Super Noob:
HOPE

Julie at The Peanut Gallery...exit here, who has wiggled her way securely into my heart, has awarded me with the Honest Scrap award. Thank you, friend. Since I began blogging, this was probably the one and only award I hoped to receive but never did...until now, of course. Now that I've got it (and I am really excited to finally have this one), I am hanging up the old "award" hat. I think they are fun, and I love it when others think of me...but at the risk of sounding like a major ingrate, I can't find the time to do the posts for them anymore. All the crazy linking, standing on your head, picking your nose, winking your left eye, and singing the Star Spangled Banner all at the same time is just a bit much for me.

So with this one I have to list 10 honest things about me. Honest? Darn it...there has to be a catch, right? I kid. I'm nothing if not honest. Anyway, here goes:

1. When I was younger I wanted to be a doctor. As I got older, I didn't want to do the school. As I got even older, I regreted not doing the school. Unfortunately, in college I didn't have the foresight which would have enabled me to see beyond my days of bars and boys. Seriously, I wasn't all that bad...pretty mild in comparison to many. In any case, I am quite happy to be where I am today. Can't imagine what my life would be otherwise.

2. I have eaten some really strange things in my life. As a child in particular. Among those things are dog food and fish food. Don't even ask.

3. I once peed in a flower bed in a public place. Again, don't ask.

4. My favorite number is 13, and my favorite colors are blue and yellow. In fact, our wedding colors were blue and yellow! Love, love, love it.

5. The one place in the world to which I want to travel over any other, is Russia. I am hugely fascinated with their culture. I would even like to learn the language. I actually know a few words and phrases. When I was fresh out of college and living in Dever, Co. I met some people from Russia. They became good friends, and thus my desire to learn more about their culture was spawned. Kak Dela?

6. I am currently struggling over whether or not we should change my blog tag line to "eight" little feet. Leaning toward keeping it six.

7. I cry at commercials. I never used to do that. I used to pick on my mom because she does it. Then I had kids, and my hormones went haywire, and never worked themselves back to their original state. Sigh. Now I am as sentimental as they come.

8. The blogs I love reading the most are those that write about "real" things. Things like their struggles in day to day life. The joy over their family, kids, etc. Humor over things to which we can all relate, and those that have great photography.

9. Like Julie said...I love music. I agree with her so much. A song can bring you back to a place in time quicker than anything else. I can instantly feel how I felt then, smell things I smelled then. It's amazing. Led Zepplin is one group in particular that brings back a lot of memories that are near and dear to my heart.

10. With me, what you see is what you get. Sometimes that's great, and sometimes it's not. My husband often accuses me of lacking the "filter" that others have which enables them to say things nicely. He says I can be abrasive. To his credit, he is not the only person who has said this about me. I'm perfectly okay with it. Better, I think, that you know where you stand with me. There is no wondering over what's going on in my head. Well, that last part may not be true. I mean, come on...how can you not wonder what goes on inside the head of someone who eats dog food and pees in public flower beds?

Now, I am going to pass along my last award.

The Empress at Good Day Regular People is, without question, an amazing writer. She has her heart in her blog, and I never feel bad about having spent some time "with her." If you haven't, you should go check her out and be sure to tell her I sent you!

Heide at From 3 to 5 is such a fun person. She's funny. I feel like I "get her." What I like most about her is the feeling that she doesn't put on aires. She is who she is, and is a joy because of it.

Three more...hang with me.

Kate, at Kate's Life. I love her heart. She is just an honest to goodness "real" person. I think she radiates warmth, and I like the way she shows genuine care for others.

Melis at The Zookeeper's Diary. She was one of my first favorites. Still is. When she sits down to "put it out there," she really does. Again, she is full of heart and honest, and has moved me to tears several times.

Finally, last but not least.

Sonora at Twinfinity. Sonora was on the verge of giving up blogging when I found her. I think she actually found me first, but I am so happy she did. And I am even happier she decided to stick with the crazy thing. I enjoy reading her posts which are riddled with funny and endearing stories.

Please, if I passed this to you, don't feel obligated to do anything with it. Chuck it if it pleases you, but I chose you because I honestly think you deserve it.

Th th th th th th, that's all folks!

See those teeth? Look at how crowded they are already. I see braces in our future for this little guy. By the way...this is the face he makes when you ask for a kiss. He does this along with a humming noise. I hope he keeps doing it for a while longer...I could ask him for kisses all day long simply to see this face.

My giveaway ended yesterday, and I would be remiss if I didn't post the winners today...so I decided to squeeze that in with my Raw e challenge from Sailor and Company. More on that in a minute...winners first.

The first winner is for Pursenickety and that's #31...Sonora of Twinfinity!

The Second winner is for Bella BeJeweled and that's #47...Julie of The Peanut Gallery...Exit Here.

Congratulations, ladies. All you have to do is be sure that I have your email addresses and I will give them to each sponsor. Then they will be in touch with you regarding the next step.

Thanks to everyone who entered! Each of these sponsors have items that are so reasonably priced, that if you didn't win...you should head over and treat yourself anyway. Why not? Just click the links above and check out their stores. There is some really cool stuff.

Now on to my Raw e entry. I have yet to even come close to winning one of these things, but I'll tell you what...it's still a really fun exercise. Sami at Sailor and Company hosts this each week. The cut off to enter is Friday, so I am just under the wire...I hope. In order to play along, you need to take a picture having to do with the week's theme, and you can not edit it in any way. Not even any cropping. Nothing...Nada! Got it? Good...then play along next week. You'll like it I am sure. This week's theme was crayons, so here goes...

There you have it. Not stellar by any stretch, but good practice for me. Head over to Sami's blog to see the other crayon pictures. I promise there are some much more impressive than this one ;)

As parents, we constantly find ourselves saying things that we just can't quite believe came out of our mouths, or misting up over a few scribbles on a page, or finding ourselves in situations that could only be the result of having offspring. So today I present "You know you're a mom (or dad) When-sDAZE." The possibilities of this are really endless...the creativity is all yours. That is part of what I think will be so fun with this...the posts will all still be unique. In order to play along, all you have to do is either post a picture of something crazy, wonderful, endearing, or just plain cute, that your kids have done...explaining how it made you feel or the story behind it. Or, write a little post fashioned after "You might be a redneck if...," but of course it is "You know you're a mom when..." Grab my current button (if you fancy), and next time I hope to have one specifically for this little blog hop. Then come back over and link up. Can't wait to see your posts!!

This week, I'm talkin' poop. Here goes...

You know you're a mom when someone shouting from the other end of the house "I went poop!!!!!!!!!" is not only a common occurrence, but requires some action on your part.

You know you're a mom when it's perfectly normal to hear "look, the green poop matches my undies."

You know you're a mom when you can say with a straight face...every day "yes honey, that is a big poop."

You know you're a mom when the idea of "pooping in peace" is one that you feel will never apply to you again.

Lastly, you know you're a mom when your efforts to stay on schedule can be immediately thwarted by the sound of a mini explosion coming from the wee one's shorts.

Now, how about you? Whatever you've got I'd love to read/see it. You can comment here, or post your own and come back and link up!!

Contest Update:
It's not too late to win a blog makeover... read about it here. Heidi from 3 to 5 has five points! Mindi of Part of Me has two points, and Elizabeth of Our Journey Through Life has two points. The contest ends January 1st. I can't wait for one of you lucky ones to be able to work with Jenna at Bloggy Blog Designz. Start getting your new blog look ideas together ;)

I wish I could say I am done with my Christmas shopping, alas it is not to be. I still have a couple last things to get, but I am super close. Fortunately I have wrapped as I have gone, so that part is not looming.

We did take our gifts to the family we adopted (through the Salvation Army) on Sunday. I hope they wait until Christmas to open them, and I hope they like what they received. Seeing the look on the eight year old's face made everything worth it. She looked so happy to be toting the gifts into to her house from my car. Before leaving, she gave me the biggest hug and it struck me that she is a complete stranger... that I will, more than likely, never see her again. But I touched her life. What a blessing for me.

My father and my son. For so long I looked to my dad for guidance, reassurance, support, a firm hand and a loving heart. I still do actually. Now, along with my husband, I aim to provide all of these things to my own children. To this little man in my dad’s arms.

I pray that together my husband and I are able to help him become the kind of man anyone would be proud to know. A man like my dad. A man like my husband’s dad. Strong, patient, intelligent, wise, loving, and a bit salty. Hard worker, a dedicated family man, and supportive husband. Then one day, a father. A father willing to sacrifice for the good of his own children. Willing to put his dreams on hold in order to put his little ones’ first.

Yes…that is exactly the sort of man I hope he becomes one day. Fortunately he has some amazing examples before him.

My father in law, my husband and Colton. What a threesome. Looking at Andy’s dad’s silly face in this photo brings a huge smile to my face. This picture says so much. It reminds me of one more very important aspect of a person’s character…and that is humor. This man has amazing humor! I adore him, and feel so very lucky that my children have been blessed with two very fine grandfathers.

Did you get your Wednesday post all ready for "You know you're a mom when...only to discover that Mamma had dropped the ball? Thank goodness it was just a rubber one!

I have been traveling, and while I had some internet time, my access was sketchy at best, and my time was limited. So, I am so so sorry for anyone who had it all done and came to found I let you down. If you'd like...and I hope you would...you can link it up here. I promise to read them all and come to visit you shortly.

Good thing I don't blog for a living!

Reef flip flops are my must haves. I practically live in them for most of the year. They are the most comfortable pair of flip flops I have ever worn. No initial hurting between the toes, the soles feel as if you are walking on a cloud...and they are pretty cute too. I have three pair, one of which dates back to my college years. They last that long.

You want a pair don't you? Come on...who wouldn't? Well, you are in luck. I am going to give you the chance to win some. All you have to do is come and participate in my community at the Blog Frog. Help me build it up and get it going.

So, in order to win...all you have to do is be the person with the most participations or starts to discussions there. The rules:

Minimum of three contributions, by way of adding your two cents to exsisting discussions or starting one of your own.

Discussion participation starts from this date, and will continue for at least one week. I will be sure to let you know for certain the actual end date. BUT...I hope that you will enjoy it so much, that you will continue to return even after the contest ends.

Then, comment here to let me know you are entering so I can be sure to add up how much you participated. You don't need to comment for every time you add to the discussions...just comment to let me know you are participating. You can just comment now, then head over.

You do not have to be a member of my community (though I would love it if you were), and you most certainly do not have to follow my blog. Please only do that if you like some of the other posts you see.

I happen to love the Blog Frog. It is the most interactive and fun community I have encountered thus far, and I really want to give my community a recharge. What do you say...will you help me?

P.S. This is not a sponsored post, and the picture of the flip flops is one I copied from a google search.
P.S.S. Melissa G. You can play too! You don't have to have a blog ;)

To all those who have read and commented on this post, thank you! I make a point of commenting on other's blogs when they comment for me, but I think I have fallen behind. So, I wanted to do a sort of blanket post to you all. I appreciate your support while I was trying to navigate through weird waters.

After having a chance to simmer down, I still think what this woman did is wrong, but I feel more sorry for her than anything. It's pathetic really. Stealing other's words is no form of flattery. It's just sad. I am thinking that this woman must need some serious help. Perhaps she has a gaping hole in her life, and simply craved the attention we all love from blogging. Perhaps that was enough to drive her to do strange things.

In the end, it was just words...for me. For Erin, it was a picture of her children. Again, crazy...but sad. Oh, and for those of you who asked how I found this woman...it was actually through Erin. She sent an email to several bloggers as a heads up and asking if we knew of her. I didn't. I was nosy. I went to snoop. I found my posts. I was ticked. I wrote my post.

Deb at Menopausal New Mom and Erin at The Mother Load both wrote posts about this too. I agree with what they wrote. We should look out for one another. It is, afterall, a community we have built here. A place we all feel comfortable and confident to share, in many cases, our innermost selves.

Now, I'd like to lay the drama of it all to rest. I have enough drama in my every day life, I'd like to keep my blogging as free of it as possible. Missy, if you're reading this...I hope you find the help and support you need to find your own inner confidence, and your own writing voice should you choose to continue blogging.

Going forward I suppose we could all learn a little from this experience. I am going to look into protecting my pictures at the very least. Will you?

...I said "I do" to a man who couldn't be more perfectly matched to me. We certainly have our share of difficult times, and disagreements, but I'm happier with him than I ever could have imagined. In five short years it seems as if we've lived a lifetime...with a lifetime yet to go. I cherish the memories we have made so far and look forward, with anticipation, to the memories to come. Here are a few memories from that amazing day...

This last one is of me singing along with our song. So typical.
This was a day I will never forget. It was beautiful, and fun and everything I hoped it would be. It was the perfect beginning to mine and Andy's life together. Happy Five Years, Andy. I love you.

For starters, I just want to say that I am not planning to do anymore giveaways...at least not for a while, or forever. I love that I am doing this one, but I think they are pushing me in a direction I am not really ready to follow. I love blogging, sharing my ideas through this medium, and I love the interaction I often get as a result. Like many (or I suspect there are many), I had secret hopes of earning money doing this thing. Ugh...no more is that my desire. I was beginning to feel like a slave to my blog, obsessed (in a not so good way) about how many people wanted to read what I have to say. Really, who cares?! Isn't it nuts when you think about it? Don't misunderstand...I do like people to read, but my first priority when writing a post should be whatever it is that inspired me to write...not "what will people think if I say this, or do that?"

When I started blogging, it was just so much fun. I was excited to post, and I enjoyed what I wrote. Once I started being more concerned with the numbers of it all, some of that (okay a lot of that) pleasure went right out the window. So, I'm busting the chains. I'm letting go of my secret desire to be a millionaire blogger ;) I'm gonna write about my kids, and show you pictures of the horrific fish cake I made Addyson...really, it's bad...and really I will share. I'm going to post my recipes, because I love them, and if even one person tries one and likes it, then I have given something in some small way. I am going to write selfish posts that no one really wants to read (except for my mom, and me in 40 years).

I wrote this post just a short time ago, and I think I missed the boat. I meant everything I said in it, and I believe it all 100%, but somehow I still derailed myself. Oh well. New start.

Not sure what compelled me to explain myself this way...maybe just my way of wiping the slate clean. Allowing me to get back to what I really loved about blogging to begin with, and if people decide to join me along the way...well, then all the better!

In an effort to do something I think would be a ton of fun...I decided to open the floor to any and all questions. BUT...the questions are for Andy (my husband). You can ask him anything you want. ANYTHING! Now, I will say this, he does reserve the right to not answer should something be out of line. But I have faith that nothing will be. I also give him free reign to answer anything about me. So, get your typing fingers ready, and ask away. What, my friends, would you like to know?

I have been remiss. It has been at least a couple of weeks since I have participated in Five Question Friday with Mama M. Not very cool of me. Afterall, I would hope that if I ever started a meme that people would play along. Hint hint at (maybe) something to come.

1. Do you sing karaoke? If so, what is your go to song?
I used to love karaoke. This was before my mommy hood days. When I could drink a six pack of beer for courage first. Not so much anymore. However...wanna see me shame myself with some vocal un stylings? Then go see this post.

2. What is your favorite coffee drink?
Actually, I do like a good flavored latte. Like caramel. Usually, though, I just drink flavored coffee at home with a little creamer.

3. If you could choose your own name, what would it be?
I actually find it impossible to come up with anything that just doesn't seem odd. Can't imagine anything other than Shannon.

4. Were you ever bullied?
In sixth grade...yes...by a BOY! The little bastard. That is, until one day I punched him and he cried...all the while complaining that I hurt his sunburn. Pft...yeah right weenie. Never bothered me again.

5. How often do you eat fast food?
Could I have a definition of fast food please? I never eat anything like McDonald's, etc. I do eat Chipoltle on occassion, and have been known to have the odd Subway. So if that counts, then maybe once every other week I guess.

How about you? Would love to see your answers. If you have done your own 5QF post, then let me know so I can come check it out. If not, what's wrong with you? Really, if you just don't want to, then how about some answers right here in the comments.

This is lame...I mean really lame. This may be the one and only opportunity you will have to see me in a video post...and may I say I hope not many of you see it! I was given a little assignment of sorts by Kate, accompanied with a due date and everything. I can't put it off, or I'll make myself sick fretting over this thing. Brace yourself. I'm serious. It's pretty rough.

Alright...let's have it!

My Dearest Addyson,
Three years ago today you took your first breath...and in many ways so did I. When you made your way into this world, mine changed forever. Instantly my heart swelled with love, joy, pride and fear. Oh I had heard all about how the love for one's child is unmatched by any other...but I didn't really get it. Not until you. When I gazed upon your face for the first time, I understood. My love for you was immediate and immeasurable. Love so strong it almost hurt. Love so strong I never fathomed that it could grow any more.
I was so wrong. With each passing day my heart and the love within are ever growing. You astound me with your intelligence. With your capacity for compassion. With your love for me, your daddy, and your brothers. Every day you bring me to the brink of my sanity, just to reel me right back in with an unexpected hug or kiss. You are a challenge, knowing exactly what you want and how you want it...accepting no substitutions nor any delays. You are a pistol, a never ceasing font of energy. You stretch my patience to the limit, then sweetly melt my heart not moments later. You are tender and wise beyond your three little years.
It hardly seems fair that three years have already passed. I wish I could soak up every second and every moment so they may be stored at the ready for me to relive any time I desire. Every day I memorize each line of your face, count every new freckle. And every day I watch you as you become someone I never dreamed you'd be. Dreaming of the person you are would have been impossible. You have surpassed my every expectation, my every desire, my every hope. You have fufilled my every wish, Addyson. You have not only made me a mother...each day you teach me just what that means.
Happy birthday, little peanut. I love you simply more than you will ever truly know.

Love,Mommy

More than likely as you read this, I am sitting in my photography class dutifully soaking up as much as I can from the instructor who, thus far, lectures by reading from the FREAKING book. Ah well, I am holding out hope that he steps up his game. In any case, the most fabulous Keely is not only hosting her Sunday "Getting to Know You" again, she also sent me the questions ahead of time so that I could participate like the good little follower I am.

You too can be a lemming supporting follower by copying/pasting these questions, answering them in a post of your own and linking up with Keely. Or not. You can always give me your down and dirty here in the comments. I love comments...don't you?

Without further horse$h!t ado, here are the questions:

1. How often do you wash/change your sheets?

Lately it has been about every other week. That sounds pretty good. Let me just throw in that it is due to my daughter having two accidents during naptime (she will only nap in my bed) within the last month. Prior to that, let's just say I'd be embarrassed to fess up.

2. When is your birthday?
El once del Abril.


3. Have you ever met a bloggy friend in real life?
Not yet. But I just learned that a blogger I like a lot lives like 6 houses away from me. I won't say who she is though, she is part of the witness protection program, and I don't want to single handedly send her family into a state of panic, causing them to uproot for the thousanth time in their lives...okay, really it's because she is more open about the city she lives in than I am...yet. Pst...hey neighbor...don't tell ;)


4. Brad Pitt or George Clooney?
Brad Pitt, as long as he is Thelma and Louise's Brad Pitt.


5. If you could change one thing about your body what would it be?
Currently, I guess it would have to be the saggy flaps of skin on my chest that used to be known as breasts. Don't want them bigger, just...well, perkier.


6. How often do you wash your hair?
You mean there are moms out there who still do?

7. Do you have pets?
Are horses pets? If so, then yes...two horses.


8. How many social networks do you belong to..if you had to give up one, what would it be?
Four. Twitter would get the boot with nary a tear shed by me. I am not in love with Twitter, but I am trying.

Wasn't that short and sweet, and easy to read? Can't wait to check out what everyone else has to say later tonight. So, be sure to let me know if you played along. Or, like I said before...just comment here and I'll still come see what you have goin' on.

It seems I have been sitting on some awards once again. I want to do this post so I can thank the people who thought of me, but I am telling you up front that I will not be following the rules tonight. I certainly want to mention all of the wonderful people who thought of me when passing out the awards. But when it comes to scratching my a$$ while simultaneously standing on one leg with my left arm in the air and bending over at the waist...I am just not up for the work. So I'll tell you what. I am going to pass all of these awards on to any bloggy friends who share my birthday month. That's April. Is your birthday in April? I want to know! And please, take any or all of these awards.

This Sunshine award was given to me by Diana of My Lifesong. Diana and I are newly acquainted and I have been enjoying getting to know her better. Becky of In the Trenches also gave me the award...Becky is simply the best. I can't remember now how I came to find her, but I am so glad I did! It was also given to me by Rose of We Live in a Zoo. Rose and I are also fairly new to each other. I do happen to remember that she decided to follow me on a Post it note Tuesday, and she said "Glad to hear you're going to treat me right." Rose, I hope I have so far! There was one more person who thought of me with this award. I am not usually so bad at keeping track of these, but because I put it off so long, sigh, I lost her :( If you read this, and recognize that you are missing from this list...please let me know. I will do another post all about you!! ;

The Beautiful Blogger Award was given to me by Suzi at Confessions of a Fitness Instructor. You want some great exercise/health tips...go check out her blog. She even will answer direct questions in a post if you have any. Who doesn't need any fitness tips?

The Master of Karate and Friendship (freaking strange) award was given to me by Desert Rose of Desert Rose Moments. Desert Rose is a fellow Arizona blogger with a fun blog. Please go tell her hello!

This last one, You're Going Places, was given to me by Elizabeth of Our Journey Through Life. Elizabeth has been with me faithfully since nearly my blog beginning just 4.5 short months ago. She is a sweet woman with a tender heart for her family. She is a great commenter, so if you go give her some love, I am sure she will return the favor!
Will you all please do me a huge favor and go check out all of these wonderful womens' blogs? I think we'd all agree that there is nothing better than receiving comments...others letting you know they have taken the time to read what you have had to say on any given day. Be a giver today ;)

Another Tuesday...means another recipe! Sharing my love of food and cooking one recipe at a time. I hope that some of you actually take the time to try some of them out. Click my Tasty Tuesday tab and see what you've missed if you are new here. Heck, even if you aren't new here, and just need a recipe...have a look.
On the menu this week is a recipe created by yours truly. I have mentioned in the past that I am not the best at following recipes (ironic isn't it), but when I create something worth remembering, I turn it into one. This week is Beef Tenderloin in Red Wine Mushroom Sauce. I admit, this one is a tad more involved than some of the previous weeks, but not much.

First thing first...pour yourself a glass of that lovely red wine, and replenish as needed.
Ingredients:
1 lb beef tenderloin scliced into 1/2 inch think medalions(best when fresh from butcher)
1 1/2 cups sliced button mushrooms
1 whole yellow onion diced (or 3 shallots)
1 beef bullion cube (or about 1 1/2 C beef broth)
1 1/2 C water (only if using cubed bullion )
2/3 C red wine (give or take)
1 Tsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp butter
olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

Heat about 1-2 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat in a large non stick frying pan. Add onion (or shallot) and mushrooms and saute until tender. Remove from pan and set aside. Using same pan (wiped clean of juices) add a little more olive oil (approx 1-2 tbsp). Heat over medium-high. Add tenderloin to hot pan in a single layer as pictured above(cook in batches if necessary) and sear on one side until juices from meat begin to run, then turn and sear on the other side. Remove from pan and keep covered.

To the same pan (don't clean it this time) add red wine. Simmer(whisking up bits from bottom)over medium-low heat, and recuce by about 1/2. Add beef broth (or bullion pre-dissolved in water). Continue to simmer over medium-low. Sauce should not be watery...if it is, add cornstarch. Thicken slightly, then finish sauce off with the Tbsp butter. Add onion/mushroom and beef all back to the pan. Coat and heat through. Serve(You might choose to serve it over wide egg noodles, or rice). Great with oven roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus and french bread. It's actually not as much trouble as it seems, and it's so very tasty!

he's my brother...

I hope that this is a foreshadowing of their future relationship. I have a brother, and he is without question one of my best friends. My love for him is very much like the love I have for my children...it just is. It exists free of condition, free of burden. My brother has added a layer of depth to my life that has aided in the shaping of who I am today. Together we lived, laughed, cried, loved and faught our way through childhood, adolecsence and into adulthood. My life is richer, fuller and more complete as a result of him. Of all the gifts my parents have ever given, my brother is undeniably the most cherished I have ever received. It is my deep desire that my children also share the same amazing bond that my brother and I are so lucky to have. I hope that they carry each other through hard times, laugh with each other through good times, cry together through sad times, and pull each other through when the rest of the world seems to have left them bereft. So...it is my hope that this photograph of Addyson pulling her little brother, is a foreshadowing of their relationship, their ever growing friendship, and their unbreakable bond.

This week I am having my first guest featured recipe. Quirky Momma brings us a great Mix and Match Casserole. I don't know about you, but I am always up for a recipe that leads me no further than my pantry for the ingredients. If you have not had the pleasure of meeting Quirky Momma...where have you been? Truly, for a mom with very young children, she is a godsend. She gives tips ranging from learning activities to housekeeping. Without further ado, I introduce you to Quirky Momma.

As momma to three preschoolers, I rarely have the time to shower, let alone think of what we are going to eat for dinner. I love this casserole - it is my good old standby recipe, great for stretching out trips to the grocery store! Basically, I look in the pantry and mix and match. Hope this is a help to you and a blessing to your family!

Ingredients:
8 ounces sour cream (or plain yogurt or a cup or two of white gravy)
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Choose one of the following for your Sauce:
10 3/4 ounces cream of mushroom soup, condensed -- undiluted
10 3/4 ounces cream of celery soup, condensed -- undiluted
10 3/4 ounces cream of chicken soup, condensed -- undiluted
10 3/4 ounces cheddar cheese soup -- undiluted
29 ounces diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano -- undrained

Choose one vegetable:
14 1/2 ounces cut green Italian beans -- drained
15 1/4 ounces sweet peas -- drained
10 1/2 ounces asparagus cuts and tips -- drained
15 1/4 ounces whole kernel corn -- drained
13 1/2 ounces chopped spinach

Choose one starch:
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup uncooked regular rice
4 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
3 cups uncooked small pasta shells
(Or... cover with mashed potatoes, hasbrowns, biscuits or a pie crust for a meat pie variation).

Add one meat or protein source:
12 ounces solid white tuna in spring water -- drained and flaked
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 cups chopped cooked ham
2 cups chopped cooked turkey
1 pound ground beef -- browned and drained

Extras- choose one or two (optional):
3 ounces canned mushroom slices -- drained
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper -- or green
1/4 cup chopped onion or scallions
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic -- minced
4 1/2 ounces chopped green chiles
1 1/4 ounce taco seasoning mix

Top it off with one or two of these:
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
1 cup round buttery crackers -- crushed
1 cup herb-seasoned stuffing mix
Directions:
Combine sour cream, milk, water, salt and pepper with Sauce Maker (omit sour cream and milk when using tomatoes). Stir in Vegetable, Pasta/Rice, Meat/Fish/Poultry, and, if desired, Extras. Spoon into a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
Bake, covered, at 350 degrees F for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with Toppings; bake 10 more minutes.
Invent your own one-dish combinations, switching ingredients for variety. Each casserole bakes 1 hour and 20 minutes, eliminating the need to precook the pasta or rice. Experiment with different flavors and create family favorites.

I hope you all try out her recipe and go visit her to let her know you did! Even if you don't try the recipe...be sure to visit her anyway for some great ideas.

The original recipe can be found in CD Kitchen

Time for Mama M's Five Question Friday. Granted it's a little late in the game...but still plenty of time to slip it in under the wire! To play along, simply copy the questions, paste them into a post, answer them, link to Mama M., and then go add your post to the link on her blog. Or, you could just answer any of the questions you'd like right here in the comments. That's perfectly acceptable too ;)

Today's questions are:
1. If you could bring one character to life from your favorite book, who would it be?
2. Where did you get your very first kiss?
3. How did you welcome in the New Year?
4. What is your favorite Beatles song?
5. Donuts: Overrated, underrated, or 'bout right?

My answers:
1. If you could bring one character to life from your favorite book, who would it be?
My first answer was Edward Cullen, then I read Keely's post and saw that she answered that...so I thought I should try to come up with someone else. Just can't do it. Edward is the ultimate in fictional fantasy, so Edward it is.

2. Where did you get your very first kiss?
I was 15, and staying in Evanston, IL. for the summer with my aunt, uncle and cousins. We went to the beach every day and there was the cutest lifeguard there. I hoped to catch a glimpse of him every time. Well, one day he walked over to where we were and introduced himself...Ari Stone. He was 17, and my aunt let me go out to a movie with him. When he was dropping me off after ice cream, he walked me to the door. I knew it was coming, and I was as tight as an overly wound guitar string. He kissed me, and all I could think about was how awful it was. Nothing redeeming about it whatsoever. Just plain gross.

3. How did you welcome in the New Year?
Played a few rounds of Sorry Sliders with Drew and my husband, then watched Pirates of the Carribean...Dead Man's Chest. That's it.

4. What is your favorite Beatles song?
I don't listen to the Beatles purposely. That doesn't mean I don't love them, it just means I only listen to them if they happen to be playing somewhere. There are a ton of songs by them that I really like, and someone else has already listed a couple...but I really like "And I Love Her" off of their A Hard Day's Night album.

5. Donuts: Overrated, underrated, or 'bout right?
I suppose it depends. I never eat donuts because I don't think there are really any worth eating anymore. In the past I may have said underrated, but not any more. I think Krispy Kreme are highly overrated. I don't like them at all. But Dunkin Donuts, like ten years ago...now that's a donut. I loved the vanilla cremes. Powdered sugar outside, inside over-filled with sweet sugary vanilla frosting. Yes, that is a donut.

What about you? I understand if you don't want to answer them all, but it is really fun to play along. As always, I still like reading your anwers in the comments too!