Apple Crisp

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 apples, peeled and sliced
  
• 1/2 cup sugar
  
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  
• 1/2 cup water
  
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  
• 1 cup sugar
  
• 3/4 cup flour
  
• 1/2 cup butter, softened

TO PREPARE:

Put apples in bottom of large baking dish. Combine sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; sprinkle on top of apples. Combine water and lemon juice; pour over apples. Combine sugar, flour, and butter; crumble over apple mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

SERVES: 8

Wildlife

Remember that post where I spoke about the wildlife around my house? Don't remember? Well just pop back over and read-up here. I'll wait.

Hum dee dum, hmmmm. Oh, hi. I see you are back. Now where was I, oh yes wildlife.

Well I still love were I live but I have found a few "critters" I could live without. Driving home yesterday, we encountered this just down our road. Doesn't this just make you want to walk along the road barefoot. NOT! At least I am not as big a chicken as hubby. He wouldn't even get out of the truck and wouldn't roll down the window. What did he think it would "fly" up into the window?


Then later that evening, there was this guy. Now I know he is doing me a service by eating all them pesky ladybugs but does he have to do that right at my back door?




And the snake was definitely doing me no favors as I still have too many mice around the house. If he is going to hang around, the least he can do is earn his keep. Otherwise...........squash!! ;-)

State Competition.

the billboard at State

the last time before they leave the field

Well we didn't get first but we did get second and we had a fan-tab-ulous season. We had a great season, we were first at FOC, we beat countless other bands all year long. We did good!! And next year, we WILL come home with the first place trophy. :-)

Weird.

Somethings are so weird you just don't know where to sort them in the scheme of things.

Thursday, October 30 was the annual 'Trail of Treats' at our local park. Several businesses get together and set up stops along the trail for little trick-or-treaters. Well the local 4-H also helps out with this venture, so off my family goes to do our part.

The treats were set up and all the teenagers had to do was pass out the goodies and play a few games with the kids.

Earlier that afternoon there was also a park clean-up and cook out. There were several left-over packs of hot dog buns from this cook out. So what did our wonderful 4-H agent want done with these? Why hand them out to the kiddies of course. I kid you not. So my lovely daughter stepped up to the plate and handed out buns.


Hey, we got many chuckles and some funny looks but we did manage to give out all the buns. And DD had fun doing it. As long as fun was had by all, that is what matters.

Ghosts?

See what happens when you play with your camera settings. You start seeing "ghosts" walking around. :-)



I am partial to pirates though.


Even pirates with their "blankies".

And did you notice, I managed to get a picture of both my grand babies. :-)

Family

What is family?

There are so many definitions to the word "family" these days. Lately I have been thinking about this. What is family to me? Of course we start with the basics - mother, father, brothers(sisters), aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins. Then begins a new journey together and we get - spouse, sons, daughters, in-laws. As the journey continues, the children grow and then comes - new daughters and sons (in-law), grandchildren. Your brothers(sisters) marry and we get another set of in-laws, nieces, nephews.The cycle continues as each generation grows, gets married, and has children of their own.

But does it end there? I don't think so. We also have what we refer to as our "extended" family. These people are not related to us in any way but we do not love them any less. These are friends we meet in various stages of our life. Childhood friends, sweethearts. Our teenage "partners in crime". Adult friends we have met and cherish. We meet these people everywhere, school, work, church, through our children, through the activities we participate in. We are introduced to them by mutual friends.

A well rounded person is one who can call many people family. I thank the Lord that I have such a huge family. While I am never able to spend the time with them that I would like, I do love them with all my heart. I hope I continue to be blessed with a large family that continues to grow.

It's Done! :-)

Well he did!! We now have a new member of the family officially. Mark your calendars, October 10, 2008.

It was just at the court house but we did do it outside on the lawn.

love ya,
Shelley

Hamburger Helper soup

Gee, I meant to put this one out weeks ago. Enjoy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If it's too warm for soup, just tuck this one away for the fall.

I am thinking crock pot meals! What other dinner mixes could be used like this? Any chicken ones?

****

1 lb. ground beef
1 med. chopped onion (I omit)
1 pkg. Hamburger Helper mix for cheese burger macaroni
5 cups water
1 can chopped tomatoes
1/4 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1/4 t. basil
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen (mixed) vegetables

Brown ground beef and onion in skillet, stirring frequently; drain.
Add sauce mix, 5 c. water, tomatoes and seasonings.
Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Simmer, covered, for 10 min., stirring occasionally.
Add macaroni and vegetables.
Cook, covered, for 10 to 15 min. or until macaroni is tender.