Beware When The Little One's Quiet...

 Today, I have been actively working on the "how-to's" with blogging and affiliate marketing, etc, etc...I am determined to be a success with this new venture! While I would much rather be working back in my lovely office, quoting insurance, answering phones, and the like... I am slowly learning to adapt to this new path that for whatever reason, God has decided to place me on. 

Everyday, my patience is growing, exponentially, when it comes to landing Full Time Employment.  I have my break downs, believe me!  I am so thankful for the support I have of my boyfriend and my children.  I have certainly learned that you can have your whole life planned out and in the blink of an eye your plans MUST change. 

So, for now I am doing what I possibly can from my shabby little home office.  BUT meanwhile...

I have 2 children fully accounted for, they are in their rooms watching their "shows".  My oldest son Gavin absolutely LOVES "Ghost Adventures" and wants so much to meet Zak Bagans.  My daughter Mya, is currently in her room watching "Dance Moms".  But where, oh where is Matthew "Drew" ?

I have learned when the house is quiet, someone is up to no good.  Lol!!  Low and behold, I found him!!
Hidden under his covers in complete stillness, equipped with his brother's Nintendo DS!!  I asked Drew what he was doing and his exact words were, "Playing.  Now quick, cover me back up!!"  That gave me the laugh that I needed so much in order to break up the monotony of the day.

I love my little Man!

Loved By The Kids!!

In my attempt to try new recipes that would win over the kids, I stumbled across this crowd pleaser. I changed the original recipe I found to adapt to our children's palates.  I found it to be absolutely delicious and cannot wait to make it again!!


Thai Shrimp and Noodles

1 box spaghetti
1/2 cup Teriyaki
4T Hot Water
4T Peanut Butter
1/2 tsp Sriracha
2T oil
1tsp minced garlic
1lb. Shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups sugar snap peas
1tsp chopped cilantro
Juice of 1/2 lime
Garnish with cilantro, peanuts, and lime slice

1) Prepare pasta as directed.
2) Whisk together 4 ingredients, set aside.
3) Saute garlic, shrimp, and sugar snap peas, and cilantro in oil. Add lime juice.
4) Add teriyaki mixture to shrimp and cook on low for 4 minutes.
5) Serve pasta topped with shrimp mixture.

Makes atleast 8 servings. Everyone will be wanting more!!

OBSESSING!!

I must say that I am really enjoying this whole "blogging" thing...LOL! I'm constantly thinking about what I can write about next.  During a time when i'm at the age of questioning my purpose, now that my kids are no longer toddlers in diapers, this is beginning to give me a sense of confidence.  The flaws of mine that may interfere with this new discovery just might be my obsessiveness, need for perfection, etc.  I explained what I am doing to my daughter, Mya and she is thrilled.  She has even offered to assist me with content, ideas and such.  More to come...

Mya and I on Halloween.

(This is our fav pic!)

The BEST Sandwich EVER!!!

These Shrimp Po' Boys have become our favorite!! They received a definite "stamp of approval" by my daughter (the other children haven't tried them yet).  I love them because you can be as creative and make them as spicy as you want them!!

Shrimp Po' Boys

12 oz Peeled and Deveined Medium Sized Shrimp
Sandwich Rolls of your choice, Hoagies work great!
Any type of Corn Meal based Breading (Louisianna Seasoned Fish Fry)
1 Egg
Cayenne or Hot Sauce
Shredded Colby Jack Cheese (Or whatever cheese you'd like)
Remoulade Sauce
Cole Slaw (I make my own slaw dressing)

• Thaw shrimp and place in egg wash.  Add hot sauce to your liking to the eggwash and stir.
• Put Corn Meal Breading into zip lock bag.
• Add shrimp to zip lock bag and...Shake Shake Shake!!
• Deep Fry shrimp until golden brown, atleast 3-5 minutes.
• Lightly toast opened Rolls under Broiler
• Top Rolls with Shrimp, Cheese, Remoulade Sauce, and Cole Slaw.

Feed Family of 8 for Less Than $10

With a family our size, we make it our goal to make dinners nutritious, fun, and cheap.  I have become disgruntled with the old "stand-bys" such as lasagna, enchiladas, stir fry...just to name a few. I came up with this recipe last night and it was a hit!

Penne with Sausage Tomato Cream Sauce

1 box (16 oz) penne pasta
5 mild italian sausages
1 can (24 oz) Spaghetti Sauce
2 tsp Italian Seasoning
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt & Pepper to Taste
4 oz Cream Cheese
2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella or     Italian Blend Cheese
1 cup Parmesan Cheese
Crushed Croutons (optional)


Prepare pasta according to package directions.

Remove casings from sausage, crumble while browning in skillet.
Add garlic to browned sausage.
Pour in spaghetti sauce.
Add spices and herbs.
Cut up cream cheese into chunks and add to sauce.
Simmer until sauce is blended well.
Pour pasta into casserole dish.
Add sausage cream sauce, give a light toss.

Top with Cheeses and Croutons.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and croutons are golden.

Gonna try this time...

I've been tossing around the idea of beginning a blog first, because I love to write and share stories and second, I have some funny events to share. I've also heard so much about stay-at-home moms earning income this way, and face it, nowadays families need more than 2 incomes! I'm brainstorming regarding the content, focus, etc. Hey, I do tend be a little OCD! We shall see how it goes...