Macaroni and Beef with Cheese

This pasta recipe was super easy to make and oh so tasty!! Although the time to make this one is not quick, it is totally worth it. We made a 13"x9" pan, filled to the top and it lasted us through several meals.

Thanks to Michael Ruhlman for this recipe, which can be found here.




































EnJoY!!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Crockpot Spinach Chicken

Tuesday: Smothered Pork Chops

Wednesday: Baked Fish

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Steaks

Saturday: Hot Dogs

Sunday: Homemade Pizza

Confident Parenting

This past December, my Sunday School class wrapped up reading Jim Burns' Confident Parenting. This book has been a real eye opener when it comes to raising children. This is a faith based book with real life concepts.

I highly recommend each parent read this book. I am actually going to re-read this book, incorporate this into our daily lives and blog each step of the way.

The first time reading this book, I don't think I really absorbed what all he had to say. I had every intention of this becoming a guideline for our lives but once again, life got in the way.

Our classes touched lightly on each chapter but was filled with more personal experiences and advice that was not directly related to this book.

Although I value all of the great advice received from the other parents, I want to take the time to tailor these methods to work for my family.

I have about a month to do this as our next class starts in February and is going to focus on our relationship with our spouse. We will be reading "The Five Love Languages", and I am looking forward to bettering my relationship with Jacob.

As for now, I am going to focus on my family as a whole and dive whole-hearted into becoming a Confident Parent.

Wordless Wednesday: Bathtime Fun

Hawaiian Sweet Roll Ham Sammies

I made these for dinner one night and they were delish!!! Thanks to Beyer Beware for the awesome recipe, which you can find here.

The only thing I would change with the recipe is the amount of onions. Our family, not being big onion eaters, were not fans of all the onions but overall this recipe is awesome.

It was even better the next day rewarmed.




So if your looking for a quick and easy recipe, try this one out. Can't go wrong!!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Tuesday: Tamales

Wednesday: Biscuits and Gravy

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Bacon Wrapped Backstrap

Saturday: Pork Roast

Sunday: Burgers

Wordless Wednesday: Just Dance!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Tuesday: Fried Fish

Wednesday: Pasta Casserole

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Chili/Cheese Nachos

Saturday: Grilled Pork Steaks

Sunday: Smothered Hamburger Steak

Granny and Papa's House

Today we spent most of the day trying to sort through my Granny and Papa's house. This would be my great grandparents house and my family's homestead. I have very few memories of actually spending time out there so I really enjoyed hearing all of the stories from my Grandma, Mom and Aunts memories of  this place.

It has pretty much not been touched in the last 20-25 years. We did have someone living there up until recently but the home is not livable at all. Everything will have to be redone, the electrical, the plumbing, new windows, you name it, it needs it. It is now become a family project that we are all looking forward to accomplishing.

The first step today was to go through everything that was left in the house, burn anything that could be burned and start the cleanup process. We started upstairs and went through everything. Every box, every trunk, every nook and cranny was gone through. We found lots of great items, some we will divide up amongst the family and some we will try and sell. I really wish we didn't have to sell any of it, but the money will give us a jump start on all of the renovations.

I did get to pick a few items that I really wanted and I am so excited! I'll save all of my treasures for another post.

This is the side of the house. It was built back in 1912.

One room upstairs. See the mess we are working with!

The other room upstairs with my mom and aunt cleaning up.

View going down the stairs. Yuck! And boy are these stairs steep!

Living Room

One Bedroom Downstairs

Bathroom! That stick is the only thing holding up the sink!

My great-grandfather made this. There are two of these in front of the house and the first thing you see when you drive up. I can remember going out there when I was little and having to play and spin these. They don't spin anymore, as they are falling apart  but I'm hoping with a little TLC, these will be salvagable.

Oma and Opa's House, my great great grandparents. It's a small, 2 room house that I finally got to go in and see last weekend. It was a little scary knowing that the whole thing may fall down on top of us. We did find some neat items in this house also.

And of course, I had to get a picture of some of the cows! lol

This project we have taken on is a big one but it is something we can come together as a family and do. It is going to be worth it all, especially when we can go out as a family, spend the weekend and make special memories. This will also be something that many more generations of Mayer's can enjoy.

Wish us luck!!

New Year's Resolutions

2012 ReSoLuTiOnS

• Love more
• Take more pictures
• Blog more
• Exercise: Get Healthy!
• Give back
• Be the person I want to be, the one I know I can be
• No more holding back
• Spend more time with Family
• Stick to a budget
• Craft more
• Always remember: Life is what you make of it
• Choose happiness
• Become more involved with Avari's school
• Become more involved in our Church
• DrEaM BiG!!

I know there are lots more things I plan to accomplish this next year! Although the beginning of this year is still going to be a challenging one, I have faith that God will look out for me and my family and faith that he has heard my prayers!

Christmas and New Years 2011

I'm only a week late in posting Christmas Pics but it's been a crazy busy week!

We had a great Christmas and enjoyed spending time with family! This year was just not the same since we didn't get to spend Christmas with my dads side of the family. Hopefully next year, we will all be able to get together. I've realized, after not getting to see them, how much more important family really is. I hate that we only see each other on the Holidays but love it all the same because that is when we can all come together.

We spent Christmas eve with my moms family and then Christmas day we spent at home and my dad came and opened gifts that morning with us and had dinner with us that evening. I believe Avari got everything she asked Santa for and so did we! Most of all though, we spent the day together, making great memories that will last a lifetime!

We spent New Years with my dad and my cousins. It was a great time and we were even home by 11 and in bed by 12. LOL! Guess we're getting old!

Avari opening presents at Tutu's

Little Lucy! Isn't she the cutest?!!

Trying to cheer grumpy Avari up!

She loves her Daddy!

Trying out her new skates from Oma!

Reindeer Food!

Leaving Cookies and Milk for Santa!

Santa Came!!

Opening presents! Crazy hair and all!

Trying out her new dress-up stuff!

Popo got Avari a purple "truck", she was so excited she had to unwrap the rest of her presents in there!

Taking it out for a spin!

The only good pic I got on New Years!

2011 was full of its ups and downs but we have come through stronger and better! I believe that 2012 is going to be a great year!!

Hope everone had a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!