Things I am happy that my mom taught me!

My mom taught my sister and I life skills and common sense!

By elementary school my sister and I were washing dishes (by hand), basic skills in the kitchen and cleaning our rooms.

In junior high I learned how to iron and tie a tie. It was the 80's, so yes, I wore ties (what was I thinking)!

By high school my mom would give my sister and I money and a grocery list and we would go grocery shopping. My sister and I were responsible for making dinner a couple times a week. She would leave out the recipe and spices etc...and dinner would be made by the time she got home from work (she worked full-time). Whoever did not cook, would clean up the dishes.

Every Saturday morning we would have basic chores and could not do anything until they were done (usually took 45 minutes).

She would give us her credit card (I know) and give us a limit and let us do our own school clothes shopping. The rules were set in stone and we did not break those rules! We liked the freedom and did not want it taken away.

She would let us go and get our hair cuts without her (until I shaved part of my hair in 8th grade)!

She gave us the freedom to learn and for this I am grateful!

Meal Plan Sunday

I've got to get back into the swing of things and make dinner every night. It has been fun, but time to get back on a schedule.

Sunday- Hong Kong noodles (chicken and veggie stir fry with noodles)

Monday- Spaghetti and meatballs

Tuesday- Fish tacos

Wednesday- Chicken sandwiches

Thursday- Kids are staying the night at the in-laws and I have class that night..booo....

Friday- Out to dinner

Saturday- Chicken enchiladas, beans, rice, chips and guacamole with all the fixings and chocolate cake. Celebrating Chris' b-day early with friends since it falls during the week.

Dog Biscuits

I made dog biscuits for our dogs and the neighbors dog for Christmas. They were very easy to make and the dogs love them! I thought next year I will make a couple of batches and give them out to all of our neighbors with dogs. This makes a cute gift!

1 cup water

1 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup butter

1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt
1 egg

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/3 cup peanut butter

3 cups whole wheat flour

Glaze:
1 egg
2 tbsp milk

1. Boil water and add rolled oats and butter, turn off burner

and let sit for 10 minutes.

2. Stir in the rest of the ingredients until it becomes stiff like dough.

3. Put on a floured surface and knead for 3 minutes adding flour if needed.

4. Roll out 1/2" thick and top with egg wash.

5. Bake at 325 degrees for 35-45 minutes.
6. Cool completely.

Gingerbread boy and girl cookies

 I wanted to make gingerbread cookies today and decorate them. Here is the before and after pictures of them.

I thought I would have fun decorating the cookies a little differently.

I took marshmallows and cut them in half. Then I dipped the sticky side into sprinkles and glued them on using frosting. They were very time consuming to make, but cute.

Caramel and Almond Heavenly Cookies

Caramel and Almond Heavenly CookiesI had these cookies at a cookie exchange and they were soooo good. This recipe is super simple, fast and good.

First line your cookie sheet with foil. Line up 12 graham crackers and add 1 cup of marshmallows. In a saucepan, melt 3/4 cup butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon and melt together. Once it is melted and sugar has dissolved, take off the heat and add 1 tsp. of vanilla. Pour mixture over the graham crackers and marshmallows.

Add 1 cup of sliced almonds, 1 cup of coconut and 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Put them in a preheated oven set at 350 degrees for 14-16 minutes.

Take them out and cool completely. Cut each square in half to form triangles.

I made these for hubby and he loved them (and so do I)!

Meal Plan Sunday

Meal planning has been hard lately since I go to school every other Tue. night and every Wed. and Thur. night. I have to make enough for leftovers or keep some frozen items on hand. I have about 5 more weeks like this, so I just try to make extra on the nights I cook so my family can eat off that when I am at school.

Sunday- Tri-tip strips, garlic mashed potatoes, beer cheese bread and green beans

Monday- Asian meatball subs and salad

Tuesday- Pork stir fry with oyster sauce and veggies

Wednesday- Leftovers

Thursday- Their choice: Pizza, chicken nuggets, fruits and veggies

Friday- Out to dinner

Saturday- Early Thanksgiving dinner at my parent's. Turkey with all the fixings...yum!

Enjoy the Perfect Thanksgiving

Enjoy The Perfect Thanksgiving.

You’ve come to the right place to make your holiday truly special. This is time to spend with family and friends over the biggest meal of the year. Not scrambling or stressing out to get dinner on the table. Which is why we created this comprehensive Thanksgiving resource for you. Here you’ll find answers and advice for everything you need to know to make this holiday smooth, enjoyable and, of course, delicious.
(From Thanksgivingtips.com)

Check out Thanksgiving Tips for Thanksgiving resources and the recipe for Crispy Onion Twice Baked Potatoes.