Winner Winner Winner

The winner of the Betty Crocker Loaded Mashed Potatoes Prize Package is..........Marcy!
I have emailed Marcy with directions on how to claim the prize package.
Congratulations and for all who entered: god luck next time!

Contest Now Closed / Another Give-Away!

Recently I was contacted by MyBlogSpark to see if I would like to try out Betty Crocker Loaded Mashed Potatoes and offer the same for one of my readers. I will admit, I am normally a "make it from scratch kinda girl", but I thought I would give these a try.

I will say that I was quite pleased at a few things:

• These are so easy to prepare, just boil some water, milk and butter, and whip the potato flakes in.
  
• They are pretty tasty, because they have goodies like, bacon, chives, cheese and sour cream already in them.
• The package contains two pouches, which is enough for husband and I to have for two meals.

Now, I will tell you that I added a bit more butter, and then put some shredded cheese on top, which I thought was pretty good, but husband wishes I had left them alone.

I was pleased to know that they are made with 100% real russet potatoes!

In addition to the Loaded Mashed Potatoes, I also received all of the items pictured, which include a very nice selection of kitchen items.

I was provided all of these items and information about the product from Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark, as well as an identical package to give away.

So, here's the deal-

If you would like to win a package which includes the Betty Crocker Loaded Mashed Potatoes, mixing bowl, measuring cup, magnetic pot holder and a silicone spoonula, then I need you to do the following:

Post a comment to this blog telling me what meal you love to eat mashed potatoes with!

I MUST have your email address in your entry, any entries without an email address will be dis-qualified.

The contest ends on Friday night April 15.

Good luck!

Oh How I Love Jesus...

There are many reasons why, but let me explain where I am coming from.

Today during church I was having quite a dialogue with God. I was discussing the current state of affairs with husband's folks. I was asking Him for wisdom for this entire family, and asking Him for peace. I then discussed the fact with God that I never had to deal with these issues since my folks have been gone for so long.

Then my mind went back to my parents...

God heard my questions, my concerns and then my sadness as I reminded God (as if He did not know) that tomorrow marks the date when we buried my mother 33 years ago. I started dripping tears as I sat and listened to God for a while.

Then, very softly, a song is played over the sound system.

I can clearly remember my mother singing two songs, the rest have faded from my memory.

Today I heard one of them.

The song playing was "Oh How I Love Jesus" . The other song I remember her singing was "He's The Lily of the Valley". This was such a perfect timed gift from God. I was still dripping tears, but suddenly a sweet peace came over me that just reminded me to keep my focus on Jesus.

Thank you God for the gift of memory, and for a mother who planted that song in my mind at a very early age.

Text: Frederick Whitfield
Music: 19th cent. USA melody

There is a name I love to hear, 
 I love to sing its worth; 
 it sounds like music in my ear, 
 the sweetest name on earth.  
                Refrain:
 O how I love Jesus, 
 O how I love Jesus, 
 O how I love Jesus, 
 because he first loved me!

 It tells me of a Savior's love, 
 who died to set me free; 
 it tells me of his precious blood, 
 the sinner's perfect plea.
 (Refrain)

 It tells of one whose loving heart 
 can feel my deepest woe; 
 who in each sorrow bears a part 
 that none can bear below.

Welcome couponers!

I just want to say hi to anyone from the coupon class I taught Thursday night. I hope you are not too confused. Email me with any questions and I will be happy to help you out!

An Old Pot and a New Recipe

First: The Pot

I love this dutch oven. When husband and I were engaged I spent a lot of time at his house and his mom would cook the most delicious roast beef dinners prepared in an old cast iron dutch oven. Not realizing that her years of experience had much to do with it, I went on a search for a dutch oven of my very own. The trick, or so I was told, was to not buy a new one, but to look carefully for one that was well used and well loved.
I didn't know where to begin to look, I was just barely 20 and had no experience in such things, but I knew someone that would. My brother Carl! If you had know him, you would know that he was quite thrifty, and loved to find unique items at thrift stores. This was back in the day when going to thrift stores was not cool. Well, what would you know, but one day he surprised me and said that he found just what I was looking for! He found this pot on the shelf at our local Goodwill Store, and I think I had to pay $17.00 for it, which seemed like a lot back then. I was willing to part with the money and I have never regretted it! I have used this dutch oven countless times over the years, and though I know that cooking experience has much to do with it, you cannot beat the flavor of anything slow cooked in cast iron.

Recently, like many things (and people) over the years, my much loved dutch oven needed a face lift. Another brother, Tom, has obtained a wealth of knowledge on all things cast iron, and has perfected a technique for restoration. He took this dutch oven and a couple of skillets home with him last fall, and shipped them back to me all pretty and black, and slick as a whistle. I am a happy girl!

Now: The Recipe

Get ready to drool.

Can't you almost smell the beef stew in the pictures above? Look, really look at the second picture. Now, click on the second picture and take in all of those tender chunks of beef, the beautifully cooked potatoes (no mushy potatoes here), look at the perfect carrots. Doesn't this make you want to run out and grab some Dinty Moore? NOT! It makes you want to cook up a batch of this super easy, super delicious stew! Don't worry, if you do not have my dutch oven, just use the heaviest pan you have with a tight fitting lid.

This recipe came from my good friend Kasi. I have heard her talk about it for several years, and I decided it was time to try it. I will say, it is the best stew I ever ate!

5 Hour Beef Stew

1 1/2 lb. lean stew meat

1 cup of celery, sliced

1 onion , chopped

3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

3 carrots, peeled and sliced thick

1 can stewed tomatoes (juice and all)

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs

1/2 TBS. salt

3 TBS. Instant Tapioca

Mix all ingredients together, do not add water, extra juice, etc. Cover and bake at 250 degrees for 5 hours , or until meat is tender. Stir occasionally. Serves 6. You may add more potatoes, carrots, or meat to serve more.


***What I did different***

My stew meat was closer to 2 lbs, and I used it all. I did add more potatoes (2 more) and more carrots (2 more--wish I had added 4 more, they were g-o-o-o-d). I cut the celery, potatoes and carrots in large, uniform chinks. I then decided to add another can of stewed tomatoes, (mine were 14.5 oz cans).

I put this in this morning before I got ready for church. After church and some errands I checked it for the first time (5.5 hours). I decided to take the lid off and let it cook another 30 minutes uncovered while I made corn muffins and got everything ready.

***Why I love it**

I am actually amazed at a few things. First: it is just so easy. You do not brown the meat or fuss with anything. Second:I did not even stir this for over 5 hours. Third: everything cooked perfectly. Tender meat, vegetables cooked perfect, not mushy, not crunchy. Last, but most important: It is delicious!

Thanks Kasi!

Strawberry Jam and the Sweetness of God

It is funny how some things get etched in your brain. Things, that to most are insignificant, like making jam. Today I am home from school due to our 2nd snow day this week, because of the massive mid-west snowstorm. As far as large amounts of snow, our town was spared. We instead, were hammered with little ice pellets for about 30 hours straight. It could have been much worse.

I decided to use these days playing catch up, and I decided to get some things done around the house. In my freezer there was a tub of crushed strawberries that I had purchased last summer at a great price. Things were very busy last summer with moving husband's parents, so I decided just to crush the berries and freeze them for a better time to make jam.

Last night, as soon as I learned school would be canceled for today, I pulled the tub from the freezer. As soon as I pulled out the tub my mind went back to another day. Jake and I did this same thing two and a half years ago. He was living at home, it was in the summer and he had the day off work. We had a tub of berries in the freezer then, pulled it out and started the process. About half way through I received a phone call.

That was the day I learned I had cancer. You can go here to read about that day.

So much is different about today. I am living on the other side of that awful news. Now I can rejoice in simple things, like making jam. Now I can remember the way God led me through a very dark time and how he taught me to trust him.

I suppose I will always think of strawberry jam in a special way, instead of tasting the sweetness of just the berries, I will taste the sweetness of God's promises. God is good. Even in those days of uncertainty about my health, I knew that God loved me and was in control. I hope I conveyed it then. I hope I convey it now.

Lord fill me with your Spirit today

A week ago when things were crazy with husband's folks we were not able to attend what most would call Sunday School. Actually it is much more than that. It is a time when about 85 high school students from our church meet for an hour of fellowship, fun and a lesson by our student minister. Adults are scattered around the room serving as hosts / mentors for a group of students that consistently sit at the same table. I have a group of 7 girls that have been with me for over a year.

Wouldn't you know it,that on the Sunday we miss, something amazing started ? Our student minister was in the middle of a fantastic series on being a practical atheist (one who professes to be a Christian, yet really does not live like it). He then issued a challenge to everyone in the room to take the book of Ephesians seriously when it says to be filled with the Spirit. He posed the question of what could happen if that was our prayer everyday. Now, he even went a step further and asked, what if everyone took that prayer public.

All of a sudden they are, it is amazing. Each day on Facebook for the last week, I saw simple posts from students and leaders, all with the same status: Lord, fill me with your spirit today.

This is incredible. I wondered all week just what was going on. I mean, we have a neat youth group, but it is not like that many of our students to suddenly go this bold with their faith. It took me until yesterday to learn of the challenge and to hear stories of how God is using them in areas they never expected, and how both sponsors and students are seeing a fresh new faith and attitude.

This should be a challenge for us all. We get so complacent in our faith and really just end up reacting to things, when in reality we should be the ones leading the way.

Our student minister put it best, and it has been my prayer today:

If I am not dead, then I am not done. Lord fill me with your spirit today.

The week that wasn't

There is a lot I should write about, so much has happened in the last month, in the last week really. I am just having trouble collecting thoughts lately. Sometimes I want to keep the blog about my bargains and deals, other days I don't want to write about those at all. Most days I am stuck in between, just deciding if I am going to write at all.

This past week has been difficult to say the least. One week ago today just after getting out of bed, our phone rang and husband's mom needed taken to the hospital due to dizziness. Husband was leaving for work, so I hurried and went to assist. It was obvious in a few minutes that I could not physically do this, so an ambulance was called. Now, it seems that our family has our own personal paramedic. A young man from our church, whom I just happened to babysit for when he was a toddler, has been there for me twice, and now was at the apartment to take mom. That was comforting. Mom was admitted , so husband and I spent the next few days and nights apart, I was caring mostly for mom, and husband stayed with his dad.

On Monday, everything changed. Just as mom was getting a bit better, Dad fell, broke his ankle, and was quite dehydrated. Just as Mom was getting ready to be discharged, Dad was admitted. That night husband and I switched and I stayed all night at the apartment. Mom continued to improve, slowly at first, but it was evident that Dad's ankle would take a while to heal. Husband's sister came into town and by Wednesday we thought we had things figured out.

Wednesday night, I was struck by a stomach flu bug and became ill. Can I just say never would be a nice time frame for ever throwing up again.? I think that after 50+ years old, one should never have to do that again. This took me until yesterday afternoon to start to feel myself, and even today I felt a bit sluggish.

The way it stands now, husband's dad is in a rehab area of a nursing home for about 2 weeks to learn how to walk and adjust while the ankle heals.

See why it has been difficult?

We needed toilet paper...

For over two years we have never run out of toilet paper, nor have I paid full price. Today I opened the last package. To my delight (delight over toilet paper--I need to get a life) I was able to get all of this TP plus everything else for a total of $35.18. There are some picey items in this picture. Before sales and coupons and store perks it would have been $267.24, and at least $124.00 after the store sales. We are set for cold medicine, TP, and Chex Mix, plus I have six new make up items and three new perfume sets to keep me beautiful and sweet smelling! I could have paid $20.00 for the TP alone, but it was well worth it to only spend $15.00 more on all the rest. Buying the cold medicine helped me make money and turn around and buy the TP for free. Free is good.

Christmas 2010

Everyone says, "Have a good Christmas", yet I wonder sometimes how do we really determine that? I know some would determine it by the number or expense of the gifts that you give or receive, others by whether you get to see your family or not, and some by the dinners you prepare or attend.

Today I have tried to take a cue from Mary (yes, THAT Mary) and have taken some time to ponder these things in my heart. ( I love that portion of scripture by the way, it is found in Luke, chapter 2) This was a different year for me. Perhaps it is age, or wisdom, or just contentment, but I had a very hard time putting things that I wanted on a list to give to my husband and sons. There were no big gifts that I wanted, and really, the small things were not huge desires. I love the simple gifts that I received, but I would not rate this Christmas at all by the gifts I gave or received.

Family is always important to me, and yes this year was pivotal in the family category. This was the first Christmas that my husband's side did not have a "home" to go home to. His mom and dad are settled in their new independent living apartment, and while they are doing well, it is not the home where everyone was used to having Christmas Dinner . For that reason, we decided to host the dinner for husband's parents, siblings, spouses, our own boys, and one nephew and his wife. There were 12 of us, and actually that is a crowd in our house. We pulled out the Christmas dishes that Mom had owned, used her glassware, her silverware, tablecloth, and numerous other items to put on a feast, that hopefully followed some of the family traditions.

It was wonderful.

Yes, I worked hard, partly due to the fact that everyone was traveling and it would be difficult for them to prepare much, but mostly because I wanted to. Now, the fact that we were able to share Christmas with them was indeed wonderful, and the dinner was adequate, I still cannot say that those reasons made it a "good" Christmas. For each family member I got to see, there are many more that I missed seeing. So that cannot be the reason.

It is so much more.

For me, it has to come down to my faith. Christmas IS what it is all about. I know that without this moment in history that HIS story would not be revealed. I know that the beginning of Christmas as we in America know it has pagan roots, that the true event probably did not occur on December the 25th, yet those facts do not change the real story of what happened over 2000 years ago. This year I have been blessed to have the real meaning sink in all over again. The God of the Universe came down as the greatest gift of all. It was a "good" Christmas, personally, because I feel I "get" it.

Truth be told, it really has nothing to do with gifts, dinners, or even your family. It is all about HIM, and I have to say that is very good.

Returning the Favor

The past few days I have been out of town, at my sister's house. She had surgery earlier in the week and I worked it out at school so that I could help her when she returned home. I was so glad to be able to do this, because she has done the same for me, many times. On Thursday I left my house early and was able to be at her's by about 9:00 her time. She was slow going and it was obvious she needed someone there with her. Other than fixing lunch, fixing supper, and the clean up involved, I felt I did not do too much that day. She had worked so hard before her surgery and her house was immaculate! That night I went with her husband on a few errands and that was about it. Friday morning I did her errands, and did quite a bit of grocery shopping. I think my brother in law was quite happy to have me do that so that he did not have to. After fixing lunch I started laundry and dishes and a few other odds and ends. I cut my trip a bit shorter than I had planned due to the approaching snow storm, so I left after just the two days. I know she appreciated it though, and I was so happy to be able to do it.

I am so thankful that my sister and I are so close. We lost our mom over 30 years ago, so we need to lean on each other from time to time.

Send a prayer her way for a speedy recovery!

Christmas is Coming

I decided to post a couple of pictures of my living room. I have a few changes this year from our normal Christmas decor. First, I painted the fireplace this year and I love it. The brick fireplace had become so dark and dingy and I felt like it was a black hole in my living room. I love the new color. It shows up a bit "whiter" in pictures than it really is, the color is more of a creamy white. I like switching out the wreath on the hearth and being able to actually see it.

Second, I purchased a red slip cover for my couch and a bunch of new pillows. I have wanted a red couch for ages, but I am just not ready to spend the money, so I opted for a slip cover and it makes me happy, especially with Christmas decorations.

My decorations are much more simple this year, just enough to make me happy and not stressed.

Our Red Slipcovers

Christmas 2010

I Love my Life

As I sit at this computer, there is an unusual chorus resounding in my house. I would not quite call it 3 part harmony, but husband and both grown sons are snoring away. I don't mind so much. This is the first time in over 3 months that both boys have been home at the same time and it feels good. Youngest had a birthday this week and we had planned on going to see him for the evening last night. Plans changed suddenly (practically as we were walking out the door) and now both boys are home. We put together a dinner of steaks on the grill, and I put together a pumpkin pie while they were on their way. These moments do not occur very often.

.

Let the baking begin!

I am ready to bake! This is the haul I picked up at Walgreens today! Before coupons it would have cost $72.25. I spent a total of $14.20. I did a deal much like this last year at Walgreens and I was excited to see the deal pretty much repeated. I did have $20.00 in Register Rewards left over from making money last week on the Sinex deals so that helped quite a bit.

Golden Cream Soup (Cheesy Potato Soup)

I have had a couple of requests to post the recipe for my potato soup. It is yummy and pretty easy, so here it is.

Golden Cream Soup

2 cans chicken broth
3-4 peeled and diced potatoes
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 TBS butter
2-3 peeled and sliced carrots
2 TBS flour
2 cups of milk
1/2 lb cubed Velveeta cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 TBS Parsley flakes
1 tsp salt
dash pepper

Saute the onion and celery in butter until just translucent. Add chicken broth, seasonings, and carrots and simmer until carrots are almost tender. Add potatoes and cook until they are tender. Mix flour with milk and add to pot. Cook until thickened then remove from heat and stir in cheeses until melted. Once cheese has been added , do not boil or cheese will separate.


Yield about 4 servings.

Winner Winner Yummy Dinner

I so loved reading about all of your first dates. I think these stories would make a lovely coffee table book!

Congratulations to 3 Boys and a Girl! You are the winner of my date night prize package!

I will email you for the details on how you will receive your prize!

Sunday Savings!

I have not had a marathon shopping event for quite some time. This felt good. $22.66 for everything pictured and I got back a $10.00 Register Reward at Walgreens. The canned vegetables are normally .80 cents a can at Dollar General, but were on sale for .45 each. Lucky me that I had a bunch of coupons for a dollar off of three cans, making them .12 cents a can. I have not bought canned vegetables since the Del Monte deal at Target one year ago. (They were 20 cents a can, so I beat that deal!)

Remember, I can afford to spend $22.00 on these items without buying meat, etc., because of my stockpile.

Soup's on!

I love this time of year. I love everything about fall. I love how the leaves change and I even love watching them in their free fall to the ground. I think it is so cool that God decided to give us that last burst of color before putting everything to sleep for the winter. He could have just let them drop as they were.

Tonight I made a big pot of cheesy potato soup. Actually my potato soup is so much more. It has onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes, all simmered in a rich chicken broth, and then loaded with yummy cheese. It smelled so good as it simmered away in the kitchen. I lit a few candles, then turned on the furnace for the first time. Such a cozy evening. I was even lucky enough to get to see our oldest son briefly tonight, as he and his friends are on their way to Florida for a few days. Our house was the meeting place for some of them along the way.

Tonight the temps here will drop below freezing. Tomorrow the warm coat will come out along with gloves for sure. Unfortunately, at some point tomorrow I will probably complain about the cold, but I really do love it right now.