tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853889433358752242024-03-05T07:23:14.355-06:00Crazy, Tragic, Sometimes Almost Magic, Awful, Beautiful LifeQuintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-84146854782113992302010-07-19T16:00:00.002-05:002010-07-19T16:12:18.146-05:00This is part of the crazy, magic life....<span style="color:#663300;">Things have gone crazy around here!!!! And I'm sittin' back and enjoying the ride!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">A few months ago, things started changing around here. My husband and I read Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, and that is what it is doing to our family. Making us over. Penny by penny we are setting and reaching goals of getting out of debt.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">In the process of reading the book and getting on track together with a budget, things started getting a little hairy at work for my husband. I don't know how long he will be employed, and a lay off is always eminent.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Therefore, we have decided to change the direction of our family. Right now, he is in the process of working on maybe entering the insurance industry with an already established company. And in that process, with things being iffy at work, we prayed about me maybe finding employment.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">For me to find employment, a couple of things would have to happen. #1, it would have to be nights, and somewhere safe. #2, it can't keep me from my duties as a mother, #3, it would just have to be the perfect situation! So I set out to read the paper everyday to see what was available. In fact, a month or so ago, I had even told my hubby, wouldn't it be cool if I could find part time nights at a local hotel. </span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">Last Wednesday, there was an ad for a job fair at the local Holiday Inn the next day, as a guest relations clerk, AND they were hiring all shifts! So with a prayer and resume in hand, I headed down and applied. I filled out an application and did a quick 10 minute interview. By 9:30 Friday morning, I had a call back for a 2nd interview!</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">So this morning, I headed down for my 2nd interview. And it went great! I already have a call back for tomorrow.</span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;">So things are crazy here, and I'm loving it!</span>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-3856251378779134992010-06-14T14:01:00.002-05:002010-06-14T14:04:31.212-05:00Crazy Life....<span style="color:#006600;">I really don't know how people can blog everyday! It's been almost a year since I have blogged here. And I've missed it. :)</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">I need to get on here more and put some life lessons and feelings in words. </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Hopefully, I can find a few minutes a day to check in. </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><em>from this Crazy, Tragic, Sometimes Almost Magic, Awful, Beautiful side of life........</em></span>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-75240357524080025952009-08-15T09:45:00.002-05:002009-08-15T09:59:30.455-05:00My Friday Deals...Here's my deals of the day:<br /><br />CVS--Spent $8 OOP, Got 11 ECB's back, Saved $8.<br /><br />Jewel--Transaction #1 Spent $27.72 OOP, Got $5 Inst. Rebate and $20 MIR.<br /> Transaction #2--Spent 37.21 OOP and a $10 MIR.<br /><br /> Total Saved $54.87<br /><br />Hyvee--Spent $37/ Saved $4.<br /><br />Target--Spent $24.76 OOP/ Saved $3.28.<br /><br />SV SuperMarket--$3.69 on a whole chicken (I am going to cook this up to see how many meals I can get from it.)<br /><br />This trip was a littl frustrating, but I'll work through it. The kids aren't around this week , so most of it was stuff they will use when school starts.<br /><br />My envelope budgeting is going well. I'm finally on board with what my hubby has been trying to teach me the last 8 1/2 years. Sorry to say, I'm not good with money at all. But now I'm on board with it. Next pay period will be interesting to see how it works. Our big house payment comes out of that check, not leaving much else after it, tithes, and bills. And because my hubby gets paid every two weeks, it shifts when we get that extra pay check every six months or whatever.<br /><br />But so far, I've only spent $230 on food. Understand that this is a big accomplishment for me. Groceries were never budgeted, so I spent whatever when I went to the store. The last few months before I started doing this, I was spending $600+ on food a month. That included eating out and groceries, and picking stuff up here and there. Now that I have switched to shopping once a week instead of every two weeks, I don't find myself in the store picking up what I ran out of.<br /><br />We have 1 more pay check in August. And if I do it right, I will have chopped my grocery bill in half!!!! This has been very exciting for me to learn and play with. And there is actually money budgeted to go do other things. :)<br /><br />So that's how it went this week.....<br /><br />PS....I think some stores and candy makers are behind a conspiracy to make our children revolt against us. WHO'S BRIGHT IDEA WAS IT....to put all the candy right up underneath the cash register. I have never had a problem with my kids asking for things except at CVS...its right there at THEIR eye level, and a pack of Starbursts (which Mom said no to) about had us headed out to the van for a "battle of the wills" match. And it was only the first stop! But mom got her point across and off we headed to Jewel for stop 2. I think after yesterday, I will try to arrange it to go shopping by myself. 5 or 6 stops with a 3 and 6 year old is just to much for them. It's almost too much for me, BUT it's so worth the savings. :)<br /><br />Have a great weekend!Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-33545254204098325142009-08-08T12:06:00.008-05:002009-08-08T12:43:28.583-05:00Saturday Morning Grocery TripGood Morning, or should I say Good Afternoon, guess it depends on where you are from right now. It actually just turned 12:07 here, so I guess it's afternoon. :) <div><div><br />Here is how my shopping trip went today.</div><div><br /><div><strong><em>Transaction #1--Jewel Osco</em></strong><br /></div><div>Jewel was having a sale on certain items, if you bought $30, you got $15 back toward your next purchase. So here is what I did...</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367648500992661874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtwoeqCH4E0TJ9UevIaaU8es8kFiUtcMnPjTgABhyWQaQG2KrWtEerBSJstHqTvj9D_0hU_B3CFFeq1iiYd05NQtyVcTfeGmEsnsNUM6NNpnb9S9CXJ1LIvk_FohNYZZuRrvkVr0ft2E/s320/Grocery+Deal+002.jpg" />I purchased their $30 worth of items and it actually came to $26.50 after coupons I had. My $15 coupons toward my next purchase automatically printed out, thus I had Transaction #2 ready. And here that is...<br /></div><p><strong><em>Transacation #2--Jewel Osco</em></strong></p><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367647782949242066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6vCg3eFnJynmeqQ3AM9n4QGOmRA-XcU0Krhm81L4dVa5GywQecKniwht8jhCc0fWKspYqo5yMtb7K-CmGM6oiCn1DTY8LKm3yri3PyNCi2E_4I7oMbVV_m7gfPzCIZVSLMm5g-h8f_8/s320/Grocery+Deal+003.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here you see popcorn which was B1G1, a pound of apples (which I actually weighed and wouldn't you know it, I only got 2 apples). There is also cheese, crackers, and butter. Also you see split chicken breast, which was B1G1. I got almost 4lbs of chicken for $7.39 which is what the heavier of the two cost. So I applied my $15 coupons to this transaction and paid $6.42 OOP.</div><br /><br /><div><br /><strong><em>Transaction #3--CVS Pharmacy</em></strong><br /></div><br /><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCarmPJqIvechPGB8baQzbpPer1bcp4p0ELNkahydh5fT6_uTLKRBcWE7Oy-xA1E9-EWoZ9pWvafh8nrmbKRvUVxX453_bTxAZIx5L_9obZObIk6X91gbrto27zuHrk-cK3z5bwmqHQ88/s1600-h/Grocery+Deal+001.jpg"></a><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCarmPJqIvechPGB8baQzbpPer1bcp4p0ELNkahydh5fT6_uTLKRBcWE7Oy-xA1E9-EWoZ9pWvafh8nrmbKRvUVxX453_bTxAZIx5L_9obZObIk6X91gbrto27zuHrk-cK3z5bwmqHQ88/s1600-h/Grocery+Deal+001.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367646118408815538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCarmPJqIvechPGB8baQzbpPer1bcp4p0ELNkahydh5fT6_uTLKRBcWE7Oy-xA1E9-EWoZ9pWvafh8nrmbKRvUVxX453_bTxAZIx5L_9obZObIk6X91gbrto27zuHrk-cK3z5bwmqHQ88/s320/Grocery+Deal+001.jpg" /></a><br /></p><div>At CVS, I had $12 ECB's from my last trip and a coupon for a free lotion. OOP was $2.33. I also got 1 ECB back.</div><br /><br /><div>I'm slowly getting the hang of this. It will take some time, but I'll get it! In just the two weeks I have done the coupons, ECB's and etc., I have knocked $80 off my average grocery bill for a two week period!</div><div></div><div>So, I spent $37.58 OOP, and my receipts total a savings of $59.75. :)</div><div> </div><div></div><br />Till next time, HAPPY SAVING!<br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div>P.S. I should mention too, that we are able to slaughter a whole beef every winter, we most do ground beef and roasts, so thats why you will hardly see any beef in my posts.<br /><br /><p align="center"></p></div>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-16687573472082666972009-08-07T09:59:00.002-05:002009-08-07T10:08:15.593-05:00Can we say.....EXHAUSTED!<br /><br />LOL...thats me, today. I am hoping there is enough coffee in the world for me today. But coffee is what got me here to begin with.<br /><br />Yesterday, I ended up taking my 6 and 3 year old school shopping. We got school supplies, picked up some new clothes and shoes. We were gone almost all day. We got home at 4 in time to unload grab a bite to eat and turn around and spin wheels back to town for VBS, which has been 6:30 to 8:30 all week. While the kids were at VBS, I decided to sit at Starbucks with a Venti Frapp and read. OH, some nice quiet time. It was very enjoyable.<br /><br />My problem started after that. I went to bed about 10:15 and preceeded to toss and turn and toss and turn and...well, you get the picture. So I got out of bed and finally wound down about 2:00. YIKES....wouldn't have been a problem except.....<br /><br />I volunteered to keep a friends 3 girls for the day. So I have five kids in my house...LOL. Everyone is a little tired, a little cranky, I think I see nap times for everyone. :)<br /><br />So thats what is is here....tired and exhausted. I still have a grocery list to make, I need to get bread made, and my kitchen tidied up, but there is no motivation.<br /><br />Oh, and did I mention its cloudy and cool here today, that doesn't help me any. :)<br /><br />Until next time,Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-56548546384593202442009-08-01T20:23:00.003-05:002009-08-01T20:31:45.812-05:00On A Mission ( A Money Saving Mission)Okay, so here is my mission...I want to save money! How hard could it be? With me, its very difficult.<br /><br />Here is how I plan to do this. I have started couponing, and I have done an envelope budget system starting with my hubby's paycheck on 8/14.<br /><br />I am in need of a newer vehicle soon, and my goal, is to pay cash. We don't have a vehicle payment now, and I don't want to start having one.<br /><br />Before I spent $200 (every two weeks) everytime I went to the grocery store. I really need to cut that back! I started Friday (7/31) with my coupons, register rewards, and help from God. I really want to be a more frugal steward of my husband's (and God's) money. So here I go.<br /><br />I have already thrown the receipts from Friday away, but I did do really good for my first time out. I think I spent around $85 in groceries for the week and $45 in personal items. I also got 12 ECB's back from CVS to use toward my next purchase.<br /><br />Please join me on this endeavor and pray that I can reach my goal.<br /><br />Till next time,Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-31076239671213817072009-06-28T16:59:00.000-05:002009-06-28T17:00:44.702-05:00In case your ever in the area...<div align="center"><a href="http://www.lighthousebaptistchurchonline.com/">http://www.lighthousebaptistchurchonline.com</a></div><br />We would love to have you visit!Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-66089685171891978592009-05-25T18:31:00.002-05:002009-05-25T18:43:29.996-05:00WOW.....I can't believe it's been since Feb 19th since I have last been on here. So much has happened! Blogging seemed to have taken a back seat.<br /><br />Since I last posted on my doings, I have taken a trip, had surgery, and finished up the school year with DD.<br /><br />On Spring Break we headed to Colorado to see family. The kids and I road the train out and back. It was a great experience. I highly recommend it if your not in a hurry.<br /><br />A week after returning from Colorado, I had gall bladder surgery. It was scheduled and I thought I was prepared, but as much as we plan, it always turns out different. It was an outpatient surgery, which I wish it hadn't been. I really wasn't ready to come home that afternoon. They said within 3-5 days I would be back to myself. Well, it was day 5 before I even started to feel better. I was so blessed to have the help of a wonderful church family and friends. After I hit day 7, I was a brand new woman. I had the surgery on a Thursday and the following Saturday I was roller skating and the next night playing volleyball.<br /><br />I didn't realize I had been feeling so bad, because I have been feeling better than I have for a very long time. I am down 10lbs since the surgery and I am now training for a 5K.<br /><br />God has been so good too! We have seen many friends lose their jobs this spring, and yet God has provided for each of them. Many of them have gotten called back or found new jobs to provide for them and their families.<br /><br />May proved to be a busy month with piano recitals and graduations. I was so glad when school was out for the summer. I hadn't realized how much I hadn't been home, until I was actually home last week! DD graduated from Kindergarten and will be entering the 1st grade already. I am amazed how blessed I am with her.<br /><br />Summer is in full swing here. We have already enjoyed a trip to the zoo and a great picnic for Memorial Day with church family. This summer looks to be exciting! Vacation will start in a few weeks and we are so looking forward to the days away with one another.<br /><br />Till Next Time....Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-50325767482582168572009-02-19T10:32:00.001-06:002009-02-19T10:34:23.393-06:00Bag Give-A-WayI have never done one of these but found it on a friends blog. Such cute bags! Go on over and enter yourself.<br /><br /><a href="http://bagsnrags.blogspot.com/2009/02/grand-opening-purse-give-away.html">http://bagsnrags.blogspot.com/2009/02/grand-opening-purse-give-away.html</a>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-76642845192185194072009-02-06T14:36:00.002-06:002009-02-06T14:38:29.135-06:00You know you live in Illinois when....<span style="font-family:georgia;">It's only 47* outside and you can open your windows!</span><br /><br />Yes! A few of my windows are open. The sun is brightly shining, no wind, and it's actually quite nice out. I have some fresh air coming in to see if I can rid of the sick germs that have been hiding out in my home. =)Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-90488452551561378852009-02-01T17:59:00.001-06:002009-02-01T17:59:59.268-06:00Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-71468076779741272372009-02-01T17:54:00.005-06:002009-02-01T18:00:23.804-06:00Proverbs 3:11-12Chasten (correction)<br /><br />Ways God corrects us...<br /><br />1) Explain<br />2) Example<br />3) Exercise<br />4) ExecutionQuintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-8908663501563521042009-01-31T16:29:00.002-06:002009-01-31T16:38:42.414-06:00It's Saturday! <br /><br />Today was the first day I had been out of the house in 3 days. My little darlin' girl has been sick again and missed three days of school. There is a strep epidemic at school, but I think we missed it this time (Praise the Lord, we just got over Scarlet Fever). Now my little guy seems to be getting it. I have gone through more Motrin and Tylenol this winter than I think I have seen in a lifetime (I should buy stock). Hubby and I are going to toss a coin to see who gets to go to which service tomorrow. I hate missing church.<br /><br />Anyways, I left the house for a couple of hours this morning, to go.......grocery shopping. It was nice to get out for a while. It warmed up quite nicely today, a bright sunny 40*. =)<br /><br />It's been a semi-productive day for a Saturday. Besides grocery shopping, I managed to wash the linens, clean up the kitchen, dust, and vaccuum. Much needed things to be done, as the housework has been ignored the last few days.<br /><br />I also sat down and laid out the bills for the next week, and I have to say....God is good! It hasn't mattered whether gas be $4.25 or $1.89, He has provided our every need. There always seems to be just enough. =)<br /><br />Now I'm off to create dinner..LOL. I am going to whip up some homeade salsa and then get together the stuff for taco salad. That seems to be our Saturday thing.<br /><br />I already have a brisket in the crockpot for tomorrow. It will be nice and tender. I will probably get up and pour BBQ sauce over it in the morning.<br /><br />From my sometimes magic life....till next time.........Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-43710429367055561182009-01-29T18:03:00.002-06:002009-01-29T18:09:35.185-06:00Another One for the Books....<div><em><strong>Bruschetta'n Cheese-Stuffed Baked Chicken</strong></em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Prep Time: 15 min Total Time:1 hr<br /></div><br /><div>Makes: 8 servings </div><br /><div><br /><strong>What You Need!<br /></strong><span style="font-size:85%;">1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained<br />1-1/4 cups KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, divided<br />1/4 cup chopped fresh basil<br />1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken<br />8 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (2 lb.)<br />1/3 cup KRAFT Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan Dressing<br /></span></div><br /><div><strong>Make It!</strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">HEAT oven to 350°F. Mix tomatoes, 1/2 cup cheese and basil in medium bowl. Add stuffing mix; stir just until moistened. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><div><br />PLACE 2 chicken breasts in large freezer-weight resealable plastic bag. Pound with meat mallet or side of heavy can until chicken is 1/4 inch thick. Remove from bag; place, top-sides down, on cutting board. Repeat with remaining chicken. Spread chicken with stuffing mixture. Starting at 1 narrow end, tightly roll up each breast. Place, seam-sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish. Drizzle with dressing. </div><br /><div><br />BAKE 40 min. or until chicken is done (165°F). Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 5 min. or until melted. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296872123865097570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0xTm7nWI3yZPIfvmA-Bh2nrzM97_Pug3p0VzZjWwEEjWMwMwDZ1FKK9QKZfpAlFfKw3lcCiyAvcYZY0hNaQwraJXgbedbgYmRxpCHcTpMrnD7ljGLe-GyyXXYRgFJIUG-5RpqSC1EhA/s320/Chicken+Bruschetta.jpg" border="0" /></span></div>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-34955933138523460242009-01-29T11:44:00.002-06:002009-01-29T11:48:04.751-06:00And it rolls around again...Sickness...it's all around. I thought I had very healthy children, then we started school. We have been missing so much because everyone has been so sick. And its not just me, its all my friends and their kids. It just seems to go around and around and around....<br /><br />Darvi is home for day 2. Fever, swollen glands, etc. Strep is running through the school right now. Over 20 were gone yesterday and more today.<br /><br />So I'm home...and embarassed to say, still in my pj's. I do have chicken out for dinner. I'm gonna try a new recipe again tonight. I will post the recipe once I have the reviews of the family.Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-20310530744735572152009-01-27T18:05:00.003-06:002009-01-29T11:48:45.507-06:00It's been a while....22 days as a matter of fact, since I have last graced the presence of my blog page. Seems like things haven't slowed down much since Christmas. I spend 2 days out of the week teaching and cooking hot lunch at our church school and Darvi's school. Mondays are my recoup from the weekend days, and that leaves Thursday and Friday for cleaning and errands and whatever else may need to be done.<br /><br />My goal this year (especially as we come to the end of the school year) is to learn to say NO; to learn to prioritize and not get my self into things that make my head spin. So far I have managed.<br /><br />So today was crazy. After being up at 6:15 and showered and ready. I then started dinner in the crockpot, made three lunches, roused the kids, fed them breakfast, and got them desirable for public. Then off I was to drop Darvi off at school before heading for the church. Our Supervisor is out of town, so he doubled up the mom's to help the kids while he was gone. Needless to say, when "the cat's away, the mice will play." We dismissed at 3 and then I was off to pick up Darvi, to the post office, and then home sweet home.<br /><br />Waiting for me in that contraption known as a girls best friend was the following recipe. It's definetely a keeper. It was great to get great raves on something so simple (even from the kids) after a recipe (which I won't share) from last week bombed.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Campbell's® Slow-Cooker Chicken & Dumplings</em></span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>From: Campbell's Kitchen<br />Prep: 20 minutesCook: 8 hours<br />Serves: 8<br />Ingredients:<br />1 1/2 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>2 cups whole baby carrots </em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup)</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>1 cup water </em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>1 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crushed</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>1/4 tsp. ground black pepper </em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>2 cups all-purpose baking mix </em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>2/3 cup milk </em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Directions:<br />Place the chicken, potatoes, carrots and celery into a 6-quart slow cooker.<br />Stir the soup, water, thyme and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and vegetables.<br />Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours* or until the chicken is cooked through.<br />Stir the baking mix and milk in a medium bowl. Spoon the batter over the chicken mixture. Turn the heat to HIGH. Tilt the lid to vent and cook for 30 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked in the center.<br />*Or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.<br />Serving Suggestion: Serve with spinach salad; baby spinach leaves topped with orange sections, dried cranberries and raspberry-pecan vinaigrette. For dessert serve wedges of mixed berry pie with whipped topping.<br />Nutrition Information<br />Using Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Calories 348, Total Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 4g, Cholesterol 58mg, Sodium 968mg, Total Carbohydrate 36g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Protein 24g, Vitamin A 90%DV, Vitamin C 11%DV, Calcium 9%DV, Iron 14%DV<br />Using Campbell's® Condensed 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup: Calories 317, Total Fat 8g, Saturated Fat 3g, Cholesterol 58mg, Sodium 796mg, Total Carbohydrate 36g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Protein 23g, Vitamin A 91%DV, Vitamin C 11%DV, Calcium 9%DV, Iron 14%DV</em></span><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><em></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">ENJOY!</span></em></strong></p></span>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-46707275717401310132009-01-05T12:41:00.002-06:002009-01-05T12:44:08.694-06:00From C.S. Lewis....<span style="color:#990000;">"God made us: invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on gasoline, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."</span>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-51295376880996484942008-12-30T11:46:00.003-06:002008-12-30T11:52:40.462-06:00The Simple Woman's Daybook....<span style="color:#000099;">Outside My Window…the breeze is blowing off the last of the leaves that the ice didn't destroy. It's sunny, but I have yet to leave the house yet today...honestly I haven't been out of the house since Sunday</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">From the learning room…I am still working on that skirt. It has taken a back seat.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">I am thankful for…the two weeks I have gotten to spend with my husband and kids.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">From the kitchen…homemade cinammon rolls sit on the counter.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">I am wearing…A burgundy shirt and courdoroy pants and shoes.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">I am creating…nothing right now....</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">I am going…to leave in a little while. Darvi is spending the night with a friend so I am taking her over.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">I am reading…just my Bible....seems all I have time for lately.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">I am hoping…the rest of the week is just as enjoyable as last week.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">I am hearing…the kids play and the Storm Chasers marathon.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Around the house…its a little out of place, but its to be expected with the kids playing with al of their new toys at the same time.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">One of my favorite things…fresh bread out of the oven</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">.A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Watchnight Service tomorrow night and then I am taking care of 3 of 5 children for a friend so they can leave for the weekend.</span>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-62667968924594942582008-12-14T10:29:00.004-06:002008-12-14T10:37:20.728-06:00Only......<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">11 SHOPPING DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!!</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">But, no matter what your financial situation is.....I know its gonna be tough for some....remember what the season is about. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">The birth of our Lord and Saviour.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which si Christ the Lord.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Luke 2:9-11</span></em></div>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-26340969974355016012008-12-10T13:52:00.002-06:002008-12-10T13:57:09.047-06:00Not so Wordless Wednesday....I have plenty to say today. I'm so frustrated with some things right now. I can't even begin to put it in writing, appropriately. <br /><br />The last few weeks has been a struggle to maintain composure and compassion.<br /><br />Please just pray for us. I need guidance on how to handle this certain situation. Will it take care of itself? Will it just go away? What do I do? <br /><br />I guess all I can do is rely on the Lord to guide me through it. <br /><br />I'm just so digusted with people these days. The way they treat each other, the way they are so selfish, everyone has just been so nasty. It's disgusting!<br /><br />So for now, I'm trying to bite my tongue. And I pray too, that no matter what situation overcomes my life, I be courteous and kind to everyone I meet.Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-37031517906069840992008-12-01T13:40:00.003-06:002008-12-01T13:49:55.613-06:00The Simple Woman's Daybook....<div align="center"><em><span style="color:#009900;">Today is December 1, 2008</span></em></div><div align="center"> </div><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Outside My Window</strong>…there is no sun peeking through, the wind is blowing, and mother nature has dumped her first 5 inches of snowfall on us. I love the snow....I was so excited to see the white blanket.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>From the learning room</strong>…I am still working on that skirt.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>I am thankful for</strong>…great friends and a great church.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>From the kitchen</strong>…chicken and black bean soup sits in the crockpot, soup is perfect for this kind of day.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>I am wearing</strong>…jogging pants and a T-shirt.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>I am creating</strong>…nothing right now....</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>I am going</strong>…to leave in a little while. I have a chiropractors appointment and then back to the safety of home.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>I am reading</strong>…just my Bible....seems all I have time for lately.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>I am hoping</strong>…to be able to maintain a clean home during the craziness of the holidays.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>I am hearing</strong>…Kayl playing in the background.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Around the house</strong>…the Christmas decorations are up. It looks pretty tidy, only breakfast dishes sit on the counter.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>One of my favorite things</strong>…a good bargain.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week</strong>: Secret Pal Party on Tuesday night, Church on Wednesday, I have two hot lunch days this week, and a volleyball game on Friday.</span></em>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-91854892129003813242008-12-01T10:41:00.004-06:002008-12-01T10:55:03.643-06:00A Refreshing Twist to Pumpkin Pie....<div align="center"><em><span style="color:#993300;">Pumpkin Turtle Pie</span></em></div><em><span style="color:#993300;"></span></em><br /><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">3 Tbsp. fat-free caramel topping</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">1 (6oz) reduced-fat graham cracker crust</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">4 Tbsp. coarsely chopped toasted pecans</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">1 C. fat-free milk</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">1 (3 1/4 oz) 4 serving-size sugar-free/fat-free vanilla pudding and pie fillin mix</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">1 C. canned pumpkin puree</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">1 Tsp. pumpkin-pie spice</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">1 1/2 C. fat-free whipped topping</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;"></span></em> </div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">-----</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;"></span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;"></span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;"></span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;"></span></em></div><p align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">1] Drizzle 2 Tbsp. of the caramel topping on the bottom of the crust and sprinkle with 3 Tbls. of the pecans. Set aside.</span></em></p><p align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">2] Whisk the milk and pudding mix in a bowl, beating constantly until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin and pie spice, beating with whisk until blended. With a rubber spatula, gently fold half of the whipped topping into the pumpkin mixture just until blended. Repeat with remaining half of whipped topping.</span></em></p><p align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;">3] Spread the filling in the crust and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or overnight. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 Tbsp. of pecans; then drizzle with the remaining 1 Tbsp. of caramel topping. Serve at once.</span></em></p><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;"></span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993300;"></span></em></div>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-40806948048454159392008-11-30T16:51:00.001-06:002008-11-30T16:52:56.372-06:00First Snow of the Year.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMw3GMwUz8ixgMvG1GXSjlyCwIiU8cMgexUGj1OvPcUO9_sUug5v5fTrjkhcLWalKa2u2JMs8dkMH7kqHUgSqV4IzE0bgtv2I2adkKGEq4OLWOF0N0BcKxf-OfPiBvJmATAiXL2rLmnM/s1600-h/First+Snow+of+year+2008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274587289273059282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMw3GMwUz8ixgMvG1GXSjlyCwIiU8cMgexUGj1OvPcUO9_sUug5v5fTrjkhcLWalKa2u2JMs8dkMH7kqHUgSqV4IzE0bgtv2I2adkKGEq4OLWOF0N0BcKxf-OfPiBvJmATAiXL2rLmnM/s320/First+Snow+of+year+2008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>woohoo...its finally here!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-81958789871694566112008-11-26T18:07:00.001-06:002008-11-26T18:09:51.044-06:00Worldless Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkv2McfAOhhwKZAckYeJv7X3HwIEcZFW22TL8-ae6L3h8lUTQJS7r2HKgv7mUWCvSucJSqLbkM38YzdePzbC9RM44sq7qYsweCFdEbK0R6zZbXhHfcuE_AhKnYPC-drZTkd6iOIia7N4/s1600-h/IM001402.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273122761029491954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkv2McfAOhhwKZAckYeJv7X3HwIEcZFW22TL8-ae6L3h8lUTQJS7r2HKgv7mUWCvSucJSqLbkM38YzdePzbC9RM44sq7qYsweCFdEbK0R6zZbXhHfcuE_AhKnYPC-drZTkd6iOIia7N4/s320/IM001402.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185388943335875224.post-13165676861123332222008-11-24T10:12:00.004-06:002008-11-24T10:20:13.829-06:00The Simple Woman's Daybook....<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;">Today…Monday, November 24, 2008</span></em></div><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">Outside My Window…it is cool and damp. The wind is blowing. It is overcast, and the smell of snow threatens.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">I am thinking…of everything I have to do this week. I need to get it all written down, so I don't go crazy trying to remember everything.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">From the learning room…I need to pick up some black thread so I can try to put a skirt back together. I took it apart to use it as a pattern for another one.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">I am thankful for…my husband and my children.... I am truly blessed</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">From the kitchen…a sink full of dishes beckons to be washed.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">I am wearing…jogging pants and a T-shirt.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">I am creating…a new skirt</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">I am going…to leave in a little while. I am meeting a friend for a workout and then home to get ready for volleyball games tonight.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">I am reading…just my Bible....seems all I have time for lately</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">I am hoping…Johns work schedule gets back to normal soon.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">I am hearing…Kayl watching Enchanted. I can't believe he likes the movie.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">Around the house…it looks like I’ll never catch up. I need to better prioritize.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">One of my favorite things…having coffee with friends.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;">A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: volleyball games today and tomorrow, volunteering at Darvi's school on Wednesday, Thanksgiving with friends on Thursday, and hoping some Christmas shopping gets done this weekend.</span></em>Quintanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18231198871869668507noreply@blogger.com0