Who would have thought?

That I would be SO excited about a vacuum cleaner? :) My old vacuum cleaner hasn't been working well for months. We've replaced, bags, belts, you name it. It's 5 years old, and that's OLD in this house for a vacuum cleaner. It's cleaned up lots of kid and dog messes.

Saturday my mom came to get the kids and spend a little time with them, so I decided to get the Christmas decorations taken down. I thought I might as well go ahead and move all the furniture and vacuum under it while I was at it. I couldn't get my vacuum to pick up anything and I wound up on my hands and knees trying to pick up all the stray tree needles and pieces of fluff. I was very frustrated as you can imagine. Well, guess what? Mike decided to take me to the store and buy me a new vacuum cleaner! I was jumping up and down like a little kid I was so thrilled!

We chose the new Eureka Capture and I spent all afternoon yesterday vacuuming. This vacuum is bagless, so you can see exactly how much dust and dirt you pick up. I was completely grossed out by how much was in the canister! I nearly filled it up in my living room alone!

It also comes with a telescopic self-cleaning duster, so I did lots of dusting yesterday too which led to taking down the blinds and curtains in the master bedroom and washing them and cleaning the windows. I never knew a new vacuum cleaner would make me so productive! This was my favorite Christmas present!

New Apron

Look at my cute new apron! I was out with my best friend (retrohousewife) doing some last minute Christmas shopping and we found these in the dollar spot at Target. We each bought one. They were $2.50. I thought that was quite a bargain. I wore mine while I was getting our Christmas Eve dinner ready. The hearts are little pockets. I especially love the ball fringe.

Christmas Eve Dinner

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We had Christmas Eve dinner at our house this year. We usually go to my mother's house, but she wasn't feeling up to it this time. I love entertaining and I was thrilled to have it at my house. I only provided desserts and side dishes, so I was able to spend most of my preparation time on getting the house ready and the table set. The girls had so much fun getting out the good flatware and crystal and helping me set the table.

We had such a nice time. The food and the company couldn't have been better.

I didn't take pictures of the kids' table, but here are some pictures of the adult table, the food table, and my impromptu fruit centerpiece on the snack bar. I trimmed the greenery off of one of my trees in the front yard. My sweet mom told me the house looked like a page out of Southern Living. I think she's a little biased, but I did appreciate the compliment! :)









Mike goes back to work tomorrow and Peter flies back to his base. I'm dreading seeing him off. It's so hard to say goodbye. He's very good to keep in touch and I know I'll get to talk to him on the phone often. It's just hard to see him leave and not know for sure when I'll get to see him again. It will probably be months and months. I'm trying to put off the being sad until after he leaves so that I can enjoy this last day with him.

Merry Christmas!

A Joyful Christmas, Angel with Tree

We are going to watch It's A Wonderful Life tonight and then after church tomorrow we'll have friends over. I'll also be getting ready for Christmas Eve dinner with the extended family at my house. Things are busy, but I'm enjoying every minute! Hope you are too.

I wish you all a very happy and blessed Christmas! I'll be taking a break from blogging for a bit and I'll see you back here next week!

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season! Rejoice!

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:8 ¶ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luk 2:12 And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Tonight's menu

Tonight we had pot roast with potatoes and carrots, homemade bread, and dutch apple pie for dessert. The pot roast recipe is from one of my back issues of Martha Stewart Everyday Food and it's my favorite way to make pot roast.

By the way, the table wasn't completely set when I took the picture. We DO have drinks and napkins with our dinner. ;)

Pot Roast

Inexpensive chuck is one of the most flavorful cuts of beef. Simmering it slowly and gently in the oven makes the beef wonderfully tender.

Note: Browning the meat makes the whole dish tastier and gives the pan juices an appetizing deep brown color.

Prep: 25 minutes
Total: 4 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
Serves 8
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 5-pound beef chuck roast
Salt and pepper
2 cups beef stock or reduced sodium canned beef broth
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
3 onions, cut into large wedges
4 cloves garlic , chopped
2 dried bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 pounds carrots, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
2 pounds potatoes, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle roast all over with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Place in pan, and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
Turn meat fat side up. Add stock, wine, if using, onions, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir in tomato paste. Bring to a simmer, cover; put in the oven, and roast for 3 hours. Add carrots and potatoes, and cook until vegetables are tender, about 1 hour more.
Transfer the roast, carrots, and potatoes to a platter. With a spoon, skim the fat off the surface of the cooking liquid. Cut the roast into thick slices, and serve with the vegetables. Pass the pan juices separately.

When I have enough leftovers (I think I'll just have enough this time), I make Pot Roast Ragu from the February 2002 issue of Martha Stewart Living.

Pot Roast Ragu

serves 4

This recipe can be doubled depending on how much pot roast and vegetable are left over. Cooled completely, it can be frozen for up to one month.

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot, finely chopped (I sometimes just use an onion)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup red wine (or substitute an extra 1/2 cup of beef stock)
2 cups finely chopped leftover roast and vegetables
1/2 cup leftover gravy or homemade or low-sodium canned beef stock
1 28 oz can whole plum tomatoes, roughly chopped, with juice
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (I usually use dried)
1 tsp coarse salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
Cooked pappardelle or other pasta
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish (you can leave this out, but it really makes this dish for us)

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic and cook until softenend, about 3 minutes. Add wine and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add chopped pot roast, vegetables, gravy or beef stock, tomatoes, and thyme.

2. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Cover; cook 30 minutes for flavors to blend and for sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Serve hot over cooked pasta, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.

And here's the pie. Wal-Mart had them on sale for $2.50. I don't think I could make one homemade any cheaper. Plus it was nice to have a special dessert even though I've been out nearly all day helping Peter get his Christmas shopping done. We even braved the mall!

Secretary Gifts

Mike needs to take a little gift to the secretaries at work. Our budget is very small for this sort of thing. I found the cute mugs at Walgreen's 2 for $1. I filled little treat bags (leftover from last year)with a couple of packets of instant cocoa, some Hershey's kisses, mini marshmallows, and a candy cane and tied them up with curly ribbon. I made tags with the following poem and snowman stickers.

Snowman Soup

Was told you've been real good this year.
Always glad to hear it.
With freezing weather drawing near,
You'll need to warm the spirit.
So here's a little snowman soup
complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water, sip it slow,
It's sure to do the trick!

Free Samples

I just LOVE free samples!

Free sample of Dove Pro-Age

Free sample of Head and Shoulders

Free sample of Dove Hair Care

I send off for free samples a lot. It's fun to get something other than bills or credit card applications in my mail box. Depending on the sample they can make good gifts paired with other goodies. I also like to keep some in the guest bathroom for when the kids have friends spend the night and they are nice for travel. No more paying good money for travel size shampoo.

Taking Names

It's been so hard for me to talk about my family without mentioning them by name, but I have decided to keep this blog anonymous (even though my husband and my best friend both know about it) for several reasons. One reason is that with 2 sons in the military I don't want to take the chance that something I write could negatively affect them or somehow endanger them. I also haven't told many of my real life friends because I don't think most of them would be interested in a homemaking blog or anything 1950s anyway.

So, in order for you to know which of my children I am talking about I thought I should give them all "cyber" names. The Brady Bunch names fit perfectly and that way you will know which one is oldest, 2nd, etc. I'll refer to my husband as "Mike". Does that sound easy enough? And no, I don't have an Alice although that would be really nice.

Greg - oldest son currently serving in Iraq
Peter - 2nd son also in the military, scheduled to deploy next year
Bobby - teenage son who plays football and also plays in the band
Marcia - older daughter, 11 years old, my brainiac
Cindy(yes I'm skipping Jan because my youngest just reminds me of Cindy) - youngest and most definitely the baby of the family. She's 9 and my social butterfly.

Snickerdoodles

Cookies
I love to bake cookies year round, but I especially love them at Christmas time. Snickerdoodles are always a favorite.

Cream together:
1 cup butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

In another bowl, mix together:
2 3/4 cup flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients. Chill dough for one hour.

Mix together:
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar

Roll chilled dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in cinnamon sugar mixture, covering completely. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

And be sure to go over to The Sparrow's Nest and check out Mrs. Wilt's Cyber Christmas Cookie Exchange.

Today's Apron

This is one of my favorite everyday aprons. I've been wearing it while I work on the Making Your Home a Haven Challenge. It's a yellow and white gingham with cross stitch and a cute little pocket. It's homemade and belonged to my grandmother. Maybe this apron collecting thing is genetic! ;)

Making Your Home a Haven Challenge: Day 8

Today's challenge from Biblical Womanhood:
1) Refresh Your Spirit
I read today again in the One Year Bible Online and today's verses were
Obadiah 1:1-21
Revelation 4:1-11
Psalm 132:1-18
Proverbs 29:24-25
I am really enjoying having a plan for my daily Bible reading and making it a priority in my day. My days just go so much better when I take time to refresh my spirit.

2) Do Your Morning Routine
exercise - check
showered, dressed, hair and makeup - check
dishwasher emptied and breakfast dishes done - check
beds made - check
laundry started - check

3) Take Time to Plan.
1. clean master bathroom
2. dust and vacuum den
3. CVS shopping
4. buy items for Christmas party gingerbread houses
5. clean master bedroom
I got everything done on the list, but I had hoped to find time to wash the curtains in the master bedroom while I was cleaning and that didn't happen. I need to take down the blinds and clean them too. Maybe next week...or maybe after Christmas.

Supper tonight was ham and cheese hot pockets. It's so easy. All I do is make up a pizza dough, or use the pizza dough that comes in a cardboard tube in the grocery store. Roll out the dough and then cut into rectangles. Place cooked, cubed ham down the center of each rectangle and top with your favorite shredded cheese. Fold the dough over and seal edges. I dust the baking pan with cornmeal so they don't stick. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. You can also put pizza filling inside or whatever sounds good. All you have to do is make a quick salad and open a can of fruit and supper is ready.

Here's a picture. It's on a salad plate. I didn't make them as huge as this one looks although you can pretty much make them any size you want.


5) Project of the Day
Today's project is the bedrooms. I focused on our master bedroom. It wasn't bad but definitely needed to be dusted and vacuumed. Hubby still has his stack of books on his nightstand and his weights in the corner, but I didn't touch those. ;) I also de-cluttered the top of my vanity. You can't tell much by the before and after pictures, because most of what I did doesn't show up in the pictures. They don't show how dusty my lampshade was and how much better it looks now that I've cleaned it.
Before


After

This morning at CVS

CVS shopping was on my to do list for today and I can already check it off. My 2nd son is coming home for Christmas tomorrow (it's been over 6 months since he's been home) so I want to get all my shopping and cleaning done today.

Today I purchased 5 packages of cough drops, two 12 packs of Diet Coke (my favorite and yes, I know it's not good for me), two 12 packs of Coke, and 2 bags of candy. Almond Joys are Hubby's favorite so he is thrilled. I don't buy candy for him very often.

I had a $4 off $20 coupon that had printed on last week's receipt and I used last week's ECBs. My out of pocket cost was 95 cents. My receipt says I saved $30.44. I have $10 in ECBs for next time.

I plan to go back later today if I get a chance. I wanted to get the Advil Cold & Sinus and Robitussin deal, but the pharmacy wasn't open yet for me to get the Advil. I have a $2 Advil coupon and a $2 Robitussin coupon and they are buy 2 for $4.99 each and get $5 ECBs. That will give me both for about a dollar. I will be glad to have the cold and sinus medicine this spring when my allergies start bothering me.

Making Your Home a Haven Challenge Day 7

Today is my 4th day to participate in the Making Your Home a Haven Challenge at Biblical Womanhood. I've enjoyed it so much! It's so nice to look back on a day and feel like I've really accomplished something.

I started my day once again reading in the One Year Bible Online.
Today's verses were:
Amos 4:1-6:14
Revelation 2:18-3:6
Psalm 130:1-8
Proverbs 29:21-22

I then got my daily routine done and made out my to do list. Dinner tonight is tater tot casserole. Nice and easy (and filling) because I have a PTA meeting.

Crystal's challenge for today was

1) Clean out, declutter, and organize a drawer, shelf, or closet.

2) Tackle a project you've been procrastinating on for too long.

I decided to combine both. I have a hall closet next to the guest bathroom. It's the dirty little secret of my house. It's the catchall where everything goes when we don't know where to put it. I've been needing to organize it for quite some time and I've been putting it off.

I didn't even know where to start on it, so I decided to first empty it out completely and wipe down the shelves and vacuum the carpet. I couldn't believe how much stuff we had managed to cram in there! I sorted everything into a keep pile and a give/throw away pile. It looks so good now I want to keep the door open! ;)

I can't believe I'm actually posting this, but here is the "before" picture. I know...terrible isn't it?


And here is the "after" picture. Doesn't it look so much better? I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders! The kids can actually get to their games!


I also got my guest bathroom cleaned (and shower curtain washed)because I'll be out of the house running errands most of the day tomorrow. If the weather isn't bad I'll be eating lunch with my mom too. I always enjoy spending time with her.

Making Your Home a Haven Challenge Day 6

Today was my third day to participate in the Making Your Home a Haven Challenge at Biblical Womanhood. We had a nice relaxing weekend, so I was ready to get back to the challenge today. The weekend actually turned out a little differently than I had planned. My son was away on a hunting weekend with a friend and my mother-in-law came by to take the girls for the weekend. My husband and I had the whole weekend to ourselves! I don't remember the last time we were able to spend so much time alone. We missed the kids, but it was nice to have some time together. We splurged and went out for Italian food.

Today's Challenge:
1) Refresh your spirit
This morning I found a wonderful new resource for Bible study. It's called The One Year Bible Online. You can either print out the 12 month reading plan, or you can click on the version of the Bible you want to read and the month and day and read the verses online. That's what I did this morning.
I read
Amos 1:1-3:15
Revelation 2:1-17
Psalm 129:1-8
Proverbs 29:19-20
There's also commentary available for each day's verses.
I love to actually hold my Bible in my hands, but this is a neat way to read too. I'm so glad it's available!

2) Morning Routine
My morning routine was somewhat different today because I have one home sick...the one who spent the weekend out hunting in the cold. (surprise, surprise!) I'm so glad my medicine cabinet was well stocked with all my CVS bargains! I didn't have to run out to the store and spend a lot of money. Once I got him settled on the couch my routine went on as usual. I even got my exercise done this morning. I really need to do it every weekday to maintain my weight loss, but I've been struggling in that area.

Aside from exercise, my morning routine also consists of getting myself showered and dressed with hair and makeup done, emptying the dishwasher, washing breakfast dishes, making beds, and starting a load of laundry. Most of this is AFTER getting the kids off to school. The exercise, shower and dress part of the routine is usually first thing in the morning before I wake them up, then I get them to school and finish up my routine. I try to always have the morning routine done before I leave the house even if I have something planned fairly early in the morning.

3)Take Time to Plan
Today's "to do list":
1. Get supper started in the crock pot by 11:00am - done
2. Buy stamps and get Christmas cards mailed out - done (finally!!)
3. Wash sheets - done
4. Living room and entry hall straightened, dusted and vacuumed - done
5. Practice spelling words with girls - done

4) What's on the menu for dinner?
Dinner was already planned for today: Au Gratin Ham and Potatoes in the Crock pot

5) Project of the Day
Today Crystal suggested the living room, entry and kitchen.

My kitchen was quickly straightened and counters wiped down after I got dinner going in the crock pot. I didn't do a lot of cooking this weekend so everything was still in pretty good order from last week.

The living room and entry took a little longer. When the kids got home from their weekends they scattered things all over. It seems that especially after they've been at Grandma's for awhile they get a little spoiled and "forget" what to do with backpacks, books and dirty clothes when they get home.

Here are the "before" pictures of the living room and entryway (with all the leaves and dead grass tracked in from the yard).



And here are the "after" pictures. You can see in the picture of the entryway my basket of library books. We have several books and videos from both our public library and our church library that need to be turned in. I should probably put returning the public library books on my to do list for tomorrow.



The only thing I didn't get done was cleaning the baseboards and the light fixtures.

Making Your Home a Haven Challenge Day 4 (day 2 for me)

I'm joining in again today with the Making Your Home a Haven Challenge at Biblical Womanhood.

1)Refresh Your Spirit

This morning I got out my Blue Willow tea cup and made myself a vanilla cappuccino. It was so good and just hit the spot. I read in Romans and decided to write the verse I was reading on our chalkboard so I could see it all day. Hubby is having a discouraging time at work right now, so I am praying this verse for him.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

2) Take Time to Plan
Here is my "to do" list for the day.
morning routine - done (even the exercise!)
clean master bathroom - done
wash shower curtain - done
ironing - done
dust and vacuum master bedroom - done
decide on appetizer to take to Christmas party we are attending on Saturday - NOT done (I just don't know what to take).
supper was already planned (chicken and rice casserole)

I had a long list today because I'll be out of the house most of the day tomorrow. Hopefully I can at least get breakfast dishes done and my bed made before I leave in the morning.

Crystal also suggested planning a way to bless our families this weekend. I think if they are interested we might go to a special Christmas weekend at our local museum. They will have people dressed up and show Christmas celebrations from Victorian and pioneer days.

3) Do Something
Here is the "before" picture from my bathroom, I can't believe I'm posting this!




And here is the "after".


I also got my shower curtain washed (both the liner and the curtain). Did you know that you can wash those plastic liners? I just throw mine in the washing machine with a towel. I also add a little bleach to the cycle. It turns out looking like new with all the soap scum gone!

Making Your Home a Haven Challenge

I'm joining in the Making Your Home a Haven Challenge at Biblical Womanhood.

Crystal's suggestions are to:
1) refresh your spirit.

I lit a candle. put on some soft music, and made myself a cup of orange spice tea in my mom's Wedgwood china teacup. The Wedgwood was her wedding china and she gave it to me a few years ago. I don't ever use it (too worried I might break it I guess), but I decided that it would be nice to have a special teacup this morning. I read in Psalms and made a list of some things I am thankful for. I could have gone on and on, but one of the biggest right now is that my 2nd military son will be coming home for Christmas! Only 9 days until he gets here (but who's counting). I'm also so thankful for my husband who works hard to provide for us and for my best friend who always makes me laugh and lifts my spirits.

My morning routine was mostly done by the time I sat down to read. I got up and did my exercise, showered and got the kids off to school. Then, after my quiet time I got beds made, breakfast dishes done, and a load of laundry started.

2) Time to Plan
I already had supper planned (soft tacos), so I didn't have to worry about that. I decided that I really needed to focus on two things today. Laundry and the kitchen. The kitchen needed a really good cleaning.

3) Do Something!
My "do something" took most of my day. Crystal suggested laundry which was perfect for me. I've had things going on out of the house for the last 2 days and I was woefully behind on laundry. I bravely took a "before" picture. :) Mt. Washmore has been growing for days!



My washer and dryer chugged along ALL day. Meanwhile I worked on my kitchen. I took everything off the counter tops and wiped it all down, took the knobs off the stove and washed them, and wiped down all my appliances. I also gave the floor a good mopping and took out my Christmas dishes, washed them and put them in the cabinets. I like to use them all through December instead of just on Christmas.


I didn't take any "before" shots of the kitchen, but here are some "afters".


And then FINALLY after about 7 or 8 loads, the last one is in the dryer and the rest are all put away! I love that empty basket!

I also swept the floor in the laundry room and wiped down my washer and dryer.

I think I'm well on my way! Thank you Crystal! This challenge is just what I needed to get motivated.

Grocery Shopping

Woman Grocery Shopping
I finally got my grocery shopping done today. I usually go on Fridays. My menu plan starts on Sundays, but I don't like to go when the stores are busy. The last few days have been super busy and we've had company, so my schedule has been out of whack. I wish I had planned a little better because we wound up getting fast food yesterday...something we had managed to avoid for almost a month.

Between CVS shopping and menu planning, I've managed to cut our grocery budget quite a bit the last couple of months. I used to be pretty good about our grocery budget, but I when I started trying to lose weight over a year ago, my budget went out the window. I bought quick and easy convenience foods for the family and low fat pre-packaged foods for myself. I did manage to lose quite a bit of weight and have kept most of it off for months now, but the out of control grocery budget had to go. I think the main way that I have been able to save money is just planning and organization. Neither come naturally to me, so it's a constant struggle. That old saying "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail" is so true (I wish it weren't)!

So, the lesson for me for today is that I need to plan even more carefully through the end of the year so that we don't have to resort to going over on the food budget because there's nothing in the house to make for supper. The good news is that I have menus already made up for the next 2 weeks, so I have a head start.

Big Chef Apron

I normally post these on Fridays, but I was so busy yesterday getting ready for company that I didn't get it done.

This apron is obviously a man's BBQ apron. It looks to me like it's from the 50s (how appropriate)! It has a few small stains, but otherwise it's in very good condition. I think it's SO cute!