Husband and Wife blogs giving away Sam Gift Cards

I was not aware of it until today but I found a husband and wife who each blog and have thier own blogs. The Science of Being Dad and The Art of Being Mom are hosting a giveaway on thier perspective blogs for Sams Club gift cards. The Science of Being Dad blog is offering a $50 gift card and ends December 11, 2009 while the blog The Art of Being Mom is hosting a giveaway for $25 gift card this contest ends December 5, 2009.

Candle Safety Tips

One thing that many of my friends, children and even I love about the holidays are the beautiful lights. We love candle light as well. It seems this time of year that a low glow of candle light offers the season a quiet and peaceful spirit. While the candle light is definetly enjoyable there is a few safety tips you should keep in mind.

• Lock up all matches and lighters after lighting candles s that little hands are not tempted to expirement. Three out of five fires are started by children who are playing with matches or lighters
• Place candles where kids and pets can't reach them and at least one foot away from Christmas trees, curtains, wreaths and holiday decor. I had a good friend who lost their house and everything in it one year at christmas time when a cat they kept in the house accidently knocked a candle over Many of your holiday decorations are flamable and burn easily as well.
• Never leave a lit candle unattended. I remember a family several years ago who left the candles in thier house lit to go to a Christmas Eve service. When they returned home the house was on fire started by a candle that had fallen over.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, wont tip over easily, and made from nonflammable material. I love the old glass candle holders that were solid and looked great as well
• Make sure smoke alarms are installed and working and teach your children what they mean and the best way to exit the house.

Quick Meal Idea : Chilli Rice

Here is a quick recipe to serve the family while they are visiting

Chilli Rice

3 tablespoons canola oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 cup chopped plum tomatoes
2 tablespoons minced garlic
3/4 pound ground beef or turkey
2 cups long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup rinsed and drained kidney beans (from a 15.5-ounce can)
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
3 tablespoons chopped scallions for garnish

Heat oil in a medium-size stockpot over medium heat. Add onion, peppers and jalapeño and cook for about 10 minutes or until translucent. Add tomatoes, garlic and beef or turkey to pot and cook for 8 minutes or until meat is cooked through; drain off any fat. Stir rice into pot and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add broth, beans, chili powder, salt, pepper, paprika and 1-1/2 cups water to pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium; cover and cook for 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and sprinkle with scallions before serving.

recipe found on the Parents website

Win a Pair of shoes

One thing that i can tell you is that little ones grow out their shoes all to fast. So when a great giveaway comes up to enter to win a pair of shoes I jump at the chance to enter. It also helps that the brand of shoes that are being given away on the blog New Age Mama is a pair of shoes from wee squeak. If you want to enter this great giveaway as well head over to the blog New Age Mama where Laura will be hosting the giveaway which ends December 15, 2009

Yet another source to win a pair of Wee Squeak shoes is the blog Thanks Mail Carrier. Yet another blog that belongs to a person who visits my blog quite often is hosting her own giveaway. This giveaway on the Thanks Mail Carrier blog will run through December 10, 2009 and the winner will recieve their choice of Wee Squeak shoes.

Homestead Company review

The Homestead Company was created just a few years ago in 2005. The Homestead Spa originally started as a good neighbor program where moms could share the best natural alternatives to baby products. It quickly turned into a home based business where knowledge in nutrition and health could be shared. Each of the patented formulas offered by the Homestead Company are targeted toward specific skin conditions and nutritional obstacles. Obstacles such as dry skin, rashes, weight problems, allergies and common illnesses. With 6 children (3 of them asthmatics) we have seen our own obstacles in life. The Homestead Company offers ton of products that allows you to select the product that you or your loved one needs. Categories include baby, spa and skin care as well as offers ideas for gifts.

We received the Eczema oil from the Homestead Company and I can tell you that it definitely worked my daughter who has suffered from eczema for much of her life used the oil and it definitely worked for her. This is our opinion and you will have to see the results that you end up with but must say that is worked in our case great.

The eczema oil from the Homestead Company comes with a guaranteed satisfaction or your money back. The eczema oil is safe for all ages and has been raved by many. The eczema oil is a unique combination of emu oil and Kukui nut oil. The oil works by penetrating the inner layers of the skin to allow the skin to heal from the deep layers to relieve and prevent further irritation of the skin. The two oils work together to help skin retain moisture with consistent use is the most effective and natural treatment known.

If your baby or child suffers from eczema you probably want to do all you can to relieve their problem. Try the Homestead Company eczema oil and see if it helps your child as well. You can buy the eczema oil for $5.75on the Homestead Company website located at http://www.homesteadcompany.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=eczema

ICEE and Chuck E Cheese Toys from ThinkWow Toys review and giveaway

Are you looking for a couple of great gifts for your children? Well if you are like me you are always looking for a special gift for a child. The Thinkwow Toy Company emailed me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing a couple of their products. I instantly jumped on this when I found out that the items that I would be reviewing would be the ICEE slushy maker and the Chuck E. Cheese's pizza maker. Both items sounded great, I was familiar with the original product they were created after and thought what child would not love to make their own pizza or ICEE. I can remember my days of the EZbake oven and the snow cone makers so I thought this would be awesome to review.


ICEE should be an item that most of my readers are aware of. My goodness there are at least three different places in my small town to sell ICEE's. Now your child can make their own slushy at home thanks to the ThinkWow Toys group. The ICEE machine is fast and in under 5 minutes you can create a delicious slushy. The ICEE machine is constructed well and directions on how it works are included for easy use. There are three slushy flavorings included with the machine. These flavors are watermellon, cherry and orange and once you enjoy these delicious flavored slushy clean up is super easy as well. Valued at $9.99 the ICEE machine in my own opinion would make a great gift.



I hold great memories of Chuck E. Cheese as well and could not imagine a better character for a pizza machine. Now the ThinkWow Toys group offers the EZ2 make Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Maker Play Set your child can create their own pizza creations at home. The Pizza Maker is aided by the microwave at home so no oven is needed making this a safer toy in my opinion. No long wait for under one minute the pizza will be heated and ready to go. The kit makes four (4) pizzas and includes the dough, cheese and sauce with instructions on how all works together. Valued at $19.99 the Chuck E. Cheese pizza Maker Play Set would be a great gift to give the young pizza lover you know.

ThinkWow Toys is part of the WowWee USA Inc. Wow Toys is located in New York City and develops, manufactures and markets plush toys, novelty toys, action figures and promotional toys.

ThinkWow Toys would love to offer Annie's Home readers the chance to win the two great products that I reviewed. There will be two (2) winners the first name drawn will select the gift they want and the second winner will receive the other item.

To enter you need to go to the ThinkWow Toys see the great items they have to offer then come back and share your favorite in a comment. (this must be done before any extra entry will count)

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• grab my button and let me know where you place it (5 entries)
• subscribe to my blog (2 entries)
• follow me on twitter and tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet)
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries)

Contest starts now and runs through December 10, 2009. Open to all. Email must be in comment or available on your blog

Jolly Mom giveaway

The blog Jolly Mom and Go Graham Go is hosting a Here Comes Santa Clause event where many great prizes can be won. One of the great giveaways available on Jolly Mom is for a soft talking madeline doll from Kids Preffered. Be sure to stop by the blog Jolly Mom to enter this great giveaway before December 10, 2009

Energizer sponsors Rock-A-Thon in honor of Child's Play Charity

I am in hopes that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know that I had a wonderful time spending time with my family. I even was able to do a bit of after Thanksgiving shopping where we found several great deals. There are many families and children that are not as lucky as you and I are. There is a great charity that would love nothing else but to make the Christmas of many families and children happy. The name of this charity is Child's Play Charity and was started by Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins the writers of the online comic Penny Arcade. Child's Play is a group of gamers who strive to make the lives of children in hospitals brighter. Last year they were able to raise enough to help 60 children hospitals around the U.S.

The Energizer company sponsor a Rock-A-Thon to help raise money for Child's Play. A Rock-A-Thon is a multi day event where gamers from around the country come together to put on a 4 day rock band concert where every rock song will be played back to back. The Energizer Rock-A-Thon will start tonight at midnight and will run through Monday. For 90 hours the gamers will rock in Houston Texas at the Meridian. Sixteen rock bands in total will rock out to raise money for Child's Play to help make the Christmas of some special children brighter.

For more information on Child's Play or the Rock-A-Thon visit these links
http://www.therockathon.com/ and http://www.childsplaycharity.org/

Gourmet Cookies Giveaway

Want to win some delicious gourmet cookies? Kimberly at the blog She scribes is hosting a giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to Harvest Sweet Boutique Cookies. With so many delicious goodies available you are sure to find one you love. The contest ends December 4, 2009

Twist on Mac and Cheese

Most of us love a good mac and cheese in fact it is my nephews favorite meal. Well here is a twist I found on the MyRecipe website with a twist on Mac n Cheese.

Easy Skillet Pimiento Mac 'n' Cheese

1/2 (16-oz.) package penne pasta
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (4-oz.) jar diced pimiento, drained
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Pinch of paprika

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Whisk together flour and 1/4 cup milk. Add flour mixture to remaining milk, whisking until smooth. Bring milk mixture to a boil in a large skillet over medium heat; reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, whisking constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until smooth. Stir in cheese and next 4 ingredients until smooth. Stir in pasta, and cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Serve immediately.

Creating a Recycled Christmas Ornament

Looking to create some new christmas ornaments for your tree? The website favecrafts.com has tons of great ornaments and craft ideas for you to make including the one I am sharing with you today.

•Kreinik 1/8" Iron-on Ribbon in your choice of colors (we like 6130 Red, 6225 Gold, 6300 Meadow, 6010 Pearl, or 6020 Silver)
•Kreinik #16 Iron-on Braid in your choice of colors
•Kreinik #8 Iron-on Braid in your choice of colors
•Kreinik teflon press cloth
•Cookie cutters in desired shapes
•Old Christmas cards
•Mini iron or household iron
•Ironing surface
•Pen or pencil for tracing
•Scissors
Steps:

1.Turn your iron on to the highest heat setting and let it heat thoroughly. Meanwhile, trace the outline of the cookie cutter shape onto your Christmas cards, then cut out. To begin decorating, lay your iron-on ribbon at the edge of your card design. Cover the thread with the Teflon Press Cloth, then press for several seconds until the thread adheres. Continue this way, laying the thread around the border. You may want to start and end at the top of your design so that you can leave extra thread for the loop. If desired, decorate other parts of the card with the thinner iron-on braids. Always use the Teflon Press Cloth to keep the adhesive in the thread from sticking to your iron.

Turkey Leftover Recipe

Now that thanksgiving is over you very well be looking for some delicious recipes to use up that leftover turkey. I love the white bread and mayo turkey sandwiches myself but after a bit you may quickly tire of that so I decided to share a recipe from the Cooking Light website where they have lots of different sources for leftover turkey recipes.

Open Face Turkey Sandwich

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup vertically sliced Vidalia or other sweet onion
1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound ground turkey breast
1 large egg white
Cooking spray
4 (1-ounce) slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese
4 slices light rye bread
1/4 cup country-style Dijon mustard
Preparation

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion to pan. Cook 5 minutes or until lightly browned; stir occasionally. Transfer onion to a bowl. Preheat broiler. Combine cheese and next 4 ingredients (through egg white). Divide turkey mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Return pan to medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add patties to pan; cook 4 minutes or until brown. Turn patties over; cook 1 minute. Top each patty with 1 cheese slice; cook 3 minutes or until cheese melts and patties are done. Place bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet; broil 2 minutes or until toasted. Spread 1 tablespoon mustard on each bread slice; top each serving with 1 patty. Divide onion mixture evenly among sandwiches.

Gift from the kitchen: spiced mixed nuts

Now that we have survived and experienced a Blessed Thanksgiving our minds should be turning to Christmas and gifts. You may want to give that special person a gift from the heart and one you make yourself. Here is a recipe for Spiced Nuts which would make a wonderful gift. This recipe is from the Real Simple website where you can find several other ideas for gifts from the kitchen

Spiced Nuts:

2 large egg whites
2/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
6 cups mixed unsalted raw nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, cashews, and pistachios)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan (about 1 ounces)

Heat oven to 300° F. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating until a loose meringue forms. Beat in the Old Bay Seasoning, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, and salt. .Mix in the nuts and butter, then mix in the Parmesan. Divide the nuts between 2 parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets, spreading them in a single layer. Bake, switching the baking sheets halfway through, until golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes.
Let cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope you have had a Happy Thanksgiving I know that getting together as a family was great for us.

Vegetable Casserole

Vegetable Casserole

1 CAN VEG-ALL DRAINED
1 CAN SWEET CORN DRAINED
1 CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP
1/2 CUP CHOPPED ONION
1/2 CUP MAYO
1 STICK BUTTER-MELTED
1 CUP SHREDDED CHEESE-CHEDDAR

TOPPING:

1 PKG NOT BOX RITZ CRACKERS
1/2 CUP MELTED BUTTER

MIX FIRST 6 INGREDIENTS IN BAKING DISH AND TOP WITH CHEESE....
CRUMBLE CRACKERS AND MIX WITH MELTED BUTTER AND DROP BY SPOONFULS ON TOP OF CASSEROLE..
BAKE AT 400 FOR 30-35 MINUTES.....

How Long To Cook That Turkey

Unstuffed Turkey



8 to 12 lb. 2 3/4 to 3 hours

12 to 14 lb. 3 to 3 3/4 hours

14 to 18 lb. 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours

18 to 20 lb. 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours

20 to 24 lb. 4 1/2 to 5 hours



Stuffed Turkey



8 to 12 lb. 3 to 3 1/2 hours

12 to 14 lb. 3 1/2 to 4 hours

14 to 18 lb. 4 to 4 1/4 hours

18 to 20 lb. 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours

20 to 24 lb. 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours

Cooking Order

Hopefully this is the manner in which i will fix the dinner tommorow

heat oven up at 5 am by cooking breakfast sweet rolls and dump cake.

Turkey in oven by 7 will cook til about 11 a.m

Then comes all the sides before company arives:

• kids create relish tray
• potatos
• stuffing bake in oven version
• veggies
• veggie casserole in oven with stuffing
• several other small side dishes and salads

We are looking for about 20+ to be at our house for dinner. I have a cheese cake, oreo dessert, and ice cream cone cupcakes allready prepared. Daughter is bringing a couple of pies with her so all will be great. I hope to get lots of great pictures and all will have fun.

Happy Thanksgiving in case I don't find time to get on Tommorow

Wordfilled Wednesday Happy Thanksgiving

I was just telling my teenage daughter tonight how wonderful our Lord is to protect us and care for us. He is wonderful and all ready has a plan for us. To me that is what I am thankful for because he loves me enough to give me all I have

find more inspiration at the blog 160 Acre Woods and Forever His is hosting this week

Crockpot Mashed Potatos

I have the problem of not having enough space in the oven or stove to get all done. So this recipe will work perfectly for me.

Crockpot Mashed Potatos

5 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered (about 15 medium)
6 ounces cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 egg whites, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon butter

Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling water until tender. Mash until there are no lumps. Add cream cheese, sour cream, onion powder, salt, pepper and egg whites; blend well. Cool slightly, place in removable liner of your crock pot and place in the refrigerator. Take out of refrigerator about 3 1/2 hours before you plan to serve them. Place in crockpot and dot with butter. Cook on LOW for 3 hours, stirring once or twice. They can be held an additional 30 minutes or more.

Blush Topless Undershirt review and giveaway

Are you looking forward to looking for that perfect outfit for the holidays. Are you worried about how it will look or fit. Do you want an extra bit of help to make you look all in place and constructed? The Blush Topless Undershirt may be exactly what you need. The Blush Topless Undershirt is worn like a tube top only around your waist. The Blush Topless Undershirt is made of poly/rayon/spandex which allows that bit of stretch. I love to wear tees under sweaters in case the sweater rises my tummy is still covered. The Blush Topless Undershirt does this for you without the bulky shoulder area. For those expecting little ones the Blush Undershirt is perfect for you that will allow you to wear your outfits just a bit longer yet keep your bundle of joy in your tummy covered up. The Blush Undershirt comes in a large variety of colors and patterns one is sure to fit your needs. The example below shows you exactly how to wear the Blush Undershirt.

One of Annie's Home readers will win a Blush Topless undershirt of their own. All you need to do is visit the Blush website and let me know which one is your favorite.

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• follow me on twitter
• grab my button let me know where you placed it (5 entries)
• follow me on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment

Giveaway starts now and runs through December 10, 2009. Good Luck Open to all. Email in comment or on your blog please

these are only my thoughts and you may agree or not agree with them. I did not receive anything to post this to my blog

Take a Pix Board Book review and giveaway

For all of you looking for a present for a mother to be, an engaged couple, a toddler or anyone who loves pictures the Take a Pix Board Book Album may be the gift you are looking for. The Take a Pix Board Book is different than any other scrapbook or photo album you will find. The Board Book will hold 10 of your favorite photos and protect them on thick cardboard for added protection. The cardboard pages allows the book to fan out and stand alone. The cover frame of the Board Book will hold a 4x6 picture as well and frames the picture with a white cardboard border. To make it easier for little hands the book pages are rounded. With the rounded pages and the easy turn spine of the Take A Pix Board Book little ones and those with disabilities will be able to easily turn the book pages. One of the best things in my opinion is that the pages of the Board Book can be decorated with markers and stickers so if you are a scrapbooker now your lil one can be as well. The board book holds 20 pictures that are backed by the cardboard like pages and plastic covered slots.

The Take A Pix Board Book Album was created by a mother who noticed that her daughter was lagging a bit behind in development. By taking snapshots of her daughters environment she found at that her daughter increased in her development skills. Researchers have proven that young children under two do not relate to drawings of objects but they can relate to pictures of the objects. Perhaps this would also help your child in their development skills.

Laura Miranit, the owner of the Board Book Albums LLC, would love to offer one of Annie's Home readers a board book of their choice.

To enter you must first visit the Take A Pix Board Book Album website and let me know which one you would choose and what you would do with it.

Extra Entries:

• follow Annie's Home blog
• subscribe to Annie's Home blog
• follow The Board Book Albums on twitter
• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet with limit of 3 tweets a day) new rule anyone who does not follow this rule will be disqualified
• fan boardbooks on facebook
• blog about the contest (5 entries)

Good Luck Open to all. Starts today and ends December 10, 2009 Email must be on blog or in comment

I am only expressing my thoughts and you may or may not agree with them. For this review I did receive a board book of my own

Stork Craft Drop Side Cribs recalled

November 23, 2009 thousands of Stork Craft Drop Side Cribs were recalled. The reason for the recall was because the cribs drop side plastic hardwared can break, deform, or parts can become missing. Other times the drop side may be installed upside down which can also result in broken plastic parts. The resulting problem is that the drop side detaches in one or more corners allowing a space between the drop sde and crib mattress. This space is large enough for infants and toddlers to become entrapped in the space, which can lead to suffocation

Involved in this recall is 2.1 million drop side cribs with 147,000 of these being the stork craft dropside cribs with the fisher price logo. The cribs involved were sold in both the U.S. and Canada. Not involved in this recall are the Stork Craft cribs with manufacturing and distribution dates between January 1993 and October 2009.

If this involves a crib that you have you should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and wait for the repair kit do not attempt to fix the crib without the kit. Contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the dropside on these cribs to a fixed side. For more information visit the website http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10046.html

What the Pilgrims Really Ate

The Pilgrims probably did not sit down to a feast like we will eat tommorow. They probaly had food more along the lines of venison (deer meat), duck, clams, lobsters, pumpkin dishes, possibly a salad topped with nuts, parsnips and carrots, fruits that were in season While these dishes of sort may be incorporated into our family Thanksgiving dinner those at the first Thanksgiving wanted to keep it simple and offer foods that they could find close by.

What do you think?

PB&J Linzer Stars

I love these super and so easy cookies. At least the recipe here is easy I have made them the old fashioned way where the dough is made and the process goes from there. But Parents found an easy way to make these delicious cookies.

PB&J Linzer Stars

1/2 cup peanuts
1 tube (16-1/2 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup apricot preserves
3 Tbs. confectioners' sugar
Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Place peanuts in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add cookie dough, flour and peanut butter. Pulse until dough is well combined, and cleans the inside of the bowl. Divide dough into 2 equal parts. Wrap one part in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. Roll the other half between two sheets of waxed paper to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Place on ungreased baking sheet; freeze for 5 minutes. Remove from freezer and peel off waxed paper. Cut out star shapes with a 3 inch star cutter and place back on the baking sheet. Re-roll scraps and cut out more stars for a total of 18. If dough becomes too soft, place back in freezer for a few minutes. Bake for 11 minutes at 350 degrees F. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Roll out the remaining dough and cut out 18 stars as in steps 3 and 4. After placing on baking sheet, cut out center with a 1-inch star cutter. Bake and cool. Microwave the apricot preserves for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. Spread 1 teaspoon of the preserves onto one side of each of the uncut cookies. Dust the cut-out cookies with the confectioners' sugar and place on preserve-topped cookies to form a sandwich. Press gently.

Santas Reindeer and an Elf

This is a picture from last year the day after thanksgiving of the reindeer and an elf. This will happen again the day after thanksgiving looking forward to this night out

Thankful for Thanksgiving

These two little guys are thankful for thanksgiving I am thankful that they have been visiting with us.

find more wordless wednesday pictures at 5 minutes for mom

Gratituesday

Today I feel much gratitude in my heart for those that sorround me, for my church, for the schools and teachers my children go to and for my blogger friends. I am so happy that it is not even funny. We have taken on more responsibility and in fact we may of bit off too much but with the love that has been shown to me as of late has been so heart warming. I know that my God is good and that if it is his will he will make all work out. My friends and church have helped me out so much during this holiday, the schools my children go to know what I expect from my children and they remind my children of this daily. My blogging buddies have shown so much love to me in the comments they share, emails they write, and just simple words they share. Thank you to all and Thank God that I have been blessed by so much.

couple of choices from the deer days parade

find more ruby red pictures on the blog Work of the Poet and Its a Very Cherry World

Random Tuesday Thoughts: Thank You to my Friends

The one thought that is randomly going through my mind is how blessed I am. At this point in time all of my friends are rallying around me. Thank God that he placed me in a position with wonderful friends both on line and off. Many of my friends know that I have taken on the issue of helping to take care of my nephews while their parents are trying to get help for their relationship. I have friends online that are telling me that they appreciate my blog and I believe anyone would love to hear how someone appreciates the work that they do. I also have friends here who help me out wher ever need arises. To all of my friends I want to say thank you

Cleaning Tips === Cutting Boards

With all the cooking that will be going on in the kitchen during the holiday you will probably be using your cutting board quite often. Here is a quick safe way to sanitize your cutting board before and after using it.

Wooden Cutting Boards

Cut a lemon lime or grapefruit in 1/2 and dip into a small dish of salt. The salt will actually use as the scrub in this cleaner. Lightly rub fruit over the cutting board, squeezing the fruit to release juices as you scrub. Rinse completely when done.

Plastic or Glass Cutting Board

Mix together 1/4 c lemon juice and 2 cups of water let cutting board soak in the mixture for 15 minutes and rinse completely

Hardwood Floo Cleaner

I love my hardwood floors but I must say it takes alot of work to keep them looking great. Some of the supplies you can buy to keep your floors looking great are not so good on the young ones or the earth. Today I want to share with you a tip for keeping your floors looking great and one that will not be hard on the earth or your children

Mix together 1 teaspoon dish soap, 1 cup white vinegar, and 16 oz hot water. Place in spray bottle After sweeping the hard wood floor Spray the mixture on and wipe dry with a microfiber mop. No waxy build up but looking good and clean are the result

What I Need To Do This Week

This week is a bit busy as everyone is coming here but i am so looking forward to it. Having my family all together where we can all chat and catch up with each other. So while my to do list is a bit different than most weeks my thing to do is to make this special for the entire family.

Here Comes Santa Clause Blog Party

If you are not ready for the guy in the jolly red suit with cheeks rosey red then you better get ready. Jolly Mom and Go Graham Go wants to help you get into the Christmas spirit and are having a Here Comes Santa Clause Blog Party. Everything from food, toys, and jewerly and more will be hosted in this super blog event. Starting November 23, (yesterday) be sure to visit the blogs Jolly Mom and Go Graham Go

Fancy Friendship Bracelet Book by Klutz giveaway

Do you remember making friendship pins and bracelets for friends when you were younger? Well you can bring that tradition back to your child's life and teach him how true friends respect each other while making friendship bracelets. The Fancy Friendship Bracelets book by Klutz will help you meet just this goal.

One of the newest books from Klutz is the Fancy Friendship Bracelets book. Perhaps you are familiar with their original Friendship Bracelet's book the new one is the originals best friend. The Fancy Friendship book includes five different colors of cord and more than 200 sparkling beads, and some stylish charms for good measure. All the supplies and directions to make some very stylish friendship bracelets. The book is recommended for 8 years old and up which is the second or third grade level.

Klutz would love to offer two (2) of Annie's Home readers two (2) fancy friendship bracelet books. This would give the winners one to keep and one to give as a gift.

In order to enter this contest you must fan klutz on facebook

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• subscribe to my blog
• grab my button and let me know where you placed it (5 entries)
• follow me on twitter and tweet about giveaway (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment
• for an extra entry stop by a blog of a new friend of mine and leave a comment on the post on her blog New Age Mama that she wrote for me (2 entries)

Open to U.S. citizens only. Email in comment or available on blog. Good Luck Contest ends December 7, 2009

Kaskey Kids sport figures discount

Kaskey Kids the little sports figures would make a perfect christmas gift for both girls and boys or really any sport fanatic. By using the code "Holiday" you can save 20% off of your purchase. What a great deal. This code is good through January 1, 2009

Blue Monday

this is the oldest of my two nephews in his blue jeans

my two daughters who still live at home they are so great and look how they are smiling I think they are up to something

my youngest daughter perfect in her sly look and blue tee

one of my favorite pictures he is having so much fun here

love the cover on this book from the stress free kids

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:

Cool and bit hazey does not look like rain is coming but does make me think that winter may be knocking on the door

One of my simple pleasures:

talking to my lil Princess on the phone. She lives 3 hours away so I am so glad she can now talk to me on the phone

On my bedside table:

my bible and a hairbrush

On my TV:

nothing at this time

On the menu for tonight:

soup and sandwiches

On my To Do List:

laundry, straighten house, thanksgiving prep

New Recipe I tried last week:

pumpkin dump cake

In the craft basket:

thanksgiving place cards

Looking forward to:

thanksgiving

Homemaking Tip for this week:

really dont have one to busy getting ready for thanksgiving

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):

been super busy

Favorite photo from last week:

Lesson learned the past few days:

Love your family no matter what happens they are all still family

On my Prayer List:

friends and family

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Psalms 107

Cheddar Pecan Green Bean Casserole

While your family may love the traditional Green Bean Casserole you may want to liven it up a bit or serve a new one along with the old favorite. My Recipes features a delicious Cheddar pecan Green Bean Casserole recipe that I would love to share with you.

Cheddar Pecan Green Bean Casserole

1 cup finely chopped jarred roasted red bell peppers
1 cup (4 oz.) freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
Simple Blanched Green Beans
1 cup French fried onions, crushed
1/2 cup Japanese breadcrumbs (panko)
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine Buttermilk White Sauce, peppers, and 1/2 cup cheese in a large bowl; add green beans, tossing gently to combine. Place in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch or 3-qt. baking dish. Combine French fried onions, Japanese breadcrumbs, chopped pecans, and remaining 1/2 cup cheese, and sprinkle over green bean mixture. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve immediately. Simple Pecan-Green Bean Casserole: Omit shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. Preheat oven to 350°. Place French fried onions, Japanese breadcrumbs, and chopped pecans in an even layer in a 15- x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted, stirring after 5 minutes. Prepare Buttermilk White Sauce and Simple Blanched Green Beans as directed. (Do not plunge beans into ice water.) Gently toss together green beans and roasted red bell peppers, and spoon onto a serving platter. Top with Buttermilk White Sauce, and sprinkle with toasted pecan mixture. Makes 6 to 8 servings; Prep: 10 min., Bake: 10 min.

for more delicious recipes be sure to visit the My Recipe website

Tip for Moms on cold medicines

Because it is that time of year when colds and coughs seem to spring up Parents newsletter created a very useful post and I would love to share it with you my readers.

• while you can give your child a dose every 4 to 6 hours you should not exceed 5 doses daily
• babies under 3 months should first be seen by the doctor before any medication is given
• reading the label is important
• always use the dropper that comes with the medicine if possible this can help make sure the proper dosage is given each time
• When to call the doctor for a fever? For babies under 3 months, call for a temperature of 100.4 F. or higher; for babies 3 to 6 months, call for 101 F. or higher; for babies older than 6 months, call for 103 F. or higher, or if your child seems fussy, lethargic, or dehydrated, or has any other symptoms that concern you

This link also offers proper amounts your child should be taking http://www.parents.com/baby/health/antibiotics/acetaminophen-dosage-chart/

Pine Cone Turkey Craft

Here is a super craft that you can do with your child it is super fun and easy to. Just take a look

Here is how to create your own:

•Pinecone
•Construction paper in fall colors
•Acorn
•Craft glue
•Modeling clay
•Pen
•Scissors
•Small craft eyes

Draw several long thin feather shapes onto different colors of fall themed construction paper such as brown, orange or yellow. Make about 8 feathers or less depending on how large the pinecone is. Cut out the paper feathers and get them ready to glue onto the pinecone. Using a quick drying craft glue, apply the feathers to the back or thickest part of the pinecone. You can choose where you think they should go, but try to keep the bunched together to form a tail. Glue the acorn upside down into the very front of the pinecone to form the turkey's face. Make sure that the part of the acorn with the shell on it is the part that is glued into the pinecone. Otherwise the turkey's face will look distorted. Cut a small waddle shape out of some red construction paper and glue it onto the acorn that is the turkey's head. Glue some small craft eyes onto the turkey's head to make it appear more realistic. Make a small platform for your turkey out of modeling clay and press the bottom of the pinecone down into it. Let everything dry and then your pinecone turkey craft should be completed and ready to use as a beautiful Thanksgiving decoration.

Thanksgiving centerpiece idea

A simple Thanksgiving centerpiece can be made of mini pumpkins and orange and brown candles. By arranging in a bunch in the middle of the table the table will look festive and perfect for thanksgiving

Holgate wooden toy giveaway

If you have a little one or know one that needs a special gift then check out the wooden toys at Holgate. I was a Mr Rogers fan when I was a child my children loved him as well and at Holgate they have a Mr Rogers collection love these they are so cool. Go Graham Go is hosting giveaway where the winner will recieve a tow truck and sporster car. Contest ends December 7, 2009.

Darda Race Car giveaway

A Giveaway Addicted Mama blog is hosting a super fun giveaway on their blog. The giveaway is for a Darda Race Car. Whether you have a young man or woman who loves race cars or if you are like me you have a man in your life that loves the cars as well this giveaway is for you. The winner will receive Power Loop Pyramid worth $69.99 and the contest ends December 8, 2009

Fan of Nutcrackers

My son for as long as I can remember has always loved nutcrackers. Each year for Christmas he will receive at least one. The greatest thing about nutcrackers is that they are in every country and come in so many different fashions. The blog Brimful Curiosities is hosting giveaway for
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and the book The Christmas Magic both sure to please any nutcracker fan. If you or someone you know is a nutcracker fan then you should enter this wonderful giveaway by November 30, 2009

Thanksgiving Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

My friend made this delicious recipe and it was so great. I plan to make this same dessert instead of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving I decided that I should share this with all my readers and friends on the Creative Mama Blog hop for Thanksgiving

Pumpkin Dump Cake

1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
3 eggs
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (18 1/2 ounce) box spice cake mix
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
3/4 cup butter, melted


1Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
2Grease a 9x13 baking pan.
3In a large bowl combine pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, white sugar, evaporated milk and salt and spice. Stir well to combine, or beat on low to mix. Pour into prepared pan.
4Sprinkle with cake mix and nuts over the top of that.
5Drizzle the melted butter over all. Bake for 50-60 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool and serve with whipped cream.

Book Giveaway for Sesame Street lovers

Sesame Street celebrates its 40th birthday this year. In celebration the blog Brimful Curiosities is hosting a giveaway for an Elmo book that has been autographed. This is a super giveaway for anyone with young children, lover of Elmo or Sesame Street. This contest ends November 30, 2009.

Win turkey dinner

Brimful Curiosities is hosting giveaway where the winner will win $20 feast from Wal-Mart. This will include:

One 12-pound Grade A turkey
* Three 11 to 15.5-ounce cans Green Giant vegetables
* Two 14-ounce cans Ocean Spray cranberry sauce
* Three 6-ounce boxes of Stove Top stuffing
* One 5-pound bag of red potatoes
* One 12-count package of Sara Lee dinner rolls
* One 22-ounce pumpkin roll cake

This contest will end on December 7, 2009. So hurry over there and enter for a chance to win a turkey dinner for you.

John F Kennedy assassinated November 22, 1963

I can rember my mother telling me stories about this terrible day in history when the news rang out that John F Kennedy had been assassinated. This date in history as my mother tells me was one of somber where every eye shed a tear and the schools , business and streets closed down in this little town that she lived in.
John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy commonly known by his initials JFK was the 35th president of the U.S. serving only part of a term from 1961 til his assassination in 1963. JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963 in Dallas Texas by a gunman thought to be Lee Harvey Oswald. The conspiracy over whether Oswald was the gunman or not has long been a debatable issue.
Today I simply remember the stories my parents told me about this great man John F Kennedy.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link to the victim's post. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") We do sometimes edit the original meme, usually to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, sometimes to select that meme's best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from either this new meme or recently asked questions from a prior featured meme. Let's go!





1. Name someone with the same birthday as you.

my husbands ex girlfriend

2. Where was your first kiss?

behind the school house

3. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex? If yes, why?

Yes, because I can

4. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? When?

yes, used to sing for contest

5. What's the first thing you notice about your preferred sex?

that they were a bit different in what they spent their time

6. What really turns you off?

someone not taking care of their children

7. What is your biggest mistake?

not going to college after highschool

8. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose?

no I love myself too much

9. Say something totally random about yourself.

I have been married for 22+ years

10. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?

nope

11. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows?

sometimes with my teens who still love sponge bob

12. Are you comfortable with your height?

yes, while I wish I was a bit taller I know that most my family members are my same height

13. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you?

I believe giving me a rose because that is always precious to me

14. When do you know it's love?

I just knew

15. What's something that really annoys you?

my teens when they are whining about problems that can be cured or ones that mean the world to them but are not significant

Burlington Coat Factory $50 gift card giveaway

Cold weather is coming and we will all be looking for a way to stay warm. Whether it is for us or someone we love Burlington Coat Factory has wonderful buys for all of us. I was very impressed with their prices and would love for you to take a look as well. The blog MomStart is hosting giveaway for $50 gift card to Burlington Coat Factory. The giveaway ends November 30, 2009

Sonic Boom Alarm Clock giveaway

The blog Helping Moms Win, which does just that by listing the greatest blogs she finds on the internet is hosting her own giveaway. This giveaway is for a Sonic Boom Alarm Clock from Sonic Alert. If you are like me you do not wake up naturally on your own rather you need an alarm clock to help you out. If you would like to win as much as I woudl you will have to head over to the blog Helping Moms win before December 7, 2009

American Music Awards

The American Music Awards (AMA) is an annual show that celebrates American Music and those that perform it. Dick Clark created the AMAs in 1973 and stars Michael Jackson and Donny Osmond co hosted the first show with Rodney Allen Rippy and Ricky Segall. The main difference between the Grammies and the AMAs is the way votes are calculated. The Grammies are voted on by members of the entertainment industry. The AMAs are voted on by music buyers, and are more of a public opinion. The American Music Awards have nominations based on sales and airplay (even if the album is old), while the Grammes only nominate albums from their eligibility period. Thus the reason that Michael Jackson can receive an AMA nomination and potential award. So tune into night for the AMAs on ABC where Jamie Foxx will be the host and find out what star will go home with the biggest prize of all

False Confession Day

I love to find odd holidays and share them with you all. Today thanks to holiday insights I found out that today was False Confession Day. If you did it then don't let anyone know but if you didn't do it then this day is for you. You can falsely confess. Now while I would not go around falsely confessing to everything you can have a bit of fun

Be careful however when playing along with False Confession day though. A false confession can lead to alot of problems. So while you may confess to kissing your dog on the lips or eating your buggers. Please do not confess to a crime, report some one lost, killed or injured or confess to a relationship you are not in. After all while you may have lots of fun I would hate for you to be hurt, punished or loose a friendship.

Have a happy False Confession Day!!