Day #113 and Company

Operation Organization is almost complete, but has come to a complete stop because my parents are here for Easter weekend.  Today we are going shopping for the kids clothes and shoes.  Not so sure how this day is going to turn out, but looking forward to a distraction.  These next few weeks are going to be chaotic with track, baseball, 8th grade promotion, and field days.  I always look forward to the end of the school year, but this year is a little different. My oldest will be in high school next year and I don't know if I'm ready for all this.  Ready or not, it's coming.  I know I started this blog to make new recipes, but right now all I can think about, or have time for, is my kids.  I hope you understand and will get back to cooking soon.

Day #108 and Realizations...

Spring cleaning this week has brought me to realize that I am somewhat of a hoarder.  It has taken six days just to clean two rooms!  I've made three trips to Goodwill and sold several things on Craigslist, but still have more stuff to go through!  Three of the four binders for the kids are done and all the pictures for the family photo albums are now in one place.  My office is destroyed with things that need to be put in their permanent homes.  Now with t-minus three days until my parents arrive for Easter weekend I have the rest of this house to clean, but today I woke up with an awful headache, sneezing, and coughing.  Which brings us to the second realization, allergies. UGH! 

I need to make a menu for Easter Dinner.  Any ideas?

Day #101 and MIA

Sorry I've been MIA for the past few days, but I am on a mission to declutter this house.  Currently working on the office/guest room and going through old photos.  I decided to put together binders for each one of the kids.  Four binders instead of six tubs of papers and photos!  I hope to finish my mission and get back in the kitchen by next Monday!  Til then take care and enjoy the weather!

Day #96 and a Little Burnt

Saturday started out with a plan and ended up with nothing done.  Sunday was much more productive.  After four hours, several bags of trash, and several more bags gone to donation, the little boys room is clean.  The boy's room is now up for inspection morning and night.  So far so good!

Yesterday was my daughter's first track meet.  I had no idea what to expect, but soon learned a few things.

1. Wear sunscreen. 
2. Wear hair in ponytail .
3. Be aware of the order of events.
4. Bring a stadium chair.

 Yes, my face is fried.  Not only from the intense sun, but also from the 30-40 mph wind gusts! The track meet started at 2pm and my daughter's events, three relay races, didn't even start until 5pm!  So you can imagine how sore my backside is from sitting for 6 1/2 hours!  She did awesome, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place.  So proud of her!

Today is laundry and recovery.  Not sure how therapeutic laundry will be, but I need to get it done.

Have a great day!

Day #92 and Saturdays

Saturdays in the spring mean yard work, laundry, and cleaning.  Today we are going to work on the basement, mainly the boys room.  The two little boys share a room and it is anything but clean.  They need new beds and toy storage, but today's goal is to see the floor.  To bribe them, yes we do bribe, I am making another recipe out of my new cookbook, which just happens to include one of my favorite ingredients, Jello!

NEW RECIPE #25 Kaleidoscope Popcorn:

(The Frugal Foodie Cookbook:  Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook)

(Average Family Rating 3)

1/4 C. Butter, unsalted

3/4 C. Sugar

1 pkg. Jello, fruit-flavored (3 oz.)

3 Tbsp. Corn Syrup, light

3 Tbsp. Water

1/4 tsp. Baking Soda

8 C. Popcorn, popped (1/2 kernels)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Lined two rimmed baking sheets with foil and grease with cooking spray.

Melt butter in heavy-bottomed saucepan.  Add sugar, jello, corn syrup, and water.  Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until mixture boils.  Simmer for 5 minutes.  Add baking soda, stir well to combine. 

In lagre bowl, pour Jello mixture over popcorn and mix well to coat.  Spread coated popcorn on baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes.  Stir and bake for an additional 5 minutes.  The popcorn should be dry and crisp.  Slide foil on cooling racks and cool completely, then break into small clusters. 

UPDATE:  This popcorn is good, but only when warm right out of the oven!  As it cools it's almost too hard to eat!

Day #91 and WuSHOCK!

Didn't get around to making cookie dough last night because Hubby and I went to the neighbors' to watch the NIT Championship Game.  It was a sloppy game but the Wichita State Shockers pulled out a victory and the first NIT Championship in school history!  So I'm making cookie dough this morning and cupcakes and pasta salad and salsa and spinach artichoke dip.  Dinner party at 6.

Have a great day and try not to get fooled by anyone!