Popcorn Delight

When I was a little girl we used to sit with our mother and watch T.V. on newyears eve. My mother may of made snacks and treats for us to enjoy that night but I must say one thing we always had was Popcorn. Here is a great recipe to share with your guest tonight.

PopCorn Delight

14 cups popped popcorn
2 cups salted peanuts
2 cups crisp rice cereal
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 pound white candy coating, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons creamy Jif® Peanut Butter

In a large bowl, combine the popcorn, peanuts, cereal and marshmallows. In a microwave, melt candy coating and peanut butter; stir until smooth. Pour over popcorn mixture; toss to coat.
Spread onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets; refrigerate for 15 minutes or until set. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Yield: about 6 quarts.

shared at
inspire me monday
totally terrific tuesday
the homemaking party
homemaker matters party
simple saturday

Thankful Thursday

On this Thursday as I look back over the year I must say my heart is full of thankfulness. My son and granddaughter were both hospitalized with serious problems and both of them came through with Gods help. Both of the mysterious illness went away without reason just as they had came on. Thank God.

We have also had a great time this year with our church and the youth. For the first time we were able to visit Florida and not only visit but stay for a week at camp and come back with many blessings to share with those that we love. Oh the lessons we have learned and the lessons yet to be learned this year and years to come. Is God's love not just wonderful?

We watched as Princess seemed to change right in front of our eyes as she went from that newborn baby to the toddler she is today. How sweet she has always been I love her very very much. She went from the newborn who could do little for herself to the little one she is now up walking, talking and giving love as always.

The various things in life that we can only look at and say that was God's love and his work. That is what I am thankful for. The daily life of getting up and opening my eyes is a blessing in itself.

What are you thankful for? Share them over on the blog Women Taking A Stand and see what others have to share as well.

Good Time at the Hotel

Here is a picture of my daughter and a couple of her friends that was taken at the hotel that we stayed at.

Please visit a new blog

I know you all have heard me talk about Princess and my family on my blog alot. Great news my daughter, Princess mommy, has created her own blog. Please head over and visit the blog known as Monkey Mommy at this link http://monkeymommy08.blogspot.com/

Enjoying the concert

We enjoyed the weekend together watching the various christian artist. Here my son and daughter are watching but after looking after the picture I am wondering exactly what he is doing, sleeping or listening.

Hosted on the seven clown circus blog

Cowgirl Chocolates giveaway

As I shared with you all earlier we were able to review delicious chocolates from Cowgirl Chocolates. These chocolates offer a bit of spice with the sweet. Whether you choose the spice with the sweet or the sweet alone the choice is yours because Cowgirl Chocolates offer both. It was super fun to watch those that thought they were tough and spices did not bother them to react when they realized the spice does come through the bite of chocolate. Perhaps you would love to try a snack of the Delicious Cowgirl Chocolates as well.

Buy: you can purchase the delicious Cowgirl Chocolates of their website located at http://www.cowgirlchocolates.com

Win: One of Annie's Home readers will be able to win a treat from Cowgirl Chocolates.

To enter this giveaway you must (1) leave comment on the previous review and (2) visit the Cowgirl Chocolates website and tell me something that you found out.

after the above 2 steps have been done then you can enter extra entries:

• follow my blog
• subscribe to the Cowgirl Chocolates newsletter (2 entries)
• subscribe to my blog (2 entries)
• grab my button and let me know where you place it (3 entries)
• follow me on twitter leave twitter ID in comment
• tweet about the giveaway leave link in comment (1 entry per tweet)
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment

Giveaway starts now and ends January 14, 2009. Email must be in comment or on your blog. Open to all.

Christmas at my house with the teens

shared at Go Graham Go and 5 minutes for mom

Wordless Wednesday - Its an obstacle course race

shared with look what mom found , Two of a kind Working On a Full House

Random Thought Tuesday

We are back from a couple of days of youth encounter. What a great day. I had a wonderful time and must say that the kids did as well. I love going with the youth on trips such as this. I get to know the members of the youth group a bit better and they get to know that they have another cheerleader rooting for them.

While visiting Springfield we had a great time. The teens saw lots of historical buildings there and they even got to do a bit of shopping. If you all ever have the chance to visit Springfield Illinois you should take advantage of it. I believe we may try to make a trip back there this summer.

Well as I did accompany 17 teens to Springfield I have lots of pictures and will be sharing more later. I even took lots of pictures.

what are your random thoughts? Share them on the UnMom blog

The end of "The Tyra Show"

I must admit a secret to you I have watched "The Tyra Show" and while it is not a favorite of mine it is a show that I do like to watch. Tyra Banks has announced that this season, her fifth season, will be the last season for "The Tyra Show". Tyra admits to People Magazine that it has been fun and she has loved bringing the show to T.V. for the past five years. The reason for ending the show this spring is because Tyra has another bold idea on the horizon. She will be focusing on starting up a New York based film production company called Bankable Studios. Tyra believes that the new studio will allow her to reach more women and young girls

what do you think?

Jon Gosselin's Apartment Ransacked

Its a who done it once again in the life of a T.V. personality. Jon Gosselin once again finds himself in the spotlight this time with an act against him. Someone has ransacked Jon Gosselins apartment but it seems the deed has become a who done it. While it seems that his once girlfriend Hally Glassman was the culprit a lawyer has came about with a statement that disagrees with the original thoughts.

The apartment of Jon Gosselin located in Manhattan was trashed, some of his possessions were taken and a note that had been thought to be signed by Glassman was left to be found. The incident is currently under investigation.

what do you think?

I'm Getting A Bit Tired of Watching

I Think She Is Coming Back Soon!!!

Don't Worry Nana Will Be Back Soon

Sunday Qoutes for a New Year

Here are a few new years qoutes for you. If you have other qoutes or would like to read more please join the group over at A Daily Dose of Toni

Mark Twain
New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions.

Charles Lambert
No one ever regarded the First of January with indifference. It is that from which all date their time, and count upon what is left. It is the nativity of our common Adam

Benjamin Franklin
“Be at war with your vices; at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”

Charles (Chuck) Swindoll
If you're running a 26-mile marathon, remember that every mile is run one step at a time. If you are writing a book, do it one page at a time. If you're trying to master a new language, try it one word at a time. There are 365 days in the average year. Divide any project by 365 and you'll find that no job is all that intimidating.

Fudge Ring recipe

Has the Christmas Season hit you hard? Do you need a pick me up? Well then this fudge ring may just do that job.

FUDGE RING

1 (12-oz.) package milk chocolate morsels
1 cup butterscotch morsels
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Butter
1 1/4 cups candy-coated chocolate pieces
1/2 cup coarsely crushed cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies (about 5 cookies)
Preparation
Combine first 3 ingredients in a saucepan, reserving condensed milk can. Cook over medium-low heat until all morsels melt, stirring often. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and salt. Cool slightly (about 15 minutes).

Meanwhile, grease an 8" round cake pan or springform pan with butter. Line pan with 2 pieces of plastic wrap, overlapping edges and smoothing out any wrinkles. Wrap empty condensed milk can with aluminum foil, smoothing out wrinkles; place in center of cake pan.

Stir 1 cup candies and crushed cookies into fudge; spread fudge in cake pan, holding can firmly in center. (A second pair of hands is a big help here.) Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup chocolate candies over fudge, gently pressing candies into fudge. Cover and chill until firm (about 2 to 3 hours).

To unmold, carefully loosen edges with a sharp knife, and remove can from center of fudge. Carefully invert fudge onto a plate. Invert again on a serving plate or cardboard cake round for gift giving. Cut fudge into thin slices to serve.

What a Wonderous Christmas with pictures

a couple of brothers sitting together. The oldest one wondering what his wife bought the younger one.
wow!!! did you see all my nana and papa got me?

yes thats right my mom said dress up and this is as good as it gets

which one did you say was mine? What if I take them all

I think I am ready for Christmas

It's been a great visit with my eldest son.

0.k ladies I'm ready to go Merry Christmas!!!!

I want to open this one first.

We came to visit nana and papa and me and daddy are going to open this present when mom is not watching. SHHHH!!!!! dont tell

Papa and Princess

The Christmas tree piled with presents what a blessed Christmas we have

What do you think? Dont forget you can win your lil one a buddy top as well. Just enter the giveaway located on this blog

Don't ever trust these three very far. I think one day they may take over the flock but wonder what the leadership will be like LOL

I am having so much fun thanks for taking a look at our Christmas pictures.

Cheeky Umbrells review and discount

If you are experiencing weather like I am here then you have been having rain. While Illinois will have a bit of snow we often receive more rain than snow. While winter rains will be extremely cold and ones you will not want to stay out in the summer rains are fun to play in. The cheeky umbrella company can help make the rain in your life a bit more fun as well.

Jen Zurowski founded the Cheeky Umbrella company after living in Vancouver, BC. As many know Vancouver is plagued with rain so Jen went on the search for an umbrella that would withstand the windy rains that she often saw. While searching for the perfect umbrella Jen came up with the plan to the perfect umbrella. The Cheeky Umbrella was designed so that the rains could be enjoyed.

Cheeky Umbrella's are attractive and host great sayings. Whether they are for you or your little one or perhaps a best friend. I am sure you will find one you love. We received an umbrella sample to review for this post and must say that the one we received is super cute and seems to be made along the lines of the top of the umbrellas.

Buy: you can purchase the Cheeky Umbrella at a store near you. by following this link
http://www.cheekyumbrella.com/umbrellastores.html but if you are like me you may not be able to find one near you as of yet you can order the great Cheeky Umbrella off their website at http://www.cheekyumbrella.com save 10% by using code ANNIES at the online site.

Giveaway for a Good NIghts sleep

While everyone knows that a good nights sleep does the body good. Everyone is not able to get that good night sleep. Either the bed is to hard, to soft or maybe a bit worn. That is why I love the giveaway currently located on the Mommy Mandy blog The giveaway is for a Sealy PosturePedic innerspring signature11 matress set in your choice of size and style.

Sams Club Gift Card Giveaway

Everyone could use a bit of money and when it is money to spend at one of my favorite stores even better. Sams Club is a great place to spend money as they have many different things from groceries to furniture to buy. The blog The Heart of Being Mom is hosting a great giveaway for a $75 gift card. This contest ends December 30, 2009

Three Kids n Us is also hosting giveaway for a $20 gift card. This giveaway ends December 22, 2009.

Yet another giveaway for a Sams Club Card I found today. The giveaway is being hosted by the blog Blessings Abound. This giveaway is for $25 gift card to Sams and ends January 2, 2009

2010 Insert Schedule ~ A Proverbs Wife

2010 Insert Schedule ~ A Proverbs Wife

My daughtere is always wondering what coupons may be coming out in the newspaper as well as if there will be coupons. If you are a coupon queen like she is then you should visit the above link from A Proverbs Wife. Happy New Year to you and happy couponing.

Ham and Vegie Soup recipe

If you are like me you will be serving ham and ham recipes for the next few days. Here is a new recipe that I found interesting and to find even more visit the myrecipes.com

Ham and Vegetable Soup

5 slices bacon
2 large leeks with 2 inches of green top, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced (about 5 cups)
4 celery stalks, thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 (16-ounce) package precut carrot chips or slices (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 1/2 pounds parsnips, cubed (about 4 cups)
10 cup vegetable broth
4 cups coarsely chopped cabbage
3 cups diced cooked ham
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Chopped fresh Italian parsley


Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp; crumble and set aside, reserving drippings (about 2 tablespoons) in pan. Add leeks and celery to pan with drippings; cook, stirring occasionally, over medium-high heat 6 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and rosemary; cook 1 minute. Add carrot and next 5 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Discard ham bone. Ladle into individual soup bowls; sprinkle with reserved crumbled bacon and parsley. Garnish, if desired.

Shoes Giveaway

My lil princess all ready is a bit like her momma. Her mother used to have tons of shoes when she lived at home and you should see Princess shoe shelf as well. Yes she does wear them all. I have found another great chance to win her a pair of shoes. The blog Does Mommy Love It is hosting a giveaway where the winner will receive their favorite pair of Beibi shoes. This giveaway ends December 3o, 2009

If you are like the women in my family and one pair of shoes is not enough. There is another giveaway for See Kai Run Shoes currently going on. The blog Parent Reviewers is hosting a giveaway for a pair of shoes as well. This giveaway will end December 28 and while there check out the Mega Xtreme Christmas and New Years giveaway

Melissa and Doug Grocery Store giveaway

I simply think that the Melissa and Doug Grocery Store is the tops. I can imagine playing store when I was a kid but never had the actual store to play with. The blog Mogulbaby is hosting a giveaway where the winner will receive this super cute grocery store set up. The giveaway ends January 3, 2009

Aloha Friday

Aloha Friday a meme hosted on the blog Island Life is a fun meme meant for relaxation. It is a meme where bloggers get together and share an easy question. With Friday being the day of relaxation in Hawaii and it also being Christmas I though I would ask an easy question related to Christmas.

My Question today is: Did you attend a church service last night or read the bible story to your children?

We attended a church service and then came home and ate as a family.

Cheese Dip Recipe

Company has called and said they are stopping by for a visit. Now what are you going to do? This recipe is a quick dip that you can fix up and the ingredients are easy to keep on hand

Cheese Dip

1 lb. (16 oz.) VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 can (10 oz.) RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 lb. ground beef, cooked, drained
4 green onions, sliced

MIX all ingredients except onions in microwaveable bowl. MICROWAVE on HIGH 5 min. or until VELVEETA is melted, stirring after 3 min. Stir in onions. SERVE with RITZ Crackers and assorted cut-up fresh vegetables.

I have also made this with sausage instead of hamburger and served with tortilla chips

Happy Birthday Jesus

Santa Will Be Here Soon

One of my favorite songs and so appropriate for tonight. You may want to check out where and when Santa will be there go here

Vintage Bakeshop review

While you are probably either awaiting for a favorite dessert or making one yourself you know secretly that it will last just a short while and then be gone. Instead of giving that special person a snack or sweet as a gift next time think about giving them a lovely mix in a decorative box. That is exactly what the Vintage Bakeshop offers. How lovely of a gift that would make. When the craving of that special sweet or dessert comes up to be able to open the cabinet and thanks to a dear friend or a thoughtful note to be able to create a sweet delight of sorts.

What about using that same idea to help spread good news of a baby shower or a special wedding date. Whatever is important to you can be spread as well. From gifts of special makings to party favors the Vintage Bakeshop will be great for all occasions.

The Vintage Bakeshop was created from a generation of baking enthusiasts and a desire to master the perfect cupcake. Tawnya Zebrowski, the owner of the Vintage Bakeshop, states that her grandmother created elegant wedding cakes and became well known for them. From delicious homemade pies to hand decorated cookies Tawnya's family and friends would come together with delicious goodies. Some of her fond childhood memories took place in the family kitchen where she would watch her grandmother start with a bit of flour and create a masterpiece. Tawnya likes to think of her grand cupcake mixes as an extension of her grandmother. As if through the deliciousness somehow her grandmother lives on. The vintage Bakeshop creates the mixes using the best ingredients around and brings a bit of love in each of the small containers.

Buy: why not treat your family to the same sort of love that the Vintage Bakeshop can offer. If you have an upcoming wedding, party, baby shower, or holiday why not share the delicious goodness of Vintage Bakeshop goodies with family and friends.

A Couple of Lovely Christmas Poems: How to Keep Christmas All Year Long and Jesus Is The Reason

Here are a couple of great poems I found on the internet to me they are both precious as they tell the story of Christmas and how to keep that feeling all year long.

Recipe for Christmas All Year Long

Take a heap of child-like wonder
That opens up our eyes
To the unexpected gifts in life—
Each day a sweet surprise.

Mix in fond appreciation
For the people whom we know;
Like festive Christmas candles,
Each one has a special glow.

Add some giggles and some laughter,
A dash of Christmas food,
(Amazing how a piece of pie
Improves our attitude!)

Stir it all with human kindness;
Wrap it up in love and peace,
Decorate with optimism, and
Our joy will never cease.

If we use this healthy recipe,
We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas spirit,
Even when it's not December.
By Joanna Fuchs


Jesus Is The Reason

In Bethlehem, God gave to us
The source of Christmas joy;
A star shown on a miracle:
The virgin birth of a boy.

He was born both God and man,
A Savior for us all,
The way to get to our heavenly home,
If we just heed His call.

So as we shop and spend and wrap
And enjoy the Christmas season,
Let's keep in mind the sacred truth:
Jesus is the reason.
By Joanna Fuchs

Brown Sugar Maple Glaze Ham

Will you be making ham for Christmas Eve or Christmas? Well here is a great glaze to put on your ham. The kids will feel mighty big if they are allowed to mix the glaze to be put on the main dish.


1 Cook's® brand Bone-in Spiral Sliced Ham, Butt or Shank Portion Ham, or Half Ham
1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard

1.Prepare and heat ham according to package directions.
2.Meanwhile, combine brown sugar and mustard to make glaze.
3.Brush glaze on your Cook's brand ham 30 minutes before meat is done. Heat ham uncovered for final 30 minutes. Carve ham and serve.