Things that bring me joy----Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a great time of year. It brings me joy because

1. You get to stuff yourself silly with food and then you get to say "it's the holiday's" and that is a good enough excuse for people to not look twice when you have a plate with 3 desserts on it.

2. You get to spend time with family. In this day and age we need an excuse to just get our families together because we live so far away from each other. We had a great weekend spending time with Darren's parents and seeing my family including my Mom's side of the family.

3. You get to thank God for all that he has given and done for us. It's a special holiday that everyone in the nations does this together. If only it could be everyday...

Blessing mix

For a fun festive mix

Mix together

Bugles-Shaped like cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, a symbol of our nation's abundance

Pretzels-Arms folded inp rayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country

Candy Corn- The sacrifices of the Pilgram's first winter. Food was so scare that settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn a day.

Nuts or Seeds- Promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence

Dried fruits- Harvest gifts from our bountiful land

M&M- Memories of those who came before us to lead us into a blessed future

Hershey's Kiss- The love of family and friends that sweetens our lives.

http://holidayorganizer.com

My phone

I lost my friend my phone today. Really my phone was dead, beyond dead this morning. I stopped by Verizon (the one by the new Target (they are really nice by the way)) and they got me a new phone but no phone numbers. I don't write anyones numbers down anymore. My advice to you is to write them down. I also don't memorize anyones phone number not even my sisters. So you need to call me if you are reading this so I will have your phone number....really...

Christmas Help

Yesterday at Sears we stopped in to get vacuum bags. That's the only thing we bought. As Darren was checking out, the girl asked if we needed a gift receipt with that?! So if you want to give vacuum bags as a gift this Christmas, please know that gift receipts are available at Sears!!????

National treasure or Thanksgiving feast

The kids went to weight watchers with me on Thursday because Darren had to work late. So we sat in the back and the activity was to think about what you were going to eat before Thanksgiving dinner. So my kids drew their own plates. We were walking out and Mason says very proudly, "Here's my turkey, mashed potatoes and I would like eagle meat." I started chuckling. We then got in the car and said, "Mom, I am kinda embarrassed that I said eagle meat." I told him he didn't need to be embarrassed. Even though I wanted to tell him that he might be arrested if he ate eagle?!!

How about some kid pictures instead of Dog...

I had to take a picture of Ayden in these shoes because they are pretty much too small and I knew that this would be the last time she wore them.

Ok another post about my dog----I didn't know that I was gonna be one of "THOSE" people

I am one of "THOSE" people that actually bought clothes for my dog. Yoda now had a coat. I am telling you (Darren doesn't believe me) that when he is outside for more than a minute he shivers. He has no fat on him and his fur coat is not really thick. So therefore I bought him a coat at old navy. Darren is embarrassed to walk him in it. What do you think?!!

Chicken Burritos

This recipe is from a Taste of Home Quick cooking cookbook and they are so good and plus it makes two and freezes well.

1 large chopped onion
1/4 chopped green pepper
6 tbsp of butter
1/2 c all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles
2 tbsp chopped jalapeno peppers (I never put in)
1 tsp of ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp of garlic powder
1/2 tsp of salt
1 can (15 oz) chili with beans
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese cubed
8 cups cooked chicken cubed
24 flour tortillas (6 0r 7 inches)
6 cups shredded Colby-monterey jack cheese

In a large skillet, saute onion and green pepper in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in broth. Bring to a boil: cook and stir for 2 mins. Reduce heat; add the tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and seasonings. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Stir in chili and cream cheese until cheese is melted. Stir in chicken.

Spoon about 1/2 cupful down the center of each tortilla; sprinkle each with 1/4 cup Colby-monterey jack cheese. Fold ends and sides over filling. Place in two greased 13 X 9 baking dishes. Cover and freeaze one casserole for up to 3 months. Cover and bake the remaining casserole at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until heated through.

FROZEN BURRITOS: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes or until heated through.

Enjoy!!!!

How is Yoda?

Yoda, the new Kochersperger dog, is fitting into the family pretty well. Maggie the 12 year old beagle is tolerating him. He is really good with the kids. He is playful but not too annoying. He is doing well about going to the bathroom outside but I still don't trust him. At night, when the kids are in bed and I sit to relax, he sits on my lap which is exactly what I wanted. He did do something I don't think I have ever seen, he drank pee out of Ayden's potty chair today. Disgusting!! Overall, he is a good dog. I just hope that I don't start looking like him...you know they say that about people and their dogs. Someone already said we have the same color hair!!!

The Kochersperger Boys

I don't know if any boy loves his Daddy as much as Mason loves Darren. He loves to be by his side. I hope that never goes away. I have a feeling in about 10 years it will. We will try to remember to cherish it now.

Things that bring me joy - Friday Fun day at KBC

Friday November 21, at 3:30 -5:45 at Kenosha Bible Church for kids Kindergarten through 2nd grade. I love it because the kids have tons of fun and the parents get a break. For more info go to
http://kenoshabible.org/kids.asp

"Coffee" snobs

Rylee and Mason and I stopped by Starbucks last night. I got them each a kids hot chocolate. I was waiting for my drink and they went to sit down. I got my drink and walked up and Mason talking about his drink said, "This is from Ethopia." Rylee said, "This is from Peru." I had to laugh. Wonder where they got their discerning palette for hot chocolate??? They were just repeating what they heard from their Dad about his coffee.

Got Extra Candy!!

I decided it had to go today. I am donating it to church to use for Awana games. If you have extra candy you would like to donate, let me know and I can take it to church for you, (no I really will take it) they especially want the little kind (like bubble gum, hard candies, etc(not the good kind in my opinion))

Voting 2008

I voted for President today.

I took 3 little girls with me to vote. Maybe some day one of them could really be president.

Today I saw women standing in line to vote with their sons. I saw people of all nationalities standing to cast their ballots and voice their opinion. I saw a Phillipian family, African american, Asian young woman. Our community is fairly diverse and it was amazing to see all of us standing in line.

Thank God for this country and for the right we have to voice our opinion and that everyone here has the same opportunity!

Free stuff on election day

You get a free cup of brewed coffee at Starbucks if you voted



and a free scoop of ice cream if you vote too.