Midwestern Gone Idahoan

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

What fun we had!

2012-02-13T14:42:00.002-07:00

This is the fun my hubby got to deal with this morning! Our shower downstairs decided to over flow when ever the toliet flushed or ANY water went down the drains (like the dishwasher!)

But, once we found the septic tank (took awhile) it didn't take very long! And hopefully this will stop our water/over flow issues!!

Workout 2

2012-02-03T15:08:00.001-07:00

Here you go – I did an aerobic fitness program. I walked for 30 min and it went up to a 10% incline and up to 3.5 level in walking.

I have to say – I did sweet with this one:)!! And I have lost 2 pounds!! I am so proud of my hubby – he has lost 4 pounds!! Way to go Dean!!

South Beach Diet day 3

2012-02-02T12:45:00.001-07:00

Well, I don’t know about you – but I CAN NOT do this diet anymore!!! Now I know why I have NEVER done a diet before!! Now, I don’t like the work diet – because I don’t consider it a diet – we are changing the way we are eating. I will still be doing that – but I am NOT a person you want to be around with no bread, chocolate, or carbs!!!!

I will still be helping Dean do it. I am still making the breakfast and dinners that go along with South Beach – but I can’t cut my carbs out. I know I will be able to add them back in two weeks – very little at a time – but this isn’t for me!!

I do have a pre-diabetes class I am taking soon with Humphrey’s Diabetes Center in Meridian, ID. That is where I took classes when I was pregnant. They were great!! Their diet I could stick with because it told me how many carbs I could have with each meal and snack, with ideas and how much carbs were in each thing. When I was in my last trimester with the baby – I was losing weight!!! And no that wasn’t bad for me (I had weight to lose!!)

The exercising – I will still blog about:)

South Beach Diet–Day 2

2012-02-01T17:22:00.001-07:00

Last summer during a visit with my doctor – he suggested that I do the South Beach Diet. I really thought, “no, I don’t think so! I LOVE my carbs!!!!” Didn’t think about it again! Next, Dean had a doctor visit about 2 weeks ago and the doctor suggested the same to him! Dean got the book on my Nook and we both read it. I decided I needed a hard copy of the book and ran to Hastening's – I got not 1 book but 3 different books about the South Beach Diet. There are even a few more that I want to get – but I wanted to make sure that we would use them!!!! I also have an app on my phone that helps me shop better and get questions answered.

Today is Day Two – the 1st phase is two weeks long with breads, cereal, ice cream!!!! Pretty much no carbs or sweets!!!!!!! Although I do get a 70 calorie treat once during the day. But it is limited to what the sweet is!!!!!!!

Anyways, I thought I would keep a daily log of what I eat and what exercising I do. What the heck – I will even put it all out there – my weight, hips, waist, thighs measurement to see how they change.

Workout:

Walked on the treadmill ~

I know, it is slow and not very far in 30 min, but it is a start!!

Weight – 132 Height 5’ 3

Waist – 34

Hips – 39

Thighs – 22

Menu:

Breakfast: Diet coke, egg with fat free 1/2 & 1/2, fat free cheese, and Canadian bacon

Snack: 20 peanuts, 1 slice reduced fat cheese with a low fat lunch meat around it.

Lunch: Diet Coke, shredded pork with pico de gallo and lime juice (YUMMY!!!)

Snack: fudge popsicle (40 cal) and celery stick with natural peanut butter

Dinner:

Snack:

Ok, so yes I need to not drink so much Diet Coke – but there is only so much I can work on at one time!!! And it is really hard not to eat the breads and crackers that are ALL in the kitchen for the kids!!! I really like to have a bowl of cereal in the morning and/or for my afternoon snack!! Ellen keeps eating chocolate chips in front of me!!!

Yesterday was Day One. I ate well, but didn’t keep track of it – Honestly, I didn’t eat enough! I was GRUMPY!!!!! My poor kids!! I was so craving chocolate!!!!! In the evening I finally went and did the last of my grocery shopping and got the fudge popsicles. I had one when I got home and I couldn’t believe that it satisfied me!!! That was ALL that I needed!!!

Anyways – after the first two weeks I then get to SLOWLY reintroduce SOME carbs!!

You might wonder why I am doing this or why the doctor would recommend Dean and I get on the South Beach Diet. Well … after getting gestational diabetes with my last pregnancy, my chance of getting diabetes when I am older went WAY up!! And lets be honest – I want to lose a little more weight and then tone up my body!! Dean was told to do it because he is a little over weight, his blood sugar levels were 1 point (I know – really!) over what it should be and his cholesterol was a little high. We decided we are not old – but we aren’t young either and we need to make these changes NOW and help our children learn how to eat better and exercise!

Ice Fishing with Daddy

2012-01-29T09:44:00.001-07:00

Dean took the kids Ice Fishing this weekend with Uncle Wil, Grandpa Bake, Aunt Veneta and Uncle Mike and their cousins Nateo and Rylan. I wasn’t able to go with them because Hattie had a yucky cold! I even took her to the doctor to get more medicine so I can give her breathing treatments at home. She was wheezing pretty bad. Even though she is still wheezing today – it is SO much better!!

Here are some fun pictures Dean took…

Alexis with her BIG FISH!!!

Danny making a hole.

How is this Daddy?

My sweet Deano!!!!!

Look at the cutie!!

Deano is in the red hat and just watching – the poor little guy didn’t complain at all the whole day – when I was helping him get ready for his bath – I noticed he either had blood or chocolate on his ankle. Well, it was blood – the poor little guy had blisters on the back of his feet the size of nickels!!!! On BOTH feet!!!!!

Ellen, Alexis, and Rylan. Are they yelling, “Hello down there!”

Look at that proud Ellen! She was so excited!!!!

Thanks Dean for a great day for the kids!!! ALL of them said it was WONDERFUL!!!!

New Beginning's

2012-01-26T13:07:00.001-07:00

Last night I went to New Beginnings at church. The girls age 12 –18 are called the Young Women in our church and every year in January the Young Women welcome ALL the girls that will be coming into the Young Women’s group. Last year I went for the first time because Ellen was getting welcomes in. This year it was Alexis that was being welcomed in.

They did a football theme this year. It was so different then last year! But just as wonderful!! The older girls and some of the leaders were the announcers. Do you see the blue sign behind them – it says GHYW (Green Hill –name of our ward at church- Young Women) Sports center. You can see the Game Plan on the board. Which was our outline for the night.

Here are the Young Women aged 14-15. They talked about the Young Women values – what Young Women stand for.

Here are the girls aged 12 –13. This is where Ellen is at:)!!

They are carting their ‘coach’ around.

Here the girls are practicing as a group.

That one is blue is my Ellen. I think the helmet is as big as she is!!

Here she is ~~doing~~ trying to do push ups!!

The group is rallying together!

Now they are welcoming the new girls in.

The new girls – Alexis is the short one:)!!

Here we have another ‘coach’ talking to them about girls camp this summer. And how when we are together helping each other we can do anything!

Here are some more of the fun decorations.

During the program we also heard a few talks about motivation and helping each other to be the best we can be.

It was a WONDERFUL night and the girls and leaders did a great job!!!

Toys For Tots

2011-12-10T13:53:00.001-07:00

My oldest, Ellen, is in Builders Club at school. They do community service projects through out the year. They have collecting money for Toys for Tots. Today they were able to go to Walmart and spend the money they made on toys. Everyone was given a certain age group and gender. Ellen did great. After checking out and waiting for everyone else to do the same, the kids were given doughnuts and chocolate milk. Then we heard that we were waiting for a TANK to come and get the gifts! WHAT?!? And low and behold – the TANK drove up and parked!!

The Marines got out and took pictures with everyone and then the kids were able to get on the TANK!!!! When Ellen got up on the TANK, the commander (or what ever the top ranked guy was) asked me and the other mom if our kids were in line. We pointed and said our girls were up there right now. He looked at us and said jump up there and get a picture with them! He didn’t have to say that twice:) We handed him our phones to take pictures and climbed right on up!! It was fun!! And for a great cause!!!

Christmas Cooking

2011-12-07T13:18:00.001-07:00

*Tried the fudge – and I give it a 10 out of 10!!!!!! Oh my gosh!! It is WONDERFUL (if you like peanut butter!!) I think Cabala’s might have a run for their money on this one!!

Peanut Butter Fudge ~ Can I just say YUMMY!!!!!!!! Now, this is the first time that I have made this and I have only tasted it warm (before putting in the fridge.) But it was so YUMMY!!!!!!!! Heaven in my mouth!!! I got the recipe from browneyedbaker.

Here you go -

Peanut Butter Fudge

Yield: 64 pieces (1½ pounds)

Prep/Cook Time: 10 minutes | Set Time: About 1 hour

1¼ cups (10 ounces) unsalted butter
1¼ cups smooth peanut butter
Pinch of salt
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
4½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

1. Butter an 8-inch non-stick baking dish (or line with buttered parchment paper) and set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the butter and peanut butter until the mixtures comes to a boil. Remove from the heat.

3. Add the salt and vanilla extract, then stir in the powdered sugar until smooth and no lumps remain.

4. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the fudge and refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour. Cut into squares and serve. Fudge can be stored at cool room temperature in an airtight container.

(Recipe adapted from Joy of Cooking)

*Now I might add a top coat of chocolate just for fun!!

I also have Sugar Cookie dough in the fridge and Spritz Cookies on the brain:)!!

I have a cookie exchange party tomorrow night – not sure what I am bringing yet!!

Plus I have a birthday cake and cup cakes to make for two different party’s on Monday!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T03:32:00.000-07:00

Play Dough

2011-12-06T15:37:00.001-07:00

I went to make some play dough today and realized I had no cream of tarter!! Funny thing is – I have been to the store many times and go down the isle that has spices and just look! I can never remember what spice I was out of!!! (I don’t think I will forget now!!)

I looked up recipes with no cream of tarter. I found one that is called Mister Rodger’s Play Dough.

Here is the recipe …

Mister Rogers' Easy Play Dough
2 cups flour
1 cup water
Mix together well. You can put dry Kool-Aid or Jell-O in the mix if you want colored dough.

I do have to say that I had to put in a lot of extra flour and I put in a packet of Kool-Aid.

We will see if it last past today:)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T13:53:00.001-07:00

Happy to be Home!

2011-11-14T09:12:00.001-07:00

I was lucky enough to have two different sister in laws that helped watch my 5 kids while I went and spent the week with hubby up in MT. Hubby job site has been in MT for the last 2 1/2 years. He only had to go up once a month for most of the time. But since March 2011 ~ he has been going up there AT least twice a month if not more.

I sewed a TON while up there (pictures to come) and I read two books. I had a lot of time by myself. Hubby leaves around 5 am and gets home between 8-9 pm.

I missed my kids! Crazy how excited I was to get some time to myself – but once I had it – I wanted my kids back! I know CRAZY!! I love my kids, it is just nice to have some alone time sometimes. It is a hard thing trying to balance kids and alone time!

Look at how cute this little baby girl!! No wonder I miss them!

Hope everyone has a great week!! My 4 youngest kids are home on track break ~ we will have to find LOTS of different things for the kids to do! And next week I have all 5 home! We are heading down to Utah for Thanksgiving with my sister! And we love doing the Black Friday shopping!!

Swim Time?

2011-11-02T11:20:00.001-06:00

Hattie is 2!!

2011-10-27T14:12:00.001-06:00

It is hard to believe that my baby is already 2 years old!! She is getting so BIG!! She was so excited when I showed her that she had presents!!

Here is her first one – a little pillow pet!!

Lets throw that one on the floor and on to the next one:)!

I know there is something good in here.

She gets a little bit of help from big sister.

Another toy that I like!! A tea set!!

Here Daddy, can you open this!!

I am waiting!

“Cheese”

Presents and CAKE!!! We only had to light the candle twice – she blow it out the first time so fast (before we even started singing to her!!)

There we go!

We just had a little party for her – but this weekend we will be doing it with our extended family.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-18T19:29:00.001-06:00

Defiants 4x4

2011-10-12T10:07:00.001-06:00

Defiants 4x4s are mighty, mini, motorized 4x4s that can take on any challenge! Pocket-sized Defiants 4x4s have real gears, for Power, Speed and Freewheeling Action.

Defiants 4x4s automatically shift into freewheeling mode for insane stunt jumps or reckless downhill runs! And blazing headlights light the way!

The Defiants FlexTerrain system is fully modular, with playsets and accessories that can be customized into endless configurations. Each playset connects with every other set for rich, off-road action and expanding play value.

Defiants BlitzForce military-themed vehicles and playsets honor the spirit of freedom and power that kids love!

The first wave of over 50 collectible styles for 2011 began to arrive in stores over the summer. Vehicles are powered by two AAA batteries.

The individual trucks and the flex tracks are on sale at Target for a limited time from Oct. 9 through Nov. 5 for just $5.99 each. Great as a small holiday gift!

*These are my honest opinion and I am participating in an O2O Project where I will be put into a drawing for a gift card.

What have I been up to …

2011-10-07T09:36:00.001-06:00

Here are the cupcakes that I decorated on my 3rd night of class. They turned out really cute (some of them!) It is something I am practicing!!

Here is my final cake (4th class.) We only had about 30 – 40 minutes to work on the cake, so I made a smaller cake – 5 inches. I call it my BSU cake!! I need to practice the Pompom flower more – but for the limited time – I think it turned out cute!!

I started another Wilton Cake decorating class last night!! It is the Wilton Gum Past and Fondant class. I have to say that I had FUN last night!!! Here is a bow that I made – next time it will have color to it!!

Here are some Small Treat Bags that I made the other night. I also made some boy bags that I still need to get a picture of!! They were so much fun to make!! I just used fabric that I had and ribbon also!

Next came the Halloween Treat bags!! I had a panel of all the Halloween scenes and thought right away that I wanted to make bags out of them!! They turned out really cute!! The kids are so excited!! Here is D next to his bag!! And yes he is in a pj top – but shorts on the bottom – day off from school and that was all I could get him to change!!

It is Friday again and my sister’s and mom are always jealous – because the one sister that I have in town – we always try to get together with each other and the kids. I thought I would make a yummy treat that my mom made for the family right after I had Hattie!! I can’t wait to eat it!! I would love it if all my family could come every Friday!! What a PARTY that would be!!

Here is something that I got in my email from my daughter! I thought that was nice of her!!

On a side note – my mom was in the hospital this week and gave us me a good scare!! Everything is okay and she will be fine. But it scared me – it makes you realize how easy it is to lose someone you love and not have any control over it!! Not that we ( the McLean family) would know ANYTHING about that!!! This month it will be 3 years since we lost our nephew in a car accident. Calvin will always be missed!!

One a happier note – Hattie’s first sentence was, “Where’s the remote?” Nice huh!?! She can walk into a room and find the remote with in seconds!! What a talent!! She will be turning 2 at the end of the month! I can’t believe it!!

My Grandparents

2011-09-28T11:10:00.001-06:00

Grandpa and Grandma Ruby

My Memories Giveaway

2011-09-23T14:21:00.001-06:00

I was excited when My Memories contacted me to do a review and giveaway.

But first I would to share this with you from My Memories…

As a special for all of your readers, we give you your very own Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the My Memories.com store - $20 value!

The My Memories Suite blog site is HERE. Use this promo code: MMS4Blog to try it out. You can make scrapbook layouts, photo books, cards, videos, you name it!

Here are some examples of what I made …

Here is my review: The product is wonderful!! I am still learning how to use it – but I am not very computer savvy. So it is taking me a little bit of time. There are a LOT of free pages that you can download and use. I have to say that once I got the pages downloaded – it was really easy and fast to use!!!

GIVEAWAY time!!!

1. You need to go to My Memories and tell me what page is your favorite! Then come back here and leave a comment telling what your favorite page is.

EXTRA’S

1. Go to My Memories Facebook page HERE and ‘like’ them. Come back here a leave a comment saying that you did it and leave your Facebook name.

2. Follow My Memories on twitter HERE. Then come back here a leave a comment that you did it and what your twitter name is.

Please make sure I have a way of sending you and email to let you know that you won! The giveaway will end in one week… next Friday the 30th of September. I will announce the winner by Monday.

*I was given the chance to use the My Memories Software so that I could give my review – but ALL opinions are my own.

TROUBLE!

2011-09-23T13:53:00.001-06:00

I love this picture of my brother and myself!

BOO!!

2011-09-20T22:36:00.001-06:00

Here is a cute Halloween frame that I made the other day. I saw the idea on another blog – but I can’t find it right now. I know I will find it and then I will post it!!

National Pirate Day

2011-09-19T17:45:00.001-06:00

I thought I would make a cake for Pirate Day! Yes, it is really crowded – but I was practicing my decorating skills that I have learned so far in class!! The map and ‘pirate day’ saying was done with a gel transfer. I then decided to practice my stars, dots, dots that turn into shapes, wiggly lines, and tighter wiggly lines (not sure how to word that!!)

I need to practice the gel technique more. I would have liked it to be more detailed. But I cut the hole in the bag to big.

My hand was tired by the time I was done. But it was fun!!

I am excited to go to class on Thursday and learn more!! I am still mastering the frosting!! Not to make it to thick or to thin!!

Hope everyone has a great Pirate Day!!

* I will be doing a fun giveaway later this week!!! *

My 1st Cake

2011-09-15T11:10:00.001-06:00

Here is my first cake! I made it last Saturday for a church party. Tonight is my 2nd Wilton Cake Decorating class!! I will take a picture of what I make and post it up for you all to see!!

Plus I have been making some Christmas presents recently also!! I would LOVE to show you … but you will have to wait – I don’t want the surprise out of the bag!!

Cake Decorating Class

2011-09-09T14:11:00.001-06:00

For my Birthday – Dean had me sign up for a Wilton Cake Decorating class! I was so excited!! Last night was my first class – I was nervous – I haven’t been to ‘school’ for MANY years!!

I have been ~~decorating~~ trying to decorat cakes for years!!! But I thought how fun it would be to be able to decorate cakes like I see in the stores!!

Last night was a VERY easy class – the teacher did a lot of talking and taught us how to make Wilton’s Buttercream Icing (funny – there is NO butter in it!!)

Here is what I learned that I didn’t know …

1. There is a thing called Bake-Even Strips. It helps to make your cake bake perfectly level without cracked tops or crusty edges!!! I have to admit – most cakes I make have a doom on top!! This is way cool!! If you don’t want to buy the strips – the teacher said you can turned the oven down 25 degrees. Of course that means you have to bake it longer also.

2. This is called the Wilton Cake Icer Tip. The teacher showed us how this works … all I can say is I WANT IT!!!! And then I learned how to smooth the frosting on the cake!! Oh my gosh!! I can hardly wait!!

3. We all know what a Featherweight bag is (didn’t know the name – but I did know what it was!!) But we all know what a PAIN it is to clean them!! Well girls let me tell you … it is DISHWASHER safe!!!! Turn it inside out and rinse off the frosting (I use hot water) and stick on the top rack in your dishwasher and wash!! The teacher said it was ok. Same goes for the tips – there is a bag you can put it in (reminds me of a bra bag that you put in the washer) but she said you can put it where the silverware goes too!!

4. Honestly – I had NEVER heard of this! But I can tell you that it is on my Must Get List!! The Wilton Buttercream Icing calls for it. The teacher showed me us why – it helps to ‘harden – crust’ the frosting. Which is how you can smooth it once it sits on the cake for a little bit! And is you are wondering how she showed us how to smooth the cake … you use parchment paper! I will have to show you sometime!!

We didn’t get to ‘play’ much this class – but the next three classes should be fun!! We learned the Star this class – which will is a basic must know!

Next week we get to bring a cake to class and we will be decorating it! We also learned how to use a piping gel pattern transfer. SO excited to do this!!

I will show you the cake next week when I am done!!

Gardens

2011-09-09T13:17:00.001-06:00

First I need to let you know – I am NO country girl!! I am a city girl – NEVER lived anywhere near a farm!!

For the last couple of years we have been trying to grow a garden – but it has never worked. Part I didn’t know what I was doing and part I don’t like yard work or weeding a garden. But this year the garden made it!!! Not as well as it will next year, but I am getting better. A BIG thanks to my sister in-law who helped in the garden this year!!!!

We didn’t get as much produce as I would have liked – but we will do better next year!!

I was able to go out to the in-laws garden and pick green beans today. Boy did that make me remember how much I HATE gardening!!! There were grass hoppers all over the green beans and two were even ‘together’! And then there was this BIG bumble bee that kept chasing me!!! After having to run away from it for the 4th or 5th time – I decided that I was done! The bumble bee won! I only missed a little area and I let Grandpa know so he could go and pick it later. Now I get to can them!!

Sister in-law picked up some peaches for me last night too – they aren’t ready to can yet – but soon!! I am so excited!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-07T11:10:00.001-06:00

I miss you honey!!

Alaska

2011-09-04T16:42:00.001-06:00

The hubby has been off in Alaska this past week (comes home tonight!!!) Here is the fish he caught the first day!

It looks like a fish that you would tell stories about! “I caught a fish THIS big.”

It looks like he is having a great time! But I am really glad that he is coming home tonight! I have missed him!!

Crafts

2011-09-03T10:19:00.001-06:00

Here are just a few of the crafts I have been working on this summer. I will have to find pictures of the rest of them!!

First one is of a blanket I am making for Ellen’s girlfriends mom, she is having a baby in Dec.

These two pictures are of the popsicle holders. My kids are always using napkins or wash clothes to put around them because they are so cold. And they have been using them also!! Hattie runs to grab one out and then stands at the freezer ~~screaming~~ waiting quietly like an almost 2 year old does.

HERE is where I got the idea from. Thanks!!

I redid Hattie’s dresser since ~~Deano~~ someone colored on the drawers while ~~not~~ being very well supervised by his mom. It turned out cute. I was missing 2 handles so I used ribbon on the little drawer and the door (on the right side.)

Here is a bag that I finely finished. It has been a great summer swim bag! It fits almost 7 towels in it! It is HUGE!!

Construction Wall Hanging

2011-09-03T09:57:00.001-06:00

I made this construction wall hanging awhile ago for my hubby. He is in construction. I even personalized it by putting his company logo on it. There is even a picture of a white truck like he drives (kind of – it is a 2 door and he has a 4 door.) The kids loved that I made it for dad. It has been hanging up at his office for a while and I finally took it down this week. Hubby is out of the office and I wanted to fix the binding. I got it done and I think it looks pretty good. I went and put it back in his office last night.

On a side note – when I took it down he asked if I was going to put it back up. I told him yes – why? Didn’t he want me too? I think he thinks wall hangings are for girls … but he told me he wanted it back (saw the hurt look on my face I am sure!) I asked him if he got teased about having it up (what are we? still in the 1st grade?!?!) I had no sooner asked that then one of the guys walked by and noticed the wall hanging down and he asked where it went? I guess they do notice. I told him I needed to fix the binding (as if he knew what that was.) He laughed – you are a perfectionist aren’t you. No I really am not – but it had been bugging me forever!! I am glad I got it done!!

Daddy’s white truck.

Bake Family

2011-08-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

Spring Break 2011 in Vegas

Preschool

2011-08-29T17:01:00.001-06:00

It was this little guys first day of preschool! I was excited for Deano but a little sad. My little man isn’t so little anymore!! Thank goodness he still loves his mom and will hold my hand in public!!

Halloween Cookies in a Jar

2011-08-28T09:59:00.001-06:00

How cute it this!?! I was thinking this would make a GREAT gift for a teacher or friend or ANYONE!!

You can go over to Embellished Bayou to get all the directions on how to make this!! And she has more cute pictures!!

Halloween Smores In A Jar
Ingredients:
1 quart mason jar
1 sleeve graham crackers
1 package holiday marshmallow peeps
one bag of holiday M&Ms candies
1/3 cup of brown sugar
Directions:
1. Crush 1 sleeve graham crackers to crumbs.
2. Layer 2/3 of the graham cracker crumbs in a 1 qt jar. Pack down the crumbs a bit.
3. Arrange 8 to 12 marshmallow holiday peeps standing up, facing out around the inside of the jar. Press them up against the glass.
4. Carefully spoon remaining cracker crumbs in the center of the jar to support the peeps, pressing down to keep it snug.
5. On top of this pour 1-1/4 cup M&M's in holiday colors.
7. Spoon 1/3 cup brown sugar into center of M&M's, gently pressing with a spoon. If you have any room left over, fill the jar to the top with M&Ms.
Cooking directions:
1. Empty the jar contents into a bowl.
Snip the peeps into bits with kitchen shears or cut up with a knife.
Return the peep bits to the mixture. Mix well.
2. Melt 1/2 cup butter; add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour this over the dry ingredients, mixing well. Pat into a greased 8" or 9" square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.

Birthday Time

2011-08-27T16:03:00.001-06:00

My birthday is on Tuesday. I love birthdays – not always my own – but this year I am making this cake from Our Best Bites!!

This BEAUTIFULL cake is called Chocolate Mousse Crunch Cake. I know I am going to LOVE IT!! The sad thing – my kids are ~~picky~~ simple eaters – they will NOT like this cake. I predict that they will scrape off the mouse and eat just the cake. I know funny!!

I might even put up my Happy Birthday banner I made last year for the kids. And get myself some flowers and balloons. Since I am the mom and my mom isn’t here to bake my cake and wrap my presents – I get to do it Hubby does help some – and now that the kids are getting bigger they help also.

Which brings up a Question:

When was the first time you really realized that you were a mom?

I remember when I REALLY realized it!! It was on Easter maybe 8 years ago (yes I have been married for 15 years and my oldest is 12.) I was sitting at church and started thinking about how it was Easter. And all I could think about was that I was going home to a house that was empty of an Easter dinner. I was sad that my mom wasn’t there to cook it for me. That was when it dawned on me that I am the MOM!!! It was my responsibility to cook that dinner!! OH!!! Well, I don’t remember what we had for dinner that day – but I do know that I have cooked an Easter dinner every year after that!!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Summer Time

2011-08-25T16:12:00.001-06:00

First, if you are wondering why I am posting so many post all of a sudden after FOR EVER – I for some reason have not been able to post from my blog?!? But I can go into windows live writer and post. Crazy!! It sure has been driving me crazy!!

Here is a picture of the kids at the park by the Discovery Center in Boise.

Danny

Alexis

Deano

We have had a lot of fun this summer! We went camping for a Bake Family reunion and it was a lot of fun!!

The next month we went to Glasgow, MT (where hubby’s job site it) and then we went on to Iowa for a McLean Family reunion. It was 15 hours to Glasgow, then we went to Iowa (another 15 hours) and we stopped by Mount Rushmore and the sites around there. Then it was 20 hours drive time home!! It was crazy all the driving – but so much fun!!

Now that I know how to blog again, you will be seeing more

Halloween Time

2011-08-25T16:01:00.001-06:00

Question?

- How soon is to early to get Halloween stuff out?!? I just got a Halloween purse from my sister Donna. And it is SO cute!!! The picture doesn’t do it justice!! I also have a Halloween table runner that my mom made me last year. I usually get that out September 1!! I am thinking the purse will be another September 1!!

When do you start getting your holiday stuff out?

School has began

2011-05-17T09:40:00.003-06:00

I have been wanting to make some Chocolate Bread Pudding (CBP) since my trip to Dallas with my sister back in December!! I had CBP for the first time while in Dallas. It didn't sound good at ALL!! You might be wondering why I got it then? I ordered a dessert that sampled 3 things. CBP was one of them and turned out to be my FAV!!!! Go figure that!!

Once home I looked up CBP recipes and found many - today I am trying it for the first time!! I will let you know how it turns out!!

Here is the recipe that I am using...

Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe

UPDATE: This was VERY YUMMY!!! I also made some whipping cream to put on top!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T08:33:00.001-06:00

Review

2011-04-28T13:24:00.002-06:00

I was able to review Patrick Hruby's MEMORY GAME and ABC IS FOR CIRCUS, and Charley Harper's NESTING BLOCKS and COLORING BOOK OF BIRDS.

I would give these products 5 stars *****!!!!! My children LOVE them!! The Memory game is wonderful - the boys love to play the game and look at all the colors.

The Nesting Blocks are the most played with toy!! All three of the little kids love to stack them and knock them down and then stack them back up:) Lots of fun playing with those blocks!!

ABC is for Circus book is GREAT also!! The colors on all the products have been WONDERFUL!!! The pictures in the book going along with the stacking blocks and the memory game.

The coloring book of birds has been great. My oldest likes to use it to paint with! The paper is thick enough for her to paint on and they turn out great!!

To check out the products - go here!!

*I was give product to review - but all opinions are my own.

Peeps - what to do with you now?

2011-04-25T11:49:00.003-06:00

Hope everyone had a great Easter!! We did - LOTS of family and eating!!

If you were wondering what to do with any left over Peeps - here is a great blog post just for you!! Go HERE!!

Craft Day

2011-04-15T10:48:00.003-06:00

I have had a busy week!! Here are a few pictures of what I have been up to:) Have a great Friday and weekend!!

Table Runner I made for my mom.

Before

After

After

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE

2011-04-14T14:37:00.005-06:00

Go over to http://on.fb.me/eZZ87W (that is Tiffanie's facebook page - baby contest) and vote for my kids pictures - All you have to do is click on the picture and click LIKE:) That simple!!

Baby girl with airplane headphones on,

boy hiding behind a penguin

two boys with aprons on.

You can like ALL three of them!

Who ever has the most 'likes' wins a photo shoot with Tiffanie Holbrook Photography!!

And I would LOVE the photo shoot!! My little boys picture on the wall shows him being 1 years old and his baby sister is now 18 months old!!

I would love to THANK you in advance:)

AND here is a great giveaway on another blog - Shasta Anne - lucky winner will receive (1) $100.00 Forever21 cash card AND (1) $100.00 Exxon cash card! - ENDS tomorrow - April 15!!

3 Winners

2011-04-14T00:01:00.000-06:00

Our 3 winners for the AC Delco who created Knowledge is Power!! Thank you to everyone who entered!!

1.trooppetrie said... 4
facebook fan

2.Rachel said... 8
What a nice giveaway!

3.sally said... 5
Pretty cool giveaway. Hope I win, I always hate having a guy talk to me about my car.

Please email me with your info in the next 72 hours and I can get it sent along to the right people:)
Thank you AC Delco for prize package and for creating Knowledge is Power!

*I was given a prize package also - but all opinions are my own.

2011-02-24T10:50:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday Sister!! Hope you have a great day!!

2011-02-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent craft that I did for our family:) I made Christmas stockings for everyone so that they would match!!

Giveaway Day!!

2011-02-03T00:01:00.001-07:00

According to a recent Nielsen survey, text messaging has officially eclipsed voice calls! Valentine's Day is the source of a 33% spike in texting traffic - "I luv U," "B Mine!" Over the phone, via e-mail, or by text message have become the modern day equivalent of the Valentine's card. This Valentine's Day, re-connect with the one you love on a more intimate level without spending a fortune with US Cellular!

From now til February 17, U.S. Cellular, the company ranked the best wireless carrier in the country by Consumer Reports, is offering some amazing "sweetheart" deals, including a sale on all phones that make texting quick and easy. Handsets like Samsung Messager Touch, Motorola GRASP and LG Mystique are FREE after a $50 mail-in rebate.

Here is the giveaway!! One Midwestern Gone Idahoan reader is going to get all this...

$25 U.S. Cellular gift certificate (which can be redeemed for devices, accessories or to pay part of the winner's phone bill.)

$25 Gift Card to restaurants.com (gift cards available for restaurants around the country.)

A box of gourmet chocolates!!!

*To enter this giveaway - you must be in a US Cellular coverage area so that you can redeem the gift card!! You should be a US Cellular customer or thinking of becoming one:)

Here is how to WIN:)

Mandatory:
Leave a comment and let me know that you would like to win this prize package!!

EXTRA Entry's:
*Make sure that you leave a DIFFERENT comment for each entry!!!

+1 extra entry - Become or let me know you are already a follower of Midwestern Gone Idahoan.
+2 extra entry's - Facebook like US Cellular and tell them Midwestern Gone Idahoan sent you!!
+4 extra entry's - Blog or facebook about the giveaway and leave me your link.
+1 extra entry - twitter follow Midwestern Gone Idahoan (@sahmof5kids)HERE and leave your twitter name.

Giveaway will end on February 10, 2011. I will post the winner on my blog and email them (make sure you leave an email for me!!) GOOD LUCK everyone!!

* I was NOT given any compensation for this giveaway - all opinions are my own.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Getting to Know ME Tuesday

2011-02-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

This is the first week that I am doing this:) I am so excited! If you have any questions that you would like me to answer - please leave it in the comments!!

Here goes ...

Where did I come up with the name Midwestern Gone Idahoan?

I was born in Manhattan, KS and then lived in Iowa for 14 years. Next we lived in Indiana where my family stayed for quite awhile - I lived there the last 3 years of High School. Then I nannied in the Chicago area before moving out to Utah. After meeting my hubby we ended up in Idaho (where he is from) with two years of our marriage and have been here since - except for a quick move to MO for work that was only 9 months!

After growing up in the Midwest - I considered myself a Midwestern Girl - but after living in Idaho for the last 13 years - I now call Idaho home:)

Mattew Mead is BACK!!

2011-01-31T13:22:00.002-07:00

SUMMER with Matthew Mead is a "book-azine" celebrating and offering inspiration for the summer season. We are offering SUMMER via online orders only - in limited quantities - and by simply following the BUY HOLIDAY link below our banner, you will be directed to a secure shopping cart and checkout... with a Priority Post delivery of SUMMER with Matthew Mead straight to your mailbox! Be sure to look around and read more about what you will find in the pages of SUMMER with Matthew Mead and follow along to learn about our features, behind-the-scenes shoots, and who makes up our creative team!

I am so excited!! Summer with Matthew Mead is sold only via this website.
Have you ordered your copy yet?

French Silk Pie

2011-01-31T13:09:00.002-07:00

This recipe is a favorit around the extended family!!

French Silk Pie

1 (9 1/2") pastry crust
3 sq. unsweetened chocolate
1 c. sugar
3/4 c. butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs

Bake the pastry shell (or graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust) in 450 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Melt the chocolate in double boiler or microwave. Let cool.
In separate bowl beat together sugar and butter about 4 minutes with a mixer, until fluffy. Beat in chocolate or vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on medium speed for 2 minutes after each addition. Turn into shell. Chill several hours or overnight, until set. Garnish with whipped cream or chocolate curls.

*I always use a pie curst that I have made - but you can get a frozen one from the store or a graham cracker crust that is already done!!

What are some of your favrite recipes?

New Blog Schedule

2011-01-27T14:08:00.003-07:00

This year I thought I would make a schedule for my blog!! I am excited about this!! You will be able to know what the topic is most days!! Here is what I am thinking so far:

Monday: Recipe Day
Tuesday: Getting to Know ME
Wednesday: Wordless Picture
Thursday: Review and/or Giveaway Day
Friday: Craft Day

Here is the low down on the schedule -

Monday will be Recipe day were I will post a recipe that I love and have made before - or one that I have found and would love to make!! I might even do a link up (first for me!!)

Tuesday: I thought it would be good to have a day where you can learn more about the Author - Me. I will come up with a question or if you have a question please ask - and I will answer!!

Wednesday: I love posting my wordless pictures!!

Thursday: I would love to do a review and/or giveaway EVERY Thursday this year!!

Friday: I do love to craft!! Here I would post about my crafts I am making or made. And I would love to feature some of you!! And I thought I might do a linky for this post too!!

Since it is already Thursday - I thought I would begin this next week!! I am excited!! If you want to see something posted here that I haven't said - please let me know!!

I will try to ALWAYS post about these ideas on these days so you know what to expect - but I will also be adding EXTRA posts in during the week about ANYTHING!! I am excited!!! Aren't you???

Crafts I worked on this week

2011-01-21T17:47:00.004-07:00

Here are a few crafts / sewing projects that I have worked on this week!!

I have said before that I can't follow a pattern - it took awhile to make the first skirt - but the second skirt to no time at all!!

Here is the Christmas sign I have been meaning to make for over a year - I still have big nails to buy to hang the stocking from - but that is it!!

And here are some pillows cases that I made the boys last Saturday!

He still makes me weak in the knees

2011-01-21T09:14:00.003-07:00

Hubby is gone this weekend having fun at Jackson Hole with the guys from work. And with our 15th Anniversary just celebrated - I thought I would share that my hubby can still make my knees weak!! And he can still take my breath away sometimes!! No not first thing in the morning before he brushes his teeth:) I will see him from afar sometimes without knowing it is him and think - "huh, that is a cute guy!' and then he get closer and I see it is my hubby!! And no I don't go looking at other guys!! But when there is a good looking man walking by, I notice. I am human:)

I just think that after 15 years - it is great that I am still in love with my hubby!! And it is a BIG PLUS that he is not only a great hubby - he is a WONDERFUL Daddy too!!

I love you Dean Bake!!

New show on CMT - Working Class - Review

2011-01-20T10:42:00.004-07:00

Sitcom with Melissa Peterman and Ed Asner Debuts Back-to-Back New Episodes on January 28

CMT’s first scripted sitcom,
WORKING CLASS, starring TV veteran Melissa Peterman and
Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Ed Asner, makes its
network debut Friday, January 28 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT, followed by a
second, all-new episode at 8:30 p.m., ET/PT.
The new 12 episode, multi-camera series follows Carli Mitchell
(Melissa Peterman), a single mom from a rough and tumble
background, trying to give her three kids a better life by moving them
to an upscale suburb. She quickly finds that making the transition to
“the good life” is harder than she thought. She's unwittingly
befriended by her cranky neighbor, Hank (Ed Asner), her only
“career” prospect is a glorified deli job at the local grocery store, and
the man she falls for not only already has a girlfriend – but he’s also
her boss, Rob (Patrick Fabian). With her ladies-man brother, Nick
(Steve Kazee), to help her out (when he’s not acting like one of the
kids himself), Carli faces the challenges of parenting, dating, and
making friends in her new community by doing more with less,
staying true to herself and approaching each day with a touch of
working class.
The complete cast includes:
• Melissa Peterman – “Carli Mitchell”
• Ed Asner – “Hank Greziak,” Carli’s neighbor.
• Steve Kazee – “Nick Garrett,” Carli’s brother.
• Patrick Fabian – “Rob Parker,” Carli’s boss and love interest.
• Lachlan Buchahan – “Scott Mitchell,” Carli’s eldest son.
• Courtney Merritt – “Pam Mitchell,” Carli’s daughter.
• Cameron Castaneda – “Will Mitchell,” Carli’s youngest son.
The show will also feature multiple guest stars throughout the
season, including recently-announced Reba, whose on-screen
reunion with Melissa Peterman will air in February. Additional guest
stars include David Faustino (“Married with Children” and Not
Another B Movie); Kathy Kinney (“The Drew Carey Show” and “The
Secret Life of the American Teenager”); Martin Mull (“Roseanne” and
“’Til Death”); John Schneider (“The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Smallville”); Ryan Stiles (“Whose Line Is It Anyway” and “The Drew
Carey Show”); and Lesley Ann Warren (“In Plain Sight” and
“Desperate Housewives”), as well as CMT’s own Evan Farmer from
CMT TOP 20 COUNTDOWN.
WORKING CLASS is executive produced by Jill Cargerman (“Spin
City,” “Las Vegas,” “Gary Unmarried”) and Bryan Johnson of The
Film Syndicate.
For downloadable photos and more information on WORKING
CLASS,
visit http://press.mtvn.com/tca
CMT, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is
the leading television and digital authority on country music and
entertainment, reaching more than 91 million homes in the U.S. CMT
and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news,
live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on
demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music
channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.

*MY Review of the show (I was able to watch the first episode)- I thought it started out a little slow and dated looking - but it picked up really fast! I thought it was funny and it made me smile and laugh!! If you liked the show Reba - you will LOVE this show!! I am excited to watch more episodes!!

*I was able to watch a episode of Working Class - but all opinions are my own. This project was done through One2One Network!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T10:16:00.001-07:00

Day 3 of Anniversary Trip

2011-01-17T10:53:00.009-07:00

It has been a CRAZY week and half since I got back from our trip. It is taking me a LONG time to blog about it!!

Here is day three of San Diego!!

Day of our Anniversary - We woke up and spent the morning in the hotel talking about the last 15 years. We talked mostly of all the good times. It was fun to talk and hear what each other remembered! We even got breakfast in bed:) How fun!!

We then headed to San Diego Zoo. Holy Cow it is so BIG!! We walked around a ton and then took a bus ride around the zoo too. We were there for about 3 hours and could have spent ALL DAY there!! The San Diego zoo is WORTH every penny that we paid for it!!

Next we headed to Sea World. Sea World is fun - but NOT worth the money! If you could get in for about half the price they want - then it would be worth it.

Then we headed to the beach to watch the sun set! And we walked along the beach! Talk about relaxing!! I would love to move right on the beach and live!

Then we drove by the San Diego Temple - beautiful!!

I will be blogging about the rest of the week, but here is a hint ...
Thursday - Lego Land
Friday - Whale Watching