Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Not a lot on my mind tonight...

So I thought I would share a picture I thought was cute.  Someone had posted this picture on Facebook and I just thought it was too cute not to share with others.

Never stop laughing!  And never stop snuggling with those babies.  Wish I had a few of them babies around my house.  Baby powder and paci's.  Nothing sweeter.


Friday, April 25, 2014

To wear a hat or not?

Lately I'm hopping on the hat trend.  I bought this hat but have my eye out for several more.  I'd love to have a selection to choose from on those days that my hair just won't cooperate.




Here are a couple of other hats that I have my eye on too.


This is a really cute white eyelet cap.  Stylish!
Continue setting trends with this leopard print cap!


Now, for some reason I have had a headache after wearing it yesterday so I am hoping it gets better.  I don't know if it is the pressure of the hat on my head or what.  I think the hats are so cute!

And that's all that is really on my mind today!

Will talk with ya later!

Have a safe and happy weekend!  :-)

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Stuffed Peppers

Felt like I wanted to make something tonight that was somewhat out of the ordinary.  I ended up making stuffed peppers and I can not wait to see how they turned out.

Here is the recipe!  Yummm!

Stuffed Peppers with Ground 


Beef and Rice



These great tasting stuffed peppers make a delicious meal with a tossed salad, or serve with mashed or baked potatoes. Try this popular, tried-and-true recipe for a satisfying everyday family meal.


Cook Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Ingredients:6 green bell peppers
1 tablespoons butter
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1/2 cup chopped onion
    1/2 cup chopped celery
    1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
    1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
    1 clove garlic, crushed
    1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
    1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil
    2 teaspoons salt, divided
    1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
    1 egg, lightly beaten
    1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
    1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or chuck
    1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice
    shredded mild Cheddar cheese, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup, optional

Preparation:


Directions for stuffed peppers with ground beef and rice


Cut tops off peppers; remove seeds and membranes. Chop edible part of tops and set aside. Rinse peppers under cold water. Place peppers in a large pot; cover with salted water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain peppers and set aside.


Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Sauté chopped green pepper (from tops), chopped onion, and chopped celery for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, crushed garlic, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.


In a large mixing bowl, combine egg with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently stir to blend; add ground beef, cooked rice, and 1 cup of the tomato mixture. Mix well. Stuff peppers with meat mixture and place in a 3-quart baking dish. Pour remaining tomato mixture over the stuffed peppers. Bake at 350° for 55 to 65 minutes. If desired, top stuffed peppers with a little shredded Cheddar cheese just before peppers are done; bake until cheese is melted.


Recipe for stuffed peppers serves 6.


Ok, so here is a picture of my end result.  So, so, so good.  And I even used turkey meat instead of ground beef and it still tasted pretty good (although I did need to sprinkle some extra salt and pepper to taste).  I am thinking since I substituted turkey meat for ground beef that I may have cut back on some of the calorie total too.  Sweet!

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Easter 2014

This Easter was so fun!  We had a small turnout but still fun nonetheless!

Here are a few pics!

This may seem somewhat narcissistic or selfish but I honestly forgot to take a family pic of all of us before church.  I did happen to take this selfie though before I changed.  I have only worn this dress once and I really like it.  (This pic was in my daughters bathroom so please excuse the mess!)


Here a few more pics of the food, family, and Easter decor.  Missed having my mom and dad there but we still had a fun time.













This artwork the kids drew I will cherish forever and ever!  They each have a memory box and I'll be sure to put this in both of their boxes.

What a fun day and of course the real reason for the day, was Christ's resurrection.  He was laid to rest on Good Friday but rose again.  No grave could keep him down.  I love that story and the whole bible and it what it is about.  God's bible has so many love stories.  I personally need to read it more and more faithfully.

Well, hope you all enjoyed your Easter!

James and Susan say:  Happy Easter!



Here are a few more pics of the kids coloring easter eggs.







Tuesday, April 15, 2014

FSU Spring Game

What a fun time we had on Saturday at the annual Spring Garnet and Gold game.  It not usually as large of a turn out as it during an actual in season game but still worth the trip up there to see it.  

I told my husband, that I get a little star struck when I see the players!  So incredibly awesome and what a future is in store for these college kids.




On every trip, I still find it necessary to take a picture of the headrest in the car.  Kinda visualizing that I am in the car on the way to Tally!  

  

Love to take pictures of all the FSU outfits while I am there.  ha!  :)

James at the FSU store right there at the stadium


We were able to get a seat on the first row of the 30 yard line.  Awesome seat!


Took some pictures of the FSU cheerleaders/dancers.  They looked so pretty!  





I am so bad about taking pictures of the final score. I think my husband said it was 27-7.  :/

Either way, we had a great time and can not wait to go again next year!  


Thursday, April 10, 2014

Who loves Pasta?

I was so excited to share this morning about the pasta dish I made the night before last.  And I was able to eat it again yesterday for lunch and dinner!  My kids absolutely loved it too so that was a score!

It just happens that on Kelly's Korner blog they are having a SUYL - Favorite Pasta Dish so this post falls into line perfectly.

Here is the recipe and I doubled the amount that it required so we were able to have leftovers the next day as well.  So, so good!!

Here it is, enjoy!



Creamy Ham and Penne Pasta



Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 servings (1-1/3 cups each)
3.77 of 5 (13 ratings)
Zesty diced tomatoes, ham and peas combine with penne pasta in a creamy sauce
- See more at: http://www.ro-tel.com/recipes-Creamy-Ham-and-Penne-Pasta-5511.html#sthash.zGPQvqBk.dpuf

INGREDIENTS

  • 8 ounces dry penne pasta, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup frozen green peas
  • 1 can (10 oz each) Ro*Tel® Mild Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
  • 1 pkg (8 oz each) 1/3 less fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), cubed
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup chopped fully cooked lean ham

DIRECTIONS

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt; add peas last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain; set aside and keep warm.
  2. In pan used for pasta, combine all remaining ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until cheese melts and mixture is bubbly. Stir in pasta and peas.

COOK'S TIPS

  1. If your family prefers more heat, use Ro*Tel® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Calories: 474 Serving Size: 4 servings (1-1/3 cups each)
- See more at: http://www.ro-tel.com/recipes-Creamy-Ham-and-Penne-Pasta-5511.html#sthash.zGPQvqBk.dpuf

A couple of side notes, I did not use frozen peas, I took a can of peas and added them to the cream cheese and ham mixture about a minute before it was set to be taken off of stove.  I personally do not enjoy the taste of frozen peas.  This was a quick and tasty alternative.


Monday, April 7, 2014

Ocean Deck

We had such a fun weekend!  We went to the Ocean Deck this weekend and we want to make that a part of our weekend fun every week!  The kids love swimming in the ocean while we hang out at the deck and listen to karaoke and the live band play.  Just an ideal day for everyone!  (I am not sure if I could use the word weekend anymore than I have within the last paragraph...ha!)

Here are some quick pics of the last visit to the deck



They rebuilt the deck within the past couple of years and it has now become a 2 story building with more seating.

My kids always find so many kiddos out there to play with and have a good time.




Susan found one of her old school mates from Manatee Cove that goes there now and they love to just laugh and hang out.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Daily Devotion

Happy Friday!

Today is my most favorite day of the week!  :-)

I also wanted to share my daily bible verse.

"God began doing  good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again".  Philippians 1:6


What this means to me:

God always has the best intentions for us.  He can change our thoughts, allow us to see things that we would not normally be able to see on our own.  He will continue to make us into his own image until Jesus Christ returns.


That is so encouraging because this girl needs that constant direction from God, the father.  The all knowing, omnipotent.

Stay encouraged in God's word everyday by reading the bible, praying and seeking out a personal relationship with God.  It is well worth it and it has eternal rewards!  :)

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!


And stay hydrated!  lol  So important to drink those 8 glass of water daily!

With that I am out!  :)

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Easter time is approaching

As easter approaches, I am getting more and more into Easter decorating!  Time to go up into the attic and bring down the decor!