Tuesday, September 30, 2008

FALL is in The Air

I have been decorating and hoping the weather would cool off and feel like Fall was here. And yesterday it was. It was wonderful, windy and a little bit cooler. It was so windy that my cute little scarecrow Epson blew over.
Now I am not saying it was time to pull out the jackets or anything like that but it was to the point that I didn't about suffocate from the heat wave when I walked outside. I tried scaring my 12 yr. old daughter with it through the window, but it didn't work.
She was in my craft room that looks out to the front yard and I was making it hit the window and it was not successful. It has been working to scare my neighbors son when he takes out the trash, okay me and my other daughter at times too!
I tied Epson up to the tree so he can hopefully stay in place. Yes, he is named after my newest printer.
And this morning when sweet hubby left at 5 ish it was lovely outside. I said to myself there is hope it will cool off this year. Today it is once again windy but very sunny. Tomorrow it is time for decorating for Halloween. I am not into the scary stuff just the cute fun things. So that is what I will be working on tomorrow.
Today I had a couple of lessons on the drivers safety course I had to do. I am still working on the menu for next year and I am finishing up today's wash but I feel some fun things coming into play for a little later. CRAFTS that's right. Now what to work on. Hmmm I will have to go look. Tonight is the Young Women's In Excellence Night and they are having a dinner then the program so I won't need to make dinner. Well off to change wash over. Check in with you later. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Monday, September 29, 2008

Sloppy Joes Recipe

This recipe was requested by Gabriela. Her blog is just beautiful, stop by and say hi to her.
This is an altered recipe from the cook book "Not Just Beans" by Tawra Jean Kellam. I recommend this book to everyone. You can order it here Living On A Dime .
This is also the name of the newer book that also has this recipe in it.
This is the Sloppy Joes simmering and my corn cooking.

Sloppy Joes
Hamburger buns or what ever kind of buns you prefer
1 lb. Ground beef ( since I have 8 people to feed I used 1-1/2 lb. beef and then Beef Flavored TVP) to make enough.
1 med. onion, chopped
1 T. garlic powder (or more) he he
1/2 T. ketchup
2 tsp. brown sugar
1/8 tsp. lemon juice
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
I also add chili sauce to it. If you can't find it in the store it is so easy to make. The recipe will follow this:
Brown meat and onion until onion is tender and meat is no longer pink. Drain fat. Add other ingredients and heat thoroughly. When done serve in the bun. YUM!
Homemade Chili Sauce:
1 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 T. vinegar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
dash of ground cloves
dash of allspice
dash of red pepper flakes (or more). Mix all this together and use or store in a container for up to 2 weeks.
I don't like many pre-made sauces or pre-made much due to the taste of preservatives so I tend to make a lot of my mixes and sauces. Plus you know what is going into it.
As you see in the picture my corn pan (on the right) wasn't very big and I had 16 ears of corn to cook, my large pan is being used for the chicken for dinner for the rest of the weeks recipes. So I decided to cook the corn ahead of time. Preheat the oven to 170. I placed a jelly roll pan in the oven with a little bit of water and placed the corn in there to keep warm so it could all be served at one time. This worked out very well.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Menu Plan Monday

Wow! Weekends go by way too fast. It is already Monday morning and time to start another week and time for Menu Plan Monday. The following is my menu for this week:
Slow Bake BBQ Chicken
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Corn on the Cob

Sloppy Joe's
Chips
Cucumbers & Dip

Chicken Tetrazzini
Peas
Dinner Rolls

Bean and Ham Soup
Cornbread Wedges
Apple Cole Slaw

One-Dish Chicken Meal
Green Salad

Crustless Spinach Quiche
Parmesan Bread Sticks
Caesar Salad

Beef Burgundy(minus the Burgundy replacing with non alcoholic item)
Egg Noodles
Fresh Steamed Broccoli
Dinner Rolls
That's if for this weeks recipe. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Congratulations to Savannah and Jess









I wanted to say Congratulations to Savannah & Jess Hammond who just welcomed their new little blessing, Ezekiel. Born on Friday morning at 8lbs. 4 ounces and 21 inches long. This is Pantara and Ezekiel.

I am now a great aunt once again many times over.
This is Savannah at the beginning of September. The Hammonds already have one child, her name is Pantara. She is a beautiful, imaginative and funny girl. We are so happy for them. Mom and baby are doing well.
The Savannah & Jess moved to Pennsylvania in August and I live in Arizona, so this is why there are no new baby pictures. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Happy Pink Saturday

I wanted to thank Beverly for hosting this Pink Saturday every week. If you go on her blog there are so many bloggers to check out their Pinks it is cool!
Today for Pink Saturday I wanted to share one of my 9 photo boxes. I love these boxes. I got them at Michael's craft store. And yes mine are all full of photos and I am still in need of more boxes or more time to do my scrap-booking in the week. He He
This is my FranklinCovey monthly/weekly organizer. It is not only useful but pretty.
Now this next picture has nothing to do with pink other than most girls who like pink like to play dress up and I am not a spring chicken! My 3rd child went to her first school dance. She said it was lame. She was on the computer and my oldest daughter wanted to do her hair and make-up. Any of you who know my daughter Coco she loves to make things a little out there and be a little goofy some times. So this is what she came up with and I couldn't resist to share with my friends in the blogisphere.
This E'lyse the same one that I had posted her picture for playing with her own hair yesterday. I should have taken a picture from the side her hair was all puffed up into a big lump out the back. It was funny looking. I love it when my kiddos are getting along and having fun. There are too many times that they all get so busy that the house is eerily quiet. I love the laughter and giggles when they are hanging out and having a good time.
Have a great Pink Saturday! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Friday, September 26, 2008

Getting In the Mood

The other night for Family Home Evening I made hot chocolate (shocking I know) and had bought these cute little ghosts for in the cups. I think he is just so cute floating in my pumpkin cup!
This morning E'lyse came down and showed me this! Maybe we are all getting a little eager for the cooler weather and to have some fun!
On October 18Th Vanessa at Fanciful Twist is having a blog Halloween Party. Just go on over and sign up to share the fun with her. Now just visiting her blog is a party in its self. She has so much too look at, read and wonderful ideas to share. Even if you don't want to join the party check out her beautiful blog.
Have a great Friday. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Silly Girls


Coco's husband Kyle blames the girls weirdness on me but I don't know.
Last Friday after school Gabby comes in and starts crawling on the floor saying she is an ant.



Then this afternoon Coco was talking about how she would look like a walrus if she was carrying Talmage now (being he is 20lbs.) So she sticks him up her outside shirt and he was loving it. I don't know about the weirdness coming from me but it sure is fun to laugh at. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Whatcha Working on Wednesday

It is that time again Whatcha Working on Wednesday with Leslie.
This is a peg rack for our Christmas stockings. I don't have a mantle due to the fact that here in the valley it doesn't get cold enough to have a fire very long. I am going to spray it and distress it .


This next project will take me a while. No I am not copying someone else's recipes to make my own cookbook. These are a few of my cookbooks that I will be working from, my DD Coco has decided to make a menu for all of next year. I thought what a great idea and decided to join her in my own menu project.



These are my kitchen cabinets not a project for today but wanted to share my Fall decor that I did a couple of weeks ago. Fall is my favorite time of the year so I can't wait for September 21St and wish for cooler weather.

This is the other side


This next picture isn't a project either but I had to share with you. My DD dogs are living with us and one of her dogs and one of ours keeps sleeping right behind the rolling chairs when I am working on a project. So to avoid hurting them or them being in the way of walking around I have been keeping them out of the room. Well this morning I turn around and see this.
It is almost like she is thinking "If I can't see her she can't see me." She is under my other desk with her head behind my rolling drawer cart. Silly Cosmo!
Hope you all have a great Wednesday and get some things crossed off your lists. Hugs, Bobbi Jo




Sunday, September 21, 2008

Menu Plan Monday

Menu Plan Monday

Crock Pot Applesauce Chicken from Stephanie the Crock Pot Lady
Cauliflower
Rolls

Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans

Swiss Chicken
Brown Rice


Enchiladas
Tortilla Chips
Raw veggies w/ dip

Warm Chicken Past over Romaine
Dinner Rolls

Chicken Pockets
Broccoli w/ Cheese

I will post recipes and reviews on my other blog this week. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Gabby's Baptism

This is a picture of our family from this morning today was Gabby's Baptism. From left to right is: Dallas 15, E'lyse 12, Kyle 19, Coco 18, Talmage 8 mo., Faith (in Red)9, Myself, Gabby 8 (in white) and Alan (or DH)


She is now a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was so excited and admitted to me of being just a little bit nervous. She looked so pretty in her white dress. This dress was worn by E'lyse & Faith for their Baptisms, she was so happy to be wearing the same one as them.

This picture was taken in the hall when we first got to the church. The program was short and sweet. E'lyse said the opening prayer. We sang Teach Me To Walk In The Light. Faith gave a talk on being Baptised .

Faith was so precious she was touched by the Spirit so much and started to weep as she was giving it. As she bore her Testimony she said that she thought Gabby was smart, outgoing and beautiful and hoped that they would always stay close and be best friends. Needless to say those who know me I was flooding with tears. My DH calls me soggy due to my high emotions. After her talk we went to the Baptismal Font and she was Baptised by her dad. We (Coco, E'lyse , Faith and I went into the room with her) Coco dried hair, I helped to get her dressed and E'lyse handed items to us. Faith was there supporting us. We went back into the room. Kyle gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Gabby was then Confirmed and became a member of the church by her father, Kyle and Bishop Kempton. We sang I Am A Child Of God (this sounded so much better with the piano playing than when we sing it Monday nights a capella.) Dallas gave the closing prayer and also conducted the music. One of my friends and neighbors, Sis. Wright, played the piano for us. It was such a wonderful Baptism and the last of my children.
It brings so much pleasure to see your children making good, right choices in their lives. As I have said before just taking the time to enjoy the qualities of each of my children and notice how they change, learn and grow is such a gift that each of us needs to treasure for these day's are not nearly long enough before they are out on their own and raising their own families. Man I am feeling so old now, with tears streaming down my face thinking of all that our Heavenly Father has blessed me and my family with. I will close with this. Have a great evening and go hug your children or sweetheart and tell them you love them and then thank Heavenly Father for them.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Friday, September 19, 2008

Pink Saturday

Happy Pink Saturday! Sorry I am posting so late we had a very busy morning and I am just getting to the computer now. For my Pink Saturday I wanted to share these

This is a sign I got earlier this week for above my bath. 50% off what a bargain. I love the saying,"The Queen Reigns Here". So me!!
This is a new scrap-book paper that I found and LoVe!!

These are pink flowers in our front planters of our house.
This is my sweet niece, Meredith when she was a little girl she hasn't grown too much but is in her 20's now! Sorry I couldn't resist the short joke.
Hope you all have a great Saturday. I will be posting pics from this morning a little later. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Prayer & Picture Day

I would like to ask all of you great bloggers to include in your prayers my sweet Sister In Law Renee' who had surgery done again. To make a long story short major car accident at 18, bad back problems all her adult life, more back surgeries and now this one is to hopefully give her a better quality of life. She is a nurse and helps bring babies into the world. So if you would please include her in your prayers it would be greatly appreciated by our family.
Today is picture day at the elementary school and these are my girls Gabby and Faith. Coco did their hair this morning I think they both look great! Have a great day!
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Happy Birthday Gabby-8 yrs.old

Recently one of my dear friends Melissa had as her heading "Picture Overload", maybe I should have put that plus word overload. This is a long post!!! Grab a cup of cocoa and sit for a while.
When I found out I was pregnant again after the last baby having health problems, nursing every half hour and not much sleep I was so upset. I called Alan and started crying he said to me,"Your pregnant aren't you?" I said," Yes, I can't do this again." I was terrified to be honest with you. After about 3 months I got better with the idea and started getting a little more rest. When Gabby was born she was so sweet and I knew it would all be okay. I had a hard time with finding a name for her. I couldn't find one that I liked, and I really didn't like Gabby but we had to have a name before we came home from the hospital. We got her middle name first she was named after my SIL- Renee' who is more like a sister to me. Alan picked out Gabby and said he liked it so that is what it was. Now it fits her so well. She is a ball of energy and laughter. I don't know if it is something with the youngest child being a goof or what (I am the baby of our family, so I can say this). She loves to dress up and just be silly to make people laugh. Sometimes even when she isn't trying to she is a hoot!
Happy with wonderful smile and very curious. She was a very easy going baby. When she was almost 5 months old I was put in the hospital unexpectedly for 3 weeks and then again for another few days. I had to stop nursing her and she did so well. With me being gone and Alan having his hands full with the other 4 children, coming in to visit me his brother and wife took Gabby. I am forever grateful for their helping us out. She was good for them also. Gabby's favorite color is Purple, she loves hot chocolate in the morning, noon and night (like me), she likes watching Sponge Bob and older shows. One of her best friends is Faith. She and Faith do almost everything together. Being almost 17 months apart it is a little like having twins.They make daces up, play games and have secret rituals they do every night or when a new stuffed animal joins the family.
Gabby as BOO from Monsters Inc.
Gabby being cute!
Gabby with a squash we loving named Pete until he got squishy. I put cloves in him for his eyes. She would sleep with him and carry him all over the place.
This picture reminded me of Martha Stewart (I don't know why but I love it.)
Gabby last week. Being a bad guy. She reminds me of a picture you might have seen of a sailor w/ a tattoo. Love the tattoo MOM:)
These pictures were taken this morning by Coco. Gabby has grown so much.

Coco also did her hair. It also happens to be picture day at school.
So this being Gabby's 8Th Birthday she will be Baptized and become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They just changed our Stake Baptism day this past Sunday. So I got a call Sunday morning telling me that Gabby can be Baptised this Saturday. Okay for you other LDS mom's who know the panic of hearing this when you think you have a little over a month to prepare. EEEK!!! So she went for her interview with the Bishop and pretty much decided to do it this Saturday. For those who would like to come you are welcome to it is at the Bella Vista Ward in Johnson Ranch, just outside of Queen Creek. It will be at 9:30 and the Conformation will be at 10:00. I have nothing planned for treats or that. Bishop said to focus on this as the special thing happen to her on this day so I am trying not to freak out and feel guilty.
Tonight Alan is taking Gabby, Faith and maybe a friend to see Egor at the movies. Tomorrow afternoon we are going to McDonald's (Gabby's choice) and tomorrow night we are having a camp out in the living room. Still too hot outside to camp out.
So be forewarned there will be a lot more pictures to come tomorrow.
Gabby requested homemade chocolate chip cookies for her class and some teachers, librarian, coach and Principle so I finished those up this morning. I need to make her chocolate chip pie for her Birthday tonight so I better go. You all have a great day! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Thursday

Embarrassed to say I haven't gotten a bunch done today.I made lunches this morning and cleaned up the kitchen, unloaded and loaded dishwasher. After everyone was up I vacuumed the house upstairs and downstairs, I ran an errand and came home. I have been working on my Defensive Driving Class on line.

This is the picture they got. Too bad I wasn't dancing or something fun! Nope just driving a long.
I got a ticket a while back and so I have to take the class. NO it wasn't anything earth shattering that I got a ticket. I was going 36 in a 25. I shouldn't have driven when I was upset, bad me I know better ! Now I am paying for it. So I will be completing this class hopefully in the next few days and then taking the final test.
Yesterday I painted a snowman face he isn't done yet. I didn't care for the eyes on him so I had to repaint it. I am wanting to do a few more things today but we will see how much I get done. I have so many ideas going through my head of items to make for Christmas. Last year we made the 2 younger daughters Barbie houses so I am going to make the blankets, pillows and finish up the furniture for them this year. I picked up 2 dining room tables w/chairs for them yesterday that were a great price at the store.
So this is what I am up to today. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Whatcha Working on Wednesday

It is time for Whatcha Working on Wednesday with Leslie . With only 98 Days till Christmas, Yes you heard right 98 DAYS till the big day I would love to say that I have a handle on all my projects that I have planned for it. But, I don't so I my game plan for today is: Run errands to finish up Birthday shopping for Gabby's Birthday on Friday, along with picking up grocery items needed. Coming home and starting in on those Christmas gifts. Some I will share when I am working on them others I won't due to who might be reading this. I have so many ideas in my head and when I went to Deseret Book store the other day I found this and it added so some of the things to make.
I love Mary Engelbert's art work and this is chalk full of fun things to make. Including a Santa Doll. I collect Santa's and have been wanting to add another craft to my fun list. So this is what I have planned and I will let you know how I progress later today.
Yesterday evening the Alan, the girls and I went with Coco and Talmage (Kyle was still at work), to see the model of the home they are buying. She is going to have it so cute and homey when they get in there. What fun ! Makes me want to move again. Shhhh ..... Don't tell Alan! Anyway the girls were getting hungry so we were going to leave and Kyle showed up and Alan and him wanted to walk the trench that is dug and the start of the footing. So Alan said he would ride home on Kyles bike with him. Mind you it is a sporty type bike, it is a Yamaha (not a Harley, can't believe it is parked in front of my house!) JUST KIDDING COCO!!! Anyway so this would have been a perfect Kodak moment to get this picture. So Coco, E'lyse and I waited and waited out front for them. This is E'lyse coming out to join us. She was a little annoyed because Coco and I kept taking pictures of her as she was walking out.

So we stayed out there for a while longer and they didn't show. By the way dinner was in the oven and luckily I had it all ready to pop in the oven. After I was done putting the children's sandwiches in there lunch boxes I decided to put all the ingredients in the pan so I could just pop it in the oven. Big time saver was having already had my pre-cooked chicken cut up for in the casserole. On my way back inside the house I decided to share a picture of our front door. I had decorated for Fall over the weekend with Gabby helping me.
So this is it for now. I better go for now I need to get kiddos ready for school and myself to run errands. Check in later. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

He Passed

This morning Dallas and I went to get his blood work done then to the DMV. He was just a little nervous but got over that after we got him some Burger King to eat. He passed with flying colors on his test.
This is his license


And this is his happy face and thumbs up all okay here face! We are proud of you Dallas. Drive safely and remember who you are.
Now I am home and have phone calls to make and chores to catch up on. Have a good Tuesday. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Monday, September 15, 2008

Menu Plan Monday

It is time for Menu Plan Monday. This is our menu in no particular order for this week:
Poppy Seed Chicken
Creamed Peas
Apple Grape & Walnut Salad ( Waldorf Salad)

Crock-Pot Lasagna
Lemon Parmesan Broccoli
Salad

Cheaters Chicken & Dumplings
Green Beans
Fruit

Cranberry Cheese Turkey Casserole
Veggies/Dip
Rolls

McDonald's For Gabby's Birthday Per-Request

Tex -Mex Meatball Pie
Pears
Green Salad

Grilled Chicken Teriyaki w/Pineapple Slices
Corn on the Cob
Melon

Hope you all have a great Monday. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Sunday Pancakes

It is almost a tradition in our family that every Sunday (but Fast Sunday) we have a family breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast and pancakes. I make some pancakes plain and some with chocolate chips. This morning Talmage really enjoyed them so I wanted to share pictures of him as he was eating them.
Talmage seems to like the chocolate chip pancakes best. I love this last picture he looks like he is thinking why are you taking pictures of me eating? He is such a sweet baby.
Hope you are all having a great Sunday. Hugs, Bobbi Jo


Saturday, September 13, 2008

PInk Saturday





First of all say a prayer to those who are in the areas of Ike and for those involved in the train reck in So Cal.
It is Pink Saturday so join Beverly on her blog and find something pink to add to this day. It is fun to go to all the blogs and see all the different pink items that are posted.

Here is my contribution for Pink Saturday
A pretty hair bow of Gabby's (the youngest)


This is Faith's shoe ( the next to last) this is one of my favorite pink color combinations. This is the color I want my Harley!
These aren't really pink but I think they are beautiful. My DH brought them home for me last night. I love flowers and he has always brought me flowers throughout our marriage.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Friday, September 12, 2008

Old House, Freckles & Enjoying Our Children



Back on July 18Th I had wrote about finding a new friend Leslie at My Country Home. Her family knew my family when we lived in PA. I was going through pictures and I found this.I thought I would post it to show where I use to live. This picture was taken in 1967. Our house was called by some the Pink Hilton. And from what I heard after we had sold it and moved, our house was turned into a hunting lodge and now I don't know what it's used for. I have been told that it has not been taken care of and the trees around it are huge. I saw a few pictures from many years back that my youngest brother had taken and it had changed a lot. I am still not sure why we moved. I wish we could have stayed there till I was older. I was 4 and 1/2 when we moved to Arizona. I am not wild about the desert climate or the view I am more of a colder climate and pine trees type of gal. My memories are vague but I do have some. So there is my trip down memory lane today. This is a picture of Gabby, (the youngest) and striving to be the class clown every year. (So she tells me.) The picture was taken right after she woke up this morning. She had drawn with a marker on face freckles last night before she went to bed. She wanted to wear them to school and I said no and you need to wash them off, but not before I get a picture.
Gabby is one of those kids who is constantly making people laugh by the things she says and asks. We were reading scriptures as a family one night a while back. It was Gabby's turn and the word was concubines and she said concubunnies! It is those kinds of things that brings joy to our home daily.
It is so fun to see the great personalities of each of our children as they grow and change. I was reading a blog yesterday, right now I don't remember who it was, anyway she was talking about her sons going off to college and missing the little everyday things about them it made me think a little more about how much I do enjoy the little things. I need to enjoy them more even the little daily things .
Have a great Friday! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Take a Listen to This

http://www.brownielocks.com/JohnWayneLoveAmerica.html

Remebering 911 and Evacuations from Texas



My heart and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones from the attacks on 911 7 years ago today. I was watching this morning the memorial services and thinking about how much life has changed since this happened. I am sure many of us reflect on this. I thought about what I was doing that morning when I was listening to the news as I got kiddos ready for school. It was such a shock and I don't think the media was any help at the time either (big shock, NOT). I think the best changes that I recognized from that day was people standing up for our country. Coming together and loving each other. People were more polite, kind and understanding. Too bad we can't carry that feeling everyday without something this tragic to remind us that we are all Gods children and we should love one another. This is why the war is going on in Iraq. We need to support our military and those who serve to protect us daily. If you see a service person telling them thank you for protecting our great country be proud of it, hang your flag and say a prayer for all those men and women.
As for those people evacuated from Texas today I pray for them that they are able to have a place to stay and that the storm will not be as harsh as they are expecting. We need to all keep this in our minds today too.
I don't mean to be glum or get anyone down. Now good news, today is my dogs Birthday

Nellie use to be my brother and sister in laws dog. She was very aggressive and didn't care much for too many people. When I went over to see which of the dogs I wanted, they had 2 and had to get rid of one of them. The other dog kept growling at me and Nellie just looked at me. So I picked her. She was trained w/ commands, walk on a leash and potty trained. Now it took her 2 weeks before she wouldn't growl if my hubby came near me. The children broke her down on being grumpy with them. She is my protector and buddy. She follows me everywhere. She won't come down stairs in the morning until I do. She stands between me and strangers when they come to the door and still growls at men. If she doesn't like some one she nips their ankles (men) it is funny yet a little scary. She is a good judge of character! he he I love her. She is the best dog I have ever had.
So on with my day. I have to do my chores, take a child for eye follow-up, run an errand and what ever else happens today. Have a great day and please remember to be kind and loving to others. Hugs, Bobbi Jo