and removing things to get it just right.  We are also looking into the iPad. So let me know what you think! I really like it, but there are setbacks too. I will get pics posted ASAP. You know how it is :)

Update*

2011-04-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

OK, so we have moved!!!! It was a tone of work, but very grateful for all the prayers and hard work that went into making all this happen. We are surviving on 3 channels of TV, no computer (thank you library card) and a swing set/jungle gym in the backyard. I never thought I would say how great it is to not have the constant sound. Needless to say, God and I have been having some great quality time. probably wouldn't be so great with the other stuff. No distractions. So bear with me, because it'll be a bit.

Random Makings Blog HOP

2011-04-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

Grab my HOP button and PLEASE post it on your page to get the word out.
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trust

2011-03-31T06:52:00.002-07:00

If anyone out there, and I know you are out there, has ever been through any sort of buying experience, you know that there has to be a certain amount of trust in the people you are putting your money with. You buy a house, lots of people you need to trust. A car, one or two people. Groceries..................you get the picture.

What about when there is a breach of that trust? How does one handle that stirring amount of emotion that is bubbling up inside of oneself? It's hard for me to understand how in these tough times that the people that you are supposed to trust the "most" are sometimes the ones trying to squeeze you for all you're worth. Taking advantage of a situation of knowledge we don't obtain.

Buying a house to make a home has been an adventure to say the least. We have looked at well over 50 before deciding on the right one for us. The excitement is high, and the emotions are even higher. I now understand why it's a piece of the American dream. It's a dream if anything goes the way that it's supposed to. However, through the hard work and dedication of our lovely realtor R, we are making it through. There have been some BUMPS to say the least, but she has earned and has kept our trust.
What a wonderful example how God puts people in our lives to strengthen our faith in Him. Knowing His plan for us, and knowing He only has the best planned if we are patient enough to trust only in Him is such a huge step to make. We all want the best, but even through worst, our eyes should never be fixed on anything or anyone else but Him.

¹⁴When times are good,
   you should be cheerful;
   when times are bad,
   think what it means.
   God makes them both
   to keep us from knowing
   what will happen next.
Ecclesiastes 7:14
How can we praise Him when things are going good, and then pout like a baby when things aren't going our way? We should always be in a state of praise, whatever the situation. Trust.  Know that there will be slammed doors and opened ones that are better. Know that the perserverance through the tough stuff gives us what we need to make it, and keep the faith. ²My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. ³You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. ⁴But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. James 1:2-4

He is not afraid of bad news;
   his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD
Psalm 112:7

⁹For every breach of trust, whether it is for an ox, for a donkey, for a sheep, for a cloak, or for any kind of lost thing, of which one says, 'This is it,' the case of both parties shall come before God. The one whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.
Exodus 22:9 (I'm sorry, I couldn't help it)

⁴Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 26:4

it had an "E"

2011-03-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

And I'm an E, so it works.

Pockets

2011-03-29T06:47:00.001-07:00

Monk is at a stage in his life. He is stuck in the middle of being the self motivated, "I wanna do it!" and an "I need you to hold me!" fit throwing three year old. He has never been a fit thrower until now. I guess saving the best for last huh? BUT, this post is not about the fit throwing. It's about the one thing that he has discovered that has seemed to be the best thing in the world, pockets. I don't think Monk ever knew what they were for. Just something to put piggy bank money in when we find it one the ground. Nothing special, just there.

About a week ago, I had to work on a weekend. This is nothing new, but now, it's warm enough to go fishing. Love and Monk get the poles, MIL in tow, and off to the hole.

I was greeted with rocks. Lots of rocks. MIL said she actually emptied the pockets full of rocks while out at the hole. Rocks remained embedded in the bottom.
Next free day we go out to the said hole to fish, and shells are being put into pockets. "I'm saving them for you." Ah, sweet kid.
Yesterday, beautiful day!! Outside. Rocks and dead bugs found in the dirt are going into pockets.

I'm noticing a pattern here, and I think all little boys do this, correct? Just waiting for something good to pop out!

{here}

BOOK REVIEW: The Yada Yada Prayer Group #1: Neta Jackson

2011-03-28T08:02:00.001-07:00

A: With a big cup of coffee in my hand and a Kleenex close by, I give this book a very big A. I'm very excited that there are several books to follow this one!!!

An I'm-not-as-big-of-a-sinner-as-her Jodi Baxter is thrust into unknown territory with a group of ladies at a Prayer Conference. They are all from different backgrounds; Ex con, ex druggie, a nurse, her boss, and a bunch of attitudes. Jodi finds herself unable, but wanting to, identify and help these ladies, since she herself doesn't need any help. As the group grows to more than a prayer group, she starts to learn the TRUE meaning of God's grace to everyone, even herself.

I cried at least 3 times during the reading of this book. It was such an awesome read, and a very easy one at that. When starting, I thought that Jodi was pretty full of herself. She had the perfect little life, husband, kiddos. She was helping the more underprivileged people of her city by bringing her family into their world. It's easy to see where we would like to bring our easiness into some one's hardships and not expect to be changed. I love how this book shows that even the lowest drug addict can be taken by the grace of God and be forever changed. Even though it is a Christian series, I would urge anyone who loves a good Fiction to give it a read! The Characters were well thought out, one can relate, you can see yourself going through the motions of the book. Very well written from every angle. Emotions will stir in you.

Random Makings HOP

2011-03-25T06:48:00.001-07:00

Grab my HOP button and PLEASE post it on your page to get the word out.
Follow Me and leave a comment so I can follow you back if you're new here.
Link up your Random Making. (knittings, pictures, recipes, paper stuff, paintings, random messes your kiddos made in your kitchen)
Follow others. Hopefully I can get enough to start spotlighting people!

Random Thinks of Randomness

2011-03-24T05:00:00.004-07:00

*what am i going to make for dinner?
*when are we really going to move in?
*why is it happening now? now! of all times!!!
*thank you God for allowing the trials to be bearable
*i have some great friends
*i have how much laundry to do?
*some day, i will be a tad bit cooler than i am now
*are skinny jeans really only for skinny people?
*no sugar for Monk, no sugar for momma
*i do have a great tan going on
*passon iced tea lemonade sounds really good right about now

*hair dye didn't take as well as i had hoped

{here}

Aren't You Excited Too!!!

2011-03-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

Think about the one thing that you do or watch that is all for you. The one thing that doesn't include the kids, husband, or dog for that matter. The one that is your guilty pleasure that glues you to your seat and has you for an hour of sweet bliss.

Mine, ladies and gents, is Dancing With the Stars. Now, on a side note, Monk is a lover of the show as well. However, he does sit with Momma as the pros twirl the "stars" around the floor. I love the judges and their quirky comments. Talking like the stars have any clue what they are saying. The costumes. OH MY GOODNESS, the costumes. Might as well walk around in some undies and call it a day. But bravo for getting out there and wearing it. I'm glued, hooked, obsessed, into. Whatever you want to call it, that's what I am!

What is your guilty pleasure of the time? Your indulgence? Love to know!

RANDOM MAKINGS BLOG HOP

2011-03-18T04:00:00.002-07:00

Grab my HOP button and PLEASE post it on your page to get the word out.
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Your Dinner Recipes For Tonight!

2011-03-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

OK, I'll do it. In honor of St. Pat's Day, green it is. Unlike most people, we will not be celebrating with the normal toasting of a drink into the air, or serving green items of food. Just not that into St. Pat's Day. BUT, for those who are, be safe, and remember, it was green when it went in :).

Yesterday was a day of pictures. Today is a day of recipes.

Mexican Cornbread
~Browned meat of your choice (I used Venison Chirizo)
~1 sm can of corn or cream corn
~1/2 can roasted green chilies
~handful of cheese
~1 batch of cornbread already made

Mix all the ingredients together for the meat filling.
Make the cornbread according to the container.
Put the meat mixture in a baking dish.
Pour the cornbread over the meat. Take a knife and punch through the cornbread so that it seeps down into the meat.
Bake at 350 till a knife inserted comes out clean. BE CAREFUL TO COOK THE CENTER TILL DONE!! IT'S SNEAKY AND YOU END UP WITH A VERY GOOEY CENTER!! I AM SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE HERE!!

My Mother would always put sliced jalapenos on top and use the creamed corn. Hers was always better anyways.

Best Ever Pinto Beans

~1/2 bag of dried Pinto Beans
~1 pickled jalapeno
~3 strips thick cut bacon and any other meat you have already cooked (I had some jalapeno turkey sausage left over from the other night)
~garlic powder, seasoned salt, pepper

Rinse and soak the beans overnight till they are plump.
Dump and rinse the beans one more time, and then put them into the cooking pot or crock pot. Add enough water till it's 2x as much as the beans.
Put in the bacon and jalapeno.
turn on the heat to boil, and the reduce heat to simmer.
Add garlic powder and salt/pepper to taste.
Let the beans cook all day long, or at least 5 hours so that the broth is nice and tasty and the beans are tender.

Semi-HomeMade Marble Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream

OK, I cheated. We had a Marble cake mix in the freezer and I wanted cake. Don't judge me. I made the buttercream all by myself.

I used the buttercream recipe from Williams-Sonoma and it was DELICIOUS!!!

Dip, Spread around, and eat!!

Dinner in Pictures

2011-03-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

Makings of Mexican Cornbread

Best Beans Ever

Marble Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream

STOP BY TOMORROW AND GET THE RECIPES!!!!

Book Review: The Potluck Club

2011-03-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

F: The Potluck Club: Linda Shepherd, Eva Everson How can something so right turn out to be something so blah. I think I was supposed to read these books first, and then read The Potluck Catering Club afterwards. I find myself doing that with series lately. ANYWHO, to tell you the truth, if I would have read this book first, I don't think I would have continued on to reading the rest of the series. I could not for the life of me, get into the story. Maybe it's because I had already formed a bond with the girls of the PLC. Maybe I already knew some background and that was good enough for me. Whatever it was, it made me sad.

I think though, If one was to read it IN ORDER, then one would enjoy it. It was kinda fun seeing the girls become friends, and not just think they were put together because they wanted to be. Everyone knows that we have to work on friendships, and some just come more naturally than others. From reading what others have said about the book, I don't think I am alone in my thinking. The recipe cards at the chapter markers is a great touch, and one really feels the characters embarrassments and struggles. I just didn't finish the book. I don't think it flowed as well as the Potluck Catering Club series. I still have one more to read from that. The library does not have it in yet, to my knowledge.

SO, I am now taking recommendations for new books. I have NO IDEA who or what I would like to read about, just Fiction. Got a good one one your brain?? Let me hear it!!!

Random Makings Blog Hop

2011-03-11T04:00:00.007-07:00

Grab my HOP button and PLEASE post it on your page to get the word out.
Follow Me and leave a comment so I can follow you back if you're new here.
Link up your Random Making. (knittings, pictures, recipes, paper stuff, paintings, random messes your kiddos made in your kitchen)
Follow others. Hopefully I can get enough to start spotlighting people!

Also a BIG congrats to Number LOOK BELOW!!!! You are the winner of the $30 CSN GIVEAWAY!!!!! I will be emailing you shortly about your winnings! If, by chance, the winner does not respond in the 48 hours given, then a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to ALL who entered. Makes me feel good to know you stopped by!
(winner was chosen by the RNG at random.org. The number was by what number comment you were on the giveaway.)

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 13 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

GOING AWAY IS THE GIVEAWAY.................

2011-03-08T06:59:00.003-07:00

I'M CLOSING THE $30 CSN GIFTCARD GIVEAWAY ON FRIDAY, SO ENTER HERE TO GET YOUR NAME IN!!!!

COME ON GUYS!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!! I KNOW YOU CAN!!!

THROW ME A BONE HERE, IT'S MY VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY :)

Nothin' But the BEST

2011-03-07T08:02:00.001-07:00

For the past few months, we have been searching for a house to call our home.  It has been difficult to be patient through the whole ordeal. I have seen A LOT of houses that were given to us to see, and thought to myself "Is this really what God would want for us?" My answer always came back to myself   "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
I have always known that God's plan for me is much better than my own, and I know that I want to store up treasures in Heaven (Matt. 6:19-20), but I also knew that I didn't want to have to live with my in-laws for the rest of our lives. I do have fantastic in-laws, so I don't have to worry about that. I have been VERY blessed in that. But the houses being provided were far from desireable, and the ones that were great were being bought up faster than one could imagine. I'm literally talking we get back into the car, call, and they're gone.
Now, if there was ever a point of frustration level, I had reached it. I have never prayed for patience as much as I have in the past few months. The houses were blah to say the least, and Monk had reached his cooperation level after house #42. I think this is where God reminds us who is in control. There is a reason why He is in control and why "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11" takes on a whole new meaning for me. We are given opportunities to turn frowns upside down. Greater things are planned for us than what we have planned for ourselves. We have to put our hope and trust in Him, and only in Him. He will provide things better than we could ever imagine. If it's in the form of a house with a great backyard, Monk ready, or if it's simply being still (Psalm 46:10) and taking in His glory and knowledge He wishes to give me at that point in time. There is a peace(Philippians 4:7), and it has been bestowed to our little family.
So here's to learning how to make curtains and watching more HGTv.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here! I'll be closing it soon and want you to win!

And That Was My Affair...........................

2011-03-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

{here}

Let's start off shall we by giving a definition of affair:

–noun

anything done or to be done; anything requiring action or effort; business; concern: an affair of great importance. {dictionary.com }

So now that we have that out of the way, lets start off by setting the stage for how this affair all started.

Some time ago, I noticed that my bottom half was starting to look a tad bit too full. I've been small by nature MOST of my life. There have been times that I have really let myself go and have paid a HEAVY price. After Monk was born though, I've stayed small. Here lately, with stress and too many posts of sweetnesses gracing the table, I decided that I needed to do more to keep myself healthy and in shape. Love, by nature, is awesome at keeping fit. He would run, lift weights, or go on one of his bike rides to who knows where going who knows how many miles.

Insert affair

Like any great workout, you start with the best of intentions. You get up earlier than you normally would. You start by putting your clothes and shoes on, not making your coffee. And off you go on your teadmill. You love your convenient way of staying healthy. TV and burning calories; nothing better than that! But like any good affair that starts off hot and heavy, the passion that once was there is now fading to an abyss. Where's the fire that once was? It's burning out, or gone.

So that was my affair with the treadmill. I do have regrets, like any other slacker would. Please tell me I'm not alone!

make sure and enter my giveaway for a free $30 from CSN. Top of the page on the right. can't miss it!

I Heart A GREAT GIVEAWAY

2011-02-28T07:12:00.002-07:00

I will be the first to say that I am a giver. I love to give stuff, good stuff, to people. Today marks the very first day for the

$30 CSN GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

Not hard to enter at all. I don't have a Facebook or Twitter, so that cuts that out :)

All I want is to know:

What, out of the hundreds of CSN Stores there are on line, would you choose to buy?
Would you buy this product for yourself? Or buying for someone else?
Leave me a comment with your answers,your email address so I can get ahold of you, and follow me if you're new here!

I'm wanting to leave this open for 2 weeks just to make sure eveyone has the opportunity to enter!

A BIG thanks goes out to the fine people over at CSN for providing the gift code! Thank you!

Good luck to everyone!! They have GREAT stuff! Need I remind you of the Lasagna Pan?!?! Super quick and highly satisfied customer! I will use Random.org to determine the lucky number, which will be based off of what number your commet falls on. Thank you so much for entering!

Random makings Blog Hop

2011-02-25T06:41:00.002-07:00

Grab my HOP button and PLEASE post it on your page to get the word out.
Follow Me and leave a comment so I can follow you back if you're new here.
Link up your Random Making. (knittings, pictures, recipes, paper stuff, paintings, random messes your kiddos made in your kitchen)
Follow others. Hopefully I can get enough to start spotlighting people!

Pulled Venison Sandwiches with a side of Giveaway

2011-02-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a whirl wind type of week, hence, the no posting. I apologize to all of you. I was a slacker of sorts. It has actually been one of those weeks where one can't sit down and catch their breath. You know those kinds of weeks. Nothing gets cleaned unless you clean the bathroom for the 5 minutes you are waiting on a Monk to get his shoes. That kind of week.

Yesterday was great for some reasons. We were shown a house that was spectacular!!! The bad thing is, everyone else thought it was too. So we fill out paperwork, pray for God's will to either slam the door in our faces once again, or to let it go through and it be our home. Still waiting, still being patient.
As we were looking at homes, back at our home, a crock pot was slowly cooking a beautiful venison roast till nice and tender. I love the crock pot on crazy days like that one!!

Pulled Venison Sandwiches

1 venison roast (or one of your choosing)

1/2 c water

garlic powder

red pepper flakes

mesquite seasoning

salt/pepper

Worcestershire sauce

coat the roast in the seasonings and put into the crock pot.

Pour water into the crock pot and cover

let cook on LOW all day long

use 2 forks to pull the meat apart in a dish

pour the juice over the pulled meat and splash with the Worcestershire to your taste buds.

I made sandwiches out of rolls with some Danish Havarti cheese, some Famous Dave's Pickles, and a touch of BBQ sauce.

Matches made in heaven!

Don't forget about the $30 CSN giveaway coming soon! Check it out here!

Playing House & $30 giftcard for a LUCKY FOLLOWER!!!!

2011-02-21T04:00:00.006-07:00

OK, I'll be the first to admit that even though we are still looking for a place to call home, I have already been looking at all the fun stuff that I can fill the home with. Sometimes a house just needs that certain something to make it a happy place to be. I am trying to think about where we spend the most time. A few places pop into my brain: the living room, the kitchen, and the back yard. I have enough stuff to fill up a large kitchen and Monk has enough stuff to dig around in the back yard. Yet, we do not have a TV or a TV stand. Love and I have a basic idea of what kind of flat screen we would want, and know that there are lovely and classy looking flat panel TV stands from my beloved CSN. I'm kinda partial to this little number:

Seriously, who wouldn't want that adorning their living room?? I ask you, who??!?!?! There are plenty of other ones to choose from, but this was my favorite.

Speaking of cool stuff.............................

I'm hosting a GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Super excited about this one. The lovely people over at CSN are graciously allowing one of you lovely people to get a $30 gift certificate to use on any of their wonderful sites!! Need I remind you about the Orange Lasagna pan? They are awesome over there, and now passing that awesomeness over to you!!

I will be doing the giveaway sometime next week, so make sure to check back often, and be the lucky one!!!

Random Makings Blog Hop

2011-02-18T04:00:00.003-07:00

Grab my HOP button and PLEASE post it on your page to get the word out.
Follow Me and leave a comment so I can follow you back if you're new here.
Link up your Random Making. (knittings, pictures, recipes, paper stuff, paintings, random messes your kiddos made in your kitchen)
Follow others. Hopefully I can get enough to start spotlighting people!

Like a Bee on Honey

2011-02-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Is there any cure for a 3 year old who wants to be touching Mom all the time? Or a cure for wanting to be held, all the time? If there is will someone please tell me!! Monk is 3, and still very much is in the "I need Momma to hold me." stage. Some mothers may love the fact that they can just sit and hold their child all they want to. Do you know how bad I feel when I'm telling him "No."? I don't want him to think I'm rejecting him, it's just I don't want him to be 5 and still wanting to be held as soon as he comes home from school. A hug, great. A kiss, fantastic. But not the constant crying like a baby, I want to be held. I know kids have their certain Love Languages and I want to be the mom God has planned for me. But this? Why this?
I think this is called regression. He is very independent, and wants to do things all himself. I use moments as teachable, and yet he has received his thick skull from his mother. The whiny voice and the crocodile tears no longer affect me like they used to, because they have been over done. We have never been ones to give him a reason to act like this. We have most of the time (and no one can be perfect all the time) been the supportive, caring, and raise him up right kind of parents.
I think about the kiddos I taught who were raised by just Mom because Dad was in jail. Or raised by a neighbor because both parents were in Iraq. Those are the kids that one would expect there to be some flair ups from. Not a kid that has both parents how are actively a part of his life. He's not spoiled, but he doesn't lack anything either.
So thank you for letting me rant this Thursday. Any one of you ladies go through this?

Dinner and Treats for the Girls

2011-02-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

M and FIL went to AJ's Grocery to find some salmon rub for the lovely salmon steaks Love got for us. We stayed in for the Valentine's Day hustle and bustle and PDA. While at AJ's they found Tom Douglas Salmon Rub and it was DELICIOUS!! Love had some rub from World Market that was tangier, but this one comes into a close 2nd place. We brushed the steaks with a bit of Olive Oil, and then packed on the rub. The brown sugar and paprika gave it a beautiful color, while the red pepper flakes gave it a zip. After the rub, we put cedar planks on the grill(soaked in water all day) and grilled the salmon on top. Wonderful combination of flavors and smells. I made a salad to go with the fish. I needed something light after the See's box of chocolates given to me by Love. It was even nice enough outside to eat at the table. Gator and Kinley's noses were doing some over time trying to find dropped pieces of fish. There were none.

Today is Bible Study, and as a post V-Day treat, I brought some decorated chocolate covered pretzels for the girls. Sharing is caring!

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

1 bag favorite pretzels (I used the sticks. Easier to dip)

2-3 colors of chocolate

sprinkles

treat bags

Heat base color of chocolate in a medium sized bowl
spread parchment paper on the table to lay the pretzels down on
Take a spoon and drizzle the chocolate all over the pretzel. Keep the stick inside the bowl while doing this. Saves on chocolate. Cover completely.
Tap the pretzel against the side of the bowl until excess chocolate is off, then place on the paper
repeat till all desired pretzels are covered
drizzle with sprinkles or another color of chocolate and wait till its dry to put into gift bags!

Some Body LOVES me.....................................

2011-02-14T06:57:00.001-07:00

Love and I have never been one to celebrate Valentines Day. Call it bitterness, but the said holiday has never been a very good one to me either. This mornings, however, has a different tune to it. Behold~

Get Your Chocolate Here

That is a box of beloved See's chocolate in the picture. The same box that was hap-hazardly stuffed into my purse. I happened upon the box as I was making my coffee, adn noticed things were not quite right with the shape of the purse.

It's quite possibly the BEST chocolate that one will EVER put into their mouths. It's silky, creamy, and the flavors are actually ones that you want to keep, not one to bite and spit out. It's really awesome as well that they ship to APO addresses (overseas), so send your Love some love!

Who knows, could have been my mother-in-law, but she would have said something. I think it was Love and Monk. SO..............................in a new tradition of the E's and especially for me,

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
Dinner tonight will be on the lighter side, because my butt is getting on the heavier side. Talipia with a chef salad should be in order. Get the recipe tomorrow!

2011-02-11T04:00:00.002-07:00

This weekend I would like to see what your Random Makings are. It can be food, knitting, sewings, headbands, whatever!

~Follow Me and leave a comment so I can follow you back!
~Grab the button and post it so I can get the word out! (on the right side of the page)
~Link up with your Random Making of the week, or link to the specific post of the making.
~Find some other good ones to follow and see what you can do!

1+1+1= A Smart Brain and a Full Belly

2011-02-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

1:A: A Taste of Fame: The Potluck Catering Club

Linda Evans Shepherd/Eva Marie Everson

I have really come to love these characters. Vonnie, Lisa LeAnn, Donna, Evie, Lizzie, and Goldie are chosen to be apart of a reality show called The Great Party Showdown. The girls must really pull together to make it on the streets of New York, and survive the elimination round against some no good participants. This story is one of togetherness, forgiveness, and real friendship.

I actually cried during this book. I don't know if it was the hormones that have seemed to have taken over my body, or that it was JUST that great of a story. All the books so far seem to be easy and fun reads. It's easy to get caught up in the story lines. If Shepherd and Everson want the reader to feel like the characters and imagine we are there with the girls of the PCC, then BRAVO! to them. I'm a hooked Potlucker!

2: Dinner~ Sour Cream Enchiladas

OK, So yesterday I had NO IDEA what I was going to make for dinner. I knew I wanted something chicken, yet had no chicken to thaw out. I walk into the pantry and behold

*******canned chicken that we buy and never eat******

Well canned chicken is already cooked, so there we go! Saves time and made so OH SO GOOD enchiladas.

*1/2 a medium onion

*2 cans chicken

*1/2 large tub sour cream

*1/2 small can green chilis

*10-12 corn tortillas(oh my goodness, CostCo carries corn tortillas in the frozen foods that you cook. If you can get these, they are the best!!!!)

*oil to fry the tortillas in

Saute the chopped onion with some butter and a bit of oil, add both cans of chicken, shred, and cook till colored
I added some seasoned salt to add some taste, but you won't need much
take out chicken, add more oil to fry the tortillas
put one tortilla in at a time, fry on both sides for about 1 minute, lay on a paper towel, put another one in the oil.
fill the tortilla with the chicken, however much you would like, and roll the enchilada closed. Repeat with remaining chicken and tortillas.
stir together the sour cream and chilis and put on top of the enchiladas
350 degrees in the oven till warmed through, top with cheese, melt, and serve!

3: Strawberry Sour Cream Cake

We are not a V-Day celebrating family. Never have been. This year has been a bit tough for Love and I, mainly me more than him. I decided to make him a cake and try my hand at something new just for him.

~2 sticks softened butter

~1 1/4 c sugar

~2 tsp vanilla

~2 eggs

~1 c sour cream

~about 10-12 large frozen strawberries, put through a food processor, and pulverised

~2 c flour

~1/2 tsp baking soda

~1 tsp salt

~1 1/2 tsp baking powder

original sour cream cake recipe found here

In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar together. Add each egg one at a time. Add vanilla, sour cream, and strawberries.
Sift together dry ingredients and slowly add to the wet.
butter and parchment paper 2- 9 inch round cake pans
pour batter into pans, 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or till done by sticking a toothpick into them and coming out clean.
set on a cooling rack and cool all the way before icing.

I used some red coloring and chocolate to pipe out the hearts. And then Monk made one too!

I used a regular cream cheese icing on the cake. What goes better than strawberries and cream cheese icing!?!?!?

WW~

2011-02-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

here

today monk and i are making daddy a v-day cake. we dont do v-day at all, but guys need to be reminded more than ladies do. grab the recipe tomorrow!

Waiting for Patience

2011-02-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

My verse has been, for the last 2 years, Romans 8:25. Most women would say, "I don't want to pray for patience! That means I have to wait!" I for one, pray for patience all the time. Not only do I feel comforted by the fact God says He will supply my every need, but I know that if there is such a thing as true patience with me, then better things are waiting in the wings. How much more will I appreciate the great things God has in store if I am asked to wait for them. Why is it, as adults, we are no more ahead of the patience game than our kiddos? Monk, for one, has the patience of Love and I put together. That means NON WHAT SO EVER! Patience is one of those fruits that comes with the Spirit of Christ. You know, with love, joy, peace? Those are the great little things that make a BIG difference in one's life.

It is a daily struggle with the whole patience thing. I feel sometimes I have been waiting FOREVER for something to happen. Have I missed opportunities? Did I go the wrong way? God knows the plans He has for me. He knew me before He created me, and knows the number of hairs on my head. Though the path may be filled with struggles, He will make them straight.

²⁵But if we hope for what we do not see, we^(A) wait for it with patience.
²⁶Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For^(B) we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but^(C) the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ²⁷And^(D) he who searches hearts knows what is^(E) the mind of the Spirit, because^[a] the Spirit^(F) intercedes for the saints^(G) according to the will of God. ²⁸And we know that for those who love God all things work together^(H) for good,^[b] for^(I) those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹For those whom he^(J) foreknew he also^(K) predestined^(L) to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be^(M) the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also^(N) justified, and those whom he justified he also^(O) glorified.

God’s Everlasting Love

³¹What then shall we say to these things?^(P) If God is for us, who can be^[c] against us? ³²^(Q) He who did not spare his own Son but^(R) gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? ³³Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?^(S) It is God who justifies. ³⁴^(T) Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—^(U) who is at the right hand of God,^(V) who indeed is interceding for us.^[d] ³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶As it is written,

^(W) "For your sake^(X) we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
³⁷No, in all these things we are more than^(Y) conquerors through^(Z) him who loved us. ³⁸For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:25-40

Bakla-Va CHOO

2011-02-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

It has been a SICK SICK week in the E's household. Monk has had the dreaded throw up/snot/coughing now for about a week. SO, time to head to the doctor and have to put aside all the week's activities. That would include but not weed out: Bible study, cupcake date with Jaime and Blake, pre-school, swim lessons. Not to include me working and getting up with him at night. OK, I'm having a pity party, but who doesn't understand how yuck it is when one has a sick child. I know you understand ;)

Baklava

I tried my hand at this time consuming dessert out of Love's comments. There were some who didn't think I would be a good enough baker or have the patience to handle the layered dessert. So this was created more out of pride driven "I'll show you!"

-ness than anything. I found an Alton Brown recipe here but changed it up because I wanted to and can!

In the food processor, I added 3 tbsp brown sugar into the mix, and I only added pistachios and almonds. I would also next time I make this dessert with 1 cup of the sugar, water, and honey for the syrup, and not the 1 1/4 each. It was just too much syrup. I ended up using 3 sticks of butter,not 2 as well as a grapefruit peel and not an orange peel, like the recipe said.

My next one will be with more fruit. I want to use apricots, dates, and figs with the pistachios and brown sugar. Definitely less syrup!

Random Makings Blog Hop

2011-02-04T05:00:00.002-07:00

Grab my HOP button and PLEASE post it on your page to get the word out.
Follow Me and leave a comment so I can follow you back if you're new here.
Link up your Random Making. (knittings, pictures, recipes, paper stuff, paintings, random messes your kiddos made in your kitchen)
Follow others. Hopefully I can get enough to start spotlighting people!

Joining the Rankings of Buyersdom

2011-02-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

Think back really hard with me, if you will, back to the time when you and your Love bought your very first house. Remember the amount of paperwork, then diminishing bank accounts, but the thrill of owning your slice of the American Pie?

Well, that's where Love and I are at right now. Now I don't want to brag or anything. You know I'm not one to do that! But here's a taste of what we are looking at right now in our price budget:

And don't worry about those nasty trespassers walking on my freshly mowed lawn. Gator took care of them!

And here is my kitchen where I will be spending most of my time baking glorious desserts and healthy, well balanced meals for my loving family:

All we have to do now if become robbers and hit a few banks, and we are already in the works of a "divorce" so I can marry a rich old man to buy the house above. I'll just have to return to Love after the old man kicks the bucket. (it's in an unspoken prenup)

OK, so maybe a tad bit out of range. We are looking more around the 3 bed 2 bath setup. How scary it is, when no one's job is solid any more. Still trying to be as conservative as possible, we are venturing out into the unknown in search of The One. Nothing fancy, nothing overdone. The one we love has a lemon tree, and that's good for me.

The big thing we need to remember is that God is in control. He has told us time and time again that He will meet our needs, no matter how great or small. We have to remember to put our faith and trust in Him, no matter how much we would like to take control. It's stressful, it truly is, but we find the peace we are looking for through Him who gives it to us.

The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:11

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

²⁵^(E) "Therefore I tell you,^(F) do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶^(G) Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.^(H) Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his^(I) span of life?^[b]

^{Matthew 6: 25-27}

^{{www.biblegateway.com}}

Morning and Afternoon

2011-02-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

Morning

Afternoon

{here}

GOBBLE GOBBLE OINK OINK

2011-02-01T06:47:00.001-07:00

I think my most favorite meal is Thanksgiving. Just the smells and the tastes of the food is rich for the day, and intoxicating to the nose. I for one have always been a sucker for the cornbread dressing that my G-Mom would always make. Nothing like taking some butter, onion, cornbread, and sage and making a masterpiece. On said holiday, I did have a bit of dressing left over, so into the freezer it went for a later date.

That date was yesterday. And it cried out for something to be mixed in with it, or something on top.

*Bing*

Monk and I ran to the store to get dog food for Gator and some nice and thickly cut pork chops. A perfect combo for....................................

Peach Pork Chops and Dressing

4 cuts of pork to your choosing

1 jar peaches

thyme

Good ground mustard (not the yellow kind, I'm talking Grey Poupon or Stone Ground)

brown sugar

garlic/onion powder

seasoned salt/pepper

left over or freshly made cornbread dressing

Pour juice from peaches into a large ziploc bag, about 1/3 cup or so.
add 1 tbsp mustard
add 2 tsp brown sugar
add a few shakes of thyme, onion and garlic powder
close the bag and mix it all together
reopen, taste, and salt and pepper to your liking
let the meat marinade in the fridge for about 3+ hours
Heat your oven to 350
spread dressing inside of the pan. (if it's not already cooked, please do this first. Otherwise you are going to have overdone dressing and underdone pork.) Put in oven to warm through.
Heat some oil in a fry pan on med/high heat.
brown the pork in the pan, once brown on the outside, place on top of dressing in the oven to cook fully.
Once all of the pork is browned, and in the oven, cook pork till 145 (medium rare) or 165 (medium).

I served it with green beans, and it was rather tasty! A good meal to feed your belly! Makes me long for summer!

{here}

waiting on wantings

2011-01-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever realized how quickly things you don't want come at you SOOOO quickly? And the things that one really wants seems to take FOREVER! It's the things we want that control our every move to the telephone, front door, email, what have you. Maybe you heard something ding or ring? I feel like the Cable Guy and Matthew Brodrick with the answering machine.

"Hey buddy! Thought I heard the phone ring. Guess not. Call me!"

"Hey man, blowdrying my hair. Thought I heard the phone. Guess not. Call me back!"

And on and on till finally someone snaps and makes a move. No, no. I will not be the one that snaps. But I am wanting to make a move. Love and I are still waiting to hear if we got the apartment. We should, and it's a big SHOULD, hear something by today, if not start to move in today. To tell the whole truth, I just wish they would say "Yes, you three can move tonight!" or "No, sorry, we're going to jerk you around for another few weeks."

I am truly blessed to have the people that I work with and great friends that allow me to stay on the outskirts of the week's fun stuff to get stuff ready. Just in case, you know.

I still want those cupcakes Jaime!

I know this is some rambling, but am I alone here!?!?!? Has anyone else been in this situation? Why in the world does it take so long now a days to do something that should take a few days at the most? I am literally getting sick over the thought that we may not get it. Not that I am so ready to get out of my in-laws that I'm willing to do any means necessary. I love my in-laws, and they have been awesome to live with. I just am being very impatient right now, and it sucks.

³ By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
⁴ through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
Proverbs 24: 2-4

²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7: 24-27
{http://www.biblegateway.com/}

RANDOM MAKINGS BLOG HOP

2011-01-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

Random Makings W-

Ashley E

Grab my HOP button and PLEASE post it on your page to get the word out.
Follow Me and leave a comment so I can follow you back if you're new here.
Link up your Random Making. (knittings, pictures, recipes, paper stuff, paintings, random messes your kiddos made in your kitchen)
Follow others. Hopefully I can get enough to start spotlighting people!

Chocolate Caramel Apple Crumble & a Book Review

2011-01-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

B: I do believe that I am going to love this series of books. Book #2 is A Taste of Fame which I am starting.
A small town in the mountains of Colorado holds The Potluck Catering Club. What started off as more of a prayer and food group was turned into something much bigger by one sassy Texan transplant. As the women learn to work together and lean on one another for help, the team gets stronger. There are always juicy secrets among women, and once they come out, they will need each other more than ever!

It was funny, I could relate to the characters, and best of all is it's a series! I do love series books. Shephard and Everson do a fine job of spacing everything out, but not too much. I would forget the story line!
My only complaint about the book is that the chapters are set up by character and point of view. I really had to think back and recall who Donna, Vessie, Lisa LeAnn, and the rest of the characters were. Now it's a breeze on the second book!

Chocolate Caramel Apple Crumble

What Cha' Need:( to make 4 individual crumbles. Increase if you want to make one big one or more than 4)

4 4oz ramekins

4 large apples (I used 2 Fiji and 2 Golden Delicious)
cinnamon
nutmeg
sweetened cocoa powder
8 caramels
Salt
vanilla

-Cut the apples into bit size pieces and place in a bowl.

-Sprinkle with desired amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and about 3 heaping tablespoons of cocoa powder.

-Stir together with a bit of water and 1/4 tsp vanilla to make a paste that covers the apples.

-Add 1/4 tsp. of salt and stir to combine.

-distribute apples evenly among your ramekins.

-Cut up the caramels and put 8 pieces in each dish.

Crumble

1 stick COLD butter
1 cup oatmeal
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp regular sugar
1/2 c sweetened coconut

-In a bowl, combine oatmeal, sugars, and coconut together.

-Cut butter into cubes and add to mixture

-With your hands, mash the contents together until its mixted.

-Crumble on top of the apples.

Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes and check tenderness of the apples with a knife. If it pokes through, then it's ready. If still tuff, turn off oven and let them sit in there for another 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!

**** Love said he would have liked the skins taken off of the apples. Let's face it. I was lazy, and Monk was helping to make the crumbles. Time had to be cut somewhere :) ****

The Life of a Dog~ Wordless Wednesday~

2011-01-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

~Because no words can describe today.

tomorrow's recipe post

Chocolate Caramel Apple Crumble

wait

2011-01-25T06:58:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all who entered the Random Makings HOP! I think I will keep it around, SO make sure to stop on by Fridays and link up!

Love and I are starting a new chapter. We have applied for an apartment, and are now in the process of obtaining it. PROCESS is a huge understatement. It has been a very long time since either one of us has rented, and it has changed tremendously! I remember the days of younger year when it was just me to worry about. Fill out the paperwork, couple of days get the key, and it was done!

here

Now, there are locations to think about. Where is it closest to Monk's school? How long to get to swim lessons? Can I still leave at 8:30 to get to church on time? Time always seems to be coming at us and against us all at the same time.
I have found that there is alot of waiting now that there is more than one person to think about. Waiting on the bigger man than I to say that it's ok for us to have the apartment. Waiting on pay stubs to come through, waiting on God's perfect timing. Praying while we wait that this is what God has planned for our little family, and waiting till Monday to hear if all is well. What good thing comes on a Monday? In all my Mondays, not too many have been fantastic. was Monk born on a Monday? That would be one of the good ones. But you get the point. A good thing about waiting, we won't have to pay for January rent :) Plus Monk has been sickly, so it's nice to have a healthy kiddo for a new room!

¹³ I remain confident of this:
   I will see the goodness of the LORD
   in the land of the living.
¹⁴ Wait for the LORD;
   be strong and take heart
   and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27: 13-15

Random Makings Blog Hop

2011-01-21T05:00:00.002-07:00

Random Makings W-

Ashley E

Grab my HOP button and PLEASE post it on your page to get the word out.
Follow Me and leave a comment so I can follow you back if you're new here.
Link up your Random Making. (knittings, pictures, recipes, paper stuff, paintings, random messes your kiddos made in your kitchen)
Follow others. Hopefully I can get enough to start spotlighting people!

I Heart Blueberries and Lemons

2011-01-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

Monk is a LOVER of blueberries. I am a lover of lemons. And everything tastes great with some coconut thrown in! They had blueberries on sale for 99 cents, so who can pass that deal up?

I started a search for the greatest Lemon Blueberry Something that I had ever laid my eyes upon. I went through all the normal sites, All Recipes, Food, and finally The Food Network.
It was on the Food Network site, after searching blueberries, that I came across this little number and it caught my eye. Now, I am NOT a fan of lemon and chocolate. Just not a combo I would care to have. But I do love the cake recipe.................

*light bulb*

Ashley E's Blueberry with Lemon Coconut Cake

1 stick room temp butter

1 1/2 c sugar

2 1/2 c flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 c Sour Cream

3 whole eggs

3 tbsp lemon extract (I couldn't sneak over to my neighbor's and steal a lemon off the heavy burdened tree)

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 pint washed and dried blueberries

1 cup coconut

In the mixer with the whisk attachment, cream butter and sugar till fluffy.
Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl and mix well (or sift. I just hate sifting, so I whisk everything togeter)
To butter/sugar mixture add sour cream and blend well
add eggs on at a time
add lemon extract and vanilla. **I wanted a STRONG lemon taste, so please adjust to how lemony you would like your cake to be**
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet and mix till just combined
Take whisk out and remove from stand. With a spatula, add blueberries and coconut and fold in gently.
butter and line with parchment a 9x9 pan.
350 degrees for about 45-60 minutes, or when a cake tester comes out clean!

After it cools, add a powdered sugar and milk glaze (or lemon juice) on top.

Brunch with coffee, or dessert after Dinner, this was a great cake for both! The glaze seeped down into the cracks of the cake and Oh My Goodness. It was just down right tasty. Try it out. The weather is AZ is getting nice, so have brunch outside, and eat some cake!

untitled

2011-01-19T16:05:00.001-07:00

²⁸Have you not known? Have you not heard?The LORD is^(A) the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
   ^(B) his understanding is unsearchable.
²⁹He gives power to the faint,
   and to him who has no might he increases strength.
³⁰Even youths shall faint and be weary,
   and young men shall fall exhausted;
³¹but^(C) they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
   they shall mount up with wings^(D) like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
   they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:28-32

here

When the Moon Hits Your Eye...............

2011-01-18T07:17:00.003-07:00

Like a big Lasagna pie.......................THAT'S AMORE!!! I got to use my new Rachael Ray Bubble and Brown Lasagna Pan I got from CSN last night. Lasagna is one of those things, to me, you have to prepare people for. I had to give heads up to my family ahead of time. One must prepare one's belly.
I also understand from different sources that this very pan is on sale at Kohl's this week, so maybe you would like to head on over, because this one is worth the buy!

Ashley E's Lasagna~
Stuff you need:
lasagna noodles
sauce of your choosing

2 different meats: I chose elk Italian sausage and venison ground meat

1 can diced tomatoes

handful of chopped olives

Mozz., ricotta,Parm and blended cheeses (I used the CostCo kind)

1 egg
garlic

basil

oregano

salt/pepper

Everything needs a home for the hour.
~Bring a BIG pot of SALTED water to a boil.
~In another dish, brown and drain(if needed) your two kinds of meat. My elk It. sausage was in it's casings, so I removed them and broke up the meat before browning.
~Put your sauce, tomatoes, olives and spices together in one pot. Season as you see fit. I wanted to put red pepper flakes in there too, but there is a little mouth to feed at the table.
~Water boiling, add noodles one at a time. Make sure they are not laying on top of one another. They don't cook evenly and get icky.
~In a small bowl, mix together the whole container of ricotta and the one egg.

Assembly Line
~Add a spoonful of sauce to the bottom of your dish. That way your noodles don't stick to the bottom. Lay down 3-4 noodles to cover the bottom of the dish.
~Add a spoonful per noodle of your ricotta mixture and spread over your noodles.
~Sprinkle meat over ricotta.
~Spoon about 2 spoonfuls of sauce over the meat.
~Cover with Mozz., blended, and Parm cheese.
~Repeat
~~If it looks like you're not going to have enough stuff to repeat every layer, do a layer of just cheeses, and then continue with the regular layers after.~~
~On the VERY TOP LAYER, cover with cheese and then dab with butter. That will make it golden brown and just plain good when you bake it.

It was SO good.

The pan didn't stick. It was FANTASTIC getting in and out of the oven because of the handles on the sides. It made a good and deep lasagna that was evenly heated through. With the stoneware, it stayed hot till Love and FIL got back from chasing piggies in the dessert. Monk loved his zagna, and we have seconds to freeze for a later date!

Very happy with the purchase. It's a great pan that I'm sure I'll find another use for other than great tasting lasagna!

Venison and Elk Lasagna

Ashley E and Monk Bake a Cake

2011-01-17T07:10:00.002-07:00

A strawberries and sprinkles cake that is! So after the burnt crust incident, I felt compelled to make another dessert that would make up for the said crust. I had a bit of this and that laying around the pantry, so this is what I came up with!

Strawberry and Sprinkles Cake

with OH SO AMAZING BUTTER CREAM ICING

Do I need to tell you how much fun it was for Monk and I to make this cake? It was an adventure into the unknown and throwing everything in but the kitchen sink, so here we go....................

~ Gather ingredients

...Sprinkles cake mix

...2 bags freeze dried strawberries

...Marble Mix-Ins sprinkles

...stuff the cake mix calls for

...2 round cake pans, spray down, and line with parchment paper in the bottom

~Make cake mix, and then add the strawberries and sprinkles. Pour into cake pans and bake according to the box.

Butter cream Icing~

I stole this recipe like a robber in a bank. I LOVE butter cream, but usually get it on ready made cupcakes at the store. So I hopped on over to i am baker and used her recipes here. Sad to say, I ran out of powdered sugar! How the heck does that happen? So Monk was put on making the powdered sugar detail. (1 cup sugar, 1 tbsp corn starch pulverise until powdered)

It was a tad bit too grainy as my FIL put it. The taste was fantastic though. I really enjoyed it.

Such a pretty color too. We made it pink to go with the strawberries theme.

SO.......................after baking and cooling and whipping the butter cream, it was time to spread it on thick and add the sprinkles!

I guess Monk gets his skills from his Momma :) He's still perfecting his technique of sprinkling. Beautiful non the less. today, we are getting more powdered sugar though!

Don't forget to stop by on Friday. I am now hosting a Random Making HOP right here on this very site:) Show off everything from your baking to knitting to paper stuff. I just like to see what you guys are making, and get you some traffic as well!

Have a great Monday!

Random Makings Weekend BlogHop

2011-01-14T14:10:00.003-07:00

This weekend I would like to see what your Random Makings are. It can be food, knitting, sewings, headbands, whatever!

~Follow Me and leave a comment so I can follow you back!
~Grab the button and post it so I can get the word out! (on the right side of the page)
~Link up a picture with your Random Making of the week, or link to the specific post of the making.
~Find some other good ones to follow and see what you can do!

This is my very first Hop to do on my own, so we can see how it goes! That means you better make it a good one! Have a great weekend!

Dear Burnt Pie Crust,

2011-01-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

I'm still not quite for sure why you think it's ok to rear your ugliness in the kitchen. Holes on the top, I can do. Those are Monk's doings, but burnt crust? That's what a crust cover is for. I sold them for Pampered Chef for crying out loud. How can I forget it!?!?! But now that you're sitting in front of me, I can really see just how icky you really are. Way too dark for comfort, too crispy to chew, and the slight smell of burntness engulfs my kitchen. I do not like you, burnt crust of my pie. There may be 10,000 other things going on at that very instant in time, but you will never again be one of them. That's all the time I shall give you, because that's all you're worth.

Ashley E

Ashley E's Sweet Cream Pie

Mae Dawson's Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie

I got the base of the pie from Paula Deen's recipe, and then messed with it to make my own :)

1 1/3 c sugar

1/2 c flour

1 c heavy cream

3/4 c whole milk

1 unbaked pie shell WITH PIE CRUST SHIELD(we wouldn't want and burnt crusts now would we?)

butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

mixture of sugar cinnamon and nutmeg in a separate bowl

* Spray the pie dish and set crust

* In a bowl, mix dry ingredients, and then add the wet

* Scatter blots of butter around the top of the pie

* Make enough of the sugar/cinn./nutmeg mixture to cover the top of the pie

* sprinkle the top of the pie with the mixture to cover the top

* PLACE PIE CRUST SHIELD ON THE CRUST!!!!!!!!!!

* 425 degrees for about 10 minutes and then 350 for the remaining 25-30 minutes, or until center is set

One can not go wrong with Mrs. Paula Deen as your guide I always think.

Happy Anniversary and Rolling Over

2011-01-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

here

Today is my and Love's 4 year anniversary. If you are one of the lucky ladies that are married to a helpless romantic, count your lucky stars. If you are one of 4 ladies married to an E, you know that they are not known from their PDA side. In his defense, I will say that it has been difficult yet manageable years of marriage. We have gone through alot, but thanks be to God. God has calmed the storms, strengthened the heart, built the faith, and provided in need. I am very grateful for Love, and the Monk we have. SO, happy anniversary to us, and hopefully to many more to come.
Anniversary plans will be a night of breakfast for dinner and maybe a Bass Pro run afterwards. Ah, the life of an E is a grand one at that.

Monk has been taking swim lessons for about a year now. He LOVES his teacher, and does a great job with her. Today was especially a great day because he accomplished something that he has been trying to for over a month. He rolled over!!! Now, that may seem like a simple action, yet let me explain.
~He falls into the water face first
~he holds his breath for 5 seconds
~he then rolls over from his belly to his back and back floats
~the he rolls back over to his belly and to the wall

And he did it!! Like a duck in water!

here

What a great anniversary present! Needless to say he got to use his Birthday McDs gift card for lunch. I think he deserves it!

Venison Swiss Steak

2011-01-12T12:38:00.001-07:00

Last night was a busy night for the 3 Es. Love called and informed us to get ready, we were going scouting for a piggy. Monk was awakened from a blissful nap and readied. I threw on a hat, grabbed jackets, and out the door we went. The climb up the "mountain" was dumb. I am not in the best shape, but I am trying. I started running yesterday, and continued today. That's pretty good for me :)

Not the actual hike up, but you get the idea. As my legs were telling my butt it was too much to carry, Monk was sitting on Love's shoulders for the hike, 50 feet in front of me. Ah the joys of really being in shape. I'll get there sooner or later.

All that hiking and glassing made for a hungry tummy when we got home.

Venison Swiss Steak:

2 lbs. venison backstrap
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 large onion
garlic powder
salt/pepper

~heat some oil in the bottom of a dutch oven to brown meat
~tenderize the pieces of meat and add to the hot oil to brown
~Once brown, add whole can of tomatoes and sliced onion
~when sauce is thick, add garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. I use alot of garlic.
~let simmer for about 30 minutes to 3 hours,covered, depending on how long you have. This recipe works great int he crock pot too.
~serve over rice or noodles.

Not too bad for throwing it together at the last minute! It's always tasty, and very filling.

Fixed the Comments Part

2011-01-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Suz, I now know that

my comments part of the page was not working

correctly. It is now fixed and you should be able to

Give a Little Bit....................

2011-01-11T07:20:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was the last day of my family being here for Monk's birthday celebration. After taking them to the airport, the two boys and I went on a much needed trip by ourselves. "Where did you go?" you may be asking. We went to the ever loved Sportsman's Warehouse for sure. Love wanted to look at a gun safe. Little hands do not need to be in reach of those. Sure, Monk has his pretend shoot gun for when we go hunting. It makes him feel more apart of the trip.

On the way, however, I heard something that made my heart jump to the center of my throat. The same church that has been protesting the funerals of dead soldiers and yelling horrible things about how God wanted them dead, is coming to Tucson. Unless you have had your head stuck in the ground, EVERYONE should have heard about what is happening over here.

WHAT ARE THEY DOING?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

These people don't need radicals telling them that the God that I know and love wanted their 9 year old daughter to die. That's never what God intends. This was nothing more that the acts of Satan. How dare these people think that the God of Love would be saying these things.
As I listened, I was also reminded that these people need prayer. He quoted from the Bible a few verses:
Romans 2
¹Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things. ²We know that God is right to judge everyone who behaves in this way. ³Do you really think God won't punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse? ⁴You surely don't think much of God's wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don't you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?
    ⁵But you are stubborn and refuse to turn to God. So you are making things even worse for yourselves on that day when he will show how angry he is and will judge the world with fairness. ⁶God will reward each of us for what we have done. ⁷He will give eternal life to everyone who has patiently done what is good in the hope of receiving glory, honor, and life that lasts forever. ⁸But he will show how angry and furious he can be with every selfish person who rejects the truth and wants to do evil. ⁹All who are wicked will be punished with trouble and suffering. It doesn't matter if they are Jews or Gentiles. ¹⁰But all who do right will be rewarded with glory, honor, and peace, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. ¹¹God doesn't have any favorites!
    ¹²Those people who don't know about God's Law will still be punished for what they do wrong. And the Law will be used to judge everyone who knows what it says. ¹³God accepts those who obey his Law, but not those who simply hear it.
    ¹⁴Some people naturally obey the Law's commands, even though they don't have the Law. ¹⁵This proves that the conscience is like a law written in the human heart. And it will show whether we are forgiven or condemned, ¹⁶when God appoints Jesus Christ to judge everyone's secret thoughts, just as my message says.

So we need to pray. If you are not a praying person, please start. If you are totally against praying, then find someone whom you know does, and ask them to pray on your behalf. God hears. And Moves.

The Aftermath

2011-01-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

Oh My Goodness...............................it was a party if there was to be one. The weather was nicer, so we had a fire in the back yard. Football was on for my G-Mom (TxA&M vs. LSU), the kids were running around like mad. The food was FANTASTIC. And yes, I cheated on my cake with a cupcake tower. I think I came to the point where I knew how much more stress it would be to make the cake with my family here. OK, that's a lie. We were all at Sam's Club and Monk wanted "CAKES!" So that rules out my making a "cake." It was fine in the end. Everyone was happy, well, almost everyone. But you know how that goes. Too much sugar= crash at the end of the night. Here are a few pictures from the party.

What party wouldn't be complete without Thomas the Train, VeggieTales, and a Raptor? Not a very good one if you ask me! Work is today and tomorrow, so lots of time to play with the new toys, and make Uncle tag along up in his room :) Have a great weekend ladies!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONK!!!!

2011-01-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

Monk E

January 7, 2008

10:00 am TX time

Happy Happy Birthday Monk!!

There won't be a big post today, since it's Monk's bday. We have LOTS of stuff to do, stuff to make, and pictures to take. I'll post tomorrow. Just wanted to make his day abit more special with his own post :)

All Courtesy of the UPS Guy

2011-01-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

LOOK WHAT THE UPS GUY BROUGHT ME!!!!

AND THIS IS ME WHEN I OPENED IT!!!!

I am in LOVE with cooking stuff. Some people like shoes, some purses, me, cookware. OK, so I do love a new Coach every now and then. It is such a good looking pan. I received an offer from CSN and their Cookware site, and my prize is what I hold in my hands!!! The orange is perfect, the stoneware is thick, and the handles are perfectly placed for secure fixture of the heavy lasagna that will grace the presence of the dish. I am super excited to have the dish, and looking forward to some good cooking with it in the future!

Cha Cha Cha Changin'!!!

2011-01-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

I really have no idea what has been gettin' into me lately, but a change was needed. I sought out template after background for the one that would say "Ashley, you need me on your page." This does look nice though, right? I mean, do YOU like the new page? I am kind of fond of it ~~for right now.~~

SO, let me make you a list:

Monk starts school today
parents, g-mom, and uncle Allen come tonight
mop
vacuum
coffee run for dad
fix dinner of sort
Birthday party on Friday (3 YEARS OLD!)
work Saturday and Sunday (Looks like Dury and G-Mom get their wish to watch the Monk)

That's about it. Lots of cooking and getting to be around my family is a treat. I don't know how it is in your house, but my house doesn't hold back just because my parents are here. My Mother and Love pick on one another without ceasing. Well, most of it is Love picking on Mother. It's all in good fun. I have not had the privilege of growing a thick skin over the years Love and I have been married, though one has been needed very often. My Mother is like me, heart on the sleeve. I think my Dad was much like Love when they were first married too. So I only have 30 more years till Love finally settles down and starts acting his age! I'll hold my breath on that one. Who needs to act their age anyways?! There will be lots of recipes to be posted over this "holiday" of Monk's Birthday celebration. From his cake, to dinners and lunches prepared throughout the week, stop on by!

Book review and Recipe for your Tummy

2011-01-04T06:48:00.001-07:00

B: While certainly not the worst book that I have ever read, it was not the best either. The characters were relatable and funny. I could really see the daughter and mom as they fought, or the smell of the chicken. The story for the most part was, well, just another love story.

An unwanted and unplanned pregnancy leaves an unwed mother to do it on her own, UNTIL, an unwanted Mother shows up. At two opposite sides of the spectrum, both have to learn how to give a little of themselves. With reliance on God for the first time in a very long time, Mia discovers a side of her that has been put away for this very special time.

Publisher: Cook, David C. Publishing Company

Date: September 01, 2009

ISBN13: 9780781448925

ISBN: 0781448921

BINC: 9892125

I really did like the book, and would recommend it for "some light reading in the car waiting" reading. I would also like to try out some more of the author's novels to see if any are an "A." To tell the whole truth, I cried during this book. If you are a mother, then you go through the whole thing again any time that you read or see the growth of a child. When she talks about the little flutters of the baby kicking for the first time, it dug into my memory bank and brought back the time when I first felt Monk move. Pretty neat stuff. So..........................just read it. It's not a life changing novel, but it's a warm fuzzies type of book.

DESSERT!

I have been breaking my "resolutions" left and right. Dessert was one of those things that I said I needed to do less of. Well, I'll let you in on a little secret if you promise not to tell. ~~I lied I fibbed I didn't tell the truth~~ I wasn't being entirely honest. I can handle dessert. It's the snacking that will be the death of me! Adjust to the needs of right now I always say! Whoever has said that I am not an International cook is full of it, because this recipe came all the way from Canada :). I adjusted it as always. You can find the original recipe here. I, on the other hand, used milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate. And next time I will be sure to add more peanut butter! So it looked something like this!

A double boiler is required, but I made a make shift one. Learned that one from my Mother :) Anywho....................................Tonight for dinner is Elk Chili, but I'm adding link Elk sausage to it as well. Go the the ~recipes for you~ page at the top and click on the Elk Chili recipe, follow that, and also add the sausage! Good, done, you call me in the morning to let me know how it turned out! OR, leave me a comment :)

Congrats and a Birthday on the Way!

2011-01-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

First of all I do want to let you know what a stud muffin (probably only in my mind) of a husband I have. On the opening day of bow deer and pig season, Love snagged his first deer with his bow! That's really awesome. Really proud of him too. That means more recipes for you!

And then we have Monk's birthday on the way. I'm talking the big #3. Ah, how did he get so stinkin' big! 3 years he has belonged to us, and it has gone by in a flash. He is on a roll with this one too. He has told everyone for the past week that today is his birthday, whatever day that may be. He's not letting anyone forget it either. We bought his party stuff. Dinosaurs no less.

We didn't buy the whole thing, mind you. That would be a tad bit over the top, but we did buy the good stuff. I'm going to make and pipe the cake, so know there will be pictures of that coming your way, as well as the recipe :) It will be a full house for the little man's day. My parents, brother, G-Mom, in-laws, cousins. Now you may get the idea why we only do family birthdays. That's 18 people right there! PLUS, Monk starts preschool on Wednesday!

Monk made it very clear he wanted PIG for his birthday. yes we gave him the decision. PIG was in order, so PIG will be served. Nothing like a full house, full bellies, and a full stack of new toys and stuff to make a kid's day special!

So what do you do for your kiddo's birthday? OR What was the birthday that YOU remember the most from your Childhood? I love hearing about them, because then that gives me ideas :)

Happy New Year to 2011

2011-01-01T07:42:00.001-07:00

So, have I ever mentioned that we are early to bed, early to rise types of people? We did our New Year stuff the night before. We were in bed around 9:45. Not too much into the whole "stay up till midnight" anyways. Already broke a "resolution" as I stayed in my pjs and cleaned yesterday till about 10. Who needs to get dressed just for the dust to get on me :)

Thinkings of the New Year

2010-12-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, Monk will be 3.
how old am I going to be this year?
maybe this is the year all will fall into place
i need to grow in my faith
maybe a few less sweets and a few more veggies
i hate making and breaking resolutions
maybe i will drastically change my hair
too many babies around to not want another one
i need to make more time for friends and play dates
monk starts school, Lord help me
i know how to knit, now I need to know how to make more than a scarf
give a bit more of myself
maybe clean more (maybe not)
care about what i look like every day, even on days I'm not working
get out of my PJ's before 9, even if its just to stay home and clean
remind myself how lucky I am to have what I have

I'll think of the rest as I go along.

here

Food from Thoughts

2010-12-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

During the Christmas holidays, I baked quite a few people things to fill their tummies. I also posted that I would give you the recipes later, as my brain would not allow me to function at that point in time. SO.......................here they are:

Thumbprint Biscuits

3c (plus a tad bit more for rolling them out) flour
1/3 c sugar
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 sticks COLD butter, chopped
1c buttermilk

~400 degrees preheated oven
~In a stand mixer, combine all dry ingredients in the bowl
~With the paddle mixer attached, turn it on, and then start to add the butter.
~The mixture should resemble sand when all the butter is "mixed in"
~Add the buttermilk and mix till just combined.
~Roll dough out onto a floured surface and cut with either a knife in squares or with a cookie cutter. Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
~Indent the biscuit with your thumb to make a little pool for your jelly to go.
~Fill the hole with a blob of your favorite jelly and bake!
~take out when golden brown (7 minutes for small biscuits, 13-15 for larger)

I did glaze mine with powdered sugar and milk mixture. I then put green dusting sugar on top to make them festive :) Isn't that too cute :)

Strawberry/Blackberry/Cranberry Jelly

2 pkg strawberries
1 bag cranberries
2 sm pkg blackberries
7 cups of sugar
1 box SureJell

~Wash all your fruit and take the green tops off.
~I did use a food processor for this recipe, because that's alot of fruit to smash. Pulse the fruit, do not liquefy.
~Make sure you have enough jars to fill your jelly order, and heat them in a big pot of water to sterilize them.
~Follow the directions precisely on the recipe card inside of the SureJell box.

I will say, Love and I have made many jars of jelly together, and 1/2 the time, they don't jell. Kinda irritating, but I guess that's how it goes with this kind of thing. It's great when it turns out!

Seperated

2010-12-28T08:07:00.001-07:00

No, no, no. Not what you are thinking. Love and I are not the ones who are separated. It's more of a separation of feelings at this point, job wise I mean.

I LOVE my job. It gives me time out of the house to make some money to put towards things, and it gives Monk and Love time together doing guy stuff. Who wants Mom around when you are doing "guy stuff"? I have not been working there long, but have really been shining according to certain people higher in the food chain than myself. To tell you the truth, I'm just happy to have a job.

here

Last night was kinda weird. I was on the floor working and a very nice lady approached me and asked me how I would like to work at her dental office. I told her that I only am able to work certain times because of Monk and Love's schedule, so thank you , but I didn't think it would work out. She gave me her card anyway, and told me to call if anything changed.

So here is my question to you, lovely readers of the blog; Should I take this seriously and possibly if things change over the next few months take up the offer if the schedules work out? OR Put it in the back of my mind and be thankful that I already have a job.

See what I mean? Not a very easy choice! I'm flattered if anything. Hmmmmmmmmm.

Ode to the Dead Christmas Tree

2010-12-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Dead Christmas Tree:

Thank you for bringing so much joy to Monk as he ran down the stairs to turn your lights on. We all gathered around you to hand out presents that many wanted and some did not. You stood up straight and tall, even with the load of the ornaments and lights adorning your branches. Why do we not have more hand made stuff on there?
Thank you for living well into the Christmas season, and drinking the recommended amount of water each day to survive. How it would have been a disaster if you would have died sooner and started dropping needles into the rug. Not to mention a fire hazard as well.
You will go on to bigger and better things now. Probably a Bass house from now on, somewhere in the lake. your purpose will stretch beyond all that, because then we will go fishing, catch those Bass, and it will be all thanks to you!

So we take you down today, and reminisce on the joys that your time with us brought. Thank you for your service.

Not really our tree, but you get the picture

Waiting for the Exhale

2010-12-26T07:53:00.001-07:00

Holy Smokes, Christmas was over so fast! Monk got some great gifts from Dury and PawPaw back in TX, as well as some great ones too from his grandparents here in AZ. I think his favorite overall was the talking dinosaur and his LeapFrog reader. He LOVES it. I however, got a cold. I can't talk, probably much to the delight of Love, yet I am still going into work today. Come on now! It's the day after Christmas! SALES!!!!!

Gator got a little something for Christmas too :)

I don't know if she likes it or not, but she left it on. She looks really cute in it. Yes yes that is my first knitting project. full of missed stiches and wrong loops that I don't know how to go back and fix yet, but I'm learning. If you have any hints, drop me a comment!

Overall, what a great Christmas we had. LOTS of family was here, and lots I wish were here too. Next is Monk's Bday in Jan. Oh, and he starts preschool. Oh, and my family is coming for a week. December has nothing on my January :)

I hope and pray each of you has a great and safe rest of the year. Tomorrow starts the week again, so back to the same old thing.

Mini Bites for Many People

2010-12-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

I am a baker for the holidays, as I'm sure many of you are as well. I just find comfort in giving something that comes from the heart. I heart baking, and I heart the people I give the stuff to, so it just seems natural to me to do that sort of thing. Here is, in pictures, what I heart on during the holidays. It also includes what those I heart will get, so you may be getting a sneak peak at your gift:)

ps: recipes will follow AFTER Christmas is over. I just really need to compile them all first!

farmers market trip

Strawberry, Cranberry, Blackberry Jam

Mini-Cookies for all the folks

Mini Biscuit Thumbprints for the gals at work. Food makes the night go faster!

A new Recipe for Christmas

2010-12-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

If your family is like mine, food is the center of it all. When we get together, what we are going to eat is the biggest argument that comes up (until after we eat :) ) The night before last I made a filling and so easy to make soup, it may just be your Christmas Eve dinner menu!

Elk Italian Sausages and Rice Soup

1 lb Elk Italian sausage (or whatever meat you would like to use)

1 lg onion

2 cans chicken broth

1 cube chicken bouillon

2 cups cooked rice

In your pot, brown your meat and onion together. Drain if you need to.
Reduce heat to low and add the 2 cans of chicken broth and chicken cube.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the rice according to directions on the box.
Add the rice to the soup right before serving!

I didn't add the rice because I was off to work and didn't want it to get soggy.

Nothing like a great bowl on a somewhat chilly night!

I hope you have almost all of your shopping done!

Late, Late, Late

2010-12-21T15:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for all of you who follow. I now have a rave about it 200 followers! Thank you so much for reading and stopping by and grabbing recipes.

I will be posting a recipe for Elk Italian sausage and rice soup. Can't today though. As you can tell,

LATE LATE LATE

That's kinda been the day today. I know you understand those days. Check in tomorrow for the recipe! Sorry about the kinda crappy post today :(

One the 5th day of Christmas..................

2010-12-20T08:25:00.001-07:00

my true love gave to me........................

5 LOADS OF LAUNDRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4 NIGHTS OF WORKING
3 ROWS OF KNITTING (yeah! I taught myself how! It's not pretty, but it'll get better)
2 DOGS TO FEED

AND A BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE INSTEAD OF THE DEER.

(allow me to clarify. The deer mount that Love got with the big deer he shot was going to be OUR Christmas present together. He then surprised me with a James Avery necklace which I LOVE!)

Have a Merry countdown to Christmas!

I want to learn.............

2010-12-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

HOW TO KNIT. SO IF YOU HAVE ANY SITES OR TUTORIALS OR ANYTHING FOR DUMB PEOPLE LIKE ME, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I AM A STARTING KNITTER, AND HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM DOING, BUT I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO LEARN HOW. SEND ME YOUR STUFF, AND I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL!

Attack of the Polka Dotted Stool

2010-12-16T07:26:00.002-07:00

And here we go again! If you have followed for any amount of time, then you will know about Monk's stool. It's his "leg up" in a literal sense. The stool allows him to do things he never dreamed of doing. I'm sure everyone at some point in time has had the craving to hide the stool of their beloved child, if only to save some sanity for the upcoming day.

It's no different when it comes to the stools on the other side of the bar in our kitchen. They are high enough to where Monk has free range or EVERYTHING! I love having the bar seating, but not when it comes to Monk helping himself to whatever is on the other side of it.

Fear not my beloveds! If you have the same problem I have, I have found the solution!

Aren't these too stinkin' cute! Who would have thought of having ADJUSTABLE stools! Where have you been all my life!!! OK, so really, I found these awesome adjustable bar stools along with some other really great looking stools on line. Just click the link to find them. You're a smart chicky. I'm patrial to the orange :)

"Hey, where's my stool?" (Monk in the background)

I figure once we finally get our own home and I need some awesome bar stools that, need I remind you ADJUST then I can get these bad boys and crank them all the way down! What a great way to keep some of the arm reaching at bay. Ah, sweet dreams to come my way!

Wordless Wednesday~ My First ever attempt of ShortBread Cookies

2010-12-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Recipe

BOOK REVIEW: Too Much Happiness

2010-12-14T08:05:00.001-07:00

F: Well, I guess the title fits the review. This is a collection of short stories put together to make the book. I have never read short story books before, so I thought it would be a treat. Was I wrong. I think I got through the 4th story of 10 before calling it quits. The stories jumped around, I couldn't tell where half of them were going, and the endings were, just, blah. Maybe I just can not appreciate what the author was trying to do. Here's what others had to say about the book. My only saving grace with this book is that I am not alone in my thoughts of this particular title. There were those who just LOVED this book. It's deep characters and twisted plots. Then there were those like me, who were just really bored reading the pages. I could understand the characters struggles, and the trials presented. But for pete's sake! Some of them were just ~~pointless unbearable,~~ difficult to read. I can say almost for certain that I would not check out another book by this author. Tho highly acclaimed by the literary world, not so much for common folk like myself.

On another note, I have been contacted through email to do a review of some cookware or items of that nature. I just want to make sure it's not a scam, so if you do reviews, does CSN really contact you through your email and give you some options about which items you would like to review? It's not like they would get much if it is a scam, but you know what I mean :)

Love that Monk

2010-12-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

If you have been a reader of my site for any amount of time, then you may remember Monk being a severe VeggieTales-aholic. He knows them all, and I'm glad those are the beautiful words coming out of my Monk's mouth.

This morning, I woke up with a BIG headache. Not the kind of Monday you want to wake up to. After prematurely being awakened by the Monk, we headed down stairs for some much needed caffeine for me and hot chocolate for him. We get our fixes set, and then enjoy the 3 second quiet time.

Monk opens a drawer on his left hand side. Coincidental, the drawer is only reachable by the use of the dreaded stool parked on the side of the fridge. We won't get into the stool conversation again. He finds a large Pampered Chef cookie scoop, and a plain ol' ice cream scoop.

"Sing!"

Instantly I am asked to sing "This is the Day" Yes, you are right, the old hyme that I sang hundreds of times growing up, and that is a loved one of my dear Monk. We jam out with out cookie and ice cream scoop as microphones. Back and forth, each getting our turn in the spotlight.

MORAL: Just because you wake up in a crabby mood doesn't mean God wants you to stay that way. Try singing into an ice cream scoop to a good ol' hyme and see how great your spirit feels after that!

For Kelly

2010-12-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

For a very good friend from college. Kelly,

FINALLY there are answers.

Please click here to read the story of one of my room mates from college.

What a great wife and person she is, and will continure to be.

Happy Happy Birthday and New News!!!

2010-12-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, today is Love's birthday. That's right folks, he's the big 2-8 today. Now that he's caught up to me in years, it's about to be my turn here in a bit to turn 29. EEEKKKKKK! One year away from 30. Maybe I will age gracefully?

I don't really know if Love reads this or not. Sometimes I think he does just to see what I'm posting, and then to tease me about the recipes and book reviews. I do want to say a very special happy birthday to him though. I can't do a Marilyn Monroe impression or anything cool like that. I'm not that talented. But I can tell you that he is a very special guy that I got the pleasure of snagging from the sea. Yes, ladies, he is a great guy. I could not ask for a better one. So, Bebe, if you ARE reading this today, then happy happy birthday.

I also want to take this moment to give a big thank you to all of you who have been guiding me through the preschool escapade. We are now the proud parents of a preschooler who has a school that I am fully happy with. I know people there, it's a safe place for me to leave Monk. I enjoy the social development he will get there. It's a Christian school. I mean seriously, what more could I ask for, but maybe a Starbucks down the street? All of you who left comments about your personal experiences with preschools will be treasured in my heart. Thank you so much for all your inputs and "keep going!"ness. What a great bunch of people I have here :)!

CrockPot Elk Chili..............and MORE Preschools

2010-12-08T07:02:00.001-07:00

Thank you loves for going on this journey with me. We are going to yet another preschool today. This one should be great too. It's actually got quite a few familiar faces in it, so it may be home sweet home or back to the drawing board for us.

I want to ask again for those of you just stopping by to read~
1.What made you choose your child's preschool?
2. What age were they compared to the other kiddos? (Monk will be the BABY of the class @ a newly turned 3)
3.How many did you look at before calling it quits and choosing?

I actually had one great lady who didn't even have kids give me her best "but I have worked in those places" response, and it will be treasured!
I need to make a dessert :(

Whew, now that's over with, here's the CrockPot Elk Chili:

Yes, yes, I cheated and used the already for you package, but it's too good not to!

1 pkg Elk steak

1 lb. ground Elk

1 box Carroll Shelby's Chili Kit

extra garlic powder

1 large yellow onion

1 can rinsed red kidney beans

1 8oz can tomato sauce

1 14 oz can diced tomatoes

~Cut up the steaks into bit size pieces and add them to the crock pot turned on HIGH. Add one can chicken broth. Let cook for a minimum of 5 hours.

~Chop up the onion and add to the mixture. I did add 1/2 of the cayenne packet to give it some zing. Let cook for an extra hour.

~Add the remaining box ingredients,a few shakes of the garlic powder, plus the cooked ground Elk to the crock pot. Turn the pot on low and let cook together till time to eat!

We had this last night with Cheddar cheese and Ritz. Fantastic!

Rantings and a Recipe

2010-12-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

OK, I am going to be the PRO at all this preschool stuff. I have asked all the questions, been to classrooms, sat in on circle time. You name it, I've done it so far. My one BIG dilemma is the fact that Monk won't be 3 till Jan. Do I really want him in a classroom when he is literally the baby of the room? Won't that be some frustrating times for him? He is a smart cookie, I will give him that. We went to a school this morning where he did show and tell with the rest of the kiddos, yet didn't know how to use scissors.

(I can't help it, I just don't want things randomly being cut yet)

So that means that it will be off to look at yet another school tomorrow. I don't know how people do this. I don't think I put this much thought into where I went to college!!! And I'm racking my brain over preschool?!?!?!? OK, seriously, if you have done the whole preschool thing, I want these things from you:

How did you choose the school? Location? availability? playground? What was it?
When did your kiddo(s) start preschool?
Should I wait and do the Summer Program and then start Monk in a regular 3 year old class where he is right with all the other kids?

So be a dear, won't you? Just let me in on your little secrets of preschooldom. I can only drink so much Dr. Pepper worrying if I'm doing this all the "right" way!

On to the Recipe

As many of you know, I am a Food Network junkie. I love creating things that I see on the TV or read in my oh so coveted FN mag. So it should be no surprise that the recipe I bestow on you is an adaptation from a Giada Italian special. I call this dish Venison with Ricotta and Peas. Like I said in the last post, aren't 15 minute dinners great?!?!

Shopping list~

frozen peas

fettuccine noodles

med Ricotta cheese

1 lb. Venison Italian sausage

1 garlic clove

Everything into the pots.

~Brown meat and cook noodles in SALTED water.

~To the meat, add the garlic, Ricotta, and about 1 cup+ off frozen peas.

~Get some of the starch water out of the noodles before draining them.

~Put noodles into the pot and mix. Add starch water to thin it out and mix better.

Throw it in a bowl with some Parm and you are set! Love the colors of this dish. Adding some roasted red peppers might not be a bad idea too :)

Late Getting to this One

2010-12-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

BUT....................I have a very good reason for it. Monk and I went Preschool shopping today. Kind of a rocky start, but hopefully it will get better as I go along. So far I have a scheduled walk through every day this week. WHEW!!! it's alot of using Phylis (my TomTom) and having her navigate me through the unknown streets to reach my destination. I didn't think it would tug on my heart as much as it did. I actually started crying (no joke) when he was playing out side. It was just like "My Monk is growing up." So please pray that we find the right one and know it (and I don't break down with every school that we visit).

Friday night was the dinner at church. It was so nice to have all the girls together for a nice sit down dinner that didn't involve a play area in the corner of the room. Our menu was Spring salad to start, Chicken cordon bleu, sour cream potatoes, veggies, and chocolate cake for dessert. I think it was nice to not have to share my cake with a certain someone :) Here's how my table finally turned out~

The lemons added such a nice finishing touch to the candles. And a nice fragrance too. I got alot of compliments on my table too. Lots of people saying it was a non-traditional Christmas table. Thank you!

Every year we are given a going home gift. This year we were given the opportunity to have our gifts given to one of our members serving in Riga. Find out her story here I think its pretty awesome to support one person in Latvia and really know it's making a difference. I know her and Love knows her family very well. Great people, and very proud to support her in her mission for Christ!

Tomorrow will bring a recipe of venison sausage, peas, and noodles. So check back! 15 minute dinners are great, aren't they?

Dinner with the Ladies

2010-12-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight at church is our annual Ladies Christmas Dinner. I am actually hosting a table this year as well. Super excited about that too. Monk and I went to the church this morning to set our table up. Mind you, I don't think our table looks ANYTHING like all the others. All theirs are very classic Christmas attire. Mine on the other hang, well, not so much. You see this years theme is Jesus, Servant Portrayed. The same verse kept popping into my head~

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

What a beautiful picture of servanthood if you ask me. Making sure all of your needs are met? Isn't that what a servant is for, to meet your needs? Now, once you see a picture of the table, oh, well, good ahead and look:

And if you look carefully, you will see a bird in the middle of my flower arrangement :) What a great way to remember that you are loved! He came as a servant, not as a tyrant. To serve, not to be served. I'm pretty proud of myself for the table. Looks pretty darn good if you ask me :)

My dress, OH, MY DRESS! EEEEKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!! Love it to pieces. It was actually a gift from my Mother and G-Mom (told you I was a spoiled brat). I think I'm going to stick out in the sea of formal wear.

But I love it soooo! And yes ladies, those are red peep-toes I am wearing tonight. Gotta find some red lipstick to go with it though. I've never been very good at fashion. Matter of fact, I pretty much stink when it comes to stuff like that. But with a dress that makes me feel that great, I say who cares :). Stay tuned and I'll post some pics from the actual dinner.

Book Review and Recipe for You!

2010-12-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

A: I do believe that I fell in love with this book. First, let me clarify, I do not think that teen pregnancy is right, I think there is a serious problem with teens thinking they can raise a child, and I will never understand why teens think they know it all.

Having said that, this book brought emotions to me I had forgotten. I forgot the feeling when I first found out I was pregnant, fears of defects, and loving every minute of Monk moving around in my belly. The story is of a single mom who is a principal at a high school. Her daughter is top of her class, headed to college, and making a pact with 3 other friends to get pregnant. How hard can it be to raise a child when you have 4 best friends there to help you? Non of the fathers know they are pregnant till later. Struggles to keep up with the Cass and Perry society of the town is making it very hard on Susan, the principal and mother of Lily. The story is of love and regret, resentment and forgiveness, falling apart and coming back together again. I would highly recommend this book for just a fun read. It really did pull at my heart.

~ON TO THE RECIPE~

CURRIED VENISON CHEF SALAD

Marinade the venison backstrap steaks in a mixture of olive oil, curry, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, sea salt, pepper, and a beef rub for 2 hours.

Pound the steaks with a rolling pin while still in the bag.

Get your grill hot and grill steaks till medium rare or to your liking.

Wait 5 minutes to let the meat rest before cutting into slivers to top your salad with.

Chef Salad:

lettuce

2 boiled eggs

several slices of bacon

cheese

sauteed onions

Enjoy a light dinner and a great book!

Time for a Face Lift

2010-12-01T06:40:00.001-07:00

No loves, do not blink twice. It is the same blog, just with a face lift. I'm still not quite for sure if this is the one for me, but unlike surgery, it can be undone. Let me know what you think!

OK, so yesterday, Monk and I went to Michael's to get items for the Christmas Dinner we are having at church. I am a hostess this year and really excited about it too. I think I watch enough HGTv to get a grasp on where my inner designer is taking with. I get to set up a table with the chargers, plates, centerpiece, candles, the works. Lovely occasion and I am really enjoying doing the table for my family.

I told Monk going in that if he did a really good job of staying in the basket and not touching everything, that he would get a PEZ at the end. Don't ask me, he has thousands of them in his room, and loves them. Not the candy, just the PEZ. About 1/2 way through shopping and looking, he starts getting fresh in the mouth. That's not normally like Monk to get like that, so I nip it in the bud and move on.

Almost done with the florals and he starts constantly asking for a PEZ. I said, "Do not ask me again or the answer will be NO." And then comes the question again. I 9/10 of the time stick to my guns, so when checkout came, no PEZ.

Insert FIT THROWING here

I'm talking crying at the top of his lungs, screaming for the PEZ. The lady in front of me, poor thing, turned around and said sometimes its just easier to give in. WHAT!?!?!?!? And teach him this is the way to get what you want? I don't think so lady!

I get to the cashier and she informs me, "I was a Nanny once, and I always just told them if they were going to throw a fit, just go to your room and do it. But I guess in a store you really can't do that."

Where in the WORLD do people think that's ok. I keep my comments to myself. OR I say "don't worry, I go through those myself." Monk is not one to throw fits in a store. He's usually pretty composed. Just one of those days. If you're a 20 year old cashier at Michael's with no children, do tell me what you did as a Nanny. For pete's sake sweetheart!

I just really need to know, Has this ever happened to you? What were your inner most thoughts, or what did you say. I need to know, because I almost blew up. Thanks God for the filter over my mouth.

A Big Thank You

2010-11-30T09:01:00.001-07:00

You know what? Today I just want to say thank you. I mean a REAL thank you. Not the kind that you are forced to say, or the kind that you say to the Starbucks girl as she hands you your Peppermint Mocha Latte (I am pretty pretty thankful for that though).

I mean a big THANK YOU for reading, commenting, and using the stuff you find on here. I have "met" so many great people that I follow and read about their lives, and I feel like I am right there with them. You allow me some of your time each morning, evening, or night time, and I am giving you a big thank you.

This really is an outlet for me. A venting of sorts. it allows me to put into words what my heart is feeling at the time.

Baking, Love, Boredom, Rantings.

YOU are the reason I do this. For my own sanity and the sake of giving your recipe book some new ones to chew on.

I am truly honored to be apart of your lives and time. I know it's precious, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.

Ashley E

The Cook with a Book The Daily Readings, Lovings, Bakes, and Makes

Only Because He's Patient with Us

Living the Dream

********Update*********

Random Makings Blog HOP

trust

it had an "E"

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And That Was My Affair...........................

I Heart A GREAT GIVEAWAY

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wait

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untitled

When the Moon Hits Your Eye...............

Ashley E and Monk Bake a Cake

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Dear Burnt Pie Crust,

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Fixed the Comments Part

Give a Little Bit....................

The Aftermath

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONK!!!!

All Courtesy of the UPS Guy

Cha Cha Cha Changin'!!!

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Happy New Year to 2011

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Food from Thoughts

Seperated

Ode to the Dead Christmas Tree

Waiting for the Exhale

Mini Bites for Many People

A new Recipe for Christmas

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I want to learn.............

Attack of the Polka Dotted Stool

Wordless Wednesday~ My First ever attempt of ShortBread Cookies

BOOK REVIEW: Too Much Happiness

Love that Monk

For Kelly

Happy Happy Birthday and New News!!!

CrockPot Elk Chili..............and MORE Preschools

Rantings and a Recipe

Late Getting to this One

Dinner with the Ladies

Update*