Hi Minnie. This is for you. Love ya.
Mac n Cheese-
2c small curd cottage cheese
1c sour cream
1 egg slightly beaten
3/4 tsp salt
2c sharp cheddar cheese
7oz elbow macaroni
Cook macaroni-mix all ingredients
Bake in 350 oven 25-30 minutes
This is so yummy and it's great in a crock pot at parties.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
My Oldest Baby is 12 Today!
Wow, I can't believe it. My oldest child is 12 today! She is growing up to be such a beautiful- dare I say it- young woman! She's not to crazy about growing up. She loves being a child. She's not one of those who always want to be older than they are, quite the opposite most of the time. I'm so proud of her and I just love her sooooo much! Happy Birthday Honey.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Babies Sleepin and I'm Bloggin Like Crazy Today
Since the babe is taking a good nap and the children are playing together I thought I might as well take advantage of it and put up things I have been wanting too but just cant get around to it. I started this blog for our family when I was pregnant with Manny and loved doing it as a record for us- like a scrapbook but easier- and I wonder why people who had them didn't post everyday and now I'm lucky if I can every week. When he's napping there are just so many things to do like clean, school, cook, garden, laundry, and just play with the other children to name a few. It's so hard to decide.
Oh, and I have been watching that show called Hoarding, Buried Alive, and I could go on and on about that and myself. I think I'm a organized hoarder! So, I have been trying so hard to give things away. I will try and post more about that struggle later. Here are some pictures I have been wanting to post.
Mason made this with the Elemental Blocks. Isn't it cool.
More Pictures from the Children at Round Hill Park in March
Mason and the Goose
Round Hill Park
My big guy swimming at the YMCA
Last week at the South Side Works- FUN
Oh, and I have been watching that show called Hoarding, Buried Alive, and I could go on and on about that and myself. I think I'm a organized hoarder! So, I have been trying so hard to give things away. I will try and post more about that struggle later. Here are some pictures I have been wanting to post.
Mason made this with the Elemental Blocks. Isn't it cool.
More Pictures from the Children at Round Hill Park in March
Mason and the Goose
Round Hill Park
My big guy swimming at the YMCA
Last week at the South Side Works- FUN
Manny's baptism went great. He was so good and so were all the other children who were there at Mass. His Godmother has 7 and his Godfather has 3 and with our 5 plus a few more I was worried but all went well. He is wearing my gown from my baptism that all the children have worn, he looked beautiful!
I know alot of friends and family think we're crazy for having 5 children and welcoming what God gives us but I couldn't imagine life with out any of them- yes, even when they drive me crazy- and I miss the 2 that are in Heaven and know that someday we will all be together. Its a struggle for us to live this way- to trust that He knows whats best, well, let me put that another way, we know He knows whats best and that He will only give us what we can handle, what the struggle is is keeping the faith and not worrying about what others think and trying to remember that is usually only because they worry about us financially. Okay, I'll quite babbling now.
Manny trying to keep quiet during Mass. Everytime he's start fussing I would give him his ribbon to chew on and he loved it.
Out in my neighbors yard.
I know alot of friends and family think we're crazy for having 5 children and welcoming what God gives us but I couldn't imagine life with out any of them- yes, even when they drive me crazy- and I miss the 2 that are in Heaven and know that someday we will all be together. Its a struggle for us to live this way- to trust that He knows whats best, well, let me put that another way, we know He knows whats best and that He will only give us what we can handle, what the struggle is is keeping the faith and not worrying about what others think and trying to remember that is usually only because they worry about us financially. Okay, I'll quite babbling now.
Manny trying to keep quiet during Mass. Everytime he's start fussing I would give him his ribbon to chew on and he loved it.
Out in my neighbors yard.
Yesterday was a Good Day!
Yesterday we had a big day. First it was off to the new Childrens Hospital for a trip to the dentist for all 4 children with teeth. I have to say it went well. The oldest 2 girls have all the adult teeth now and no baby teeth left. I cant believe it. They only have one tiny start of a cavity each. Marlee is cavity free- Yeah Marlee! And Mason has a few- yuck. But he was so brave, he just jumped right up in the chair and volunteered to go first. I have to say I like the new hospital much better than the old so far.
Next we went to our favorite spot to eat on Mondays when we are in town- Spaghetti Warehouse, yum. The have one of the best family specials going on Mondays. You can get 2 kids meals per 1 adult for $1.99 each and that includes a drink, soup, salad or applesauce, entree' and a dish of ice cream! Oh, and it goes up to age 12 not 10 like most. Our whole family ate- drinks included- for under $30.00 but thats not including tip and since my hubby and I were both servers we do tip accordingly or we just feel to guilty later if we dont.
Then we went to the Aviary. Thanks to my very good friend- and Godmother to some of them- She was kind enough to get us a year membership for Christmas to the Childrens Museum which is right by the Aviary so they have a dual membership thing going so anyway I paid the difference and now we can go to both free all year. Tommy's best friend- also a Godfather- did that for the children this year for the Zoo too. We are so thankful for these awesome gifts that just keep in giving all year.
Anyway, here are some picts from yesterdays trip and I hope to get more up later when Tommy comes home and I can get them from his phone- mine ran out of battery.
We had such a great time and it was a beautiful day, just perfect weather.
Have you noticed I love taking picts of the children from behind. I just think they look sooo cute.
Mars and the Penguins
Nasa watchen the Penguins
Mo being LOVED by the Lories
Madi loven the Lories
Masey with the Lories
Nasa and Daddy with the Lories
Next we went to our favorite spot to eat on Mondays when we are in town- Spaghetti Warehouse, yum. The have one of the best family specials going on Mondays. You can get 2 kids meals per 1 adult for $1.99 each and that includes a drink, soup, salad or applesauce, entree' and a dish of ice cream! Oh, and it goes up to age 12 not 10 like most. Our whole family ate- drinks included- for under $30.00 but thats not including tip and since my hubby and I were both servers we do tip accordingly or we just feel to guilty later if we dont.
Then we went to the Aviary. Thanks to my very good friend- and Godmother to some of them- She was kind enough to get us a year membership for Christmas to the Childrens Museum which is right by the Aviary so they have a dual membership thing going so anyway I paid the difference and now we can go to both free all year. Tommy's best friend- also a Godfather- did that for the children this year for the Zoo too. We are so thankful for these awesome gifts that just keep in giving all year.
Anyway, here are some picts from yesterdays trip and I hope to get more up later when Tommy comes home and I can get them from his phone- mine ran out of battery.
We had such a great time and it was a beautiful day, just perfect weather.
Have you noticed I love taking picts of the children from behind. I just think they look sooo cute.
Mars and the Penguins
Nasa watchen the Penguins
Mo being LOVED by the Lories
Madi loven the Lories
Masey with the Lories
Nasa and Daddy with the Lories
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Happy Birthday Daddy
We went to the Olive Garden for my husbands 36th birthday on Monday and all went well. The baby slept for most of the meal which was great because he really didnt want to go and have one of us walking around to keep Nasa happy. It will be nice to go out for that short period of time when the baby can sit in a highchair and eat but not walk yet cause once they start walking then they never want to sit there and eat anymore. Oh, the joys of little ones, timing is everything and sometimes you just cant get what you want but it only lasts a season and then everything changes again.
Spring is here!
I love the sights, sounds and smells of spring. I love to let the children pick the flowers and bring them in to sit in front of a fan to blow their sweet smells around the house. They get so excited when I let them pick them cause no one else does. But I remember always wanting to pick them and bring them inside when I was little and I do always try and remember what it was like to be a child and the little things that made me happy or sad and I try really hard to make my children feel special and loved. Its so hard sometimes to be grown up and I want my children to look back and to have really enjoyed their childhood and I want them to have the oppertunity to truely have a carefree childhood.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Roasted Veggies and Orzo
Wow it got cold today, miserable cold and rainy. I guess we got spoiled with beautiful spring weather the past 2 weeks. So I'm ready to warm up the kitchen by turning on the oven and roasting some veggies. I tweak it alot by adding more peppers, sometimes cherry tomatoes and more eggplant. This recipe is great warm, cold or room temp. Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 small eggplant, peeled and 3/4-inch diced
1 red bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 yellow bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 red onion, peeled and 1-inch diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound orzo or rice-shaped pasta
For the dressing:
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Toss veggies and garlic in oil sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Put veggies on 2 stainless steel baking sheets and roast at 425 for about 45 mins, stiring once 1/2 way through. Boil orzo while veggies are roasting.
Put all in a mixing bowl and toss with dressing. After it has cooled add feta cheese crumbles and fresh torn basil leaves.
Ingredients
1 small eggplant, peeled and 3/4-inch diced
1 red bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 yellow bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 red onion, peeled and 1-inch diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound orzo or rice-shaped pasta
For the dressing:
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Toss veggies and garlic in oil sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Put veggies on 2 stainless steel baking sheets and roast at 425 for about 45 mins, stiring once 1/2 way through. Boil orzo while veggies are roasting.
Put all in a mixing bowl and toss with dressing. After it has cooled add feta cheese crumbles and fresh torn basil leaves.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Cheese Rosti- Potatoes
A friend made these and brought them to our homeschooling International Fair and they were soooo good. Its not often I find something everyone likes- and they all did. So I asked her to email me the recipe and here it goes.....
I'm going to give it a go tonight, I'll let ya know how they came out.
Cheese Rosti-
Ingredients:
6 large potatoes
6 tablespoons butter
8 ounces Swiss cheese, grated salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons hot water
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, and let cool. Once cool, peel and grate potatoes.
2. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in large nonstick skillet, add a layer of potatoes and a layer of cheese, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Repeat layers. Dot each layer with remaining butter. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons hot water over the top layer, cover and saute at low to medium heat until bottom layer browns. Turn with spatula and brown again.
Okay, I made them and they turned out great except I baked mine in my castiron skillet instead of on the stove top The baby was very cranky and there is no way I could have done it but I have to say they were great that way so thats how I will make them from now on. I had the oven at around 375 and just kept checking them till they were browned enough.
I'm going to give it a go tonight, I'll let ya know how they came out.
Cheese Rosti-
Ingredients:
6 large potatoes
6 tablespoons butter
8 ounces Swiss cheese, grated salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons hot water
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, and let cool. Once cool, peel and grate potatoes.
2. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in large nonstick skillet, add a layer of potatoes and a layer of cheese, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Repeat layers. Dot each layer with remaining butter. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons hot water over the top layer, cover and saute at low to medium heat until bottom layer browns. Turn with spatula and brown again.
Okay, I made them and they turned out great except I baked mine in my castiron skillet instead of on the stove top The baby was very cranky and there is no way I could have done it but I have to say they were great that way so thats how I will make them from now on. I had the oven at around 375 and just kept checking them till they were browned enough.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
4 Month Check-up
Babe went to the Family doc today and he is 18 lbs and 25 inches. Growing like a weed- loves to nurse. He does have a pesky skin thing right in the middle of his forehead so we went to the family chiropractor for that yesterday. He got adjusted and did very well. My Chiropractor has 10 children of his own so I have no problems trusting him adjusting mine although I do have to admit the neck adjustment always makes me a lil uncomfortable even on myself. We have taken the children for their first visit within a week after birth and then every month or so for their first year and then as needed or as we can afford since our insurance- like most- wont pay for the kind of Doc's we'd rather take our children to. Both of the boys are going back on Monday. I got adjusted yesterday as well and I feel great. Here's my lil Chunk at the Family Doc's today-
Chicken Anyone?
I'm going to try and keep a running list of chicken dishes so that I can reference it when I planning meals or in a hurry and need something quick.
Chicken Tenders-
Grilled
Breaded and Fried
Rotisserie or Baked-
Gravy and Mashed Potatoes, Veggie
BBQ Pizza- Crust, Sauce, Pizza Cheese, Gorgonzola Cheese, Chicken and BBQ Sauce
Enchilada's-
Pour some tomato sauce on a bottom of a 9 X 13 or larger baking pan.
to prepare tortillas -
Spread some refried beans on it, then add some cheese, then add steamed broccoli and chicken and then cheese again. Fold each sides in and place in the pan with the fold facing up. If it starts to open up, I usually pour a little tomato sauce on top of it so the sides stick to each other.
Do that for all the tortillas and line side by side in the pan. Note: For 8 enchiladas I use a 11 x 19 pan and have 6 enchiladas in a row and other 2 are put in the pan in the opposite direction on one side.
Then pour tomato sauce over top all the tortillas and you have to be generous or else they will get dried up. Make sure the sauce is all around the sides of the pan or else they will stick to the pan and it will be difficult to get out after baked. Then place shredded cheese on top of all them. Bake at 350 for about 1/2 hour or until the middles are hot and the cheese is melted through.
Chicken Stuffed Shells-
Boil till al dente large shells to prepare them
Make a mixture with shredded chicken, mayo, prepared stuffing mix. Stuff shells and pour cream soup mixed with milk or broth over. Bake till heated through.
Chicken Tenders-
Grilled
Breaded and Fried
Rotisserie or Baked-
Gravy and Mashed Potatoes, Veggie
BBQ Pizza- Crust, Sauce, Pizza Cheese, Gorgonzola Cheese, Chicken and BBQ Sauce
Enchilada's-
Pour some tomato sauce on a bottom of a 9 X 13 or larger baking pan.
to prepare tortillas -
Spread some refried beans on it, then add some cheese, then add steamed broccoli and chicken and then cheese again. Fold each sides in and place in the pan with the fold facing up. If it starts to open up, I usually pour a little tomato sauce on top of it so the sides stick to each other.
Do that for all the tortillas and line side by side in the pan. Note: For 8 enchiladas I use a 11 x 19 pan and have 6 enchiladas in a row and other 2 are put in the pan in the opposite direction on one side.
Then pour tomato sauce over top all the tortillas and you have to be generous or else they will get dried up. Make sure the sauce is all around the sides of the pan or else they will stick to the pan and it will be difficult to get out after baked. Then place shredded cheese on top of all them. Bake at 350 for about 1/2 hour or until the middles are hot and the cheese is melted through.
Chicken Stuffed Shells-
Boil till al dente large shells to prepare them
Make a mixture with shredded chicken, mayo, prepared stuffing mix. Stuff shells and pour cream soup mixed with milk or broth over. Bake till heated through.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
My Babe is Enjoying the Weather
Here's my little guy out enjoying the weather for the 1st time. Isn't he precious? I am so happy to get the backyard cleaned up. I can't wait to fix the fence and put the dogs in the very back so my grass will start growing back and my flowers and veggies have a chance. Also, my lil guy will be able to crawl around out there in the summer without the fear of finding something the dog left behind. Yuck!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Beautiful Day in Early March
Wow, it was 60 degrees today and the snow is melting! I took the children to Round Hill Farm to feed the ducks and geese and to see my sons favorite- the giant pig. He couldn't wait. I love his age- 4 - they are just learning so much and the way they express themselves- most of the time- is so cute.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Happy Sunday Morning
Wow, the last week or so has been busy with the snow finally letting up we went out! So, not much time to blog, just catchen a few quick seconds now. My 2nd daughter turnded 10 last Sunday so today my hubby is taking her and my oldest- her choice- to IHOP and I better get some leftover pancakes!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Zoo day January, 2010
Click on this link to see our ANIMOTO video of our day at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
I just figured out how to do it and its so cool and free!
Zoo day January, 2010
I just figured out how to do it and its so cool and free!
Zoo day January, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday Morning
Well, I'm staying on track so far.
This morning I made french toast for breakfast and tried something a little different. For the 2nd batch I added sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. I also used my vintage crank hand mixer to mix it up good instead of a fork and it came out really good. Next time I think I'm going to use my Trader Joe's Agave/Maple syrup blend in the mix. I love my cast iron griddle I got for Christmas last year. You can make 6 pieces at once. I cant see how any family over the size of 4 could be without one.
Now its 10:30 and since the baby was being so cooperative I have the Sweet Sausage ready for the oven, just need to add some sauce.
And the dough for the Calzones in the bread machine.
My family really likes having the menu up. And it gives me more incentive to stick to it because thats what they are expecting to get. I have painted my pantry/washroom door in my kitchen with chalkboard paint and thats were I put the menu and I added a basket thing from an old cupboard to put the weeks adds in.
UPDATE-
By noon my cooking for the day was done!
My pizza and calzones were coming hot out of the oven for lunch.
Love this pizza peel. Bought it at a yard sale - new in plastic with cookbook- for a buck lastyear.
And my sweet pepper sausage was baked- ready to reheat for dinner.
This morning I made french toast for breakfast and tried something a little different. For the 2nd batch I added sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. I also used my vintage crank hand mixer to mix it up good instead of a fork and it came out really good. Next time I think I'm going to use my Trader Joe's Agave/Maple syrup blend in the mix. I love my cast iron griddle I got for Christmas last year. You can make 6 pieces at once. I cant see how any family over the size of 4 could be without one.
Now its 10:30 and since the baby was being so cooperative I have the Sweet Sausage ready for the oven, just need to add some sauce.
And the dough for the Calzones in the bread machine.
My family really likes having the menu up. And it gives me more incentive to stick to it because thats what they are expecting to get. I have painted my pantry/washroom door in my kitchen with chalkboard paint and thats were I put the menu and I added a basket thing from an old cupboard to put the weeks adds in.
UPDATE-
By noon my cooking for the day was done!
My pizza and calzones were coming hot out of the oven for lunch.
Love this pizza peel. Bought it at a yard sale - new in plastic with cookbook- for a buck lastyear.
And my sweet pepper sausage was baked- ready to reheat for dinner.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Mmmmmm
I gave up two things for the Great Fast.
1- Baked goods-
Still trying to drop that baby weight.
2- Buying cloth diapers-
The second may sound silly to you but its addicting and can be very expensive.
So anyway, I went to Aldi's yesterday and they had these big, yummy strawberries just asking to be dipped in chocolate.
They are soooo good and better for me than a piece of chocolate cake.
Baby is now 3 1/2 months old and I have lost nearly 40 lbs. but have another 25 to 30 to go. I weighed in at 162 on Wednesday. Wish me luck.
1- Baked goods-
Still trying to drop that baby weight.
2- Buying cloth diapers-
The second may sound silly to you but its addicting and can be very expensive.
So anyway, I went to Aldi's yesterday and they had these big, yummy strawberries just asking to be dipped in chocolate.
They are soooo good and better for me than a piece of chocolate cake.
Baby is now 3 1/2 months old and I have lost nearly 40 lbs. but have another 25 to 30 to go. I weighed in at 162 on Wednesday. Wish me luck.
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