Mark Your Calendars

Speed Scrap Fun

So tonight I participated in my first ever Speed Scrap. I had a blast! The story Merchi created was fun, and having to incorporate only what she said was a little difficult. Definately took a moment to decide what direction I would take the layout. The finished project turned out good though I think.



This has gotten me in the scrappin' mood, but I really should start winding down and go to bed early. Melody fell asleep, and Jordan is winding down too. I'm hoping this is a good start to getting back on schedule for school.

Sleepy Sunday

It's early evening here and I could go and take a nap. Melody has fallen asleep, I guess because Jordan got her up early...not sure since I slept in until 10. It's been so difficult for me to get to bed at a decent time, and then wake up refreshed. Between the kids not going to bed until around 11, and me staying up past 1am usually...I'm beat. I need to start getting Jordan ready to go back to school. We'll see if that happens next week.

Last night I made a grubbin' new recipe. I got it from Karma on Faith Sisters, and had to make it. It's a Cabbage and Rice Casserole. Man oh man was it good! Here's how you make it:

1 sm. head of cabbage, washed, drained and coarsely shredded
2 tbsp. vegetable oil (I used Olive Oil because that's what I use normally)
3/4 c. water, divided
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 c. finely chopped onion (used some dehydrated chopped onion)
1/4 c. finely chopped green bell pepper (didn't have any)
1/4 c. finely chopped celery
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. salt, or to taste
Dash of garlic powder
3 c. cooked rice
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
3/4 c. shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 c. cracker crumbs or fine dry bread crumbs
1/2 c. cooked, crumbled bacon (whoops, forgot to add this)

In a large saucepot or Dutch oven, steam cabbage in oil and 1/4 cup water for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, lightly brown ground beef; drain off fat. Add onion, green pepper, celery, black pepper, salt and garlic powder; mix well. Continue
cooking a few minutes until vegetables are tender. Layer steamed cabbage, cooked rice and browned meat mixture in a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch
baking dish. Pour tomato sauce and remaining 1/2 cup water over all. Top with shredded cheese, cracker crumbs and crumbled bacon.
Bake, covered, in a preheated 325 degrees oven for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. (Or, simmer, covered, on top of stove for 20 minutes.)

Next time I make it I'll definately add the bacon, plus another can of tomato sauce.

Well, I wish summer would be over already. Soo hot and just miserable. I'm looking forward to camping so I can be in some coolness for a few days anyway. Could also stand to have some rain around here too. Just for a moment.

Hoping to Find My Balance

I don't know why this summer has been so difficult for me, but it has. The kids have their schedule totally thrown off, which makes for mine to be off as well. I don't feel like doing anything, and am in a rut I can't seem to shake.

I'm re-committing to my weight loss goals in hopes it will help in getting my groove back. I need to get the kids more involved in things, and less time in front of the TV. I just find it's so much easier to keep them occupied that way, but I know it's not enriching their lives

My goal for this week is to spend a couple of hours each day with the kids doing some sort of activity. Be it coloring, or a game, reading time, whatever as long as it doesn't involve the TV or computer.

Will post my progress throughout the week as well. Stay tuned.

Stinkers

That is exactly what my children are! They figure it's summertime so mom is a little more lax with bedtime. Well, I'm fed up with it. Melody is going to sleep by 9 or so, then waking up again at 10-10:30. Naptime I guess...so she's up until 3. I'm a night owl, but I don't like having my nights interrupted by little ones. It's my time to catch up with things, and wind down after catering to their every needs during the day. I guess, I've just got to get stricter about bedtime. It'll be rough for a few days, but they'll adjust.

So I'm seriously thinking about possibly renting a room this week so the kids and I can go swimming while Loney's at work. I'd drop him off, then pick him up again when he's off work. Or he can just take the car, and I'll stay at the room. As long as it's close to some food...we'll be good. Definately something to look into.

Well, I got to do some scrapping yesterday as well. I created a layout doing a scraplift from another lady at Faith Sisters. Check it out:



You can click on the image, and it'll show what my inspiration was.