How Clean It is

Stanley Steemer came to visit me today. That was awesome! He left me with some very nice clean carpets. He arrived a little before nine and was gone by 10:10! While here he cleaned my living room and hallway, upstairs steps and hallway, boys bedroom and our bedroom. I've rented a steamer in the past and let me tell you, in that hour I'd have barely been set up to get started! It cost a little more than doing it myself but surprisingly not all that much more. Unfortunately, they are quite wet and we do not have A fan in this house. Hopefully they will not take too long to dry.

Pecan-Crusted Salmon

I found this recipe in The Taste Of Home's new three ring cookbook. It was delicious! Even my kids ate it because they didn't know the coating had pecans since I put the pecans in my nut grinder. It was quick and easy.

PECAN-CRUSTED SALMON

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
2 cups milk
1 cup finely chopped pecans
½ cup flour
¼ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
2 teaspoons pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Place salmon fillets in a large resealable plastic bag; add milk. Seal bag and turn to coat. Let stand for 10 minutes; drain

Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl, combine the pecans, flour, brown sugar, seasoned salt and pepper. Coat fillets with pecan mixture, gently pressing into the fish.

In a large skillet, brown salmon in oil over medium-high heat. Transfer to a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Yield: 4 servings

Danny Exercises

We went to the library last night and I got left looking at books on tape while Danny and Jeanie went to pick out their books. Danny came up to me with three exercising books. "Your Best Body Ever" and "A practical introduction to Tai Chi". I put my foot down on the third one, "Post-Pregnancy workouts". I told him that he really didn't need that one!

Playing House

This is a sight we don't see too much around here anymore. So much so that I had to take a picture. I took down the steering wheel from the computer to see if we need to save it (and I guess we do) and the kids decided it made a good steering wheel for their "car". Of course, one of the girls asked them incredulously....."You're playing house??? How OLD are you??" Danny missed the "tone of voice" and matter of factly answered, "I'm 12 and Jeanie is 9."

More 1979 Grand Marais

Camping in Grand Marais - 1979

Long Ago

Heidi's Apron

Me and the twinners went shopping yesterday. We came home with only two dresses. One for Gretchen and one for Jeanie. I did hit the clearance rack at Penney's and got Jeanie and Danny a few things from the $1.98 rack!

Per Heidi's post. Danny got out some exercise books from the library. One is called Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes. We were dying last night watching him "exercise". He would go page by page and mimic the lady's pose. He was getting so mad at Dad because he kept calling him "Danielle". Brett was ragging him asking if he was a "girl". In the middle of the book there are pictures of people who have supposedly done the program. Before and after pictures. When he got to them, he got all excited and said, "See Brett!!!! See, boys, too!! See it's for boys too!!" There were a couple men in there. I was too lazy to go get the camera and take a picture. I'm sure he'll be doing more exercising so I'll try capture his "finesse" later.

Heidi's Shower

Yes, she was surprised! Paula and I met her at Marijane's to see her dress. Marijane called her for a fitting. We got there about 7:00 and were upstairs admiring her beautiful dress. Marijane and Cindy had put a sign on the door, "Shhhhhh......the bride is upstairs trying on her dress." I could hear cars coming up the driveway but everyone was very quiet downstairs. Heidi didn't notice the cars as she was not listening for them. Paula and I went down so Heidi could change back into her clothes. She was CLUESLESS until she turned the corner and saw all the gifts at the bottom of the stairs and the people in the living room. When she got there at 7:00 there were no chairs set up in the living room. In fact Alissa's (sp?) toys were on the floor. (Cindy's baby's) They must have scrambled once Heidi got upstairs. It was so fun and she got so many nice things!!! Very heartwarming and overwhelming.

1982

Sara, Jen holding Emily, Brent holding Tricia, Matt and Bryon. These pictures just make me lonesome for these little kids.

I guess I use to sew

I made this dress for Easter one year. Easter must have been late in 1981 as the weather was very warm. We got home from church and Jennifer and Matt went out to play. Jen was riding a Big-Wheel bike and her dress got caught under the tire and ripped big time! That was the one and only time she wore this dress!This was when I was into smocking. I remember having so much fun making this. (Jennifer's dress)
This one was another fun dress to make. (Jennifer's dress) Of course to Jennifer's dismay, I didn't save any of them.

I've Been Tagged

The Rules:You must post the rules before you give your answers.
You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name.
Each fact must begin with that letter.If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name.
After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers.
At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name.
(Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details)

I've been tagged by Heidi. This is hardly fair as my middle name has eight letters but here goes.... I have to tag 8 people before Jen!!!!

M-married for almost 32 years
A-Aunt to 100+ nieces and nephews
R-Really like to cook and bake and eat
G-great-great aunt to 9 great-great nieces and nephews
A-always enjoy a good book
R-really miss my 11 grandchildren
E-eager to finish this before Jennifer gets on her computer
T-talented side-tracker

I tag Judy, Kate, Katie, Sue, Yvonne, Kaitlin, Gretchen and Emily!

Herbed Shepherds Pie

PW I am not. How she takes such beautiful pictures of food is beyond me. I should have had Kaitlin take them. This is really a family favorite. It definately is better than it looks! I double this and put it in a 9 x 13 pan. Today is the second snow day for the kids. It sure is beautiful outside. Will post snow pictures later. Today I am making pasties. The first pans are in the oven.


HERBED SHEPHERD’S PIE

1 pound ground beef
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) beef broth, divided
3-4 bay leaves
2 whole cloves (I omit this as I haven't had them in the house)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 to 1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon minced chives
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 medium onions, sliced
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large carrot, sliced or chopped
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
2 tablespoons flour

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in 1 cup broth, bay leaves, cloves, pepper and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Mash potatoes with milk, butter, chives and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in cheese; keep warm.

Add the onions, celery, carrot, corn and remaining salt to the beef mixture. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk the flour and remaining beef broth until smooth. Gradually stir into beef mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Discard bay leaves and cloves.

Transfer beef mixture to a greased 11 X 7 x 2 inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until heated through.

There's One in Every Bunch

Then again.....maybe there's not!

Riss's Haircut

I finally took a picture of Larissa's haircut. The kids have started the countdown for Amanda's wedding. Every morning I walk into the kitchen I get to see how many days I have left to be ready for it! (33 more days today) I sewed as far as I can for Kirsten's flower girl dress for Heidi's wedding. I need her to try it on for the hem and to make sure I don't have to take it in at all. Pioneer Woman's lasagna for supper tonight.

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY MOM!

Wishing you a wonderful birthday! 75 years young! I hope you enjoy your day down in the warm weather with your friends. We love you!