Award Day

I received my first award today from Stacey @ Bloggin it Like it is. Thanks Stacey, you are one of my firsts reads everyday and I can always count on your nice comments. Now I have to pass it along to 6 people.

1. Cheap&Sweet~ I could really learn a thing or two about shopping from this girl!

2. I'ts a Jungle Out There ~ Sandy, I could read about your travels all day!

3. Poofing the Pillows ~ I just discovered Stacey's blog and it's a great read.

4. Emma Calls Me Mama~ Marie has a wonderful blog with a little bit of everything!

5. Rodman's Road of Life~ Jules blog is a fun read, I get such a feel for family from it!

6. Peterson St. Louis~ Not only is this blog cool, it's interesting.

Now go spread the love!

P.S. For some reason my links aren't showing up as a different color, but they are clickable!

Blackened Chicken Fettuccine

This is one of my favorite things to have for dinner. My kids were getting tired of it so I had to lay off for awhile. I cook for six every night but this can easily be cut in half for 2-4 people.

The cast of characters.......



I cut up the chicken into strips and seasoned them really well with blackened seasoning.



Then I just blackened them in the skillet. I usually use butter to do this because they blacken so much better, but this time I just used a little oil.



This looks like a puny amount of chicken! I had two skillets going though. I always cook enough for Chuck to take left overs.

Melt two sticks of butter.........( I know, that seems like a lot of butter)



Add 4 cups of heavy whipping cream........



Add some garlic powder. I never measure the garlic, I just shake some in and taste. Sprinkle in some black pepper. Stir really well, simmer for a few minutes then add 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.



Oh yeah, boil the water for the noodles! Don't you love my precise instructions. I'm guessing I'll never write a cookbook! Ha!



Here is the finished product. It is so good! We had a side salad and some garlic toast with it.


Has anyone been watching The Next Food Network Star? The finale is tonight. I think Melissa will win. I like her and Jeffrey both, he's just easier on the eyes. I think she is probably more marketable.

Well, I am off to wash dishes. Fun! Then I'm going to pop some kettle corn and watch some tv. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Pool Buoy

You know it's getting close to pool closing time when all the catalogs come out advertising all the winterizing items. I am so ready to close it now. I'm sure we still have many days of swimming left though. Usually by this time of year I am so tired of fooling with it. Bring on fall and cooler temperatures!

An old friend from high school came by today and brought her new baby. He was so sweet and tiny. He's only 4 weeks old. I was enjoying holding him so much I didn't even think to take his picture. My ovaries went into overdrive! I would have another baby in a second if I could! I'll probably have many grandbabies to look forward to though.

We are thinking of going to see Funny People tomorrow. Anyone seen it? It looks funny. I guess I better go get some sleep, Chuck has requested a big breakfast bright and early!

I Heart Nachos

It rained all afternoon here today. Something about rainy days makes me want to cook. I made some chicken fajita nachos tonight. They were so good, so I thought I would share. I cut some chicken breasts into strips and seasoned them up really good. I used garlic powder, pepper, salt, and some Mrs. Dash. Then I browned them really well in a skillet. The browning is where they get all their flavor.



While those were browning I sauteed some onions and peppers.



I love using the new On the Border seasoned tortilla chips. They add a little extra flavor.



Tonight I used Gordo's cheese dip but usually I make my own with white American cheese.



Just put your chips on the plate, top with chicken, cheese, salsa or pico de gallo, lettuce, tomato and sour cream and you are on your way to good eating!



Speaking of cooking, I can't wait to see this movie......................



I love Julia Child! The movie looks really good!

Birds and Ferns

I love the look of a front porch with rocking chairs, Boston ferns and an American flag. Here's part of our porch getting painted by my husband.



This year, however, we have had many birds nests. I think we are on our fourth round of baby birds. I think they are house wrens. It makes it difficult to keep them watered properly.



Aren't they cute? The watering isn't really a big deal compared to this...................



That sucker knew those baby birds were in there! He was coming after them. It scared me to death when I saw this snake out there. He was pretty long too.



I know this guy has to eat too, but I did not want to see those babies gobbled up! They survived to fly away, but then the fourth and last set of babies were being stalked by a cat. It's just too stressful for me. So, I'm not hanging any more ferns out!

Favorite Kid Photo

I love the topic of this weeks blog hop! It was hard to pick a favortie, so I made a collage! The first one is of course the Joker for Halloween. Below that is The Hulk I guess, he was more or less just messing around with some face paint. I love the one in the bathrobe reading the comics. The last one he was smaller and he always tried to look into the lens. They aren't the best shot pics, but they show what a goofball my youngest son can be!

Yard Sale Goodies

It's time for Rhoda's Thrifty Treasures Monday. I did pretty good this week although there weren't too many sales.

I wish I could have found more than one of these little stocking holders.


This is one of my favorites finds this week. It will be perfect for all those holiday parties! $3


I think I'll put this on my counter to hold all the veggies from the garden.


How cute is this chip and dip platter for a buck? It reminds me of something my grandmother had. I love it!


Cute little watering can for 50 cents.


I can't wait to put his on my porch this fall and fill it with pumpkins!


I love fall, I wish it was time to hang this new find!! Make sure you hop over to Rhoda's to check out more treasures!

I think I'm going to spend some time outdoors today. That is if the rain holds off for awhile. Have a great Monday!

We just had a quiet day at home today. Sometimes you just don't feel like saying or doing too much. I took some pictures of our sunflowers today. I like how they turned out.







I love this little guy. I'm hoping to find a lot of yard sales tomorrow. It's going to be nice here. Happy hunting everyone!

Here Comes the Sun

It has been a stormy day today. I think the sun is finally starting to peek out. We have a shepherd mix and he is so scared of thunder. He has had a rough day today. He goes all the way to the end of the hallway and just shivers until it’s over. He shivered so much today that now he’s  walking with a limp. Makes no sense! I really need to get him in for some sedatives!

Doesn’t he look pitiful? I’ll have to give him some cheese to make him happy!