Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

Ugh this week I am a day behind 3 and 4 day weekends always throw me off my calendar. So I am writing this on Wednesday July 6th and it will be posted on the following Tuesday LOL.

This week on our menu we had Cheeseburger Subs for the 4th of July... apparently I was the only one that loved them! Last night we had a Taco Lasagna... and if the chicken is defrosted this evening we will probably be having Chicken Nuggets.

Let me share my recipes with you.... (btw most recipes and photos are from the Publix.com website.) I am too busy eating my meal to take pictures of it LOL

Cheeseburger Subs and Ice Cream Soda Sparklers TOTAL TIME - 35 MINUTES / MAKES 6 SERVINGS Cooking Sequence Place soda glasses in freezer; prepare subs - 30 minutes While burgers grill, prepare suggested sides Prepare ice cream sodas; serve - 5 minutes

Cheeseburger Subs

Ingredients

2 Bakery deli-style sub rolls
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons creamy mustard sauce
aluminum foil
1 1/2 lb ground beef chuck
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup prepared Cheddar cheese sauce, divided
1/2 cup pre-diced tomatoes, divided
1/2 cup pre-diced red onions, divided
2 cups lettuce shreds, divided

Prep

• Preheat grill (or grill pan).
• Slice bread in half lengthwise, leaving 1-inch uncut.

Steps

1. Combine ketchup and mustard sauce; spread over inside of each sub roll. Place rolls on a sheet of foil; set aside.
2. Form ground beef into four patties (wash hands). Season beef patties with salt and pepper. Place patties on grill (or in grill pan); grill 3–4 minutes on each side or until 160°F.
3. Cut burgers in half and place inside sub rolls; top each with 1/4 cup cheese sauce, 1/4 cup tomatoes, and 1/4 cup onions. Bring sides of foil up around roll and place over indirect heat on grill; grill (or bake in oven at 400°F) 6–7 minutes or until bread is toasted and cheese is hot. Add lettuce shreds, then cut each sub into 3 equal pieces; serve.
   Note: Cut subs into even smaller portions for an easy-to-manage appetizer.

CALORIES (per 1/6 recipe) 350kcal; FAT 19g; CHOL 80mg; SODIUM 760mg; CARB 22g; FIBER 2g; PROTEIN 24g; VIT A 8%; VIT C 15%; CALC 6%; IRON 20%

Ice Cream Soda Sparklers

Ingredients

6 tablespoons cherry-flavored syrup
48 oz ginger ale, chilled
12 maraschino cherries
6 (1/2-cup) scoops vanilla (or other flavor) ice cream

Prep

• Chill (12–16 oz) soda glasses in freezer for 30 minutes.
• Chill soda.

Steps

1. Drizzle 1 tablespoon cherry syrup around inside rim of each glass. Slowly add ginger ale (leaving room for ice cream).
2. Add 2 cherries to each, then add ice cream (the soda will foam underneath the ice cream). Serve.

CALORIES (per 1/6 recipe) 260kcal; FAT 7g; CHOL 30mg; SODIUM 80mg; CARB 49g; FIBER 1g; PROTEIN 2g; VIT A 6%; VIT C 0%; CALC 8%; IRON 0%

Shopping List

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 ADD ALL 14 ITEMS TO LIST

BAKERY
 2 deli-style sub rolls 

DRY GROCERY
 6 tbsp cherry-flavored syrup
 2 tbsp creamy mustard sauce
 48 oz ginger ale
 12 maraschino cherries
 1/2 cup prepared Cheddar cheese sauce 

FROZEN
 6 (1/2-cup) scoops vanilla (or other flavor) ice cream 

MEAT
 1 1/2 lb ground beef chuck 

PRODUCE
 2 cups lettuce shreds
 1/2 cup pre-diced red onions
 1/2 cup pre-diced tomatoes 

FROM YOUR PANTRY
 aluminum foil
 1/2 cup ketchup
 1/2 tsp kosher salt 

Apron's Advice

• Complete your meal with French fries, corn on the cob, and cupcakes for dessert.
• Try Birthday Cake-flavored ice cream for a festive, red, white, and blue dessert sparkler.

To get the easiest way to make the Taco Lasagna or Taco Bake just get the kit. Rick has managed to just due it from scratch so we don't need to afford the kit. 

http://www.bettycrocker.com/products/old-el-paso/products/dinner-kits/soft-taco-bake

Cheesy Chicken Strips With Broccoli White Cheddar and Shells

Cheesy Chicken Strips With Broccoli White Cheddar and Shells Total Time - 30 minutes COOKING SEQUENCE Prepare chicken and begin to bake - 15 minutes Prepare pasta and serve - 15 minutes MAKES 4 SERVINGS

	Cheesy Chicken Strips
	Ingredients: aluminum foil (optional) cooking spray 1 1/2 cups fish-shaped cheese crackers large zip-top bag 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1 egg 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins Steps 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with foil (for ease of cleanup) and coat with cooking spray. Place crackers in zip-top bag and crush; add cheese and shake to mix. 2. Whisk egg, in large bowl, until blended; add chicken, using tongs, and toss to coat. Transfer chicken from egg mixture to zip-top bag; use tongs and allow excess egg to drip off. Seal bag tightly and shake (or use fingertips) to evenly coat chicken. 3. Use tongs to arrange chicken in single layer on baking sheet. Bake 12–15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 170°F. Use a meat thermometer to accurately ensure doneness. (Thread 2–3 tenderloins onto probe, if too small for reading temperature.) Serve. CALORIES (per 1/4 recipe) 330kcal; FAT 10g; CHOL 165mg; SODIUM 310mg; CARB 13g; FIBER 1g; PROTEIN 45g; VIT A 4%; VIT C 4%; CALC 8%; IRON 15%

	Broccoli White Cheddar and Shells
	Ingredients: 2 cups water 2 tablespoons butter 1 (6.2-ounce) box shells and white Cheddar pasta 3 cups broccoli florets 1/2 cup reduced fat milk Steps 1. Place water and butter in large saucepan. Cover and bring to boil on high. 2. Stir pasta shells into boiling water, reduce to medium-high and cook, uncovered, 6 minutes. 3. Stir in broccoli; cover and cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. Stir in milk and seasoning packet (from pasta). Cover, reduce to low and cook 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Serve. CALORIES (per 1/4 recipe) 250kcal; FAT 10g; CHOL 20mg; SODIUM 560mg; CARB 33g; FIBER 3g; PROTEIN 8g; VIT A 40%; VIT C 80%; CALC 10%; IRON 8%

	Shopping List
	DAIRY  2 tbsp butter 1 egg 1/2 cup reduced-fat milk 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
	DRY GROCERY  aluminum foil (optional) cooking spray 1 1/2 cups fish-shaped cheese crackers large zip-top bag 1 (6.2-oz) box shells and white Cheddar pasta
	MEAT  1 1/2 lb chicken tenderloins
	PRODUCE  3 cups broccoli florets
	SUGGESTED ITEMS cupcakes barbecue sauce honey mustard carrot sticks

	Utensils & Cookware
	large saucepan with lid baking sheet large bowl whisk, tongs cooking spoon measuring utensils

	Apron's Advice
	The fish-shaped crackers come in many colors and flavors. Let the kids choose their favorite.

Jaycee Dugard Interview: Her Lessons of Survival - ABC News

Jaycee Dugard Interview: Her Lessons of Survival - ABC News

Back to School Shopping

*Sorry about the icky quality of the picture my battery was dying then the power went out*

Skylar hasn't grown much since last year... in less than a month she will start the third grade. The best thing we ever did was buy a box from the PTA at her school that we paid for and it comes with all her supplies for under $50... that doesn't include clothes LOL. She won't need a book bag either since I bought her one at the end of the school year because two of hers had broken. So I gave in and got her the one she had been wanting for a long time with the promise she won't ask for another in the 3rd grade unless it breaks etc. So she has her book bag (Zebra Jansport), two lunch boxes, and we pre ordered all the supplies that are on the supply list through the PTA. Only thing left is clothes. She doesn't NEED a lot of clothes since she hasn't grown and her closet bursts at the seams. Her length has gotten longer so size 6 bottoms now are too short and are uncomfortable for her to wear. She can get away with most 6X or 7 with the adjustable waist band. All dresses that aren't 7 are also too short. Which I am not that worried about because she doesn't wear dresses or skirts to school that often by her own choice. She needs a new pair of shoes as well. Everything else she has but I do feel the need to get her two or three more outfits just to have something new. I had some Kohls cash from getting Rick some slacks and myself some capris last month so he urged me to take some girl time and just Skylar & I go to Kohls to shop for school clothes. I ended up with a pair of pajama jeans/jeggings/ leggings that look like jeans, a three piece outfit, a pair of shorts, two tops, and 6 graphic tee's which were under $5 a piece. She got some Sketchers shoes as well and it still cost me about $150 even with the Kohls cash. The Pajama Jeans, shorts, tops and tee's were all on clearance, the outfit was marked down half off... so why does it feel like I can't get the wardrobe I used to for the same amount of money? I still would like to get her at least two more outfits but when I look at my favorite shops its all like eeek $50-$80. She also needs at least one pair of capri's for when it starts getting chilly outside. Why is this so hard and why does it seem like I am not getting the bang for my buck even though $2-$3 for a t-shirt is a GOOD deal! I can't wait for the consignment sales to list their dates because its a hit and miss for Skylar but maybe I can find her some nice outfits.

What are some big trends for tweens this year? What do you wear with Jeggings? Why don't they come in black? haha! What helps you cut costs when BTS shopping? I couldn't wait for Tax Free weekend because of William's birthday is going to suck up most of our money and I wanted to spread it out since I failed saving for these two events. Our staples in her wardrobe are Zebra, Blue jeans and Graphic Tee's since that is 99% easier to match up in the mornings. She doesn't like to wear skirts or dresses because she can't play as freely in gym or recess. Do you let your tween wear tank tops or halter tops? I always thought that was a no no?

Military Monday... Military Purses

While my husband was in Iraq he bought me a $25 ACU purse from Ebay and had it sent to me. I carried it with pride. Then I wanted MORE. I wanted a purse with pictures on the outside to display my Military Family so I saved some money from my "paycheck" aka Tax Refund. I did some researching and at the time there were several companies/Military Wives on Myspace that were making ACU purses. ACU means Army Combat Uniform... So as it grew close to time that Rick retire I convinced him to give me one of his precious uniforms so I can have a purse made. I found Hero on my Shoulder Etsy shop and I had emailed her of what I was looking for and she made it.

Now the sun has damaged the windows that the photos go in and the ribbon is starting to fray and I want another one. I want a spare just so I can get this one fixed if I ever find someone to fix it. I debated over getting my Vera Bradley Purse I desperately want and have wanted for 5 years but Rick doesn't think an $80 purse is a good investment when I will probably rather carry my ACU purses. He's kind of right! I have always gotten the questions when carrying my purse... Did you make that? How do I get one? Where can I buy one? Hero on my Shoulder is out of Hawaii. I cannot sew since I don't have a sewing machine and only wish I could make my own purses! 

Now my husband is retired and we don't have spare ACU's laying around only Class A's and BDU's... I am crazy to eventually want a purse made from all three! But I really really do!

I know I can find someone to make my purses... but I also thought about making money while doing it? Who doesn't? As much as I wish I could make the time to sew and learn a pattern to make purses like mine. I have not the time, space, or money to invest in such a thing but I could become a representative for MilitaryHandbag.com. that way when someone gets envy with my purse I can always give them a card. I don't have to do anything but show off my bags! Its almost a $200 investment to buy the bags that I would be selling is the only down fall. I have anxiety about investing in another such a thing (is it an investment when I just want a new purse too and this is a way to get it?) I am already a Close to My Heart (a scrapbooking company) rep and have been since 2007 but I haven't made ANY money from it and only SPEND. I was really disappointed in the amount of effort I tried to put in and nothing was coming back out even when I offered to donate profits to my favorite charities! Another Pro to being a representive. I only know of one person in the area that makes purses and she doesn't sell on Etsy or anything I think she makes them as a hobby... Could I possibly get a niche in the market? Or would it be more difficult with the school house (ie my main connection to the post) moving to Virginia to sell purses?

I am also concerned I won't be totally satisfied with a Military Handbag from Militaryhandbag.com because it doesn't have the picture things on the outside... Oh the worry! LOL

Miscellany Monday

This is my first random Monday which is odd to me because normally I am very random anyways but I could never MAKE myself be random. Haha!

1. Last night we had a bad Lightening Storm and the Power went out during the Jaycee Dugard interview. I read the article in People Magazine and I think she is such a brave woman and has done a wonderful job raising her daughters with a 5th grade education. Hopefully I can catch the rest of the interview online.

2. I gave William (23 months old) a small bowl of dry cereal in hopes he wouldn't try to hijack mine.

With both hands he tenderly carried his bowl and put it down just to run back to a cabinet at his height where he found a measuring spoon to eat with....all this was cute and endearing and how very proud I was of my smart boy until... he hijacked my cereal.

3. No really has written an instruction manual on parenting? I remember when Skylar was just a wee toddler and watching Caliou (you know the PBS cartoon) learn to tie his shoe. I panicked I was like how am I going to teach Skylar to tie her shoe. I don't know how to teach it I just do it! God knows I struggled at a young age to learn to tie my own shoes and my dad used to put with a Sharpie L and R to let me know which feet they went on. Watching Rick teach Skylar how to ride a bike... I am like how are we supposed to KNOW how to teach her to ride a bike LOL. I still get the occasional anxiety about how are we supposed to teach our children milestones of life. Skylar riding a bike, James driving and William... well William how not to scare us to death. We just refer to it as suicide watch now.

3. Rick let me by Sims 3 Generations. I always feel bad for spending that kind of money on a game but I was very curious. Since I started my Netflix addiction I haven't even touched Sims Medieval or Sims 3 Night Life which were both recent gifts. I do enjoy Sims 3 Generations but do we really need something else to put on our Facebook feed everytime our Sims makes a memory... it doesn't even have to be a memorable one.

4. Speaking of Netflix ... when we first signed up for Netflix we were hesitant because we tried Blockbuster Online and we kept loosing our damn disks and you know we can always go to the Blockbuster Kiosks or the Redbox. But I wanted more selection without having to drive to the on post library. So I indulged into Ghost Whisperer. I wasn't a huge fan of the show when it was on the air but watching a GW Marathon one day with Rick and he was telling me about how her husband dies and..... then he turns it off. I am like Ohmifreaking.... I have to watch the whole dang thing now! So that is the first thing I did on Netflix. I fed the Ghost Whisperer urge and fell in love. Then for years I have wanted to watch Tudors and Weeds. Tudors is thrilling Rick and James laughed at me because I would sit and watch and read Wiki at the same time. I think its crazy that in the 1500's real life was a soap opera haha! Weeds is a funny thing because I am totally 110% anti illegal drug (except medicinal purposes)... but it so funny and quirky... I love it! I have caught up to the current season and its a lot of fun. I also like The Secret Life of An American Teenager. Of course everyone and their brother has been vampire bitten and has wanted me to watch Vampire Diaries and True Blood which AREN'T on Netflix so alas I go to the Redstone MWR Library lol. I have watched the first two seasons of True Blood. I doubted I would be bitten twice since it took me so long to be a Twihard Mom. Its not vamps that I am into on Twilight its the story for lack of better reasoning. Never less Rick (yes even Rick) has gotten sucked into True Blood in all its weirdness, sex, and darkness. I will be looking for Season 3 soon....

(BTW I was reading the box that season 1&2 of True Blood and it says Showtime Entertainment and Dexter Entertainment but True Blood is an HBO show? Things that make you go Hmmm... Ooh I want to watch Dexter but Skylar is always lurking *sulk*)

eventually I will watch Firefly... All my geeks (I mean husband and children) have a hard on for Firefly and since I can't resist Nathan Fillion while Castle is on Hiatus... I will watch Firefly lol

yes I have a Netflix addiction its well worth the $7 or $8 a month I pay to watch endless movies, documentary's,  and TV shows, and I even let the kids and Rick enjoy too... rarely lol.

5. I have a theory... I was talking to a lady yesterday at Kohls with a very unhappy 6 week old daughter. I said my son is 2 and I can't remember that age. She said I have a two year old as well I can't remember it either! She thinks sleep deprivation to be the cause. I disagree. Do you think if we had a really good memory of child birth, sleep deprivation, a stressful pregnancy, all the side effects, breastfeeding and all the other responsibilities that went a long with it that we would actually procreate more? I think that is God's way of making sure we don't die off LOL. When I watch Teen Mom, 16 & Pregnant and the Secret Life of An American Teenager... I giggle, I laugh, I get flabbergasted at these teenagers who ALWAYS without FAIL say... I didn't think it would be this hard and all the little groupies in the MTV chat room that scrolls beside the show say its not hard... I am like what DRUGS are you on? Who lied to you and told you it was easy? Sure if someone else like mommy or daddy does most of the work ha! Pregnancy, Labor, and Parenting ISN'T easy at least it doesn't come easy to me...

Hence #3 waiting on the detailed instruction book and the several volumes of Parenting for Dummies to be in print...

(wow now that was random! LOL)

6. I think William is going to be on "So You Think You Can Dance?" or "WWE Raw". He is always dancing and when he has horse play he does these wrestling moves that seem to come natural LOL.

7. This summer the Play Place has saved my butt. Its an indoor playground with inflatables, a TV Projector for the kids, a lego table, and a couple of coloring tables. It quite possibly has saved my kids lives this summer as well. My kids get very bored very easily and don't like to be stuck in the house all day but with the temps reaching up toward 100 degree's the park isn't an option. Skylar's been taking art classes there as well. It saved us money in the long run because I didn't have to pay for camp twice this summer.

8. We've all heard the phrase any man can be a father but it takes a real man to be a daddy. Yeah we know that phrase but there are people who claim to be the World's Best Step Parent as well when their spouse doesn't pay child support and really only acts interested when its good for them. It irks me all to THERE! I don't understand the logic?

That is my vent hehe

9.  One sided conversations irk me as well. When people complain about a problem. So you give them advice or you know the answer to say a car problem, computer problem etc... then they argue with you even though they really don't know crap and then ask you what do you think? Well twit I already told you what I thought!

10. Aye I am really negative sometimes... I think I need to work on that :)

I don't think my first week with this meme went so well LOL

oh yeah and Casey Anthony is probably guilty!

Cool Quote from Dayna

‎"Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest." —Beatrix Potter

Links in a Hurry

Well since you started here at my busiest blog... I post here most often.... There is another place that has the same posts but they may stretch further back into my history. I like Open Diary blogs because of the options I have but I have the same reason to dislike Open Diary because I haven't learned how to make it pretty like this one... Anyways Open Diary (bought and paid for)I need to update A LOT more often
Links Here

My 2 year old's blog Shock and Aww here

My creative blog... I do some digital graphic work, photo editing, hand made crafts and I haven't touched scrapbooking unless it was for a gift in two years but I SHOULD get my butt motivated again... StormyAries Creations

Oh and here is my money maker (I wish)... its my Graphics blog... Its my work blog
StormyAries Desgins

Rough Housing & Horseplay

Sometimes the kids get wound up and chase each other in circles. Squealing and screaming... or screeching as they go. Since William was just a baby him and Skylar have been wrestling and rough housing. He can hold his own since she is a big sissy and its just funny to watch because he really looks like he knows what he is doing. He can do body slams and he loves to jump up and elbow her. She hides in a blanket and things get rowdy!
Rick and I got into the action last night as well ... actually William started on me first. He pulls my hair until my head is on the ground then he jumps on my back and bounces up and down. Then it was bed time and we put him in his crib to settle in and he was ready for sleep! Its so cute and I love to just play with my kids and have a good time. Less whining and fun for all! Do you rough house with your kids or wrestle with your boys?

Worry Free Wednesday

Worry-Free Wednesday is where I list (you can do this literally or mentally) everything I worry about & I turn it over to God. I don't worry about it any more. Because worrying is the opposite of having faith & we are instructed to have faith.

1. I will try to no longer worry about my marriage I will ask God to guide us to make the right decisions so we can have a loving marriage.
2. I will try to no longer worry about William being sick.
3. I will try to no longer worry about Rick remembering to do what I ask, I will try to do the things I can myself.
4. I will no longer worry about finding a sitter. I pray God will put my children in the right hands after Erica goes to Germany.
5. I will try to not worry about back to school shopping because Skylar really has almost everything she needs.
6. I will try not to worry about William having Aspergers because his speech isn't delayed as much as I thought.
7. I will try not to worry about my family because they are being taken care of.
8. I will try not to worry about my future because its in his hands and I can't control everything.
9.  I will try not to worry about the paths my children take because I provided them with faith and a sound conscience of reason.
10. I will try not to worry daily about my Mother, Sisters, Nieces, and Nephews because I lift them up in prayer.
11. I will try not to worry daily about my friend and family in the service they've been trained to do what they are doing. I put them in God's hands.

 

Wordless Wednesday

I've been too lazy to do uploads daily from my camera OR charge the batteries oh and that goes for the TWO camera's I use lol

Military Monday

My dirty little secret is I like MTV reality shows. I am sitting here watching 16 & Pregnant and reading the chat that goes with the show. I saw a young Navy wife that said... I don't have family help because of the Navy and its definitely been hard for my husband and I. That struck a cord with me really because I don't think a lot of people get it. I don't want or have to try to explain it to people either. I am not being judgmental but I don't get having kids and not be prepared to take care of them especially PLANNED pregnancies. I don't have a close relationship with my blood or adopted family that I wish I could. I don't have the relationship I want with my family at all. The military doesn't make it easy to have any kind of relationship with a lot of people. No matter how close I am to my family and back home friends they can't rush over to watch my sick baby so I can go to the store or go to the doctor. I am sitting here with a sick toddler debating or not on whether or not I am going to be able to go to the doctor on Friday like I REALLY need to go because I haven't been in awhile. It does irk me that a woman will complain I can't do that because I have three kids. I can't go to wal-mart because my husband is at work. I can't handle ALL THREE kids of mine at the same time ARE YOU CRAZY? I just look at them and think then WHY did you have a baby? Or when they complain they don't have money for diapers... DON'T have kids.. .last I checked no one hands out diapers for free except your mommy and daddy. I've never believed in dropping the kids off at the babysitter or grand parents so you can go have your time ALL the time.  I mean sure you got the nice paycheck, the nice husband, and Mommy and Daddy to help... but tomorrow ALL that can be gone then WHAT? Trust me it happened to me. No family, no husband, no ID, no car, no money... no help... 

Can you imagine being a war widow being states away or even countries away from family and you loose your husband? Do you think the military still takes care of you? Not always! When you have children you gotta think about the what if's because it can happen to you. I just wish these spoiled civilians would understand why us military spouses (even formerly active duty) don't take for granted our husband's day's off because once upon a time they didn't have a day off... They couldn't come home to wipe sniffles, feed the baby at midnight or change a diaper... Think about it next time your talking to one of us!

Teen Sex at Home?

I figured I would bring up a few topics that are dealing with teens. Since I've been watching The Secret Life of an American Teenager.. and DREADING Skylar in 5 years... DREADING... So its a good idea to get some feed back NOW lol

What is your opinion of 16 & Pregnant & Teen Mom the MTV shows? Do you watch it? Does it glamorize teenage pregnancy?

What about The Secret Life of an American Teenager. I've watched all five seasons and watching it I was thinking man it reminds me of the Beverly Hills 90210 of my teen years except I don't think teens on 90210 didn't get pregnant because of the Taboo back then. Do you agree? What do you think about that show (The Secret Life..)?

Have you had the "talk" with your child? Are you about abstinence till marriage or are you more of the mom that says if your going to do stupid do stupid safe? Would you buy your children birth control or help them get on medication? What about monitoring their sexual activity?

So on GMA they were talking about parents allowing their teenagers to have sex in their homes because they think they will have safer sex if everything is "laid" out for them? Does the same go for drinking?

http://abcnews.go.com/US/parents-teens-sex-family-home/story?id=13898548