Charlie Brown's Party Mix ~ FMM

Today's addition of Friend Makin' Monday is sharing winter recipes.

The topic of food is easy for me to talk/blog about. I love sharing recipes. I have been thinking all morning about which recipe to post and finally came up with an old favorite.

I thought back to my childhood, and things my mom would cook in the winter. She cooked lots of yummy food, but I always remember having Chex Mix ALL winter long.

We would grab a bowl full and watch football games, or I'd snuggle up with a blanket and good book and snack away. You could always smell the yummy~ness coming from the oven in the kitchen and I could hardly wait to eat it warm and fresh out of the oven.

Mom would put in in the same large gold Tupperware bowl...I love memories of being a little munchkin. I hope to pass some of my recipes on to my kids.

I hope they will associate food with fun times like I am doing now. okay okay...on to the recipe:

Charlie Brown's Traditional Party Mix

1/2 a stick of butter
1 1/4 teaspoons season salt
4 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
8 cups of Chex brand cereal (corn, rice, or wheat)
1 cup peanuts
1 cup pretzel sticks

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. In a open roasting pan melt butter in oven. Stir in seasoned salt and Worcestershire sauce. Gradually add cereals, nuts and pretzels. Stir until all pieces are evenly coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on absorbent paper to cool. 

I usually add a few extras...chili cheese Fritos, and even potato strings.

Store in airtight container.

The recipe card in my hand is dated 1989. I have had this card in my recipe box forever! I love recipes/cards/books almost as much as I love pictures.

They all tell a story! I'm guessing I cut it out of a magazine and taped it onto a recipe card. And I know what your are thinking...why make this mix when you can just buy it in a bag? It is much better this way...trust me.

Your turn: head on over to Amber's blog and link up to post your FAV winter recipe too. I am going back over there myself and grab some recipes.

What are you gonna be for Halloween?

Amber wants to know!

Today's Friend Makin' Monday topic is about Halloween.

~~~~~

Miss Layla is going to be Tinkerbell.

She wanted to be a dog and then a lamb. She changed her mind a million times and finally we settled on Tinkerbell.

Whew...thank goodness.

I didn't want her to be a dog or a lamb.

~~~~~

Hayden really can't decide for himself.

Hayden in 2008

Last year Hayden was a turtle.

He wore the costume for all of two minutes and was not feeling the whole turtle thing.

This weekend we were going through old costumes thinking of what he should be. For some reason we just couldn't think of anything sooooo Gary thought about using the turtle costume again in a different way. Since the booties and hat don't fit, it works perfectly that he wears a red cap and bandanna and is:

As for Gary and I~I'm not sure.

We usually dress up, but it is a last minute thing. Layla was a ladybug one year and Gary dressed up as an exterminator...ha! The next year she was a cheerleader and he was a coach. Think I can get him to be Peter Pan this year?? heehee...NO WAY will that happen!

~~

Have a great Monday!!

My hobbies~FMM!

Happy Monday!

Yay for another addition of Friend Makin' Monday.

Today Amber wants to know:

What are your hobbies?

I love taking pictures. I have always been a camera "carrying' person. In high school I always had a camera on the side line cheering on the football team, or at track meets. It is one of my favorite ways to capture memories, and it still is.

Enter...the blogging hobby. I can share all of my pics with my family and friends. I am not a professional picture taker by any means, but I love sharing the pics I do capture.

I LOVE to cook. I know most people think I am crazy. It is work, but usually fun for me! I love preparing new and different foods for my family to try.

I love to decorate and redecorate my house.

I love to go camping. I think when Hayden to gets a bit older we will go more often.

I enjoy watching TV at night after the kiddos go to bed. I really need the down time, and Gary and I enjoy hanging out and visiting while watching our favorite shows and sports. Sometimes while watching TV I will browse a magazine. I can't seem to find time for books, so magazines are right up my alley!

What do you wish that you knew how to do?

I wish I knew how to sew. My mother is an excellent seamstress, but I'm not sure I am 'wired' that way. I can't sit still long enough to finish time consuming tasks.

I wish I knew how to play the guitar. It is one thing Gary and I both wish we could do. I bought a 'teach yourself' book and we have a guitar now all we need is time!!

I wish I knew how to water ski. We love to go camping/boating. I want my kids to ski, so I need to learn too!

What do you wish you had more time to do?

I wish I had more time to make jewelry. I had a small side business but haven't made anything in months. I don't have time and Hayden would eat all my beads and supplies! I is so fun to make necklaces, earrings and bracelets. It is fun to pick out an outfit and then make the accessories to match!

I wish I had more time to read books. I love to read and before I had kids I read all the time.

Now all I read about is how to raise good kids. I do make time for self help, and recipe books.

I wish I had more time to scrapbook, but I really like keeping my online scrapbook = blogging.

I wish I had more time to play the piano. The kiddos let me play, but they alter the music a bit with their exploratory fingers tapping the keyboard.

I wish I had more time to garden. I love growing things, but since Hayden was born I feel like I am so overwhelmed. I don't want to kill my crops!

Things I Can't Live Without

Monday means another day of makin' friends.

Today's topic is:

A few things that you cannot live without.

I couldn't live without my family. My husband, kids & puppies are amazing. Everyday is a new & fun adventure in our house...thank goodness for my blog...you guys get to read about our fun and crazy life!

I couldn't live without Mexican Food...'nuf said!!

You want Mexican for lunch now don't ya?

♥♥♥

I couldn't live without manicures & pedicures.

I love fresh polish even if I do it myself!

I couldn't live without coffee!

Of course you knew I'd say...

I couldn't live without my camera.

What are a few things that you couldn't live without?

To Join in on the Friend Makin' Monday fun hop on over to Amber's Blog.

Do you use Craigslist?

This weeks topic on Friend Makin' Monday is Craigslist.

Amber wants to know...

Do you use Craigslist? What have your experiences been?

Good or bad? What was the best thing you've ever bought?

What was the best deal you ever sold?

I LOVE Craigslist. We. (Gary & I) have sold and bought tons of things using this service. I strongly believe that one persons junk is another persons treasure! We are very safe about how we interact with the buyers of the things we sell. I always make sure that someone is here when they come look at the items. I NEVER let them in my house. I usually have items in the garage, and I haven't sold anything while home alone. Gary or another adult has been here with me just in case. I have met people in public places to buy/sell and that is even better!

We recently sold a BBQ pit. We are a grilling family, and Gary purchased a pit that didn't quite cook they way they liked, so he asked me to post it! And sell it I did! It sold in about a week and a half! We have sold a ton of baby stuff...baby stroller, crib bedding, clothes, a bouncer, and infant formula that Hayden was allergic to.

We have purchased a pick-up truck and a jeep on Craigslist. Gary is a handy man, so with the truck he fixed it up and resold it. The jeep we got attached to and still drive it to this day. We bought Hayden's captains bed and a double stroller. The double stroller was a steal...and it was barely used.

We also cleaned out the garage and posted a free listing. That was crazy. We got more hits on the lawn mower and weed eater that didn't work than on anything else. I am assuming the little old man used them for parts, but couldn't wait to beat the next guy here for a broken down lawn mower. If you want something gone in a hurry...post it for free.

All in all we have had success with Craigslist. Sometimes scammers email me, but I just delete the email and go on. I don't have time for crazy people.

My next Craigslist venture? We are searching for an old gaming system. Layla has been asking us to play video games like her friend Mia. I don't think I want to go out and by a Wii, because neither Gary or I are 'gamers.' She will probably just get bored with it, so I don't want to spend a ton of money. I'm thinking an old XBOX or something similar that has some kids games included would be fun to have. If you have any recommendations let me know so I know what to look for!

Head on over to Amber's blog to tell us about your Craigslist experiences! Happy FMM!

Fall TV Shows~FMM

Here are a few of my favorite fall tv shows!!

Desperate Housewives

Brothers and Sisters

Grey's Anatomy

Private Practice

90210

Todays Friend Makin' Monday is all about Fall TV shows.

Jump on over to Amber's Blog to make some friends this Monday!

favorite things about fall~~~fmm

I could go on about Fun Favorite Fall things, but I will choose just a few.

You should choose a few too!

Go visit Amber's blog and link your blog to MckLinky! It is really fun, and a fabulous way to meet bloggers just like you and I. I have met so many great blog friends. It is wonderful to know there are other mommy's out there like me that need advise, or are just looking for a new recipe.

Here are my fav's

new fall nail polish colors...I'm thinking I like purple

back to school...Layla loves to learn

cheaper electric bill...bye bye TX summer HEAT

fall air...oh how i love curtains blowing in the breeze after a hot TX summer




football...need I say more?



grilling grilling & more grilling...we do it any time of year.


fall is always more fun b/c Texas summers get so hot.




What do YOU love most about fall?

It's BA--AACK!! Friend Makin' Monday

Our friend & founder of Friend Makin' Monday, Kasey is taking a blogging break.

So Amber is hosting FMM for a little while.

Today's task:

10 Things I Loved About This Summer

1. No Schedule

It has been so nice to fly by the seat of our pants! We have been going and doing tons of fun things with no worries or time constraints. Preschool is starting next week, and we will be getting to head to school before 9:00 am. The break has been nice, but I think we are ready for routine again!

2. Summer suntans

We all use sunscreen, but we have been in the sun so much. I love the little hue the kids have. Little sun baked bodies running around the house. Their little bums peaking out of their shorts reveal a little lighter color.

3. It gets Dark later

We love the long days.

4. The pool

Enough said...the pool rocks. No matter if it is the blow up whale pool in the backyard, a pool at Auntie's house, or our community pool. We love them all!

5. Hanging out with friends

I have several friends that are school teachers. It has been so great to hang with them. The school year is so busy and hectic, so getting to hang out with them is something we only do in the summertime!

6. Grilling

We grill pretty much year round here at our house, but the kids playing in the backyard while Gary is grilling is a huge plus!

We all play for hours only to come in hungry and devour yummy grilled treats.

7. White Wine

I usually prefer red wine, but this summer I found a new love for a chilled glass of white wine. I discovered a brand that tastes like butter. It is so nice and refreshing on a hot summer evening.

8. Taking pics w/ new camera

I got my new Canon Rebel and I love it! We have had so much fun snapping pics of the kiddos splishing and splashing in the water.

9. The kids birthday parties

Both LK and HC were born in July, so we have a huge birthday month!

We had a ball celebrating their birthdays.

10. Summer Fruits & Veggies

I will really miss the summer fruits that my kids LOVE! My personal favorites are strawberries and watermelon. I also really enjoy homegrown tomatoes. There is a produce stand really close to our house that we enjoyed buying yummy produce from all summer.

Join in the FMM fun by going here to sign up! What is your Top 10 Summer List?

friend makin' monday~vacations

Happy Monday!

Today's version of Friend Makin' Monday is all about vacations!

Jolanthe at No Ordinary Moments is hosting this week. I'm excited to read about my blog friends vacations. I'm hoping to get some ideas of places to put on my 'places to visit' list.


This task has two parts. You can do either one or both ~ it's up to you...but join in on the fun!

1. Tell us about the best {or worst} vacation that you've ever taken.

2. Tell us FIVE places/vacations that you would like to take at some point your life. It doesn't have to be next year...maybe it's the vacation of a lifetime or somewhere you just dream of going years from now.

~The best vacation EVER~

Breckenridge Colorado

I love the mountains. Waking up and seeing the snow covered trees glistening in the sun is amazing. It is so relaxing to head up the mountain and ski slowly down. Or for Gary...to speed ski down. Me, I am just a nice and slow 'take in all the scenery' skier. Just thinking about it makes me excited about our next trip. I have been to many ski areas, but my favorite is Breckenridge. It is the place I want my kids to fall in love with, as Gary and I have!








~Five places I'd love to go~




1. Myrtle Beach...ever since I saw the chic flick Shag I have wanted to go...ha!

2. Boston, Massachusetts...I want fresh Lobster Bisque :)


3. New York City...I'm not a big shopper, but would certainly do it there!


4. Naples, Florida...I love beaches.

5. Snowbird, Utah...can you say snow ski??

Your turn~link your blog to Jolanthe's and tell us your favorite vacay spots!

Dr. Pepper, Animal and Sun Chips...to name a few

Today is Friend Makin' Monday in blog world.

Kasey the creator of Friend Makin' Monday on vacation, so Mamarazzi over at Dandelion Wishes is hosting today. She had a FAB idea...she wants us to list 5-10 of our favorite things! What a great way to find new products and get opinions about cool stuff.

These can be things you think everyone must have, a collection of things you have, or some product or miracle invention that has changed your life...it's YOUR list of favorite things...

This is a new salad I grabbed in a hurry at the grocery store the other day. I was thinking it could get my by in a pinch if I needed to take a salad to a potluck or summer picnic. Wow whee it is YumE! Very simple and easy and I think you should try it. We are addicted to it!

I think Target is amazing! It is my favorite store...do I need to say more?

I love my new camera.

I am learning so much about photography, and this camera rocks! It is the Cannon Rebel XSi.

My Dyson Animal has changed my life. We have two dogs and they shed. When Hayden starting crawling I knew we had to do something about the dog hair. Our Eureka just wasn't cutting it!

Our dogs usually only come in the house at night, but lately here in Texas it is 103 during the day...so they have been in hanging with us. The Animal makes cleaning up fun. I was thinking it was silly at first to spend so much on a vacuum cleaner, but when we added up all the cheap vacuums we have bought over the years it was a no brain er. When I used it the first time I was so happy! Gary likes vacuuming with it too!

I LOVE Dr. Pepper.

I do not allow myself to purchase sodas for our house. If I were to have this wonderful drink in my fridge I would drink it all the time. So...I save soda for special occasions or hot summer treats. I sure wish I had one now!

I love Sun Chips, any flavor. They are so yummy and complete my lunch of a turkey and cheese sandwich!

and last but not least...

My blue Ipod!

I love music of all kinds, and this fun toy is the best invention EVER!

Friend Makin' Monday~Best Friend

Today's topic for Friend Makin' Monday is...

Tell us about your BFF...where did you meet, was it BFF at first sight, how long have you been friends, etc. What makes him/her your BFF...what is it about this person that makes him/her so special to you?-
For the rules, if you are new or need to be reminded of them, go here.

My best friend is Gary, my husband.

He is the most amazing husband, best friend, and father. We met 13 years ago when he started working with me. We were great friends for a couple of years. We did everything together, and even vented about the people we were dating at the time...which wasn't each other...we'd always say we were just friends! But really that is the best part...we have always been friends. I married my best friend, and in September we will be married for 9 years.

I still get excited when he comes home from work. The kids faces light up when he walks in the door, but mine does too. We talk about everything and share the same hopes and dreams. He makes me laugh and holds me when I cry; he knows me inside and out! He is an amazing cook and cleans too. When I am tired...he knows and lends a helping hand. We watch football and Nascar together. Maybe one day I will pick up my golf clubs again and we can play together. He goes shopping with me occasionally...I'm not a super big time shopper...he's probably glad about that!

This picture was taken about 4 years ago. We were at Lake Whitney with 5 other couples for our summer getaway. That getaway is coming up in a few weeks. Me and hubby time...woohoo!! I love you Gary more than you will ever know. Thanks for being the most amazing best friend EVER!