Thankful

The day is winding down...the kids are in bed, the kitchen is cleaned, tables put back together, dirty linens in the hamper, leftovers in the fridge and I'm exhausted. Mom and I were cooking all day and we ended up with a delicious Thanksgiving meal which we enjoyed with my family and in-laws. So before I close my eyes for the night I thought I'd share (along with every other blogger out there) what I am thankful for.

First and foremost, I am thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ who died to redeem me from my sins, which I fail him daily for.

Second, I must say I am most thankful for my Prince Charming. He is seriously my other half and I am so blessed to live beside him every day. Did you know he cleaned the whole kitchen including mopping after the meal tonight? Oh, how thankful I was to be able to lay on the couch in pain from stuffing my face in peace knowing I didn't have to worry about cleanup! He's amazing. He loves those girls of ours and I can't believe how lucky I am to have him.

Third, I am thankful for my beautiful princesses and how smart they are. I am so blessed with three healthy and adorable children and am amazed by them every day.

Fourth, I am thankful for my family..Mom, Dad, and Sis. Love them so much and wish we didn't live so far apart. :( So sad...

Fifth, I am thankful for my amazing mother in law...She really treats me like her daughter and I love her like a mother (though she'll never replace mine:) ) 

Okay, so now I will just list my random thankfulnesses...

My Freedom

Being born an American citizen

Having a home and food to eat

My Pastor

My Youth Pastor Mike (even though we aren't in touch often...you have meant more to me than you'll ever know)

My minivan..yes the sexy green one...lol

Starbucks Mocha Frappucino!

My nook..lol

Online learning

My Iphone...what did I ever do without you!

Once Upon a Time...ha ha...LOVE that show!

My amazing boss/bff 

SKYPE so I can chat with my family and friends when we aren't nearby

Chocolate!

Chocolate covered marshmallows and York Peppermint patties...mmm...

My DVR so I can fast forward parts of XFactor which I don't feel like watching...lol..and the commercials :) Choe Kardashian gets on my nerves a little

Oh yeah, and I'm thankful they got rid of that host from last year and Nicole too!

Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, Bradley Cooper and Bruno Mars...lol...had to put them in...

Okay, so I know that some of the list is superficial. But in all seriousness, I have a lot of things to be thankful for. Especially those who are fighting for our freedom and have fought for us. 

God Bless American and Happy Thanksgiving!

Hiding From Your Kids?

So, tonight was like any other night. Princess6 and Princess3 were finishing dinner at the table....taking FOREVER....as per usual. I was cleaning up the kitchen and loading the dishwasher. Princess8 was downstairs in the playroom and Prince Charming was upstairs vacuuming (yes he vacuums...I know... I'm a lucky gal). And my parents were in the living room watching t.v. (They're visiting from FL). While putting away the leftovers into the fridge, I noticed a little jello pudding with sprinkles and oreo crumbs that the girls' MomMom brought for them all the way in the back of the fridge. It was like a light shone on that spot with a choir singing..you know, the way it happens in movies? lol.. Well, somehow it was never eaten in all this time and since I'm such a chocoholic...I decided that it was now mine. (Sorry MomMom). I checked for the coast to be clear and opened it up! Quickly pouring the sprinkles on I contemplated for a split second getting some whipped cream, but scratched that thought because there was NO TIME! I knew that any minute one of my princesses would walk in the kitchen and catch me eating their pudding which they didn't even care about because they forgot it existed. I heard Princess6 coming and quickly hid my pudding cup and went to see what she wanted. She asked if she could be done and I nodded since my mouth was full. Taking her plate I told her to go finish her milk...which was really my effort to get her out of the kitchen so I could finish my dessert, which I did...swiftly. It made me laugh because I was thinking...I hide from the girls a LOT. Whenever I have some type of dessert that I love...a little selfish streak takes over. For instance when we buy those Little Debbie's Chocolate Cupcakes...you know, the ones with the white swirls across the middle, they usually end up on top of the fridge out of kids' view. If I eat ice cream, it's usually when they're in bed or somewhere else. I don't like to share. BUT, if they ask me, I'll never tell them "no" because how can I tell my sweethearts "no"? So instead, I just hide like an addict keeping their addiction 'in the closet'. I sneak York peppermint patties, brownies, cupcakes..etc.. For one, I don't want them to eat it..because I'm being unhealthy, and two..I want it ALL! LOL. If I give them one bite, then it's one less for me. So it's easier to keep the 'out of sight out of mind' aspect. So, my question for you is...Do YOU hide from your kids? My Prince Charming never does, he's such a good dad. Me on the other hand, yeah, I'm a little bit selfish. (Only when it comes to dessert).

How can I say "no" to these lovely faces?

Southern Green Beans and Mashed Potatoes!

With Thanksgiving coming up, I'm sure everyone will be in the kitchen cooking up a storm...I know I will! So in honor of the day here are two recipes you're sure to enjoy! They are family favorites in my house. They also are great year round, not just for Thanksgiving!

I LOVE mashed potatoes! They are one of my favorite side dishes. And I must say it is one of those dishes that I feel I've perfected over the years. The key? Heavy cream, garlic, an electric mixer and drying out the potatoes before mashing. If I skip any of these steps, the results are never the same. I decided to use Country Crock this time around though. It's saving us some cholesterol and calories without sacrificing flavor! So here ya go! Enjoy and let me know how you like it!

Ingredients

6 medium russet potatoes

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)

1 cup heavy cream

6 Tablespoons Country Crock Spread

Directions

1. Dice potatoes into 1 inch cubes. Place in a pot and cover with water. Add salt and put the lid on to help speed up the boiling process. Cook on med/high heat. Once the potatoes reach a boil remove the lid to prevent water from overflowing.

2. Once the potatoes are fork tender (meaning you can mash them easily with a fork) drain and place back into pot. This will help to dry up any excess moisture. We want creamy, not watery. 

3. Next, mash up the potatoes with a masher. Then using an electric mixer beat the potatoes to help break up any more lumps. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

4. Melt the Country Crock spread in the microwave and warm the heavy cream also.

5. Add the Country Crock Spread to the potatoes and mix with the electric mixer. Next slowly add the heavy cream until the potatoes reach desired consistency.

6. Serve and enjoy! Oh, and lick the beaters...they're delicious!

My mom has been making these green beans for years and for me, there's nothin like the taste of fresh green beans cooking in bacon drippings. Talk about delicious! I hope y'all enjoy these as much as I do!

Ingredients

3 strips of bacon

2 lbs. of green beans, trimmed and washed

1 tablespoon Country Crock Spread

1 onion diced

1 clove garlic, minced

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt the Country Crock Spread. 

2. Add the bacon and fry until it is cooked crisp.

3. Next, add the diced onions and saute until translucent.

4. Add green beans and 1 clove of minced garlic and stir together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add 1 cup water then turn heat down to low and cover with a lid. Cook on low until tender, about 30 minutes unless you prefer al dente, then cook for only 15 minutes.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Thank you to Good to Know & Unilever Spreads for being a sponsor. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.