Kaake Family Blog

Monday Meal Plan

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Here is my dinner list for the week. Breakfast and lunch is always simple and leftovers so I don't know for sure what we'll be having. Just a little bit of this and a little bit of that:) I am finding that if I prepare things for dinner at lunch time while I'm making lunch, things are so much easier later one. Plus I get to relax more with my hubby!

Monday:
Taco Salad

Tuesday:
Brats and baked potatoes w/veggie.

Wednesday:
Japanese (type) Stir Fry and Chicken Egg Rolls - you can get msg free at Aldi!

Thursday:
BBQ Chicken w/Baked Potatoes and rolls

Friday:
Pizza

Saturday:
Potato Soup, homemade bread and soup.

Sunday:
Breakfast for dinner

My Aldi Shopping Trip

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:10:00 +0000

I used to shop at Aldi a lot more frequently than I have been. So, as a "test" I thought I'd get everything but my milk, meat and cleaning products there. Here is what I got today for only $93.75!!! Needless to say, I'll be doing most of my shopping here once again. It was a good day. :)

Dairy:
Eggs
4 lbs butter
3 packages cream cheese

Produce - which by the way, the selection and quality was GREAT!:
2lbs carrots
Romaine Hearts - 3-pack
1 packages flat leaf spinach
3-pack green peppers
1 package mushrooms
1 package celery
1 cucumber
6lbs golden delicious apples - only a couple were bruised
3 pack roma tomatoes
3lbs onions

Misc:
3 plastic aldi bags
1 brown paper bag
Gallon freezer bags - 20 pack
2-pack sponges

Meat:
Cheddar Bratwurst

Frozen Foods:
1lb peas
1lb whole green beans
2 boxes of French Bread Pizza (4 pizzas)
1 package chicken egg rolls
1 container frozen white raspberry and grape juice 100% juice

Bakery items:
2 loafs whole wheat bread - good stuff, not fluffy stuff.
2 packages flour tortillas
1 package hot dog buns
1 package of individually wrapped cream cheese danish

Boxed, canned and bottled items and cooking supplies:
Oats - large container
100% cranberry and raspberry juice - large bottle
pancake syrup - for dh - ick! lol!
10 pack of koolaid type mix - we use this for homemade pedialyte
1 box onion soup mix packets
1 package Italian dressing mix
3 packages taco seasoning
2 packages chicken flavored stuffing
16oz minced garlic
1 container baking powder
12oz can black beans
1 whole pepper mill grinder with pepper in it.
1 package chocolate bark
1 package real bacon bits
2 cans corn
4 cans chunk light tuna
16oz natural peanut butter - only contains peanuts and a bit of salt.
1 package corn muffin mix
1 package seasoned croutons
large jar mild salsa
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 large jar of salad dressing (knock off miracle whip)
Gingerbread specialty cake mix

Pastas and rice:
wide egg noodles

Snack and chip items:
12oz raw almonds
1 package nacho tortilla chips
2 packages organic tortilla chips
1 box graham crackers

Meal Plan Monday

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:40:00 +0000

Here's a picture of Jon with homemade yogurt and frozen blueberries for a snack. He LOVED it!

I thought this would be neat to start after seeing it on another blog. I'm still not great about lunch planning so I'll skip that for now. We usually do either leftovers, some kind of sandwich or soup and bread.

Monday:
Breakfast: Oatmeal and homemade yogurt.
Dinner: Roast with carrots, onions and potatoes

Tuesday
Breakfast: Breakfast scramble and toast
Dinner: Macaroni helper with veggies

Wednesday
Breakfast: Oatmeal and homemade yogurt.
Dinner: Beef and noodles (with leftover roast) and mashed potatoes

Thursday
Breakfast: Eggs and toast
Dinner: Chicken, stuffing, veggies

Friday
Breakfast: Oatmeal and homemade yogurt.
Dinner:Homemade pizza and salad

Here's my dinner menu from last week:
Monday: Chili - made extra and froze half of it.
Tuesday: Baked spaghetti with meat and cheese
Wednesday: Grilled chicken, cheesy potatoes, and salad.
Thursday: Corn dogs and potato wedges
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Wet burritos

I used the chicken carcass from Wednesday to make homemade soup for Friday's lunch. It was very yummy! I'm going to try to keep up more with posting recipes. Look out for yummy recipes and tips on how to make things like yogurt, kefir, etc...

Christmas is coming!

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:59:00 +0000

We have about 1 1/2 months till Christmas. How crazy is that? To be easier on our budget, I try to purchase gifts year round as I see them on sale or for a good price. That also keeps us from spending $100's at one time when we wouldn't have it. I also like to save money where I can. This year one of the $$ saving tips I'm passing along is paper shredding. I got out a huge stack of Christmas scrapbooking paper, folding them in accordion style and shredded them in my paper shredder. I'm using this instead of tissue paper. While it probably wouldn't be cheaper if you went out and bought the paper, it sure was for me because it was just sitting around. You could do the same with any kind of newspaper, or other papers you may have lying around.

My two wonderful children and beautiful nieces 2 years ago for Christmas. How time flies!

I thought I'd give you a peak into what my family does yearly. Here goes....

1. Have a birthday cake for Jesus as well as sing Happy Birthday.

2. Let our kids know the 25th is the day we celebrate even though it is not the actual birth date of our Lord.

3. Bake - we love holiday baking and sharing those with others. Keep checking back as I will be posting some of our favorite holiday recipes!

4. Give each child 1 gift they'll really enjoy, 1 gift for all the kids to share and 1 gift for them to give to someone in need. We also do stockings - that's more for me. rofl! We cut back on gifts a couple years ago and it has been wonderful. The kids really focus on Christ more. My daughter who had gotten many gifts from us before then never had a hard time transitioning. I was so proud of her.

5. Draw names on both sides of our family for our siblings. I think this is a great idea since getting for everyone is just not in the pocket book. However, sometime I hope we can all make things for each other instead. That would be the ultimate for me.

We try to rotate years that we spend Christmas Day with each side of the family. This year it is with my family. I can't wait!!! I've missed at least the last two years with my Grandma and Grandpa Good and it's heartbreaking. Every year as a child I would go to their house on CHristmas Day afternoon/evening and spend the day with them. We never missed a year. They have been such a Godly influence in not only my life but all those around them. How grateful I am to them.

May your Christmas this year not only be filled with fun, good food and gifts, but the joy that only Christ the Lord can bring.

Make Ahead Breakfast Skillet Meals

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:20:00 +0000

Picture taken from Jimmy Deans link below.

Now and then I will pick up a Jimmy Dean breakfast skillet recipe because of lack of time in the mornings on the weekends. Today I decided to make my own:) I usually pay between $4 and $5 for each frozen bag. Then to that you add 6 scrambled eggs. Well, not anymore. Here is a cost comparison for you:)

Cost and ingredient break down. This will make 3 frozen bags of breakfast skillet starter.
1lb sausage or turkey sausage $2 (on sale)
2 peppers - $.58 (again on sale)
2 onions - $.20
1/2 bag frozen hashbrowns - $.75
Total - $3.53

Jimmy Deans cost per bag - $4-$5
My cost per bay - $1.17

So here's what you do. You take the pound of meat and cook it like you normally would - crumbled up of course. Let that cool. While it's cooling cut up 2 peppers and 2 onions. Fill 3 freezer bags each with 1/3 the peppers, 1/3 the onions, 1/3 of the cooked meat and about 1 cup frozen square hashbrowns (or more) from your local freezer section. Place in freezer.

When you're ready to use them, put a bit of oil in the bottom of a warm skillet and dump in your baggie. When everything is heated through nicely, add in 6-8 scrambled eggs and enjoy! We sometimes use this and put it in the middle of tortillas with cheese. A very filling breakfast!

Remember for your body to function well during the day do the following....

Eat like a King for breakfast.
Eat like a Queen for lunch.
Eat like a pauper for dinner.

Doing this helps better stabilize your blood sugar and is better for your digestive enzymes.

Debt Reduction

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:25:00 +0000

I'm sure most of us have debt that we wish we did not have . Unfortunately it cannot be wished away. For those thinking of bankruptcy, I'd caution against it if at all possible. Many places are willing to work with you - you just have to take the time to call them.

Anyway, we've hit a point where another round of student loans are coming in - over $200 more per month. Talk about a huge hit on the budget. Through it all though, even though we are going to be able to have no extra money to spend on eating out (which we love to do) or other things, we're so grateful our bills are at least getting met. It's times like these that cause a family to be more creative in what they do for meals, entertainment, etc... It's also times like these that we look more towards the Lord - what else is there to do.

Take this time, before the holiday season to look over your budget and make it work for you. Yes, a lot of us have to sacrifice many things but isn't it worth it in the end? Being wise stewards of what God has given us is so important to use and we're learning more and more all the time. IF you have other debts such as credit card debt like we do, see what you can cut out of the budget in order to not just meet those minimum payments, but get them paid off as quickly as possible. With the new laws our president has put into effect for credit card companies, the credit card companies are now raising their interest rates very high to re-coop costs from the presidents new bill. Even if you have to make minimum payments now but can take your tax returns and instead of blowing it, paying off debt, that's another great option. Do what it takes:)

Most importantly, stop using credit! For those out there who are used to using credit cards for Christmas only to have to pay them off with working overtime the whole next year - is it really worth it? See how you can pare down your Christmas giving. After all, we celebrate Christmas as a time that we remember what our Lord did for us and his birth. IT should not be about a big expensive gift list that we have to go buy or make others angry by not doing it. How far from the true meaning of Christmas have we come over the past 50 years. Worse yet, with getting our children everything they want now is not only setting them up for being credit users as adults later, but teaching them to be very selfish. If you are a Christian, our main goal as parents is to lead our children to the Lord first and foremost. Are you doing this with your children? Remember, they see what you do - your actions speak much louder than words.

$5 deals at the Family Christian Store

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:51:00 +0000

Becoming a perks member at the FAmily CHristian Store is completely free. The more you spend, the more punches you get on a card. Once it's filled up, you get a discount card for the store. HOwever, that is not the only "perk". They offer many $5 items per 4-6 week period. Since Christmas is quickly approaching, I'd recommend you looking there for some great deals. It's not often you can find good, wholesome items for the family. When I find them inexpensive, I'm all over it. I'm not sure if all stores carry the same $5 but I'm assuming they do. Here is what they currently have till the 21st (at least in this area).

ESV Compact Bible - the entire bible small enough to fit in your purse:)
Hermie DVD - Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure
Building 429 CD
16 month calendar with the stores coupons on each month's page
and more....

You are good, Oh Lord.

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:21:00 +0000

I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine.
~Song of Solomon 6:3

Train up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old, he will not depart from it.
~Proverbs 22:6

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.
~Proverbs 127:3
How many times do I ignore the Lord's leading in my life? How many times do I choose to not make Him priority? How many times have I chosen to not even talk to him except at meal time? Men would say that education, great jobs, many friends, and stuff matters. The only thing worth anything at all is a personal relationship with Christ. How I need to keep myself in check with this so that I may correctly convey this to my children. Not just in words but in action. Oh Lord, may you lead my life and may I make it pleasing to you.

The More I Seek You:
The more i seek you
The more I find you
The more I find you
The more I love you

Chorus: I want to sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand
lay back against you and breathe
feel your heartbeat
this love is deep
it's more than I can stand
I melt in your peace
it's overwhelming

The more I seek you
The more I find you
The more I find you
The more I love you

Chorus 2x

Is Your Hut Burning?

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:02:00 +0000

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?' Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story:

It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

Making Herbs Simple - Winner Chosen!!!!!

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:45:00 +0000

So sorry It took me this long to get a winner chosen. To be honest, it slipped my mind. But today, my dear friends is the day we find out who the winner is. The winner of this event is
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
Mrs. Stash! Congrats my dear! I'll be sending you a message here in just a minute letting you know that you won this lovely dvd. I hope you enjoy it very much!

A big thanks to The Bulk Herb Store for donating this lovely prize!

Fall Decor

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:26:00 +0000

I'm just starting to get out some of my fall decor. Oh that and our fence is finally now all white! It's only taken over a year. rofl!

Here is a little section of my front porch. I got the scarecrow at the Dollar Tree. How cute is he!

Up next is our back deck. We still need to stain this but are just waiting for the rain to stop:) I can't wait till the mums completely open up. How pretty they will be!

Next up is a close up of the mums:)

This picture is the most "thrifty". I got the centerpiece item at Goodwill for $.99. It was a new Target item. The tablecloth I got at clearance at Target for under $5.

Last but not least is a view of most of our fence. Praise the Lord it's now finished!

We still have many more things that need to be finished in the house. Pictures will soon follow. Why the rush? Well, we're hoping to get our home re-acessed so we can save over $300 per month on our house payment. I'll also update you on that;)

Jungle Java and Thrifty Finds

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Today was so much fun! We headed down to Ann Arbor for some resale shopping and some fun for the kids. This was Joshua's first trip to Ann Arbor and since it was game day we put on his "My Very First Michigan Shirt" - U of M of course! We had to take a picture to commemorate. lol!

Our first stop was Value World - that is where I like to go to find larger amounts of resale clothes for the kids if I can't find them up here. I had a list of things Joshua and Jonathan needed so we headed down. For around $30 we got all you see below. Here's a listing....

Exersaucer
Little People Barn with Animals
2 pair jeans for Joshua
1 pair jeans for Jonathan
2 shirts for Jonathan
2 outfits for Joshua
2 sleepers for Joshua
1 sheet for the boys room to make into curtains - it's Disney's Cars
1 pack-n-play sheet for our co-sleeper
1 set of books for Lyshie - they are Misty (the horse) books
2 books for Matt
1 book for me
3 misc. books for the kids
3 puzzles
1 magnadoodle

Next on the list was Jungle Java. I remember my MOPS table going there one day, however Lyshie and I missed it because we were sick. That was 5 years ago when she was only 5 years old. Crazy how big they get! Anyway, my friend Angela reminded me of the location in Ann Arbor and I thought "hey, this would be fun!" You see, we weren't able to have a family vacation this year so I wanted to do something neat for the kids. Well, here it was. As soon as we walked in, Jonathan wanted to take off. So did Lyshie for that matter. It is a bit bigger than my pictures show. It has 4 separate party rooms, a cafe with a good sized eating area, Toddler area, big kid area, even a family bathroom along with the regular ones! I fell in love and so did the kids. I can't count on my hands how many times Allysha said "Oh mom, I'm having so much fun!".

We're now home with my honey resting and getting ready to make some grilled pizza. This day has been just what I needed. Thank you Lord!

God's Provision - Thrifty Finds!

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:16:00 +0000

I knew there was no way we could afford to buy Allysha a new coat at the tune of $50 or more - so, we started searching Salvation Army and Goodwill. On only our 3rd attempt, God provided Lyshie with a like new coat for only $4!!! The total amount we paid for all items below was just over $13. What a blessing!

Lyshie's new (to her) Arizona coat. Don't let the look on her face fool you. She was totally psyched!

3 pair of pants for Joshua size 0-3 months, 2 long sleeved shirts for Joshua size 0-3 months, jingle bells and a case full of safari animal stamps (for ink pads).

Pants for Jonathan to wear to open gym night.

Thrifty Finds

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:59:00 +0000

Today we went to Goodwill again. Thankfully it's only 3-4 minutes from my house. We usually don't find anything for Allysha but this time we hit the jackpot! We got her two pairs of jeans that fit perfect! That in itself is very hard to do. You can see the pretty embellishments in the picture above. We also got her the jean jacket you see in the picture and all the shirts as well as the little dress (which will be worn over pants). The dress, and one of the shirts still had the tags on them! The red hooded fleece jacket I got for myself. I got it a size or two bigger so that I can wear my son in a sling and still put the coat over him. It zips from the bottom up so that I can only zip it up as far as we need to. I'm super excited about that! Last but not least, I got Joshua the little hat and Allysha a picture holder. You know those pretty boards that have ribbon on them and you slip the pictures in? Well I got her one of those. It is purple with butterflies all over it. It will look great in her room. Unfortunately I do not have a picture of that. It went right upstairs in her room.

My grand total was $17.71 which is more than I usually spend but considering one of the coats is for babywearing, another is like new and 2 other things are new with the tags, I didn't much care about the price this time. I think we did good.

The many faces of Joshua

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Matt some of these pix a few days ago when Joshua was in quite the mood. I just had to post them. lol!

I think I might be in need of something...

Can someone please help me!

Just leave me alone.

I know mom says this is not polite but I just had to do it.

Making Herbs Simple Giveaway

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:19:00 +0000

There are many companies out there that I just absolutely love. The Bulk Herb Store just happens to be one of them. I just recently purchased a couple of herbs from their store and made an amazing salve for my son because of some terrible mosquito bites he gets. Imagine my surprise when I received a package from them only 1 day after I placed my order. Talk about exciting! Their website is also full of how-to information, uses for each herb they sell and more.

So, without anymore rambling, this giveaway is for the dvd, Making Herbs Simple from The Bulk Herb Store.

To get one entry comment on this post. For a second entry become a follower, for a third entry post this giveaway on your blog. I will draw the winner on October 1st. Entries are closed at 9 am (est) the 2nd to give me time to get it all together and declare a winner in the evening. Please make sure to post with your comment if you've become a follower or posted about this giveaway on your blog. That way I can make sure to give you your extra entries.

***U.S. Residents only please***

Let the schooling begin!

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:44:00 +0000

Jon and Allysha - First official day of school. What cheesy grins!

Joshua - Just finished nursing on first official day of school. lol!

My how times flies. It seems like yesterday my little Lyshie was just starting pre-k at age 4. This year she's beginning the 5th grade and Jonathan is beginning pre-k at age 3 1/2. Crazy how each child is different. For example:

Lyshie could color perfectly in the lines at age 4. Jonathan still scribbles all over the pictures with 1/2 year to go.
Lyshie could write her name correctly before she turned 4. Jonathan can't write very many letters yet.
Lyshie knew her alphabet but was struggling with phonetic sounds at 4 1/2. Jonathan at 3 1/2 knows most of his phonetic sounds.
Lyshie could count to at least 50 but didn't know how to group things at age 4. Jonathan can count to 20 but can group well and knows what the numbers actually mean.
LYshie was carrying on adult conversations at 4 years old - yes adult conversations. We still have a hard time understanding some of the things Jonathan says.
Lyshie could not jump well with both feet. Jonathan can jump over his daddy with both feet.
LYshie and Jonathan both are great at memorization.
Best of all, little Jon and Allysha both love each other very much as well as the rest of their family - despite the big gap in age.

How is it that kids can be so different. I'm really looking forward to what little Joshua has to add to our family. What a joy!

My boys - 1 month old

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:24:00 +0000

I thought I'd find pictures today of each of my boys at 1 month of age. Crazy thing is, these pictures make them look so similar! What do you think.

My how time has flown. My eldest little man is 3 1/2 and Joshua is 5 weeks old. God is so good to our family allowing us to love and live with one another. I hope to have many more years with my amazing family. What a blessing they are!

Grandparents, Planes and Kids:)

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:52:00 +0000

This past Friday we decided spur of the moment that we should make the trip down to see my grandparents. It was so much fun! Because of health issues, my grandparents cannot travel up here to see their new grandson. So, Joshua went down to see them. I just love my grandparents so much. I cannot begin to tell you the amazing impact they have made on my life.

My Wonderful Grandma Good.

My Amazing Grandpa Good.

My wonderful husband took our camera with us and got these neat pictures of the kids at my grandparents home. How neat to see them where I used to play!

Lyshie with a book from Grandma's bookcase. I thought Matt had such a neat idea with this picture!

Here is Lyshie in front of my Grandpa's shop. Oh the hours he'd spend out there when I was a kid. He'd bring out sawdust for me to make a sawdust cake. I would put mud frosting on it and decorate it with flowers. Those were the days!

Jon in front of Grandpa's shop.

Lyshie on the swing I swung on as a girl.

Lyshie on a swing again.

Jon on the swing

Jon on the swing again.

For anyone who knows my dad and grandpa, they fly their planes together as soon as the ground is warm and nice enough to fly on. They start getting a bit grumpy/antsy in the winter months since they cna't fly their planes then. lol.

My Daddy and Grandpa with Dad's plane.

The little pink haired man flying the plane;)

Last but not least is a picture of yours truly with my wonderful husband. I told him I wanted a pix of us together:)

Homeschool Back To School Picnic

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Or not back to school I guess;) We had our picnic last weekend so obviously I'm slow at getting pictures up. The kids are always excited to have our picnic that kicks off the school year. While this year was only the second, they were thrilled none the less. It was the first day where all 3 of my children went to the park together. We got to meet a new homeschooling family and fellowship with other homeschooling kids/parents. What a fun day!

It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To...

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:24:00 +0000

Ok, maybe not cry. lol. Today was my 30th birthday! Can you believe it? Not only was today my 30th birthday, but today my new son turned 4 weeks old. What a day to celebrate!

First of all, my friend Tonya came over and made me some birthday soup. It's Korean and the recipe can be found anywhere online. Very yummy and nutritious. I just love the story behind it.

Next, my wonderful husband came home from work and I had to leave asap to renew my plates and I thought my license. I get up to renew everything, pay and walk up to have my picture taken. The lady says "What are you doing? You don't need your license renewed". Oops, big blooper on my part. So I voided my check and wrote a smaller one. That sure was nice. lol! I tell you what, this brain isn't quite working. Lyshie and I (and JOshua) then went to the Salvation Army which was very close by and got some clothes for Joshua and a KinderMat for Jonathan (nip). Lyshie said "Is this where you're going to spend your birthday - in Salvation Army". I said, "why sure, it doesn't bother me". lol

Next, on to home where my amazing husband was already cooking some fabulous brick chicken, cheesy hashbrown potatoes and some amazing pasta.

Last but not least was my birthday cake and gift form Lyshie. Lyshie gave me some of my favorite cookies - almond crescent, as well as a handmade flower. She's so stinkin sweet!

That was my amazing day in a nutshell. Now off to bed to watch the rest of Miss Potter, a girly movie. Oh and I did not have to do dinner dishes at all! How cool is that?

New baby and bike rides

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:27:00 +0000

As you have seen in an earlier post, my daughter learned how to ride her bike. She took her first bike ride with her daddy last night and had a blast! Little Jonny also had fun riding in the trailer behind daddy. Joshua and I got to sit on the porch in the lovely weather and just relax. It was good for everyone:)

Lyshie getting ready for her bike ride - she's so excited!

Daddy, Lyshie and Jon taking off on their bike ride.

Here's little Joshua in his car seat. Doesn't he look so tiny!

Baby Joshua is Here!

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:11:00 +0000

So sorry for the delay on posting about the birth of our son. He was born on Wednesday, August 5th at 1:20pm. He weighed 7lbs and was 19 inches long. He's doing just splendid and has us in awe of his little presence. I am so incredibly in love with the little guy:) Enjoy the pictures!

Fresh, Brand New Baby:)

Sister Lyshie - So Proud!

The Boys - Does anything else need to be said?

Joshua on mommy's breastfeeding pillow. Is it that time again;)

Nate, Colette, Annika, Mom and Baby Joshua - Everybody loves the baby!

Grandma Sandi holding baby Joshua.

Grandpa Hillis holding baby Joshua.

Grandma Sandy and Papa Hillis with 3 of their grandchildren (meaning all of my kids;))

Summer Fun!

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:19:00 +0000

We were able to get the kids a slip and slide this year because of after clearance sales. They had so much fun on it as did their daddy. I had tons of fun watching and taking pictures. Although, secretly I wished I could go out and join them as well. I'm so glad we were able to do this since I've slacked and not taking them to a lake like I had wanted to:(

On another fun note, my daughter learned to ride her bike! We're so super excited. Between my husband working overtime last year, school before then, etc... it just didn't work out for him to teach her how to ride. A dear friend (Tonya) came over the other day and told me how we could take the pedals off of Lyshie's bike, have her sit on it and push it with her feet to get a feel for balance. Funny thing, Matt had heard that on the radio that same day (or day before - can't remember), and he forgot to tell me. lol. So within less than a week of doing this, Lyshie is now fully riding her bike with the pedals on it. What a great way to learn. We're very proud of her and she's super excited. What a fun summer!

Provencal Dagwood Sandwich - Yum!

mandikaake@gmail.com (Amanda Kaake) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:05:00 +0000

I found this recipe in my husband's cookbook called The Barbeque Bible. Absolutely amazing! Crazy thing is, he really liked it too. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Veggies:
sliced eggplant
sliced zucchini
sliced red peppers (I used green)
sliced red onion - peeled but root end left attached

Basting Mixture:
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 CLoves minced garlic
1 sprig fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
salt and pepper

For Serving:
1 long baguette (I used asiago cheese rolls)
8 oz goat cheese at room temperature

DIrections:
1. Prepare veggies by slicing into long 1/4 inch slices.
2. Make basting mixture by combining all basting ingredients.
3. Set up the grill for grilling preheating on high.
4. When ready to cook brush veggies with the basting mixture.
5. Arrange veggies on grate and grill basting them once or twice more throughout cooking time. It should only take 3-6 minutes. Make sure to season with salt while grilling.
6. Transfer to a platter to cool a bit and separate onion.

To serve we grilled the bread first, then spread goat cheese on each side (top and bottom) of the bread and piled high with veggies. Absolutely amazing! So yes, we did a couple things different than Mr.Raichlen but the results were still amazing!