tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-551111289873536072012-02-16T08:06:18.358-05:00The Bill & Lise blog is about our business ventures, our life as parents and the challenges of balancing the two. Lise is the primary blogger but she is working to change that. Bill will be adding his two or twenty cents soon! Lise thinks he is waiting till someone will offer to pay more for his thoughts and opinions.Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.comBlogger641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-20713140040839155422012-01-09T14:02:00.000-05:002012-01-09T14:02:30.509-05:00

This is a need quick meal idea with what is in my pantry and freezer.  We tend to keep on hand a number of items that can be easily used to make a meal.  Pre-made meatballs in the large resealable package from a warehouse grocer fits this bill quite nicely.  You can pop a few frozen meatballs in the crock pot or in the oven for a snack or appetizer with just about any type of sauce.  You can

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-6880043532395054532011-12-30T23:22:00.000-05:002011-12-30T23:22:15.061-05:00

Okay I took most of November and all of December off from blogging.  After about 9,000 miles traveled between air and car from November 28 to December 16, I just couldn't keep up!   Now that Christmas 2011 and in fact the 2011 year is over, I am back.  And with a wonderful recipe from one of my cousins. I have modified it a bit for my family's tastes and instituted some short cuts but you are

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-69139754794795877082011-11-08T11:20:00.002-05:002011-11-08T11:20:20.815-05:00

Okay, yes I am a day late but if you had had the weekend I had, you would be too!  It started off with the Low Country Boil and Welcome Home party for one of our friends.  Bill and I cooked/catered the event.  It was fun and we had a great time.  Food was complimented by all.   Thanks Kelly for letting me to do this for you. Sunday was our housewarming party to show off the renovations.  The

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-69114305970932213012011-11-02T14:48:00.001-04:002011-11-02T14:48:36.037-04:00

I know Halloween just passed on Monday but I couldn't resist a Wordless Wednesday about little one's past costumes! 2007 - Learning well from her mother - BOOMER SOONER! 2008 - Flower fairy 2009 - Another fairy 2010 - The year of the witch 2011 - Tangled Rapunzel!

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-56746758447610056482011-10-31T08:31:00.001-04:002011-10-31T08:32:01.325-04:00

This week was a whirlwind of activities getting ready for Halloween, Mommy's first catering event and the housewarming party.  In between, we started learning about telling time, months of the year and days of the month.  We broke out one of the wonderful activities from SimplyFun called Tibbar's Big Board.  It has the days of the months at the top, the months of the year on one side,  a big

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-18233177000423930422011-10-26T08:43:00.001-04:002011-10-26T08:43:23.244-04:00

Today's pictures brought to you courtesy of my frantic search for appetizer and sweets recipes for our open house.  Why is it that with so many cookbooks, I find very few recipes I want to try out!  I have till next Thursday to decide what I am going to fix. Small wire bound cookbooks - mostly these are from organization fundraisers Beta Sigma Phi and Family cookbooks -- and Betty

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-45829737227117695422011-10-24T13:26:00.002-04:002011-10-24T13:27:15.723-04:00

Not sure what a Bierock is?  Well, it is a meat pie that is made with ground beef, cabbage and onion.  I first had them while at Bethany College, Lindsborg KS.  I will admit, I do not make my own dough although the restaurant I first had them at does. If you are adventurous, there are many dough recipes on the web to choose from.  A good one to try is http://www.cookscountry.com/recipes/detail/

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-74991132370667265452011-10-18T15:45:00.001-04:002011-10-18T15:45:46.200-04:00

Not much going on this week as little one was sick on Thursday and Friday.  Monday through Wednesday were not much better.  We did get her clothes organized by color and type.  It was a great activity and helped Momma out greatly. First activity was to take all of little one's clothes to the living room, including those being unpacked from storage while the renovation was going on.  Monday: 

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-70085634096667111702011-10-10T17:00:00.000-04:002011-10-10T17:00:00.024-04:00

Thank you to Cooks.com for this recipe.  And while I almost never do it exactly like the recipe, this one came directly from one I found on the website.  I had made spaghetti sauce Friday night and had lots left over but not enough to justify freezing.  Besides I really prefer to freeze spaghetti sauce that doesn't have meat in it so I can use it later for the base of a sauce.  The casserole is

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-30461316877230717452011-10-10T11:43:00.002-04:002011-10-10T11:43:48.205-04:00

This week was a whirlwind of activities!   First, we had dance on Monday.  Jea is learning to tie her tap shoes.  LOL that is an experience.  After much searching I found the rhyme that my mom taught me (thank you Swagbucks!):  Criss Cross and go under the bridgeThen you got to pull it tight.Make a loop but keep a long tailThat is how to do it rightThen you take the other stringand you wrap

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-70977718771972126572011-10-05T09:47:00.003-04:002011-10-05T09:47:57.243-04:00

Today's wordless wednesday post comes from one of our consultancies:  SimplyFun.  What is it?  Wonderful and award winning games for the whole family.   Family game night, here we come!  Boost your elementals by connecting matching tiles, and avoid tiles that will weaken them Test your nutrition IQ with Foodle! Pick your monster and  collect all their missing shapes by reaching

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-89958907135171133842011-10-03T17:30:00.000-04:002011-10-05T09:48:11.248-04:00

This week's recipe comes from the last of the vetegables in the garden!   We had a bit of yellow squash leftover from my trip to the Farmer's market last week and the last few eggplant from our own container garden.  Can't wait till next week when we will have an entire plot of land to be tended! Of course, I just cook it, can it or freeze it but I love that Bill and Dad love to garden! So in

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-45336884831286954202011-10-03T12:02:00.000-04:002011-10-05T09:48:39.885-04:00

As you may know, we have been in the middle of major renovations in our house since the end of July.  It has been an exciting, trying, crying and anxiety laden time in our lives.  Little one has been right in the middle of the uproar and her schedule (trying to figure out if we had one) has been messed up.  Daddy and little one worked getting furniture back into our house! For the first time

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-49551009376580759232011-09-26T17:00:00.000-04:002011-09-26T17:00:03.479-04:00

Yesterday was the first Gooding reunion I have attended.  Are you wondering who the Gooding clan is and how I am related?  Well that is a good question.  Bill's Dad's family is part of the clan and so since we have moved back South Carolina, it was time for us to put in an appearance at the reunion.  Commanded by Bill's great aunt, of course.  And so the following casserole was born from Bill's

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-20378448980986285132011-09-19T22:46:00.003-04:002011-09-19T22:46:43.066-04:00

Tonight was one of those nights.  We had plenty of leftver venison loin from the birthday party.  However,  I had no idea what to make to accompany it.  We were already about an hour later than we normally eat therefore, it had to be quick. So off to the fridge and the pantry.      Thrown Together Side Dish  was born! Ingredients: Approx 2 cups of uncooked pasta 1 can of mushrooms chopped 1

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-12275371552498783272011-09-19T00:52:00.001-04:002011-09-19T00:52:15.517-04:00

This week we have my best friend here from Michigan.  Thank you to her hubby for letting her come down for a whole week!  Thursday night it was a Low Country Crab Boil in Aunt Kristi's honor!  It was YUMMY but we could have done without all the gnats. Not much schooling has been done this week, however, we had a field trip to Charleston on Saturday.  Little one took her aunt to The Battery,

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-24745252163422216302011-09-15T12:00:00.000-04:002011-09-15T12:00:01.859-04:00

On Tuesday, we were at a point that I felt like we may never get done.  Things were starting to come together All painting but the study was done Hardwood floors stained and 2 coats of poly with the 3rd to be done after everything else is done All new doors in and painted Electricians working on the final lighting But the kitchen was bare.  No calls from the cabinet maker that he was done and I

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-50591220385993910392011-09-14T16:25:00.000-04:002011-09-19T23:55:23.476-04:00

If you read yesterday's post, then you know we played Mass Chaos (yeah for cool whip, chocolate syrup & water hoses) at church last week.  Here are few more pictures of the event:

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-10992499339546615542011-09-13T17:30:00.000-04:002011-09-14T16:16:22.500-04:00

 I am going to try to post a weekly wrap up each week on Saturday for the previous week but I reserve the right to be late and it may always end up on Tuesdays! We have a name for our preschool............... Anderson Academy .... LOL I know not the most original but hey we like it.  While we will not formally start doing desk work in the study room in the house until October, it doesn't

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-83116156049358831172011-09-13T00:26:00.000-04:002011-09-13T00:26:01.359-04:00

One of my favorite go to meals.  Lentils are a great source of protien and fiber while sausage just makes the dish pop.  This dish is inspired by Cabela's Sausage and Lentil soup.  It is a great, relatively fast (or all day in the crockpot) recipe.  Feel free to substitute your choice of sausage.  Most anytime I cook with red meat, it is venison!  Bill and family believe that the family that

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-1757085939050796482011-09-12T01:56:00.002-04:002011-09-12T01:57:04.251-04:00

This post is happening late Sunday (okay early Monday Morning) night.  As I haven't gone to bed yet, it is still Sunday night to me.  Anyway, I have finally finished going through my two papers and clipping coupons I wanted and saving those I don't for my coupon exchange club.   This is also the time that I try to re-organize my coupon binder.  And I found out I need more baseball card sheet

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-53451415196255317452011-09-07T12:12:00.000-04:002011-09-07T12:12:11.565-04:00

This week's wordless Wednesday comes from our cat, Brat, and her observations of progress on the renovation.  One of my favorite seats in the RV, now if I could figure out how to get rid of that upstart Chase. Anyone wanna cook? Deck from office door end Hmm lighting leaves a bit to be desired Where are the steps and railing, that is an awful big step for a little thing like me

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-52348290995493596952011-09-05T11:22:00.000-04:002011-09-05T11:22:05.380-04:00

In honor of the traditional cookout for Labor Day, my recipe today is Grilled Pork Loin.  Bill and I very rarely do "traditional" hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill anymore.   Here is our favorite marinade and timing on the grill!  Take time today to fire up the grill and have a great Labor Day feast.  Ingredients: 2-3 lb Pork Loin Nature's Seasoning Marinade Bottle of Greek Dressing 4

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-9733359811674308672011-09-04T22:07:00.000-04:002011-09-04T22:08:51.629-04:00

I think I ask most of my friends and acquaintances this question.  I am always looking for someone to take the coupons that I can't or won't use. I have been couponing it seems forever.  But in reality I have only been seriously paying attention to my savings in the last year.  My mom and grandmother taught me to coupon when I was a little girl and I have never forgotten.  Though I rarely used

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-59788902835055955322011-09-02T13:37:00.000-04:002011-09-02T13:37:02.877-04:00

Happy Anniversary were the first words I heard this morning.  "I Love you" coming right after.   I can hardly believe that five years ago, I was saying "I do" to my best friend and love. I remember moments in time of our wedding day.   I was the driver of the boat (Lincoln Continental) to the hairdresser's and to brunch.  hey it was huge compared to my Kia Sorrento! Standing at the top of

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-66630836198084056892011-08-31T13:28:00.000-04:002011-08-31T13:28:22.046-04:00

Pictures taken at Govan SC Fire Department -- Thanks Fire Chief Mike!

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-53767084747242762022011-08-29T22:55:00.000-04:002011-08-29T22:55:27.110-04:00

Okay this is a recipe that has been cut down to a normal size from the original which was made for a men's campout celebrating the end of quail season last spring.   Bill says it is the bomb and he loves grits!  I, on the other hand, can't stand them in most cases!  I do like polenta, however!    Bill, making fun of me, always rolls his eyes and says " that is just a high-class form of grits!"

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-54495382651718667992011-08-25T11:24:00.000-04:002011-08-25T11:24:02.042-04:00

Being from Oklahoma, I am used to watching the weather and the current satellite imagery and paths of storms.  Thunderstorms and tornadoes are common.  As a native Oklahoman, I have been the idiot standing outside watching the sky while the sirens are going off.  Now I live in South Carolina about 50-75 miles inland from the coast.  I have been watching Hurricane Irene imagery.  Reading

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-63506071558066184572011-08-24T07:45:00.000-04:002011-09-12T23:56:02.509-04:00

I got up this morning and my daughter was still asleep.  I found my wordless post for today.  My wonderful sleeping beauties.   Although I couldn't find one of the best sleepers in the house ... Brat!  Anyway here goes Today- Almost 4 years old October 2010 July 2011 (the new addition)

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-34080101657307701332011-08-17T11:04:00.000-04:002011-08-17T11:04:29.110-04:00

Are you sick of it yet?  Yeah, so am I.  I am so ready for it to be done! And we still have about 3-4 more weeks before we can move furniture back in!  So with that said, here we go: Bill in demolition mode (goggles and mask a must!) Daddy, is it done yet?  PLEASE! Old dishwasher, kitchen is no more! Beams are in! Standing at the back wall of living room, looking toward

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-83660088396963759152011-08-16T17:11:00.000-04:002011-08-16T17:11:21.228-04:00

Here is my goal:  Transform the frosted glass and metal chandelier bought at the Savannah, GA Habitat for Humanity Re-store for $25 from mottled brown and red to a hammered silver finish.  We bought the paint to do this project over a month ago. I am notorious for starting a project and never finishing.    I have priced a similar chandelier in a lighting store for over $300.  I figure between

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-80839932453702323202011-08-15T12:10:00.000-04:002011-08-15T12:10:38.692-04:00

And most of us finish the sentence with "Back to school" but I think about all the birthdays, holidays and gift giving I have to do in the fall and winter.  Yes I am one of those that tries to have most of the gifts bought for Christmas long before Black Friday arrives.  Even though I love (cough cough -- oh wait 6 -8 hours of shopping without a little one tagging along -- I should be jumping

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-3991468208543442132011-08-15T10:12:00.000-04:002011-09-12T23:55:45.743-04:00

The original recipe called for Chicken Breasts but we like chicken wings better.  We use the frozen chicken wings and parts, you don't even have to thaw them first.  Bill typically does this on the grill.  It is the same process but on a propane gas grill and you don't have to use the oven!  Even better, if you are the main cook inside like me, then it is a chance to take a night off.

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-4849480066707429742011-08-14T20:50:00.000-04:002011-08-14T20:50:51.583-04:00

I found this recipe in a Gifts from the Kitchen Cookbook about 3 years ago.  It is wonderfully easy to make, freeze and give as gifts.  I have modified for my family's tastes as well as most of our friends.  The modifications are in the amount of cheddar cheese and the amount of black pepper.  Both are increased amounts and the higher end of the ground black pepper is used if I do not use sharp

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-15882982362073660882011-08-10T00:45:00.001-04:002011-08-16T17:17:25.834-04:00

Been waiting for today to really show off the efforts of our hard work this week! End cabinet next to Fridge and basically where a column will be! Fridge and cabinet area and part of the cooktop island End view of kitchen looking into what will become the study Cabinets gone where the fridge used to be Where the new island/bar and cooktop will be looking into the

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-29606590428851360332011-08-09T14:07:00.001-04:002011-08-09T14:08:25.117-04:00

It is amazing how much a 3-man construction crew and my hubby can demolish in a day.  Yesterday, the crew came in, took the drywall down on the three remaining walls to be replaced with beams and columns.  This took, oh 2 hours maybe! They pried up the hardwood flooring in the dining room, kitchen, foyer and study.  This will be reused but was running the opposite way than that which is in the

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-16826735860959412762011-08-07T11:01:00.000-04:002011-08-07T11:01:53.411-04:00

Okay not completely gone but the dry wall is gone.  You can really start to see just how open the living room is going to be.  Bill has his assignment from our contactor for what must be completed before the crew arrives on Tuesday.  We must have the drywall gone on the walls and pieces of walls that are going to be removed.  The studs must remain because most of the walls we are removing are

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-80497400100537761162011-08-04T14:31:00.001-04:002011-08-04T15:12:31.513-04:00

TODAY is the day! Demolition of the kitchen, living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen area, weird double entry foyer and hallway has begun. I foresee lots of Wordless Wednesday posts coming out of this renovation!  For today I will outline what we are doing and how it is going! To understand what we are doing, please take a look at the existing floor plan.  Can you see a major design flaw in

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-27251642556943252072011-08-03T12:50:00.001-04:002011-08-16T17:17:50.888-04:00

I decided to try this out... in honor of my Dad leaving today to visit his brother in Topeka and the fact that my daughter already misses him. June 2011 Planting the container garden May 2011 In Grandpa's hat December 2010 At the Christmas light tour and village July 2011 Here he is with his oldest granddaughter

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-9568928008903632532011-08-02T16:45:00.000-04:002011-08-02T16:45:35.539-04:00

What is the best thing about a BBQ Grill, husbands and a lazy Sunday?  Very little cooking in the kitchen needs to be done!  Our Sunday dinner consisted of BBQ chicken thighs, fresh green salad (brought by friends), a rice dish, homemade fresh salsa and chips. We had friends over for dinner which led to a wonderful meal, conversations and eventually couponing but that is another blog post to

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-36075410854955497902011-07-25T12:03:00.000-04:002011-07-25T12:03:42.240-04:00

This is what I am fixing today! Bill is busy clearing the house so the renovations can start.  I am working my fingers to the bone and have the first night of Adult Fitness Camp at Studio Z.  Days like today and I am sure the rest of the week are days that the crockpot is pressed into service.  Most people don't think about this wonderful appliance in the summer.  But I love it any time of the

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-71674893631399214112011-07-24T00:02:00.001-04:002011-07-24T00:02:37.541-04:00

Thank you so much to Amber at WAHM Connect for the wonderful review of the Dino and T-Rex Kid kit.  You can read the full review at her blog.  If you are a Work at Home Mom (or Dad), check out her websites.  She is a wonderful resource for all of us. I appreciate the review both from a business perspective but also from a personal one.  Bill and I are plannig to homeschool our daughter and this

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-50060872572437819252011-07-18T13:49:00.001-04:002011-07-18T13:50:35.784-04:00

It's Monday and as of this week, that means RECIPE Day! I will post each week one new recipe that my family tried from the previous week.  We tried several this week since I was bored with what we had been eating.  They included a soup/stew with kale, sauteed kale with vinegar, my own variation on a southern favorite okra and tomatoes and oven fried chicken.   Only one stood out as a

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-51392598421825114362011-07-14T21:48:00.000-04:002011-07-14T21:48:18.255-04:00

It's starting!   Bill asked me to decide what I must keep out of the kitchen in order to survive cooking in the RV.  We start demolition of the kitchen this week!  One of my goals is to document the transformation.  We decided on the following over the last month ... 713 Fireside Cabinets Carpenter: Scott Smoak out of Walterboro will build our cabinets Style: Shaker flat panel with solid

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-30341126211218336402011-07-07T09:58:00.000-04:002011-07-07T09:58:37.117-04:00

Original recipe found on http://aubergines.org/recipes.php?eggplant=280 I modified it a bit for our tastes including increasing the cheese and rice components as well as using Asian Eggplant because that is what we grow in our garden INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 2 Asian eggplant (long skinny ones) peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks4 medium yellow squash cut into 1/2-inch chunks2

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-19236612241125235342011-07-07T09:48:00.004-04:002011-08-22T00:04:56.081-04:00

This is a recipe I found while searching www.allrecipes.com for specific ingredients I had on hand.   I upped the garlic and upped the cheese.  Yes my family loves garlic and cheese!  Haven't found a recipe yet that I don't increase these two items.  Or if garlic is not called for and it is not a dessert (hmmm wonder if it would in dessert, but I digress), then I will usually add it in.  This

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-56773281760637936122011-07-07T09:26:00.001-04:002011-07-07T09:29:14.106-04:00

It was a whirlwind of travel, laughter, food, sightseeing and family.  The whole family including the new addition, Chase the puppy, loaded up the van and headed north to Newark, Delaware.  We left on Thursday evening after I got off work.  Our weekend schedule was packed with seeing family: Uncle Jim & Aunt Becky, Cousin Jake and his family, Cousin Elizabeth and her family and Niece (Dad's

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-78565490026091830202011-06-27T00:21:00.001-04:002011-06-27T11:31:07.588-04:00

Today, I was tired and didn't really want to cook but since I had only opened cans of soup and made grilled cheese last night, I knew I needed to think of a quick meal.  Here is my creation after looking in the pantry and freezer. Spanish Rice, lentils & Sausage Ingredients: 1 tbs olive oil 1 package skinless beef sausage (we use Eckridge brand) cut into bite size pieces 1 lb (approx 2 cups)

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-36702536860205304662011-06-19T23:10:00.001-04:002011-06-27T00:14:59.270-04:00

It has been a long 6 months with more major decisions than I can count, two major moves and one large remodel looming.  I am finally ready to start blogging again.  I will not promise how many posts I will do per week, but I am willing to commit that it won't be six months between posts again. Just a few of the major decisions we have made: Move to Hampton (Bill's hometown) or back to Oklahoma: 

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-74570234784662895032010-12-08T11:48:00.002-05:002011-06-27T11:27:37.810-04:00

My mother and grandmother started allowing me to help with making dinner and desserts at the tender age of three.  By the time I was eight, I was making dinner for the family at least one night a week. Some of the best times of my life were while in the kitchen cooking and baking with my mom, grandmother and various aunts during the Holidays.  I want my daughter to have memories like me.  But

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-47042664499494711452010-11-22T13:38:00.002-05:002011-06-27T11:27:53.580-04:00

Jea and I worked on her Santa List this weekend.  I will type it up and send to Santa after Thanksgiving but thought I would post it here first.  Maybe Santa will pick it up without me having to mail it!  LOL He has to be online by now, right? Jea's Christmas List: Books and Games Usborne Books Wishlist  Jea loves books and games.  She is not reading, yet, but does memorize new books after

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-14803834897089957272010-11-18T15:09:00.002-05:002011-06-27T00:17:05.828-04:00

Working from home has been a wonderful challenge in and of itself.  Have I overcome the challenges of family, friends, my own innate procrastination and other distractions?    Uhmmmmmmm not even close and if you are at all like me, neither have you! I recently read  "How I Mastered the Challenge of Working From Home" by Alyssa Gregory.  I feel her pain and her triumph.  For her, the three

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-38012915849323716322010-11-13T21:12:00.002-05:002011-06-27T11:28:05.611-04:00

For the last 9 months, Jea has been inside more hospital waiting rooms than a three year old should have to see.  Many times Grandma has been in a hospital or in ICU where Jea was not allowed.  So those times, we were allowed to let Grandma and Jea see each other were precious.   Of course, we now have a daughter who can point out hospitals faster than most adults.  The long road of illness and

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-68242038304058042852010-11-11T02:56:00.001-05:002011-06-27T00:17:35.827-04:00

Today I would like to explain why we joined Usborne Books and More as direct sales consultants.  We get asked this question a lot!  So here is the answer in a nutshell:  Quality Products – Beautiful illustrations and photographs on acid free paper. Most titles have both glued and stitched bindings. Reasonable Prices – Majority of titles are under $15. Selection – Over 1900 titles for infants to 

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-70928022599914551822010-11-04T22:56:00.001-04:002011-06-27T00:17:50.196-04:00

Through The Work At Home website and forum, I will be starting a 31 day challenge following the e-book by Darren Rowse’s 31 Days to Build a Better Blog.  I am sure CHALLENGE is going to be the name of the game for me.  The challenge begins on Monday, November 8 and ends on December 17, which if you are adding it up is actually 6 weeks and not 4.  I am very thankful for that with my full time job,

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-57572662311673410982010-10-24T01:12:00.002-04:002011-06-27T00:18:01.315-04:00

One of my favorite quotes "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas A. Edison definitely applies here!   The Mystery Shopper Party on our Facebook Page has ended.  While it was not a success in terms of shoppers and sales, it was a success in helping me find more avenues to promote the business.  It cost me nothing to put together and if nothing else, our

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-19067198727323316472010-10-17T16:04:00.002-04:002011-06-27T00:18:28.238-04:00

Not much to update, I have been advertising it on various facebook fan pages but still we have no orders.  Maybe I am a little early for the Christmas and Hanuka gift-givers to buy!  So that is my update for this week.  The facebook mystery shopper party runs through Oct 22, 2010.  Come and join us! On the note of mystery shopper parties, I have also been the hostess over the last four days for

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-91925365039822457802010-10-12T18:56:00.001-04:002011-06-27T00:18:44.145-04:00

We are trying out a Mystery Shopper Party on our facebok page.  If it works well, then we may do more of them.  It is not a new concept per se but new to us at least in this venue.  I have participated in them with other direct sales open houses, on yahoo groups, etc.  However, this is new for our facebook page.  I decided today to put it together and run it for 2 weeks.  This party will be

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-61922485015006325282010-10-08T23:45:00.001-04:002011-06-27T00:19:00.804-04:00

Earlier this week, I was reading one of the blog entries from the SimplyFun Home Office, http://blogs.simplyfun.com/playtimes/2010/09/19/did-you-know/.  The survey results are also in.   It sparked my interest and I decided to share it here. In my house, the TV is on from just about the time we get up to the time we go to bed.  In fact, I am the guilty party not my daughter!  I like the noise it

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-39712468696671162682010-10-04T17:04:00.002-04:002011-06-27T00:19:15.803-04:00

We have now been in South Carolina for 5 months.  We are finally settling in and our daughter has a routine. As mentioned in a previous  post, we have had to adjust bedtime routine. However, this post is more about adjusting to new circumstances and less time as a family.  So it's all about making the most of the time we have together.  Before making this move, Jea only went to Mother's Day Out

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-63234374868765195702010-09-28T17:11:00.003-04:002011-06-27T11:28:23.669-04:00

Well we have had to find a new scheduled time for reading to our daughter.  We have had a bedtime routine with Jea for a long time and part of that routine includes (most nights anyway) a book or two or three.  That is until about 2 weeks ago when she started to balk at getting a book from her shelf for story time.  Guess that is what we get for having a routine at bedtime, Jea has now figured

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-78198634216038918142010-09-15T15:30:00.004-04:002011-06-27T11:28:37.010-04:00

Well, this has been an on-going saga for awhile now!  As of July of this year, our daughter has been accident free on the #1 side of the equation.  She just got it after about 2 weeks of moving from pull-ups/diapers to cloth training pants.  On the other hand, #2 (poop) has not been as successful!  I will say that on that front, she has never been bothered by a dirty and stinky diaper.  In fact,

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-78334422763339471292010-08-29T22:30:00.001-04:002011-06-27T00:20:38.042-04:00

Today was supposed to be a lazy day after church.  However, I got industrious and put together my new couponing system with trading card sheet protectors, 4x6 photo sheet protectors and a vinyl 3 prong folder.  After putting together all of my coupons, I took a plain envelope on which to create my grocery list. I, then flipped through my coupons and added those coupons to the envelope I would be

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111128987353607.post-700827440540973512010-08-27T13:55:00.001-04:002011-06-27T00:20:49.464-04:00

Hi, well this is my first post.  This is Lise!  Both Bill and I will be updating as we go forward.  I expect that I will be updating more from a personal perspective most of the time.  So here goes............... Tonight is the first ever dance class for Jea!  We are attending Crosby School of Dance in Aiken.  I can't wait. She finally gets to wear her leotard, skirt and ballet slippers for the

Bill and Lisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02662712701058598385noreply@blogger.com0