Weekend Update, Home Making Monday and Menu Plan Monday

Warning!! This is a post from a scatter brained lady. The things you read will be out of order due to the way things just kept poping in my head as I was writing this.
My weekend was good. Considering that Friday night we were getting our dinner prepared for our date night. The kids were all at friends houses and just as Alan went out to lite the grill my cell phone rang. It was one of the mall cops calling to tell me my daughter,E'lyse was there and was being loud and obnoxious and needed to be picked up. I couldn't believe it, not that I didn't think my child would be that way but she was suppose to be at her friends house watching a movie. I asked if it was a joke, he said no. It turns out her and her friend decided to go to the mall even though Alan and I said no. I knew they were going to meet boys there and that isn't allowed. Sure enough I was right. We decided to let her sit on what her consequence would be for her stupidity for a day or so. I honestly was too mad to give her it that night. She would have had no privileges till she was 18. The first thing I did was to take the cell phone away from her. I know now her life is ruined. he he I just don't understand parents taking a teenagers word that her parents said she could go to the mall with the older sister and her boyfriend who are only 16. Why not give me a call to make sure it is alright? I guess I am odd that way I wouldn't do that, I know how teenagers can be.
We had a very long talk with her on Sunday and changes are underway for her. Still no cell phone and won't be one for a very long time.
On Saturday Alan built 1 of our garden planter boxes.
We obviously still need to fill with dirt and get the planting done. There is nothing like fresh tomatoes from your own vine.
Sunday was a good day. In Sacrament it was the Young Women s presentation . E'lyse gave a good talk. In fact all of the girls did a good job.
During our Sunday school time we went in and talked with our Bishop regarding Dallas' blow up last week. Dallas acts as if nothing happend but there are issues that need to be delt with for things to be more loving and comfortable feeling in our home. Bishop Kempton is truly an inspired man. He has so much love for the youth in our ward and he knows Dallas so well. He gave us some wonderful advice on dealing with Dallas and his fit last week. He helped us so much with his words of wisdom and guidance. So once again the winds of change are coming to this family with Dallas. I have such a great respect and love for our Bishop and all he does for our ward and the time he takes to listen and help. It is wonderful!

I don't want people thinking I have terrible kiddos they are normal. They occasionally make dumb decisions. As do I. I love them no matter what. My hubby and I are trying to raise them the way our Heavenly Father does with us. We don't always ask or listen and he lets us fall flat on our faces but always loves us no matter what. I do struggle with the parenting of teenagers. I just wish I could keep them under my wing and not let them get hurt or make major mistakes, I know that is not what I am suppose to do though. So I pray and listen to advice from other parent's, our Bishop and do what feels that would be best for them.

Homemaking Monday Tip:
Daily prayer and communication with our Father in Heaven can make things so much better. Like any relationship we need to keep the lines of communication open with him. He is there for us. He hears our prayers and loves each of us. Take the time it is so worth it.

Menu Plan Monday: (In no paticular order)
Kentucky Ham Hot Borwn
Sliced Cucumbers

Chicken Cordon Blue
Peas
Salad

Taco Mac Salad
Vanilla yogurt with Apple slices and grapes

Tater Tot Casserole
Corn
Five Cup Salad

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Tomato Soup
Salad
Orange slices

Date Night

Roast
Mash Potatoes/Gravy
Green Beans
To make my home sing today I am bringing in a spirit of happiness and full of positive attitude.
Being that today is my day for major home blessings I better get to work. Have a great day!
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Weekend, Homemaking Mondays and Menu Plan Mondays

This weekend was a good one. I didn't get all that was planned but that is cool. Alan ended up working on Saturday so the planter boxes didn't get done or any of the other projects I needed him to help me with. But work is good to have!
Coco and Talmage came over to hang out. It was a good day in all. Saturday night Alan, Kyle and Dallas went to the Priesthood Session of conference. After they were done Dallas went out on a date. Alan and Kyle went and got a bite to eat. Coco and I were going to wait to eat with them but we were so hungry we ended up going to get Sonic. So the guys went out for fish and chips and came home with flowers for us. I know I have a great man! Sunday we watched conference. Coco and Talmage came over and then Kyle after work. I made dinner, brownies with walnuts and divinity covered chocolate. Oh my good but sooooo sweet!
Now it is Monday and on with my week.
Homemaking Mondays: Establish a house of order. I found this little saying that I love
"Out of dreariness
Into it cheeriness
Come we in weariness,
Home."
By Stephen Chalmers
This is one of the things I have been working on lately is trying to establish a house of order. Most people are more productive and happier in a home where thing are orderly, systematic, and reasonably structured.
I am reading a great book called The Ultimate Career The Art of Homemaking For Today, by Daryl Hoole and Daughters. It is a book on being a homemaker and taking pride in our great calling.
There are many blogs and sites to get organized but we each need to tweak them to make them fit our lives and families. Look around for ideas write them down and then make a plan with them. Use them for a while and see what makes thing easier for your life.

Menu Plan Monday:

Beef Taco Skillet
Mexican Salad
Corn

Beef Stroganoff
Green Beans
Rolls

Chicken Enchiladas
Left over Mexican Salad
Fruit

Turkey
Mash potatoes with gravy
Veggies

Homemade Pizza
Salad

Date Night

C.O.R.N. Clean out the fridge night!!

Off to get kiddos to school and workout. Going to the Ranch market to get fruits and veggies, quick shopping trip to Wal-Mart for items on my list and home to make freezer jam, do wash and other house blessings. Have a great Monday! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Homemaking Monday and Menu Plan Monday

For my Homemaking Monday I would like to refer to my post from Sunday for the French Vanilla Raspberry Muffins . These are very good and easy to make.

Menu Plan Monday
Chicken Pesto
Sliced Tomatoes
Salad
Oranges slices

Keilbasa Skillet Stew
Corn Bread
Salad

Homemade Pizza
Family pick toppings
Salad

Pigs in a Blanket
Homemade Mac-n-cheese
Salad
Peaches

Spaghetti Carbonara
Garlic bread
Salad
Green beans

Date Night

These are not in any particular order. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Homemaking Mondays and Menu Plan Monday

Good Homemaking Monday morning. The weather has had a little twist and there is a bit of a nip in the air. I love it! We slept with our window open last night after having the AC on Saturday due to the higher temperatures. I just love mornings like this.
Dallas went back to school today his Spring break is over and today is the girls last day.
For my Homemaking Monday tip: I plan my menu on Sunday and the grocery list. Then on Monday (I am just starting this part today) I will do as much preparation as possible. Meaning any or the veggies that are to be used in the dishes I will cut up and store them in a container or bag in the refrigerator or freezer depending on what it is. It will be on a certain shelf and labeled what it is and the dinner it is for. I will also do this with any of the canned items that are used. I will have a special shelf for them in the pantry, they will be numbered and labeled on the top with a sharpie marker. This way I can see what I am in need of for the week and make sure I use up what I have in the fridge, freezer and canned food to keep food storage rotated.
Menu Plan Monday:
Crock Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken
Steamed Broccoli
Seasoned Potatoes

Easy Beef and Pasta Supper
Sugar Snap Peas
Garlic Bread

Chicken Orecchiette
Salad
Orange Wedges
Crusty Bread

Homemade Pizza
Salad

Date Night

Cheese Quesadillas
Soup
Salad

Roast
Mash Potatoes
Gravy
Green Beans
Salad

Have a great Monday! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Homemaking Mondays and Menu Plan Monday

Homemaking Monday:

I like Mondays. To me they are a fresh start for a week to get things done. My Monday tip is start a Control Journal or a Home-management Journal. This will be a life saver. My Home-Management Journal has the following in it: a zippered bag(mine is Harley Davidson, so cool!) with stamps, pen, pencil and paper clips. Then School schedules and information on the children's' schools. Weekly cleaning schedule with the zones outlined, master grocery list, then comes my address book section with ward lists and family lists. Then I have a list of Birthdays and Anniversaries with pocketed dividers for each months cards. In the back I have gardening information or different holiday information depending on the time of the year. There are many great web sites you can get information on then just alter them to your families needs.


Menu Plan Monday: These are in no particular order other than the Rubens are for St. Patrick's Day!!

Chicken Divan
Rice
Fruit

Ruben Sandwiches
Green Eggs
Pistachio Pudding

Green Burritos
Corn
Honey Nut Peaches

Penne Pasta
Garlic Toast
Salad

Chicken Casserole
5 Cup Salad
Apple Turnovers

Date Night

Roast
Mash potatoes with Gravy
Rolls
Salad

Had fun celebrating E'lyses 13 Birthday last night. Thank you for all the sweet wishes for my girl. I think she had a good Birthday. I have pictures that I will share later. Well off to take care of errrands and get home blessings done. Have a fun Monday! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Homemaking Mondays and Menu Plan Monday

First of all thank you for all the well wishes from so many of you sweet gals. I am doing better with almost 3 days of off and on sleeping I am on the mend. A special thank you goes out to Janel, my sweet friend who brought me over yummy chicken soup with biscuits and some great chocolate chip cookies! That was so wonderful of you to do that for me. Big smile on my face and a happy tummy!!
I need to feel much better we are having a cook out tonight with Alan's brother and his wife (they are in town from Georgia) plus Coco, Kyle and Talmage all over. I need to run to the store and do some cooking today along with the usual daily chores.

Homemaking Monday: My homemaking idea for this week is to learn how to do something new this week. Something that can benefit your family. Maybe learn to sew, make homemade bread or even learn about couponing(not sure if it is a word but I think it should be!) from a friend who is good at this. There are many sources to learn new things. I am the type to watch and learn how to do something so I am learning how to knit from videos . There are a lot of videos on You Tube to learn how to do things or even ask a friend to teach you something they are good at or know how to do. Don't let your brain go stale teach it something new.

Menu Plan Monday: Organized Junkie has Menu Plan Monday every week. You can join in on the fun! Some of the recipes will be on my kitchen blog a little later today.

• Hamburgers/Hot dogs/ Brats
• Pasta Salad
• Chips/Dip
  

• Tex-Mex Pasta Skillet
• Steamed Broccoli

• Hash Brown Soup
• Salad
• Waldorf Salad

• Spinach Lasagna
• Leftover Salad
• Italian Bread

• Quiche Laraine in a Bag
• Buttermilk Biscuits
• Green Grapes

• Date Night

Have a great Monday! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Homemaking Mondays and Menu Plan Mondays and Weekend Recap

Homemaking Mondays: My tip for today is for the garbage disposal. I admit I don't like these things. They are just gross but if you have to have them you might as well use them and take care of them. You can buy special cleaners at the grocery store but these can get pricey. So if you are frugal like me buy a lemon or two. Slice one up turn your water on and the disposal on and toss a few pieces in the disposal and it will help to kill any bad odors and clean it out a bit. If you don't want to buy lemons use a solution of baking soda (1/2 cup) and the water, run through the disposal to clear odors and clean it. Make sure you use plenty of water to wash it all down.

Menu Plan Mondays:
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Creamed Peas
Garlic Toast

Waffles
Grits Bacon
Cantaloupe

Crockpot Beef Casserole
Spaghetti Squash
Beans
Rolls

Cheeseburger Soup
Homemade Biscuits
Homemade Applesauce

Homemade Deep Dish Pizza
Salad
Baked Bananas

Date Night

On Saturday I got all of the food storage buckets moved out of my craft room. Remember I had painted the little girls bedroom last week this is a shot from the door. The beds aren't made . Their Barbie houses that we made them Christmas of 2007 are at the foot of the beds.


Alan made these platforms for the mattresses to sit on, they have a lip so they don't slip. Here is an up-close picture of it. I still have to make the skirts for them so you can't see the buckets.
Then on Saturday Coco said we should paint E'lyses bedroom so we can get her bed made up too. So she and I painted then Kyle came over and helped too. This is E'lyses room. She picked out all the colors with Coco.
I want to make headboards for the beds but I am so thrilled to have these beds done. I still have curtains to buy or make, quilts to make for Faith and Gabby's beds, and book cases to find on sale for the bedrooms but they are looking good.
Most of these buckets weigh 45lbs. and I have to say thank you to Dallas, Mike (Dallas's friend), Kyle and Alan for moving the 54 buckets up the stairs and into the rooms. I also would like to thank Coco for the motivation to get this project crossed off my long list. And Alan for all his hard work and my silly ideas. Now we need to start on the floor to ceiling shelves for can food storage in my craft room. he he
After working all day Saturdayday I got really sick with a major temperature and feeling awful. I was so sick I slept till 10:57 Sunday morning. Normally I am up by 5 or 5:30 on the weekends. I only woke up because E'lyse was knocking on my door. I slept a good portion of Sunday. Not sure if I have an inner or outer ear infection. I have symptoms of both so I have two antibiotics for my ears one for inner and the other for outer, I just want to get better. I am still tired today but I have so much to get done so I will work and rest off and on throughout the day.
Have a great Monday. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Homemaker Monday and Menu Monday

Homemaker Monday
My tip for today has to do with the wooden handles utensils in your kitchen. If they are starting to get dried out due to use or maybe them getting washed in the dishwasher. Get some mineral oil and put some on a clean soft cotton cloth or an old washcloth it doesn't take a lot of the oil . Let it soak in the cloth just a little while . Then wipe it into the wooden handles of your utensils. This keeps them looking good and lasting longer.

Menu Monday

Chicken Terriyaki
Veggies
Salad

Fat Tuesday
Gumbo
Dirty Rice
Bread
King Cake

Lemon Pepper Chicken Saute
Veggie
Rolls
Fruit

Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Veggies
Salad
Pie

Amish Yum-A-Setta
Rolls
Salad

Date Night

Navy Bean Soup
Biscuits
Veggie

My weekend was good and busy. Saturday we worked around the house getting things put up in the attic. Alan and I had put the lights in a few weeks ago but had to wait to get the things put back up. Then Coco and I got the little girls room painted. It is a bright green and very happy. Unfortunately the paint was a little watery so I have to get another gallon and go over it one more time. The girls love the color of it, I do too!
Saturday night Alan started making the platforms for their beds. My food storage buckets that you have often seen in my pictures from my craft room are going to be the base of their beds. There will be a platform that will be placed on top and then material will cover up the buckets underneath. So the buckets will be out of the craft room and the girls will have single beds in place of their bunk beds. I love bunk beds for the space saving aspect but in Arizona you need ceiling fans in almost every room during the summer so you can't have the bed that is close to that and they are a pain to make. When the buckets are moved out Alan and I are going to make floor to ceiling shelves for food storage. I am so excited about this. Our house doesn't have a basement and there is not a lot of storage space.
Sunday we went to church. It had to have been the nosiest Sacrament meeting I have ever been in. Holy cow I was getting annoyed at the parents who bring loud toys to church or don't sit with their children to keep them reverent. But it was a good meeting anyway. After church we came home had a bite to eat and then took a lovely nap. I was tired and it was so good to have a quiet time.
Coco, Kyle and Talmage came over for a cookout. After dinner we had root beer floats. Talmage just had ice cream . Since it has been a little while without a picture I wanted to share some with you.


Talmage really enjoyed the ice cream.
We had a good evening and always enjoy having the family together.
I have my list made out for today so off I go. Have a great Monday! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Homemaker Mondays and Menu Plan Mondays

Homemaker Monday Tip- Learn how to properly load a dish washer. It can make all the difference in the world of how clean your dishes get and keeping them looking good.
1. Since heat and hot water are generally more intense on the lower rack than the upper rack, pots, plates, utensils, and other heavy-duty wash jobs should go on the bottom.
2. Load as much as you can without having things touch. Stagger or overlap small plates.
3. Delicate dishes and glassware should be placed in the upper rack.
4. Place everything in the upper rack facedown; everything in the lower rack facing the center.
5. Cooking utensils should be lying down on the bottom or top rack, not in the cutlery bin.
6. Don't place items over the prongs on the upper rack. Glasses and mugs should go in the rows between the prongs while bowls should be placed down in the center.
7. Forks, spoons and knives should be placed in the cutlery bin alternately (some handles up, and some down, if posible0 do they don't nest.
8. Never put cutting knives, wooden handled cook wear in the dishwasher. Wash these items by hand.
Next weeks tip is on those wooden handles utensils.

Menu Plan Monday- Correction on last weeks menu I put Faith's Birthday on it. It is this week I was ahead of myself.
Faith's Birthday Request
Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Fried Potatoes w/ ranch or ketchup
Cake

Beef Stew
Rolls
Pudding

Pork Chops and Applesauce ( The Brady Bunch)
German Style Green Beans
Wild Rice

Spaghetti w/ meatballs
Garlic Bread
Salad

Homemade Deep Crust Pizza
Salad
Fruit

Roasted Garlic Chicken
Rice
Brussels Sprouts
Biscuits

Date Night

Homemaker Mondays and Menu Plan Mondays

Homemaker Mondays
This is simple but I don't think most women get it till maybe they are a little older like me. We need to take a little time each day to take care of our selves. Now this can be a simple thing of doing a hobby for 15 to 20 min each day. For me it has recently became taking time to take care of my health with exercising each morning. This is turn has me eating better and feeding my family better. I see changes in me not just physically but mentally. I love it! This little bit of time each day to spend time on me pays off big time for the family. I can give more, do more and feel good about it all.

Menu Plan Monday
Some dishes are being used from the past two weeks menus due to schedule change the meals were changed.

Chicken Cheese Quesadillas
Black Beans
Salad

Crock Pot Lasagna
Garlic Bread
Green Beans

Quiche
Salad
Pudding

Roasted Garlic Chicken
Steamed Mixed Veggies
Rolls

Pizza
Salad

Faith's Birthday Choice
Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Potato wedges
Birthday Cake

Valentines Date Night

Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Ground Hog Day-Homemaker Mondays and Menu Plan Mondays

Just one more wave!!!

Phil Says "Six More Weeks of Winter!"

Phil's official forecast as read February 2nd, 2009 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:

Hear Ye Hear Ye

On Gobbler's Knob this glorious Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2009

Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators

Awoke to the call of President Bill Cooper

And greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths

After casting a joyful eye towards thousands of his faithful followers,

Phil proclaimed that his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers were World Champions one more time

And a bright sky above me

Showed my shadow beside me.

So 6 more weeks of winter it will be.

Okay now on to Homemaker Monday
My tip for Homemaker Monday is to pack lunches for the family the night before. Meat and cheese sandwiches can be made and frozen ahead of time. The trick is to use Miracle Whip not mayo. Place the sandwiches in the lunch sack or box and by lunch time it will be thawed.

Menu Plan Monday: These are in no particular order .

Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie
Garlic Bread
Green Beans

Hamburgers, Hot dogs and Brats
Prok n beans
Pasta Salad
Chips

Dijon Baked Chicken w/Rice
Cucumbers w/ Ranch dip

Crunchy Orange Curried Chicken
Salad
Spinach

Slow cooker Roast
Mash potatoes w/gravy
Cauliflower

Date Night

Linguine with Vegetables and Sauce
Corn
Fruit

Homemaker Mondays and Menu Plan Mondays

My Homemaker Monday tip to share today is about Early Wake Up.
I find that if I get up a half hour earlier than the rest of the family I have time to get my day started off right. I have a little bit of quiet time to pray and focus on the day's events. This way I am prepared for the breakfast rush starts. I can look at my list for the day, make sure meat is out of the freezer for dinner, finishing touches on lunches and start breakfast for the family. This is what works best for me to have a great day.

Menu Plan Monday:
These will all be made over to lower the fat content.
(In no particular order)

Chicken and Dumplings
Peas & Carrots
Canned Pears

Stir Fry
Rice
Egg Drop Soup

Crock pot White Chicken Chili
Corn bread
Pudding

Date Night

Lasagna
Garlic Bread
Green Beans

Homemade Soup
Rolls

Tasty Pork Tenderloin
Asparagus
Couscous

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

Homemaker Mondays and Menu Plan Mondays

It is Monday and time for Homemaker Monday that Mom2My9 Hosts weekly.
My tips for this weeks Homemaker Monday are as follows:
1. Occasionally I burn something in a pan or food get's stuck in the crock pot. I don't have time to sit there and scrub and scrub the pans. So I grab a dryer sheet and put the hottest tap water I can get into the pot or crock. Let it sit for an hour or even over night. When you go to wash it out the food will come off so easily.
2. Next tip is for the overcooked or burnt on food and you need to get it off as soon as possible but Oh no there is no scrubber. Ball up some aluminum foil and use it with some warm soapy water. Just don't use on Non-stick pans it will ruin them.

Today I am making homemade laundry detergent. It is suppose to cost only .1 per load. I have made the dry detergent before but this is a liquid. I got the recipe from sweet Crystal at The Family Homestead. You can click on this link to find it.

Now for my Menu Plan Monday. These are in no particular order and will be healthy and clean eating.

Taco Bake
Soy Bacon Ranch Green Beans
Mexicorn

Grilled Chicken
Grilled Veggies
Potatoes

Cheddar Chicken Broccoli
Glazed Carrots
Fruit Cocktail

Spaghetti w/meatballs
Sauteed Squash and Zucchini

White Bean Soup
Homemade Apple sauce
Rolls

Date/Free Night

Roast
Mashed Potatoes w/gravy
Green Beens

One more thing. Renee' Dallas couldn't be outdone by Kyle so guess what? He just woke up and didn't know why I wanted the picture. he he

Now off to get my house work done. Hugs, Bobbi Jo