Bowls of popcorn, or lots of cut up sourdough baguette sm

We do...we have lots of board games.. [2008-11-25]
while my son has video games, he likes board games just as much because he knows we will play them with him...it is good quality time also!!!

Granny Smith with lots of butter, sugar and cinnamon and a dash of cloves&nutmeg. [2008-11-11]
xx

I have a feeling there are lots of us out here - sm [2008-10-24]
I have to say I think I may have it better than most. I've been working home almost twenty years and now both kids, 17 and 19, are on the brink of leaving, probably next year. My husband started his own business working at home four years ago, and we're literally (almost) joined at the hip. We share a 10 x 10 office. Yet, we almost never talk. When we do it's business or kid related. Right now I'm making more money than he is, and his business hasn't grown as fast as he had hoped, and now with the economy . . We started bickering about everything and about once a month have a big blow-up. I went to see a marriage counselor starting a year ago - he absolutely, positively will not go! So I'm going, mostly to find a way to survive another year or two until the kids are gone. I believe it will go one way or the other after that. I hope we stay together. We've both been divorced before and I wouldn't wish that on anybody. And I know the man I married is still in there somewhere. I'm going to do all I can to find him again so we can share the good stuff that we've worked so hard for - not to mention grandchildren when the time comes! Good luck to you. I've got no advice for you, but you are definitely NOT alone!

Not to mention all the postnatal problems lots of those [2008-10-24]
I type that stuff all day long. They're comin' over the border every day with their multimillion-dollar pregnancies, having them here, and then our hospital and social services system has to pick up the tab. I guess those people who think it's 'humane' to reproduce like rabbits haven't thought it through to what will be the result when our already-overpopulated planet gets even MORE overpopulated. They say they're 'doing it for the children' - yet look at the kind of world they're going to leave them with. Those people are sure a buncha head-cases, with nothing more useful or productive to do with their lives than try to regulate other peoples' reproduction. What a crock.

I thought about it too. Michaels has lots of beads. Just wondered if my mature [2008-10-20]
xxxxxxxxx

Coffee, cereal with lots of sugar on it, and [2008-09-07]
nm

But obesity IS life-threatening. I type lots of that stuff - [2008-08-23]
and for the most part the psych. evaluation is more to be sure the person has not only the desire for the operation, but the support in place to help them through the difficult time afterward. It's not a walk in the park, not only is it major surgery, but there are lots of eating problems afterward. Too much food, or too much fatty or other hard-to-digest food, and they can become quite ill. They also have to begin a diet and lose a certain percentage of their weight before they get okayed for surgery. I think in part to make them safer to operate on, but also to begin to change their eating habits. After the gastric bypass, one still has to watch what they eat so as not to regain weight. But of course the bypass helps with how much they eat - because the stomach is a lot smaller. Still, if all the requirements are in place, I think for many people GP is much preferable to dying of other diseases caused by obesity. It also can make it possible for them to exercise and build up their cardiovascular system, further improving their health.

Try Florida. Lots of foreclosures there, and unfortunately the price of housing is way down. [2008-06-28]
you should be able to afford something there. Always warm. My sister just moved there, on the gulf side.

Patience, Lots and Lots of Patience [2008-06-24]
First off, she is TOO CUTE! Oh how I miss those days. I have a 2.5 year old Basset boy. He is my third Basset. He was the easiest to potty train, I highly recommend a doggie door. My two prior Bassets weren't trained with a doggie door and I had accidents galore! Once I trained them on a doggie door, no more accidents (they were 4 and 5, so you can teach an old dog a new trick). Crate training is good too, it just takes patience. Basset Hounds are stubborn, but don't give in! I have loved these guys for a long time, they have the best personality.

My grandparents swore by it for LOTS of things [2008-06-10]
xx

Don't drink coffee, but lots of tea, but [2008-05-20]
am quitting the tea. Thank you kindly

they have truckloads of that stuff in Big Lots [2008-05-06]
packages, never bought it. I sure won't now because you said it was nasty, tia

Go for a walk someplace where there are lots of people (sm) [2008-04-14]
Sometimes I appreciate my alone time and other times I am sick of it. Maybe you could volunteer a couple of hours someplace once a week or so, or find other things to do where there are people around. I know with working at home, sometimes I have to put myself out there to remind people that I still want to socialize!

Seen movie lots and scene only recently deleted. [2008-04-13]
X

Last visited lots of retirees. Ft. Myers beach [2008-04-07]
nm

My parents live in N. Ft. Myers, lots of retirees, sm [2008-04-07]
Lots of people and traffic, but I love going to visit. Good beach and pier. If you're not staying at the beach and want to go, there is a trolly where you can park your car (We usually do this at Summerlin mall) and ride the trolly to the beach, to avoid finding a place to park. Also, Sanibel and Captiva islands are close by, which are neat. There are a few major league teams that have spring training in the area, which is fun. Make sure you get a street map to make it easier to get around there. If you are going to live, Cape Coral is nearby and that is a nice place to live. There is just about any type of living arrangement - apartments, condos, manufactured homes, regular homes. It is a great place. Golf course communities.

That's NOT popcorn!! Where are the kids??? [2008-02-23]
x

you mean stomach bugs? Lots of sick folks [2008-02-23]
x

Lots of flu in California [2008-02-23]
Flu vaccine only covered 40% of flu bugs so I hear.

I love their popcorn shrimp too! sm [2008-02-22]
We got it for the first time last month. Yum! We also like the tamales and mexican pizza. It is a little expensive for us, but it is nice to have something good in the freezer when we are busy. We live in the country so we buy ice cream in the summer from them because if we buy it in town, it is usually halfway melted by the time we get it home. We also get the pre-cooked sausage links every month. We spend about $50 a month and could easily spend $100! Sometimes I wish he would stop coming!

I'm sure there are lots of stories [2008-01-24]
about angels, too. I have never seenangels, but I have often seen them at work. I thank the Lord for providing protection through them. Whenever I have a near-miss I thank the Lord. My husband told me once when he was trying to change lanes, the steering wheel pulled itself right back so he couldn There was a car in his blind spot! I remember once one of my kids running down the sidewalk and fell. From where I stood it looked like he cracked his head on the step in front of him. I cringed, but when I got to him he was fine. I just know an angel put his hand between the step and his precious head. My mom was driving one day and didn She tried to stop but started sliding. She slid into the path of an oncoming car. She closed her eyes and braced for impact but...nothing. She opened her eyes and the car waspast her. She said there was no way hecould have missed her. These are angel stories. Demons are fallen angels. They chose to worship Satan. They exist to torment and cause people anguish. Angels exist to praise God and they also provide divine intervention and protection for people.

Get her lots of bottled H2O. nm [2008-01-23]
x

There are lots of things [2008-01-23]
Chocolate, greens, and by the way, for fiber sprinkle flaxseed over food- no taste, mix in, you never know its there and I second the recommendation about prunes- cooked, dry, very good source.

Been to lots of places [2008-01-18]
My favorite all-time place for me has to be Salzburg Austria (birthplace of Mozart), if you want sunny beaches the best time my hsbnd beach vacation spot is Greece. Was there for a week. Lots and lots and lots to do there. Beaches, sightseeing, shopping. Mind you these were the mid 1980s when Reagan was president (and our country was a little well more liked than now), so not sure about safety in other countries. Hands down though I say Ibiza has to be the best if you want a relaxing beach vacation.

Try drinking lots of water today, bet you feel at least nm [2008-01-17]
x

Is it necessary to see a doctor if you've got mono [2008-12-01]
From what I read (doing the Internet doctor thing ) there's nothing medicinal they can give you for it, so why bother going to the doctor in the first place? Everything I've read says all you can do is treat the symptoms - take Tylenol, get lots of rest and fluids, gargle with salt water for sort throat, etc.

e-bay [2008-12-01]
Since VR is taking the wind out of my income, I I live in an area with lots of retirees who might want to sell some things, but mightbe a little computer-phobic. Does anyone do this or know of anyone else who does it and whether it might be a lucrative business or a train wreck waiting to happen? Also, would a business license be required? Thanks for any input or opinions.

PLUS SIZING [2008-11-28]
Probably a 3X or larger, depending on how busty she is. Talbot Woman Withincatalogs and search for larger sizes. You but lost 220 lb. over 13 years ago with GBS. And yes, I kept it off. Rosie

I went through this myself about 20 years ago. [2008-11-28]
My husband is the eldest of 4 siblings. They tend to give expensive gifts, and none of them have children. I came from a very poor family, so our Christmas holidays never included lots of gifts. When we were first married I stressed over the gift selection and the money we spent. My husband, who is an accountant, stressed over every penny. When our first child came alone, I quit my full-time, downtown career-oriented job and stayed home. Our family income was cut in half, and so we had to tell everyone, our siblings, parents, friends, etc., that we couldn't afford to give any gifts. Family members wanted to give us gifts anyway, and we begged them not to, as it really made us feel uncomfortable to receive but not give. We didn't need anything, really. We just couldn't afford to spend anything on gifts. It took us about 3 years to get everyone to play by our rules. Twenty years later, and we're doing better financially, but we still don't exchange gifts with anyone but our children. Even my husband and I don't exchange gifts. We try, instead, to make donations to charities or causes that we care about. Over the years, some of our family members have experienced financial difficulties, and they opted out of the gift giving either temporarily or permanently. It always feels a little strange at first, but eventually it's ok. The season isn't about the gifts, and if the gift-giving becomes a burden, then that's certainly no fun. You have the financial responsibility for your family. You make those decisions, not family members who make you feel guilty. They'll get over it. Don't let it get you down.

Ah! There is your problem, Singers are worthless! sm [2008-11-27]
Seriously, they are. They have been made in Japan for 35 years or better. Japanese sewing machines are the WORST. Janhome (sp?), White, Necchi, Juki...all Japanese and all terrible things! Brother is from there too these days. They don't keep their tension, they are notoriously difficult to thread and they don't stitch worth a $hyte. If want something you can use for many, many years...you get a Pfaff, an Elna or a Bernina. They are European made. Pfaff has lots of bells and whistles for less money (I swear by a Pfaff and own 4 of them (2 regular, 2 sergers). Bernina is an excellent machine, but plenty of money gets you basics and fancy stuff like an extra presser foot is very pricey (A Pfaff ruffler is like $100, but a Bernina is more like $250). I know Pfaff's best. They have a hook around back to thread your needle for you. They have a fully adjustable tension and it DOES hold and will revert back when you change it. This is something a Singer will never ever cooperate with. Change the tension once and it won't go back no matter where the knob is. They are dead easy to thread and do so in a way that you never have to thread a slot, hole or needle eye. I know you are thinking too much money. One, you get what you pay for, and two, a second-hand Pfaff that has been reconditioned by a factory-trained mechanic is every bit as good as a brand new one. Unlike the Japanese machines, European ones have almost no moving parts, and they are modular. Burn out a motor (I have done this) and the old one snaps out and the new one snaps right in. I can also tell you I was a professional dressmaker of 10 years. In that time I killed a Singer serger, a Juki serger, a Singer lightweight, a New Home and a Necchi. For the second half of those years, I went to a Pfaff. I used the first one so much I wore the carbon brushes out in 15 months, grooved the armature on the motor and had to replace the motor!!! It worked great after that and I sold it for $200 less than I had paid for it new. Right now, to replace the 4 I have would cost me $20,000, but I own the very best, latest thing when I bought what I have. I own the first sewing machine model to retail for over $3000 (at $3399) but I didn't pay anywhere near that because you CAN negotiate on prices of sewing machines at independent retailers. I traded something in and bought 2 new regular machines with a total retail of $5000 and walked out with both for $1800 and that trade in. On a used machine they often make even better deals. No Virginia, it is not you! It is the SEWING MACHINE.

Boy men are such children - sm [2008-11-26]
my DH is a j*e*r*k like that too sometimes. He refuses to stay at my dad's house because he re-married so quickly after my mom died. (he wants to stay in hotel--which is very expensive where they live--....though we have not done it yet because as yet he has refused to go, so I go w/o him and the kids and I have lots of fun--he did go once 2 years ago though he made us stay at a friends apartment, very silly). There is more to it than that but that is a big part of it, and he thinks my stepmom's family thinks he is a loser. He is hung up on what people think about him and imagines slights, looks, etc. all the time, very hard to live with. But he know I will leave him in the dust and do what I want as he is acting like a 2-year-old. I would just go and not worry about him acting like a baby. If you stay home with him you will be mad, resent him for making you miss out spending time with your mom (which you will regret if something happened to her any time soon), and probably have a boring day at home while he watched football all day and you cook or twiddle your thumbs. He will probably never be the bigger person and bite his tongue and go, though he should. Men really are babies though at times.

My family's traditional Christmas mints [2008-11-25]
Again, really easy but time-consuming. The base is just two egg whites whipped up to stiff peaks and fold in about a pound of confectioner across, then flatten them with a fork. Put them on waxed paper - they stick on everything else. Get your kids busy stirring and rolling and it'll go quickly. I also use the same for frosting for Christmas cookies. Couldn't have a Christmas without them!

You can check at midnight online [2008-11-25]
I think they usually say if they The last couple of years, their servers crashed because so many people were trying to get online to buy. If you really want it, it Lots of people do it or have someone else who's going pick it up for you.

Does anyone play board games or card games anymore? [2008-11-25]
My 7-year-old child was invited to a B-day party for a little boy that was also turning 7. Anyway, when it came to opening gifts, he got Wii game toys, the different controlers and games. I did not even know the kid had a Wii game, but it seemed like everyone else did. I bought him a race track and a game of Go Fish. The race track got an I already have that comment and the Go Fish was what the heck. He did not say that but he kinid of looked at it like that and put it back in the bag. I wondered if he even knows what Go Fish is. The only gamesmy child has are board games, card games, those free games you can play on the computer and 1 game that plugs into the TV. It looks like a joystick and it has 3 games in it. These games have helped her in her reading because she has to read directions. She can identify a lot of the ocean fish. I was treated like an outcast at the party anyway. Itried to join in conversations with the other mothers, I would get ignored or very short answers, some would actually walk away. Then one mother actually turned her back to me to talk to another so I would just listen. They were talking about building houses, they have lots of land blah blah blah. They were giving each other advice on what to do with it all. When the conversation turned to how their kids are struggling in this subject or that that is when I got up and left because they toned their conversation down and then shut it off completely when then thought I was listening, so I thought that was my cue just leave so they can vent to one another about it. Itwas moreabout the teachers expecting too much blah blah blah.I have known some of these mothers or their spouses since we were little kids. They really treated me like trash back then. I thought that now that we were in our 30s, have not had much contact with each other since HS until now that our kids are going to school together, it would be like water under the bridge. Guess not. The families were wealthier than we were (just about every family was wealthier than we were back thenlol)but I know theycan Well, actually I don The only thing I did have over them is my kid is not struggling in school. She is making straight As on all her subjects. The only reason I went was because my 7-year-old and the7-year-old boy are really good friends and Ithought thatmaybe me and the other mothercould find something in common.At school, they are in separable so I really wanted dd to go to help him celebrate his special day. I could not help but notice that dd played with him more and the others were playing among themselves. I do worry if that tee I worry that they are going to discriminate against DD because I was a poorlittle nobody back in school and they were popular.I worry that they are going to start refusing to let the little boy play with dd and it will break her heart and hate me. I take baths, I practice clean living, always have, no drugs, alcohol. I don I pay my bills. Everything I own, I got honestly, paid for it myself. Of course, it isn H is not from here, he went to school elsewhere. I used to worry about that too back when we 1st started dating..Him finding out I was an outcast, dork or whatever and hate me. Now I worry that my child is going find out and resent me.

I think you are doing the best thing for your kids [2008-11-25]
My youngest is now 21, but I was much the same kind of mother you are. I hated video games from the first time they came out and my boys NEVER had any of them. We played lots of board games, they had a few little computer games, but none of the Nintendos or any of that stuff. They built stuff with Legos, played with each other, played outside in the yard and probably their favorite things were large cardboard boxes and their imaginations. My kids have grown up to be happy, healthy and well-adjusted, much more so than their couch-potato, gamer peers. So hang in there!

Calling all you animal lovers - live and let live or intervene? - sm [2008-11-25]
I have a dilemma. I am an animal lover and have something I cannot come to a conclusion about. At a restaurant where I eat lunch every Friday with a friend of mine, I have noticed a young male kitty hanging around outside looking for food. This past week he ran up to my friend and rubbed her legs and quietly meowed. I purposely did not try to pet him because I knew I would get attached and ignored him. Well, ever since then I find myself thinking about him and wanting to rescue him. Meanwhile, I already have 4 inside cats (2 rescues, 2 Maine Coons) and hubby really does not want another cat in the house because a few years ago I promised we would never have more than 4 (had up to 5 at one point previously). I actually have a huge screened deck he could stay on indefinitely because I do not believe in letting cats run loose for their own safety. I could provide plenty of food, a warm place to sleep, and veterinary care. At some point I would even probably work him into our household, but I just cannot do it at the moment. Just not sure I would be doing right by that kitty because I am sure he would be upset and confused for a good while as to where he was and what was going on, but is that better than being hungry and cold? I know there are lots of animal lovers out there. What does everyone think??

My kids and I are chocoholics [2008-11-24]
and one of the recipes that we love and is really simple is the No-Bake Cookies. That's what we called them when I made them (all the time!) as a kid. Also called Refrigerator Cookies, and the recipe I use today, from a cookbook my Mamama gave me that her church put together, calls them Quick Fudge, I believe. I call them Chocolate-Oatmeal-Peanut Butter Yum-Yums. They are made with sugar, butter, and cocoa boiled, then add the peanut butter, quick oats, and vanilla, dropped on waxed paper and cooled, then chilled in the fridge. If you want to make them post here and I'll grab the recipe tomorrow to give the quantities. Also, I absolutely love Pine Bark, and it is very easy to make as well. Lots of recipes for that on-line. Have fun!

Not exactly "art" but....... [2008-11-22]
I took some beading lessons. At first it was fun and rather expensive for tools, lessons, etc., some were taught by ladies I knew, others I paid for. I bought only the best crystal and silver. Then I found out the whole rest of the world was beading. If you went to a bead show you would not believe how many people go to these things and if you go to a craft show, you see booth after booth of beaded necklaces and earrings. I did get to make some beautiful gifts which paid for itself. You can make money at it but then you have to get into licensing, etc., sales tax numbers, and be really into it. I was just happy to have it as a hobby and sometimes make things for special occasions and am greeted with oohs and ahs from the receivers. You would have to check out a few craft shows if there are any in your area. I donartist per se, but others seem to think I have talent. Havenselling but I probably could, it's just that there are so many others doing it, it's a gamble and I can't afford to gamble right now. Just my input. I tried drawing lessons and I struggled with it, so I will leave that to the talented ones. There are those to whom it comes easily. I struggle with it. Beading is addicting though, kind of like eating popcorn, gotta know when to stop. I use Firemountain Gems for my supplies. They are online and also have online free lessons. Got to crimp or else you will lose your beads, have to do it properly and use good-quality supplies. I worry too much about quality and can picture a bride walking down the aisle and psssshhhh, so I double crimp and use good stuff.

I live on the very edge of Philly, just into the suburbs. [2008-11-22]
Lots of people, lots to do. The weather changes a lot, which is good because I have a very short attention span. :) I love it here.

Whatever sale item is most important to you [2008-11-21]
start there...early. Sale ads from Wednesday night's or Thursday morning's newspapers should tell you the store hours and sale hours. Many end at 11am. My dd and I like to go about an hour after stores open, though it's still dark outside. The crowds that were waiting in line overnight for the big ticket items are gone by then, and most everyone else avoids the stores until the afternoon hours, thinking they will be less crowded. Wrong they are though. There are more employees on duty early rather than later, so things move more quickly in the morning hours. We've also found the earlier crowds to be friendlier. DD starts singing Christmas carols while standing in line and soon lots of others join in. She's a blast to shop with. Then we go to a late breakfast and go home before the unfriendly crowds show up. Hope your experience is an enjoyable one.

This may sound a little weird [2008-11-21]
But I live in a really big city and I would put him in a retirement complex. That is a really good place for people with lots of money who don't feel like cooking for themselves or being alone. I hope you live in a big city too. Good Luck!

Please know you are definitely NOT alone! [2008-11-20]
Lots of us are struggling these days. Times are touch all over. Can you look into getting a second job to help with expenses? That's what I do, just to make ends meet. I'm alone too but don't mind that - I have pets to keep me company. The best thing you can do is not sit around doing nothing. Make a plan, set yourself some goals and KNOW you can get through this. Just take it one day at a time and/or knock off one goal at a time and you'll persevere.

We have been spending less than 100 [2008-11-19]
And we are starving. DH took over going to the grocery store from me (He thought I spent too much when I would spend about 150 a week.) It has been months since we do not have a bare cupboard. I am not complaining. I understand we are broke and he needs to pay the creditors. But the one person who has pretty much stopped eating is me. I am home all day and there is never bread to make a sandwich and I often pass up supper because I am tired of eating junky stuff like mac and cheese or spaghetti with meat sauce. He and our 11 year old son, on the other hand eat thirds of whatever meal it is. I get kind of annoyed. Our littlest boy and middle girl eat very little. All 3 take their lunch to school. I say to DH either stop eating so much (for him and the older boy) or buy more. He flips his eyes at me. We even stopped getting microwave popcorn which used to fill them up. So, now I am hoping to work extra to go to the grocery store myself and put an extra 100 a week in myself, but I keep running out of work. You see, this all started when we started running out of work in transcription about a year ago this fall, and my DH took over the bills. Apparently food was the first to be cut. And, BTW I don't ever go anywhere because there is no gas in my car, and it has 2 flat tires. We live by the school and I borrow DH's car to take the kids but it is always on empty. We seem to make it every time. Oh, well. No need to complain. Just cutting back. The family is lucky I work at home, don't use gas, barely eat. But I do have to pay 10 bucks a month for nerve pills, because it is hard doing without. Like I said, when work picks up transcribing first place I am going after I get gas for the car is to the food store. Eventually I can repair my flat tires.

Your welcome! Don't forget to [2008-11-19]
check the theater website for coupons or a frequent visitor card. He probably wouldn't fill one out himself but you could fill it out and include it in with the gift card. Usually you can get free drinks, etc. and it will really stretch the gift card. We did a movie pack for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law last year. I found a plastic popcorn bucket at the $1 store and wal-mart had candy in the boxes (like at the movies) for a $1. Turned out to be a very cute gift if I do say so myself. We through the giftcard in there instead of buying a $3 card to go along with the giftcard.

How about ideas for siblings and their families? Here's one [2008-11-19]
I have three siblings, with spouses and children. Not only is it expensive to buy for all of them, but it Last year I went to a craft store and bought cheap baskets on sale. I bought each of them a 2-month subscription to the movies that you get through the mail,NetFlix (can do Blockbuster if you want). I put the gift certificate in the basket along with the big boxes of candy that they sell at the show (.99 cents apiece at Walgreens), a few packets of microwave popcorn, and a 6-pack of their favorite soda. They loved it and everybody enjoyed the movies over the next couple of cold winter months. You can purchase the movie gift certificates on line at their website.

chicken soup [2008-11-18]
Good olJewish penicillin - chicken soup. Use leftover chicken or steamed chicken thighs or breasts if no leftovers are available. Use Swansons natural chicken broth (nosodium) but can use bullion, but it contains a lot of sodium. Use about a quart or moreof natural chicken broth. I like to usebaby carrots whole,but can certainly usesliced carrots. Season with lots ofminced garlic and a little dill weed (maybea teaspoon).I slice in a couple of things ofcelery or sliced celeryhearts with leaves. I sometimes add noodles, or rice, sometimes I use a package of frozen mixed vegetables which are really terrific, depending on what I have available and what type of soupmy family wants.Add some white pepper, not black pepper. Simmer until carrots and celeryare soft. If using pasta or rice, add that last, otherwise it soaks up too much broth and gets soggy. My family would eat this even if they were sick and nothing else appealed to them, that is why I call it Jewish penicillin. This is a Jewish mama Enjoy - it is so simple and so delicious not to mention nutritious and healthy. Note: Never let your chicken leftovers go to waste - make a pot of chicken soup!

chicken soup [2008-11-18]
Good olJewish penicillin - chicken soup. Use leftover chicken or steamed chicken thighs or breasts if no leftovers are available. Use Swansons natural chicken broth (nosodium) but can use bullion, but it contains a lot of sodium. Use about a quart or moreof natural chicken broth. I like to usebaby carrots whole,but can certainly usesliced carrots. Season with lots ofminced garlic and a little dill weed (maybea teaspoon).I slice in a couple of things ofcelery or sliced celeryhearts with leaves. I sometimes add noodles, or rice, sometimes I use a package of frozen mixed vegetables which are really terrific, depending on what I have available and what type of soupmy family wants.Add some white pepper, not black pepper. Simmer until carrots and celeryare soft. If using pasta or rice, add that last, otherwise it soaks up too much broth and gets soggy. My family would eat this even if they were sick and nothing else appealed to them, that is why I call it Jewish penicillin. This is a Jewish mama Enjoy - it is so simple and so delicious not to mention nutritious and healthy. Note: Never let your chicken leftovers go to waste - make a pot of chicken soup!

"fend for yourself night" [2008-11-18]
They scream and beg for it. One eats two bowls of cereal for dinner and one eats mac and cheese.

I can't imagine affording all those meals out, but I have some suggestions sm [2008-11-18]
I usually cook from scratch. My idea of fast food is a can of lentil soup, and I have that about once a month, occasionally twice. I make crockpot soups a lot because I am busy. I will tell you, there is a place that is sort of between a restaurant meal and home cooking. I used to have kids at home, lots of them, and I would get too tired to cook. My answer was to hybrid the dinner, so to speak. You can get Stouffer's lasagne which is good. You can pickup some ready-made stuff in your grocery store deli or freezer case. We liked the frozen Banquet chicken back in the day. I might get that, a box of flavored instant potatoes, potato salad or ready-made mashed to go with it. We might get a bag of salad too. Fresh fruit cups were nice if they were on special. You know, make a nice meal you don't have to 100% cook, but isn't going out. These days, I see that you can get beef tips in gravy, or sliced beef in gravy and other prepared stuff at the store. It just takes looking. It is more expensive than doing it all yourself, but it is much cheaper than going out. You can try another thing that is NOT everyone's cup of tea, and that is OAMC or Once A Month Cooking. This is my favorite website: http://snider.mardox.com/plans.htm I donmini plans using what is on special in a given week. They have breakfast plans, muffin plans, potato plans, chicken, beef, pork plans, ground meat plans, even some dessert plans. With planning, you can do this in bits and pieces. From people who have done far more of this than I have, they tell me that with soup already made, no chopping or messing, they are more likely to make fresh rolls, salad and even a quick dessert...round out any meal because the work is done. Obviously, it saves money.

Bakes potato soup [2008-11-17]
I like to make baked potato soup. Bake 3 large potatoes or 4-5 small ones. Cut them in half, cool slightly, then scoop out the middle. While they are baking I takes some time to heat up some chicken stock with a bay leaf, garlic, black pepper, a little time. Sometimes I use boulion (sp?) if I donbake the potatoes in the microwave if you want). I find that kids love it if you call it cheese and bacon soup. lol Usually for the bacon, I don't cook a new package but instead when I cook bacon for breakfast, etc. I save 2 or 3 pieces in the freezer each time. Then when I want some for soup, green beans, or salads it is available.