Stumbling Along Faithfully

My sweet sensitive boy...

2011-10-29T18:56:00.000-04:00

We have really been looking into Jack's issues a little more now that he is a bit older. We have had concerns since he was born, but most times voicing our concerns led to doctors just saying to wait because things could change. Things have changed...some things are just a tad bit better and some things are worse. His newest things are taking his clothes off (a lot), gagging himself, throwing himself into people, hitting and throwing himself down on the ground a lot. We had an appointment with a neurologist who basically felt the "big picture was a boy with Autism" and gave us some recommendations on where to take him to be tested. This past week the school did a sensory profile on him. To no ones surprise, he has some sensory dysfunction. I am glad that this has been found so we can help him. The occupational therapist was extremely impressed with the fact that his emotional/social scores were normal. She says usually when you have behavorial dysfunction due to sensory processing you have emotional/social issues as well. She said that is a huge indication of how we handle things at home with him. I said....that's no surprise...he's normal and I'm the one with the emotional/social disorder..ha ha. Anybody that has children with special needs knows how HARD and EXHAUSTING it can be at times. I am very glad that we are recognizing his sensory needs before it does become more emotional/social issues. Jack has proprioceptive sensory disorder so it makes him EXTREMELY active. He throws himself and runs into people trying to gain some input. His brain does not regulate senses properly. He seeks to fix what he does not feel right within him. After a nice long conference with the team which included occupational therapist, social worker, speech therapist and his teacher we are going to try working on fixing his sensory needs....I suppose putting him on a sensory diet. He will require certain techniques or playing throughout the day to help regulate his brain. The trick will be trying to find what sensory input will help not make him more hyper or upset. I feel so overwhelmed by all the information. I can't imagine being able to do everything that is required to help Jack. I keep thinking that when he gets to heaven...none of this will matter....he will be perfect. Earth is so temporary....our bodies are temporary. It still hurts though. I'm not gonna lie. I have a hard time finding my energy in God when I have no brain to seek God in the first place. Does that make sense? I feel God all around me during the day. Sometimes he seems to be just like the dishes that sit in the sink...waiting to be washed. He is on my to do list. I know that, that is not how it should be. I'm just exisiting at times...breathing. I sometimes find myself saying...Lord, I'm just breathing, just breathing. I need more than just breathing. Sigh...I'm done venting. I just thought I would catch up on Jack. My littlest one is now climbed up on the chair and is batting around the lamp. My little family circus....

Facebook

2011-10-19T13:12:00.000-04:00

There are reasons why I love Facebook. I love the pages I have joined to see shopping deals or the blogs that update through Facebook. There are the few close friends I have that I can chat with about recipes or what's the latest crazy things our kids did. I love being able to share in their joys and sorrows. I also love being able to converse with people I went to high school or church with.

But.......

Does anyone else feel like Facebook makes them into an evil thoughts monster at times? There are times that I have to take a step back and just separate from it. I find I don't like the person I become when I'm using it. The times when I realize I need a break are when I find myself thinking very negatively in regards to the "friends" I have on Facebook. I also hate how people just think they can write whatever. I feel like I have nothing together when I'm seeing status' about how some are able to handle one million things and I can't handle ONE thing. Oh and there is always feeling ignored by certain people....ever feel like that? I start thinking...this is ridiculous that I am letting these lies fill my head.

This is when it's time for a Facebook break! Kind of a reset from my ungodly thinking.

Anyone else need to take occasional breaks from Facebook?

I Don't Have To Be Strong Enough

2011-10-15T00:00:00.002-04:00

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength....I don't have to be strong enough....

Spreading Some Pumpkin Love

2011-10-14T20:27:00.001-04:00

I roasted a pumpkin in my crockpot this week after following The Happy Housewife's directions here.

Pumpkin is soooo good for you and very much a part of Fall. I went around the web looking for some good recipes to incorporate into this Falls menu planning.

Sweet:
Pumpkin Pancakes
Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Spiced Pumpkin Waffles
Down East Maine Pumpkin Bread
Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Pumpkin Pie Crunch

Savory:
Penne-Wise Pumpkin Pasta
Pumpkin Stew
Smoky Braised Mexican Pumpkin
Curried Pumpkin Soup
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Beverages:
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Treat for our four-legged friends:
Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

Hmmmm, maybe next up should be apple recipes...another favorite of mine.

This has been linked up with Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap HERE

Friday Photo Flashback

2011-10-14T09:33:00.000-04:00

Posting this picture seems appropriate after the nice conversation I had with my brother last night. I've been finding it difficult to feel normal lately with the issues we have been dealing with in regards to Jack and his special needs. Sometimes I feel like if I avoid family/friend situations all together it's easier because Jack doesn't always make group situations comfortable. I spilled my guts about how I feel to my brother and he made me feel like everything would be okay. Sometimes you just need to know that everything will be okay! You need to know that you and your situation are accepted exactly the way they are. Thanks Nick!

Testing

2011-10-12T11:57:00.000-04:00

Sigh...I know just enough computer stuff to make me a danger to myself ;) I decided to change my web address to Stumbling Along Faithfully versus what it is now. It obviously fits my title better. I did that without thinking about what that would do to my feed. I read about how doing that would basically make me lost to anyone who had befriended me in the past (of course I read this AFTER I did the deed). Anyway, I put my blog address back to the normal address and I'm not sure if everything is okay. Those of you who have me added and see me come up in your feeds....could you let me know that you can see this??

Wordless Wednesday & Outdoor Wednesday

2011-10-12T09:19:00.001-04:00

October Already

2011-10-10T14:30:00.000-04:00

We had a crazy summer. We had started on changes with our diet and to be honest, I could not keep up with it. Not to mention, I got super tired of eating mostly meat. I got to the point if I looked at another chicken breast I might get sick. Our diet is not kinda in the middle between whatever we want and meats and veggies only. I do try to stay away from high fructose corn syrup, white sugar and flour in my cooking. We are all a lot happier with the balance we have found.

Different changes came our way with the start of September. The eldest went off to college up north.

Anderson decided that he wanted to try school (versus homeschool). He is attending a local charter school and is very much enjoying himself. I am very pleased with the school.

Jack is back to school and is doing great. He receives speech therapy as well as other therapies to deal with the issues he has.

Oliver loves having his mornings free of everyone else to enjoy time with Mommy.

I've taken up a new hobby of making candles. You can find my Etsy shop HERE.

Whew, that was a lot and still not everything ;) Bill and I have resolved to get back on Weight Watchers so I hope to start posting recipes that we try soon.

June 2011 Pics

2011-07-03T21:42:00.001-04:00

Life

2011-06-29T22:57:00.000-04:00

We have been busy. Oliver and Courtney just had their birthday. Oliver turned 1 and Court turned 20. It sure is crazy how time passes. Having one that turned 20 in the blink of an eye sure puts things into perspective when thinking about the 1 year old. It just goes by toooo fast! Jack will be 3 coming up in August. That is totally amazing to me too. He still is having some difficulties which is my primary reason for not being able to blog as much. Actually...him combined with having an even littler one is why I don't find the time as often. I sure would like to be better about it. I have so much to tell. Ever since Jack was little, he has seemed a bit spectrumish and yet we don't have a diagnosis of Autism. It has been a hard road the past couple years trying to figure out how to help him. He started with the Early Development group through our school system and it just really was a playgroup but it did give him some speech therapy. He just seemed to be having a lot of fun :D. Anyway, he did that for a while and when he turned 2 1/2, they suggested he start going to the classroom and taking a bus. I was mortified!!! My little guy on a bus...my little guy who cannot talk!!! How will he tell me that they were speeding or that they were mean to him...ha ha. Anyway, he went on the bus a couple times, but we just decided driving him would be easier considering we felt very pushed for time in getting him out to the bus on time. He does not like being pushed. Things went so-so with the class. No real big improvements. Only going twice a week I knew would not bring about huge changes. He had definite behavior issues. Would get frustrated easily (I don't blame him...I mean he cannot express how he is feeling verbally). We tried sign language and we tried to use a picture exchange system, but he just really did not seem interested. On top of that, his stomach issues which he has had since he was a baby were getting super worse. I tried gluten free and it just really did not make a difference and I really felt like there had to be more to help him. I have researched like crazy to try to help him. About a year ago I came across the GAPS diet which at the time I was overwhelmed by even the thought of implementing. Anyone who knows anything about it knows what I am talking about. I just had to do something for him though. We threw out all processed food, all flour, sugar, any types of boxed sides, cereals, pretty much everything that was not meat, fruit or veggies. We decided as a family we were ALL going to do this. It's been hard. My dear friend just said to me today that it is kinda like saying goodbye to the american dream...you know the dream that has kids drinking slurpees on a hot day and laughing. Those crazy rushed days where happy meals are brought home to cheering kids. I miss those things!! Not to mention being chained to my kitchen cause you have to cook everything. We decided to start out on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet as I really believed that would be an easier start for Jack. It is kinda like a previous version of the GAPS diet. The GAPS is the new and improved diet. So, what do we eat now? Honestly, it has taken many different forms. Basically, we are a no grains, milk, sugar, processed food kinda family. We love our good fats like butter and coconut oil, grass fed meat, fermented cod liver oil and I bake with coconut flour and almond flour. The diets (or way of life) that would explain more about this way of eating are the GAPS, Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Paleo, Primal or Makers Diets. Jack is on more a GAPS regimen. The baby is not given any grains either...he is our primal baby :D My oldest son follows it pretty faithfully and he actually had the worst die off of anybody. Within a day of starting the diet, he had a high fever and the following day threw up, but then was a new boy the following day. I noticed he is a lot more with it mentally and his allergy shiners...you know the bags and dark circles under the eyes, are considerable improved. He has always had serious issues with constipation and heartburn and he has said how he has had NONE of those issues. The BIGGEST BIGGEST BIGGEST thing is Jack started talking...and A LOT...within a week, he was saying things he had not said. His demeanor changed (he still has his moments). I had a lot less temper tantrums. He went from pointing to what he wanted or pulling our hands to get us to what he wanted to actually talking. He is not saying sentences yet, but he definitely is able to let us know what is going on and what he needs better. He still has horrible issues with his receptive language skills, meaning he does not understand any directives...like, don't do that, bring that to me, DON'T RUN INTO THE STREET! That really makes it difficult because he is as active (even more so) than any other almost three year old, but is not safe if left alone. My husband and I are exhausted. He works so hard and comes home to help with the little ones. We balance pretty well, but we are definately running on "E"! I wonder what the future holds for our family and Jack especially, but I have not sat and pondered it for long because there is no time to sit...ha ha. I hope to turn this blog into a place where people who are dealing with the same issues can come and feel supported. I will be posting blogs that I love to visit and that give me encouragement. I hope to pass on the information that God has brought to my attention. Stay tuned...more to come!

Remodeling Life and Blog (more to come)

2011-05-28T13:52:00.000-04:00

Excuse the dust while I remodel. A lot of changes going on in my family and changes are coming to this blog as well. Stay tuned!!

Picture Updates

2011-02-02T23:12:00.014-05:00

The Blizzard of 2011...Fun with Dad

Indy LOVES the snow.

Making a snow fort (covering my picnic table in snow)

Hard to believe we got Indy a year ago. He is the best dog.

My sis with her daughter. She was born on the COLDEST day of January and warmed everyone's hearts.

We are in love!!

Court with flowers from a secret admirer ;)

A few pics of my boys.

Brothers

These two share a birthday, 19 years apart!! Ollie sure loves his sister.

Oliver is getting bigger. 6 months old here.

Jack with one of his favorite toys.

My sis, pregnant with her first. At this point, we did not know what she was having. She was almost ready to deliver here.

My brother with Ollie. He rarely gets to visit and was able to make it into town for Christmas with his family.

My gorgeous daughter.

Courtney and Oliver

WHEW....that was quite the post. Thanks for sticking with it :) Hopefully everyone feels updated. Let's hope I get with it and post more frequently so as to avoid bombarding you all with so many pictures.

Thanks for visiting...

Turning Over A New Leaf/Menu Plan Monday

2011-02-02T13:54:00.006-05:00

I love Weight Watchers but have been finding the extra steps of finding points for products, logging points and trying to figure out what the points for recipes are very difficult. I have always been successful at Weight Watchers losing 20 lbs each time I have gone. This time, I am fluctuating up and down, up and down. I decided to try to count my calories instead. I am loving the free Livestrong Daily Plate App for my Iphone to count my calories. That paired with an abundance of recipes that have nutritional information is making me have a lot more success. That being said, my menu plan reflects a lot of calorie friendly choices for this week.

Monday: Confetti Meatloaf 273 cal per serving, Roasted New Potatoes, Broccoli.
Tuesday: Ham and Spinach Couscous 248 cal per serving
Wednesday: Turkey, Ham and Cheese Stromboli 125 cals per slice, Salad. For the stromboli, I used Whole Wheat and Honey Dough instead. Guilt Free Brownies 140 cal per serving
Thursday: Roast Chicken and Slow Cooked Mac and Cheese 300 cal per serving
Friday: Fiesta Bake, Salad
Saturday: Leftovers...A Mom needs a break!! :)
Sunday: Turkey, Potato and Veggie.

Also making Southwestern three bean and barley soup...for which I am using my beloved pressure cooker to make the beans fast, fast, fast!!

Brennan Nicholas 10/02/96-11/19/96

2010-11-19T10:07:00.002-05:00

I Thessalonians 4:13-14
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

—John 14:1-3
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Revelation 21:4
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

2 Corinthians 4:16-15:8
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

14 years ago today, part of my life story went home to be with the Lord. My son Brennan died as a result of SIDS. I am so thankful that I will be able to be with him again. That gives me hope even in the face of pain. I thank God that he has made me whole and that through my relationship with him, he gives me that opportunity to have eternal life and be with the people that I cherish.

If you would like to know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, please click here

Blessings to you today,

Morning B and B (Bible and Breakfast)

2010-09-16T10:23:00.006-04:00

Just a few photos from our family bible time that we have each morning. I think it is the favorite part of my day!

Now, on to dealing with these apples. I have some applesauce to make!

Weight Watchers No Crust Apple Pie

2010-09-13T19:08:00.004-04:00

Just had to pass on this wonderful fall recipe. I love apple pie, but not the calories that comes along with it. I've been on Weight Watchers for about 3 weeks now. Came across this recipe on the web and wanted to pass it on.

No Crust Apple Pie
4 cups apples sliced
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 cup skim milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs (YOU COULD USE EGG SUBSTITUTE)
1/2 cup light biscit mix

Topping
1/2 cup light biscuit mix
2 tablespoons chopped nuts
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon margarine

Combine apples, cinnamon and nutmeg and place in a sprayed deep-dish pie plate. Beat biscuit mix, sugar, eggs and milk til smooth. Pour over apples. In a small bowl blend biscuit mix, chopped nuts, brown sugar and margarine till crumbly. Sprinkle on top of pie. Bake at 350* for 1 hour or till knife in center comes out clean. Enjoy!

5 points per serving, 8 servings

I used Heart Smart Bisquick and Light Blue Bonnet margarine and by my calculations on the Weight Watcher recipe builder, it was 4 points per serving.

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ September 13, 2010

2010-09-13T15:39:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY ~~
Outside my window...the shadows of the trees on the church across the street. The American Flag waving in the wind. The sun shining brightly in a very blue fall sky.

I am thinking...that I need to work on looking directly at my son when he talks to me...even if it's about video games for the hundredth time today. I want to make sure he realizes that he is worth being looked at when he talks. That might help him in choosing a mate someday. He deserves someone who looks at him when he talks.

I am thankful for...being able to homeschool, a husband that works hard, a daughter who is a helper, healthy babies, FALL!

From the learning rooms.....learning about creation, going through Proverbs for Bible. Dealing with prepositions in grammar. Learning about axis lines and the globe lines in Geography. Math, Science and Social Studies. Equivalent, cultivate and introduce are a few of our Spelling words this week.

From the kitchen...Roasting a chicken with apples, celery, garlic and rosemary. It smells wonderful. Making a no-crust apple pie for dessert.

I am wearing...JEANS!! Thankful to be able to cover my imperfections with the cooler weather.

I am creating...I am planning on doing faux stain glass on my back door using tissue paper and modge podge.

I am going...to relax tonight and seriously think about what things on want to cook to stay on track with Weight Watchers.

I am reading...Home Comforts and The Gentle Art of Domesticity.

I am hoping...that I start to get over whatever hormone imbalance I am dealing with so I can stop being scarey mommy.

I am hearing...The sound of my phone going off, my son getting upset because he does not feel he understands his math, my little guy playing in his bedroom, the fan running, the windchimes out on the porch.

Around the house...we are looking forward to fall with the crunch of leaves, the smells of cinnamon and apples, the vibrant colors and bonfires on a cool evening.
One of my favorite things...is taking pictures. I also love to feather my nest for my family. I want them to like being here.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hoping to get a storm door installed. Having a candle or I should say a Scentsy party. Maybe going out with a friend to deprogram.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing.......A Life Well Spent

Updates :)

2010-09-11T13:51:00.010-04:00

It's been a while hasn't it. Just wanted to say that I am still here. Having a 2 year old and a new baby can keep one VERY busy.

A few updates:

The summer was not really busy, other than dealing with the little ones. The heat made it hard to get out of the house.

We finally got our dining room and living room painted, courtesy of my wonderful mother. It really brightened our moods to have some fresh paint on the walls and to finally start making the home our own. We did the dining room in a wonderful red color and the living room is a nice yellowy gold tan color. The one picture of the dining room shows the red on one side and the blueish primer on the other side of the fireplace.

We attended a few art fairs and went strawberry and blueberry picking for the first time. That was a lot of fun.

Jack turned 2. He is doing a lot better. He has started to talk and counts up to 10 and backwards to 1. He says a few words and each week seems to have another word he learns to say. He is continuing with the Early Intervention playgroup. He is my child that teaches me patience and makes me want to lose a lot of weight to keep up with him. He always seems to find something to get in to.

Oliver got bigger :)

I made a rag quilt and some coasters.

I canned some applesauce. Made some pasta sauce and refrigerator pickles too.

School started last week here in the home and the first week went very well. I feel so blessed to be able to sit around the table first thing in the morning having family devotions. I love to be able to see the wheels turning in my son's head as he figures out math problems and also the joy he expresses when he gets them all right.

Wow, that was quite the update! I continue hoping that I will be able to get back to blogging more regularly.

Until next time....

He's Here! A Double Birthday In Our House!

2010-06-28T19:08:00.006-04:00

Oliver Joseph was born at 2:19 a.m. on 06/25. He weighed in at 8 lbs 1 oz and measured 22 in long.

After having two very hard yet irregular contractions and just not feeling right we made the 40 minute drive to the hospital I was to deliver at. My husband thankfully got us there in 30 minutes. I started having regular contractions in the car at 5 minutes apart. I was wheeled levitating in the wheelchair up to the Labor and Delivery floor. They explained they needed to check me to see where I was at and found me to be 9 cm and 100% effaced. After laboring for an additional 30 minutes, I delivered. It was a very hard, intense labor, but very quick. My doctor made it in just as I was ready to push. No time for any medications, although I was going to try to go without anyway. Very thankful we took the initiative to get to the hospital even though we were not exhibiting classic signs of labor. God's timing is SO perfect! We are enjoying our littlest little man so much.

Oliver was his older sister's 19th b-day present :) Makes it that much more special!

Oliver

2010-06-13T16:19:00.004-04:00

I have not had the energy or the mind to post lately and I really hope to pick back up again soon. I miss posting pictures and thoughts on my life. For now, here is the ultrasound picture of Oliver from a couple weeks ago. At that time, he was measuring 7 lbs. I'm thinking he might be a big baby when he finally shows up ;) You can see his face pretty well. He is holding his arm in front of his face.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-06-13T16:04:00.004-04:00

I have been trying to sit down and make a menu plan so that everybody knows what is going on for dinners for when I finally have the baby. A lot of these are easy and will make good leftovers. I may even edit this post eventually in the next day or two to add next weeks as well. Would love to have that taken care of and not have to think about it again and hopefully by the end of the 2 week menu plan, we will have a new little baby :)

Sunday: Meatball Bake
Monday: Balsamic Beef Onion Pasta
Tuesday: Roast Kielbasa and Potatoes
Wednesday: Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Thursday: Brown Rice and Lentil Casserole
Friday: Hamburgers and Fries
Saturday: Grilled Chicken

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

Menu Plan Monday

2010-05-04T16:53:00.004-04:00

Trying to get a little more WW friendly this week. Going to need more WW meals once this little guy is born. 32 weeks now...won't be long :)

Monday: 75 cent Chili Dogs from Vince's Drive In
Tuesday: Easy WW Friendly Goulash
Wednesday: Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Thursday: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Friday: Basic Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Corn on the Cob
Sunday: BRINNER, pancakes, hashbrowns, sausage, OJ.

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-26T21:13:00.002-04:00

Monday: Roasted Kielbasa and Potatoes
Tuesday: Balsamic Beef Onion Pasta
Wednesday: Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken
Thursday: Easy Pleasing Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Friday: Extra Easy Pizza
Saturday: Not sure yet....maybe left overs.
Sunday: Brinner - Eggs, Sausage, Pancakes.

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-12T16:42:00.004-04:00

Monday: Angel Hair Pasta with Crab
Tuesday: Hearty Chicken Pot Pie
Wednesday: Jerk Pork Tenderloin, Potato, Veggie
Thursday: Garlic Beef with Broccoli
Friday: Extra Easy Pizza
Saturday: Makeover Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
Sunday: Leftovers, unless I come up with something, then I will update :)

Tried this for a treat: Iced Mocha Coffee
Going to try this: Fruit Salad in Seconds

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-29T19:46:00.002-04:00

Monday: Crockpot Nachos

Tuesday BDAY DINNER: White Castle Cheeseburgers (homemade), Darn Good Chocolate Cake.

Wednesday: Mac and Cheese Pizza

Thursday: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Friday: Skillet Penne and Sausage

Saturday: Not sure yet...will post when I figure it out :) Maybe leftovers.

Sunday: Easter Dinner (more to come on what I will be making)

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-22T18:44:00.003-04:00

Monday: Lemon Chicken Saute served over rice and Baked Asparagus w/Balsamic Butter Sauce

Lemon Chicken Saute
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (this is what we need for our family, adjust accordingly for yours)
3 T all purpose flour
PAM no-stick cooking spray
1/3 cup butter or margarine (we use I Can't Believe It's Not Butter)
1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
3 T lemon juice
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp sugar

Roll chicken in flour to coat. Spray large skillet with Pam or other cooking spray. Add butter and melt over medium heat. Add chicken breast and saute till lightly browned on one side. Turn and brown on second side, 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside. Stir teriyaki sauce, lemon juice, garlic and sugar into skillet. Return chicken to pan and simmer 3 minutes. Turn chicken over, and continue cooking until fork tender (2-3 minutes)

Serve over cooked rice.

Baked Asparagus w/ Balsamic Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
1 bunch fresh asparagus
cooking spray
salt and pepper to taste
2 T. butter (We use I Can't Believe It's Not Butter)
1 T. soy sauce
1 t. Balsamic vinegar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Snap ends off of washed asparagus and place on baking sheet. Coat with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12 minutes or until tender. Melt the butter in a sauce pan or in the microwave. Stir in soy sauce and Balsamic vinegar. Pour over baked asparagus and serve.

TUESDAY: Steak Stroganoff

Ingredients:
2T flour
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1 3/4 lb. boneless round steak
2 cans 10 3/4 oz cream of mushroom soup (I use 98% FF)
2 c. water (or 1 can 100% FF beef broth for more flavor)
1 envelope beef stew mix
4 oz can mushrooms, sliced and drained
1/2 c. sour cream
1 T minced parsley

Combine flour, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika in slow cooker. Cut meat into 1 1/2 inch strips. Place in flour mixture and toss until meat is well coated. Add soup, water, and stew mix. Stir until well blended. Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours. Stir in mushrooms, sour cream, and parsley and then cook on high 10-15 minutes until heated through. Serve over egg noodles. (Depending on the consistency of the sauce, you may need to add cornstarch to thicken or add more water/broth to thin)

Wednesday: Cheesy Rigatoni Bake

Ingredients:
1 16 oz pkg rigatoni noodles
2 Tbsp butter or margarine (we use I Can't Believe It's Not Butter)
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 c. milk
1/4 c. water
4 eggs, beaten
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
2 cups sherdded mozzarella cheese (we use fat free or reduced fat cheese)
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and salt until smooth. Gradually add milk and water. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Drain pasta and place in a large bowl. Add beaten eggs. Spoon into a greased 9X13 pan. Top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Spoon white sauce over top and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

(THE ABOVE RECIPES I GOT FROM Melissa's Bargain Blog

THURSDAY: Kielbasa and Veggies

FRIDAY: Slow Cooked Pork Chops

SATURDAY: Brown Rice and Lentil Casserole

SUNDAY: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Made this yesterday: Strawberry Cobbler

Going to try: Delicious Easy Cereal Bars

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

It's A Boy! x 2

2010-02-01T21:00:00.003-05:00

We found out today we are having another boy :)

....and we got a puppy! Meet Indy, after Indiana Jones.

Happy Monday everyone!

The Best Jack, Jack Can Be!

2010-01-27T13:39:00.004-05:00

Things are busy here in our new home. I am almost half way through my pregnancy and we find out in less then a week what God will be blessing us with. I think we finally have the names picked out, Oliver Joseph for a boy and Grace Lee for a girl. I think Jack will really enjoy having someone so close in age to him. He will be 22 months when this baby is born.

There have been many concerns with Jack over the past 17 months of his life. The first year was very hard, to say the least, because of his gastroesophageal reflux. It was hard to take him places. It was hard to feel normal, when we had to accommodate such a difficult situation for him. He slowly got better over the first year, but I had some unsettling concerns. The type of concerns that you get when your a mother and something just is not quite right. He is now 17 months old and has not said a word yet. He does not babble. He does not respond to his name. Our pediatrician referred us to a very good center where the doctor could evaluate him and see if she feels there are any concerns. After seeing him and going over his history, the doctor feels he has "features" of autism. Although, they are not willing to make that diagnosis just yet. She wanted him to have an evaluation to see if he needs developmental therapy and to go dairy free. She also suggested giving him cod liver oil to help heal his stomach. So far dairy free has been going well and we have seen some improvements in his responding to us. It has been hard to change our menu, but only a little. Today, he had a developmental evaluation and our concerns were validated as far as speech and development, he is fine in some areas and very behind in others. I was happy that the ladies that came to evaluate him validated my concerns. I was surprised when they said that a lot of parents don't want to deal with the issues their child may have. My response to that was "I want Jack to be the best Jack, Jack can be"...whatever that might be. If he has autism, we will give him the best so he can be the best he can be with autism. If he has a speech problem, we will deal with helping him be the best he can be at speaking. With God all things are possible. God put Jack here with the issues Jack has, knowing we would be Jack's parents, placing him with us...that is an exciting thought that he felt we were capable to handle these things. I won't lie and say I have never been sorrowful. It was hard when I first acknowledged this over a year ago. It was also hard not to think I was nuts or just seeing things. I mean, who wants to think there is something wrong with their child. It has been a very hard 17 months and I am sure it will not get any easier after having another child, but I just keep trying to remember that God only gives you as much as you can handle...and I also think about the Duggar family and think...I gotta be nuts to complain...ha ha. It also helps to have a wonderful 18 year old who has such a servant heart and asks for nothing in return for helping out with her younger brother. What memories Jack will have of their relationship someday. I will be praying for God to light the way for us on treatments or diets or whatever will help Jack be the person God intended him to be.....if you would, I ask that you might too :)

Blessings,

Menu Plan

2009-12-28T21:00:00.003-05:00

Monday: Anything goes...still had to shop :)
Tuesday: Ham and Beans
Wednesday: Baked Pasta E Fagioli
Thursday: Korean Roast Chicken Thighs
Friday: Minestrone Soup (a friend said this one is good, so we are trying it this week)
Saturday: Taco Baked Potatoes
Sunday: Chicken Fried Rice

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T14:40:00.005-05:00

I thought I would take a little time out of the day to post the recipes I made on Thanksgiving. Thankfully, I did not cook and am very thankful for my aunt who opened her home up to family. I did, however, make some special things for my family for breakfast and made a pie.

For breakfast I made a Croissant Casserole and Quickie Cinnamon Rolls. I really would like to just make my own cinnamon rolls but knew I would probably not feel up to it, so this recipe was perfect. For the pie, I tried for the first time Jolean's Butterscotch Pie. I have to say that this pie is VERY good, but letting it sit out for a VERY long time is wise as putting it in the fridge makes the butterscotch pudding and meringue weep.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

Corn Fritters

2009-11-03T13:50:00.002-05:00

2 cups fresh corn or canned corn (I used both creamed and kernal corn, adding probably more of the kernal than creamed)
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 tsp baking powder
2 tablespoons cream
4 tablespoons butter, oil or margarine (I used my nonstick griddle and did not use any oil...it was better that way than using any oil)

1. Combine eggs, flour, baking powder, salt and pepper with the corn.
2 Mix thoroughly
3 Add cream to mixture
4 Melt fat in frying pan and drop corn mixture by spoonfuls (used a standard table spoon) into the hot fat (as I said before I did not use anything and just used by large rectangular griddle set at 375).
5 Brown on both sides.
6 Serve with syrup (I did not try this, I only sprinkled some with a little sugar and others I dipped in Franks Red Hot sauce)

2010 is going to be a SWEET year!

2009-11-02T18:16:00.004-05:00

Well, its definitely official. A baby was seen on ultrasound today with a good heart beat. I am due June 27th, although I never seem to go to term. This falls around my oldest birthday and my anniversary. Everybody seem to think it will be a girl, although I would like another boy. I guess its been so long since I had a little girl that it freaks me out. My little girl is going to be 19 by the time this baby is born. Whatever it is, is what God wanted for this family and we will be happy with whatever we get....thankfully it is NOT twins...which my husband kept saying it would be.

We also have signed papers to finally purchase a house. It is a 1900 Victorian home and I LOVE IT. It suits me so well. I really can see my children running around that home and spending holidays in the dining room. We will find out if everything has gone through as planned in the next week or so...then it will be on to moving in...that's the part I don't look forward to is packing up our life here. I live in the home I grew up in...so it will be kinda sad to leave it behind. I am still looking forward to a change and a new life in new surroundings.

2010 is going to bring many changes, all for the better. Our family is expanding and so are our horizons....God blesses us beyond what we could ever expect or ask for.....I feel sometimes that I don't deserve what he plans for me and am in awe that he knows exactly what speaks to my heart. I am just wondering now..."Lord, where am I going to fit all these kids in my small car?"...ha ha. This too he shall figure out for me....I would LOVE a brand new FLEX....I don't really think that, that is in our budget though ;)

God Bless!!

INTERESTED IN A SAFE CANDLE ALTERNATIVE...Visit me HERE!

Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

2009-10-25T09:44:00.003-04:00

I found this recipe on Mrbreakfast.com. IT IS WONDERFUL!

(4 servings)

1 cup oats - old fashioned or quick
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon butter - softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For The Topping:
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 Tablespoons white sugar
2 Tablespoon softened butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Prepare 4 individual 1-cup ramekins by coating the inside generously with cooking spray.

Prepare the topping mixture by combining the three ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Mix all dry spices together in a small bowl.

Combine all other ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and slowly sprinkle in the spice mixture at the end so it's distributed evenly through the mix.

Divide the mixture among the four ramekins.

Bake for 10 minutes. Carefully sprinkle equal parts of the topping mixture over each serving. Bake for an additional 7 minutes.

Allow oatmeal to cool at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

To make this dish extra special, serve with a cool heaping Tablespoon of reduced-fat vanilla ice cream or whipping cream on top.

To see more great recipes visit Grocery Cart Challenge here

Looking for a safe candle alternative, visit me HERE :)

Menu Plan Monday

2009-10-19T23:41:00.002-04:00

Another Monday, another Menu Plan! Trying to plan more healthy meals as I cannot afford to gain to much weight during this pregnancy. Most of these are Weight Watcher friendly.

Monday: Family dinner out.

Tuesday: Cheesy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Wednesday: Crockpot Cabbage with Kielbasa

Thursday: Lentil and Brown Rice Casserole

Friday: Hash Brown Soup

Saturday: Smothered Chicken with Pierogies

Sunday: Savory Meatloaf, Egg Noodles and Veggie

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

Window Stars

2009-10-17T21:12:00.002-04:00

I found a new craft that I love. My husband and I sat one night last week and made these two. I want to make enough to fill the windows during the cold winter months. I did more fall colors for now, but eventually will probably do all the colors for the winter, to see some color when looking out the windows into the snow filled yard.

You can find the directions HERE

Fall Is My Favorite

2009-10-17T20:17:00.000-04:00

I don’t know what it is about fall that makes me feel more love for my family, more thankful for my home and more excited for a winter of hibernating. Fall for me is time for baking, time for much needed family closeness in the warmth of our home, its blankets and candles and the sound of the furnace. Its life slowing down to a pace I can handle. I love how the colors of gold, red and orange paint a backdrop of blue. The shadow of fallen leaves around the trees in the park, entice me to take a picture to keep the memory forever. Time for getting out all the heavier coats and making sure we are stocked with gloves and hats. I find us gathering around the dinner table for a hot bowl of soup and a piece of bread for dipping. Ending the night under a heavy blanket with my honey and touching feet to keep warm…..I love fall……

In autumn when the trees are brown
The little leaves come tumbling down
They do not make the slightest sound
But lie so quietly on the ground
Until the wind comes puffing by
And blows them off towards the sky.

The winds will blow their own freshness into you,
and the storms their energy,
while cares will drop away from you
like the leaves of Autumn.

Fall poem by John Muir

Lots Has Been Happening

2009-10-15T13:10:00.002-04:00

It has been pretty busy around my house lately....actually over the past few months. Jack has suffered two pretty icky sinus infections, the first one he had for about 3 months. I thought it was allergies and so the poor kid suffered for far to long. The second infection, I was able to easily identify and get him treatment right away. He has finally been starting to take a few steps. He just turned 14 months old on the 6th of this month. Last month, I had a couple gallbladder attacks, one being extremely severe. In fact, it sent me to the Emergency Room. By the time I got there, the attack subsided. They said I would need to have my gallbladder out after finding multiple stones. I scheduled my surgery for the 16th of this month, which is tomorrow....Well, that is where the story takes a turn....I found out this past Sunday, I am pregnant. VERY UNEXPECTEDLY! Although, right now, the docs are being cautious as my beta HCG levels are low, but they are doubling which is a good sign. I have had miscarriages in the past, so this is obviously a possibility. I need to use progesterone with this pregnancy to help it along. I will be going for an ultrasound on the 26th. I have been doing okay. So far, no gallbladder attacks...which I am hoping lasts the entire 9 months because I cannot take any pain medication. Also, just before finding out I was pregnant, I was diagnosed with having Vitamin D Deficiency....I have not been feeling well, even before finding out I was pregnant. Tired, achy, foggy...so, I was glad to find out I was not crazy and that there are some definite issues going on. My husband has been working A LOT...I mean, I hardly see him. We are in the process of buying a home and so he is working a lot of doubles to get us where he financially wants us.

I cannot imagine what God has in store for us in the next year with a possible new house and baby....God is always good......

I hope all is well with all of you :)

Scentsy Holiday Collection

2009-10-14T06:59:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone, Scentsy's Holiday Collection is coming out. Ordering to begin November 1st.

Never heard of Scentsy?? Visit my website HERE to browse a catalog and shop from the comfort of your own home.

Scentsy wickless candles are safer than regular candles because Scentsy systems use a low watt lightbulb to slowly warm wax bars. Also, the wax only reaches just above body temperature making it safe for homes with children and pets. Scentsy has over 80 scents to choose from and dozens of warmers including full size, mid size and plug-in.

See the Holiday Collection HERE

Menu Plan Monday

2009-10-06T18:17:00.004-04:00

Monday: Mac and Cheese with Tuna
Tuesday: Meat and Potato Casserole
Wednesday: Broccoli Soup w/ Peasant Bread
Thursday: Black Bean and Tortilla Bake
Friday: Something with Chicken..not sure yet...any suggestions :)
Saturday: Meatless Italian Minestrone Soup
Sunday: Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

~If you love candles please visit me HERE for a safe alternative to burning candles--~

Scentsy :)

2009-09-13T23:02:00.002-04:00

I am now a Scentsy consultant and if any of you are looking for some good quality candle products, visit my website and find out why Scentsy is the best. If you like what you see, feel free to order directly from my site :)

Visit me HERE

Marriage, Motherhood and Homemaking

2009-09-02T19:28:00.002-04:00

I got this link off of a blog I love to read. In the post, she suggested listening to this sermon on Marriage, Motherhood and Homemaking. It was really good...and just as she thought...just what I needed to feel refreshed. I am passing it along to any of you in need of a pick me up :)

Marriage, Motherhood and Homemaking

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-31T11:22:00.003-04:00

Monday: Hearty Salisbury Steak, Egg Noodles, Veggie (never made last week, check out that post to find recipe)

Tuesday: Brown Rice and Lentil Casserole (never made last week, check out that post to find link)

Wednesday: WW Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Thursday: Casserole with Black-Eyed Peas

Friday: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Oh Boy Salad

Saturday: Grilled Chicken, Baked Potato, Veggie

Sunday: Weight Watchers Mac and Cheese

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

New Additions

2009-08-30T22:20:00.004-04:00

After the loss of our elderly cat Callie, we decided to add some new companions to our house.

INTRODUCING......

MOXIE....she is full of spunk, charm, love, a touch of aggressiveness (in a good way) and go get em spirit. We definitely feel she is the more dominant of the two.

and...

WILLOW...she has beautiful green eyes with sea green centers. She also has such wispy soft hair.

The kids had a good time playing with them.

They had such a good time, that I don't think the cats knew what hit them....they zonked out for a mid evening nap and slept a long time.

Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup

2009-08-28T07:45:00.003-04:00

I found this recipe on Recipezaar. I changed it to suit my Weight Watcher needs and for a cup it turned out (by my calculations) to be 2 points per cup...not bad. Instead of using regular Italian Sausage I used Turkey Italian Sausage...4 links, even though it came in pack of 5.

Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup

Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (I used Turkey Italian Sausage, 4 links casings removed)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled/ diced
2 small zucchini, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1/2 cup dry white wine
5 cups chicken broth

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, in tomato puree
1 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
salt
freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions
1 Use bulk sausage or remove the casings from the sausage and discard.

2 Brown the sausage in a heavy Dutch oven or large saucepan, mashing it with the back of a spoon until the meat is no longer pink and has rendered most of its fat.

3 Spoon out most of the fat from the cooked sausage and discard.

4 Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring,until soft but not browned.

5 Add carrots, zucchini, pepper, wine, chicken broth, tomatoes, basil, and oregano and bring to a boil.

6 When the soup in boiling, add the orzo and cook for 20 minutes.

7 Season to taste with salt and pepper.

8 Serve in heavy soup bowls.

9 If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over each serving.

10 To prepare in advance: Like most hearty soups, this tastes best if it is cooled, refrigerated overnight, then reheated to serve.

11 It may also be frozen.

To see more great recipes visit Grocery Cart Challenge here

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-08-25T21:21:00.009-04:00

These guys are all over the place echoing summer's song through the trees. It's a sound I love so much this time of year. One little guy had just shed the shell next to him. My son must have gone out and gotten like ten of the shells from the trees and ground. I find they are quite cute little bugs with their green wings and big black eyes. The wings are so delicate looking. God's creations....so amazing!!!

For more Outdoor Wednesday visit A Southern Daydreamer here

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-25T06:00:00.002-04:00

Monday: Meatless Hopping John

Tuesday: Family Favorite Cheeseburger Pasta

Wednesday: Broccoli and Ham Dinner

Can of 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup
8 oz jar low sodium fat free cheese spread
1 c skim milk
1 c instant rice, uncooked
1 rib celery, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
3 cups cooked ham, cubed
16 oz pkg frozen broccoli cuts, thawed and drained

Mix first six ingredients together in a crock, stir in ham. Cover. Cook on low 3-4 hours. One hour before serving time, stir in broccoli.

Thursday: Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup (made with Italian Turkey Sausage)

Friday: Brown Rice and Lentil Casserole

Saturday: Hearty Salisbury Steaks, Egg Noodles, Veggie

1/4 c egg substitute
1 medium onion finely chopped
1/2 cup crushed saltines (about 15 crackers)
1/2 tsp pepper
1 lb lean ground beef
1 TB canola oil
1 envelope red. sodium onion soup mix
2 TB all purpose flour
2 cups water

Combine first four ingredients, crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into five patties. In a large skillet cook patties in oil over medium heat for 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove patties and keep warm; drain drippings

In a small bowl combine soup mix, flour, water; stir into skillet. Bring to boil. Return patties to skillet. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.

Sunday: Juicy Chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Juicy-Roasted-Chicken/Detail.aspx

Made these as well:

Mandarin Orange Cake

Blueberry Pie

Might try these breakfast recipes:

Blueberry Overnight Coffeecake

Peanut Butter Oatmeal

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

Jack's First Birthday

2009-08-06T19:04:00.006-04:00

Today was Jack's first birthday. Last year after dealing with a hard last month, the doctor decided to deliver Jack one month early. His heart rate kept dropping during monitoring and after being admitted a few times for extended monitoring, they decided to do an amnio and make sure that his lungs were mature and they induced my labor. My labor was only 3-4 hours long and then I was able to finally hold my little guy. Even though he was one month early, he still weighed 7 pounds 6 ounces. He has been such a blessing to our family. I am excited to see his first year mark, but at the same time sad because it goes by so fast. I am looking forward to seeing how he progresses in the next year. Happy Birthday my little Jacky baby!

HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY TO ME

2009-08-02T19:33:00.003-04:00

I just realized that today is the anniversary of me starting to blog. Lots of stuff has happened since then. If you would like to see my first blog post, it is HERE

My little guy turns one this week. Kinda excited for that. He has not been feeling well and so I hope he has a good day for his birthday.

Isn't this a great picture. We got this to help out with the baby and keep him more content....have I said before that he can be hard to handle. As much of a blessing as he is and as much as he brings joy to this family, the past year has been kind of rough with him and I am hoping the next year brings easier times for him and us as well.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

2009-07-31T15:13:00.004-04:00

Found this keeper on Sparkrecipes :) It has already been requested again and I just made it for dinner.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup ketchup
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup water
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3 lbs boneless pork roast

Directions
Combine all ingredients except roast in the slow cooker.
When well mixed, add roast.
Cover, cook on high for 6-7 hours.
Remove roast.
Shred the meat and return it to the sauce.
Note - You may want to thicken the sauce some.
Great for making sandwiches or using in other recipes. The sauce is good on rice too.

Number of Servings: 12 (I got 27 1/4 cup servings for sandwiches out of it!)

To find more recipes visit Grocery Cart Challenge here

Six Reasons to Read Your Bible Everyday!

2009-07-28T20:29:00.003-04:00

Six Reasons to Read the Bible Every Day
Habits of the Heart
Ken Pierpont

1. The Bible gives spiritual life. “…the law of the LORD is perfect converting (reviving) the soul.”

Matthew 4:4 "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" 2 Timothy 3:15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever

2. The Bible is the only accurate record of who God is. “…the testimony (biography) of the Lord is sure (accurate) making wise the simple.” (What you believe about God is the most important thing about you).

3. The Bible gives specific direction for living. “…the statutes or precepts of the Lord are right rejoicing the heart…” (Joy comes from walking in the right way, sorrow and destruction from straying from the path).

4. The Bible contains the commandments of God. “…the commandment of the Lord is pure enlightening the eyes…”

5. The Bible shows me how to experience genuine, lasting worship. “…the fear of the Lord is clean enduring forever…” I am made to admire, adore, and worship God. The Bible shows me how to reverence (fear) God in a pure and lasting way.

6. The Bible shows you how to live a righteous life. “…the judgments of the Lord (rulings or case law) are true and righteous altogether…” warnings and rewards.

• If you read your Bible every day you will find it is more valuable than anything else
• You will see that it is more satisfying than anything else
• You will find that it effectively works in you to keep you from self-destructing your life through a cycle of presumptuous sins, secret sins, and great transgressions. “This book will keep you from sin. Sin will keep you from this book”

Conclusion: Example: Pitcairn Island. While the Bible was still in the chest there was sin, sadness, chaos, selfishness, ignorance, drunkenness, debauchery, murder, and suicide. When the Island was governed by the Bible there was order and peace and tranquility. All will be death and sickness and chaos until you order our life under the Word of God

For the word on life from the life-giving living God. Regeneration
For the satisfaction of your soul
For the joy and rejoicing you desire
For the warnings you need
To keep right values.
To keep your heart tuned to eternal things
To drive out impurities that threaten us every day.

Spiritual Vitality Requires Regular Spiritual Nourishment. So feed continually on the Word of God.

Five Stages of growth after salvation: One Great Act of Consecration, Seasonal renewals of consecration, weekly, daily, moment, by moment intimacy with Christ. Do you have daily habits of the heart and moment-by-moment intimacy with Christ? Our meditation time, our devotional time is not “checking boxes” Its not completing assignments. It’s not required reading, it is more like sitting in the window of a coffee shop, or going on a walk, or sitting in a deer stand. Not duty, but delight. Not ritual but relationship.

Wise, noble people are people to make the Bible a part of their daily routine. Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Deuteronomy 17:18-20 "Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. [19] And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, [20] that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel. John Quincy Adams, sixth president of the United States, said, "For years I have read my Bible through once a year. I read It every morning, as the very best way to begin the day.” Advice for the new president: Read the Bible every day and take it seriously. My advice to you, too.

Best Pastoral Advice: As your pastor I am eager to help you grow spiritually. There are many tips I could give you but there is one thing that I would say is Read your Bible every day. Start in Genesis and read as much time as you can and move the ribbon each day to the next spot. If you drop a day don’t worry. Start early the next morning and pick up where you left off.

• Get a new Bible and mark your way through.
• Get a Bible you like
• Read in a quiet place you like
• Make it your first priority
• Use a different version than you are used to .
• Keep it simple and read with a conscious awareness of the presence of God.
• If you read the Bible aloud at a slow reading rate, you could read through the Bible in 80 hours
• If you make it a habit to read the Word of God every day, you will read through the Bible eventually…probably sooner than you think.
• Once while speaking at Lake Ann camp I read through the entire New Testament in the NIV in one week.
• Press through hard parts like getting through a hedge. (ill) Like hiking North Manitou Island—speed up until you get to the vistas, then slow down.

The Bible is a powerful book: 1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

You need help with what you should think. “doctrine” (v. 13). what you should not think. “reproof” with what you should not do. “correction” with what you should do. “instruction in righteousness”

Notes from my Pastor speaking on reasons to read your bible everyday :)

Menu Plan Monday

2009-07-28T17:14:00.005-04:00

Most of these are Weight Watchers friendly or will be made Weight Watchers friendly. Some of these are from the Sparkpeople recipe website.

Monday: We had The Perfect Hamburgers and french fries.

Tuesday: Juicy Roasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn on the Cob.

Wednesday: Navy Bean and Tomato Soup, Summer Vegetable Salad

Thursday: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Oh Boy Salad

Friday: Sausage Brown Rice Casserole

Sausage and Brown Rice Casserole

1 lb bulk pork sausage (I'm using turkey sausage)
2 cups cooked brown rice
3/4 cup milk (I'm using fat free milk)
1 large stalk celery chopped about 3/4 cup
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1 small onion chopped about 1/4 cup
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (I'm using FF cream of mushroom)
1 can sliced mushrooms 4 oz, drained
1/2 cup shredded cheese about 2 oz (I'm using 2% shredded cheese)

Cook and stir pork sausage in Dutch oven until brown, drain. Stir in rice, milk, celery, green pepper, onion, soup, mushrooms. Pour into ungreased 2 qt casserole sprinkle with cheese. Cook uncovered at 350 until center is bubbly, about 45 minutes. 4 servings.

Saturday: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, scrambled eggs.

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, 6 servings 7 points each.

4 cups Ore Ida Hash Browns
8 oz lean ham steak diced
1/2 cup diced onions
1 cup 2% shredded cheese
1 cup reduced fat Bisquick
2 cups FF milk
1 cup FF egg substitute

Spread hash browns in bottom of sprayed 9 x 13 in dish, sprinkle ham, onions, and cheese on top. Combine Bisquick, milk and egg substitute and slowly pour over potato mixture. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes at 375.

UPDATE: Made some great Blueberry Bran Muffins

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

Good Recipes?

2009-07-28T17:10:00.002-04:00

Wondering if anyone has some good Weight Watcher recipes or any good recipes in general....

I have been pretty busy with family in the past couple weeks which is why I have not posted in a while.

Family Outing, Haircut and Being Attacked...

2009-07-13T11:31:00.005-04:00

We took the kids to a street fair. It was a lot of fun for what little time we spent there. It was sooooo hot though. Driving back in a car with no air conditioning was no fun either....we decided it was time to recharge the air in said car :)

My daughter decided to get a lot of her hair cut off. I was really proud of her for making a change, but why should'nt she..she is on to a new phase of life now that she has graduated high school. We all think she looks absolutely adorable and that it suits her.

I was attacked...while just minding my own business taking pictures...

Here comes the assailant

I cannot seem to get anything done around here, look closely and you can see why.

Hoping for a wonderful week here at my house :)

How Nice To Have A Love That Never Grows Stale

2009-07-08T11:37:00.001-04:00

Go down to turn off my music player before listening to this wonderful song.

Favorite Quote

2009-07-07T19:48:00.003-04:00

Menu Plan Monday

2009-07-06T21:57:00.004-04:00

Monday: We had pizza as a special treat for my son's last day of homeschool for the season!
Tuesday: Asian Beef and Cauliflower Stew

Wednesday: WW Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Thursday: WW Salisbury Steak

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Hubby's off work...he grills.

I might try this with whatever we grill --

Penne Pasta Salad

Going to make this Guiltless Strawberry Pie

and this--

Banana Bundt Cake LOOOOWWW FAT!!! of course....ONLY 2 POINTS PER SERVING!!

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

11 Months Old

2009-07-06T08:59:00.005-04:00

Today the little guy is 11 months old. Hard to believe. I really wish it would not fly by so quickly. In just 4 weeks he will be one....I am struggling with not wanting him to turn a year yet.

That's What I Love About Sunday

2009-07-05T20:26:00.004-04:00

Got to sit outside with three of my favorite people today. My middle son was trying to put something together....

and as you can tell by the looks on his face....it must have been pretty difficult.

so focused...

He ended up getting a bit perturbed by my picture taking during his difficulties in putting such thing together.

My daughter sat and learned the joys of writing out thank you cards. She said "I never want another gift again...writing thank you cards is hard"...I said well be prepared cause you have wedding shower, wedding and baby showers to think about in the future.

The baby was a bit fussy from not getting a normal morning nap with being at church...so all I got was a pic of me holding him on my lap ;)

Later in the day, I found these two sacked out on the chair together...at this point the baby was VERY ready for bed.

I hope all of you had an enjoyable Sunday. I am just trying to get my house straightened up before my husband gets home from work. I am enjoying watching the sun go down and thinking about tucking myself into my big snuggly blanket later....

Morning Devotions...

2009-07-04T10:44:00.003-04:00

My husband and I did our daily devotions together this morning and todays from Utmost From His Highest was pretty good. I love being together with him outside around all of God's creation spending time in the word and praying together.

ONE OF GOD'S GREAT DON'TS

"Fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil doing." Psalm 37:8 (R.V.)

Fretting means getting out at elbows mentally or spiritually. It is one thing to say "Fret not," but a very different thing to have such a disposition that you find yourself able not to fret. It sounds so easy to talk about "resting in the Lord" and "waiting patiently for Him" until the nest is upset - until we live, as so many are doing, in tumult and anguish, is it possible then to rest in the Lord? If this "don't" does not work there, it will work nowhere. This "don't" must work in days of perplexity as well as in days of peace, or it never will work. And if it will not work in your particular case, it will not work in anyone else's case. Resting in the Lord does not depend on external circumstances at all, but on your relationship to God Himself.

Fussing always ends in sin. We imagine that a little anxiety and worry are an indication of how really wise we are; it is much more an indication of how really wicked we are. Fretting springs from a determination to get our own way. Our Lord never worried and He was never anxious, because He was not "out" to realize His own ideas; He was "out" to realize God's ideas. Fretting is wicked if you are a child of God.

Have you been bolstering up that stupid soul of yours with the idea that your circumstances are too much for God? Put all "supposing" on one side and dwell in the shadow of the Almighty. Deliberately tell God that you will not fret about that thing. All our fret and worry is caused by calculating without God.

Some Family Fun

2009-07-03T18:59:00.008-04:00

Today we decided to take it easy since hubby works tomorrow. We got some new games to play outside and the kids and Bill had a good time playing them. Then we had an excellent dinner. The summer vegetable salad I made was out of this world, but really everything was good.

Here are some photos from our day...

Summer Vegetable Salad

Ingredients:
1 cup fresh cauliflowerets
1 cup fresh baby carrots
1 cup sliced red onion
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
1 cup chopped zucchini
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, carrots, onion, tomatoes and zucchini. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients; shake well. Pour over vegetables and toss to coat.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with a slotted spoon. Yield: 6 servings. 2/3 cups

For dessert 2 Weight Watcher point blueberry pie...YUMMMM

Ended the night outdoors with a bonfire, enjoying each others company and eating smores :)

Hope you all have an enjoyable weekend with friends and family.

Air Freshener

2009-07-03T07:28:00.001-04:00

The best room air freshener....

Sorry to have been away.....

2009-07-01T21:48:00.004-04:00

Life has been very busy for us lately. Last week we had our 3 year anniversary and the following day was my daughter's 18th b-day...followed by her graduation party a couple days later....WHEW!!!!

Crazy that my daughter officially is a graduate. There was so much going on in the last months before she graduated. The graduation party put the finishing touches on her high school career. Now time to prepare for college.

My husband and I started back to Weight Watchers. The first week we lost 8 pounds together. We have SO much more to lose though.

My 9-year-old is just finishing up his homeschooling and looking forward to a nice break. It looks like we will be homeschooling again for 4th grade as well.

The baby is creeping quickly up to his first birthday...SAD how time flies....he has been a handful in the past couple months, between cutting 8 teeth at once, learning to crawl and then crawling to get into everything...but the good news is he is finally off his reflux medication WOOOOHOOOOO!!! Seems like he finally grew out of it. I honestly thought he would be one of the cases that did not grow out of it. He only occasionally seems to have what seems to be an upset stomach...but few and far between.

I have been focusing on how to be a homemaker..STILL. After losing my job in January, I have been really trying to figure out how everything fits...such a life change. I am NOT complaining, but it is just taking some adjustment...and now I have to learn how to be a Mom to a college student..UGH!

My husband is enjoying his new job and said the other day that he is really happy with life....I HAVE NEVER HEARD HIM SAY THAT!!! Praise God that he feels blessed ;) I always used to have to tell him he had to count his blessings before bed...cause he seemed to deal with being discontent quite a bit. He is an excellent provider, a great husband and a wonderful father...and I am the blessed one!

We are hosting my parents 40th wedding anniversary in a couple weeks, I am excited to celebrate such a wonderful event with all my family and have the house and yard filled with loving people and life....I am so thankful for parents who know God and who have submitted to him for 40 years!

Well, I am going to wrap it up for the night. I have Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cups baking...smell so good...don't know how my kids sleep with the wonderful smells. They are only 2 points per cup...YUM...cannot wait to have one in the morning. I think now I can get a little more regular with my blogging. Hope I have not lost many visitors ;)

See you all tomorrow!

Super Healthy Hummus

2009-07-01T21:43:00.004-04:00

Found this on Recipezaar and it is out of this world. Only 1 point per 1/4 cup too :) In case you might be concerned that the points are correct, I did put it in the recipe builder on Weight Watchers and it is only 1 point per 1/4 cup...yippie!

Super Healthy Hummus

SERVES 6

3 garlic cloves, minced, more if you like
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 (19 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Combine everything in blender or food processor and process until smooth.
The blender gives the best result.

If you need more liquid to make a nice consistency, add a bit more yogurt.

Chill.

Serve with pitas or as a veggie dip.

To see more great recipes visit Grocery Cart Challenge here

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-07-01T21:00:00.006-04:00

For more Outdoor Wednesday visit A Southern Daydreamer here

Cheesy Kielbasa Bake (makes two, one to eat, one to freeze)

2009-06-12T07:32:00.003-04:00

I got this recipe from Allrecipes. It was very good and I loved the fact that it makes two and I got to freeze one.

Cheesy Kielbasa Bake

INGREDIENTS
12 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
2 pounds kielbasa (Polish) sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium onion, chopped
2 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced
2 medium carrots, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 green onions, chopped

DIRECTIONS
Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside. In a large skillet, brown the sausage in oil over medium heat. Add the onions, zucchini, carrots and garlic; cook and stir for 5-6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in spaghetti sauce and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15minutes.

In each of two greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dishes, layer a fourth of the macaroni and meat sauce. Combine the egg and ricotta cheese; spoon a fourth over sauce. Sprinkle with a fourth of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Serve one casserole. Cool second casserole; cover and freeze for up to 2 months.

To find more recipes visit Grocery Cart Challenge here

Menu Plan Monday

2009-06-01T11:01:00.004-04:00

Monday: Santa Anna Black Bean Casserole, Raspberry Crisp

Tuesday: Candace's Chicken Casserole

Wednesday: Cheesy Kielbasa Bake

Thursday: Band Banquet

Friday: Pinto Beans and Rice in crock with Sweet Cornbread

Saturday: Baked Potatoes (Crock) w/ toppings.

Sunday: Ground Beef Vegetable Soup, Bread

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

Cantaloupe Bread

2009-05-29T06:52:00.004-04:00

This recipe was taken from Recipezaar...it had almost five stars for all the reviews it got. I also tried it and it was very delicious...my husband loved it.

Cantaloupe Bread

Ingredients
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups granulated sugar
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cantaloupe, cut into 2 inch chunks and pureed (about 2 cups of puree, you can pulse so that bits of fruit remain)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1 Mix eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla.

2 Add pureed cantaloupe to mixture.

3 Sift dry ingredients; add to liquid.

4 Pour into 2 greased and floured 9x5 loaf pans (or spray them with Baker's Joy).

5 Bake 325°F for 1 hour or until done.

6 Check after 50 minutes.

7. Can also be made into muffins.

8 Bake for about 25-30 minutes.

To see more great recipes visit Grocery Cart Challenge here

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-05-27T13:13:00.007-04:00

Today has been rainy with some sunny moments. I love the raindrops on the flowers. I also posted a picture of my front door. Working on making it look welcoming...still needs some work. Enjoy your outdoor Wednesday!

For more Outdoor Wednesday visit A Southern Daydreamer here

Bill's Birthday Menu

2009-05-26T12:26:00.005-04:00

I wanted to do something for my husbands birthday but he has to work afternoons today so I was not sure how to make his birthday special. I decided that food was the answer....cause you know that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach...if you want to try any of these wonderful recipes out, the links are located below their pictures :)

Apple Raisin French Toast Casserole

Pizza Braid

Darn Good Chocolate Cake

Cheerio Breakfast Cookies.....or Bars

2009-05-23T15:35:00.003-04:00

The recipe was written as cookies but I made bars instead...just watch how long you cook them for so they cook through :)

Cheerio Breakfast Cookies/Bars(as seen on Recipezaar)

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 egg
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
1 cup old fashioned oats or quick-cooking oat
1 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 cups Cheerios toasted oat cereal

Directions
1 Heat oven to 375°. Stir together sugar, butter, peanut butter, water, vanilla and egg in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients except cereal. Gently stir in cereal.

2 Drop dough by rounded 1/3 cupfuls 4 inches apart onto ungreased large cookie sheet. Flatten dough to about 1 inch thick.

3 Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before removing from cookie sheet. Store loosely covered.

4 If using spread, use only stick that has more than 65% vegetable oil.

5 High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Increase bake time to 14-16 minute.

6 (The recipe doesn't say how many servings it comes up with, but I went with 12 cookies, but of course, if you want Jumbo ones then they will be bigger and you will get less cookies).

To see more great recipes visit Grocery Cart Challenge here

Blooms

2009-05-22T09:38:00.003-04:00

One of the iris' bloomed from my Outdoor Wednesday shoot, isn't it beautiful...

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-05-20T10:16:00.006-04:00

Just a few pictures from my yard...pretty soon there will be things blooming all over!

For more Outdoor Wednesday visit A Southern Daydreamer here

So It Begins....

2009-05-17T09:26:00.006-04:00

We are coming into the last couple weeks of my daughters high school career....today is Prom...we are all excited around here. I am going to be posting pictures throughout the day...

I made breakfast to start off the day right with special PROM PINK drink..ha ha. At the bottom of this post you can find the links to the recipes to our meal...Amish Oatmeal and Strawberry Julius

The kids enjoying their breakfast and Anderson teasing his sister about going to Prom with a boy.

She has her nails done so pretty, couple hours her hair will be done...

Bill loving on Court

Recipes from today: Strawberry Julius, Amish Baked Oatmeal

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

2009-05-16T12:37:00.003-04:00

Don't forget to go down and pause my music player ;)

I love this song by Kari Jobe. When I am having a hard day, this makes me feel close to God.

Banana Pancakes

2009-05-15T08:20:00.005-04:00

Made these for breakfast this morning...also like the song by Jack Johnson!

Banana Pancakes (taken from Allrecipes)

INGREDIENTS
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or unsweetened applesauce)
2 ripe bananas, mashed

DIRECTIONS
Combine flour, white sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, milk, vegetable oil and bananas.

Stir flour mixture into banana mixture; batter will be slightly lumpy.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.

Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook until pancakes are golden brown on both sides; serve hot.

To see more great recipes visit Grocery Cart Challenge

Try A Love List

2009-05-13T11:34:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I am amazed at the ways God will speak to my heart. Just yesterday I was complaining to a close friend that I just don't feel like I can get anything done that I set out to do. My son, while being a very happy baby, is only happy because of all the work I put into him. I end up feeling exhausted and basically worthless because I cannot keep up.

My Above Rubies magazine came today...a free magazine and an absolute blessing to me....the second article I read was this.....

TRY A LOVE LIST

Mother Theresa said "It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing" (STOP...SIDE NOTE...I posted this exact quote in my blog a few months ago..first interesting point for me already has me sucked in) This got me thinking. We women are famous for our daunting "could never accomplish in three days let alone one" TO DO lists. What if, instead of making a list at the beginning of the day of all that needs to get accomplished, we turn it around a bit? What if we made a list at the end of the day of all the "unseen" acts of love? I believe this list would be more telling as to how productive the day actually was.

We still need that TO DO list. It keeps us focused, on track and accomplishing those things that are our responsibility. Maybe we could add to the top of that list, after the word "do", the words "in God's time". Offering up our time to God to be used as he desires is a beautiful act of worship.

I'm going to make my list tonight and I encourage you to do the same. I think you'll be amazed to see how much love you put in your doing today. Similarly, if you don't have a lot to add to that LOVE list but you got a lot accomplished from the day's TO DO list, keep that in mind when writing out the next day's list. Maybe "love a little bit more" should be at the top of that one.

Robin McKay @ Set Your Heart To Seek God

She gave this list...

Imagine the following....it won't be much of a stretch, I promise:

-kissed and bandaged and invisible "owie"

-read baby his favorite book seven times.

-held my tongue when the boys trapsed mud through the house after digging up all the flower blubs along the front walkway

-officiated over a toilet funeral for the beloved goldfish

-sang a song and smiled each time a diaper was changed-that would have been 27 times

-lovingly rocked and soothed a little one cutting teeth

-spent all night cleaning up vomit since all the children decided to share their germs with one another.

-made Daddy's favorite dinner.

-gently combed the tangles out of the daughter's hair

-softly, calmly soothed an autistic son as his frustration began to escalate

-fulfilled a request made by hubby that seemed unimportant

-stayed on top of the day's lessons although feeling mentally spent

-set down the day's lessons recognizing tensions were high over that math concept

-lovingly picked up a crabby baby who really should have napped longer, knowing it was going to be a long evening.

-took the extra time to prepare a healthy lunch instead of opening a box of preservatives

-forgot about needing a shower and smelled in the sweet aroma of the new baby.

-asked for forgiveness after being too quickly bothered by an act of childishness

-disciplined rightly, lovingly, and firmly when an infraction of God's or house rules occurred.

-played a game instead of spending those few precious "free" minutes in a book

-got off the computer when wanting to "surf" a little longer, knowing it had been enough

-baked chocolate chip cookies and let everyone have a spoon of dough

-started a pillow fight

-listened intently to older son explain how something works that you have little or no interest in

-opened ears and closed mouth when older daughter wanted to "talk"

-gratefully accepted a bouquet of dandelions (or swamp grass)

-drove to homeschool co-op while wanting to stay in bathrobe all day

-danced with either Prince Charming or Cinderella

-graciously accepted tea and crumpets served in plastic dishes resembling water and stale crackers

-read a book to children old enough to read to themselves

-made popcorn for family movie night

-cheerfully helped with a science project knowing a big mess was awaiting in the end

-drove a unique child to the Special Olympics even and cheered for everyone

-laughed when I wanted to cry.

To get a free subscription to this fabulous magazine go to Above Rubies here

Tackle It Tuesday - ACK!!!! WHAT A DAY!

2009-05-12T15:25:00.004-04:00

So, I weeded today. I have to get ready for prom pictures this weekend and also my daughters graduation party....WHAT A DAY! Doing this with a VERY fussy baby who thought that sleep was for the birds was not fun...BUT I DID IT....YAAAAAAY ME!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

A Simple Woman's Day Book ~ May 11, 2009

2009-05-11T14:34:00.005-04:00

FOR TODAY May 11, 2009...

Outside my window...Bright greens, purples and deep burgundy...spring has arrived.

I am thinking...that I wish I could put into writing the blessings my heart feels.

I am thankful for...the newness of spring.

From the learning rooms...taking a break today, but going to be going to the library to pick out a biography for a book report.

From the kitchen...remnants of a little baby being fed and counters that are calling to be cleaned.

I am wearing...sporty pants and a gray t-shirt and happy to say no baby spit up.

I am creating...a cleaning chart....we will see if that actually gets done..ha ha.

I am going...to go crazy if I don't get out of this house more often.

I am reading...Speed Cleaning, 30 Days Through Psalms

I am hoping...that God will give me the energy I need to get through the next month with my daughter graduating and all that comes with it.

I am hearing...the sounds of a little boy playing with legos, a fan humming and birds chirping.

Around the house...baby toys.

One of my favorite things...being able to sit in peace and quiet and spend time with God early in the morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Grocery shopping, weeding, and PROM!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

For more Simple Woman Daybook entries visit the site here

Swinging

2009-05-11T12:53:00.006-04:00

Jack loved his first time in the swing!

How do you like to go up in a swing?
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
Rivers and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside--

Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown -
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!

I Made A Castle Cake

2009-05-11T12:25:00.003-04:00

I cannot believe how unbelievably easy this was..I mean it did take some time to do, but overall it was fun to see the final product. I love the internet. I found the idea how to do this here

Menu Plan Monday

2009-05-11T11:23:00.006-04:00

Monday: Grilled Chicken, Grilled Asparagus and Baked Potatoes (Hubby is cooking..I love warmer weather)

Tuesday: Quinoa and Black Beans

Wednesday: Country Cabbage Rolls

Thursday: This makes 48 meatballs...so I might freeze them, or half the recipe Marvelous Meatballs, Egg Noodles tossed with butter and poppy seeds, carrots.

Friday: Juicy Roasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob

Saturday: Shanghai Vegetable Medley w/ Stir Fry Sauce

Sunday: Day of rest or whatever I decide to do ;)

For more Menu's check out Organizing Junkie

Spring Has Sprung

2009-04-17T20:04:00.005-04:00

Yesterday Bill got the chairs put together that we got and today he put the Canopy together. We had Jack outside pretty much for the first time...at least the first time that was for any length of time. He sat and watched Daddy putting up the canopy already getting taught about being a boy. Here are some pictures of him...isn't he just the cutest.

Sounds Strange...BUT VERY GOOD...Vinegar Cookies

2009-04-17T08:28:00.003-04:00

Vinegar Cookies

INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (170 degrees C).
Cream butter or margarine and sugar. Add other ingredients. Drop by teaspoon on lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes.

For more recipes visit Grocery Cart Challenge HERE

Watch This

2009-04-10T11:26:00.002-04:00

Before watching this...go down and pause my music player :)

Hmmmmm

2009-03-27T00:05:00.002-04:00

So, who thinks I need to get my butt in gear and start posting something on this blog....been busy...will try to get back soon. ;)

Hope your all doing well....its starting to look like spring...YEEEEHAWWW!!

Ultimate Blog Party Starts Tomorrow

2009-03-19T12:59:00.003-04:00

A chance to win prizes and meet lots of people...Should be tons of fun and you don't even have to leave home!!

If your interested hop on over to 5minutesforMom

Menu Plan Monday

2009-03-15T23:13:00.003-04:00

MONDAY - White Chicken Chili from RecipeAlong click here

TUESDAY - Good ole Corn Beef and Cabbage..been doing this every year for a while now...its a family tradition. I might try this recipe here, Irish soda bread here and Shamrock Shakes here

CROCKPOT WEDNESDAY - Slow Cooker Chilupe, I saw this on Good Morning America here

CROCKPOT THURSDAY - BBQ Veggie Joes

1 cup dried lentils rinsed and sorted.
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups celery chopped
1 1/2 cups carrots chopped
1 cup onion chopped
3/4 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp cider vinegar

1. In medium saucepan, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.
2. Combine celery, carrots, onions, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire and lentils with water in slow cooker. Mix well.
3. Cover. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours or until lentils are soft.
4. Stire in vinegar just before serving.
5. Allow 1/2 cup filling for each sandwich.

Might also make these for the buns here

FRIDAY - Salisbury Steak found here

For more menus visit 5 dollar dinners here

Best Oatmeal Cookies

2009-03-13T07:39:00.002-04:00

Best Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients
3 eggs, well beaten
1 cup raisins
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups oatmeal
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions
1 This is a very important first step that makes the cookie: combine eggs, raisins and vanilla and let stand for one hour.
2 Cream together butter and sugars.
3 Add flour, salt, cinnamon and soda and mix well.
4 Blend in egg-raisin mixture, oatmeal, and chopped nuts.
5 Dough will be stiff.
6 Drop by heaping teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet, or roll into balls and flatten slightly.
7 Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

This was found on recipezaar and it is going to be the one I always turn to for Oatmeal cookies :)

To see more great recipes visit Grocery Cart Challenge

I'm Here :)

2009-03-12T22:48:00.002-04:00

April stopped by to check on me today and I guess I did not realize it had been so long since I posted last. I have been having a hard couple of weeks. I have never really stated on here that my hubby has been gone to another state since before Christmas for training for a new job position with the government. He comes home finally on April 4th and I am so excited. Anyway, for the past couple weeks I have not been feeling very well. I actually was diagnosed with having Benign Positional Vertigo...basically the long way of saying that I had the spins. Out of nowhere one night I was dreaming that I was spinning....but in reality when I got up to pop the baby's pacifier back in, I actually was having dizziness. I went to the doc and she said it might be a viral infection attacking the nerve in my ear and put me on steroids. That did not really help at all. Fast forward another week and I went to see the ear doc. By this time, the dizziness was gone. He said it must have corrected itself, but normally they do some sort of maneuver to get your ear equilibrium back to normal. He told me it could happen again..great! It really had me feeling off. I felt lightheaded, could not concentrate, and was basically not myself. That coupled with trying to take care of the house, homeschool and deal with baby really just had me exhausted, hence the reason why I have not shown my face or post I should say ;)

I am feeling better now, just in time for the baby to be cutting teeth and I think it may be on top and bottom. This has set his reflux off in full force and he has been getting up about two hours after going to sleep and not falling back asleep for a couple hours. Last night was better...and so far tonight seems to be going well too.

My soon to be 9-year-old has also been REALLY getting on my last nerve. That is a whole nother story...and will save it for another day.

Just pray for me to make it this last couple of weeks until my hero arrives on his stallion to rescue me...ha ha..okay..until my hubby comes home.

Thanks for checking on me April...your the best!!!

Weight Watcher Weigh-In Saturday

2009-02-28T09:58:00.002-05:00

Well, I was not able to go in to be weighed, so I don't know exactly how accurate my scale is compared to theirs, but it looks like I lost 3 pounds. I now have lost 22 pounds in 10 weeks. 2 more pounds and I will have met my 10% target :)

Sweet Baby

2009-02-25T22:47:00.005-05:00

Baby's Words
by Frank Greg

Although I am small and cannot say a word
these thoughts of my family I wish could be heard . . .
I feel all your love and the kind things you do.
I get so excited that I smile and coo.
A soapy warm bath or the comb through my hair
all your soft whispers that tell me you care.
Then wrapped in your arms it is safe and secure
protected with tenderness that is perfect and pure.
And if ever I'm messy, hungry, or cold
with just a small whimper I'm quickly consoled.
You kiss and caress to stop me from weeping
then patiently wait 'til I'm comfortably sleeping.
You make my life joyous, full of colors and fun
when I see you each morning your face is my sun.
So, if you aren't certain your gestures are felt
look deep in my eyes and I'm sure you will melt.
They say I'll grow fast like the blink of an eye
but do not be sad at the time that goes by.
Because I'll remember all you've given and shared
to get me through life completely prepared.
I'll be the great one who stands out in the crowd
your hearts will be happy I'll make you so proud.
I thank you so much for all that you do
and never forget that I love you, too.

My Little Boy

2009-02-25T16:45:00.003-05:00

Why God Made Little Boys

God made the world out of His dreams

Of magic mountains, oceans and streams,

Prairies and plans and wooded land,

Then paused and thought “I need someone to stand

On top of mountains, to conquer the seas,

Explore the plains and climb the trees.

Someone to start out small and to grow,

Sturdy, strong as a tree…” And so,

He created boys, full of spirit and fun,

To explore and conquer, to romp and run.

With dirty faces and banged up chins,

With courageous hearts and boyish grins.

When He had completed the task He’d begun

He surely said “A job well done”.

Bet Your Wondering...

2009-02-25T09:46:00.002-05:00

I bet your wondering how I manage to lose weight on Weight Watchers with all the recipes I have on my blog that are NOT weight watcher friendly..lol...well, its will power and a love for my kids and wanting them to enjoy the finer things in life which includes sweets and treats home baked from the oven....I want them to have the memories of Mom cooking...not Mom dieting ;) I also want to prepare for the grandchildren I may have some day...

Happy Wednesday..its almost the weekend...woohoooooooo!

You Choose The Goo Brownies

2009-02-25T09:40:00.003-05:00

2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup melted butter
4 eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350, Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
2. Mix together flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and eggs in a large bowl. Add in sugar, cocoa powder and any options if desired (options can include 1/2 cup chocolate, vanilla or butterscotch chips., 1/2 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup chopped or whole pecans or walnuts), Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
3. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the greased baking pan.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Depending on what special ingredients you add, cooking time may vary. Make sure you keep an eye on your brownies to keep them from burning. Cool completely in pan before cutting into squares.

Recipe came from Home Made Simple Coupon booklet.

For more recipes go to Grocery Cart Challenge

Weight Watchers Weigh-In (A Few Days Late)

2009-02-23T08:44:00.002-05:00

I missed on the 14th of this month and went this past week. I lost 0.8 pounds in two weeks...not all that great, but it is because I have been stressing lately and when I stress, I don't eat...that's right, I dont eat..ha ha. So, I have not been getting my points and getting your points is just as important as not going over your points for weight loss. So, in 9 weeks, I have lost 19.2 pounds. Going to be getting back on track with eating today :)

Have a great week :)

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-22T22:31:00.003-05:00

Monday: Tasty Lentil Tacos (served over salad for me, taco shells for the kids) We did not get around to having this last week.

Tuesday: CAMPERS CHICKEN POCKETS

1 lb skinless boneless chicken breast halves defrosted if frozen
1 sm onion for four slices
1/2 large green pepper(for 12 stripes; optional)
1 large white potato (for 24 thin slices)
3/4 barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450

Tear off 4 large 14 in squares of foil. Cut the chicken lengthwise into strips that are roughly 1/2 inch wide. Divide the chicken strips amoung the pieces of foil. Peel the onion and cut into four slices, about 1/4 in thick. Place 1 slice in each packet, separating it into rings.

Stem, seed and cut green pepper into twelve thin slices. Place three strips over the onion in each packet.

Rinse the potato but do no peel it. Cut the potato into very thin slices, about 1/16inch wide. Place and equal number of slices, about six, in each packet. Spoon 3 tablespoons of the BBQ sauce over each packet.

Fold the foil across the middle and roll up the ends to seal the packets tightly. Place them on a baking sheet and bake until the veggies are soft and the chicken is no longer pink in the center 20 to 25 minutes. Serve at once with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Wednesday: CHEESY BEEF AND RICE

1 cup long grain brown rice
1 lb ground beef
3 T. minced onion, or fresh chopped onion
1/2 t. garlic powder
sea salt, to taste
1 cup FF sour cream
1/3 FF cup milk
1 cups FF shredded cheddar cheese

Boil two cups of water. Stir in rice. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic powder. Mix with rice and salt well. Stir in sour cream and milk. Spread into a casserole dish. Sprinkle cheese on top.

Place uncovered in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.

Thanks to Heavenly Homemakers

Thursday: BLACK-BEAN, AVOCADO, AND TOMATO QUINOA

makes 4 side servings, or 2 main-dish size portions

2 teaspoons grated lime zest
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup quinoa (I buy the pre-rinsed kind-- the other seems like more hassle than its worth)
1 (14- to 15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 medium tomatoes, diced
4 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 avocado, diced

1. Prepare quinoa as directed on box (takes about 15 minutes)
2. In the meantime, whisk together lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, sugar, salt & pepper to taste in a large bowl.
3. Once quinoa is cooked, add it to the dressing and toss until absorbed. Then, stir in remaining ingredients and S&P to taste.

Friday: Hot pockets from the freezer

For more Menu Planning Monday visit Organizing Junkie

Lots O' Cookie Dough

2009-02-21T23:09:00.004-05:00

I have been reading up on some great recipes. I was reading on one of my favorite blogs, Moms By Heart, about how she makes cookie dough and freezes it...so simple..don't know why I have not done it and so much better than store bought...and I am sure cheaper. Soooooo, I made A LOT! We are pretty set for a while on cookie dough.

The recipe is....

1 1/2cups brown sugar
1 1/2cups white sugar
2 cups shortening(No substitutes)
7 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
6 eggs , gently beaten
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 tablespoons hot water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 lbs walnuts or pecans , chopped
3 lbs semisweet chocolate chunks

1. Preheat Oven to 325°F.
2. In a VERY large mixing bowl or largest bowl of your
Stand Mixer, add brown sugar, white sugar, and
shortening. Cream together very well.
3. In another large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder,
and salt. Set Aside.
4. Add flour mixture and eggs alternately to the creamed
mixture, mix well, scraping down sides of bowl as
needed.
5. Dissolve baking soda in the 4 tbs of HOT water. Add
baking soda mixture and vanilla to dough and mix well.
6. Stir in nuts and chocolate chunks.
7. Drop by heaping tablespoonful onto an ungreased
cookie sheet and bake at 325° for 15 - 17 minutes. I get 12
cookies to a standard sized cookie sheet.
8. VARIATIONS/TIPS:.
9. Nuts: Can use walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, etc. so
long as you have a total of 2 lbs. I measure each type of
nut used into it's own bowl, see reason below.
10. Chocolate Chunks: I seldom use just the chocolate
chunks called for in the original recipe. Instead I use a
combination of 3 lbs of a variety of baking pieces, and
put in separate bowls. Try chocolate chunks, semisweet
chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, mini M&M's, vanilla
baking chips, chocolate/caramel swirled chips, etc. so
long as you have a total of about 3 lbs (about 4 - 12
ounce packages) I have already used a little less than 3
lbs when I just didn't have enough available.
11. FUN TIP:. Before adding the nuts and chocolate to your dough,
divide the dough into 2 bowls. Since you have measured
out the nuts and chocolate (or variety of baking pieces)
into separate bowls, you can now create a variety of
cookie dough flavors. Add whatever combination you
would like so long as you add approximately equal
amounts to each bowl.
FOR EXAMPLE: Divide cookie dough into 2 bowls. To
first bowl add 1 pound chopped pecans, 1 pound
chocolate chunks, and 1/2 pound butterscotch chips. To
second bowl add 1 pound chopped walnuts, 1 pound
caramel/chocolate swirled chips, and 1/2 pound vanilla
baking chips. The possibilities are endless. Have fun
with this!
12. Wrap and freeze, take the dough out of the
freezer and put in the fridge the day before
baking.

For more freezer recipes you can visit Mom By Heart here

Homemade Hot Pockets

2009-02-21T22:42:00.004-05:00

Hot Pocket Dough- makes six 6 inch pockets
1 C. Luke Warm Water
2 T. Olive Oil or Canola Oil
1 t. Sugar
1/2 t. Salt
3 C. Flour (I usually do Half all-purpose and half whole wheat or all whole wheat flour)
1 1/2 t. Yeast

Dough by Hand:
Dissolve Yeast in warm water. Add Oil, Sugar, and salt. Slowly mix in flour and knead. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.

Dough in Bread Machine: (this is my favorite because you can throw all the ingredients in and set the dough cycle and get some other things done while it’s doing the work for you!)
Add ingredients in order your bread machine specifys (for example: for mine I need to add the liquid first, then dry ingredients, and then form a well and pour my yeast in). You don’t want your dough to raise for more than one hour. Most bread machine dough cycles will “beat” down the dough and you’ll want to take the dough out before it does that. Consult your users manual for timing and instructions on how to put the ingredients in.

1. Pre-heat oven to 375
2. When dough is ready, separate it in to 6 portions. If you want to be really exact, you can weigh the dough. I usually just eye ball it.
3. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick circles.
4. Let dough rest for 5 minutes.
5. Put 1/4-1/2 cup worth of filling. If you’re making all the same kind of hot pockets mix all your filling items together and use a scoop to fill the pockets.
6. Fold dough in half over the filling and clamp edges with fork.
7. You can brush the tops with an egg white wash (1 egg white beaten with 1-2 T. water) if you want them to look really professional!
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375.

I got this from everydayfoodstorage.net :)

Blueberry Drop Cookies

2009-02-20T07:07:00.003-05:00

Blueberry Drop Cookies

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 cup fresh blueberries

DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, sugar, egg, milk, almond extract and lemon zest. Mix well after the addition of each ingredient. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; blend into the sugar mixture. Fold in the blueberries. Cover and chill for 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets, about 1 1/2 inches apart.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

For more recipes go to Grocery Cart Challenge

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-15T23:16:00.003-05:00

Monday:
Sausage and Brown Rice Casserole

1 lb bulk pork sausage
2 cups cooked brown rice
3/4 cup milk
1 large stalk celery chopped about 3/4 cup
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1 small onion chopped about 1/4 cup
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can sliced mushrooms 4 oz, drained
1/2 cup shredded cheese about 2 oz

Cook and stir pork sausage in Dutch oven until brown, drain. Stir in rice, milk, celery, green pepper, onion, soup, mushrooms. Pour into ungreased 2 qt casserole sprinkle with cheese. Cook uncovered at 350 until center is bubbly, about 45 minutes. 4 servings.

Tuesday: Quinoa and Black Beans

Wednesday:
Scalloped Potatoes and Chicken (crockpot)

1/4 cup green peppers
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cup Velveeta Light cheese
7 medium potatoes unpeeled and sliced
3 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt to taste
Can of cream of celery soup
1 soup can of fat free milk

Place layers of green peppers, onions, cheese and potatoes in slow cooker.

Sprinkle salt over chicken breasts and lay on top of potatoes.

Combine soup and milk and pour into slow cooker, pushing meat down into liquid.

Cover. Cook on High 1 1/2 hours. Reduce temperature to Low and cook 3-4 hours. Test the potatoes are soft. If not, continue cooking on Low another hour and test again, continuing to cook until potatoes are finished.

Thursday:
Meal-In-One Casserole (crockpot)

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion chopped
1 medium green pepper chopped
15 oz can whole kernel corn drained
1/4 tsp pepper
11 oz jar salsa
5 cups uncooked medium egg noodles
28 oz can diced tomatoes undrained
1 cup shredded fat free cheese

Cook beef and onion in saucepan over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, drain. Transfer to slow cooker.

Top with green pepper, corn and mushrooms. Sprinkle with pepper. Pour salsa over mushrooms. Cover and cook on low 3 hours.

Cook noodles according to package in separate pan. Drain and add to slow cooker after mixture in cooker has cooked for 3 hours. Top with tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheese.

Friday: Tasty Lentil Tacos (served over salad for me, taco shells for the kids)
Some things I might make for breakfast this week include:

Chocolate Cinnamon Toast
Featherweight Breakfast Cake
Quick and Easy Doughnuts
Cinnamon Scones,
Giant Breakfast Cookies, Strawberry Bread, Basic Batter Waffles

For more Menu Planning Monday visit Organizing Junkie