New Year's Eve

Yesterday, I had my OB appointment and the baby's heart rate was at 151. Strong and healthy!My weight continues to go up which is a good thing for the baby but it is kindof depressing me. I told my dh that I want a Wii fit after the baby is born. I can't stand to exercise but if I can think it's fun maybe it won't be so bad.I also have to go in this weekend to do the 3 hour glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. Please pray that I don't have diabetes.



We are in the process of looking for a home so we viewed some homes today. We just loved the last one we looked at.It was private, cozy and enough room for our family and pets. Now, it is just a matter of waiting to be pre-approved.



Tonight, we were supposed to go to a New Year's Eve party at church but it was cancelled. And with good reason...... it is 40 below 0 outside!!! So, we are staying in. For snacks, we are having crockpot l'il smokies, guacamole and wheat thins, cookies, cream cheese and picante sauce with crackers, and sparkling cider.

and things I would like to accomplish in 2009~
Birthing our healthy new baby(hopefully through an easy labor and delivery....when I dream, I dream big!) :)
Moving into a new home
Making our house a home
Starting a craft business
Reading my Bible everyday and finishing it by the end of the year
Reading some good books
Successfully homeschooling our children
and finish cross-stitching our baby's blanket

~Merry Christmas~

Merry Christmas everyone! We had a nice Christmas here at home.The kids were all pleased with their gifts. I was happy with mine,too from my dh. About a month ago, I got a perm and a Kitchenaid mixer. Today, I got a very comfy robe and slippers(which will be great for the hospital when it's time for our baby to be born), 2 pairs of cozy sleep pants, and 3 bottles of nail polish in shades of pink.We also got a family gift that I requested. It is a combo VCR/DVD player.

For dinner,

we had London broil, Italian pasta salad, rolls, chicken dressing, raspberry bars and Rice Krispie treats. For a snack later in the day we had pretzel crisps and guacamole.

I hope you all have had a very merry Christmas!

More recipes

~Italian Pasta Salad~(I got this recipe from my sister)
1 box(16oz) rotini
3 oz. pkg. pepperoni
2 C. shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
6 oz. can black olives, sliced
1 t. oregano
16 oz. bottle creamy Italian dressing
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Run cold water over pasta for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and toss. Chill.


~Southern Pecan Pie~ (My mom makes this)
3 eggs
1C. sugar
4T. butter, melted
1T. vinegar
1C. light corn syrup
1C. chopped pecans
pinch of salt
1 unbaked pie shell

Beat eggs well. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.

~Scotcharoos~(a childhood favorite)
1C. light corn syrup
1C. sugar
1C. peanut butter
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and heat until smooth.
6C. Crisp rice cereal
6oz. chocolate chips
6oz. butterscotch chips
Remove from heat and add cereal; mix well. Pour into a greased 9x13" pan. Melt chips together and spread over cereal mixture. Chill; cut and serve.

~Dried Beef Cheeseball~(my old stand-by)
2(8oz) pkgs. cream cheese
1 pkg. dried beef, finely chopped
2t. Accent
1/2 t. garlic powder
Mix well, shape into ball and chill.

Christmas Bells

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime,A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound

The Carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;

‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;

‘For hate is strong,And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

’Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men!’

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Sour Cream Bluberry Coffeecake

I made this last night to go with our supper. Our oldest son really liked it; especially the crunchy streusel on top.The only thing I would change is to add at least 1/2 C. more blueberries.

~Sour Cream Blueberry Coffeecake~

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
1 cup (8 ounces) reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
TOPPING:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cold butter
Directions: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. In another bowl, combine the egg, sour cream, applesauce, oil and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in blueberries. Pour into a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray. For topping, in a bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats and cinnamon; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the batter. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 12 servings.

Ultrasound

I just had my ultrasound and I was so concerned but the doctor said everything looks normal with our baby.Hallelujah! They sent me home with 4 pix AND a DVD.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am thankful for:

knowing Christ as my personal saviour

my family

being pregnant with our fourth child

being able to have a delicious Thanksgiving meal

Our meal today was:

turkey
chicken dressing(my Grandma's recipe)
rolls
super simple cheesecake
rice krispie treats
brownies

Here is the recipe for :

Super simple cheesecake

1 graham cracker crust(you can make your own by mixing together 1 1/2 C. crushed graham crackers,

1/4 C. sugar, and 1/3 C. melted butter/margarine , then press into pie plate and bake at 375 deg. for 6-8 minutes)

8 oz. cream cheese,softened

8oz. Cool Whip

1/2 C. sugar

1 can cherry or blueberry pie filling

Cream sugar and cream cheese together. Add Cool Whip. Mix well and place in crust and chill.Top with pie filling and serve.

What are your Christmas traditions?

I may be getting a little ahead of myself since Thanksgiving isn't even quite here yet but I am in a joyous holiday mood.

I am sitting here listening to my new Josh Groban"Noel" CD I picked up a few weeks ago during our trip. This is a great CD. I recommend it. It really puts me in the Christmas mood.I have been feeling so joyous about this holiday season. It wasn't this way last year for me. I'm not sure what it is this year. Maybe this new life growing inside me,huh? I don't know but I feel blessed.

Do you have any Christmas traditions? Are you starting any new ones this year?

For me, I guess they would be:
Buying (when financially able) new ornaments each year for the kids
Also wrapping the gifts(not candy) that go in the stockings~ I got this one from my dh and his family
Sending out Christmas cards(and making them as time permits)
Putting the tree up the day after Thanksgiving
Making foods that remind us of family(since we live so far away and can't be with them during the holidays)
Making Christmas candies and cookies

Maybe not this year but sometime in the future:

To buy a Nativity set
I would like to have an Advent wreath
Make a Jesse Tree
Make Gingerbread houses

This year I would like to give a gift(s) to one or some not expecting it. I really, really want to do this.
Please share your ideas.

Sharing some recipes

A-1 Meatloaf, Baked Cheese Mashed Potatoes, and Garlic Cheese Biscuits
~A-1 Meatloaf~1(8oz) can tomato sauce, divided
2 lbs. ground beef
1 medium onion,chopped
1 C. crushed corn flakes
1/3 C. A-1 steak sauce
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 t. pepper
Reserve 1/2 can tomato sauce.Mix remaining 1/2 can tomato sauce, beef, onion, corn flakes, steak sauce, eggs, and pepper; mix well. Press mixture into 9x 5 inch loaf pan.Bake at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes; pour off fat. Top with reserved tomato sauce; bake 10 more minutes.Yield: 8 servings

~Baked Cheese Mashed Potatoes~These are so good that you may never eat regular mashed potatoes again!
8-12 medium baking potatoes(about 3-4 lbs.)
8 oz. cream cheese,softened
8 oz. sour cream
6T. butter or margarine
3 shakes of garlic powder with parsley
1/4 t. pepper
1/2 - 1C. shredded cheddar cheese
Peel and quarter potatoes. In large saucepan, cook potatoes in enough water to cover for 20-25 minutes oe until tender. Drain off liquid. In large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, butter, garlic powder and pepper.Beat mixture with an electric mixer until fluffy. Turn mixture into a buttered 2 qt. baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 more minutes.Yield:8-10 servings

~Garlic Cheese Biscuits~Very light and fluffy!
1 1/4 C. biscuit mix
1/2 C. grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 C. water

garlic butter:
1/2 stick butter or margarine,melted
1/2 t. garlic powder with parsley
1/4 t. salt
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.Combine biscuit mix and cheese in a small bowl. Add water and stir just until combined. The dough will be slightly moist. Drop dough by tablespoonsful onto baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes.While biscuits are baking, make garlic butter. In small bowl, combine butter, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well. Brush hot biscuits with this mixture.Yield:10-12 biscuits



Tender Chicken Nuggets

1C. crushed corn flakes
1/2 C. Parmesan cheese
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/8 t. garlic powder
1/4 C. Ranch dressing
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts,cut into 1" cubes
additional ranch dressing for dipping
In shallow bowl,combine the first 5 ingredients.Place dressing in another bowl.Toss chicken cubes in dressing,then roll in cornflake mixture.Place in a greased 11x7x 2" baking dish/pan.Bake, UNcovered, at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until juices run clear.Serve with dressing. Yield: 4 servings



Taco Soup
1 lb. ground beef
15 oz. chili beans
1 small onion,chopped
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 1/2 qt. tomato juice
1/3 C. brown sugar
Brown ground beef and onion,; drain.Add tomato juice, beans, taco seasoning, and sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.Place crushed tortilla chips in individual bowls. Spoon soup on top. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and top with sour cream.

Enjoy!

CHANGES~What curriculum choices have you made? What do you recommend?

We just totally ditched everything that we were using for our youngest two kids and I will be withdrawing them from the funded homeschool program. I have felt a burden to be able to use Christian curriculum so I put in my orders yesterday. We will be using My Father's World~ Exploring countries and cultures,primary language lessons and intermediate language lessons by Emma Serl, language lessons by Sandi Queen, and Rod and Staff math. I really am interested in the Charlotte Mason learning style and most of this curriculum seems to fit this.We are really looking forward to using these curriculums.

Our trip

We just back this weekend from our trip to Anchorage. "T" got his brace for his scoliosis and it has Spiderman on it! I feel so bad that he has to wear this thing . It looks so uncomfortable but I know it's for the best.
On the way back, we stopped in Wasilla at the new Target(just had to stop because we don't have one here). We ended up buying over $100 worth of candy for about$25! Now, we are are stocked up for Christmas(probably Easter,too) and gift giving.We also ended up getting the T-shirt sheets for 1/2 off. Dh and I just love them! They are so comfy.

Asking for Prayer

I went to the ER last Tuesday because I was having a stomacache and intense pain in my back. An abdominal ultrsound was done on Wednesday. I got the results today. It turns out that I have quite a few gallstones. My doctor is referring me to a surgeon. The possibility of having surgery scares me especially since I am pregnant. Please pray.

Have you ever written your own homeschool curriculum for your kids?

I am thinking about this especially for "T". I am especially interested in this since researching the Charlotte Mason learning style. I just believe that since he is 7yo there are other ways to learn besides structured bookwork.There are so many ways to learn so many things just by learning through doing. IMHO, a child should have the opportunity to just be a child without the pressure. I see him learn so much everyday just through simple imaginative and non-imaginative play. It just warms my heart to watch him learn this way and makes me more and more adamant about this way of learning.I don't want his creativity to be squelched. I want to see him continue to have fun while learning. Anyone else feel the way that I do?

"T" is an excellent reader already and math seems to come naturally for him. I don't want to burden him with structured bookwork though. I want learning to be fun. What fun learning ideas do you have for math at this age?

The ambleside online curriculum looks nice but I would like to change it up with different "living books" that he would be more interested in. Do you and your children have any favorite living books?

Did you follow any book or guide for creating your curriculum? Please share any ideas.

Snow!

Today it has snowed about 4 inches so far and it is still snowing. So, the kids and I took the opportunity to make snow ice cream.

Here's the recipe:

1/2 C. whipping cream
1T. sugar
2-3 drops vanilla
1-3 cups clean snow

In a separate bowl, mix cream, sugar and vanilla.
Slowly add snow to desired consistency.

We added chocolate syrup,too. Yummy!

Welcome!

Hello~
I chose the name Cozy Mittens Cottage because we live in a place where it is cold(or cooler) most of the year.We love this weather because most of the time it is"snuggle-up" weather. I also think there is just something so sweet about cozy little mittens. We don't actually live in a cottage but our home is so small that it is intimate and cozy like a cottage. I hope to share many things about simple living, homemaking, arts and crafts, recipes, and homeschooling and our faith. We are a Christian family that takes delight in living the simple life that the Lord gave to us. Please sit back , grab your blanket, have a hot chocolate and cozy up. I hope you will enjoy your time here and be blessed.