How Did We Get Here?

Getting ready for my shower this  morning, I remembered a foot soak that I had picked up quite a while ago at Sudsmuffin  I never have the time nor ambition to soak my feet.  I put the plug in the tub, tossed some in and started my shower.  What a refreshing way to wake up.  I think the peppermint and tea tree would be great combined with the steam for a cold.  Check out their cool promo to earn free Sudsmuffin stuff.  http://skinfulscentsations.com/streetteam.html

But before you go, take a look at this yummy muffin of soap.  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7432160

We had a great meal with just our family this year.  It was much more relaxed with no company coming.  I had intended to turn the oven on before we left for church, the turkey was ready and just needed to be turned on.  Oops.  As we got there I realized I hadn’t turned the oven on.  Left Jeff and the kids for Sunday School and booted ‘er back across the city.  Good thing, I also forgot to turn the crockpot to low.  We would have had cold turkey and crispy dressing.

I had to take some pictures.  Lydia was so funny.  Oh, I “wub” ‘weet potatoes, I “wub” mashed potatoes, I “wub” corn, I “wub” butter.  In the past we haven’t been able to keep cranberry sauce on the table as she would eat the entire bowl.  This time she wasn’t so keen on it.  Speaking of cranberry sauce, I’ve never had to make it as my mother always gives me a jar for Thanksgiving/Christmas.  I never knew how easy it was.  Was she trying to pull one over on me?  It’s 1 bag of cranberries, 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.  Boil til the berries pop.  If you want to get fancy, use orange juice instead of water.  Who knew it was so easy. 

I found a great squash casserole.  I don’t eat the stuff but Jeff loves it and his sister grew them this year.   http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/baked-squash-casserole-111387.aspx

I think I’ll start assigning dishes to the kids to help with.  Hannah can do the cranberries, Lydia  tears the bread for the stuffing- she did yesterday.  Parker can help peel potatoes.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The cake was a big hit.

I have a 19 lb turkey to cook and it’s just the five of us.  Mil also gave us two more turkeys today since they were $.99/lb.

Now what all do I need to make?

Mashed potatoes with sour cream in them..NB potatoes are soo bland.  The sour cream gives them some flavour.  Sweet potatoes with apple, corn, carrots, squash, rolls, stuffing, cranberry sauce and for desert a new pumpkin cake recipe from Kraft.

Cara’s Crockpot Stuffing 1 cup butter 2 cups chopped onion 2 cups chopped celery 12 1/2 cups dry bread cubes-  (I bake them in the oven until crisp and sprinkle Bell’s on them before baking 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning 1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage- the spices I substitute bell’s for1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 4 1/2 cups chicken broth- might not need all of it2 eggs, beaten 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion & celery, in butter, stirring frequently. 2. Spoon cooked vegetables over bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl. Season with poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, marjoram- (Bell’s), and salt and pepper. Pour in enough broth to moisten,(might not need all 4-1/2 cups) and mix in eggs. Transfer mixture to slow cooker, and cover. 3.Cook on High for 45 minutes, then reduce heat to Low, and cook for 4 to 8 hours.

Crock Pot Sweet Potato and Apple Combo
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cubed * I added extra

1/4 lb. butter or margarine, melted * I suggest skipping this

1/2 C. brown sugar

1/2 C. apple juice

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. nutmeg

Peel and slice sweet potatoes. Peel, core and cube apples. Place both in slow cooker.

Mix the melted butter and brown sugar. Spoon it over the apple and sweet potato mixture. Pour apple juice over the sweet potato and apple mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. * cooked on high for 3 hours

And for desert:  http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/luscious-four-layer-pumpkin-cake-88186.aspx

Guess I should go pick up a few groceries and get started.  I need a lock on my kitchen doors.

That and some happy pills for the grouches in this house.  Sleepovers ruin long weekends.

For those of you that took part, Thank You.

For those of you who contributed, Thank You.

For those that let this opportunity pass by, start thinking about taking part next year.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Fall seems to be one of the most noticable changes and in our house there’s always something going on in Sept/Oct.  This year seems to be pretty smooth sailing yet hectic.  I’ve been busy organizing my Pink Party in time for Run for The Cure, the Quintessence Breastfeeding challenge and we’re trying to get a midweek program off the ground at our church.  The kids have started their extra cirricular activities.  Parker is doing Judo and Hannah is doing theatre  at IACT.  Same time, different places.  I drop Hannah off early and her class is a half hour longer than Parker’s.  It works well.   Lydia and I have settled into playgroup and i’m planning on taking her swimming on Thursdays.   Can’t beat $2 swims.  I am almost finished updating the October meal plan.  Check out the link in the blog roll on the left.