Christmas Gift ALERT!!! $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates For Only $2 Or $10 For $.80!!!!

Christmas Gift ALERT!!! $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates For Only $2 Or $10 For $.80!!!!

We have a new restaurant code for 80% off, that makes a $25 certificate only $2! Remember these make GREAT Christmas gifts! You purchase them in $25, $50, or $100, or even larger increments and your gift recipient chooses where they want to eat and they can use them anytime for the following year! So nice!

use the code: ENTREE at checkout to get $25 gift certificates for only $2!! This code is good until 11/12/09!

Also, make sure anytime you are shopping online you shop thru Mr. Rebates, to make it an even better deal!

FREE Graffiti Safewipes!

Fill out a short form to receive FREE Graffiti Safewipes. The website says: For the fast, easy, convenient removal of graffiti markers and spraycan paints while preserving original paint and surface. Sounds like something anyone with kids may need!

FREE Graffiti Safewipes!

Military Spouses

A dear friend of mine and fellow military spouse posted this on facebook. It is so very true that I felt the need to repost. So many non military spouses and friends can not fully understand what it is a military spouse deals with from day to day. Mind you this is not from a lack of trying to understand it is due to the simple fact that we live in a different world than those that are not military. I hope you enjoy this and for all of my Civi friends feel free to ask me about anything in here that makes no sense to you!

Each one may look different and each is wonderfully unique, but this they have in common:


Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.

She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...

She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
......all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert,
The Arctic,
Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after
them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is
unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds
them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.

Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart .
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military
Husband,
She will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.

--Author Unknown

Only Words

Well it has been a while since I have sat down to blog. For that I send to you all my apologies. This last bit has been hard with me battling Pneumonia for several months now as well as just life in general. Things for me have been to say the least crazy! Needless to say I have been placed in some dramas that are just not where I want to be. I am believe it or not a drama seeking person. Having been placed in a position that makes me feel like I am seeking drama. I guess I will never fully understand why it is that some people feel the need to create and live in a world of chaos.

Other than that things for my little family have been busy! Getting ready for Halloween while watching my oldest play high school football. The First homecoming and the excitement that is building for him with that. Not that he would ever admit to that... you understand that he is just far too cool to be excited. He is now looking at giving wrestling a try this season . Should be fun to watch as he learns a new respect for a brand new sport.

For those that have been following my youngest, Will , he is doing wonderfully after his surgery. He has been cleared to go back to school! Good news for this mommy who had been in isolation with him for far far too long! While the transition to going back to school has not been an easy one for him he is enjoying playing with his friends. We have also been cleared from our monthly visit to the cardiologist! We are now not going to see him again until December!

In your spare time do a little holiday shopping the easy way with my Tastefully Simple Site! Great gift and holiday meal ideas make sure to use Rep ID# 0035656! Go to www.tastefullysimple.com/web/rthompson1

Hope you enjoy the photos!

2 weeks of Freezer Meals part 1

I love to make meals ahead of time in one full day of cooking. This helps in those times where you know your days are going to be packed full and you will not have a ton of time to make a great meal. While the cooking day can take a little planning and feel very intimidating at first once you do it you can see how simple it is to do. For your cooking day plan another pre-made meal if you have it or order some carry out! You will not want to have to cook a dinner for that day! Make sure to check your pantry for any of the items in the recipes so that you do not have to spend more than needed. Also remember when making your list to check your items against any coupons that you may have! As Always shop the sales add for even larger savings!

The Menu

Week 1

Monday ~ Beef Taco Lasagna

Tuesday ~ BBQ Brisket

Wednesday~ Sheppard's Pie

Thursday~ Cheddar Beef Enchiladas

Friday ~ Colorful Chicken Casserole

Saturday~Sausage and Rice

Sunday~ Cheddar Chicken Spirals

Week 2

Monday~ Asian Noodle Toss

Tuesday~ Zesty Chicken Soup

Wednesday ~ Taco Filled Pasta

Thursday~ Mexican rice with Chicken

Friday~ 3 Cheese Kielbasa

Saturday~ Chicken Mac

Sunday~ Pizza Meatloaf Cups

The Recipes

Beef Taco Lasagna

This yummy dish makes 2 big pans! This gives you another meal down the line or one to share with friends. Each Pan serves 8

24 lasagna noodles 2 lbs ground beef 2 envelopess taco seasoning 4 egg whites 2 cartons (15oz) ricotta cheese 8 cups shredded cheddar cheese 2 jars chunky salsa

1. cook noodles according to directions. While cooking noodles brown beef in large skillet, drain then add taco seasoning.

2. in small bowl combine egg whites and ricotta cheese. Drain noodles

3. In both of the 13x9x 2in pans lap cheese layer four noodles, 3/4 cup cheese mixture, half of the beef mix, 1 1/2 cups salsa and 1 1/3 cups of cheese. Repeat

4. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. thaw then Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving!

BBQ Beef Brisket

serves 12

1 10oz bottlesoy sauces 1Tbs liquid smoke 2 tsppepper

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1tsp garlic salt 1tsp onion salt

1tsp celery salt 1fresh beef brisket (5 lbs)

BBQ Sauce

1bottle ketchup 1 to 2 tbs sugar 1Tbs cider vinegar

1 1/2 Tsp prepared mustard 1Tsp Worcestershire sauce 1tsp soy sauce

1. in a large ziplock bag combine the first 7 ingredants add brisket. seal the bag and turn to coat. refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

2. Drain and discard marinade. place brisket on a large sheet of heavy duty foil. Seal tightly place in a 15 in x 10x1 baking pan coatedwith cooking spray. bake at 325 for 4 hours or untill meat is tender.

3. remove brisket and let stand for 20 minutes. Thinly slice meat across the grain. place in uncreased 13x9x2 pan.combine sauce ingredients and pour over meat. cover and bake for 1 hour or until heated through. May be frozen for up to 3 months.

Shepard's Pie

serves 5

1 lb ground beef 3 tbs chopped onion 1/2 Tsp minced garlic

1/3 cup ketchup 1 tbs cider vinegar 1/2 tsp salt 1 1/4 cups water

3 tbs butter 1 1/4 cups instant mashed potatoes 1 (3oz) package cream cheese cubed 1 (12oz) tube buttermilk biscuits 1/2 cup crushed potato chips

1. in large skillet cook beef, onion, and garlic over med. heat until meat is no longer pink. drain meat then add katchup, vinagar and salt then set aside.

2. in small sauce pan bring water and butter to a boil. remove from heat and add instant potatoes. Whisk untill well blended. beat in cream cheese until smooth.

3. press biscuits into the bottom and up the sides of 10 greesed muffin cups. Fill with beef mixture. Spread potato mixture over beef. Sprinkle with potatoe chips. press down lightly

4. . Then bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes. cool before placing in a single layer to be frozen.

Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw over night then bake at 375 for 15-18 minutes or until heated through.

Cheddar Beef Enchiladas

2 pans each having 5 -6 enchiladas

1 lb ground beef 1 envelope taco seasoning ! Cup cold water

2 cups cooked rice 1 can refried beans 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided 10 - 12 flour tortillas (8 inch) 1 jar salsa 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup

In large skillet cook beef over med. heat. Drain then stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to boil then simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in rice and cook for 4 minutes

Spread about 2 tbs of refried beans , 1/4 cup beef mix and 1 tbs cheese down center of each tortillia. rollup and place seem side down in 13x9x2 pans.

Combine salsa and soup and pour down the center of enchaladas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.

To bake thaw over night . Cover and bake for 30 minutes at 375. uncover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes.

Colorful chicken casserole

Makes 2 casseroles each serve 4

1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped green pepper 3/4 cup chopped onion 2 Tbs butter 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup frozen corn 1 cup frozen peas 1tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 3 cups cooked chicken cubed 1 package cooked and cut spaghetti 1 jar sliced mushrooms drained 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In large skillet saute green pepper, and onion in butter until tender. Add broth , corn , peas. Stir in chicken and spaghetti

Devide between 2 8in square prepared dishes. . top with mushrooms and cheese.

Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook bake at 350 for 35 minutes if frozen, if thawed bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and cook for 10 minutes.

Sausage Rice

Serves 6-8 makes to dishes

2 packages rice pilaf 2 lbs bulk pork sausage 6 celery ribs chopped

4 med. carrots, sliced 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can cream of mushroom soup 2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp pepper

Make rice according to the package. in large skillet cook sausage, celery and carrot over med. heat until no longer pink and drain.

In large bowl combine sausage mixture cooked rice, soups, onion powder and pepper. Transfer into 2 greased 11x7x2 pans.

Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. thaw then bake at 350 for 40 - 45 minutes.

Cheddar chicken Spirals

Serves 4

1 1/2 cups uncooked spirals 1/2 cup mayo 1/3 cup milk 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp dried basil 2 cups frozen mixed veggies ( thawed) 1 1/2 cups cooked cubed chicken

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Cook noodles according to package, meanwhile in large bowl combine mayo, salt, milk and basil. Stir in vegetables, chicken and 1 cup of cheese. drain pasta and then add to mixture

Place mix into 1 1/2qt. microwave safe casserole dish. cover with remaining cheese. cover and microwave for 4-5 minutes or until heated through.

This dish can be made and frozen with out cooking in the microwave. Use freeze and microwave safe dish.

One Week of Dinners

Ok SO here is one week of dinners with no sides. All of the meals can have sides added to them for what you or your family want or like.

Sunday ~~ Chicken in Gravy

Monday~~Homemade Pizza

Tuesday~~Velveeta Tex Mex

Wednesday~~Super Stuffer Potatoes

Thursday~~Slow Cooker Lasagna

Friday ~~Cheesy Chili Soup

Saturday~~Sloppy Tacos

Chicken and Gravy

makes 4 servings

4 slices Bacon ( chopped) 4 Large carrots, thinly sliced

1 large onion, chopped 1 cup low sodium chicken broth

2 oz. low fat cream cheese 3 cups cooked brown rice

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (halves)

1. In large nonstick skillet cook bacon on medium heat for 5 minutes or until crisp. Remove from pan and place on paper towel to dry. Discard drippings.
2. In same skillet add chicken cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. Chicken is done at 165 degrees F. Move chicken when done to plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Add veggies and half a cup of chicken broth to skillet. Let Simmer 10 minutes or until veggies are tender.
4. Stir remaining broth and cream cheese cook uncovered for 2 minutes or until cream cheese is melted and sauce is thickened. Stir constantly! Return chicken to skillet and cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Spoon rice onto plates and place chicken, sauce and bacon.

Homemade Pizza

Your favorite pre-made pizza crust Pre-made pizza sauce

Mozzarella cheese Other pizza toppings of your choice

1. Make crust according to instructions on package.
2. Cover crust with pizza sauce
3. Cover Pizza sauce with all your favorite toppings
4. Bake at 350 until pizza is cooked through. ( If your crust has different instructions please follow those cooking instructions for temp.)

Velveeta Tex- Mex

Makes 6 servings

1lb ground beef 1/2 cup water

1 red pepper, chopped 4 cups frozen cubed souther style hash browns

1 onion, chopped 1 10 oz package frozen corn

1 package taco seasoning 1/2 Lb velveeta cubed

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. brown meat , red pepper, and onion in large skillet. Drain and then return to skillet
3. Stir in taco mix and water. Add hash browns, corn and cheese. Mix Well!
4. Spoon into a 13x9 baking dish. Bake covered for 20 minutes
5. Stir and then bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until heated through.

Super Stuffed Potatoes

Serves 4

4 small baking potatoes 1 lb ground beef

1/4 lb velveeta, cubed 1 small tomato, chopped

2 green onions, sliced 1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream

1. Prick potatoes with fork then microwave on high for 14 minutes or until tender. Turning them after 7 minutes
2. While potatoes are cooking brown hamburger in large skillet. Drain and then add velveeta, tomatoes and onions. Cook until cheese is melted and well blended. Remember to stir frequently to keep the cheese from burning!
3. Split potatoes and mash insides with a fork. Top with meat mix and top with sour cream if desired.

Slow Cooker Lasagna

Serves 8

1 lb ground beef 1 jar spaghetti sauce 1 cup of water

1 (15oz) Ricotta cheese 7 oz shredded mozzarella 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1 egg 2 tbs chopped parsley 6 lasagna noodles

1. Brown meat in large skillet and drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and water. Mix in ricotta and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, 2 Tbs of Parmesan, egg and parsley.
2. Spoon 1 cup of meat sauce into slow cooker. Top with layers of half each of the noodles broken to fit, and cheese mixture. cover with 2 cups of the remaining meat sauce and repeat layers.
3. cover with lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours
4. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and let stand covered until topping of cheese melts.

Cheesy Chili Soup

1 28 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained 1 15oz kidney beans rinsed

1 can 14 1/2 oz chicken broth 2 stalks celery

2 carrots Chopped 1 onion chopped

2 tsp chili powder 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese

1. Bring all ingredients except cheese to boil in medium saucepan.
2. Simmer on low heat for 25 minutes or until veggies are tender. Stir in 1/3 cup of cheese.
3. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese.

Sloppy Tacos

Serves 8

1 lb ground beef 1 (160z) jar of salsa

1 package of hamburger buns 1 package of american cheese slices

1. Brown meat in large skillet and Drain.
2. Stir in salsa. Cook until heated through. Stir as needed.
3. Spoon mixture into hamburger buns top with cheese.

My stance on "The Speech"

Ok so many think that this for me is an issue because I am a conservative republican and have fundamental issues with the policies that are being worked. This is not the case. If Bush or any other President wanted to do this I would have the exact same response to it. My issue is that here in California we are so tight in our budget that we can not afford many or the things that in most areas are expected and covered by the school district. Our children are in schools that can not be repaired when they have issues because the money is not there. Music, Art, PE and Computer is paid for by the PTA because the schools can not afford to pay the teachers. We have over crowded class rooms sitting in some rooms are at 35 to 1 ratios. Teachers having to teach a combination of grades class just so that the ratios are not worse than where they are. The high school can not afford to pay coaches for sports teams and forget paying for buses to get them to games. Oh that and if you are lucky enough to be on a bus route then you have the privilege to pay $200.00 per child to let them ride the school bus. With the teachers having so much on their plate as it is to me it is unfair to take their valuable time up with a 20 minute speech. Add to that then having all of the "recommended" activities that go along with that speech. While here in California we are into the first month of school the teachers have more of a routine at this time to get the amazing things done that they do every day with the little that they are given to do it with. For those that have this speech on the first day of school it is even more of a burden. The first day is hard enough in all grade levels for many reason that adding in this speech is an unreasonable request. I would have no issue with this speech if a little bit of common sense was applied and it was done Monday or Tuesday night where the kids would be able to watch it at home. I also feel that this topic is something that parents should be able to discuss with their child. This is not up to the teachers to have to cover with the students when the parents can just as simply do the same things at home with the materials provided to go with this speech. I think that the message of stay in school and get a good education is wonderful but not something that needs to be covered in the class room. Teachers are under so much pressure to teach to the testing standards for each state that they have little to no freedom to work with the children on things that do not fall on the test. Some of this is stuff that is important. In Virginia my children were taught simply to pass the Standards of Learning ( SOL) Test. This test was the only focus of the schools for the year. Everything revolved around what was on this test. Children would be so stressed out by this test that they would get ill from worry about doing well on the test. This is even in the elementary levels! Here i California we have the Star testing and the Bench Mark testing. The children are forever in some type of testing or prep for the testing. In Virginia my children were taught history... Virginia's History. Here in California they are taught something else. Personally I feel that this is an issue that Obama should be looking at. With so many dropping out and failing he should spend the time looking at the true cause of this and not preaching at them to stay in school. This message is told to them over and over. They know why to stay in school they know why it is important. If Obama is worried about our children competing in the Global marketplace as they get older then the focus needs to be less on stay in school and more on improve the education that is being provided to the children that are in school. Make an National Grading scale so that kids graduating High School have the same GPA in one state as they would in another by having all using the same grading scale. Not having this puts these children at a disadvantage when they are applying to college. Having a curriculum that is the same across the nation would help as well this way all children are being taught the same thing regardless of where they live. There is no advantage or disadvantage by state standards. For me personally there are many issues that I feel need to be addressed by the country as a whole so that the education system can get back on track. As a military family we have the unique ability to move many times during the time that our children are in school. This affords us the ability to move to a better area and in some cases a far worse one with little or no say as to the education that is provided by the schools. This is why many military families feel it imperative to home school their children. This helps those children to receive a great education and many times that is something that the schools that the children would have attended could not do. With the challenges that military children face every day I feel that education and the right to a good education is something that should never be an issue! Our Children send their mothers and fathers off to war. Spend months at a time with only one parent or in some situations other family members because both mom and dad are deployed. They never know if Mom or Dad is ever going to be able to come back from war they know the price that may be paid.

They are not like the other children in the schools and they speak a different language than that of their friends. For those that do not know Military speak is far different than that of a civilian. For instance my husband receives and LES where we can see what he got paid for BAH, BAS and what deductions were taken for SGLI and other such things. Now if this does not have you confused my children will ask where the Head is, what time you hit the Rack, if you wear your cover in the house. Ok those are simple. In a conversation with other spouses you can here words like duty , TDY, Ditty, pcs, prd, duty and so on. Those are also terms that i hear the kids using as well. With the many challenges that the kids face having education being another one is even more unfair to them.

So President Obama if you would like to see our children do better in school and stay in school make school a better place with education levels being to the standards that they had been years ago when we were as a country one of the best places to get educated!