August 20 - August 28

O Saint Francis Xavier, well beloved and full of charity, in union with thee, I reverently adore the Majesty of God; and since I rejoice with exceeding joy in the singular gifts of grace bestowed upon thee during thy life, and thy gifts of glory after death, I give Him hearty thanks therefore; I beseech thee with all my heart’s devotion to be pleased to obtain for me, by thy effectual intercession, above all things, the grace of a holy life and a happy death. Moreover, I beg of thee to obtain for me grace in all things I struggle with. But if what I ask of thee so earnestly doth not tend to the glory of God and the greater good of my soul, do thou, I pray obtain for me what is more profitable to both these ends. Amen.

Final Friday

I'm sorry but due to events that have taken place in the last 24 hours I won't be blogging for an undetermined about of time... I can't discuss the events that took place here or in email... They are relating to a legal matter... That is all I can say... I will return when I can... We would appreciate any prayers during this time... Thank you...

Terrible Thursday

Today started out fine and then went down hill around the lunch hour... I'm too upset about it and won't be blogging or emailing... I also won't be posting the PICs for the Antique today... Sorry...

Guess The Antique?

So what is it? Post questions in the comment section... I don't know what it is so your guess is as good as mine...

Caroline's Pastry Double Crust

SERVINGS: 8
TIME: Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
3/4 t salt
2/3 cup shortening
7 T cold water

Directions: In a bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in the shortening until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide dough in half so that one ball is slightly larger than the other. Roll out larger ball to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to pie plate. Trim pastry to 1 in. beyond edge of pie plate. Pour desired filling into crust. Roll out second ball. Position over filling. Trim top pastry even with edge. Fold bottom crust over top crust. Flute edges. Cut decorative slits in pastry. Bake according to recipe directions.

We Were Busy Today - Wednesday

Boy was today a busy day... We woke up early to take the van in for repair... It was sluggish when you take off and idling rough... You think after all that time and money I spent not to long ago (about 2 weeks from tomorrow) would have fixed the issues... Well, I guess not... So, we call up the auto guy and say we will be there in a few minutes... He says oh I won't get to it today my mechanic is out of town... Then WHY did you say bring it in today at 9... @@ So, we are like ok never mind... We call the place my friend recommended... They said sure we can take a look at it and fix it today... So, we head over there... Turns out it needed a tune up... The spark plugs are in a hard place to change so the bill was over what we paid for the double flush (transmission and coolant) and oil change... So, total repair bill for this month was close to 1K... We aren't happy with that in the least! My husband was off today and went to a Treasure Hunters Roadshow... Like Antiques Roadshow they have on PBS... They gave him a check for $3 on the spot for some broken jewelry... LOL!!! Couple other items they told him to take PICS and contact the Smithsonian... That's exciting... So, we are going to do that... One item we don't know what it is so I will share some PICS and welcome any guesses... I walked to our home parish... My husband had taken Monkey with him to the antique show thing... My oldest was with respite staff having a blast at the local children's museum... So, I put linebacker in the sling and help peanuts hand and we walked 8 blocks... It felt good for the walk and I wasn't tried at all... So, I'm in pretty good shape... We were all warm and needed a good drink of water when we arrived... I packed water bottles and I added ice to give them a good chill... I'm sure we were quite the traveling attraction... Peanut skipping along holding on the sling ring... Me wearing a sling with Linebacker and a backpack type diaper bag... I had a meeting with Sister... She hadn't met Linebacker since we aren't attending Mass there currently and we talked about things are going with our family... ST came to the church and had ST with Peanut... She did well today despite change of location... I had planned for her to be home with daddy while I was at church meeting with Sister... I told my husband if he finished before a certain time I'd like to be picked up vs walking all the way back home... He was... So, we had a nice ride home... We arrived home just in time for me to leave with Monkey, Peanut and Linebacker to the Barber appointment for Monkey and Peanut... Monkey had an all over cut and the Barber was kind enough to trim up Peanut's bangs again... Two hair cuts $16 (including tip)... Sure can't beat that! Especially considering what 'salons' charge... After that was done it was time to pick up the van... We did that... I filled the tank and did a quick shop at Walmart... They finally had my dry erase markers in stock... I picked up two packs... They also had an awesome 'reading' light that clips on your book... I picked up a frame for Linebackers 7 week photo... We are going to hang them up soon... I didn't want to hang the other children's 7 week photos till Linebackers was ready... I stopped to see my friend who had Twins on Monday... She was doing much better today... A ate while I was there and S was setting in to eat when I left... Linebacker decided since the twins were eating he needed to eat too... On the way home I stopped at the grocery store for milk, juice, eggs and cheese... I spent the evening catching up in email and IM with friends... Now I hope to type up some of these recipes I've 'promised'... Wish me luck!

Thinking Tuesday

I've thought about a lot of things today... We thought about how we might not move to PA but to NH or VT instead... We talked about a lot of the pros and cons of the state and I think we are back to PA again... Also thought about schedules, housework and just things in general... Seems like I have a long list of things I want to do, things I want to buy, things I want to change and just things... LOL... It was a very rainy day so we spent it indoors... It was a great day for thinking...

Caroline's Shepard's Pie

SERVINGS: 4-6
TIME: Prep: 50 min. Bake: 35 min.

Ingredients:
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 onion diced
2 garlic cloves, pressed
8 oz fresh mushrooms
2 T. Butter
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 T. yellow mustard
1/2 T. Garlic Pepper
2 pounds frozen/fresh broccoli flowerets, cooked but still crisp
8-10 potatoes, peeled and cubed
water
milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheese of your choice... I used white/mild cheddar...

Directions: In a large skillet saute onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the mushrooms. Cook and stir for 3 minutes until tender; set side. Brown meat and drain. Add onions, garlic and mushrooms back to meat. Place the tomato paste in a bowl. Gradually whisk in broth until smooth. Stir mustard, and garlic pepper. Add to meat mixture. Place broccoli into 15-in. x 10-in. x 2-in. baking pan, next pour meat mixture over broccoli; set aside. Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender; drain. Mash with milk. Spoon over meat layer. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°; bake 20 minutes longer or until meat layer is bubbly. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake until melted...

Too Much Monday

Today has been a roller coaster... It poured rain most of the day and into the night... It is still raining... So, the children didn't go outside so they are like little tops all wound up! We tried 'Easy Mac' tonight... What a night mare! Never buying that again... It might be good for those single child who come home after school making it themselves... However to feed 3 children dinner... Nope! My husband's bright idea instead of buying the meal box kind... My oldest if he had the choice would have eaten THREE of them in one sitting in addition to everything else I made for him... On a positive note my friend who was expecting twins today had them early this morning... Babies A and S are doing well... We don't know yet which name will go to which baby... Baby A was born vaginally but Baby B was born via c-section due to the stupidity of the hospital staff... From what I hear they are doing well despite the screw ups... I guess that is about all... I walked down to my oldest school in between rain showers to pick up the meds form that the psych fills out for the school nurse to give him meds... I didn't drive any where... Woo hoo!!! I need to go check mileage and report here... Gas is low... I did a ton of crazy driving yesterday... I'm tired... I'm going to pop in my DVD and veg in front of the TV...

Seat, Swim, Shop Saturday

Today I ran around like crazy... Now I'm just tired... We bought the children a Froggy Shaped Pool (photos to come soon)... I switched out Peanuts Convertible with a 5 pt harness booster... We went to the library and grocery store... Today was a very good day... I'm going to enjoy my DVD and wait for dinner to finish cooking on the grill...

Finally Friday

It is hard to believe it is Friday... It has been a long week... I had another busy day... I stopped at our 'home' church (the one we are registered)... Sr. wasn't there... I also returned their CCD form and said we didn't need it because our children are already registered (at another parish)... While I know without a doubt our family is Catholic I feel like I'm between parishes again... Next I went to the hospital to discuss the price of a bill for Linebacker... It looks like the 'staff ' is handing out material that is dated 2006 or earlier... The price went up Jan 07... However since they 'advertised' to me several times the 2006 or earlier price that is the price I will pay... So, I'm saving our family $35... It may not seem like much but it is a whole lot to our family... Now we have to figure out where to find $175 to pay this bill next month after the new revised bill arrives... Next I stopped at the PO and mailed my 3 book mooch books... I'm kind of annoyed at book mooch right now because since I'm new they are reviewing my account before I'm up and running... So, I can mooch, accept others who wish to mooch from me but I can't add to my inventory... I found 4 new items to add to my to mooch list... I haven't even tried to do a wishlist yet or look for books for myself... Now it's the weekend and I doubt they will 'release' my account till Monday some time... UGH! I picked up my chain that need to be repaired and found my husband an awesome birthday gift... The Jewelry/Watch Repair man in the mall makes clocks out of old hub caps... It turns out he has a 1986/87 Caprice Hub Cap Clock... That is the car my husband owns and loves dearly... So, it is on hold ready for me to pay and pick it up... I'm excited... His birthday isn't till December but this will be the perfect gift... I went the long way and stopped at 50% off media items on Friday Thrift Shop... I picked up one book of humor, an outlet cover, and a piece of decor with a 'quilters' theme... Isn't it cute? I love the little spools of 'thread'... I was excited most about the cover because you can add your own 'wall paper' behind it so the cover disappears... I decided to print out a design and use that since we don't do wall paper... I had it all resized printed, cut it to fit and realized it's PLUG outlet cover not a LIGHT SWITCH cover... We need a new light switch cover... ::sigh:: I will have to check tomorrow and see if they have light cover or otherwise buy it some where else... I really want one now that you put your own 'paper' in... Despite the showers today CCM still met in the park... It was good to see my friends... I had a good chat and enjoyed special private conversations with each of my friends... Please say a Prayer for all our Expectant Moms... Especially our twin mom... We are all concerned for her and her babies... Thank you... I had planned on going a few places after the park but the van is acting funny... I hope it is nothing serious... We only have 40% of the LAST repair bill paid off... Housework is calling me... I better go now before I'm too sleepy to move... ::sleepy smile:: I only have one more episode on my Walton Disc... Hope to pick up the next two in the series soon...

Thifty Thursday Continues

Today I ran out and picked up milk and juice... I stopped at my friends house to drop off a video I keep forgetting to take with me when I visit... I also picked up my empty dish... They enjoyed my casserole... I then headed across town to pick up the locks I need... They were on clearance so I bought all 6 they had... I installed them this afternoon and talked to the children about them... My oldest wasn't too happy but took the installation better then I thought he would... No major aggressive/explosive meltdown... Our Thursday night respite worker quit so the fun outing at the Softball Game was canceled... ::sigh:: I had looked forward to this for almost a week to spend the evening with my FMCHE friends... On the brighter side my CCM friends are meeting at the park soon and a lot of my FMCHE friends are also apart of CCM... So, I am looking forward to that now! After I picked up locks I went to an out of way Thrift Shop we rarely visit because they close early on Saturdays (our major thrift shop shopping day)... They had books $2 a bag and I picked up a few for myself and the children and a few that could be good to mooch... My 'treasures' of the stop was a 1999 Taste of Home Quick Cooking Annual Hardcover book and a gorgeous skirt... I was VERY pleased... I couldn't find the magazine section... Not sure they have one... They had tons of books and I only looked at part of them because of time... I arrived home just as the ST had arrived... She saw both Monkey and Peanut today again to make up the time she will be away for the wedding...

My friend Michelle does a 'Gem' of the day on her blog or something called similar to that... Our Gem today would have been from exchange that took place between Peanut and her daddy...

Daddy: "Why do you have the sugar out? I'm the only one who takes the sugar out (for cereal)..."
Peanut: "buh, I lie et..." (but, I like it)

I couldn't help but laugh (to myself) at her comment... I guess that is all for day... I finished one side of the two side Walton disc... I need to move laundry around and dishes... Maybe pick up a bit so we can walk in here... So, I will have to call it a night and go back to 'work'...

Worries Wednesday

Today I'm going to talk about my day and things that have been 'worrying' me so I can kinda put it out in the open and hopefully 'worry' less since I'm not carrying it all on my own...

My Top 10 Worries:
#1 Will I Be Pregnant Again Before *I* Think I'm Ready? (for those who don't know we are quiverful)
#2 Money - On So Many Levels It Could Be It's Own Top 10 List...
#3 Children's Mis-Behaviors -How It Will Effect Them In The 'Classroom' Setting And Other Social Situations...
#4 Is My Discipline Effective Or A Waste Of Time?
#5 Will My Children Ever Go To Bed At A Decent Hour Without A Struggle?
#6 Will My Children Look Back At Their Childhood And Remember Me As The Mom Who Yelled All The Time?
#7 Do I Set Expectations To High For Myself? Setting Myself Up For Only Failure?
#8 Organizing My Cluttered Home...
#9 Finding Time/Energy To Do The Things I Love (quilt, knit, bake, volunteer, etc)...
#10 Will My Social Network Completely Crumble If I Give Up Homeschooling Completely?

Now onto the happenings of the day... I will have to type fast because Linebacker is reminding me it's almost feeding time... I loaded the dishwasher and had it run and done before my husband woke up for work... I still need to empty and load todays dishes in... The laundry has been at a stand still... Maybe I can fold a load before I go to bed to keep it moving... I picked up so my husband could vaccum while I was out running errands before ST started... I ran out to the PO to mail an eBay item... I stopped at the local hardware store for locks to keep our escape artist in the house... They don't sell the locks I need... I will have to drive to the other side of town another day to buy them at the place we bought our locks for upstairs... I stopped at the grocery store for more deli case items for my husband's lunches, butter, lettuce and a 12 pk of sodas which aren't on sale this week... They ran the same brand twice (coke products)... They usually alternate between coke and pepsi specials... We have more 'food' money they I thought... So, that was a good feeling to see the balance and reassurance we aren't 'out' yet... Both Peanut and Monkey had ST today... ST is going to a wedding so she won't be able to see them on that day so she rescheduled that day to earlier in the week... I visited my friend expecting twins again... Today we talked about every day things... It was good to sit and just chat... She was in very good spirits today... She seemed more relaxed today then on Monday or Tuesday... I think my visits are doing her good... We went recycling and took her dinner... I took it right from my oven and put it in her oven... I called and asked her if she could have someone turn it on so it could be kept warm till her husband came home and any sides they wished to fix were made... I'm anxious to hear what they thought... Her mom was there when I arrived... Her sister will be there tomorrow... I will see her sister tomorrow night so I will have to inquire...

Recipe - French Style Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

New Recipe...

Thrifty Tuesday

Let's see if I can remember what happened... It was only yesterday... LOL!! I headed out the door to run some errands... I stopped at the Y and applied for a scholarship... So, that is all started up again... Next I stopped at a friends house to pick up the homeschooling materials I ordered... We ordered together to save on shipping... I also picked up her sisters items since we live two block apart and I was planning a visit that afternoon... Next I stopped at the library and dropped off some DVDs... I picked up the next two DVDs in the Walton Series... While at the library I saw the 'Librarian' those of us in FMCHE will know what I mean... ::smirk:: We joked a bit... I also picked up a business card size advertisements for Book Mooch... I really need to try this out... I stopped at the bank to take out some cash and went Thrift Shopping... I found a Taste of Home mini book... It is part of the Light and Tasty Series... I'm really into Taste of Home lately... Thanks, Michelle for the suggestion to check them out and the tip to pick up the books 2nd hand vs buying new... Some of the recipes I will be sharing shortly are Taste of Home... They were also having a $0.50 clothing sale... I found the most beautiful skirt for fall... I can't wait to wear it once cooler weather arrives... I found an antiques book for my husband for only $0.25... I stopped at the store to pick up what I needed make the new 'French' recipe I found... I arrived home and ready the children to leave... We spent part of the afternoon at my friend who is expecting twins... We filled out a Y form for her... We had a nice chat... I worked on making French Style Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for her family and mine... It turned out delicious... I did a bit of laundry... I didn't make it around to much more... I unloaded the dishwasher but didn't load it and the house needs to be vacuumed before therapy tomorrow...

Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

SERVINGS: 6-8
TIME: Prep: 15 min. Cook: 1 hour

Ingredients:
1/2 cup flour
1 T Garlic Pepper
1 T. Steak Seasoning
1-1/2 to 2 pounds boneless beef top round steak, trimmed and cut into thin strips
3 T. butter
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed
8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can (10-1/2 ounces) beef broth,
Hot cooked noodles

Directions: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour and seasonings. Add beef; shake until well coated. In a large skillet, melt butter. Brown beef in batches. Remove and keep warm. Add onions, mushrooms and garlic to the pan; cook until tender. Return beef to the skillet. Add the broth; cover and cook until the meat is tender, about 1 hour. Serve over noodles.

Recipe: Old Fashioned Chicken Potpie

SERVINGS: 8
TIME: Prep: 1-1/2 hours Bake: 40 min. + standing

Ingredients:
2 to 3 frozen boneless skinless chicken breast
water
1 onion, coarsely chopped
2-3 celery rib, cut into 3-4" lengths
20-30 baby carrots
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches) (will share that recipe in a seperate post)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
To Taste:
Garlic Pepper
Mrs. Dash Grillin' Seasoning Chicken

Directions: In a large kettle, bring the frozen chicken, water, onion, celery, and carrots to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 60-90 minutes or until chicken is done and veggies tender. Remove chicken and vegetables from broth. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, line a 9-in. deep-dish pie plate with bottom pastry; trim even with edge of plate. Set aside. Dice chicken; Set aside. Chop the onion, celery and carrots to bite size pieces. Strain broth and skim fat; set broth aside. In a small bowl, combine the flour and seasonings. Add 1/2 cup broth; whisk until smooth. In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of broth to a boil; whisk in the flour mixture. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; add chicken and vegetables (WARNING! Maybe more then what will fit in crust ::smirk::). Pour into crust. Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pie; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top. Cover edges loosely with foil. Bake at 400° for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and filling is bubbly. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting.

Many Errands Monday

Today was yet another day of running... I have driven over 100 miles since Thursday afternoon when the oil was changed... I finally have our 20 gallon tank filled... I'm going to see how many miles I go per week every week and then how long my 20 gallons last and how many miles per gallon... Last time I checked miles per gallon it was 18 in town... I drive a 16+ year old 7 Seater Van... I did my beginning of the month paper work... Next I drove around town to drop off paper work, pay people in town and stop at the PO... I had a bit of lunch and went to visit with my friend expecting twins... She was in good spirits and looked great... I made a few phone calls and paid a couple bills online... Now I have a house that looks like a hurricane hit it... So, I'm off to tidy up a bit... Hopefully if Linebacker behaves... ::smirk:: I started at 269 miles... I'll let you all know where I am at next monday morning...

Sleepless Saturday?

I'm truly exhausted and after you read what all happened today YOU will be exhausted... Here I go... I made it into bed at 2 AM (will explain in Friday's Post)... I mixed up the coffee cake (double recipe, will share later) and put it in the fridge then headed to bed... I set my alarm for 6 AM... The county had a school supply drive that I went to pick up supplies for my oldest... I was done and able to attend 8 AM Mass at the Cathedral... Happy First Saturday! I arrived home at 9 AM and tried to cat nap... The children were too active so I rolled off the couch at 10:30 AM... I decided to take a hot soak in the tub to soothe my tired body... I then relaxed in front of the computer... My husband said wake him at 11:25 AM so I could leave to run errands and then attend the La Leche League World Breastfeeding Week Potluck... Next thing I know I look at the computer clock and it's 11:30 AM... I was supposed to put the coffee cake in at 11! So, I rush in the kitchen and start the oven heating... I then rush around readying myself so I can leave the house... I call and chat with a friend to see if she is going... She can't decide... She asked if I could pick up some nursing tops to give away while I'm out running errands... I said sure! So, I'm ready and Linebacker is ready and we head out the door... I stop for a quick visit with my friend and she decides she will go and hopefully we will catch each other there... I head across town to the mall... I was in a rush at the eye doctors on Tuesday and my chain I wear with my confirmation crucifix caught in the stroller when I was packing it in the back of the van and 'broke' it... They are going to put a different type of clasp on and soder the 'loop' shut so it can't open like the old clasp... Hence the 'broke'... I'm glad the actual chain didn't break like the last one that caught on the chain link fence while I was helping one of the children last summer... I paid my husband's Sears bill and headed home... I rush around and out the door I head with the 3 little ones to the LLL Potluck... We arrive just before 1 PM... I hang out a bit and up walks my friend... I say good bye and head home so my husband can shower and go to work... I decide since I only spent a brief moment at the Potluck to head back over and see if they are still there and hang out more after the Respite staff for my oldest arrives... The gal arrives and back out we go... We arrived just after 2 PM... We chatted and had a great time until 4 PM... I head home for a much needed NAP! I call and check on my friend who is expecting twins #7 & #8... If you could say a quick prayer for her and her little blessing that would be great... She is going to deliver soon... I told her to have her sister call me day or night to let me know they arrived... I think about her and her little fellas (US said twin boys) often through out my day... My nap plans were foiled by being so tired it was difficult to fall asleep and a raging thunderstorm... I finally gave up and do some things around the house... It looked like a tornado ran through our home... After everything was all picked up I fed the children and myself... I unloaded and loaded the dishwasher and started it running... I now need to start the 'laundry train' going again as I call it... So, I'm off to fold whites and toss the colors into the dryer to dry... Then I have to put nursing and Linebacker's stuff in the washer... I'm almost out of washable 'mommy milk circles' as my children call them (nursing pads)... They call my bra a 'mommy milk circle holder'... LOL!! They crack me up... Linebacker loves his mommy milk... Out of the mouth of babes! Are you tired now? ::smirk::

Friday

I'm too busy to write...