I told my husband about this 30 day recipe thing I want to do, explaining that this will help us to stay on budget a little better since there will be less trips to the store. I had downloadeded some fabulous looking 4x6 recipe cards from a link on Nannygoat's website and was typing in my 3rd card when my husband tells me there's got to be a computer software that will compile all my recipes, allow me to schedule meals and produce a shopping list all with a push of a button. So he researched the Net and found some software that does all this. He found one but it costs $80 (Cook'n) so he looked some more and found Bigoven.com for less (can't remember the amount now). He said that's my Mother's day gift. LOL! Now I'm in the process of trying to learn how to use the program and also entering 30 recipes. I was excited when it said I could post my recipes on a weblog but I can't quite figure it out. It's also supposed to allow me to print them so I can compile it into a book (remember the book I want to make for the foster girls we had?) When I figure out how to post to a blog, I'll post a link on here so you can get some more recipes!
Anyone have a good recipe for smoothies? Fruit ones? I saw a recipe book thing at Walmart yesterday full of smoothie recipes but it was $5. I'm hoping to find some free ones from family and friends (tried and true!) and maybe some on the net before caving in and getting the one at Walmart. (Chances are, by the time I go back to get it, it will be all gone anyway!)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Inspire your walls contest
Hi everyone! I heard about this drawing for free vinyl rub ons for your walls through my sister's website. She co-blogs for Shopping with cents that has all sorts of tips and coupons for getting the best deal around. And in these hard times, getting something for less is always a good thing!
Check it out and maybe you'll be interested in winning a $50 gift certificate to use for yourself or give to your mom for Mother's Day! Click here to read more details...
Check it out and maybe you'll be interested in winning a $50 gift certificate to use for yourself or give to your mom for Mother's Day! Click here to read more details...
Friday, May 1, 2009
Gotta start somewhere!
Ok- it's time to come out of retirement.
I just got busy with focusing on getting our foster kids (Destiny and Raivyn) ready to leave in January then enjoying the calm and freedom that came when they left. The calm lasted about a month and a half when on March 3 we got a call asking if we could take two little boys in our home, ages 5 1/2 and 18 months. We had heard that Health and Welfare wasn't getting very many cases (which is a good thing!) so things were slow. So when the phone rang and they asked if we could take them, we jumped at the opportunity. We brought them home, gave them baths, went shopping for clothes and diapers and basic necessities (they didn't have anything but the clothes on their back) and in the midst of all this, we discovered that Jared and the oldest boy weren't getting along at all. And that's putting it mildly. To ease strain between Jared and the older boy, whose name is Caleb, we put the foster kids in day care from 8:30-12 M-F. It has been a life saver! After a month, things improved because: 1) the boys got used to each other, 2) everyone got used to the new routine (the foster kids adjusted to having a schedule which they never had before), and 3) Eric and I went to a parenting workshop that taught us a few new techniques (and reinforced quite a few things we already knew and applied in our home). Things improved so much that Caleb and Jared now call themselves buddies!! It totally shocked me when they announced one day that they were going to be buddies now (I think my eyes jumped out of my head like it does in the cartoons). That doesn't mean there aren't "moments" when there's crying and hitting but I feel the relationship they have now is more like brothers.
Anyway, I was looking at a link for a recipe card idea that my sister sent me the other day called Nannygoat. I'm not much of a fan of recipe cards but I love the idea of gathering 30 of my family's favorite recipes and choosing my menu (and compiling a grocery list) from the dinner recipes I select for the week. It's all in one place, not in 20 different books. I was already in the process of putting together a recipe book (and taking pictures of all my meals to add to the recipe book) to give to Destiny and Raivyn because they loved all the things I made while they were here. When they knew they were leaving, they asked me for the recipes so I thought I'd put together a 5x7" recipe book for them. Since I'll already have it made, I might just give it to other foster kids that come into our home and like the cooking. (I'll only give it to them if they ask, I don't want to offend any parents :o) )
So, here's a few of my family's favorite recipes. (Some might have already been posted previously, sorry!)
Taco Soup
1 lb ground beef, browned with onion (opt.)
1 can each: corn, pinto beans, kidney beans, stewed tomatoes,
green beans, corn
1 packet Taco Seasoning
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Tortilla chips
Brown burger in pot, add cans of veggies (DO NOT DRAIN), taco seasoning and water for desired consistency. Warm soup mix. Garnish with shredded cheesed, sour cream and tortilla chips.
Southwestern Chicken Soup
1 12-oz jar of Salsa Verde (or use combination
of green enchilada sauce and salsa)
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
3 cups chicken broth
1 15-oz can of corn
1 can of black beans (drained)
1 15-oz can of kidney beans
1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
2 green onions, chopped
Sour cream
Shredded cheese
blue corn chips
-Empty the Salsa Verde into a large saucepan. Cook 2 minutes over medium-high heat, then add the chicken, beans, broth, and cumin. For a soupier dish, increase broth to 4 cups. Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkling of green onions and grated cheese. Serve with blue corn chips.
-NOTE: if you substitute green enchilada sauce and salsa for salsa verde, use about 1/3 cup of salsa and the rest of the amount of enchilada sauce to make 12 ounces.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup
1 C. sour cream (8 oz.)
3 C. cooked fettuccine noodles
3-4 C. cooked cubed chicken
Stove Top Stuffing mix- Chicken Flavor
¾ cube butter or margarine
2 C. chicken broth or bouillon cubes
Mix first soup and sour cream together in a 9x13” pan. Stir in cooked noodles and chicken. Sprinkle Stove top stuffing mix over top (bread and seasoning). Pour melted butter and chicken broth over top of stuffing mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
1 pound ground beef
1 16-oz jar thick and chunky salsa
2 cups Cheddar cheese
10 flour tortillas
Brown meat and drain off fat, if necessary. Stir in 1/2 cup of salsa and half of the cheese (1 cup). Spread 1 cup salsa into the bottom of a 9x13” baking dish. Fill tortillas with 1/4 cup of the meat mixture and roll. Place tortillas seam side down in the pan. After all tortillas are rolled, top with 1 cup salsa and remaining cheese. Bake at 350ْ for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve while still hot with sour cream and remaining salsa.
Serves 6-10
I think that's enough for one day. I'll post pictures soon so this boring blog will have variety. :o)
I just got busy with focusing on getting our foster kids (Destiny and Raivyn) ready to leave in January then enjoying the calm and freedom that came when they left. The calm lasted about a month and a half when on March 3 we got a call asking if we could take two little boys in our home, ages 5 1/2 and 18 months. We had heard that Health and Welfare wasn't getting very many cases (which is a good thing!) so things were slow. So when the phone rang and they asked if we could take them, we jumped at the opportunity. We brought them home, gave them baths, went shopping for clothes and diapers and basic necessities (they didn't have anything but the clothes on their back) and in the midst of all this, we discovered that Jared and the oldest boy weren't getting along at all. And that's putting it mildly. To ease strain between Jared and the older boy, whose name is Caleb, we put the foster kids in day care from 8:30-12 M-F. It has been a life saver! After a month, things improved because: 1) the boys got used to each other, 2) everyone got used to the new routine (the foster kids adjusted to having a schedule which they never had before), and 3) Eric and I went to a parenting workshop that taught us a few new techniques (and reinforced quite a few things we already knew and applied in our home). Things improved so much that Caleb and Jared now call themselves buddies!! It totally shocked me when they announced one day that they were going to be buddies now (I think my eyes jumped out of my head like it does in the cartoons). That doesn't mean there aren't "moments" when there's crying and hitting but I feel the relationship they have now is more like brothers.
Anyway, I was looking at a link for a recipe card idea that my sister sent me the other day called Nannygoat. I'm not much of a fan of recipe cards but I love the idea of gathering 30 of my family's favorite recipes and choosing my menu (and compiling a grocery list) from the dinner recipes I select for the week. It's all in one place, not in 20 different books. I was already in the process of putting together a recipe book (and taking pictures of all my meals to add to the recipe book) to give to Destiny and Raivyn because they loved all the things I made while they were here. When they knew they were leaving, they asked me for the recipes so I thought I'd put together a 5x7" recipe book for them. Since I'll already have it made, I might just give it to other foster kids that come into our home and like the cooking. (I'll only give it to them if they ask, I don't want to offend any parents :o) )
So, here's a few of my family's favorite recipes. (Some might have already been posted previously, sorry!)
Taco Soup
1 lb ground beef, browned with onion (opt.)
1 can each: corn, pinto beans, kidney beans, stewed tomatoes,
green beans, corn
1 packet Taco Seasoning
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Tortilla chips
Brown burger in pot, add cans of veggies (DO NOT DRAIN), taco seasoning and water for desired consistency. Warm soup mix. Garnish with shredded cheesed, sour cream and tortilla chips.
Southwestern Chicken Soup
1 12-oz jar of Salsa Verde (or use combination
of green enchilada sauce and salsa)
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
3 cups chicken broth
1 15-oz can of corn
1 can of black beans (drained)
1 15-oz can of kidney beans
1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
2 green onions, chopped
Sour cream
Shredded cheese
blue corn chips
-Empty the Salsa Verde into a large saucepan. Cook 2 minutes over medium-high heat, then add the chicken, beans, broth, and cumin. For a soupier dish, increase broth to 4 cups. Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkling of green onions and grated cheese. Serve with blue corn chips.
-NOTE: if you substitute green enchilada sauce and salsa for salsa verde, use about 1/3 cup of salsa and the rest of the amount of enchilada sauce to make 12 ounces.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup
1 C. sour cream (8 oz.)
3 C. cooked fettuccine noodles
3-4 C. cooked cubed chicken
Stove Top Stuffing mix- Chicken Flavor
¾ cube butter or margarine
2 C. chicken broth or bouillon cubes
Mix first soup and sour cream together in a 9x13” pan. Stir in cooked noodles and chicken. Sprinkle Stove top stuffing mix over top (bread and seasoning). Pour melted butter and chicken broth over top of stuffing mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
1 pound ground beef
1 16-oz jar thick and chunky salsa
2 cups Cheddar cheese
10 flour tortillas
Brown meat and drain off fat, if necessary. Stir in 1/2 cup of salsa and half of the cheese (1 cup). Spread 1 cup salsa into the bottom of a 9x13” baking dish. Fill tortillas with 1/4 cup of the meat mixture and roll. Place tortillas seam side down in the pan. After all tortillas are rolled, top with 1 cup salsa and remaining cheese. Bake at 350ْ for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve while still hot with sour cream and remaining salsa.
Serves 6-10
I think that's enough for one day. I'll post pictures soon so this boring blog will have variety. :o)
Monday, January 5, 2009
Spreading the word...
Hi everyone! I know...it's been a long time since I posted. I promise to do it soon. This post is dedicated to my cousin-in-law who has great talent. She designs blogs and I have to say her blog designs look fabulous! Hop on over to her site to see for yourself! I'm sure you'll find something you'll love!
You can also find her cute button called "Designer Blogs" on my sidebar.
You can also find her cute button called "Designer Blogs" on my sidebar.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
My favorite day...
While I was listening to the lesson in Young Womens today, I pondered on the fact of how much I LOVE Sundays! I love getting ready for church and listening to church music on the radio while getting ready. I LOVE listening to Primary songs in the car, belting out the songs (out of tune probably) and waiting for church to start! I love singing the sacrament songs, taking the sacrament, and listening to the speakers (getting only half of it sometimes because of a particularly restless and distracted 4 year old!) I love the silly comments Jared sometimes says that almost makes me laugh out loud. Almost. I love that warm fuzzy feeling the spirit brings, telling me I'm where I'm supposed to be.
I love catching up with friends and other members of the ward in between meetings. I LOVE serving in Young Womens! I love hearing/teaching the lessons and the fact that I still learn things that can help me improve myself! I LOVE that sometimes Eric comes in to interpret for me in Young Womens. (The girls developed a relationship with him since he went to camp with us all week this summer so they enjoy it when he's there too!) Even he says that he enjoys the Young Womens lessons more than High Priest's (shhh...don't tell them he said that)! I love helping to plan weekly activities and I really miss the girls when they don't come. I LOVE Heavenly Father and I want the girls to be able to develop those same feelings and their own testimony about Him and our savior, Jesus Christ.
I LOVE that Sunday is a day of rest because that allows me to indulge in a guilty pleasure- having all my family together for a while; no friends over, no phones ringing. Nothing but pure family time. Sometimes the occasional meeting is necessary, but for the most part we all enjoy time together as a family. This afternoon we worked on Caleb's Duty to God (he's almost done with the Deacon portion!) and a little bit of record keeping for Scouts. Kaitlyn started preparing her lesson for Family Home Evening tomorrow night. I think it's so neat that our foster kids currently with us look forward to FHE too, though for them I think it's mainly because of the treats. (They do say they like the stories too but I wonder...)
The only thing I don't like about Sunday is that it ends. It was nice to enjoy a day of spiritual nourishment that will sustain me throughout the week.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
My Facebook Discovery
I finally discovered Facebook (some of you might laugh at this- the fact that I just now notice it) and can I just say "Wow!" I have renewed so many friendships through Facebook that I thought were gone forever! Or at least until the high school reunion that will hopefully happen someday. No more wondering (while I'm in the shower) what a particular friend is doing at this point in their life and just wishing I could sit down and chat and just catch up on all these lost years.
I lived in El Paso, Texas before I went to Ricks College. It was the only place I lived in the longest before I left for school (I think it was 7 years??). I haven't been back since except for my wedding reception. But when you're newly married, you don't pay attention to much other than your brand new spouse.
If you haven't already done so, join Facebook! It is amazing the friends you'll find on there!
I lived in El Paso, Texas before I went to Ricks College. It was the only place I lived in the longest before I left for school (I think it was 7 years??). I haven't been back since except for my wedding reception. But when you're newly married, you don't pay attention to much other than your brand new spouse.
If you haven't already done so, join Facebook! It is amazing the friends you'll find on there!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The reason for our busy month!!
New Placements!
This last month was really busy here at the Hensley house- we were trying to adjust to new routines and keep everyone happy. Our household now consists of a 13 1/2 year old, 9 (almost 10 year old), 7 year old, 5 year old and a 4 year old. And shall I say I now understand the necessity of a schedule! I always thought I had one before but looking back now, it was a very flexible one. Nowadays, if I don't stick to a schedule, it's a zoo around here! Dinner has to be ready by 6 pm or I have a major meltdown on my hands. Bedtime requires a sergeant to make sure everyone does everything necessary to get ready for bed in a reasonable amount of time. And that's no joke!
School is in full swing with all the kids in school at some time during the day. Jared goes to preschool on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays for a couple of hours. One child is in afternoon kindergarten everyday. I go to work while she is in school and leave Jared with a babysitter. Kaitlyn just started up violin lessons again and is begging me to buy her a blue violin. Caleb never has homework even though he is an eigth grader. (He has study hall 8th hour so he is able to finish all his homework during that time.) So the first thing I hear from him every day after school is "Can I go to a friend's house?"
I spent a couple of Tuesdays up at ISU cosmetology department learning how to take care of the girls hair. They don't have relaxers so styling has been a challenge! I really appreciate the instructor taking the time to help me out. I learned quite a lot about curly hair- it needs lots of moisturizers and it's a pain to brush!
I am in the process of creating a chart for everyone so they know what chores they have and can earn rewards for doing their part to help out around the house. I'll let you know more about it when it's done!
Monday, September 1, 2008
15th Anniversary!
Somewhere in all the busy-ness of the last couple of weeks, Eric and I celebrated our 15th anniversary (on August 20th). It came and went and my good intentions amounted to nothing. I had visions of snapping a picture of Eric and me and posting it on the blog documenting this milestone but somehow life had other plans for us (we were busy preparing for the arrival of Destiny and Raivyn). Nevertheless, I have a whole year to celebrate our 15 years together so I figured...better late than never, right?
Over the years we have grown as a couple and individually. I always thought it was so sweet to hear other "much older" couples say that they love each other more now than the day they met. Now I truly understand what they mean and it makes me look forward to the future because I love what we have now! To think it could get better than this amazes me!
15 random things I love about us:
1. Anything said after 10 pm doesn't count.
2. How when we're dealing with unruly kids, we step in to relieve the other when we see their stress levels rising.
3. That we serve the Lord with all our might, mind, might and strength and support each other in our callings.
4. That we both know sign language! I never thought it would be so crucial in our communication with each other. We mostly speak but there are some pretty hilarious moments whenI repeat what I hear back and realize I heard something completely different. Sign language sure helps clarify what I didn't hear.
5. We are never afraid to say "I love you" often- to each other and to our children.
6. We laugh often. That is so important in a healthy relationship and it helps to keep us sane. Though I do wish it would burn more calories- we'd both be pretty skinny by now!
7. He laughs and gently teases me about my crazy, semi-OCD compulsions (light switches, purses, cleaning, etc.). If I use middle school translation for this kind of behavior, I know it means he likes me. ;-)
8. That we're quick to forgive each other.
9. We support each other in our hobbies and interests. He supports and encourages me in scrapbooking and in other hobbies I enjoy- including blogging. (Though reading books does sometime annoy him because it doesn't include him... and I tend to be glued to the books once I really get into it.)
10. He sends me sweet text messages during the day. It lets me know he still remembers me when I'm not in his sight. :o)
11. We both help to keep the house clean (though there's only so much we can do with 5 kids underfoot). I'm so glad he's not one of those men that believes that only women do the dishes and cleaning.
12. We set goals and work to achieve them.
13. That we are there for each other- through the heartache, joy, frustration, disappointments, excitements, etc. We've had our fair share of them!
14. That we'd rather be together rather than off doing things alone. It sure makes grocery shopping more enjoyable! (I remember we couldn't wait until Caleb turned 12! Whoo-hoo!)
15. And last but not least- we make such a great team. Nothing is done without consulting each other and discussing the pros and cons of a decision. We respect each other's opinions.
Over the years we have grown as a couple and individually. I always thought it was so sweet to hear other "much older" couples say that they love each other more now than the day they met. Now I truly understand what they mean and it makes me look forward to the future because I love what we have now! To think it could get better than this amazes me!
15 random things I love about us:
1. Anything said after 10 pm doesn't count.
2. How when we're dealing with unruly kids, we step in to relieve the other when we see their stress levels rising.
3. That we serve the Lord with all our might, mind, might and strength and support each other in our callings.
4. That we both know sign language! I never thought it would be so crucial in our communication with each other. We mostly speak but there are some pretty hilarious moments whenI repeat what I hear back and realize I heard something completely different. Sign language sure helps clarify what I didn't hear.
5. We are never afraid to say "I love you" often- to each other and to our children.
6. We laugh often. That is so important in a healthy relationship and it helps to keep us sane. Though I do wish it would burn more calories- we'd both be pretty skinny by now!
7. He laughs and gently teases me about my crazy, semi-OCD compulsions (light switches, purses, cleaning, etc.). If I use middle school translation for this kind of behavior, I know it means he likes me. ;-)
8. That we're quick to forgive each other.
9. We support each other in our hobbies and interests. He supports and encourages me in scrapbooking and in other hobbies I enjoy- including blogging. (Though reading books does sometime annoy him because it doesn't include him... and I tend to be glued to the books once I really get into it.)
10. He sends me sweet text messages during the day. It lets me know he still remembers me when I'm not in his sight. :o)
11. We both help to keep the house clean (though there's only so much we can do with 5 kids underfoot). I'm so glad he's not one of those men that believes that only women do the dishes and cleaning.
12. We set goals and work to achieve them.
13. That we are there for each other- through the heartache, joy, frustration, disappointments, excitements, etc. We've had our fair share of them!
14. That we'd rather be together rather than off doing things alone. It sure makes grocery shopping more enjoyable! (I remember we couldn't wait until Caleb turned 12! Whoo-hoo!)
15. And last but not least- we make such a great team. Nothing is done without consulting each other and discussing the pros and cons of a decision. We respect each other's opinions.
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