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Monday, March 31, 2008

Menu Plan Monday (Recipe) and other ramblings

I'm sitting here having a horrible time coming up with a menu this week for some reason! UGH! It's driving me crazy. I didn't make up one last week because it was a crazy week but I've got to grocery shop tomorrow before we all starve! So.... Let me think...

**OK, so every time I attempt to put the MPM picture here my computer freezes. So, no pic this time. Click here to see more menus!

Monday- Blueberry Pancakes (made partially w/ whole wheat flour ~ recipe below), Fruit (Luke had plain pancakes, for some strange reason he loves blueberry waffles.. but he won't eat blueberry pancakes! Go figure!)
Tuesday- Crisp and Creamy Baked Chicken, Green Beans, Rice
Wednesday- Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Potato Salad
Thursday- Fajitas, Beef or chicken.. not sure yet!, Green Salad
Friday- Homemade Pizza (cheese for R/Luke, and mushrooms and olives for me!)

OK, that's as good as it gets! :)

I will confess, I normally make my pancakes with Bisquick but tonight I decided to try another recipe, a healthier version! Anyways, I altered it a little. The original came from All Recipes.

Blueberry Pancakes


3/4 c white flour
1/2 c whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp white sugar
1Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 c milk (you may need a little extra milk, maybe 1-2 Tbsp to get the right texture)
blueberries (I didn't actually measure.. I probably used about a cup of frozen berries)

Mix flours, baking powder, salt and sugars together with a whisk. Mix milk, oil and vanilla. Beat egg slightly and add to milk mixture. Mix wet and dry ingredients together until combined. I used a 1/4 c measuring cup to pour out my pancakes on the griddle. Sprinkle desired amount of blueberries on, flip when bubbles form around the outer edge. Make sure to spray the griddle for each pancake as the blueberries tend to want to stick once flipped. Makes 8 (compact disk size) pancakes.

*If you use fresh blueberries you could mix them in before you put them on the griddle but with the frozen there is just too much juice. I actually thawed my blueberries in the microwave for about 30 seconds on 50% power. They were still slightly frozen but not solid, and worked great. I did try Luke's plain ones and they were really good. They would be really good with a tsp of cinnamon in them! YUM! I think I'll try mashed banana in his next time, or pumpkin/cinnamon! I will probably up the amount of whole wheat flour too. Since this was the first time making pancakes w/ WW flour I wasn't sure how the texture would be but they were really good. I think they would still be good if the measurements for flour were flipped.

In other totally random news:

My hair is now long enough to pull up in a (tiny) pony tail. It hasn't been this long in a WHILE!

Luke ate baby corn today, and if you know anything about my son's eating habits this is a big deal! I microwaved one of those steamfresh bags of Asian veggies and he ate every baby corn that was in it. I was so surprised! He also ate a few of the carrots in there too. He has also recently started eating peanut butter sandwiches (toasted bread/no jelly), which I am grateful for. He doesn't eat much protein so this helps in that area.

Have a blessed week!


YUMMY! (Giveaway)

I think letting you all in on this giveaway is fitting since my last post was about food! I just entered to win a 25$ gift card to Outback Steakhouse at Promises Fulfilled. The giveaway ends tonight (the 31st) at 9pm, so you have to hurry to enter! Thanks to Xandra for letting me in on this!!

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Cravings....

One of the highlights of pregnancy: eating. And though I try to eat pretty good, sometimes you just gotta give in to those cravings.. I was thinking today about the different things I've wanted now, compared with Luke.
Note: I have never made R run to the store at midnight.. I think that is just ridiculous! (I've never really known anyone that has admitted to anything like that... although I did hear a story of a woman who would send her hubby occasionally to the movie theater for 'movie theater popcorn'!!)

First, with Luke:
Cranberry Juice- I drank it every morning when I was pregnant with him.
Lemons- Only in the beginning though.. I remember a few weeks after we found out I was pregnant R brought me home a bag of lemons and some pink carnations. How sweet!
Ice Cream- although I shouldn't really count this because I typically LOVE ice cream even when not pregnant
Green Olives- YUM, right out of the jar.
S'mores- This started roughly around 37 weeks and lasted until I gave birth. I made them in the microwave. When we moved last year I found a bag of large marshmallows in the back of the pantry. Memories... :)

Baby #2
Orange Juice- I drink a glass every morning.
Jalapenos/banana pepper rings- So good on a sandwich.
Blueberry bagels with cream cheese- Ok, I don't eat this every morning, although I'd love to! I limit myself.
Ice Cream- haha..

With both pregnancies the only thing I didn't want was Italian food, but only in the first trimester. The smell of parmesan cheese and garlic just made me sick. I can eat it now, I just couldn't in the beginning.

I've really been wanting to go eat a big salad at the Olive Garden. Sounds good, huh?



Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Journey Through Isaiah.. so far anyways!

I mentioned not too long ago about me reading through Isaiah. Well, it's taking me a while! I just read through chapter 15 today. I'm breaking up the chapters somewhat and taking it slow because it can sometimes be difficult to understand. And I dare not sit down without some kind of study help or commentary! I'm not sure what impressed me to read through Isaiah (hmm.. maybe the Holy Spirit!) but I have really learned a lot so far.
Up to today most of what I have read has been about Israel, Assyria and Babylon. Most of what I have read are prophecies about those specific times (that have already occurred) and/or about the end times. I say and because some believe that while Isaiah is speaking about things that will and have already happened to Israel, he is also speaking of the tribulation or millennium in the same prophecy. (you see why I'm taking it slow!) Anyways!
The main theme so far is the wrath of God. It is throughout everything I have read.... God pouring out His wrath on His own people.. God pouring out His wrath on those oppressing His people.. God pouring out His wrath on the evil and wicked.

Isaiah 1:4 ~Alas, sinful nation, A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, They have provoked to anger the Holy One of Israel, They have turned away backward.

Isaiah 2:7-11 ~ 7 Their land is also full of silver and gold, And there is no end to their
treasures; Their land is also full of horses, And there is no end to their chariots. 8 Their land is also full of idols; They worship the work of their own hands, That which their own fingers have made. 9 People bow down, And each man humbles himself; Therefore do not forgive them. 10 Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, From the terror of the LORD And the glory of His majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.


Boy do those verses sound familiar! When I first began reading I wondered what God was going to teach me. His word is alive and relevant.. no matter what the subject. And honestly throughout the first few chapters I didn't really know. I guess it just took a while for it all to start sinking in. Of course I have been in awe of such a mighty and majestic God. Throughout the verses He is called : The Holy One of Israel, the God of Jacob, the Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel.. But I think what has hit me the most is God's wrath on wickedness... His hatred of sin. I serve a God of justice for the unrighteous and that is clearly seen throughout these scriptures. I might also add that I am so thankful for the grace and mercy that He has bestowed on me otherwise I would be in the direct path of that wrath as well.

Isaiah 1:18-20 ~ 18 “ Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “ Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

My prayer through reading these verses and chapters has been that I will hate sin as God hates sin. God calls us to be holy and the only way to do that is to become more and more like Him... for He alone is holy. Of course we can never do that on our own, only through the righteousness of His Son, Jesus. I can only boast in Him, for there is nothing good in me. I want to hate the very sin that put Jesus on the cross. I want to hate the very sin that caused a Holy God to pour His wrath out on His innocent Son. I want to hate sin because sin and obedience do not mix. I long to be obedient to His call.

Isaiah 6:3 ~ "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”


Saturday, March 22, 2008

Happy Easter

I'm heading to bed but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter! All day long I've been pondering the Resurrection, preparing myself for tomorrow. I really want my focus to be on Him! What a wonderful Savior He is! There is such joy & excitement in my heart when I think of all that He is and all that He has done. I serve a risen Savior, not some dead prophet or wooden image. He is alive and made a way for me to live eternally. He bore my sin and God's wrath on the cross. But it didn't end there! He arose. He is alive, the grave could not hold the King of Kings. Thank you Jesus! What a wonderful Savior and merciful, gracious God!

May He get all of the glory!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Some good stuff! (Video Clip)

Watch this clip from ER... Note that the woman counseling the man is a Chaplin. To hear more from Ray Comfort and his ministry go here: Way of the Master.







Monday, March 17, 2008

Menu Plan Monday


UPDATE~ I forgot to add that the lasagna from last weeks menu was yummy! I made it with the sausage just like the recipe said and I will def. make it again but try it with shredded chicken! I'm honestly not a big sausage fan but it was good. I did however, precook my noodles just so that it wouldn't take as long in the oven. It turned out great and R really liked it! I first thought there might not be enough sauce but it was just right. I used Ragu Chunky Vegetable for the sauce.

I've got a CRAZY week ahead of me! In order to get me in and out of the grocery store as quickly as possible I have raided the pantry and made a menu that will help me clear out the pantry/freezer. They are easy meals too.. nothing difficult or new this week (with the exception of one of the meals last week). I've included a link for blueberry muffins that I think I've posted before. Luke absolutely LOVES these. They are a good, healthy muffin.


Mini Honey Mustard Meatloaves, Green Beans, Roasted Potatoes, Rolls (I didn't get a chance to make this last week because of a change in our schedule... sometimes you just have to go with the flow! Recipe Link on my previous menu)

Chicken fingers, Rice, Steamed Veggies

Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup

Pork Chops (grilled if we have the chance, otherwise baked), Baked Beans, Zucchini/Squash (cooked in a foil pouch w/ a little olive oil, onions, salt and pepper either on the grill or in the oven)

Vegetable Soup, Cornbread Muffins

Breakfasts: Cereal, Cheesy Grits, Oatmeal Blueberry Muffins, Bananas
Lunches: Salad, Leftovers, PB&J/Egg and Cheese Sandwiches, Pretzels, Chips and Salsa, Applesauce/Yogurt
Snacks- Apples/Pears, Cheese & Crackers, Raisins, Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies


Hop over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu ideas and recipes!


Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Life/Preggo Update and the Potty Chair

I'm sitting here... wondering why in the world I'm sitting here. There are dishes in the sink.... toys in the floor... a load of laundry that needs folding and one that needs to go in the dryer. Oh and there is a nice sprinkling of baby powder in the hallway(thank you Luke)... but that will have to be vacuumed after nap time.

I had my monthly Dr's visit yesterday. It was great minus the wait and in all honesty, I was only there 2 hours which really isn't that bad. I got to hear the heartbeat again. I actually didn't hear it the first time that the nurse did it yesterday. It was 'behind' mine and I think, because of miscommunication, that she thought I heard it. So, I just asked the Dr to do it again.. you know, to make me feel better. And when I really heard it... I did feel better! I've got to go back next week for blood work, just because there is a specific window that I need to have it done.. and that window doesn't open until the 17th. Fun for me... My next apt is April 7th and I can't wait. That will be my sonogram apt so we'll get to see (hopefully) who this little person is! It all seems to be going by so fast!

In other news Luke is growing up so fast. He will be TWO in less than three months. He is saying sooo much now. No sentences yet but he puts 2 words together all of the time. His favorites are: "Mimi home." "Daddy Wuk (work)" "ByeBye Cars" (he watches his cars movie ~AutoBeGood by Family Christian stores~ before his nap and has to tell it byebye when it's time to go nap), "Rock Baby?" (at night he loves for me to sing Rock-A-Bye Baby and this is his way of asking me to sing it again... and again.. and again!). He is also getting really good at saying "No Ma'am", which is really sweet until he started responding like:

Me: Are you ready for a bath?
Luke: No Ma'am.
Me: Let's wash our hands before dinner.
Luke: No Ma'am.
R: Luke, it's time for bed.
Luke: No Ma'am.

You get the point... and yes, he does call R "Ma'am", which I think is hilarious and cute all at the same time. I guess I should just be happy that he is being polite. One more thing that he did recently and then I must end this LONG post. He has some really great picture books that he loves to look in. In one particular book there is a potty, which he calls a 'potty chair'. Well, we had just finished reading that book and he was still looking at it. I had gone into the kitchen and was doing something at the counter and heard the little guy behind me. I turned around to see the cutest and funniest thing. He had turned that book to the potty chair page and was sitting on it! Haha!!! He definitely knows what to do with it! Maybe it's time for a potty chair!



Sunday, March 9, 2008

Menu Plan Monday




I'm trying 2 new recipes this week. I'll let you know how they turn out! Today I'm just going to list the menu I have planned but not tie myself down to any certain days. I cook what I feel like! :) The only day that I'm sure of what we're eating is Tuesday night! Pizza! I've included b'fast, lunch and snacks to try and help me stay focused on what I buy at the store! Maybe it will help me budget my groceries better. I typically buy WAY too much stuff!


This weeks dinner menu:


Pizza (out)


Mini Honey Mustard Meatloaves, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans


Simple Sausage Lasagna, Salad (I'm making this in 2 smaller pans, one to freeze for later!)


Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine, Steamed Broccoli


Tuna Melts, Potato Salad


Breakfasts- Oatmeal & blueberries, cereal, waffles, bananas/apples
Lunches- Adults: Ham and cheese sandwiches, chicken fingers, leftovers, salad (for me); Luke: Cheese quesadilla & leftover veggies, chicken fingers & tater tots, PB/ham and cheese sandwich w/ applesauce & raisins, etc
Snacks- Apples/bananas, granola bars, teddy grahams, cheese and crackers


Check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menus and recipes!



Thursday, March 6, 2008

Just wanted to share!

I felt the baby move today! I was soo excited! The past few days I've felt 'bumps' here and there but wasn't really sure if that's what I was feeling. But today I got to feel a whole series of movements! It's still very slight and not noticeable from the outside... but lucky me gets to feel it! I have been waiting on this moment! What a blessing!

With Luke, I felt him much later. I was probably closer to 18 wks when I first felt him move. But they (whoever 'they' are) say that you sometimes feel it sooner with the 2nd because you know more of what to expect. I will be 15 wks tomorrow.. so either I already knew what it would feel like or this little one is going to be a kick boxer! I'm hoping the first is true, considering I know the movements will get a lot stronger!

Thanks for sharing in my joy!

Monday, March 3, 2008

Menu Plan Monday

UPDATE- I updated my menu, I'm not sure why because I doubt any of you really care whether or not I changed it. :-) But anyways, my pregnancy brain forgot that I had bought all of the stuff for a chicken casserole (Which is so easy and yummy! Click the link below for the recipe!). I bought enough chicken to make chicken salad! I cut out the tuna melts, which I'm sure we'll have next week.... and we had the chicken wraps for lunch yesterday. No harm, no foul.. actually lots of foul this week.... HAHAHA, get it.. chicken/foul. OK, that was lame.




Well, I'm gonna attempt to start my menu's back today! My grocery budget has gone out the window so I've really got to get back to planning. Since I'm feeling lots better (tummy wise) I've been cooking more... (I am suffering from frequent headaches at the moment though... ahh!!) I actually made green beans (frozen) last week and cut up an onion to put in it. R walked by me as I was chopping the onion and looked at me like I was crazy. I knew he was surprised to actually see me using some form of cooking skill. BTW, have I ever told you how I make green beans? Now, I love me some fresh gb's but I use frozen a lot too. I buy the long whole gb's frozen, heat up some olive oil in a pan, chop an onion (I like big chunks) and normally add fresh garlic, although my taste buds have been keeping me away from the garlic these days. I saute the onion a few minutes and then dump in the green beans w/ some salt & pepper. Put a lid on for 5-7 minutes and then remove the lid for maybe 5 more (this helps to remove moisture, so they are kind of crisp). Sometimes I add a little butter at the end too.. you know, when I'm feeling Paula Deen-ish! Anyway, they are SO good! :)


So here's my menu... mind you, this one was a thrown together at the last minute kind of thing. I've got to get back into the hang of this!


Monday- Chicken Spaghetti, Salad (we had this tonight.. and Luke ate some! I was sooo surprised)


Wednesday- Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Green Beans

Thursday- Mexican Pizza

Friday- Tacos

Saturday- leftovers

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Overwhelmed

I've been doing a lot of reading the past few days, not just out of Isaiah but some other books as well. Books on theology, etc. God has reveled more of Himself through these things to me and it has been amazing...

To say the least I am a bit overwhelmed (in a good way, just want to clarify before I go any farther). Overwhelmed by God and His ways. Overwhelmed by God and His sovereignty. Overwhelmed by God and His character. Overwhelmed by God's righteousness and mercy. Overwhelmed by God's perfection and holiness.... by His goodness and also His justice.

I am baffled and amazed at how big He is. Words cannot express the awe and wonder I feel when I think of Him. What a magnificent God!

And He chose me. He saved me. Oh how unworthy I feel. I want to burst with joy.. and burst with tears all at the same time. I feel so small and insignificant... and I am. But He saved me and clothed me in His righteousness. I can never get over it.

I just wanted to share my heart.