the best EASTER intentions

I had an idea for Easter morning.
I thought it was a good idea.
Larry did not have early morning meetings so I would have his help.
We would get everyone ready, and then before we left for church, I would take the kids pictures in their Easter clothes.

Unfortunately, my morning was a little more hectic. I barely had time to get me and the girls ready, let alone take any cute "before church" pictures. Luckily I did take a couple of pics of the girls in their matching dresses (thanks Grammie) even though it was before their hair was even done.

Bad news: I have no pic's of Josh on Easter, or all 3 kids together :(
Good News: I made it to church on time FINALLY! (thanks Lar for your help)!

True Italian Spaghetti Sauce

I just posted this recipe to my FB page. So I thought I would add it here as well. It's been a long time since I've posted a recipe. But this is one of my favorites. Enjoy!!

Also known as "Chicken's Chicken Spaghetti" Made with NO chicken:)

I'm just going to walk through how I make it. That's the true Italian way :)
1. brown 1 lb hambuger. drain and add 1 chopped onion and 1 garlic clove (or 1 tsp chopped garlic)

2. (put in a large sauce pot) 3 large cans tomato sauce, 3 small cans stewed tomatoes (I use 2 quart jars canned tomatoes), 1 small tomato paste. start simmering on low. (add the meat from step 1)

3. brown 1 lb. Italian sausage. Drain. add pepperoni (I use the stick instead of the slices) cut it up into bite size chunks. Drain grease again. add to the sauce pot.

4. Now for the seasonings. Don't be afraid the adjust to your liking.
I start with 1 TB of each of the following:
oregano
parsely
basil
rosemary
marjoram
thyme
then I add a couple spinkles of red pepper flakes (add more or less for how spicy you like it)and then add 2 bay leafs (don't forget to take them out before you serve the sauce:)

Let it simmer all day. It makes enough to have for dinner, and then freeze 2 huge bags for future dinners. Or it's good for a very large group. Remember, don't be afraid to play around with your seasonings. It's the best spaghetti sauce you will ever eat.

ps: The recipe also calls for a small jar of mushrooms. But omit them, since I don't like them AT ALL !

Is it a mouse in the house??? Squeak once for yes!

When we moved into this house we bought a new living room set. Larry was able to get us an awesome deal on it through his work. One of things we bought was a 3 piece table set. The tables were wood with a small trim of leather on each end to match the leather furniture.



So, tonight we noticed some of the leather on the end of our coffee table had been nibbled off, and the remnant bit off pieces were laying on the floor. We were pretty sure we had a mouse in the house that had nibbled away on the end of the table. Later that night we found that...yes, it was definitely a mouse. A "teething" mouse.



(the coffee table)
( a closer look at the damage)

( the mouse we caught)