tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42161508492605680772011-08-01T11:26:26.652-05:00I am a mom to four outrageous girls! Here to express our day to day adventures and regain my sanity! Check out my reviews of Branson restaurants and shows, recipes, and stories galore!!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.comBlogger411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-73874467553152609912011-03-24T10:35:00.000-05:002011-03-24T10:35:20.805-05:00

When will I learn?  I mean REALLY?!?  I must say even after trying to plan it perfectly and waiting longer than usual, it is happening again.  They should make me the local weather lady... Without fail, every single year, I revamp the closets, put away the heavy coats, sweaters, scarfs and gloves for winter has ended, we get out all our spring stuff and BOOM  winter bites us back!  Yes my

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-21745523784370993252011-03-09T19:16:00.000-06:002011-03-09T19:16:23.982-06:00

On the corner of a strip....no that is not how that song goes but hmmm I might be on to something... I live in a wonderful place filled with wonderful things to do and see, one of these happens to be the Titanic Museum Attraction,  if you have been so lucky to visit Branson, I doubt you missed it.  It is an amazing sight from the outside alone, towering 100 feet above the famous 76 strip.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-51343479719731341712011-03-07T14:59:00.000-06:002011-03-07T14:59:21.854-06:00

I CAN SMELL YOU!  I just wish you'd get here, I am so ready.  I love you Winter, I do, but enough is enough, its not you its me...I just can't do it anymore, I am ready to hang the heavy coat up, put away the gloves and hats, the earmuffs, the long johns...well Winter you get the point, maybe we can rekindle the flame hmmm lets see in about 9 months... Spring let's get our relationship started,

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-27228067816938624572011-01-22T14:46:00.003-06:002011-01-22T14:56:35.172-06:00

Are you kidding me?  2011?  Wow where did that 2010 year go? We were busy bees during the holidays and now January is almost over and I am still going HMMMMMM.  We were so happy to have Grandad and Uga visit for Thanksgiving and Meme at Christmas, it snowed both holidays and as I write I am watching the 5 inches of snow that we acquired on Thursday melt in the balmy 41 degree weather.  Oh

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-73534441913373542762010-11-03T20:28:00.002-05:002010-11-03T20:30:48.059-05:00

Don't you love the praise your child gives you every once in a while?  Chaselyn turned 6 on November 1st and we made a trip to Saint Louis for the weekend.  We arrived at my 2nd cousins house on the Saturday before where she had planned a Fall Fairy Tea Party for the girls.  They had such a great time!  They went on a garden scavenger hunt, made garden bugs, made fairy wands, ladybug cookies, had

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-20783488267004609702010-08-13T15:45:00.000-05:002010-08-13T15:45:10.449-05:00

You fill in the blank, whew it was just a whirlwind and I don't know if I can remember it all!  We moved, celebrated birthdays for three of our gals and had company almost every week, went without snail mail for a month due to the move and Internet for 2 weeks!  In between we packed, trashed, unpacked, trashed, did a lot of home improvements, entertained, and somehow summer went POOF!  Just

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-43822986843331056392010-07-22T16:10:00.001-05:002010-07-22T16:21:07.630-05:00

I love S'mores anytime of year, anytime of day, anytime at all-- who doesn't want to indulge in the yummy toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and the crispness of a graham!  Our family's favorite time is JUST BECAUSE we can have one!  Yum I need one now, good thing I always keep the ingredients on hand! While I am making my s'mores you need to check out http://www.smoressmiles.com/ You'll be

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-78027198777488760882010-05-21T19:26:00.003-05:002010-05-21T19:27:16.611-05:00

Head over to glam4girlz.blogspot.com for details!!!

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-55027120433491056652010-05-18T13:28:00.000-05:002010-05-18T13:28:18.229-05:00

I have been so busy with stuff I have FAILED at being the best blogger in the world! LOL  So what have I been doing?  Well we are planning on moving so I have been "de-junking" the house, we went on a mini-vaca, and it's Springtime so a lot of activities outside the house have been going on.  OH and mom and I have started a business!  More details to come! I also am in my last hours of being 33

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-25135425130363026642010-04-14T15:09:00.001-05:002010-04-14T15:50:54.295-05:00

We have been in a bit of a rut lately as far as meals go so this week I am trying a few new recipes!  We also had a week when Brian's dad visited that we ate out every night so my menu plan for that week went out the window. Sunday Night: We had Filet Mignon (great special at our local grocery store), I marinated for 24 hours and seared 3 minutes on each side then finished cooking in the oven.

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-3487458442536781712010-04-14T14:40:00.000-05:002010-04-14T14:40:30.253-05:00

Have I mentioned lately how glad I am that Spring has finally SPRUNG!  I couldn't wait, in fact I "Springed-UP" the girls' closets the 2nd week in March and by golly there were still some days where winter attire was needed but I could NOT wait!  FINALLY besides a light jacket every now and then we can don our cute springish dresses and shoes!  I love SPRING, I love the COLORS, I love the warmth

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-5885383546165794792010-03-30T20:45:00.000-05:002010-03-30T20:45:45.798-05:00

Spring Break week means kids driving me crazy for a week, Meme comes to visit from Houston, and for the past few years it has also meant St. Patrick's Day!! I love St. Paddy's maybe it is because I have a lot of  Irish in me, and we go all out at the Evans house. This year unfortunately Kyleigh was sick with a stomach bug but I went ahead and took the other girls out in their finery! Pictures?

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-88641883500743124592010-03-30T17:31:00.000-05:002010-03-30T17:31:00.511-05:00

Missing in action... Momma isn't active... My Icecream Addiction... okay so that should be Ice Cream and really has no meaning here but I do have one...another blog post... Yes I know I have been MIA, we had a wonderful Spring Break though and then the week after FLEW by, I was trying to recuperate after having a houseful of kids and a mother-in-law the week before.  So 2 weeks went by and here

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-65666300174224410252010-03-12T11:45:00.000-06:002010-03-12T11:45:59.102-06:00

I must say these were excellent, the meat was so tender which was awesome, I mean who loves a chewy fajita?   Kyleigh ate 4 fajitas, which makes momma very happy! I got the recipe off of CopyKat.com, have you been there?  Tons of restaurant inspired recipes that makes eating at home very much like eating at your favorite restaurant...well except the fact momma has to cook and there is no cute bus

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-85642133588897375022010-03-09T20:43:00.000-06:002010-03-09T20:43:51.762-06:00

If you have followed this precious little girls story as I and most of the world have, I am positive she has impacted you in some way.  Maybe she brought you closer to your family, made you a better parent, made you a better friend, brought you to your knees in prayer, made you think twice before complaining over something that there was no reason to complain about.  I personally fell in love

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-29843146343736282582010-03-09T19:55:00.000-06:002010-03-09T19:55:23.688-06:00

We are in "winter clothing put-away" session here at the Evans' house and preparing for Meme's visit for next week's Spring Break so BUSY is the key word here! Here is my menu plan friends... Monday Night we had the Spaghetti I was supposed to have Sunday night, but oh well, things happen, menus get bumped...lol Tonight (Tuesday) we had make your own sandwich night, the Girls love to CREATE their

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-58366407057799188612010-03-03T21:37:00.002-06:002010-03-12T12:16:49.064-06:00

March really?  Where did February go?  WOW! Monday Night-We had chopped steak. loaded baked potatoes, and salads.  I scored on these sirloin chopped steaks wrapped in bacon.  They were supposed to be 99 cents each at our favorite local grocery but someone messed up and I got 4 for 99 cents!  WOOT! WOOT!  They were good, just used cavender's to season and done! Tuesday Night-B and the older girls

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-27231000360605405352010-03-03T19:51:00.000-06:002010-03-03T19:51:16.838-06:00

Peyton received a Boon Squirt for Christmas and I used it for the first time last weekend.  Let me just say, why didn't I think of this?!  You would think with 3 kids before her it would have made total sense for me to make this up and been mega rich by now, but leave it to Boon they are always on top of the coolest gadgets. First for those reading this who have never heard of a Boon Squirt..it

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-74157190995809926942010-02-28T16:21:00.000-06:002010-02-28T16:21:46.241-06:00

It's a rare Sunday afternoon post for me, but I feel the need to blog as I wonder how in the world did my five year old find a boyfriend... Back track to July, we started going to church in Branson where my mom and dad had visited, as our church had lost its pastor and I was beginning to fall asleep in service with the substitute pastor.  Sad but true... Anyway in July there was a family picnic

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-35760703188637268252010-02-25T23:24:00.000-06:002010-02-25T23:24:39.620-06:00

My brother-in-law sent Peyton a gift in the mail this week, it was The Little Lasso, I am attaching a pic from the website so you can see what I am talking about, until I get a pic of Padi-Bug using hers... we used it immediatly at Wal-mart and she loved the "springyness" of it!  I loved the fact she could throw the sippy cup and I didn't have to chase it down the aisle of Wally-World. The

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-13839338903492278422010-02-25T23:15:00.000-06:002010-02-25T23:15:23.312-06:00

Hmmm, late again... Sunday Night we did the Taco Pasta, since we had leftovers on Saturday instead, we were out and about and when we got home that night Momma was too tired to cook.  Taco Pasta was yummy though and all the girls ate it, ALWAYS A BONUS. Monday we had BBQ Sandwiches and fries. Tuesday we had Salad Bar Night with Baked Potato Bar, the girls love this, and even though my 2 middle

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-43821457491317273612010-02-25T23:02:00.001-06:002010-02-25T23:32:01.438-06:00

I say that with a question because it is a bit surreal to me. We have had a busy week here at the Evans' Homestead, well looking back not that busy but it sure seemed like it.  Isn't it funny how when you're lacking a great night's sleep and things are going on beyond your control how it seems that your week just slips away?  I had so much going on in my outside world I become engulfed in others

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-51155224802161158632010-02-18T22:31:00.000-06:002010-02-18T22:31:27.530-06:00

THE SUN!  Oh my goodness it seems like weeks since I have seen you, the temperature got up to 51 today as well, I could have left the house in shorts, walked around on the hot pavement with no shoes, if I had a convertible the top would have been down.  Silly, huh?  Hey when the temp has been in the below zero range 51 seemed like a heat wave!  But alas my fun has ended, as tomorrow they are

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-87498851328654274852010-02-17T22:51:00.000-06:002010-02-17T22:51:34.175-06:00

It's is Wednesday and here I go with my week's plan, I went shopping for the week on Monday but like I said before posting has been difficult as I need my brain for other things... Monday we did leftovers as we still had quite a bit to get rid of and I hate to waste good food--LOL! Tuesday FAT TUESDAY and yes momma made some GUMBO!  We also had corn bread.  Want the recipe for my gumbo---just ask

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-71100389452780755122010-02-17T22:40:00.000-06:002010-02-17T22:40:26.102-06:00

For those who care...lol Didn't do much spectacular cooking last week...but did try out a recipe for Chipotle chicken which turned out yummy! Monday we had tortallini and 3 sauces, sun dried tomato, alfredo, and marinara to please all my family's palletes.  Also made yummy garlic bread.  I think I got this recipe from my friend Kelly but I am not sure... Take a loaf of fresh French Bread, spread

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-88350863486223647502010-02-17T22:22:00.001-06:002010-02-17T22:22:27.725-06:00

I love superbowl mainly due to the commercials and the food, I will never forget throwing superbowl parties every year for tons of friends.  I loved to make the football themed food.  This year we were planning to go to a friend's kid friendly party but we got bad weather that day and decided it would be better to stay home, my brother came over though which added to the fun.  Oh but before I

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-68026928393317666122010-02-17T21:56:00.000-06:002010-02-17T21:56:57.885-06:00

Crazy how time just flies when you aren't sleeping well at night...with 4 kids we pass around this constant coughing, runny nose nonsense from person to person which leads to long nights and momma laying awake with one child or four!  Oh well, we make it day by day.  So now I sit at 9:51 pm catching up on the blog to stay true to my new years resolution of keeping up with this.  Peyton is

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-43724225953462271552010-02-11T01:14:00.001-06:002010-02-11T01:15:16.681-06:00

I know the last thing you want to do is a pop quiz but by golly it's a fun one!  Thanks to our friends over at the browncouchevents.blogspot.com here is a LOVE FOOD QUIZ, answers are at the bottom so don't scroll too far if you've grading yourself! I'm entering this to win this adorable apron!  You know how momma loves to cook and won't I look amazing doing it in this?!?! You can play along

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-38480906892179095752010-02-11T00:56:00.000-06:002010-02-11T00:56:31.648-06:00

Remember My Best Friend's Wedding?  Oh I loved that movie, I still love that movie, I love the soundtrack even more... One song that I especially love is Tell Him, imagine my surprise when crusin' the internet I found a contest on a site I go to about writing a blog about the love of your life inspired by this song...granted I can also win a simease slanket...we are in business.  Sing along

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-62490576785975571042010-02-08T22:40:00.001-06:002010-02-08T22:42:01.728-06:00

The other day I needed a jar of spaghetti sauce for a quick dinner.  I usually try to doctor the sauce up to my own liking or make from scratch but call in the winter blues...I wanted a pasta house perfection of a spaghetti sauce and wanted it to be EASY!  I scanned the aisle with my 5 yr. old chiming in "this one mom, no this one!"  I was scanning labels, trying to find one not CHUNKY (hubby

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-59779474668932412342010-02-02T16:40:00.000-06:002010-02-02T16:40:40.766-06:00

We are finally starting to melt after our 8 1/2 inches of snow.  I went to Wal-mart yesterday for our weekly grocery trip and it was a zoo!  I guess everyone had cabin fever! Just wanted to let you all know about our menu plan for this week and some reviews on last week's meals. Thursday Night we had the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, this recipe I had was from Paula Deen but I had to put my own

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-18868954800917163132010-01-28T15:32:00.000-06:002010-01-28T15:32:25.061-06:00

I don't have a sister, I was given a brother. I don't even have a sister-in-law.  My brother and brother-in-law are all I have as far as siblings go.  Neither are married.  My BIL got married a few years ago to a chick I did not really care for, he got the picture soon after as well and they are now divorced.  He is now dating a girl I REALLY like so if he wants to marry her and make her my

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-10683763515395343482010-01-28T14:59:00.000-06:002010-01-28T14:59:02.440-06:00

We have had a hectic week, getting ready for this extreme winter storm headed our way, it is supposed to start tonight around 5 with sleet then at 10 pm start snowing until 8 pm Friday.  This is according to the hourly on accuweather.com.  The local guys are predicting anywhere from 6 to 14 inches no one wants to say for sure though.  I am predicting the girls will not have school tomorrow and

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-74165445930583164362010-01-23T14:22:00.002-06:002010-01-23T14:35:35.436-06:00

I have been soooo busy since my last post and we lost our internet provider. We live in a small town and ours lost their tower contract but we are back now. Since the Ike coverage, we have added another GIRL to our crazy life so I now have 4 lil' divas running around. I have been keeping up with my journal (written form) so I will add my posts and catch you up. I plan to keep it alive this

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-24297255891830777942008-09-12T15:41:00.002-05:002008-09-12T15:49:38.153-05:00

I sit here in Missouri watching Hurricane Ike coverage and thankful that I am able to watch the local CBS on Direct Tv now instead of having all of us huddled around the laptop. Thanks DTV!We are haunted by the memories of being in Houston before Rita and driving 16 hours in a car to get to Arkansas in case the storm hit hard and we were without power for weeks. I recall the craziness and road

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-140538416949728422008-09-10T22:34:00.002-05:002008-09-10T22:43:52.510-05:00

When I was told by the 3D ultrasound that my first born was going to be a girl I was so estatic. I myself am a girly girl and couldn't wait to dress up the lil' doll. As the doctor pointed out her little feet, her tummy, her head, and her hands...one of her fingers popped up, it happened to be the middle one!I knew then we had trouble on our hands. Kyleigh has been a wild child since she was

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-81458895377251035212008-09-10T22:25:00.002-05:002008-09-10T22:33:59.445-05:00

Are you on a budget? It seems like most people are especially with the way the economy sits. At least gas prices are going down, but how do you save money?We had a big move this summer which ate into most of our savings and as a single income family I find I am always looking for ways to save. I do my best to clip coupons and actually have them with me when I get to the store, this saves a

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-85464144400457367812008-08-23T16:19:00.003-05:002008-08-23T16:22:37.680-05:00

We have been eating at Mel's even before we moved here...we love it! It is such a blast from the past and what more could you ask for, good food, awesome milkshakes, and the wait staff singing to you! We are very fond of Kevin Bliss in our house, Chaselyn calls him her boyfriend. Kevin you are in great company, her other "boyfriend" is Zac Efron. There are a few American Idol finalist who "

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-82058909523656331582008-08-23T16:15:00.002-05:002008-08-23T16:18:43.842-05:00

We started school on Thursday, August 21st. Makenzie starting Kindergarten was supposed to be SCARY according to her. She told me 2 months ago, she was not going to school it wasn't for her! Well, she did awesome! And I didn't cry! Kyleigh started 1st grade with no issues either so we are all thankful for the smooth transition. We believe we are going to LOVE our new teachers and school!

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-8503713753224758362008-08-23T16:07:00.003-05:002008-08-23T16:14:06.216-05:00

We visited the magic show in June before we actually moved to Branson, let me just say it was amazing. The show was over 2 hours and the girls LOVED LOVED LOVED it! They were in awe the entire time, a true blessing for all of us! I particular loved the way Kirby brought his love of Christ and religion into the show. This is a great part about Branson shows, you don't have to hide your faith!

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4216150849260568077.post-87876766082235155142008-08-23T15:53:00.004-05:002008-08-23T16:06:52.547-05:00

We visited the Shepherd of the Hills on August 12, 2008. It was a nice evening for August and on a Tuesday the crowd was light. Brian and I enjoyed the show, I had read the book in high school and it was great seeing everything come to life. My girls (ages 6, 5, and 3) however were a little bored at times. It was a little hard to understand some of the actors and during the "serious"

Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08560423072260203609noreply@blogger.com0