Homemade Heart Shaped Pizza

This Valentine's Day I had totally forgotten to pick up a Papa Murphy's Heart Shaped Pizza for the kids and since I do daycare out of my home I wasn't able to just pack up and go get one....so I did the next  best thing-created one at home and luckily I had the ingredients on hand.

Ingredients:

1 Pillsbury Pizza Crust

3/4 Ketchup

1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning

1 lb Meat-pork, ham, pepperoni

Toppings-chopped: onions, green peppers, mushrooms, olives

1 cup Cheese-shredded

Directions:

1. Roll out the pizza crust and place it onto a greased cookie sheet and shape into a heart shape or whatever the holiday theme may be

2. If you selected to use a meat that needs to be pre-cooked fry on medium heat until cooked. I chose to use italian sausage-1lb of Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage in the regular flavor, you can find it in the breakfast meat department.

3. Combine ketchup with Italian seasoning and place on pizza crust

4. Add on meat toppings along with other chopped toppings you would like

5. Top with shredded Cheese

6. Bake according to pizza crust directions approximately 10mins at 400 degrees or until crust is golden and cheese is melted

Suggestions:

You could make this really simple or add lots of extra topping such as other meats, olives, onions, green peppers to your liking.

Serve with breadsticks

Shape the crust to whichever theme or holiday you are celebrating-clover leaf, candy cane

Get creative, let the kids help and enjoy this easy and fun pizza recipe!

We also enjoyed a yummy dessert-the Famous Popcorn Cake-of course for Valentine's Day we colored the popcorn marshmellow mixture pink and shaped them into hearts

Click  HERE to get the full popcorn cake recipe

For our craft of the day we made Valentine Friends 

you only need construction paper, crayons and glue 

this one was an actual set that i had purchased with my daycare preschool program from

Kids 'N' Fun Crafts-but you could create it with just simply cutting out a heart, 1 hat,  2 hands, 2 feet and four strips of paper for the legs and arms-folded in accordian style.
I had the kids color the parts first before we assembled them together

To learn more about the Kids 'N' Fun Crafts program Click HERE

They offer affordable easy fun that does NOT require a ton of planning-my way to have FUN!

Hope your Valentine's Day was a SWEET one!

 

Creative Mee Mee

So my mom has always wondered what she is good at.....hmmm where do I start?!

For one she is an awesome cook, if anyone has ever eaten her food-it's almost always good-I can only think of one situation where I know I didn't like her cooking and I'm pretty sure she would agree on this one-her  Squab dinner!-for those of you wondering squab is young pigeon-her dish looked almost as good as it smelled-phenomenal...however the taste was not as great, I think my husband who grew up on wild game was the only one who ate more than one bite-all of us agreed she probably didn't need to make that dish again!

That said, I cannot even begin to tell you all the dishes that we request everytime she comes to visit or we make a trip back home. Her knoephla soup is out of this world, dumplings to die for, fried chicken (& feet) yep the feet too and rice, homemade vegetable soup-tastes the best when your out camping-yep soup and camping sounds a bit outrageous but amazing how many people gather once they smell vegetable soup cooking!

ok, so cooking is just one thing she is great at-she has been knitting for awhile, mainly has focused on baby blankets for each of her grandchildren-6 in 6 years has kept her pretty busy! (not to mention a special granddog-Abby-for which she has sewn a dog bed for) -she has dabbled in hats and scarves for the grandkids as well. I must remind you she still works full-time. However as soon as she is ready to retire-I know that my sister and I could employ her full-time in making all sorts of stuff.

Ahlera's deep purple knitted blanky

She is constantly finding new project ideas for the grandkids to create, their latest was making painted butterfly creatures out of coffee filters.

Her most recent creation is by far my FAVORITE-she has been collecting parts and pieces for well over 2 years and she finally had enough to create her grandkid/dog masterpiece

SCRABBLE PHOTO ART



Mee Mee's grandkids/dog



She spelled out each of her grandkids' names and glued each letter down, in order to be able to change out pictures she used double sided photo tape for a less permanent application-as her grandkids/dog grow she can swap out for a more recent picture

She has this piece resting on a shelf in her computer room so she can enjoy it often, you could also put it under a piece of glass on top of a side table for quite the conversation starter or even mount it to the wall as a focal piece.

Mee Mee you are very special to us in soooo many ways and we cannot wait to see what you will be creating next!

Someday?!

Today I received this email forward from my mom, really are words to live by for Everyday Living  and then tonight I learned of another family being torn apart of a devastating cancer diagnosis-Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer -no one is ever prepared for a diagnosis like that and makes these words even more powerful and truly enhances the importance of what this simple email foward really means.

Live well, laugh often and love with all your heart   A friend of mine opened his wife's underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper-wrapped package: 'This, - he said - isn't any ordinary package.' He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box. 'She got this the first time we went to New York , 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on , was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died. He turned to me and said: 'Never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion'. I still think those words changed my life. Now I read more and clean less. I sit on the porch without worrying about anything. I spend more time with my family, and less at work. I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through. I use crystal glasses every day... I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it.. I don't save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to. T he words 'Someday....' and ' One Day...' are fading away from my dictionary. ; If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now.... I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell.. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends. She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels. I'd like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favorite food. It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come.. Each day, each hour, each minute, is special. Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no-one.. If you got this, it's because someone cares for you and because, probably, there's someone you care about. If you're too busy to send this out to other people and you say to yourself that you will send it 'One of these days' , remember that 'One day' is far away... or might never come..... No matter if you're superstitious or not, spend some time reading it. It holds useful messages for the soul.

Fight the Frost-Family Fun!



Games Galore "Fight the Frost"

Tired of being inside all the time? Not wanting to go outside because it's too cold? But you need to get your kids out of the house. Fight the Frost is an indoor event for families and young adults to come out and play on the 35+ inflatable games that Games Galore will have set up for the entire weekend of February 17-19. Laser tag also set up. Concessions will be open and parking will be free!

More info coming soon!

TICKETS GO ON SALE:

TBA

TICKET INFORMATION:

6 & Older -$10,
5 & Under - $6Groups of 10+ $9.00 per ticket

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Friday 3p-9p
Saturday 9a-9p
Sunday 12p-6p
Free Parking

Sounds like a fun indoor family event-now I just need to get my kids in bubbles first and soak them in hand sanitizer-ha!....guess that which doesn't kill them only makes them or their immune systems stronger!

please post your outdoor winter ideas in the comments section to keep us all with kids sane now that winter has finally arrived-thanks in advance :)

Addisyn's Wigs for Kids Challenge

I am the mother to 3 beautiful healthy girls and so proud of each and every one of them. Addisyn, my oldest daughter who turns 5 this month shared something with me almost 2 years ago. When i asked her if she wanted to get a hair cut around the age of 3 she told me no that she wanted to grow it out and give it to a girl who doens't have any hair. I asked her where she had heard that from and she didn't really give me an answer. She was already in pre-k so I thought maybe it was something they had talked about or learned in class. I have brought it to her attention several times and the same answer remains-I don't want to cut my hair, I wanna grow it out and give it to a girl who doesn't have any. So we have been growing it out, getting trims in between to keep her locks healthy.

Addisyn with her hairdresser Autum

I'll never forgot the first time we had the "hair conversation" I instantly had tears in my eyes and was so proud of my Addisyn and how she wanted to do something for others-and not just something but a huge dedication on her part of growing her hair out to at least 12" and someday cutting it off to donate to a child who doesn't have any.

I was then left to figure out where and how to go about donating her hair. I did some research and based on Addisyn's strong desire to have her hair go to a child, we choose the organization  Wigs for Kids . They are a non-profit organization that was founded in 1981 and relies soley on donations. Wigs for kids helps children up to age 18 who have hair loss due to a health condition, medical treatment or burn accident. Wigs for Kids creates hand tied custom hair replacements made completely form human hair that range in costs from $1500-$3000. It takes 20-30 ponytails to make one hair piece. Each piece is made to look just like the child's own hair. These pieces are then given to children who otherwise would not be able to afford a hair replacement system.

Wigs for Kid's mission is to help kids feel good about themselves and not have to worry about their appearance while dealing with a tragic event.

Addisyn has decided that not only does she want give a child her hair but also do a fundraiser to possibly help fund the cost of one hair piece. We are currently collecting donations until the time comes to cut Addisyn's hair. She just had a trim last night and her hairdresser Autum at Season's of Style said she is at 9" of where we would cut the hair, so we still have a good 3-4" to go. Addisyn needs a minimum of 12" for the donation.

Addisyn all dolled up after her trim 1/31/12

 

If you feel you would like to help Addisyn fullfill this request she has made, please mail donations to:

Addisyn Dietrich

1634 28 1/2 Avenue S

Fargo, ND  58103

and if you would like to learn more about Wigs for Kids please visit their website at

http://www.wigsforkids.org/

Addisyn with her first donation check
thanks aunti Marian

Addisyn with her 2nd donation check
thanks Aunti Jo!

We will continue with updates on Addisyn's progress so be sure to check back!

Dietrich Christmas 2011-Round Up

This year 2011 is coming to a close sooner than always it seems. We are busier than ever and have so many things to be thankful for.

Addisyn Kate, our oldest turned 4 February 20^th, and we celebrated poolside with Tinkerbelle.  Addisyn is in her 2^nd year of preschool at Packlerland (West Fargo High) and loves every minute of it. Next fall she will begin Kindergarten and take the bus to school. I am slowly preparing her for it but I think it’s mom that needs more preparation!

Ainsley Mathias turned 2 in April on the 15th, our Tax baby. We had many family and friends over for a Strawberry Shortcake themed party. She is my child never afraid to explore new things and is constantly teacher her big sister new tricks! Ainsley has a smile that goes from ear to ear and gives the best hugs.

On May 12, 2011 we welcomed our 3^rd daughter, Ahlera Marie. She is never left unattended and has her two older sisters following her around making sure she is ok every where she goes. She started crawling at 5mo 3wks and is a mover always on the go. She most recently popped through her 2 bottom teeth and is hanging onto everything and standing-still trying to find myself a bubble to keep her safe.

Ryan was able to begin his career in law enforcement this past August (15^th) and has joined Cass County as a Deputy Sheriff in their Jail. He says there is a lot to learn and no day is ever the same.

This February is my 2 year anniversary doing licensed daycare out of our home. I enjoy getting to stay home with my own kids and having playmates for them.

We have been very blessed with 3 healthy beautiful girls and so fortunate for that. This past November on Orphan Sunday our family along with my sister’s family and my mom chose to sponsor 2 children from Mozambique, Africa. A girl, Razaina age 10 and a boy, Dominguinho age 11.  We look forward to creating friendships and bringing awareness to the World Vision organization that these sponsorships are through.

******

Addisyn also has a very special cause on her heart. About a year-and-a-half ago when I asked if she wanted to get her hair cut she told me and I quote “no, I want to grow my hair out and give it to a little girl who doesn’t have any.” I instantly had tears in my eyes. I still don’t know where she came up with idea-if it was something she heard about at school?? I have looked into many different organizations and together we have chosen to pick one that specifically deals with children-Wigs for Kids.

Wigs for Kids is a private non-profit organization that relies solely on donations. Through caring companies, foundations, groups and individuals like you, they make complimentary hair replacement systems for children who would otherwise not be able to afford them. Wigs for Kids helps children,  some have autoimmune diseases, such as Alopecia, that are treated by Wigs for Kids until they reach age 18, while other children with temporary hair loss due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy may only need treatment for a couple of years.

Wigs for Kids is committed to helping children who are in the middle of a crisis to not have to worry about their appearance and remain their self esteem.

Addisyn needs at minimum 12 inches of hair and is currently at about 9-10 inches.   It takes approximately 20-30 ponytails to create one hairpiece. The value of each individually designed hair system ranges from $1,500 - $3,000.  They are custom-made hair replacements and each prosthesis is hand-tied and is made completely from human hair.  They look just like the child’s own hair.

Our goal is to send in enough donations along with her hair to fund the cost of one hair piece.  We have a savings account set up in Addisyn’s name that her funds will go into until it is time to cut her hair. Donations can be sent in Addisyn’s name to 1634 28 ½ Avenue S, Fargo, ND  58103.

To learn more about Wigs for Kids, please visit www.wigsforkids.org and to keep tabs on the progress visit my blog at http://everydayliving43.blogspot.com  

We wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy Healthy New Year!

Love,

Ryan, Miranda, Addisyn (4), Ainsley(2) & Ahlera (7mo)



Welcome!

Hi, and Welcome!

 If your new to my blog and found me through  Healing Arts Chiropractic

and your looking for the yummy recipes that were at the open house this past Tuesday

-you have come to the right place!

Click on the the tab on the right hand side of my page (towards the bottom)

you will find a list with recipes, you will find the items under the "Snack Label"

***one item that wasn't at the open house but is a must to try this holiday season,

Oreo Balls!

Feel free to email me with any questions

-thanks for stopping by-come back and visit Everyday Living again

For deals, Must haves (items), and Everyday Living

Happy Holidays!

Journey To Jamaa

On Orphan Sunday, November, 6th 2011 our church hosted a "Journey to Jamaa" event-there is a video that is based on the life of 2 children, Margaret & Derick who become orphans. We were all given cards with one person on them that was in the movie and then we viewed the film "Journey to Jamaa"-if you haven't watched it yet I challenge you to take 30 minutes out of your day and and see for yourself everyday challenges that go on in our world each and every day. 

Journey To Jamaa-Video

 My family is fortunate to live in a country with so much and yet others have so little. As I watched the film my eyes were opened with saddness and my heart ached for those less fortunate-at the end of the film we were asked to stand when the person on our card was called and at the very end they called for the character Margaret-the little girl in the film. There was only one person standing and she was all alone. It was a very powerful presentation and as sad and hard to view as it was I am glad I was able to attend such an event.

 My oldest Addisyn was attending faith factory (aka sunday school) during the service so we visited after church about the decison we made along with my sister and her family as well as my mom to sponsor 2 children from Mozambique-a boy and a girl-Dominguinho 11 and Razaina 10. My heart ached to pick only 2 children from the list -so we choose to pick 2 of the oldest. They both have

their parents and siblings but struggle to have everyday necessities-like money for school-food-medicine etc.

Our small $35 contributions each month for each child well help aid in those needed necessities, but it doesn't make all the hurt and pain that these children and families face everyday.

Our kids are very excited to have friends in Africa and we can't wait to get a letter from them and send pictures that the kids have colored and special bracelets that we are going to make for them.

I know that this time of year is usually a time to reflect on all our thanksgivings we have each and everyday. If you feel that sponsorship is something you may be interested in World Vision is a reputable foundation.  

There are many different places to donate and several organizations looking for tax deductible contributions this time of year, World Vision's primary focus is there helping build a better world for children.

To learn more about World Vision and child sponsorship click on the link below

http://jamaa.worldvision.org/
you can also visit this site to view more info on hosting a "Journey to Jamaa" event at your place of worship

and if sponsorship isn't for you that's ok too, at least just make some time to watch the

Journey to Jamaa Video

it has helped my family look at the world and those suffering in a whole new way

Here are pictures of our new friends
the picture at the top of this post is a board we put together that we have hanging up of the sponsor sheets we received on Orphan Sunday-we have it hanging in our living room so we can always see their faces and keep them close to our hearts

Dominguinho (boy) 11

Razaina (girl) 10

We look forward to our new friendships
and pray for them and their families to have Hope, Help and Healing

Balloon Messages sent to Heaven 10/26/11

On October 26, 2011 we celebrated the 16th Anniversary of my dad's passing.

Most of the grandkids are now old enough to understand that Grandma Jan aka Mee Mee once had a husband that lived with her, who got really sick and has gone to live in Heaven. We wanted to do something special that the kids could all take part in and create memories of their own with their Grandpa Junior,
so we sent balloon Messages to Heaven. 

Each grandchild (all 6 of them) had their own balloon, we attached special messages on a sheet of paper with their names on them. We released the balloons all at the same time and watched till they were out of our site.

Miss Amari Grandchild #3

Miss Taycee Grandchild #5

Miss Ainsley Grandchild #4

Miss Addisyn Grandchild #2

Miss Ahlera Grandchild #6

Mr. Kayson Grandchild #1

The crew

Ainsley, Miranda, Ahlera, Addisyn, Taycee, Melanie, Amari & Kayson

getting ready for our balloon release

there they go

on their way

to Heaven

We love you Grandpa Junior more than any words can say-
people often say it gets easier with time, but I have come to realize that with time comes, graduations, weddings, babies, baptisms and birthdays that always have a void in them.

It was uplifting to create a memory with all the grandkids that celebrated my dad, their grandpa and we look forward to doing a balloon release each and every year!

Smoogles!

Taco Biscuit Bake



Taco Biscuit Bake

Prep: 20 Minutes

Bake: 25 Minutes

Servings: 8 Servings 

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef

2/3 cup water

1 envelope taco seasoning

2 tubes of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits or 2 cans of cresent rolls

1 can chili con carne ( I used Hormel Chili w/beans)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1.  In a larger skillet fry up hamburger till no longer pink and drain

2.  Mix in water, taco seasioning and simmer for 4 mintues or till the water is absorbed

3.  Meanwhile quarter the biscuits (or keep them whole)

4.  Layer in a greased 9X13 pan along with the Beef, Chili and Cheese

5. Bake uncovered at 375 for 25-30 mintues or until cheese is completely melted and biscuits are golden brown.

Suggestions:

1. chop up and add an onion, green chili, and or jalepenos and fry with hamburger

2. leave out the biscuits and serve with tortilla chips

Toppings:

Sour Cream

Salsa

Black Olives

Super Easy to Make  and it's Delicious!

*****
Five Stars

I made this yesterday for daycare and the kids All ate it up!

Pin It