Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The Benefits of the Library



We are pretty modest in our entertainment expenses. I try to use our local library to the fullest extent. If you don't mind waiting to read the hottest novel out, see a movie or hear the latest CD, the public library is a great money saver.
Our library is in the downtown area and has been remodeled in the last year. It is very nice and spacious with a pleasing decor.
Besides Books & Magazines our library system has:

Teacher’s Department (Homeschoolers Welcome)
Movies available in VHS, DVD, Blue Ray
Books on Tape, Books on CD, and Playaway
Music CD’s
Computer Games
Video Games for Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii
A Listening Station for Children
Computers w/ Internet

I usually request multimedia items, books for our homeschool, and recommended books. You can request and put on hold up to 20 items per card. As soon as items come in and I pick them up, I usually go online and request more. Sometimes, depending upon the popularity of the item, it may take a few weeks to get the item.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Ephesians 2:8-9


For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9


I like this definition of Grace:
1.
a. A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill.
b. Mercy; clemency.
c. Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people.
d. The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.
e. An excellence or power granted by God.
2. A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.

June 29-July 5 Menu Plan


We have 3 large Zucchini’s this week from our garden that I will be using in lots of recipes. I also got a Pork Loin for $1.48 per pound so I am dividing it in half for two meals.

Our menu this week:


Monday:
Creamy Pork Loin Roast and Corn Bread
Lemon Zucchini Cookies

Tuesday:
Meatloaf Burgers, Broccoli Casserole, and Green Beans

Wednesday:
BBQ Pork Sandwiches & Chips

Thursday:
Chicken & Zucchini Pasta
Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Friday:
Sausage,
Zucchini Stuffing Casserole, and Peas

Saturday:
Honey Ginger Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, and Salad

Sunday:
Hamburgers,
Zucchini Parmesan, and Corn


So, what's on your menu this week? Visit I'm an Organizing Junkie to see more menu ideas.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake



INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
3 cups grated zucchini

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add the eggs and oil, mix well. Fold in the nuts and zucchini until they are evenly distributed. Pour into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool cake completely before frosting with your favorite frosting.

Zucchini Parmesan

1/3 c. bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1 large zucchini, quartered
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese

Combine Parmesan, bread crumbs and seasoning in a shallow bowl. Dip zucchini in egg, then in crumbs. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 450 for about 20 minutes. Serves 3-4.

Honey Ginger Chicken Breast

Ingredients:
6 Chicken Breast
1/2 to 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
1/2 Cup Honey
2 Tablespoons Butter, melted

Melt the butter in a small sauce pan. Add the ginger, garlic, soy sauce and honey, and stir.

Marinade the meat from two hours to overnight. Bring the chicken to room temperature, remove from the marinade, and grill. You can put the leftover marinade in a sauce pan, bring it to a boil and use it to baste the chicken each time you flip them.

Zucchini Stuffing Casserole



INGREDIENTS
6 cups diced zucchini
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup shredded carrots
1 (6 ounce) package herb-seasoned dry bread stuffing mix
1/2 cup margarine, melted

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart casserole dish.
2. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook zucchini in lightly salted water until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, and place in a large bowl. Stir in the condensed soup, sour cream, onion and carrots.
3. In a small bowl, Mix together stuffing and melted margarine. Spread half of the stuffing mixture in the bottom of the casserole dish. Add the zucchini mixture, and top with remaining stuffing mixture.
4. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is golden brown.

Chicken & Zucchini Pasta

8 ounces of pasta
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into cubes
2 tsp of olive oil
¼ medium onion, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms
2 zucchini sliced and halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
Pepper to taste
1/4 c. sharp cheddar cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions

In a large skillet cook chicken until no longer pink, and fry onion until translucent. Add the zucchini, mushrooms, and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning. Cook until tender and season with the pepper to taste. Add pasta and mix. Add cheddar cheese and let melt slightly.

Broccoli Casserole



INGREDIENTS
1 cup uncooked white rice
5 tablespoons margarine
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
1 (10 ounce) package chopped frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 ounce) jar processed cheese spread


DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a saucepan bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Melt margarine in a medium skillet over medium heat. Saute onions and celery until tender.
4. In a 2 quart casserole dish combine onions, celery, cooked rice, broccoli, mushroom soup and processed cheese spread; mix well.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes.

Meatloaf Burgers



INGREDIENTS
1 large onion, sliced
1 celery rib, chopped
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups tomato juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
6 hamburger buns, split

DIRECTIONS
Place onion and celery in a slow cooker. Combine beef, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper; shape into six patties. Place over onion mixture. Combine tomato juice, garlic, ketchup, bay leaf, Italian seasoning and remaining salt. Pour over the patties. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours or until meat is tender. Discard bay leaf. Separate patties with a spatula if necessary; serve on buns.

Lemon Zucchini Cookies























2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. butter or margarine
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel or 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 c. shredded zucchini
1 c. chopped nuts

Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until light. Add egg and beat until fluffy at low speed. Stir in flour mixture until dough is smooth. Stir in zucchini and nuts. Drop by round teaspoonful onto greased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven at 375 F for 15 to 20 minutes or until light brown. While warm, drizzle with Lemon Frost.

Lemon Frost:
1 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Makes 4 dozen
1 serving (2 each) equals 196 calories

Creamy Pork Loin Roast

Ingredients:
5 lbs. Pork Loin Roast
salt and pepper
garlic powder
4 or more medium potatoes, peeled and diced
16 oz. baby carrots
¼ onion, diced
2 cans cream of celery soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk

Preparation:
Place roast in bottom of crock pot; sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add potatoes, carrots, and onions. Pour both cans of soup over top. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours. Combine sour cream and milk; stir into the juices and continue cooking for 20 minutes, until heated through. Serves 4 to 6

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Feeding a Crowd



When I am feeding a crowd I like to go with pasta dishes. I can premake them the day before and put them in the refrigerator until an hour before my guests arrive when I put them in the oven. There’s no last minute fuss and I can enjoy my guests instead of working in the kitchen. I frequently have both my daughters prepare a dish along with me and we can have the food prepped in less than an hour.


My favorite for a crowd dishes are:







Visit
The Ultimate Recipe Swap for more crowd pleasing meals!

Pizza Casserole



INGREDIENTS
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can pizza sauce
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (3.25 ounce) package sliced pepperoni, quartered
1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS
In a skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until heated through.

Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo


Ingredients
1 package (16 ounces) uncooked spaghetti
8 oz. frozen broccoli flowerets
3 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 lb. boneless chicken breast halves, cubed
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Prepare spaghetti according to package directions and add the broccoli for last 4 minutes of cooking time. Drain the spaghetti and broccoli.

In sauce pot over medium-high heat, heat butter. Add chicken and cook until browned, stirring often. In the same pan mix soup, milk, cheese, and pepper. Cook through, stirring occasionally. Toss with cooked spaghetti.

White Lasagna




1 pound ground beef or chicken
3/4 cup minced onion
1 cup diced broccoli
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound uncooked lasagna noodles

Cream Sauce
1 pound ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
chopped parsley

In a skillet cook the meat, breaking it up with a fork, for 2 minutes. Add the onion, broccoli, spinach, garlic, salt and pepper and cook slowly, stirring often, for 10 minutes. Cook the lasagna noodles as directed on the package, drain well and keep separated on waxed paper. Spread a small amount of Cream Sauce in a shallow baking dish about 13x8x2 inches. Add the remaining Cream Sauce to the meat mixture. Add a layer of noodles to the baking dish, spread with the meat sauce and dot with ricotta cheese. Then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with a few slices of mozzarella. Repeat the layers, making 3 layers of each ingredient. Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let stand for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley. Makes 8 servings.

Alternative:

CREAM SAUCE:
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup chopped parsley

Melt the butter in a saucepan and blend in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the milk and cook, stirring, until thickened. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute longer. Add the parsley.

Lasagna



Meat Sauce:
3 Lbs. of Ground Beef
1 onion, chopped
3 t. Garlic
1 T. Oregano
1 T. Basil
1/2 t. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
3 Large Cans of Diced Tomatoes
1 Large Can of Tomato Sauce

Brown the meat & onion together and drain the grease. Add the other ingredients and simmer.


Cheese Mixture:
1 Egg
4 Cups of Ricotta Cheese
4 oz. of Mozzarella Cheese


Other Ingredients:
1 Package of Lasagna Noodles (uncooked)
4 oz. of Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Cheese for topping

In a large baking dish, put enough meat sauce to cover the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of noodles and top with a layer of the cheese mixture. Again, layer meat, noodles, and cheese. End with another layer of meat sauce and top with the remaining 4 oz. of Mozzarella Cheese. Top the dish with Parmesan Cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes.

Free Bowling on Tony's


Get a coupon on each box of Tony’s Pizza for a free game of bowling at participating bowling centers. This offer is valid 4/15/09-8/31/10 check the Tony’s website for details.

Minor League Baseball


Take the family to see a Minor League Baseball game on Tuesday Night’s buy one ticket get one free sponsored by Kraft. Bring a Kraft Singles wrapper to the box office May 12-September 1, 2009. Check the Minor League Baseball website for details.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Italian Marinated Chicken Breasts

6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (5 ounces each)
1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Marinate chicken breast in Italian dressing overnight. Remove chicken from the marinate and in a large nonstick skillet, brown chicken in oil.

Italian Breaded Pork Chops



INGREDIENTS
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons dried parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
4 pork chops

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

2. In a small bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. In a separate small bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, and cook until lightly browned. Remove garlic, reserving for other uses.

4. Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture, coating evenly. Place coated pork chops in the skillet, and brown abut 5 minutes on each side.

5. Place the skillet and pork chops in the preheated oven, and cook 25 minutes, or to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Taco Rice Skillet

1 lb. hamburger
4 c instant white rice, uncooked
4 c water
2 can stew tomatoes
2 pkg. taco seasoning mix
½ c shredded mexican style cheese


Cook hamburger in large non-stick skillet. Add rice, water, tomato, and taco seasoning mix: stir until well blended. Bring to boil. Remove from heat. Let stand 5 min. Serve topped with cheese, shredded lettuce and other taco toppings, if desired.

Salmon Patties



Ingredients:
1 can (approx. 7 ounces) salmon
1 egg
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 onion diced
olive oil, enough to cover bottom of skillet

Preparation:
Remove skin and bones from salmon; drain well. In mixing bowl, combine with egg, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and onion. Make patties about 2 inches in diameter; fry in oil until brown on both sides about 10 minutes. Sprinkle salmon patties with salt.

Oriental Beef Noodles

1 lb. Hamburger
4 pks beef ramen noodles
16 oz. frozen vegetables
½ tsp. ground ginger
4 cups water


Brown the hamburger and use seasoning packs from the noodles to season and set aside. In the same skillet combine 4 cups of water, the frozen vegetables and the ramen noodles (broken into pieces). Cover and simmer for 3 minutes or until noodles are tender. Return hamburger to skillet and heat on low until warm.

June 22- 28 Menu Plan


Our menu this week:


Monday:
Totino’s Pizza Rolls

Tuesday:

Wednesday:
Beef Ravioli

Thursday:
Marinated Italian Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes w/ gravy, and Green Beans

Friday:

Saturday:
Out to dinner

Sunday:
Italian Breaded Pork Lion Chops, Baked Potatoes, and Corn


So, what's on your menu this week? Visit I'm an Organizing Junkie to see more menu ideas.

Holy is The Lord

We stand and lift up our hands
For the joy of the Lord is our strength
We bow down and worship Him now
How great, how awesome is He

And together we sing

Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory

We stand and lift up our hands
For the joy of the Lord is our strength
We bow down and worship Him now
How great, how awesome is He

And together we sing
Everyone sing

Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory

It's rising up all around
It's the anthem of the Lord's renown
It's rising up all around
It's the anthem of the Lord's renown

And together we sing
Everyone sing

Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with his glory
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with his glorythe earth is filled with his glory

By
Chris Tomlin

View the Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X4CwGGJQMI

Fruit Flavored Iced Tea


4 teaspoons instant tea
1 kool-aid packets (any flavor)
1 cup sugar
4 quarts water

In a 4 quart container add instant tea, kool-aid, and sugar. Stir in water and refrigerate

BLUEBERRY CRUMB CAKE

Cake:

2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
1 c. milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. frozen blueberries


Preheat oven to 3500 Grease a 13 X 9 pan. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder & salt in large bowl. With pastry blender, cut in butter to coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center. Add milk, eggs & vanilla. Stir until moistened. Fold in frozen blueberries. Spread batter in pan. Top with topping below.


Topping:

1/3 c. packed brown sugar
1/3 c. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. oatmeal
2 Tbsp. melted butter

Combine above topping ingredients until blended. Sprinkle evenly over batter in pan. Bake 40-45 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

20 Of My Favorite Things

1. Color-blue & red
2. Dessert- blueberry crumb cake
3. Smell- fresh summer air
4. Flower- hydrangea
5. Animal- birds
6. Month-October
7. Beverage-raspberry iced tea
8. Pair of shoes-currently...slippers
9. Snack-currently...Death by Chocolate Ice Cream
10. Song-currently... Holy is the Lord
11. Book-currently... The Quilter’s Daughter by Wanda Brunstetter
12. Fruit- bananas
13. Hairstyle- long & straight
14. Piece of clothing- currently... t-shirt
15. Store to clothes shop- thrift store
16. Season-Autumn
17. Hobby- papercrafting & embroidery
18. Thing to collect-dishes & linens
19. Movie- All Jane Austen
20. Restaurant- Bob Evans

Join Peggy at the Simple Woman
and play along!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Strawberry Whipped Sensation












· 4 cups fresh strawberries, divided
· 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
· 1/4 cup lemon juice
· 1 (8 ounce) tub whipped topping, thawed, divided
· 8 chocolate sandwich cookies, finely chopped
· 1 tablespoon butter, melted

1. Line 9x5-inch loaf pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Mash 2 cups of the strawberries in large bowl. Add condensed milk, juice and 2 cups of the whipped topping; mix well. Pour into prepared pan.

2. Mix chopped cookies and butter. Spoon over whipped topping mixture. Cover with ends of foil and gently press cookie mixture into whipped topping mixture. Freeze 6 hours or until firm.

3. Invert dessert onto serving plate when ready to serve; remove pan and foil. Spread remaining whipped topping onto top and sides of dessert. Slice remaining 2 cups strawberries; arrange over dessert. Store leftovers in freezer.

Submitted to:
Life As Mom

Friday, June 19, 2009

Psalms 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalms 37:4






Take time today to enjoy the many blessings God has given you.

In the Good Old Summertime

George Evans -- music
Ren Shields -- lyrics

There's a time each year
That we always hold dear,
Good old summer time;
With the birds and the trees'es
And sweet scented breezes,
Good old summer time,
When you day's work is over
Then you are in clover,
And life is one beautiful rhyme,
No trouble annoying,
Each one is enjoying,
The good old summer time.


To swim in the pool,
You's play "hooky" from school
Good old summer time,
You play "ring-a rosie"

With Jim, Kate and Josie,
Good old summer time,

Those days full of pleasure
We now fondly treasure,
When we never thought it a crime
To stealing cherries,
With faces brown as berries,
Good old summer time.


In the good old summertime,
In the good old summertime,
Strolling thru' a shady lane
With your baby mine.
You hold her hand and she holds yours,
And that's a very good sign
That she's your tootsie wootsie
In the good, old summertime.

~ Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 ~

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed,
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature's changing course untrimmed:
But thy eternal summer shall not fade,
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st,
Nor shall death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st,
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Meet The Shutt Family

My husband Shawn and I

Our children Shawn Jr. 16, Nastasja 17, Brandon 13, and Brittany 20.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Thrifty Finds

I went to several Thrift Stores and Yard Sales this weekend and here is what I got.

I paid $1.00 for each of these Items:
Nests & Birds Candle Holder (My house is bird & floral themed)
Circle Punch
Butterfly Stamp
Ink Pad
Shoes


Pink Flowered Blank Notebook $.50 (This will go in my Gift Closet)
Holiday Stamp Set $4



I paid $1.99 for each of these:
Sponge Blue Christmas Plate (My everyday dishes are the same style except with a heart in the center)
Metal Pitcher (Bought for Soap Making)



I paid $2.00 for each dish $16.00 total for 4 Fruit/Dessert (Sauce) Bowls & 4 Rimmed Soup Bowls. They had a lot more but I already own the Blue Rim pattern and I wanted to be able to mix and match.

G3438 by HOMER LAUGHLIN CO [HLCG3438] Pattern #: G3438
Description:
EGGSHELL GEORGIAN, PINK RIM, FLORAL CENTER



I paid $1.50 for this set of floral pictures hanging in my Laundry room.

Ice Cream Sundaes









I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream

(Howard Johnson, Billy Moll, Robert A. K. King)
Transcribed from vocals by Tom Stacks performing with Harry Reser's Six Jumping Jacks, recorded January 14, 1928;
From
Harry Reser's Six Jumping Jacks, volume 2, The Old Masters, mb 128.

Oh!
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

In the land of ice and snows
Up among the Eskimos,
There's a college known as Ogiwawa!
You should hear those college boys,
Gee, they make an awful noise
When they sing an Eskimo tra-la-la!

They've got a leader, big cheer leader,
Oh, what a guy!
He's got a frozen face just like an Eskimo Pie!
When he says, "Come on, let's go!"
Though it's forty-five below,
This is what the Eskimos all holler:

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Tuesdays, Mondays, we all scream for sundaes,
Sis-boom-bah!
Boola-boola, sarsaparoolla,
If you got chocolate, we'll take vanoola!
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
Rah! Rah! Rah!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Frosts and malts that are peppered and salted,
Sis-boom-bah!
Oh, spumoni, oh, cartoni,
And confidentially, we'll take baloney,
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
Rah! Rah! Rah!

Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah!


Check out all the fun Ice Cream Sundeas you could make
http://www.recipezaar.com/recipes.php?q=ice+cream+sundae



Here are some recipes I have collected to try:

Peppermint Stick Sundaes

Chocolate cream filled cookies, crumbled
Peppermint or mint chocolate chip ice cream
Chocolate Cool whip
Crushed peppermint sticks

In a dessert cup, sprinkle some broken chocolate cream filled cookies, and then place a scoop of ice cream on top, and top with Cool Whip. Garnish with a cookie and crushed peppermint sticks and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.


Fried Banana Sundaes

3 medium ripe bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tsp. honey
Vanilla ice cream
Ground nutmeg

In a large skillet, sauté bananas in butter until light golden brown, turning once. Place on serving plates; drizzle with honey. Top with a scoop of ice cream; sprinkle with nutmeg.

Summer Reading Program

Readers of all ages can "Be Creative @ Your Public Library" this summer. The annual Summer Reading Programs begin in June and run through August check your local library for details. Readers receive prizes and attend summer programs free of charge.

"Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book." Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Book lovers will understand me, and they will know too, that part of the pleasure of a library lies in its very existence." Jan Morris

"I never let my schooling get in the way of my education." Mark Twain

The Ohio Statehouse

The Ohio Statehouse is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays. Free guided tours are offered Monday through Friday on the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 3 p.m.

OHIO STATEHOUSE MUSEUM

Open weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays

Summer Fridays at the Statehouse will take place each Friday between noon and 1 p.m. The CSRAB has partnered with some of central Ohio's performing arts groups to present the 2009 Summer Fridays at the Statehouse. Summer Fridays is a free lunch-time outdoor performing arts series presented on the West Plaza (High Street) of the historic Statehouse. Summer Fridays at the Statehouse will provide an opportunity for the public and downtown community to gather on Capitol Square to experience some of Columbus' diverse arts groups and to visit the beautiful Capitol building.


Scheduled 2009 performances include:

May 29 –Barbershop Harmony with The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio

June 5 –Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival/Blues Musicians

June 12 – Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival/Jazz Musicians

June 19 - Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra

June 26 - RMT Presents Songs of America

July 3 – No Performance

July 10 – TRANSIT ARTS

July 17 –COSI Science Spot

July 24 – Opera Columbus

July 31 – Idiot Boys, bluegrass band

August 7 – KMB/King Arts Complex, R & B Hip Hop

August 14 – Columbus State Community College Gospel Vocal Ensemble

August 21 – Clave Sonic, Latin jazz band

August 28 – Allison Bankieris, country music

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Ohio Department of Natural Resources A department of incredible diversity, ODNR owns and manages more than 590,000 acres of land including 74 state parks, 20 state forests, 133 state nature preserves, and 138 wildlife areas. The department also has jurisdiction over more than 120,000 acres of inland waters; 7,000 miles of streams; 481 miles of Ohio River; and 2-1/4 million acres of Lake Erie. Most activities at are free except camping, boating and hunting (permit required).

Explore the Outdoors is an exciting, free hands-on family program that gives Ohio children the opportunity to reunite with nature, improve their physical and emotional health and discover the rewards of becoming environmental stewards.

The Explore the Outdoors youth activity guide recommends a variety of outdoor activities, including spot a bird, splash in a stream or camp under the stars, which can be completed at state parks, wildlife areas, preserves and forests throughout Ohio. Families may also complete some of the activities at area events, local parks, and green spaces or even at home. Winner prizes as you enter your codes on the pages and submit them online.

Free Summer Bowling for Kids


Kids ages 15 & under
2 free games per child per day/standard shoe rental applies
This gives all the locations
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/all_centers.php

Summer Movies for Kids



Theaters often have special summer promos where they show G or PG films on weekday mornings for free, or nearly so. If your favorite theater isn’t listed, you might want to call them and ask if they offer anything like this.

Clearview Cinemas
Summer Kid’s Club Eight weeks of family films. Free admission, every Thursday @ 10:30AM

AMC
Summer Movie Camp $1 movies Wednesdays at 10AM

Regal Cinemas
Free Family Film Festival
Select G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Admission is free.

Classic Cinemas
Wednesday Morning Movie Series
G and PG rated movies for just $1 on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 for eight weeks

Cinemark Theaters
Summer Movie Clubhouse
Ten weeks of kids movies on weekdays can be purchases in advance for $5 (total) or you can purchase tickets for each show at the box office for $1/each.

Dickinson Theaters
Summer Vacation Movie Series —$12.50 season ticket or $2.50 per showing of select G and PG rated movies. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10:00AM and 12:30PM

Cobb Theatres
Summer Kids Shows
Choice of Two Free Movies each Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays at 10:00

Georgia Theater Company
Summer Kid Show Series $1 Movies on Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00

The Grand Theatre
Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00 $3 and includes popcorn and a soda

Kerasotes Theaters
Summer Movie Program
Free Movies on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00

Malco Theatres
Kids Summer Film Fest Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:00 $2

Marcus Theatres
“Kids Rule” Summer Film Series Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10:00 $2.50 w/free popcorn

Friday, June 12, 2009

Shoofly Pie




Mix for crumbs: (reserving ½ cup for topping)

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 Tablespoon solid shortening

1 cup flour


Filling:

1 cup molasses (good and thick)

¾ cup boiling water

1 egg beaten

1Teaspoon baking soda


Combine soda with boiling water, then add egg and syrup. Add crumb mixture (this will be lumpy). Pour into unbaked pie crust and cover with reserved crumbs. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes (until firm). When cut into, the bottom may be "wet." This is okay, and is called a "wet bottom shoo fly pie."

The Storekeeper’s Daughter #1


Daughters of Lancaster County Series Author Wanda Brunstetter



Summary:

Naomi Fisher the storekeeper’s daughter must care for her six siblings after her mother was hit buy a car and dies. She yearns for the love of Caleb Hoffmeir but thinks there is no hope because of her responsibilities to her family. In their grief they conduct the business of their family with little joy and lots of work as they struggle with contentment in the circumstances they find themselves in.

Naomi works many hours a day in the shop and at home and is over burdened and exhausted. Naomi’s father refuses to allow her to court Caleb the buggy maker because it will distract her from her responsibilities to the family and he is afraid she will eventually want to marry.

Naomi gets distracted while selling homemade root beer and leaves her baby brother Zach on a picnic table where he is abducted by a customer who takes advantage of the opportunity because he is desperate to give his wife a child when they can’t conceive after 8 years of marriage and 3 failed adoptions.

The family tries to find baby Zach but there is little hope or leads. Abraham Fisher goes to a Quilt Shop in Ohio after a possible sighting of the boy and meets Fanny Miller who eventually becomes his wife.

After the abduction Naomi can not forgive herself and her family member’s can’t either. The younger children do not mind her as well and her older brothers make hurtful comments. Her father Abraham won’t look her in the eye and is harsh towards her. Naomi hears her father praying to God and saying he blames her and thinks she may have done it on purpose to get out of her responsibilities. Naomi runs away with the English girl Ginny to Portland but misses here family and way of life.

Fannie Miller stops by to visit Abraham on her way to her cousin’s 50th Birthday Party. She has read an article in The Budget that she things might help ease the families mind about Zach and give them clues to his abduction. After hearing about Naomi running away she agrees to stay in town longer to help Abraham in the store. Abraham and Fanny fall in love and plan to marry in the spring.

Naomi returns home at Christmas to find that her family missed her and that her father has met a woman he plans to marry. Naomi and her father apologize to each other and her father gives her and Caleb permission to court and they plan to marry in the fall.

Caleb is hurt in an accident repairing a buggy that leaves one of his hand unusable and decides he can not marry Naomi if he has no way to support her and a family. Naomi’s father makes a deal with Caleb to buy his store so that he can support his daughter and they can marry. He had inherited the store from his wife’s parents and had always preferred to work on his farm. Caleb plans to sells his buggy shop to his brothers. Although the family does not know what the future holds for them they know one thing for sure “What God had done, He’d done well.”

Try the recipe for Shoofly Pie


The most important things I learned from reading this book are:

Be content, trust in God, in your weariness God will be with you, forgive those who sin against you, overcome your sin and ask for forgiveness, a man needs a helpmeet.


Prayer: Heavenly Father, Please give me rest for my weary soul and help me learn to be content. Amen



Scriptures referenced in the book:

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11 (NIV)

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:12 (NIV)

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Psalm 51:3 (NIV)

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God." Isaiah 49:4(NIV)

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4 (NIV)

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. Matthew 7:1 (NIV)

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)

So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. Genesis 2:20 (NIV)

My Summer of Simple Pleasures Reading List 2009