menu plan monday ~ august 16, 2010

Monday
Ham Sandwiches
Watermelon

Tuesday
Ranchiladas The recipe site blogger calls these “Benchiladas” because her husband Ben loves them so much. With due respect to Ben, we’ll call them Ranchiladas as they contain Ranch dressing. 🙂
Toppings: Sour Cream, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Shredded Cheese, Salsa

Wednesday
Hawaiian Ribs in the Slow Cooker
Coleslaw with Craisins and Walnuts
Corn on the Cob
Melon Slices

Thursday
Chicken Pepperoni over Pasta
Parmesan Cheese Bread
Peas
Italian Chopped Salad

Friday
Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine

Saturday
Lunch ~ Fridge Food
Supper ~ Chicken Garlic Pizza

Sunday
Sour Cream Pork Chops
Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli
Corn
Green Salad

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda

baby butterflies

Two years ago we raised 18 black swallowtail butterflies. We wanted to try it again this year, so Sunday DH went out to check the parsley and found five butterfly eggs.

butterfly eggs

Today, all the eggs hatched. Look at this tiny little guy.

day old caterpillar

We’re looking forward to watching them grow into beautiful butterflies.

~~Rhonda 🙂

peanut butter bars

Peanut Butter Bars

I concocted this recipe years ago, when my four older children were in school. I was making peanut butter cookies one day and didn’t want to take a long time to cook them, so I put the whole batch on the cookie sheet and baked them. After they cooled, I thought they’d be better with frosting, so I made up the frosting mixture and spread it over the cookie bars. After making them a few times, I decided to dress them up with some chocolate drizzle and sprinkles.

They’ve been a favorite of our family since then, and a favorite everywhere we take them. While my older children were in high school, peanut butter bars were a frequent take-to-school treat. I still get the occasional request from those school families for the recipe for our peanut butter bars. And it never fails, when I take these to a social function, I am always asked for the recipe. Melissa, this is for you. And for my son Daniel, to whom I promised the recipe two weeks ago…

Peanut Butter Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) margarine, room temperature
1 c. peanut butter (any kind)
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 c. white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
2 1/4 c. all purpose flour

Peanut Butter Bars

Preheat oven to 350*F. Grease a 10″ x 15″ cookie sheet with 1″ sides.

Soften the margarine, if it is not at room temperature. [I throw the fridge hard margarine into my KitchenAid and let it beat it into creamy submission…but that won’t work well with most mixers.] Cream the margarine and the peanut butter together. Beat in the two sugars till light and fluffy, then add the eggs and the vanilla. Mix well.

In a separate bowl, mix the salt, baking soda, and the flour. Add it to the first mixture, combining thoroughly.

Scrape the mixture onto the greased cookie sheet and spread the dough evenly over the pan.

Peanut Butter Bars

Bake for 22-25 minutes. Dough will puff up during baking and then fall back as it cools. Do not over bake. The dough may look like it is not quite done, but it should not be left in the oven longer than 25 minutes.

This batch was left in the oven a minute or two too long. The top is a bit too brown. That didn’t keep the fam from cutting the edges to check for “quality control.” The cookie bars passed. 😀

Peanut Butter Bars

Let it cool completely and frost with the following.

1 stick (1/2 cup) margarine
1/2 c. peanut butter
8 c. powdered sugar
dash of salt
1/4 c. milk

Cream the margarine and the peanut butter. Add the other ingredients and blend well. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, a little at a time, until it’s of spreading consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar, a bit at a time, until you like the feel of the frosting. Mine was a shade too thick, but I let it go. Doesn’t really affect the flavor.

Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut Butter Bars

Frost the cookie bars and drizzle with 6 oz. melted chocolate. Garnish with sprinkles if desired.

Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut Butter Bars

Enjoy! ~~Rhonda 🙂

menu plan monday ~ august 9, 2010

We’ve had two sick girls on our hands over the weekend. DH went to church and I stayed home, but did make a simple bouquet to send.

black-eyed Susans bouquet

The Black Eyed Susans are in full bloom. Even in the heat and humidity, they look great.

I think we’re going to have a rather quiet week. With the heat and humidity as high as it is, I’m just as happy we don’t have anywhere we have to go.

Monday
Chicken and Noodles (requested by DD)

Tuesday
Hamburgers
Homemade Hamburger Buns
Veggies / Dip

Wednesday
Bourbon Chicken
Rice
Stir Fried Sugar Snap Peas with Cherry Tomatoes

Thursday
Pork Chops over Potatoes Casserole
Broccoli / Cauliflower / Carrots
Green Salad
Corn on the Cob

Friday
Tacos

Saturday
Lunch ~ Fridge Food
Supper ~ Homemade Pizza

Sunday
Apple & Onion Chicken with Rosemary
Rice
Corn
Peas
Craisin and Sugared Pecan Salad
Homemade Rolls

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda

faithful vehicle turns 300,000

Turned over 300,000 miles, that is. DH’s 1990 Suburban has finally made it to the 300s.

the old Suburban

DH and DD drove it around the block a few times to catch the rollover. And no, they weren’t going 67 mph while taking the picture…the speedometer is stuck there. 😀

299,999.9

300,000.0

The Suburban has been a great vehicle for us. It took four kids back and forth to school every day, 30 miles each way. It made it through four teenagers and various bumps and scrapes. It has hauled family, friends, boards and lumber, plumbing, plants, moving boxes, furniture, landscaping supplies, etc., etc., etc. And now it has turned over 300,000 miles. Maybe, like John Denver, we should get out and push it a mile.

Of course, as the odometer climbs, so does the likelihood of encountering more complex mechanical issues. At 300,000 miles, components like the fuel system, suspension, and exhaust system often start to show signs of fatigue. That’s where having access to skilled professionals becomes a game-changer.

With specialized diagnostic equipment and an experienced team, RUSH Diesel can pinpoint problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, addressing them before they snowball into costly repairs. Whether it’s a persistent check-engine light or fine-tuning the performance of a veteran vehicle, the right expertise can make all the difference in extending the life of a car like your Suburban. After all, every mile tells a story, and with the right care, there are plenty more adventures left to come.

The importance of expert diagnostic tools and a skilled team, as highlighted by RUSH Diesel, cannot be overstated when it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s performance. Proper diagnostics can catch minor issues before they evolve into costly problems, ensuring your vehicle stays in optimal condition.

At G&R Diesel Repair, their skilled technicians use the latest diagnostic tools to get to the heart of any problem your diesel engine might face. Whether it’s a simple oil change, a transmission repair, or resolving more technical issues such as turbocharging or fuel injector issues, their team works tirelessly to ensure your vehicle performs like new.

Their focus on quality service means that every aspect of your diesel engine is carefully inspected, repaired, and tuned to keep you on the road longer. By providing top-notch service and ensuring all work is performed with precision, G&R Diesel Repair ensures the optimal performance of your vehicle, providing you with peace of mind and the ability to focus on more important matters, like the road ahead.

The same principles that keep a high-mileage vehicle like the Suburban running smoothly also apply when considering a new or used car purchase. Whether you’re looking for a durable family vehicle that will handle the daily grind or a sleek car that provides both luxury and performance, finding a trusted dealership is key.

A new chrysler offers a combination of reliability, innovation, and refined craftsmanship, making it a strong contender for those seeking both style and performance. From advanced safety features to cutting-edge technology, Chrysler models are designed to enhance the driving experience while ensuring long-term dependability. The process of purchasing a car should be seamless, with expert guidance and a selection that fits diverse needs. A trusted dealership provides not just a variety of options but also the confidence that every vehicle has been thoroughly inspected and backed by reliable service, ensuring peace of mind for every buyer.

The Billingsley Family, for example, offers a wide range of vehicles that cater to different needs, from spacious SUVs to efficient sedans, all backed by the same commitment to quality. With a team of knowledgeable professionals, they help ensure that every customer finds the right car for their lifestyle. Whether it’s a family-friendly vehicle or a workhorse that can stand up to the demands of your daily routine, Billingsley Ford is there to guide you through every step of the car-buying journey.

Moreover, Billingsley’s focus on customer satisfaction extends well beyond the initial purchase. Much like taking care of a vehicle that’s seen hundreds of thousands of miles, maintaining your car with expert service is essential to ensuring its longevity. Billingsley offers top-notch maintenance and repair services, helping customers stay ahead of any potential mechanical issues that could arise as their vehicles age. With access to the latest diagnostic tools and factory-trained technicians, the dealership provides a comprehensive approach to vehicle care that helps extend the life of any car.

~~Rhonda 🙂

Sunday bouquet

The surprise lilies have been blooming for almost two weeks. Last Sunday the bouquet was made using them (pink), flowers from the ‘Royal Standard’ hostas (white), and some spirea branches for fill.

Sunday bouquet

Pretty in pink.

With thanks to my honey who goes out into the garden every Sunday morning in search of bouquet blossoms. ~~Rhonda

menu plan monday ~ august 2, 2010

A quiet week for a change. 🙂

mimosa

Flickr’s Macro Mondays’ theme this week was “calm” and that’s the kind of week I’m having. Except for one large project, but it’s a fun one.

Monday
Turkey over Rice
Green Salad
Steamed Sugar Snap Peas

Tuesday
Chef Salad

Wednesday
Fridge Food

Thursday
Hamburgers
Homemade Buns
Veggies / Ranch Dip
Cherries

Friday
Crock Pot Pizza
Garlic Bread
Green Salad

Our son made the Crock Pot Pizza for us while he was here and it was delicious. I plan to tweak it a bit, though, and will leave out the pepperoni and will add some Asiago cheese. It should taste more like lasagna than pizza, as I will use my own homemade spaghetti sauce for the recipe.

Saturday
Lunch ~ Fridge Food
Supper ~ Homemade Pizza

Sunday
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Rice
Fresh Pineapple
Spinach/Strawberry Salad

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda

quiche lorraine

Our French exchange student made Quiche Lorraine twice for us. Her mother is from Lorraine, France, and the quiche is a family specialty.

The pastry is a mixture of flour, butter, and water.

making the quiche pastry

Beautiful!

quiche pastry

She made the quiche much thinner than the quiches I am used to. We all loved it! Delicious!

Quiche Lorraine

Sooo good!

Quiche Lorraine

We’ve had a great month with our exchange student. She has a positive, bubbly personality. She’s always ready to help pick up, dry the dishes, help with dinner, vacuum, etc. And she and DD#3 have become very good friends. We are going to miss her a great deal!

~~Rhonda

menu plan master ~ july 26, 2010

I made a menu for last week, but didn’t get around to posting it. And this week, I’m running late. But better late than never! Our family company is gone and our exchange student heads home tomorrow. We will all miss her, but DD is especially going to miss this new friend.

buddies

Monday
Hamburgers on Homemade Buns
Veggies / Ranch Dip
Chips
Melon Chunks

Tuesday
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Mexican Chopped Salad

Wednesday
Quiche Lorraine
Our French student made this for us last week, and we want her to make it again before she leaves.
Green Salad
Canteloupe

Thursday
Rosemary Ranch Chicken
Lemon Penne Pasta
Corn on the Cob
Steamed Sugar Snap Peas
Green Salad

Friday
Homemade Pizza

Saturday
Fridge Food

Sunday
Pork Chop / Potato Casserole
Corn
Steamed Green Beans
Spinach Salad

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda

busy month!

We’ve kept our exchange student pretty busy this month. And DD has kept her camera busy taking lots of pictures. Here are some of the photo ops she has captured.

They enjoyed the Fourth of July weekend with all the celebrations.

Fourth of July parade

Our exchange student would like to be a fire fighter so she especially enjoyed the fire trucks in the parade.

fire truck in the parade

The girls had a great time watching the local fireworks. On the ground, looking up is the best way!

watching fireworks

Hearts for you!

hearts for you

The spaces that make up the art museum were a lot of fun to photograph.

art museum

If you visit St. Louis, the Arch is a must!

St. Louis Gateway Arch

The girls have become good friends and really enjoy spending their time together.

buddies

DH took them to a Cardinals baseball game.

ball game

ball game

And the zoo…

at the zoo

The grands had fun at the zoo, too. This twin didn’t like the penguins or the gorilla statue, but had no problem with the cobra sculpture.

the world's smallest snake charmer

We have a church dinner planned at our house after worship this Sunday, but beyond that, no big plans for the rest of the month. Our son and his family will leave for home on Sunday and our exchange student will go home next Thursday. Our lives may revert to a more normal schedule, but we’re going to miss the company and the fun we’ve had this month.

~~Rhonda