~Happy Thanksgiving~

Just want to wish all of my friends and family a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving.
May you enjoy your time with your friends and family.


-Jon, Laci & Chayce

Let the cooking begin!

2 days until Thanksgiving. That only means one thing... Time to start preperations!

I woke up bright and early (as usual) today to make a few huge batches of homemade Marinara. Not for Thanksgiving, obviously, but it will get us through the next 2 weeks or so, as I make LOTS of pasta at my house.

Today I'm going to be making...

*A New York Style Cheesecake
*Pumpkin Bread
*Cornbread

Yum. Yum. And more Yum!

Our family Christmas...

So many ideas for Christmas this year. What to get Chayce? What do I want? What to get Jon? Would they like their gifts?

Well this weekend we made a decision to buy 1 gift. For all of us. That one gift...


a new addition to our family! A PUPPY!!!

We are really loving the Matleses.



But we have/are concidering:
Matlese Mixes (Maltipoos)
Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu Mixes
Miniature poodle and poodle mixes

Chayce is almost 3 1/2 years old. He has no siblings, and his only pet is a fish. We think right now is the perfect time to add a puppy. Matleses don't shed. They're hypo-allergenic and they're quiet! They aren't the annoying barking kinds (like... chihuahuas for instance!) We found one at a local pet shop. After we saw Chayce with the little dog we just knew it was perfect. We didn't get that one, but we're looking around. Now the fun begins! We need to get the puppy home the day or 2 before Chistmas eve, because we open gifts on Christmas Eve and want to give him the puppy when he's opening gifts. Can't wait! I'm so excited! :)

Looking at Homes...

I never thought I'd EVER leave the home I'm in now. When we signed the lease here I just pictured myself here for YEARS, but when an opportunity comes, you just can't resist. So we'll have to relocate to Orlando between now and April. It's bittersweet. My home is everything I want (aside from the awkward position, so everyday between 1pm-5pm the sun pounds on my living room and gives me a headache, LOL)... So it's tough to leave. Not currently under a lease anymore. It was up Nov. 1st and landlord never sent out more paperwork for me to sign. So I'm not breaking any lease! Now is the perfect time to get out of here. Or attempt to.

Here's a few homes I found for AMAZING prices that I can't see myself passing up, but can see myself living in!

This one is a 4 bedroom.


Another 4 bedroom.


A 3 bedroom.


Anyone in the Orlando area that sees a great home for rent, let me know! :)

Thankful Thursday

It's that time of week again! Thankful Thursday.

1. Cooler Weather: Anything under 60 just feels nice down here in FL.

2. Bed, Bath and Beyond

3. Pier 1: This store is AMAZING. I took Jon for the first time (he'd never been!) last weekend and he liked it too.


4.Taco Bell: I seriously just can't get enough.


5. My GNO's. (Girls' Night Out) A few times a month me and some friends get together, just to... get away! Go out for cocktails, dinner, movies, shopping, etc. It's nice to escape for even a few hours and just have some adult interaction.

6. Reed Diffusers: I ran into Publix one day to pick up a few things because we were having dinner guests. When I wandered down the candle aisle I spotted these reed diffusers. I'd seen them many times, just never picked one up, until that day. I grabbed 3 of them. 2 for my living room and 1 for the front bathroom (All Pumpkin Spice scented). I LOVE THEM! It's hard to find the oil refills, but the reed diffusers themselves are inexpensive (about $5 ea. I even found them at Ross for $2.99!) so I usually just buy new ones. Everyone should get one!



7. Low Gas Prices: I know I already blogged about this, but seriously. $1.94 today. AMAZING!

8. The "Twilight" Series: I can't put these books down! I'm about halfway through Breaking Dawn, and plan to do some more reading later this evening.

9. My ballet flats. These things save my life somedays, LOL! Every woman (especially MOMS) should own a pair.

A comfy, cozy kinda day.

We've had our "cold" weather for almost a week now, and I'm totally enjoying every second of it! I love getting to bundle up in warm clothes, enjoying the crisp air. This morning we lit up the firepit and let it smolder and burn all morning.

Of course, what fun is the firepit without... S'MORES?! So, of course, we had to roast some marshmallows and make some. One of Chayce's favorite things to do. Mine too! Yummm...

Thanksgiving is at my house this year, and I just found out last night one of my sisters is coming (I wasn't expecting her.) with her husband. So I have to run out later and grab 2 more of the cloth black napkins and napkin rings at Bed, Bath and Beyond. While I'm out I'm going to look at some white, square, serving platters to match my dishes. I found some at Ross and BB&B for amazing prices (under $10/ea!) So I'm sure I'll come home with a few of those tonight as well.

Guess what I'm getting?!

The Nikon D40! It's going to be all mine!



My dream come true, and I can start my freelance business hopefully in a year to 18 months (once I perfect my photography skills and work on my photo editing some more). I'm getting the camera the beginning of December so all of our Christmas photos will be courtesy of yours truely!

Wall-E

Wall-E is on DVD today! I got my copy, did you get yours?! One of Chayce's Christmas gifts this year ;)

Todays Crafts

I got this idea from "Family Fun" magazine! They're called "Glowbirds". Little votive candles designed to look like turkeys.

If you're interested in making some yourself, here's the link:

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=12061

We are also making autumn themed cupcakes. Spice cake, cream cheese icing and little sprinkles that look like leaves.

Well, well, well...

So about 2 months ago gas prices looked more like this...

But this past week gas prices here in my area finally got to:

$1.99

I've seen it as low as $1.96, but WOW! Now for a moment of silence...

Thanksgiving Menu

Our Thanksgiving Menu


Turkey (for the carnivores)
To-Furkey (for the herbivores)
Stuffing
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Casserole
Fresh Vegetables with Veggie Dip
Rolls
Cranberry Sauce
Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
Pumpkin Dip w/ Apple Slices
Pumpkin Bread

Some Monday Ramblings

I woke up and it was 45 degrees outside. Brr... It feels much like Autumn today!

My weekend went very well! Saturday Chayce and I ventured down to Vero Beach. Shopped at the outlet stores and the mall down there. Visited Target here in Melbourne and in Vero. I found the camera I want for Christmas!

The Canon SX110IS



A 9.0 mpx with 10x opitcal zoom. I played around with it all weekend and I really want one! My DREAM is the Nikon d40 but that can wait a bit.

I knew a "cold" front was moving in this weekend and when I went through Chayce's closet I realized he had NO short sleeve shirts. Sure, he has hoodies/sweaters but no light short sleeve shirts. Not to mention, he's getting to tall for his pants and needs more of those too. SO, mommy hooked him up. He got 5 new shirts, 4 new pants, a robe, a pair of shoes and the CUTEST slippers EVER. They're little football slippers. He loves them. So do I!



Needless to say, I think he's good for this winter! Now it's just a matter of getting his Christmas gifts. What do you get a child that seriously has EVERYTHING?! He did outgrow his football jerseys, so we're going to be getting him some more. Jon wants to get him some baseball stuff: Bat, glove, ball (Not sure why, Chayce could care less about that dumb sport. LOL)... Of course a Christmas isn't complete without some Hot Wheels! And he's getting the Wall-E DVD as well. WHICH COMES OUT TOMORROW! It seems as though he'll get a bunch of small items this year rather than a few large items, which is fine I guess.

Next week is Thanksgiving! Where did this year go? Seriously. I will be hosting Thanskgiving at my house for the 2nd year in a row. I went out and bought some nice cloth napkins and napkin rings at Bed, Bath and Beyond [That store is a Godsend] this weekend. My dining room is black and white, keep that in mind. Our plates are white (and square), so this is what I got...



That was about it for my Weekend Escapade of shopping. Yesterday I met up with my family, did some browsing with them, had lunch, then we all got together to watch the football game.

My Pack kicked some Bears ASS yesterday, which is all that mattered to ME. Mwahaha...

Dallas defeated Washington, which I'm NOT happy about. What was up with the bullcrap touchback call? Lame... That whole game was just ridiculous. But whatever. Dallas cheats and wins again. Play the game RIGHT, boys!

Anywhoo, today is just a typical Monday I guess! Going to try and keep it a chill week because next week is the busiest week of my year.

Thanksgiving. Black Friday. Jon's Birthday. Shopping. Yikes!

Finally Friday

Today I'm going to use our last little pumpkin to make some homemade pumpkin puree. No clue how I'm gonna do it yet, as I've never done it before, but guess there's one way to learn. hehe... Need some pumpkin puree to make some more pumpkin bread! We're having friends over for dinner tomorrow night (Chayce's godparents) and I want to whip up some pumpkin bread to send home with them.

Just glad the week is over!

How about those Jets last night?! Beat New England in OT! Favre is HOT this year... I bet he can take those Jets to the Super Bowl. If the Pack can't make it, then I'm sure as heck hoping to see Favre do great.

NY JETS: 7-3

Watch them go to the Super Bowl. Then watch the Packers coach kick himself in the ass for not taking Favre back, LOL. They have serious potential. New England is overrated, and we can see that now that Brady is out. Mwahahaha... GO FAVRE!

Going Bananas

I love Paula Deen. She's seriously AMAZING. And she's fun to watch, always smiling and making jokes. One of my all time faves. Well yesterday I saw an episode of her show on the Food Network and it was called "Going Bananas".

All of her recipes included bananas. And all of them, though unique, sound VERY good and interesting. I think I'll have to give this casserole a shot, if I can find some vegetarian ham. If not, I may use the vegetarian bacon or sausage instead.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/cheesy-ham-and-banana-casserole-recipe/index.html

I'm making this for Chayce today at lunchtime! A fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. At the end you toss it in cinnamon/sugar (like you would with cinnamon toast). He's going to LOVE it!


http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/paulas-fried-peanut-butter-and-banana-sandwich-recipe/index.html

And the BEST part was Banana Split Brownie Pizza. YUMMO!!!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/banana-split-brownie-pizza-recipe/index.html

3 Down, 1 to Go

I finished "Eclipse" last night. And I must say it was SO very dramatic!!!





I'm so glad to start on the 4th, and final, book of the "Twilight" series, Breaking Dawn. The Twilight movies premiers the 21st (Next Friday) and if I put my mind to it (and have enough spare time, lol) I can finish the last book of the series before my Girls Night Out to go see the movie!

A common sense switch...

Well, I was searching for flights and hotels for my Green Bay trip today, ready to book everything, then I got online and saw.... Lo and Behold my Packers are coming to JACKSONVILLE the week AFTER I'd be up at Lambeau.

So, I can spend about $1000 and fly to Wisconsin, get a hotel and rental car and buy tickets for a game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, OR stay here and wait another week and go to the Packers vs. Jaguars game on December 14th and spend $200. I think I'd kick myself for flying to WI knowing they'll be in FL in 7 days. ;)

Hm. Concidering it's the holiday season, I'm going to choose the 2nd option.

It's bittersweet, because I still want to go to Lambeau field *And next season I definitely will!* BUT I finally get to see a Packers game, and that's what really matters most to me! It was a tough decision, that's for sure. As I've been hyped about my Wisconsin trip for a month or so now, but I'm SO hyped about finally getting to see my Pack!!!

Once the season line-up for NEXT season comes out, I'll figure out what game I want to go see and book it next season. Either way I win!



The hardest part for me is that the game here in Florida is December 14th. That's the same day as the Christmas Play. So it's tough for me... Either:

A. I go to the game @ Lambeau, even though the Pack will be right here in a WEEK.
B. Go to the game here, and bow out of the Christmas play.

It almost makes me feel selfish. But how often do I get to do things like this?! Never. We've sacrificed so much the past few years and rarely get to just "get away". So I'm going to have to call the Worship leader today and tell her we can't be in the play. Such a tough decision. Very bittersweet! Can ya' tell I'm a true Packer fan?! LOL! A good perk is, I can actually WEAR the new jersey here in Florida! A trip to Lambeau Field, it would be in the 20's or 30's. There's no way I'd be wearing the jersey by itself up there, I'd be bundled up in so many layers. So atleast here I can wear it. Yay!

2 great Websites!

Thank you, Sheri for giving me this link today! I am ADDICTED!

This website is called tastespotting.com. Basically you get a view of lots of different meal ideas, drinks, desserts, etc. and click the photos to get recipes. I've been browsing it for the past 30 minutes and it's so hard to look away! I love sites like this.... I love cooking, so this is wonderful!!!

www.tastespotting.com

Everyone should check it out.

The 2nd sites is called Supercook. You enter in what ingredient(s) you have on hand that you'd like to use in a dish, and LOTS of ideas/recipes will pop up for you! Such another great idea.

www.supercook.com

Moving to the ORL!

ORLANDO, here we come!

We are moving to Orlando! Sometime this Spring. It's official!

Italian Cream Sodas

My mom and I used to make these all the time many years back. Only this week I recently started drinking them again. I've always just had Vanilla flavored Italian Cream Sodas, but I went to Starbucks and got a Caramel one. TO DIE FOR! Seriously, it's so delicious. It's a must-try drink!



12 shots of Caramel syrup
1/3c. Club Soda
1/2c. Half & Half
Ice

So simple! And so worth it! :) I'm going to buy some Starbucks Caramel syrup tonight before my grocery shopping trip. *drool*

I FOUND ONE!!!

I've been trying to find a Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers jersey IN GREEN since he "retired" last year. Last night ended my search. It never crossed my mind that I know someone that works in a sports store in our mall. I wandered in and happened to ask (not expecting a positive answer), but he happened to have some in Youth sizes! So I got a Youth XL and it fits perfectly. (I did find some online. But they were either the white jerseys, or they were XXXL adult sizes.) I'm SO hyped my search is over. And just in time... 26 days until I fly to Green Bay. It totally just made my week.. my month... heck, I don't even care about Christmas gifts anymore. LOL! *Excuse the stupid expression on my face. Chayce was running amuck in the store. He thought he was in Heaven!*

Today is my dreaded Grocery Shopping Day. *Every other monday*... It's so hectic! But I like trying new meals... This time around I'll be making Mushroom Risotto one night. I made it once like a year ago, we loved it, but for some reason I just never made it again. I also found a Vegetarian Meatloaf recipe that I've made a few times that Chayce LOVES so I'm making. Gotta keep trying new things, right?!



I'm about to make some of my infamous Deep Fried Pickles. YUMM! (And don't knock 'em til you've tried 'em) I'm going to fry up some Mozarella Sticks too. Chayce LOVES Mozarella Sticks.



Seems like a typical Monday so far. I'm just grinning ear-to-ear over my jersey. AND it was surprisingly chilly outside. Chilly = 50 degrees (when I woke up). Nice little chill in the air, but of course... It's 10:30 am and it's already warmed back up. *sigh* Well. Off to tackle my Monday and to check on my Coffee Shop Moms!

Belated Thankful Thursday.

So I haven't done "Thankful Thursday" for a few weeks now, so I really need to do it! Here we go.

1. My Blackberry! I seriously couldn't function without it, and I'm not sure how I have prior to owning *her*. I have a Blackberry Pearl 8120 and it's like a 2nd child to me. My whole life is on this device and, in my opinion, everyone should own one! It makes life SO simple. I hardly even access my laptop much (hence the reason I've been MIA on this blog for days at a time) anymore. I'm pretty sure this has been on my "Thankful Thursday" before, but SERIOUSLY. I really am thankful!

2. My Espresso Maker: 5 days a week I'm stuck inside with the children I watch, and being a Starbucks addict, it can really make life miserable. With the help of my Espresso machine (and some great copycat recipes!) I get to make my own drinks at home.

3. Close-out Halloween Sales: Never thought I could get yummyyyyy candy for such low prices! Hit up these Closeout Halloween sales! *drool* Also, you can get costumes for just PENNIES, and it makes for a great dress-up wardrobe for any kids.

4. Pumpkins: How can you NOT love pumpkins? The smells, flavors, textures. Pumpkins are everywhere inside and outside my home right now. Surrounding my front door, on the wreath ON my front door, in the cornucopia decor in my kitchen, on the sofa table, on the entertainment center. The vibrant colors make it seem so much more like autumn. And they do make for that DELICIOUS pumpkin bread I posted yesterday! ;)

Well, what's done is done!

I must say I am SO glad this Election is OVER. If I heard one more "...I approved this message" low-blow, dramatic commercial I was going to pull my hair out. I'm not thrilled with the outcome, BUT what's done is done. I can only hope that Barack Obama does bring change (FOR THE BETTER! Not all change is good, y'know...) to this country. Either way ya' shake it, he is our new Commander in Chief and our country lies in this man's hands.

May God guide him and lead us in the right direction.

Don't let us down, Obama!

***

Well, yesterday was declared "Pumpkin day" at my house. LOL. We carved a jack-o-lantern *No such thing as too late!* then we had a "pumpkin fight" with all of the gooey insides. Now for a photo overload.

"Mommy, it looks like Spaghetti!" LOL






Ew, what IS this stuff?!

Ew.

Hey, it's not THAT bad!

Pumpkin fight!

Yesterday we indulged in pumpkin pie, AND for my first time ever, I made pumpkin bread. YUM! It came out perfect! Last night was nice, too. We lit up the firepit and roasted marshmallows. It was so nice... our neighborhood smelled like a wood-burning fireplace thanks to us. And with a little chill in the air, it almost felt like autumn... ALMOST! ;) Well, I can't complete this entry without posting my Pumpkin Bread recipe for all my wonderful blog-viewers. It's very simple, and the recipe makes 2 loaf pans worth of bread, so it makes a big amount! Enjoy and if you try it out, post on here and tell me if you liked it!

Pumpkin Bread

2 1/2 c. granulated white sugar

3/4 c. vegetable oil

1 lb. pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)

4 eggs

2/3 c. water

3 1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 ts. cinnamon

1 ts. ground cloves

1/2 ts. nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

1. Cream sugar and oil together.

2. Add pumpkin, eggs, water and beat well.

3. Add flour, baking soda & powder, and spices.

4. Mix well

5. Pour into greased loaf pans and bake.

-Bake at 350 for 1 hour-