Menu Monday #

Baked Ziti Supreme, peas, corn, garlic bread

Poppyseed chicken, Creamy Italian Chicken, green beans, wild rice

Grilled steak, potatoes, squash

Baked chicken, rice, green peas

Shrimp Scampi, Deer Meat Parmasian, butter beans, salad

One of this weeks menu items is found on Joyful Johnson's blog. I have tried several of Roan's recipes and my family loves them and often requests the delicious meal! (changes had to be made to menu...I love pasta but... 3 dishes in one week is a little much)

Baked Ziti Supreme
Ingredients:
1-pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 jar (28 ounces) Pasta Sauce with Mushrooms
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (6 ounces), divided
5 cups hot cooked medium tube-shaped macaroni (about 3 cups uncooked)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

• In large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook beef and onion until beef is browned, stirring to separate meat. Pour off fat.
• Stir in pasta sauce, 1-cup mozzarella cheese, and macaroni.
• Spoon in 3-quart shallow baking dish.
• Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

 Deer Meat Parmesan
Ingredients:
Venison Minute Steaks, (2 packs if for a crowd)
Large can Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 Large Jars of Spaghetti Sauce

Directions:

• Take 2 cups of bread crumbs and mix 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese (double for crowd)
• Throughly coat each steak and fry in small amount of oil (just enough to brown each side)
• Layer steaks in casserole dish. Dust with parmesan cheese and put 3 Tbl of spaghetti sauce on each. Dust with more parmesan cheese.
• Keep making layers, add cheese, and spaghetti sauce until all meat is used.
• Bake at 350 for approx. 30 minutes.

Definitely Works

My friend, Amanda, posted that dryers sheets will clean soap scum off of the shower! Come on now really, dryer sheets clean soap scum off the shower!! I had to try it because you know how hard it is to scrub the shower spotless! First, you wet the dryer sheet. WOW, it rubbed that soap scum right off! Next, I used three sheets on the entire shower and voila my shower is spotless and I did not even turn on the shower! Finally, the dryer sheets left a light soapy film. Therefore, after cleaning the whole shower, I took a wet washcloth and wiped it down. My shower is now sparkling clean. I definitely will continue using dryer sheets to clean the shower. It definitely works!

Taylor Swift

Girls High School Leadership Weekend

Nashville, TN
PRICELESS!!

Seeing Taylor Swift at the Opry Mills Mall
PRICELESS X 2!!

(SORRY ABOUT THE QUALITY...)

TALK ABOUT ONE EXCITED GROUP OF TEEN GIRLS!!!

Date Night

Dink and I went to Memphis to visit a friend at The Farm and Gin Show in the Cook Convention Center. After leaving the convention center, we decided to walk downtown and get a bite to eat. Dink has not eaten at B B Kings, so this is the restaurant of choice. Dink’s meal is the SOUL SAMPLER - BB King Classics: fried pickles, hot Memphis wings, loaded potato skins, and famous ribs. My meal is the NACHOS - jack and cheddar cheese, jalapenos, pico de gallo, sour cream on tri-colored tortilla chips with added BBQ pork. The food is delicious.

The perfect way to end the night is a carriage ride!

Layla Grace

Please pray with me for Layla and her family. Lyndsie shared the story on her blog.

From what the Dr's are saying it doesn't sound like Layla has much time here on earth before she is in the arms of Jesus. I would ask you to please keep this little girl and her family in your prayers during this very difficult time in their lives! *Warning: Layla's story and the video is VERY emotional!! Be prepared before watching the video below.

Click Here: Layla Grace to read more about Layla on her blog or you can become a follower on her Facebook page, "Praying for Layla Grace".

Not a Baby Any More!

Courtney turned the BIG 1 5 on February 1st. Immediately, Courtney began to beg remind me to purchase the drivers manual. As soon as I purchased the drivers manual, she instantly began reading. Courtney completed numerous free permit practice tests online and could not wait to travel to Olive Branch and take the test. Voila, she passed! YAHOO!!

I cannot believe the milestone we just hit! They truly grow up too fast!

AWARD

I received a surprise when I read my blog tonight! I LOVE SURPRISES! A precious blogger friend, Connie, presented me with the Kreativ Blogger Award. I am ecstatic to receive the award. Connie has numerous delectable recipes on her site as well as kitchen, baking, and recycling tips along with uplifting bible verses, Meal Planning with Connie. My family has enjoyed trying many of her recipes. I know you will enjoy Connie’s recipes as well. Be sure to check out Connie’s blog! I know you will enjoy it!


Connie, thank you so much for considering my blog for the Kreativ Blogger Award! I am elated!

The rules for accepting this award are:
1. Post the award.
2. Thank and mention the person who gave you the award.
3. Pass the award on to seven bloggers whom you think embody the spirit of the Kreativ Blogger Award.
4. Name seven things about yourself that others do not know.
5. Don’t forget to notify the seven Kreativ Bloggers about their award and post a link to their blog.

Seven Things about Me that You Might Not Know:
1. I have stopped drinking sodas.
2. I do not like tomatoes.
3. I am very competitive when I play games.
4. I do not like talking on the phone.
5. I cannot hula-hoop.
6. I never learned to skate backwards.
7. I love getting surprises in the mail!

I am passing this award along to:

Kim Sue at Between Now and Then. Kim Sue is a sweet friend and she shares "Kreativ" ways she fills Carly’s Christmas countdown box. She also has the most beautiful pictures on her “Wordless Wednesday” posts.

Amanda at Better Than Life. Amanda is a friend and she shares her precious three children’s "Kreativ" photos and daily family journey.

Rachel at The Hinton Home. Rachel is an awesome Christian role model and she shares some of the funniest stories of her sweet toddler. She also takes numerous "Kreativ" photographs of her sweet little girl. Rachel has a phenomenal way of putting her words in writing.

Kasey at Doodle Bugs Blog. Kasey shares some really “Kreativ” stationary, labels, ect. You MUST check out her site. Her service is “ONE IN A MILLION”!

Megan at Party of Two…Praying for More. Megan shares some really "Kreativ" ways to simply enjoy family and life! We would all be blessed to have a group of YaYas!

Patti at Peppermint Ph.D. Patti is a friend and started her blog in January. She shares "Kreativ" and beautiful photos on her blog. She also shares stories of juggling her three girls and their busy activities.

Christie at The Maniac Mommy. Christie is a friend and she shares "Kreativ" uncensored blogs of her life and episodes of her four busy children!

Menu Monday

Tacos and Taco Salads
Chicken Alfredo, garlic bread, salad
Fish, hushpuppies, spicy fries, and homemade coleslaw
Homemade pimento cheese and tuna salad
Salad with homemade ranch dressing
Spaghetti or Crockpot lasagna , cheese garlic biscuits, and salad
Sliced fruit
Blueberry and chocolate chip muffins

......"Menu is subject to change"......

Amatuer

It is an absolute joy to capture moments in photos. It has been a challenge learning all the custom setting on my Cannon Rebel camera. My precious friend Jennifer emailed me a tutorial 12-week photography lessons with a weekly challenge.

FIRST CHALLENGE - APERTURE

SECOND CHALLENGE - ISO AND SHUTTER SPEED

Happiest Place on Earth

2010 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP

(Celebrating 30 Years)

BEWARE : THIS IS A LONG POST WITH MANY PHOTOS!!!

Friday, February 12 the DCHS cheerleaders gather at 8:00 AM at the Memphis International Airport to board the 10:16 AM Air-Tran flight to Atlanta. Luckily, Courtney and the squad did not flying Delta Air Lines. All Delta flights to/from Atlanta are cancelled due to the snowy weather! It is an odd sensation because Courtney and I are on separate flights. The cheer sponsors bravely endure total supervision of the 18 girls. LOL As the cheer sponsor stated, “This is not a vacation for the girls”!

Kelsey R., Courtney, and Hannah B.

The squad lands safely in Atlanta. The Atlanta flight departs 1:21 PM for Orlando. The girls keep their cell phones for a brief amount of time; the sponsor accumulates all cell phones at nighttime and keeps the phones until approximately lights out. (She gathers the phones to avoid any/all drama such as boyfriend break-ups and friend drama…she wants the girl’s attention fixed only on the competition)

Saturday, February 13 the squad is fully dressed and downstairs around eightish and proceed to eat breakfast. The squad travels by bus for rehearsal warm-ups at 11:10 AM and semifinals competition at 11:40 AM at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Jostens Center. After 12:15 PM, finalist are announced….DCHS MAKE IT TO FINALS…WOOOHOOO! Finals begin at 4:48 PM at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Milkhouse. Wow, all the teams are phenomenal! It is amazing to see the talent of all the high school squads. Around 6:00 PM, the Final Awards begin DCHS places 9th in the Nation! The squad's performance is fantastic!

2010 DCHS Cheerleaders

2010 Finalist

Courtney

Leah, Katelin, and Courtney

Leah, Hannah H. and Courtney

Morgan F. and Tenaria

Kelsey S.

Allie

Courtney R. and Leah

Let's go Jags!

Taking the floor

9th Place

The girls are exhausted! The squad makes the decision to eat supper and turn in early.

Sunday, February 14 the squad hits three parks in one day Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Disney Hollywood Studios.

Epcot

Hannah H. and Courtney

Allie, Courtney R., Hannah H., Hannah B., Leah, and Courtney U.

Hannah B. and Courtney

Morgan P, Emilie, Hannah B., and Courtney

Courtney and Leah

Magic Kingdom

The girls and the Sponsors

Hannah H. and Courtney

Courtney and Emilie

Courtney and Leah

Courtney U. and Courtney R.

Courtney and Bronwyn

Chelsea, Kelsey R., Kelsey S., Hannah H., Leah, Emilie, Katelin, and Courtney

Hannah H., Courtney, and Leah

Courtney U. and Courtney R.

Allie, Morgan F., Kelsey S., Hannah B., Hannah H., Leah, Courtney R., and Courtney U.

Courtney and Hannah B.

Courtney and Hannah B.

Hannah H., Hannah B., Courtney R., Morgan P., Leah, Courtney U., and Emilie

Leah, Morgan P., and Courtney

Courtney, Hannah H., and Morgan P.

Monday, February 15 the squad visits two parks Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney. We meet our girls and their group and eat at Rain Forest Café. We celebrate Courtney’s birthday with a Volcano Brownie Ice-cream Dessert.

Hannah H., and Courtney

Hannah B., Morgan P., Leah, Courtney R., and Emilie

Emilie and Courtney

Hannah H. and Courtney

Hannah H. and Courtney

Courtney U. and Courtney R.

Leah, Emilie, and Courtney R.

Hannah H. - crashed!!!

Emilie and Courtney waiting at Rainforest for our table

The Gang

Volcano

Morgan P., Courtney U., Hannah B., and Courtney R.

Tuesday, February 16 it is time for the cheerleaders to ride the Disney Magical Express bus to the Orlando International Airport. The squads 1:21 PM Air-Tran flight departs Orlando advancing to Atlanta. The girls arrive safely in Atlanta and board 6:14 PM flight bound for Memphis. The flight is slightly late and the girls arrive in Memphis roughly at 6:50 PM.

Courtney is attempting to catch-up on her sleep. She had a fabulous time, created numerous exciting memories, and instantly has a closer connection with her friends.

Courtney and Hannah H.

Morgan P. and Courtney

Courtney and Bronwyn

Courtney and Katelin

Courtney and Kelsey S.

Courtney and Hannah H.

Courtney and Emilie

Courtney and Hannah B.

Courtney and Kelsey R.

Courtney and Lindsey

Courtney and Morgan F.

Courtney and Allie

Courtney and Caitlin

Leah and Courtney

Courtney U. and Courtney R.

Hannah H. and Courtney

My VACATION in Disney is AWESOME! I travel with two wonderful friends Melissa and Rhonda. Parents make their own flight/room reservations. It is fantastic to travel with Melissa. She is familiar with Disney parks, where to eat, shopping, entertainment, and most important the attractions (RIDES)!

The three of us depart the Memphis International Airport at 1:50 PM on Delta Air Lines with a direct flight to Orlando. We arrive in Orlando at 4:45 PM. We board the Disney Magical Express and arrive at our beautiful Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. All I can say is WOW!

Melissa, Rhonda, and I have so much fun. Melissa, Rhonda, and I close down the parks every night! (Rhonda flies back early for work and the last night chooses to pack and go to bed early. I believe she leaves the room around 3:00 AM to board the Disney bus and travels to the airport. Rhonda has a direct flight home. She flies out of Orlando at 6:30 AM and arrives in Memphis at 7:43 AM and then drives to Arkansas for business)

Melissa, Rhonda, and Terri

Rhonda and Terri

Melissa and Rhonda

My brain is slightly foggy on every one of the restaurants and shopping adventures. I will list the parks, entertainment, and attractions.

EPCOT

Soarin’
Test Track
Monorail

MAGIC KINGDOM
It’s a Small World
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Monster’s, Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain
The Haunted Mansion
SpectroMagic Parade

ANIMAL KINGDOM
Expedition Everest
It’s Tough to be a Bug
The Tree of Life

DISNEY HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster
The Tower of Terror
Toy Story Mania

DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop
Wetzel’s Pretzels

Melissa and I board the Disney Magical Express bus and arrive at the Orlando International airport. Our flights leaves Orlando at 11:30 AM and we arrive in Atlanta at 1:05 PM. We eat lunch at Chili’s, board our flight at 2:45, and arrive safely in Memphis at 3:22 PM. I must admit I slept all the way home. The trip was fantastic, but it was great to be home and sleep in my own bed. Immediately, I have to start saving for next year’s trip!