1 Week Post -Op....

I can't believe I am already at my 1 wk. post-op. I never thought it would get here.
Wow, it is amazing how many muscles you use every day in everything from picking up a bottle of water to get a drink to laughing. we take it for granted being able to do the "little" things.

So how was every one's Father's Day? I told you I would let you all know what my daughter & I gave to my husband. Well seeing how he LOVES the Dallas Cowboys we decided to give him the gift that will never go away! Tattoo's! He will be getting in the very near future, (2) Dallas Star's. One one each of the back of his calves. He has HOT calves.

Can you believe that the 4th of July is just day's away? I can't! And then 3 days after that my daughter will turn 11 years old. Can't believe that either.

Well just wanted to post, that yes I am alive. And I will be getting some more items into my Esty Store with in the next 2 weeks. Also I will be adding a ton of more recipes. When all is said and done I will post some pictures of "my daily life" here in Alamo, Nevada!

Have a GREAT 4th of July weekend!

Homemade roquefort dressing

Back when I was in college in Rexburg Idaho. I had a friend who lived in Rigby, Idaho. And we would go eat at this little Ma & Pop's restaurant. And in stead of offering Ranch Dressing, they served Roquefort. Now if I had known that it had a Blue cheese of some sort in it I would never have tried it. And boy I would have been missing out. I love it! And it is very hard to find here in Nevada. SO MAKE SOME OF YOUR OWN. And see what you think. You can buy Roquefort cheese at most deli's.

1/3 C. chilled evaporated milk
1 C. Mayonnaise
4 oz. Cream Cheese
4 oz. crumbled Roquefort Cheese.

Whip milk until light & fluffy; add softened cream cheese and beat until smooth.
Add mayo and stir until mixed in. Then fold in crumbled Roquefort.
Store covered in refrigerator.

Chicken Cashew Casserole

I have been looking for a new, yet good casserole to make. 
I love chicken. And Cashew's are one of the few nuts I like and can eat.

2 C. cooked and diced chicken
2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup onion
1 carrot; shredded
2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
1/2 C. chicken broth
3 C. water
1 C. Celery
1 1/2 C. uncooked Rice
1 can drained water chest nuts
1 c. Cashews
2 C. or 1 lg. can of Chow mien Noodles

Mix all together except Chow Mien Noodles, pour into a greased casserole dish or a 9x13 pan. Top off with chow mien noodles. Bake @ 325 for 45 minutes, or until bubbly.

*I didn't add the carrots and instead of topping it with chow mien noodles, I put them on the plate & then added the casserole on top.


Country Kisses,
Lark

My very first WINNER is...

Angela! Ok, let me just tell you, this is weird that Angela won. Why? Well because
it just so happens that I won , a give a way at my good friends blog (See it, Love it, Win it!) this weekend. YAHOO, this is the first give a way I have ever won! Now this is the weird part.......I won some thing from Angela's blog! ( Comfie Country Craft's)
And I promise It was all "up & up".
So maybe Angela & I should go play Mega Bucks...(lol)

Thanks for all who entered and the comment's that were made.

Watch for another up coming give a way! It's something to pamper you! :D

Happy Father's Day, to all those Dad's out there!
I can tell you all what a wonderful father I have, I love him so much!
Also my husband is a great Father to our daughter.
I wouldn't ever want to know how it would feel, if I never had the chance to have a father. So make sure you express to YOUR father how you feel!

P.P.C. for dinner....

That stands for Pork, Potatoes & Corn!

During the summer I have a hard time heating up my oven. So I make meals I can cook on the stove top, grill, or in the crock pot.
Tonight's dinner is cooking in the crock pot. Very easy and simple.

4-5 Med. sized boneless pork chops, cubed

5 baking potatoes; peeled and cubed/sliced

1 small Onion sliced

1 can Corn

1/2 can chicken broth

4 TBSP. Margarine

2 Cans cream of Chicken Soup

Brown your cubed pork chops with the seasoning of your choice.
No need tho cook all the way, just brown the outside.

Spray the "bowl" in the slow cooker with pam. Then pour in your potatoes & onion. Season with salt & pepper, garlic powder. Then pour broth over the potatoes. Then add meat, then corn and "dot" with the margarine.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. In the last 15 minutes add the soup.
That's it! Fast easy and filling.

Applebee's Blondie Brownie

Now I am not the person to ask if these really taste like the ones at Apple Bee's.
Because I have never had one! I can't eat pecans, so I have never ordered it. However I know a lot of people that LOVE them and a few who would love to know the recipe.
So I did some research and below is my version of their famous dessert. Leave a comment after you've made them & let me know if it is close to the original.

Sift dry ingredients together:(except Brown sugar)
2 c. flour
1 tsp. Baking powder
3/4 tsp. Baking soda

In a mixing bowl cream together:
1 1/4 stick's of margarine
2 C. Packed Brown sugar

then blend in:
2 lg. eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla

Add all ingredients together. Batter will be stiff. Spread into a greased 9x13 pan.
Then sprinkle choc. chips and pecans over top. Bake @ 350 for 23-30 minutes.

T.G.I.F....

I LOVE Friday's! I know that my husband gets to stay up "late", due to the fact he doesn't have to get up & drive to Las Vegas for work @ 3:30 in the morning. We usually have a layed back type of dinner. And there is no rush.
However this weekend being Father's Day weekend, we are planning on going into town (Las Vegas) tomorrow to do a little shopping, take Matt out for a nice dinner. His favorite & mine too is Outback Steakhouse. YUMMY!

I am also finishing up getting things ready for my surgery on Monday. You know doing the laundry, buying frozen meals Matt can just throw in the oven or microwave. Making sure Jessica is packed to go stay the week with her grandma.

So maybe THIS Friday is not so great....but most always they are the best part of the week. (lol)

June 14th-20th give a way

Who doesn't love give away 's ? I am always looking for a give a way to enter.
I have not yet won anything, but that doesn't stop me from entering.
I like to enter because You almost always find a new blog you want to check out. Plus link off of their page to find even more blogs. It's like getting a free pass! So from time to time I am going to do a Give-A-Way here on my blog.

Starting TODAY! YIPEE, WAHOO, WOW!

This week I am going to give a little piece of country to your home.
You will be getting the whole cow, as to say.....
The chalk board cow
Crazy cow bank
and last but not least the Cow spoon rest holder.

TO ENTER:

BECOME A FOLLOWER OF LARK'S COUNTRY HEART,
GRAB MY BUTTON.
SEARCH THROUGH MY BLOG AND MAKE A COMMENT ON ANY TOPIC.
DONATE TO MY 3-DAY FOR THE CURE. (ANY AMOUNT=2 ENTRIES)
CHECK OUT MY ESTY STORE, RETURN HERE & SHARE WHAT YOU LIKE.
*AND BONUS ENTRIES: I am looking for some new recipes! So for every recipe you submit to my email (lchemail2003@yahoo.com) you get 1 entry. Yup you read right, every recipe=1 entry.

I will be drawing for the winner on Sunday June 20th.

GOOD LUCK!

Fun with friends

Everything is a lot more fun with friends. Even running a Marathon!

Kimi and I meet before my first Marathon (Las Vegas '09) on line in the Prevention chat forum's. We met in person for the first time 2 days before the marathon.
And ever since we have been in contact with each other. We met for a fun road trip to the Nashville Marathon.

I love meeting & making new friends. And the "Running" folks are a fun crazy bunch of people. How couldn't we be crazy, we run 13.1 / 26.2 miles and like it!

Friends make running a new way to have a "Girl's Day out"

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie...

Eddie George that is! WOW! What can I say other than , Oh my!

Again I was very excited to see him. What red blooded Woman wouldn't be.
That is one nice looking man. The muscles on him aren't to bad either.

Very nice and respectful. He mad everyone feel as if what they had to so say was Very important. He wasn't in a hurry to get us to move along. As you can seen by how many photo's we took with him.

The other cute person in the pictures are of my friend & team mate from Prevention, Kimi

Meeting Ryan Hall

So for anyone in the "Running World" knows who Ryan Hall is.
I was Ahhh struck when I got to see him, meet him & got him to sign his autograph.
Let me tell you, he is LITTLE. I mean short & skinny. In the magazines he always looks so tall. I can tell you he is super nice, very easy going. And not an ounce of fat on that body!

I called my husband after meeting him, he just said "who?" " should I know him?"
So I told him to pull out the Runner's World magazine, and he would see a picture in it of him. Needless to say...it bummed me out, because I just though he was a house hold name! (lol)

How come...

weeds grow faster than Veggies? I swear the weeds in my yard grow at least a foot in a week. An we haven't even had a "rain season" this spring/summer. I have spent 2 hours this morning pulling weeds, and I am sure if someone drove by they would never believe it.

I have always said that weeds have no purpose. Although I wouldn't be surprised if someone had them tested and found some world cure for cancer in them. Isn't a cure always found in the most uncommon place? I mean who would have thought moldy cheese could cure something?

So my goal for today...is when evening hits & it's a little bit cooler, I will be out in the yard pulling with all my might. And maybe, just maybe I will be able to see a difference due to my hard work. If not... I will be looking to hire a kid for the summer!

Starbucks Frappicino ...

My favorite is the Caramel Frap. Light, No Whip, Extra Caramel Drizzle.
Holy WOW! They are good. And with me living so far away from town, when I go I make sure to get one first thing. And the last thing before coming home.
These are my "vice".
And even if you don't like Coffee, they have other yummy delights too.
Lemonades, Hot Chocolate, Iced tea, Smoothies..plus some baked goodies.

Simple Sundays...

I love Sunday afternoon's. That's when I can sit back with a good book. Or go on a slow walk with the family. Or get to all those crafts that have been put off to the side, waiting for me to get them finished.

Sundays remind me of what is most important in my life. Family & Friends!
I mean how boring would it be if you didn't have anyone you could share your hope and dreams with? Or perhaps you need to lean on some one's shoulder to cry or vent?
Maybe you need some help?...I mean I cant tell you how messed up this blog would be if I couldn't call Andrea a few times a week and ask how to do something.
And of course what would Sunday's be with out having your personal faith?
Religion is a big part of my life. I have not and never will, say I am a perfect Christian. It's hard. And it is something I try to improve daily.
So count your personal blessing's this Sunday,and you will see just how blessed you really are.

MOM'S SLOPPY JOE'S

I come from a family of 7 kids...yup that would be a family of 9 total.
So my Mom always seemed to find or make a recipe that would feed a crowd. And this is one of those recipes.

2 lbs. Hamburger
2 med. chopped Onions
3 TBSP. Mustard
7 TBSP. Ketchup
1 Can Chicken Gumbo soup
1 Can cream of Chicken soup
2 tsp. Chili powder
salt to taste
pepper to taste

Brown together hamburger & onion. Add remaining ingredients. Put into crock pot, cook on Low for 2 hrs. Serve over Hamburger Buns.

Frozen Fruit Fluff

This is soooo good! You can make individual size serving by pouring it into plastic cups before freezing.

Mix together:

1 can Sweeten condensed Milk
1 Can Cherry Pie filling
1 Lg. carton of Cool Whip
1 can Crushed Pineapple w/juice

Pour into a 9x13 pan, freeze.

Chili Salsa

Summer time means, plenty of fresh garden Tomatoes! Although this recipe calls for canned Tomatoes
Using Fresh adds a lot of flavor. Serve it up with chips or top off some taco's.

2 Lg. can's of diced Green Chili
2 Can's of Tomatoes
2 small diced Onion's
4 TBSP. Vinegar or Lemon Juice
1 TBSP. Salt
1 TBSP. Black Pepper
1 TBSP. Sugar
1 TBSP. Oregano
1 tsp. Garlic Salt
1 fresh diced Jalapeno


Put all ingredients into a blender, until personal choice of consistency.

My favorite blog sites....

I have added a ton of my favorite blog site's to my list. So go & check them out!

And PLEASE if you have a blog or know of someone with a great blog, leave me a comment And I will check it out!
I love finding new crafts, recipes, fitness, Freebie, give-a-way sites.
So please SHARE your favorite sites with me and I will share them with others.

Run! Run! Run?

Today I found some great "running" blogs. I have added them to the Blog list. So if anyone out there is addicted to running or marathons check those sites out.

I can't tell you how much I am missing running on a daily basis. I really want to throw the "doctors order's" to the wind. But I am really wanting to do things right & heal as fast as possible.
So for now I am just walking, walking, walking.

Hamburger Tortilla Casserole

In the mood for Mexican? This is a easy family sized casserole that is sure to please.

1 lb. browned/seasoned hamburger
1 med. Chopped Onion
1 can chopped Green Chilies
1 Lg. Sour Cream
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 dozen Corn Tortillas
2 C. Shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese

Simmer first 5 ingredients. When hot set aside. In a 9 x 13 pan line with 6 tortillas
pour 1/2 mixture over tortillas, top with 1 C. Cheese. Repeat layer again.
Bake @ 350 for 35 minutes. Let set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Mom's 5 Cup Salad

My mom always served this salad for any family get together.

1 C. Pineapple Tidbits
1 C. Mandarin Oranges, drained
1 C. Sour Cream
1 C. Coconut
1 C. Mini Marshmallows

Combine all ingredients & place in fridge overnight (covered).
You may add Cherries for color if desired.

The BEST Buttermilk Salad

Lark's Country Heart

I came upon this salad, when a friend of mine said she "had tried the best salad". So she gave me her version of the salad. Well I tweaked it a little to my taste. And I have never had a complaint.

In a large bowl mix together:
2 large Boxes of Instant Vanilla Pudding
2 (8oz.) cartons of Cool Whip, thawed
The mixture will be thick and grainy looking.
Slowly pour 1 quart of Buttermilk, while stirring until smooth
Then add into mixture:
1 Lg. can of Crushed Pineapple w/juice
1 small can of Mandarin Oranges, drained
Chill in fridge for at least 2 hours.
Right before serving top with Crushed Cookie Crumbs. I use the shortbread stripped store bought kind. It's so good you'll wish you had doubled the recipe.


Country Kisses,
Lark

My Apple Fritters

These are so good while they are still hot,

 and smothered in icing.

MY APPLE FRITTERS
3 1/4 C. Flour
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
2 Eggs~ beaten
3/4 C. Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
2/3 C. Milk
1/4 C. Butter~ melted
3 C. Granny Smith Apples~ grated

Using a large cookie scoop, drop dough into hot oil.

 Fry turning all sides until golden, and center is cooked.

 (you can poke a tooth pick into center to test if done)
When cooked through out, roll into Cinnamon/Sugar

 mixture or a powdered sugar glaze.
OH So GOOD!,

Lark

My Esty Store is now OPEN!

My Esty store is finally up and running! Just click on the link above, where you see some of the things pictured in my store. There is a variety of items to choose from, so take a look.

Also Please help yourself and GRAB MY BUTTON!

Orange No-Bake Cookies

These cookies are ones that the "little" ones at home can make.
It is a totally different No-Bake recipe. This is light and tangy.

3/4 Powdered Sugar
1 pkg. Nilla Wafer cookies, crushed
1 stick Margarine,melted
1 C. Chopped nuts
1 (6 oz.) can frozen Orange juice concentrate
1 (7oz.) bag Coconut

Mix all ingredients except coconut. Shape into small ball's then roll into
coconut. * nuts are optional*

Orange-Berry Jam

This is one jam I know I will be making this year!
I don't know why it is that I enjoy canning, because it is a time consuming
hobby. But every year I cant wait for the fruit to be plentiful.
Try your hand at the flavorful jam, and I promise you'll want to make more.


3 C. fresh Raspberries
2 C. fresh Blue or Black Berries
6 1/2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. finely chopped Orange segments
2 TBSP. Lemon juice
4 tsp. Grated Orange Peel
1 (3 oz.) pouch of Liquid fruit pectin


Place fresh berries into blender, blend or pulse until smooth. Pour into a large sauce pan. Stir in sugar, orange segments, lemon juice & orange peel. Bring to a full rolling boil on high heat. Stirring constantly. Stir in Pectin, continue boiling for another minute.

Remove from heat; skim off foam. Ladle into sterilized jars. Process in a hot water bath. *makes (6) 1/2 pint jars

Well it looks as if my next scheduled Marathon race will be in Sept. On Labor Day weekend. I am really looking forward to this event, it sounds sooo fun! How couldn't it be when it is at the "Happiest place on Earth"
YUP, It's the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon! The race course goes right through Disneyland and through California adventure park. And the finisher's medal is that of Cinderella's Castle!
Seeing how I just had shoulder surgery and will be having another major surgery on June 21st. I am hoping I will be "up to par" by then. Matt, Jessica and I will all be going. We are planning the family vacation around the marathon. That way they will be my cheering squad and we will all get to go to the parks for a few days before the race.

Crowns & Sparkles : I love shiny ,sparkly gems or shiny rhinestones. I am a very
girlie girl. I feel naked if I don't have on jewelry. And I love to
find shoes, top's, purses, sunglasses & barrette's that have lots
of "BLING" to them. I even have my cell phone cover blinged!

Bath and Body Shop Products: Anyone who truly "knows" me, can say I LOVE
the stuff! My favorite "smells" are Japanese Cherry
blossom & Coconut Lime Verbena. I buy these two
scents so much that when I choose to wear perfume,
my husband didn't know what to think. And I
don't only buy the lotion. I buy the lotion, body wash,
body spray, hand sanitizer & foaming soap.
My friends & family say it is easy to buy for me...
All they need to buy is Bath & Body, Jewelry, shoe's
a purse or something to do with running.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser: These things really are magic!
I have no idea how they work, because all you
have to do is run them under water. Then you can
clean ANYTHING. You know how the fan above
your stove top gets "gummy" from the grease &
Dust. And if you try to wipe it off it just smears?
Well this thing cleans that like it's nothing!
The first time I tried one, I ended up cleaning my
whole kitchen. I couldn't stop.

Un-Cooked Flour Tortillas : I buy them at Costco, for around $7.00. One package gives you
2 separate bags. Each bag contains 24 tortillas. These are the
larger sized tortillas. (About the size of a paper plate)
All you need to do is heat up a skillet pan on med. heat, cook
one one side until bubbles. Turn & cook other side until
bubbles with golden color.
That's it. Use for Taco's, Burritos , or like me I can eat them
with nothing else. Matt & Jessica like them with butter,
Cinnamon & Sugar.

You've got to try them to believe how good they are!

Nike Ipod Sensor: If you like to walk/jog/run/bike you will love this item.
It work's along with your ipod, by tracking how many
calories you burn the distance to go and your pace in
which you do it in. You can customize your workout
distance, play list's, even if you would like a "trainer's"
voice to update you through out your work out.
I don't know how I lived with out it for so long.
And the price is VERY reasonable, you can pick up a
sensor at any major sport's store that sell's Nike for
about $30.00.
I bought mine & Matt's on Ebay for $19.99 with free
shipping. So if you have the time to search for a deal
they are out there.

My first visit with a Physical Therapist..

Was today! And no Insurance didn't pay for it. But I figured that I needed to see someone just to make sure the "moves" I was doing on my own at home, weren't making matter's worse. Well I guess I have been doing something right. However I did learn a few more moves to help. Who would have guessed that I would go 4 weeks after surgery with NO
physical therapy?! All I have to say is that this had better make things feel ALOT better.
I still can go running...but at least I can go walking every other day. Better than nothing.

Can you believe Father's Day is only 1 1/2 weeks away. What is it that you get your father?
Or your husband?
I usually make sure I get both of them a card. My Dad, VERY hard to buy for! And I am not to sure as to what I will get him. Now Matt, is pretty easy to buy for. I only have to give him anything that has to do with the COWBOYS. Or but a new tool for the shop. So I am going for the COWBOY theme this year. I will clue you in as to what his gift was, after Father's day. The surprise is killing you!! (lol)

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

I love Chicken, and who doesn't love Bacon?
I made this in hopes that my daughter
who happens to be the picky eater out
of the family would actually eat
a whole piece of chicken. (lol)
Seeing how she could eat her weight in bacon
it had to work right?...It DID!!

Bacon Wrapped Chicken
6 Boneless Chicken Breast's
1 (8 oz.) Cream Cheese with Onion  Chives
1 lb. Bacon

Butter

Salt/Pepper

Preheat oven to 350

Flatten each Chicken Breast's.

 Spread about 3 Tbsp. of Cheese spread onto each breast.

  Dot with a pat of butter, salt, pepper.

Roll up each breast, wrap a slice of Bacon around

 each chicken breast,  secure with a tooth pick.

 Place seam side down in a 9x13 greased pan.

 Bake for 40-45 minutes or until juices run clear.
To crisp the bacon, broil 6 inches from heat for 3 minutes.

 Easy as can be!

Lark

Orange Lush

Here is another cool, fruity Summer Drink you're sure to love.


2 (6 oz.) cans of frozen Orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 pint Cranberry juice
1/2 C. Sugar
1 Quart Sprite or Club soda

Stir together: Orange & Cranberry juice, plus Sugar. Chill
Before serving stir Sprite together.

Divinity Salad

Looking for a different kind of salad to serve at your next B.B.Q.?
This is it! It's light, refreshing, cool and slightly sweet.

1 (6oz.) Lemon jello
1 (8 oz.) pkg. of Cream Cheese, softened
1 (15 oz.) can crushed Pineapple w/juice
1 (8oz.) carton of Cool Whip

Dissolve jello in 1 cup Boiling Water

Whip cream cheese until smooth. Add Pineapple and jello. Beat until all mixed together. Cool in refrigerator until nearly set. Fold in Cool Whip.
Pour into 9 x 13 pan and put back into fridge until completely set.

Hot Heat in Nevada....

Oh my gosh! Can I just say, I HATE the HOT, DRY HEAT! I know, I know....why do I live here then? Well simple I hate humidity and snow more!

My favorite time of the year is Fall. Spring comes in a close second. But I am pretty sure here in Alamo, we skipped right over Spring this year. I mean it seems like I just had the heater on 2 weeks ago & now I am dying of heat and cant get cool enough.

Well with school out now. I think we can all say we are in "the hot days of summer". Jessica is already asking "what can I do? I'm bored!"
She doesn't think it's very funny when I tell her to pull some weeds if she's that bored.

As some of you know and can see the link on my front page, I am trying to raise $2300.00 in order to be able to participate in the 3-Day for the Cure.
This is an event where all those who wish to take part walk/jog/run 20 miles for 3 days. In order to help end the fight against Breast Cancer.
ALL donations go to the Susan G. Komen foundation. The walk I have chosen to do is held in Arizona on November 12-14th. PLEASE feel free to check out more about this event @ The3Day.org *also if you wish to help me reach my goal just click the link on the front page of this blog.*

On to a different topic: Fabulous Friends!
You know friends come in all ages, shapes, gender,races & religion. I am so grateful to have the friends I do! I think everyone takes advantage (un- knowingly of course) I hope I haven't forgotten to send anyone a "thank you note" for all the many acts of kindness given to me and my family, while I was "down" from my shoulder surgery. If so I am so sorry!
I had many meals brought into our home. Many rides to & from the doctor. And countless rides given to Jessica for Softball games. Some just called or text me to give a smile, joke or to fill me in on life outside the 4 walls I was looking at. Man I am SO HAPPY to have you all in MY "circle" of friends & family.
So Pay it forward.....why not tell your friends how glad you are that they are a part of your circle!? It will make their day and make you feel good too!

Chocolate Chip Brownies

Who doesn't love Brownies?

  Or Chocolate?
These are a VERY EASY Brownie to make.

 Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Brownies
2 C. Sugar

1 tsp.Salt
3/4 C. Cocoa

1 1/2 C. flour
1 C. Oil

4 Eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla

    1 (12 oz. ) pkg. Chocolate Chips

Preheat Oven to 350
Mix all except the Cho-chips.until well blended.

 Pour into a greased 9x13" pan.
Sprinkle Choc-chips on top.
Bake for 20-25 min.

 Until set and toothpick comes clean.
HAPPY BAKING,

Lark