Mom's night out 3-5-09

So we had another Mom's Night Out. Met at the Vine Restaurant in downtown Elkhart, Christine, Kristi, Sydney, Maggi, Michelle, Lara, Brooke, Megan. Julie B & Tiffany. a.k.a The Manhaters Club. Although we were good, we only grumbled about the men and their lackings for a little bit of the time :) Megan Hartman got the glam award. And Kristi took these pics for us to enjoy. It was fun. No idea when I will next get out to do that, but you guys should plan one again in a couple of months. Maybe Ill send Tad to record it so I can still enjoy, sort of. Just kidding.

Recipe Swap

So here are the recipes from our swap a few weeks ago.
Some of the recipes take a little bit more time to load up (the ones I took pictures of, the files are a bit big) so be patient.
If you have pulled a recipe up, use your "back" button to get back to this list.
* 3-7-09 Finally added some of my own recipes .... woo hoo!!! You'll note the recurring themes of easy to prepare, ok tasting and ben will eat. My standard are sooo high :)

I've included the names of who submitted in case you have any questions!
Send your feedback and I'll publish it here. Also other recipes or meal ideas.

5 Hour Beef Stew, Julie B

Angel Hair Pasta & Spicy Shrimp, Kristi

Banana Walnut Muffins, Christine
I've brought the reduced-sugar version of these to playgroup, they're not the most exciting thing but something to do with the sale-black bananas at the store and you may be able to trick your kid into thinking its real cake!!!

Basil Turkey Burgers with Sun Dried Tomato Mayo, Maggi

Beef Tips or Stew in 7-Up, Susan

Bruschetta Chicken Bake, Megan

Buttermilk Biscuits and Variations, Julie B

Chicken in Breadcrumbs, Christine
My version of chicken nuggets, pretty simple to prepare and quite tasty.

Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Pasta, Christine
I made this up but its simple and what I cook on nights that I'm starting dinner 10mins before I want to eat

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, Megan

Dirt Pudding, Kristi

Enchillada Pie, Lori

Gingered Fish, Christine
This is easy to prepare - 1 dish in the oven and rice to go with. Pretty tasty if you like the asian/ ginger thing

Hungarian Goulash, Christine
This is a stew thing, but tastes quite good

Lettuce Wraps, Lori

Penne with Broccoli & Sausage, Julie B

Roast Vegetables, Christine
Ben will eat these veg so we make them alot. A simple side dish, but not the most exciting.

Shrimp and Avocado Salsa, Kristi

Slow Cooker Beef Stew, Maggi

Slow Cooker Bleu Cheese Chicken, Megan

Slow Cooker Lasagne, Megan.
Lori Grasty tried this for her in-laws and said it was great and really convenient.

Spicy Chicken and Mushroom Stirfry, Christine
Really quick and easy, just make rice to go with, and is pretty tasty if you like the asian/ ginger thing (again!)

Stew with Mushrooms and Cream (Stroganoff), Christine
A stovetop stew, quite easy and ok tasting

Happy 2009!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and is looking forward to a great 2009! Hope to see you soon at a playgroup.

Christine

Ideas for Holiday Entertainment

Lets keep a list of ideas for Holiday fun in this area! Send me your thoughts or bring them to playgroup to share. Does anyone know of a place to go and listen to Christmas Carols or other music?

- Ice skating at Niboco Ice and Water Park is scheduled to start Dec 10, call 970-7490 to confirm
- Santa's Workshop. Downtown Southbend through Dec. House ww.dtsbsantahouse.com
- (Dance) Nutcracker at the Morris Dec 13, Dec 14. Call 235-9190
- (Dance) Contemporary Nutcracker at the Elco Dec 13. Call 273-8888
- (Music) Christmas Spectacular at Concord High School. 4 & 7.30pm Dec 13, 1.30 & 4.30pm Dec 14. Call 875-4105 x 86500
- (Theatre) Winterlude: A Celebration of Holiday Cheer 8pm Dec 12 & 13, 3pm Dec 14 at the Bristol Opera House. Call 848-4116
- Hesston Steam Trains. New Buffalo, Mi. Candy Cane Express Dec 13 & 14th 2008. http://www.hesston.org/
- Fernwood Botanical Gardens, Nile. Festival of Lights. http://www.fernwoodbotanical.org/
- Santa at the Mall
- Making home-made tree decorations
- Village at Winona. http://www.villageatwinona.com/
- Sesame Street Live at the Morris. Jan 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. http://www.morriscenter.org/
- Mousestap puppet theatre, Shipshewana. http://www.mousetraptheater.org/

Halloween at Crossroads Church

Halloween at Trinity Church

Trip to Kerchers Apple Orchard

Our 2 trips to Kerchers this year were alot of fun.