Thanksgiving ~ 1 week away!

Thanksgiving is just a week away!

What does the word Thanksgiving really mean? To some it may mean getting together with friends or family and having a big dinner and watching football games. While that is all good, we must stop and remember the real meaning behind it. We need to give thanks and express our gratitude to God for the gifts he has provided us. He has blessed all of us in countless ways! So let's all take a moment and count our EVERY blessing & give thanks were it's due.

Meet our new dog......

Shorty!!

Isn't she beautiful?!?!? We got her last night from a friend of my mom's. She is so loveable & cuddable!! She has a personality much different than the other dogs. When they bark, she looks at them like they are crazy! I, on the other hand thought that I was crazy for taking her when she kept me up all night. We are use to keeping our dogs in crates at night, so she cried having to be in one, and then at 6:30 am she thought it was time to get up for the day. Um, hello!!! It's not even daylight yet kid, go back to bed!! So that's exactly what we did ~ TOGETHER & on the couch :o). I'm sure that in a few days she will feel right at home and into her new routine.

Oh, & I forgot to mention.... remember our dog Bits? Well, this is her sister :o)

Spagetti Sauce Recipe

Carey's favorite meal is a good plate of spagetti, so for years I have been trying to make the "perfect" spagetti sauce. After trying a little of this one, and a little of that one ~ I think I have finally found the sauce!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

3/4 pounds hot italian/pork sausage

1 bag of frozen meatballs

1 onion - chopped

2-3 teaspoons garlic - minced (I use the kind in a jar that you keep in the fridge)

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon white corn syrup

1 & 1/2 teaspoon oregano (I use the kind in the jar that you keep in the fridge)

1 & 1/2 teaspoon italian seasonings

3/4 - 1 teaspoon crushed red peppers

1 cup red wine

2 (6oz cans) tomato paste

1 (28 oz can) tomato sauce

2 (28oz cans) diced tomatoes

2 (28oz cans) crushed tomatoes

I cook the meat. Then saute the onions, and all seasonings for about 5 minutes. Then I add the red wine and simmer for another 5 minutes. Finally, add all tomato products and let simmer all day. I normally keep this on the stove cooking on low all day long, however I placed it in a crockpot and let it cook all day with the same results.

This makes enough for us to eat one dinner, Carey lunch the next day, as well as a whole nother batch for me to freeze. So my guess would be around 14 or so servings. I use this sauce in my lasagna too and it's excellent.

Our 1st Snowfall of the year!

When the kids woke up and seen that we had 7+ inches of snow they said "Snow Day" & since I wasn't feeling the greatest ~ I agreed! It pretty much snowed all day today & from what I am hearing we were one of the harder hit areas around. I'm guessing that there is at least a foot out there now and we are still under watch until 1am.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - #6

For Today... November 17, 2008


Outside my Window...we woke up to a white winterland. I measured 7" on our patio table & it's still snowing!! (30* outside) ~ update. The news just reported 4-8" inches still to come up to 1am.

I am thinking...that as much as I don't like to drive in the snow, it sure is pretty!!

I am thankful for...the blessings that God has given our family with everything that we need, as I know there are many people out there struggling these days.

From the kitchen...Ethen has Bagel Bites in the oven for his lunch.

I am wearing...Ok, I hate to admit that it's noon & I still have my jammies, robe & slippers on, but I don't feel the greatest.

I am reading...I haven't done much reading lately.

I am hoping...that Elizabeth likes what we got her for her birthday.

I am creating...a BIGGER coupon binder. Yep, the first one is full!!

I am hearing...the news being reported & the sound of Ethen shoveling the front sidewalk.

Around the house... I'm thinking it's going to be a lazy day.

One of my favorite things...Gingerbread men! Aren't they just the cutest!!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Elizabeth has an orthodontist appointment, Karate practice, and of course her big day on Friday!!!

Here is a picture thought worth sharing with you...
This was taken this morning, it's looking out our dining room into the backyard........

Thank you to our hostess Peggy for this daybook. Please take a moment and visit with her at The Simple Woman

Apple Bread Recipe

Remember all those apples we picked?! Well, I still have a few left so last night I whipped up a batch of Apple Bread and thought that I would share the recipe with you :) We hope that you enjoy it. So grab up some apples, grease those pans and get your oven preheated to 325*!

Ingredients:

3 eggs, slightly beaten

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon vanilla

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3-4 medium sized apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)

1 cup pecans (optional)

Topping:

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground

Preheat oven to 325*. Grease & flour 2 loaf pans.

Mix the eggs, sugar, oil & vanilla until well blended.

Then, combine your dry ingredients.

Fold in your apples & pecans into the dry mixture.

Don't panic, this will be VERY thick!! Mix well.

Divide into your 2 pans & sprinkle with sugar topping.

Bake at 325* for 1 hour & 10 minutes, or until toothpick entered into the center comes out clean.

Cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove from pan & enjoy!

(this is also really good with some cream cheese frosting smeared on it) *grins* mmmm

Here is a picture of mine - the extra loaf of course, as the first one mysteriously disappeared!

Elizabeth's 2nd Karate Tournament

Last night, Elizabeth attended the Grand Rapids Area Kids Martial Arts Tournament at the YMCA in Belmont, Michigan. This was a rather small event, which was kind of disappointing but it was good experience.

She brought home:

1st place in Weapons

1st place in Sparring (she loves to beat those boys up!!!)

2nd place in Forms

Keep it up Elizabeth!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - #5

For Today... November 10, 2008


Outside my Window...there is a light snow shower (temp. 34*)

I am thinking...that I'm not ready for ole man winter to come.

I am thankful for...the weekend I had with my husband this weekend. He has been working 72 hours a week, so having him home for 2 days was nice.

From the kitchen...I'm thinking that coffee aroma is comforting.

I am wearing...a t-shirt & shorts - it's 84* in here.

I am reading...Seeing Jesus as he really is by Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne

I am hoping...to get some birthday shopping for the kids done.

I am creating...a home management binder (still working on this) & a coupon binder - this is coming together nicely!

I am hearing...the news being reported.

Around the house... today will be a light clean up day, since I didn't do much over the weekend.

One of my favorite things...pizza!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...I would like to get some more cleaning done in the basement and get my fall things put away so we can decorate for Christmas soon.

Here is a picture thought worth sharing with you...
I'm thinking I could be here........

Thank you to our hostess Peggy for this daybook. Please take a moment and visit with her at The Simple Woman

It's Charlies' Birthday!!

It's hard to believe that he is already 3! I can remember all the sleepness nights when he was a puppy because he required constant attention, like it was yesterday. Charlie has been a great addition to our family. He's a lover, he's a fighter, he's playful, and very protective, it just wouldn't be the same without him.

Mmmmm, birthday cake!! And since he is 21 (in people years) he also got to enjoy some.....

Don't worry it's NON-alcoholic!!!

And since we somehow, accidentially forgot Bits' birthday back in August where she turned 2, Charlie was nice enough to share his birthday cake with her :O)

Our Karate Champ!

On Saturday, Elizabeth had the priviledge of competiting for her first time in a tournament at the Great Lakes All Star Open Championships in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

She competed in weapons ~ taking 1st place, forms taking 2nd place, and sparring (fighting) taking 1st place!

Elizabeth has only been taking Karate for approximately 3 months now so to go to her first tournament and walk home with these trophies is quite the honor. She had a great time & looks forward to her next competition coming up on the 14th.

Keep it up Elizabeth, we love you & are really proud of you!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - #4

For Today... November 3, 2008


Outside my Window...the sun is shining nicely. (temp. 55*)

I am thinking...that I'm scared to know the outcome of tomorrows elections.

I am thankful for...the opportunity to be able to be a stay at home mom & wife.

From the kitchen...I'm thinking an apple & chicken salad sounds good.

I am wearing...a t-shirt & pants.

I am reading...Seeing Jesus as he really is by Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne

I am hoping...to get my washing machine fixed today.

I am creating...a home management binder (still working on this) & a coupon binder - this is coming together nicely!

I am hearing...the news being reported.

Around the house...straightening up my pantry & cleaning house.

One of my favorite things...coffee.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...I would like to get some cleaning done in the basement.

Here is a picture thought worth sharing with you...
I woke up this morning to 6 or 8 of these turkeys in the backyard, unfortunately they seen me with the camera and took off.

Thank you to our hostess Peggy for this daybook. Please take a moment and visit with her at The Simple Woman

Centsable Shopping Trip

Last week, I posted that I was trying to be more frugal and told you about SavingsAngel.com which is for people in Ohio & Michigan. Well, on Saturday Ethen & I headed out for our frst shopping advenure the "new & fun way."

Our first stop was at Wal-Mart.

~ Highlights ~

(5) White Cloud Toliet Papers reg. $2.00 a piece / after coupons $ 5.75 for 5

(1) Febreeze Noticeables Starter Kit reg. $5.97 / after coupon $.97

(3) Country Bobs All Purpose Sauce reg. $2.62 a piece / after coupons FREE
Out of pocket cost $14.15 (before tax)

Savings of $ 21.28

Our next stop - Petco.

~ Hightlights ~

(4) - 3.5 pound bags of Nature Recipes cat food on clearance for $2.00 / -$2.00 for using a Petco card = FREE!!!

(2) 7.5 pound bags of Nature Recipes cat food on clearance for $4.00
Out of pocket cost $ 8.00 (before tax)

Savings $ 71.94

Next we were off to Meijer

~ Highlights ~

Taco Bell Salsa = $1.40 for 4 after coupons

Green Giant Steamers Corn = FREE after coupons

Colgate & Crest toothpaste & toothbrush were $1.41 for all after coupon

Out of pocket cost $40.62 (before tax)

Savings $47.35

Then this morning I headed over to K-mart to reap the double coupon rewards -

This is what $83.98 looks like.....

for only $34.21 (before tax)

So on both of these shopping trips, I spent a total of $96.98 & saved............$ 190.32

I can't wait to go shopping again ~ Thanks Savings Angel!!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - #3

For Today... October 27, 2008


Outside my Window...it is VERY windy. (temp. 45*)

I am thinking...that winter is really coming sooner that I want.

I am thankful for...my husband that is such a hardworker.

From the kitchen...the smell of Tilapia cooking for lunch.

I am wearing...jeans & a fleece shirt

I am reading...Seeing Jesus as he really is by Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne

I am hoping...to get more accomplished this week.

I am creating...a home management binder (still working on this) & a coupon binder

I am hearing...the wind blow through the trees & the Winnie the Pooh theme song.

Around the house...laundry, straightening up, and schoolwork.

One of my favorite things...coffee.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...nothing out of the ordinary.

Here is a picture thought worth sharing with you...

This is a picture of my husband relaxing on the pier one morning while we were camping.

Thank you to our hostess Peggy for this daybook. Please take a moment and visit with her at The Simple Woman

Pinching Pennies

We're all aware of the soaring gas & groceries prices, people loosing their jobs & their homes ~ It just gets harder and harder every day to just "get by."

So I'm trying to learn how we can save money by spending less while we learn the new way of living ~ FRUGALLY!

My hopes that the information and tips I find a long the way will also be a blessing to you.

Today's tip is for everyone in Michigan.

Read the article that was recenty printed in the Grand Rapids Press for more information on the program. I'm very excitied in this program and can't wait until my first shopping trip this week, so WATCH for updates!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - #2

For Today... October 20, 2008


Outside my Window...it is breezy, dreary, and drizzling rain. (temp. 50*)

I am thinking...that it feels like a curl up with a good book & read kind of day.

I am thankful for...everything God has been and continues to do in my life.

From the kitchen...tonight's dinner chicken parmesean, spagetti, and baked bread.

I am wearing...a pair of flannel pj's & a t-shirt

I am reading...different bible passages that go a long with the series we are studying at church.

I am hoping...to get more accomplished this week.

I am creating...a home management binder. (still working on this)

I am hearing...the today show.

Around the house...laundry, & organizing coupons.

One of my favorite things...is a good mocha.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...not to much going on this week that is out of the ordinary.

Here is a picture thought worth sharing with you...

Last week I shared with you a water wheel that was attached to a Grist Mill & Cider Press. Well this week, I thought I would share the mill itself.

Thank you to our hostess Peggy for this daybook. Please take a moment and visit with her at The Simple Woman

Whistle while you work

Happy Fall Y'all!!

This morning we woke up to a yard full of fallen leaves, so since the sun was shining beautifully we decided to play "hookie" from our daily routine and head outdoors and play clean up.

It took us several hours to get them all cleaned up, but we did it!!

I love this time of year. The trees are just so beautiful, but as you can see it's just beginning and we will be out here raking/blowing again soon!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - #1

For Today... October 13, 2008


Outside my Window...the sun is trying to make it's presence known. (temp. 70*)

I am thinking...about everything that needs to get done this week.

I am thankful for...the weekend I had with my mom & kids.

From the kitchen...tonight's dinner will be ~ baked ham, noodles, peas, bread, and iced apple pie for dessert, with ice cream, of course!

I am wearing...a light blue t-shirt and comfy navy blue shorts

I am reading...different bible passages that go a long with the series we are studying at church.

I am hoping...to get more organized this week.

I am creating...a home management binder.

I am hearing...the news being reported on the tv & the sound of my neighbors building a shed.

Around the house...cleaning, laundry, & organizing homeschool materials.

One of my favorite things...is relaxing with my coffee and a good piece of reading material.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...appointments, mowing the yard, cleaning up the leaves, and a birthday party

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

This is a 17 foot water wheel completed in 1999 that is attached to an 1864 four story working Grist mill & Cider Press located in Middleville, Michigan

Thank you to our hostess Peggy for this daybook. Please take a moment and visit with her at The Simple Woman

Apple Picking Time

Today's was a rather gloomy & brisk autumn day, however that didn't stop us from venturing over to one of the areas finest apple orchards for some apple picking fun.

When we arrived we were greeted by a nice gentleman offering samples and a short speech on what apples were available for picking. We quickly decided that we wanted Cortlands, Fujis, and some Jonagolds and off we were!

Over the years, we have captured many lasting memories here at Crane's Orchards ~ picking apples, walking through the corn maze, and enjoying their famous and delicious hot apple dumplings, apple cider donuts, & apple cider popsicles.