I was lost but now I am found by my footprints in mustard!!

So yes I have been missing in action..I have been more busy with the kids since they are on summer break and it is now my job to play short order cook and entertain my little ankle biters...At least that is what I call them today. It started out much last everyother day except Abby decided that she needed to pour out the mustard, because "mommy I wanted hotdogs" Well she did't even eat a hot dog she just poured out the mustard..She makes me scratch my head so much I will have a bald spot I am sure.

We had an awesome trip to lake of the woods in Wautoma Wisconsin. http://lakeofthewoodswi.com/We needed the drama free get away and time to flush out the bad in our life and start a new with just us....Sometimes the bad stuff floates to the surface and needs cleaned out...Thats just what we did. I had the best time playing with the kids and grilling out with the hubby. I think its important to get away from the high speed world and rough it a bit.

Hannah went to Girl Scout camp in June. She loved it. It was her first time at overnight camp and she stayed 3 days and 2 nights.  She then came home and we wen to a mother daughter weekend with Girl Scouts-now that was roughing it mosquito nets and all.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67085&id=1406493115&l=4fefaa2562

I will be doing this again with her next year, it was fun.Oh another place to go in the Chicago area is wild west town-our kids loved it..Not really for older kids but my kids thought it was the best surprise ever.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=63821&id=1406493115&l=5128c6813a

Some awesome recipes from relishrelish.com, they even have a gluten free site. I made a yummy brisket burrito in the crock pot. It was to feed 6. relish relish is awesome they pull your recipes together and make you a grocery list. It tells you if its crockpot, kid friendly, vegan and several other things highly recommend them

[I] Shredded Beef Burritos


Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 6-8 hours

per serving: 397 calories; 48 grams protein; 13 grams total fat; 2 grams fiber;

5 grams saturated fat; 19 grams carbohydrates; 113 mgs cholesterol; 376 mgs

sodium

3 3/4 pounds beef brisket

1 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 packets taco seasoning

1 1/2 white onions , chopped

3 teaspoons garlic, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

1 1/2 cups cilantro, chopped (more for garnish)

6 10-inch flour tortillas

6 green onions , chopped

1/3 cup sour cream

3/4 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

1/3 cup prepared chunky salsa

[1] Place the water and taco seasoning in the slow cooker and

mix well. Add the onion and garlic and mix well.

[2] Trim fat from the brisket and rub salt into the meat evenly.

Place the brisket in the slow cooker and top with cilantro. Cover

and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

[3] Remove the brisket from the slow cooker to a cutting board

and let it cool slightly. Using 2 forks, shred the meat into bite-size

pieces. Place back in the slow cooker to absorb the juices.

[4] Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat

in the microwave. Fill the tortillas with shredded beef and garnish

with green onions, sour cream, cheese, fresh cilantro, and salsa.

Police week is coming up don’t forget those that serve here

 

Well its been a while since my post-stupid Fibromyalgia

I have some good days and some bad days but I am almost back to normal. Lots of yummy things have been created since my last post. My hubby made a mouthwatering primerib on the grill. They trick is very simple. Marinate it in worchestister(not spelled right lol) for a whole day and then right before throwing on the grill make a crust like with season salt. Grill at low temp like 200 for couple hours until done-absolutely delish. If you want to splurge a little lobels has a dry aged prime rib that cuts like butter with a fork.

Ok, back to more awesome recipes. Pillsbury has a website I highly recommend signing up pssst.generalmills.com-google it maybe. They will not bother you they send out awesome coupons and samples. I did a survey about hosting they mailed me recipe books coupons and gift cards to get the stuff I needed for recipes. I even got door prizes. If you sign up comment on the blog and I will pick a name out and you will get an apron,m recipe book and coupons. I made an easy cheese danish, breakfast tarts, and veggie pizza.It was nice to use fresh green onions from my garden

Here are some pictures:


I cant wait for the day they grow out of this stage but then they grow into something else, usually worse.

Don't forget to check out my scentsy site for the cute bird warmer of the month. jjmellen.scentsy.us.

Also if you dont mind posting me midwest family travel ideas.  We are always in the search of someplace fun when we get some time off.

Wow I was party of God's humor today!!!Did I bite off more than I can chew

So my lovely day started out so much as the last month plus and minus some TMI stuff. I knew God had plans for me about the time My husband kissed me goodbye today.. I screamed out in pain, hum could it have been the thin mint DQ blast- and the small pint of potatoe salad last night... Man I am craving some food aka benging. Anyways , I have not been sleeping, the hives gone while on medicine, but no sleep and every skin follicle above the knee brings me to tears. How did I get this was so fast, well sometimes when I ask questions God gives fast answer- Phone rang and it was the Dr wanting me to come in at 1;25 to see him. He thinks he has it figuired out. Glad he does because I am aging fast. I did'nt mention that even my clothes hurt and the includes the ones folded and more so the ones that aren't. Those were dragged up the stairs in a fitted sheet for hiding because my father in law arrived her today at 145. So I went in the office he did the trigger point test- the gentle version because he wanted to live today and he saw fear in my crying eyes. Yep, he said not just fibromyalgia- he said severe and I quickly went from 8 pills to 3. Finally-I had a pill for every symptom now just one illness explains it.  No more treating weird symptoms we are treating the evil demon.  So in all this 2 things occure I realized I have not been to the store, so no drinks in the house for company- my social butterfly has been  ate by whatever eats butterflies.ha and I decided this was Abby's last gluten weekend...See I didn;t know my body was going to fail me. I think I heard God litterly laugh at my situtation. Am I really going to do this gluten thing and that means going to the store-OMG my bra hurts I will not survive the store. So Peopod got a nice order from me with gluten free snacks. Oh when I am trying to excite Abby I told her 2 things- I am buying you special Abby snacks so your  tummy wont hurt andyou wont poo so much and she is going to love her special foods. She returned fresturated and said Awe mom can;t I just have pretzels...lol 10 minutes later she yells loud with company in ear shot MOM I AM POOPING AGAIN. Thanks Abby.

So as the day progressed I realized yes God is faithful in my life- proven only 100 times, but in times he is a concerned father and to ease my mind my symptoms increased. It was like he was showing me his direction and proof of the fibromyalgia. I am thankful for being a beliver I could'nt even image life without him.

Recipe idea:
pork loin ad Dr peper

http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/563/Roast_Loin_Of_Pork49305.shtml

Screaming from the roof top-Fire safety can you hear me!! Taco Taco

GO Wickless-
Candles are one of the most common causes of house fires in the United States, as well as in our own community. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when burning candles:



Use candle holders that are sturdy, non-combustible, and will not tip over easily.


Keep candles away from combustibles (paper, boxes, clothing, flammable liquids).


Do not burn candles in children's rooms, or leave children unattended with burning candles.


Do not place lit candles near windows or doorways, where a draft could bring combustibles in contact with flame.


Almost one half of all candle related fires start in the bedroom. If you burn candles in the bedroom, place them at least two feet from any bedding, curtains, blinds, wallpaper, upholstered furniture, clothing or reading materials.


The best way to prevent a candle related fire in your home is to never leave a burning candle unattended! Extinguish all candles before going to bed, or leaving the room.

I decided to throw together chicken tacos but without thinking I had no taco seasoning. Here is an easy recipe that saved dinner tonight and allowed for no leftovers!!

If your recipe calls for taco seasoning and you don't have a package handy, use this easy-to-make substitute.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

1.Spoon 1 tablespoon of minced dried onions in a small bowl or cup.

2.Add 2 teaspoons of chili powder.

3.Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.

4.Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

5.Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.

6.Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.

7.Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot paprika.

8.Stir to blend.

9.Makes the equivalent of a 1 1/4-ounce package of taco seasoning mix.

Tips:

1.Not just for tacos. You can use taco seasoning to spice up meatloaf, burgers, tomato sauce, casseroles, and dips.

What You Need:


•2 tsp chili powder


•1 1/2 tsp salt


•1 tsp garlic powder


•1 tsp cornstarch


•1 tsp ground cumin

List of 10 things they wish we knew before we became mothers

Women of Faith is asking Bloggers to share their  List of 10 things they wish we knew before we became mothers- so here's my list!


1. I wish I knew I was going to have all girls!!!I love it and boy do we have bins of clothes~
 
2. Why is it poop is considered a toy until after age 3, and did I say I had 4 girls.
 
3. That everytime I got pregnant my husband was going to get a promotion and move us.
 
4.That having kids in sports is so expensive, and lets not even talk about dance or recitals.
 
5. That my body may never repair itself.
 
6. That having a child with special needs, can be a joy and a challenge. I do know the amazing thing is God knew I can handle it becuase he picked me. Blessings
 
7. That I can never remember how old I am. So I guess  am 29 forever.
 
8. Getting shower alone or going to the bathroom is never going to happen.
 
9. That I never thought I would have 4 kids. Weird, I don't now what I thought but 4 under 7 is a little crazy, just sayin.
 
10. It is amazing to hear my kids light up when they talk about Jesus. They fill my heart with joy.
 

Teacher appreciation