Busy Bee

I am not quite sure what it is about having a new baby AND the holidays quickly approaching but it really gets my gears going.
I suddenly feel the urge to clean out every room and closet, I HAVE to get rid of clutter and stuff that really serves no purpose for this family. Combine this urge with the desire to start making some Christmas gifts and you have one busy bee.

Today I made out a Christmas list and plan to utilize it sometime next week. My quilting will stop for the time being so I can focus on sewing other goodies. Tomorrow I will make out a shopping list for the holidays and when Devin gets another little stretch off work we are going through the house and basement and getting rid of things we no longer need!!!! (yay!)
When there are 9 people living in the house (big or small people) it can get cluttered, especially with homeschooling.
Because I am not focused and just rambling, I am going to direct you to another site, specifically a blog I created last year for my dad. There is a particular story that we were all talking about last weekend about a cat. A very sneaky cat, indeed. It was one cheerful story on a blog that chronicled a sad situation.
Go read it HERE and enjoy a laugh. Only these things happen to me, honestly.

Whaaaat????

It is already almost the middle of November!!! How did that happen? Where did the time go?
I am going to blame it all on this daylight savings time garbage.
Twice a year we get to re-adjust our sleep pattern (ie. lose some precious sleep) over this time system that honestly makes no sense in the 21st century. It's an evil, evil thing I tell ya.

It has also been a very busy week. We celebrated Rose's birthday a week ago and then last weekend we celebrated Journee's birthday.

She had a movie night party so instead of a regular cake, we had candy and popcorn and sodas. Initially we planned on a movie outside with the projector but old man winter arrived early so we moved it all indoors.

These two girls were actually both born Nov 3rd. Aren't they both so pretty? Yep, they are my offspring:-)

Now that we are all done with parties, it is time to work hard getting gifts made and list written down all in preparation for the holidays. I also plan to get the house de-cluttered in a serious way. (ha-ha-ha....I sort of laugh to myself) That will be an undertaking with so may kids, but I am determined to get a little more organized BEFORE next year. Wish me luck. It should be easy with a 6 week old, right?

What's In Indian Corn

So today starts a  season of crafts! Today we made Indian Corn.

We used an all time favorite staple among all craft supplies: construction paper.

I originally decided to do this craft because 1. I needed something to keep the 5 year old busy
2. It is a great for the little ones to practice cutting and pasting and 3. It is nice to have the house decorated in season by the kids.

Don't forget to add crunched up paper at the top for husks.

These are nice hanging up in the window too!



Also, if you are craving something yummy to bake look no further, well you need to head over to Once Upon A Chef. You will find the BEST pumpkin muffins. I made a double batch last night and we had them for breakfast. This recipe is a keeper, trust me.

Biscuits By The Dozens

Oh my, was I productive today! Not only was I cleaning, schooling and prepping for Rose's birthday party tomorrow, BUT I just happened upon a great recipe posted by a mom of many children.
Biscuits. 100 of them. At a time. To freeze. And eat one hectic day with breakfast. Or dinner.

We had some with lunch and then I froze the rest just like the recipe says.....pre-cooked.
Now I have a freezer stocked with these delights and it really took no time at all to make.
HERE is where you will find it all.
Have a great Halloween!!!
Love,
Sam

Wordless Wednesday

Birthday Chicken Nuggets

There are not many foods more comforting than fried chicken. I like to fry chicken nuggets. I have been eating this meal since I was a little kid and now my kids always request this for their birthday dinner.
Birthday Chicken Nuggets.
You have to make the sauce too. Let me know how everyone loves them.
Yes, these are fried. Get over it and enjoy some REAL comfort food every now and then.

Here's what you need:

3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 C flour
1/2 C water
2 TB sesame seeds

Mix the egg, salt, flour water, and seed together. Heat oil. Add chicken, 1 layer at a time. Fry 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove and let sit on paper towel covered plate.

Special Sauce


1 C ketchup
1 TB brown sugar
1/4 C oil
1 tsp. mustard
2 TB vinegar

Mix together in small saucepan. Cook over med/low heat until heated through. Serve as a dipping sauce with chicken nuggets.

OKAY! Here are some pictures to go along with the glorious details:

Here is my batter and my chicken. Keep in mind that I ALWAYS double the recipe, and occasionally triple the recipe because we eat a ton, especially this stuff! I have also found that cutting chicken that is frozen slightly is easier than cutting non-frozen chicken.

Here is the chicken getting covered by batter and I use a fork to lift it out and place it in the hot oil.

I always use cast iron to fry. In fact I use cast iron for nearly everything I cook. The trick to frying chicken (in case you do not fry much) is to get the oil HOT first.  The oil for these nuggets is about 2 inches deep in my fryer and I get it heated on med/high heat. This is one layer cooking, you do not want the chicken on top of each other. After it gets started, I will reduce my heat to medium.

When the nuggets look about like this, turn them over and cook the other side. It will take 3-5 minutes.

This is what the finished masterpiece will look like. I always cut the first finished nugget in half to "make sure" it is cooked through. Then I take the cut nugget and dip it in the sauce to "make sure" the sauce is heated through...and eat it. I encourage everyone to do the same.

I PROMISE everyone will love these, especially if you make some mashed potatoes and gravy to go along.
Make them and let me know what you think?
Love,
Sami:-)

A Snap Shot

I think this picture speaks for itself. Hope the weekend is treating ya'll well.