Boyish Charm

12.29.2009

Now that the Hustle and Bustle is over... ... I am sitting here sipping my hot chocolate (with mini marshmallows of course) and enjoying the huge flakes of snow that are falling outside of my window. Christmas Eve we managed to get a Blizzard... Yup, a Blizzard in Oklahoma. Crazy! My husband, who was called out at 8am to go to a job about an hour away, didn't make it home for 12 hours... It should have only been a  little over 2. This was how things looked when he got to the job site... quick board set up and he was out of there.

This is how quickly things started going downhill.

And things just went from bad...

 ... to worse!

And unfortunately this is what you saw all along the roads.

 BUT, he made it home, safe and sound and with plenty of time for Santa to get here!

Speaking of... Apparently the Manning Boys were a pretty good crew this past year.

  Christian's Loot
Jonathan's Loot  Zachary's Loot
Nicolas' Loot
Noah's Loot
And... Tyler's Loot (although the phone was hidden and there was a note in the bag of coal to call Santa's Complaint Department if he didn't like the coal) ;)

Christmas was great... even though our Christmas eve plans were busted... Nothing stopped Christmas with our family. We had a great time, tons of food, and lots of pleased kiddos!

Now that it's over, I can get my house back in order (didn't I just do that FOR Christmas?), spend more time reading, more time creating, more time cooking and more time baking! All things I LOVE to do. Pretty soon I will get to spend more time with my photography too... Getting a new camera soon, but trying to decide if I want to veer away from Canon and try out Nikon... or stay a Canon girl?

Thoughts???
 
 

   
 
 
 

Time for New Holiday Recipes

It's almost Christmas, which means I've started my baking and my food planning. Every year I like to try out something new. I did find some yummy beverages for the little people and the big people that I am going to try out from Recipe Girl.

 

These Cranberry Mimosas will be a great addition to our Christmas Breakfast.

 

And Rudolph's Brunch Punch will be perfect the for the kids (and the adults as well)

So, now that I have found these scrumptious beverages to try it... It's time to hunt around on all my bloggy friends to find a great dessert or candy to try this week.

Anyone have any suggestions?
 
 

Happy 10th Birthday, Noah!

My 2nd born has now hit the double digits!

So... In honor of his bday and him having to suffer through a long day of school! ;) I made cupcakes!!! I'm sure that the substitute teacher that the class has today will love these noisemakers!

 

Tonight we'll celebrate as a family with yummy store bought cake, a movie and Noah playing with his new boombox... Shhhhh don't tell him yet! It's a surprise! 

Laundry

Everyone has it... I can't think of anyone that likes it...

Having a family of 8, I DESPISE it, but it must go on.

With as much laundry as we do, I have always tried to save as good as I could on a good detergent. For quite some time we used Purex and I was very happy with it. Then, our local grocer, had a sale on Arm and Hammer laundry soap when they first brought it into their stores and my husband grabbed it ( Love a man that spots a good sale).

  

As soon as we used this soap, I was sold. We made the switch for good. My clothes smell SO good now. With 6 boys, you can imagine what our clothes looked and smelled like.

Prior to this, I was seriously contemplating making my own detergent, but it didn't happen. I have so much going on as it is, I couldn't imagine taking the time to make the detergent and then store it.

I was utterly happy when I walked into my local store the other day and my laundry detergent now has a companion.

 
YAY! We are a happily clothed family now!

NOW... if I could just get all of my local stores to go BACK to carrying the only deodorant that my husband can use... life will be grand! Arm and Hammer Roll On! NOBODY carries it anymore... :(

 
  

Flu calls for Baked Potato Soup and a Parade

H1N1 is rampantly spreading like wildfire around these parts. I can count the people that I know does not have it on 1 hand. So far, 2 people in my house are sick and I've been feeling puny all week. So... that means soup time!

Dad likes to give me his leftover baked potatoes from the day that doesn't sell (PS... if you are local, check out Papa's Place in OKC on S Shields)... or maybe it's because I'd rather feed my huge family with them than to see them go in the trash. I've been coming up with all sorts of ways to reuse them!

I usually only make Potato soup with raw potatoes, but this turned out just as good, if not better and it was definitely quicker!

 

Baked Potato Soup

1 package of bacon, cooked and broke into pieces. Save pan and drippings for later.
1 small onion diced
1 Tbsp minced garlic
2/3 cup of flour
3 cans chicken broth
4-5 baked potatoes, diced ( I use the big baking potatoes and I kept the peel on)
2 cups milk
garlic powder
salt
pepper
tobasco (optional)
red pepper season all (optional, I happened to have it on hand.)

Cook onions and minced garlic in reserved bacon grease, over medium heat, until translucent.
Add flour and mix until no longer lumpy. Cook about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. 
Add broth and whisk until thickened. If you cooked the bacon and onions in a skillet, you will need to move to a large pot or dutch oven now. 
Add potatoes, milk, bacon and seasonings to mixture. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Add more seasoning as needed.

On the seasonings, I really didn't put an amount down because I really feel like this is a pour a little and test recipe. Just make it to your liking.

Today is Midwest City High School's homecoming and every year they have a parade that goes right in front of our elementary school, through our neighborhood and back around the outterlying main roads to the high school. We never miss it and we love it. Now that the oldest is in Middle school, they don't get to watch the parade. I was THAT mom that took him out of school for the day so that he wouldn't miss it! ;)
  

Even with a sicko kid... we had to make it (he's feeling better today and not feverish, if he had been, he would have stayed bundled in the back of the car and we would have backed up to the road to watch, i'm not that evil)

You know what I love most about a parade??? The Band!!! Yup, I DO! Know what else I ALWAYS do at a parade? Cry! I DO! When the band goes marching by and plays their song... I tear up. Never fails. I must be the biggest band nerd ever! Oh... and exciting I might add... the band is in full uniform. In the years past it was just their band tshirts! I'm ECSTATIC!!!

This parade was extra awesome this year... I am so emailing the high school and giving them props. They had several floats. And they were big ole ones at that!

This is what the sick one did the whole time. Stood and watched and let the other kids put candy in the bag(which ended up being completely full by the time we were done). He also had that same look on his face.

I sure hope that the Bombers kick some Jaguar hiney tonight!!! GOOOOO BOMBERS!!!
 

Hello, October.

I've been waiting for you.

This has to be my favorite time of the year..... the beautiful colors of nature.

 

These photos were all taken a couple of years ago in the Wichita mountains with my friend, Kristin of Reclaiming the Home, and Don. We had a fabulous day capturing art that day.

This weekend we will have a blast at Global Oklahoma that is held annually at Rose State College.

October is going to be full of creating (the holidays are nearing), Halloween preparations, My 10 year wedding anniversary, lots of camping and a TON of great fall weather food!

Quick and Easy snack

So, my dear sweet friend, Kristin, over at Reclaiming the Home, recently posted a recipe for homemade granola! It was so darn easy, that I had to try it!

The house smells soooo delicous right now!

This recipe just screams out EASY and not to mention versitile AND Frugal!!!

Here is the recipe copied from the RTH blog.

Ingredients:

~ 1-1/4 cups brown sugar
~ 1/2 cup water
~ 2 Tbs. vanilla extract
~ 1 tsp. salt
~ 8 cups oats
~ 1 package of dried "tropical" fruit from Dollar Tree
~ 1 package of nuts (your favorite ones - I got sunflower seeds) from Dollar Tree

Directions:

~ Preheat oven to 300* and line 2 pans with parchment / wax paper.
~ Pour brown sugar into a bowl and top with water. Stir well and microwave for 2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Stir.
~ Mix in vanilla and salt. Stir.
~ In a large bowl, mix together oats and sugar mixture.
~ Spread oats out on 2 pans lined with parchment paper. Bake at 300* for 45 minutes (or until golden and slightly crunchy)
~ Let oats cool, and then pour into a large bowl and mix with fruit and nuts. Store in an airtight container.

You could really mix things up with this recipe... any kind of nuts, any kind of dried fruit... the possibilities are endless!

 
Christian and I have been spending lots of quality time together during the day. It's amazing how happy 50cents and a mechanical horsey can make a boy!

C.

Wildlife Expo (Saturday) and American Chop Suey

 

We had such a busy and fun weekend this past weekend. It was the weekend of the annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo held at the Lazy E arena in Guthrie and if you haven't been.... Run, don't walk, next year!

It all started out with our oldest kiddo spending the entire weekend out there with his Boy Scout Troop.

 

I tried some of his dinner that night.. It was good stuff! I just might have to start some of this camping stuff too!

One of the exhibits was a fishing clinic. You could fish, learn how to clean and fillet a fish, make your own fishing lure and more. Of course, Zachary caught a fish. He always catches a fish. I think he might be our little fish magnet. He even did a great job throwing the little perch back into the pond.

 

Jonathan was the most patient little fisherman ever. He waited and waited and waited for that little fishy to jump on his hook, but it never happened. He was so upset when the whistle blew and they said our time was up. Daddy owes him a fishing trip! (Daddy took him back to it Sunday hoping he'd catch a fish... no bites :( )

 

Christian didn't quite understand at first that he was too little to hold the fishing pole (we tried, and it was more of a lets see how far we can swing it type thing). He was pretty content for a bit though, watching all the bobbers floating around!

  

I really wanted to ride Captain, but it just didn't get worked in. We spent the first half of the day tearing down trees at Don's dad's place and the second half of the day I took the kids to the Wildlife Expo. It's all good though, I know he still loves me! Isn't he the prettiest guy!?!? ;)

 

We spent Saturday evening throwing limbs into the fire pit while Sr. pushed the heavy ones in with the tractor... It doesn't matter how old ya get, making fire is always fun!

This week I made one of my absolute favorite and easy meals! My version of American Chop Suey. You'll flip at how easy this is!!!

Christina's American Chop Suey

2lbs lean ground beef
1lb of your choice of pasta
2 cans of Tomato Soup
1-2 cans of diced tomatoes
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Brown hamburger meat, drain.
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain.
Combine hamburger, pasta, soup, tomatoes, salt and pepper until mixed through.

Very yummy and easy dinner. You can use as little or as much of the diced tomatoes as you can stand. If the soup doesn't seem to moisten it up quite enough, I through in a few globs of butter.

Stay tuned for part 2 of my weekend! :)

C.

The Good Old Days of Football

I love football... Really, I do!

Once upon a time ago... I would have told you different. I was in band when I was a young girl and the only part I liked about the football games, was when I got to play.

Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE band and I get all kinds of teary eyed and emotional when they play.

But these days I really love the game itself. It probably started a couple of years ago when I really got into watching and rooting for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Of course, having my boy on the Middle School team keeps my eye on the game as well.

And even though I am sitting in the stands with 5 other boys...

And people look at me with the look of " I'm glad I'm not in your shoes with all those little rugrats"

I love it!

Just so long as no body goes to the top of the bleachers.

Then mama starts having anxiety attacks!

Bday Fun AND Easy Peasy Mexican Night

Tuesday was my birthday... I'm the big 3 3 now! I had a fabulous day with the help of my wonderful husband and my wonderful friends. It started out with my husband waking me up to some totally awesome OSU gifts... New earrings for game day, new key chain and new coffee mug! The Pokes are gonna win all their games now this season!!!

The fair is in town and it wasn't really in the budget to go this year for us (I always go to the fair for my bday, my parents told me when I was younger that the fair came to town every year to celebrate my bday! ) and I really wanted my fair food! So, my husband talked to my dearest friend and arranged her to take me to the fair, JUST US GIRLS!!!

And of course we got our fair food on!! Started out with a scrumptious Italian Sausage loaded with grilled onions and peppers and spaghetti sauce ( I get one every year), while Jenny had a delicious looking Gyro (that was awesome, cause of course I taste tested it). And who can go to the fair without having a funnel cake???  NOT ME!!!

After the fair I came home to a nice hot bath waiting for me by candlelight! Not to mention... that my husband spent the evening scrubbing our bathroom from top to bottom so that it would sparkle. He rocks, don't ya think?!?! And after that... the night still wasn't over, Jenny came back over and picked me up to spend some quality time at therapy, aka the casino. My hand was even itching and I thought for sure I would win bagillions for my bday, but it wasn't so. All in all, it was a fabulous bday!

OH... and my daddy even called me to wish my a happy birthday. Usually my mom handles the calls and the cards and what not. He doesn't usually pick up the phone for things like that, so it was Uber Special! I won't forget this birthday!!!

So... last night I decided we needed a mexican night and my wonderful husband loves love loves to have some chicken enchiladas, but I wasn't up for the task of making them. I didn't want to let him down though. He deserved something great after making my birthday great. So... after perusing through some recipes, I came up with my own Enchilada Casserole!

Apparently it was a huge hit. Don says "I can't believe I am saying this, but I think it's better than your enchiladas". SCORE!!!

I also made some extremely easy spanish rice with it! And guess what.. I'm gonna share BOTH recipes with you!

 
ETA: Please remember that I am feeding a family of 8, so if any of my recipes look insanely huge... remember it's for a large family. If you have a small family, you can almost always freeze half of the meal for a later date.

 

Enchilada Casserole

2lbs of Shredded Chicken Breast
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1 can of chicken broth
1 can of diced chilis
1 cup of chopped onions
1 cup of sour cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp minced garlic
24 corn tortillas
1lb shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Put all ingredients, except chicken, tortillas and cheese, in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
Put enugh of sauce mixture in the bottom of a large casserole dish.
Start layering the remaining ingredients... Tortillas (about 6 per layer), Chicken, sauce and cheese.
When you finish up the last layer of chicken, Layer with one more row of tortillas, sauce and then cheese.
Bake for about 30 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly. Enjoy!

Easy Peasy Spanish Rice

1tbsp of vegetable oil
1cup of long grain rice (not minute rice)
2 1/2 cups of water
1 small can of tomato sauce
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 tsp of cumin
1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp of pepper
1tsp of minced garlic

In a skillet, heat up oil, add rice and cook over medium heat until browned.
Add remaining ingredients, bring to boil, then lower to low, cover and wait about 20 minutes until rice is tender.

Hope these recipes make sense... I had to rethink of what I did last night while I had grumpy little boys yelling in my ear!

Post and let me know what you think if you make it! Enjoy!!!