We have gotten a lot of our family traditions covered so far, and have added a few new ones.
We have:
seen the Nutcracker
decorated
adopted families to support
made cookies(a never ending process at our house)
watched "It's a Wonderful Life", Christmas Vacation, and other Christmas movies
done our advent calendar
picked for Secret Santa with the kids
made a list of "Gifts we have already received" for our fridge to remind us of all we already have
Life is so busy at our house, but we try to catch brief periods of time we are all together to do these traditions to help remind us how blessed we are and why we celebrate.
Meals:
Monday
Wet Burrito casserole (finally made!)
Not sure how it will be received!
Tuesday
Tacos
Wednesday
Beef stew in crock pot
bread
Thursday
Beef and noodles
mashed potatoes
Friday
Pigs in a blanket
Saturday
Chili
Monday, December 10, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Monday Menus
It has been so hard to get back into the swing of menus and eating at home these past couple of weeks. We have had games or practices of some sort every night. Eating together has been rare, which makes me very sad.
Monday
Subway-bball game at HSE tonight
Tuesday
Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken
salad
Wednesday
Wet burrito casserole
( I never made this a couple weeks ago!)
Thursday
Broccoli cheese soup in crock pot
Friday
Chili in the crock pot
Weekend
Monday
Subway-bball game at HSE tonight
Tuesday
Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken
salad
Wednesday
Wet burrito casserole
( I never made this a couple weeks ago!)
Thursday
Broccoli cheese soup in crock pot
Friday
Chili in the crock pot
Weekend
Monday, November 12, 2012
Monday Menus
I went with 110 high school girls on a retreat this weekend, as their nurse. Luckily the girls are pretty low maintenance. The boys health aid sent me pictures of black eyes and swollen knees. I took a nap and the girls did crafts! I am tired though, sleep is poor on a 2 inch foam mattress in a musty cabin. Worth it though, I always learn as much as the girls.
I am not defined by my blah, blah, blah. I am God's masterpiece and He made me, me for a reason! What a great reminder!
Monday
Baked potatoes in the crock pot
(Wrap potaotes in foil and place in crock for 8 hours on low)
lots of toppings
Tuesday
Away basketball game
Homemade Pizza pockets with leftovers,or eat out if we don't have time.
Wednesday
Chicken and rice soup in crock pot.
Thursday
Wet Burrito Casserole
Friday- no school!
Pizza and or leftovers
I am not defined by my blah, blah, blah. I am God's masterpiece and He made me, me for a reason! What a great reminder!
Monday
Baked potatoes in the crock pot
(Wrap potaotes in foil and place in crock for 8 hours on low)
lots of toppings
Tuesday
Away basketball game
Homemade Pizza pockets with leftovers,or eat out if we don't have time.
Wednesday
Chicken and rice soup in crock pot.
Thursday
Wet Burrito Casserole
Friday- no school!
Pizza and or leftovers
Monday, November 5, 2012
Monday Menus
Monday
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Tuesday
Potato soup
Broccoli cheese soup
Wednesday
leftover soup
bread
Thursday
Chicken parmesan
Friday
chili
I am gone all weekend, so hopefully we will have enough leftovers to keep them fed!
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Tuesday
Potato soup
Broccoli cheese soup
Wednesday
leftover soup
bread
Thursday
Chicken parmesan
Friday
chili
I am gone all weekend, so hopefully we will have enough leftovers to keep them fed!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Menus
We are eating out of our pantry and freezer this week.
Monday
Lazy Cooks Chicken
Quinoa and brown rice
pineapple
Tuesday
Taco Salad
Wednesday
Taco soup in the crock pot
bread
Thursday
Chicken tacos
Friday
out to eat (going to concert)
Monday
Lazy Cooks Chicken
Quinoa and brown rice
pineapple
Tuesday
Taco Salad
Wednesday
Taco soup in the crock pot
bread
Thursday
Chicken tacos
Friday
out to eat (going to concert)
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monday Menus
We made it through the rice and beans week, and even ended it with a trip to DQ for ice cream friday night. mmmm, pumpkin pie blizzards!
This weeks challenge is living off a food stamp budget. $4. per person per day. I think Aaron will be eating part of my portion too! We are only doing this for 3 days, due to fall break.
Breakfast is cereal or eggs, lunch is pb and j, fruit, cheese, granola bar. Minimal snacks too.
Monday
Spaghetti with meat sauce
garlic bread(if you haven't spent your days money yet!)
Tuesday
Beef and noodles
mashed potatoes
green beans
Wednesday
Chili
fritos
Thursday
Fall Break
This weeks challenge is living off a food stamp budget. $4. per person per day. I think Aaron will be eating part of my portion too! We are only doing this for 3 days, due to fall break.
Breakfast is cereal or eggs, lunch is pb and j, fruit, cheese, granola bar. Minimal snacks too.
Monday
Spaghetti with meat sauce
garlic bread(if you haven't spent your days money yet!)
Tuesday
Beef and noodles
mashed potatoes
green beans
Wednesday
Chili
fritos
Thursday
Fall Break
This time last year, we were in Haiti!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday Menus- Hunger Challenge
Our church is doing a Hunger Challenge all this month. This week is beans and rice week. Our family is having beans and rice for dinner every night. The girls and I will be having it for lunch too. We may add a breakfast in there too, but that will be hard. The boys are going to have a hard enough time with no snacks and just rice and beans for dinner. They like rice and beans, but this is a lot.
"Today, three billion people will eat rice and beans as their only meal. Not because they want to, but because it is the only food available or all they can afford. For this week’s challenge, you and members of your family will join 28% of the people in the world for a “common meal” of rice and beans. " This is from our church's website.
Here we go: Monday
Rice and beans- haitian style
Tuesday and wednesday- we get a family to sponsor us so we can now afford some flatbread with it .
Rice and beans
tortillas
Thursday-
Rice and beans
tortilla -1 per person per day
peppers
Friday- someone in our family has gotten a job, we can now afford 1 piece of chicken for our family to share.
Rice and Beans
tortilla
peppers
chicken breast
"Today, three billion people will eat rice and beans as their only meal. Not because they want to, but because it is the only food available or all they can afford. For this week’s challenge, you and members of your family will join 28% of the people in the world for a “common meal” of rice and beans. " This is from our church's website.
Here we go: Monday
Rice and beans- haitian style
Tuesday and wednesday- we get a family to sponsor us so we can now afford some flatbread with it .
Rice and beans
tortillas
Thursday-
Rice and beans
tortilla -1 per person per day
peppers
Friday- someone in our family has gotten a job, we can now afford 1 piece of chicken for our family to share.
Rice and Beans
tortilla
peppers
chicken breast
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Costumes-WFMW
In years past we have been:
smores
the statue of liberty
an ice cream cone
scarecrow
a multitude of sports characters
an indian
a nurse
a doctor(scrubs are cheap at goodwill)
lots of princesses
dinosaur
a knight
Harry Potter
Elastagirl from the incredibles
My favorite story of Halloween was when Andrew wanted to be an African American football player- I think it was Edgerrin James,a Colt. He said, "I look just like him mom". I replied that "you have different colored skin is all." and He said "Oh mom, no one ever looks at that anyway!". Ahh, the innocence!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Monday Menus
I am beat. A weekend Junior high girls retreat kicked my tail! Joe and I are starting another 10 day cleanse, so we will not be eating a lot of this food. Protein and vegetables for us!
Monday
Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo(CC dinner)
salad
bread
Tuesday
Chicken on the grill
salad
fruit
Wednesday
Chicken Pot Pie
fruit
Thursday
Philly Cheesesteaks (Market day kit)
Friday
Pizza or soup
Monday
Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo(CC dinner)
salad
bread
Tuesday
Chicken on the grill
salad
fruit
Wednesday
Chicken Pot Pie
fruit
Thursday
Philly Cheesesteaks (Market day kit)
Friday
Pizza or soup
Monday, October 1, 2012
Monday
This was how I spent most of my day Saturday. Aaron won the state meet for Middle Schools in our state. This was his goal since last years race when he finished 35th. He worked hard this past year and it paid off! What a joy to watch him run. What a cool friendship these two have started. They realized that they were competting with each other at all of their joint meets. They exchanged numbers and text each other all the time now. They have had matching shoes for this race !
We also had football, and soccer Saturday. Luckily it was an absolutely beautiful weekend to be outside.
Ann's soccer game on Sunday was fun to watch, we snapped a team picture since over half the team was gone on picture day! (now I can't figure out how to turn it-ugh)
On to Menus:
Monday: Pizza Casserole- pasta dish for the night before the night before a race (we are learning these CC tricks!)
garlic bread
Tuesday:
Turkey sausage, mac and cheese, fruit
Wednesday:
London Broil on the grill(sale piece of meat)
salad
Thursday:
Chicken and rice bake
fruit
Friday
Chili
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
How to have more peace in the backseat!
With 4 kids and often our neighbor in the backseat, it seems we were always having squabbles over who gets to sit where and by who.
To solve this we numbered popcicle sticks and assigned a number to a seat. Whatever numbered stick they pull out is assigned to that seat. It was amazing how they learned to work together to get to sit where they wanted too. "I get car sick", "I don't mind sitting in the back" replaced the fighting, they traded around.
Now we just have to say, "pull a stick" and they figure it out peacefully. I still keep them in the glove box though.
We originated this on a trip to the Grand Canyon. We had been driving a lot with 5 kids and the fighting was horrible. After a quick trip to the DQ, with each of them getting a dilly bar, we used their used sticks and created this system!
Good Luck!
Monday, September 24, 2012
This boy...
We talk a lot about using our gifts for His glory. How do you run for His glory? He has found a few ways. Brings tears to his mama's eyes.
He has won every race this season. He waits at the end of the chute and encourages all of the finishers, not just his teammates.
He suggested they pray before the race as a team. They have different boys pray each race. These are 13-14 year old boys, they astound me!
He is a peer facilitator at his school and is with a boy with a traumatic brain injury, confined to a wheelchair, unable to speak. Aaron pushes him around the school and loves to make him laugh. He is considering asking if he can run with him on the track to see if he would like it!
I love watching God work in my children's lives, it brings me so much joy.
Monday Menus
Busy weekend of birthday fun with my baby turning 10. Someone told me when my kids were real little the quote: "The days are long, but the years are short." I find this to be so true. Seems like yesterday I was complaining that I couldn't leave the house with my brood. I would be so happy to not leave the house for days on end now! Seasons of life, this season will pass too quickly too and they will be grown up. I am trying to savor these moments and make good memories for my kids. I want them to look back and say "Mom loved God first, and she loved me well". Hard, weary work.
Monday
Chili in the crock pot
We have a Cross Country meet, and it is going to be chilly outside. My chili is so basic, but the kids love it.
Tuesday
Grilled flank steak
Grilling season is coming to a close, so I want to get some more in before it gets too cold
Big salad
Wednesday
Shredded chicken tacos (crock pot)
Thursday
Leftovers
Friday
Pizza or out to eat.
My recipe for Chili:
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground turkey
1 large can tomato sauce
1 large can of water
1 envelope chili seasoning
3 cans of beans, 1 pinto, 1 kidney, 1 black
Cook in crock pot all day
Serve with cheese and fritos.
Monday
Chili in the crock pot
We have a Cross Country meet, and it is going to be chilly outside. My chili is so basic, but the kids love it.
Tuesday
Grilled flank steak
Grilling season is coming to a close, so I want to get some more in before it gets too cold
Big salad
Wednesday
Shredded chicken tacos (crock pot)
Thursday
Leftovers
Friday
Pizza or out to eat.
My recipe for Chili:
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground turkey
1 large can tomato sauce
1 large can of water
1 envelope chili seasoning
3 cans of beans, 1 pinto, 1 kidney, 1 black
Cook in crock pot all day
Serve with cheese and fritos.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Monday Menus
It was a little bit calmer weekend, not as many games. The weather has been gorgeous, and I got to shop for a homecoming dress for my oldest. So glad she doesn't mind shopping second hand! We have a crazy weekend coming up with Andrew's birthday, a party, small group, homecoming and a going away party. Andrew gets braces this week, Joe gets contacts and I get to have someone clean my house! Whoo hoo. I still have to cook though, so here is our week long menu.
Monday
Chicken Pot pie
Watermelon
Tuesday
Grilled chicken breast
Caesar salad
watermelon
Wednesday
Cheeseburger soup in the crock pot
bread
Thursday
Shredded chicken in crock pot for Tacos
Friday
pizza
Monday
Chicken Pot pie
Watermelon
Tuesday
Grilled chicken breast
Caesar salad
watermelon
Wednesday
Cheeseburger soup in the crock pot
bread
Thursday
Shredded chicken in crock pot for Tacos
Friday
pizza
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Recipe- Stuffed Peppers
Ok, so please know that I strongly dislike (we try not to say hate too often around here) green peppers. Any peppers, really.
A friend gave me a bag of green peppers from her garden and I thought I would give stuffed peppers a shot. I looked through a bunch of recipe sites and couldn't find what I was looking for. They were either too fancy, too unhealthy, or just gross sounding. So.... I made up a recipe, for something I didn't think I would like.
I cooked them in the crock pot too! When I got home from work, I thought eww the house stinks like peppers! Once I tasted them, I changed my mind about the poor, defenseless green pepper. These are so good. 2 out of 4 of the kids liked them. Ann is my harshest critic, and Andrew thought they looked "disgusting". He will try one after football practice though.
I used ingredients I had around the house. I used leftover spaghetti sauce from our meal last night too. Regular tomato sauce would work too I guess.
Tia's Stuffed Peppers
Filling:
2 cups brown/wild rice
1 pound browned turkey sausage
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 onion diced small and browned in olive oil (kids can't see them)(you could add peppers too, remember I don't like them though :)
2-3 cups spaghetti sauce (depending how saucy you want it)
Mix all together.
Cut the tops off and deseed the peppers. Fill with the filling and sprinkle with some cheese( I used Mexican cheese, because that is what was in my fridge)
Bake in crock pot on low for 3-4 hours. I turned it on "keep warm" until we could eat them.
A friend gave me a bag of green peppers from her garden and I thought I would give stuffed peppers a shot. I looked through a bunch of recipe sites and couldn't find what I was looking for. They were either too fancy, too unhealthy, or just gross sounding. So.... I made up a recipe, for something I didn't think I would like.
I cooked them in the crock pot too! When I got home from work, I thought eww the house stinks like peppers! Once I tasted them, I changed my mind about the poor, defenseless green pepper. These are so good. 2 out of 4 of the kids liked them. Ann is my harshest critic, and Andrew thought they looked "disgusting". He will try one after football practice though.
I used ingredients I had around the house. I used leftover spaghetti sauce from our meal last night too. Regular tomato sauce would work too I guess.
Tia's Stuffed Peppers
Filling:
2 cups brown/wild rice
1 pound browned turkey sausage
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 onion diced small and browned in olive oil (kids can't see them)(you could add peppers too, remember I don't like them though :)
2-3 cups spaghetti sauce (depending how saucy you want it)
Mix all together.
Cut the tops off and deseed the peppers. Fill with the filling and sprinkle with some cheese( I used Mexican cheese, because that is what was in my fridge)
Bake in crock pot on low for 3-4 hours. I turned it on "keep warm" until we could eat them.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Monday Menus- I'm back!
I need to get back on my menu and schedule, so this is a step in the right direction.
Monday
Crock pot Beer chicken- new pinterest recipe.
(kids thought me buying beer was hysterical!)
salad
brown rice
Tuesday
Hamburgers on grill
green beans
tomatoes
Wednesday
Spaghetti and meatballs with whole wheat spaghetti
Thursday
Chili in crock pot
fritos and cheese for toppings
Friday
leftovers
Monday
Crock pot Beer chicken- new pinterest recipe.
(kids thought me buying beer was hysterical!)
salad
brown rice
Tuesday
Hamburgers on grill
green beans
tomatoes
Wednesday
Spaghetti and meatballs with whole wheat spaghetti
Thursday
Chili in crock pot
fritos and cheese for toppings
Friday
leftovers
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Menus on a Tuesday
“Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps. 73: 24-26
This is my prayer today. God is my strength when I am feeling overwhelmed, and that is me today. Thankful I have a heavenly father to help carry the load!
Tuesday
Homemade crock pot spaghetti sauce
Wednesday
Pizza Calzones and Ham and cheese calzones
watermelon
Thursday
Lazy cooks chicken
corn on the cob
watermelon
Friday
Leftovers
Saturday and Sunday
Baseball and soccer
This is what I did all weekend. Watched my baby play baseball, I love it!
And then we visited my MIL for her birthday.
Sweet baby Sydney!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Making Breakfast ahead of time(recipe)-WFMW
He loves biscuits and gravy, so I started making a huge batch on Sunday and dividing it up into glass storage bowls for him to reheat every morning. It is working, and he says it still tastes great. Homemade always tastes better!
I keep muffins and pancakes made in the freezer also. The girls think biscuits and gravy is gross!
Biscuits and Gravy
I use frozen biscuit dough because I am lazy! I will try homemade this summer. I make one whole bag of Kroger brand biscuits.
While they are baking I brown 1# of breakfast sausage.
Add 1/2 stick of butter as it is finishing browning
Once there is no longer any pink, add 1/4 cup flour and combine
Add in slowly 3 cups of milk and stir
Allow to thicken and add salt and pepper to taste.
I put 1-2 biscuits, sliced in half, in a bowl and then add the gravy to cover.
That's it- yummy! It works for me!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Monday Menus and a recipe
Busy, busy weekend, but fun too.
Baseball, soccer, and track made it fun for the kids. I love watching them have fun playing sports. When they have improved and have some success, the look on their face is priceless. Aaron got 2 Personal record times on Friday at the county meet. That is a wonderful thing about track, he came in 5th and 3rd, but he had 2 PR's, so it wasn't disappointing. His time for the 1600 meters was 4:53 and for the 2400 m was 7:50. He was thrilled, I love watching him run!
Annie has been working so hard on her soccer and it has really clicked this year. She has a great coach, and he has really pushed her and gave her confidence! She had 3 goals! In the heat she played in, it was surprising that her asthma didn't bother her more!
Andrew is in baseball and he is not sure he will be returning next year. It is a frustrating sport for him, feast or famine. His attention span can be short when he is in the outfield. Watching him finally get his hitting going and getting a triple was great. I had just got to the game, so I told him he just needed his Momma there. It made him smile, even though they got beat! He loves basketball, so he may just stick to that.
Amy skipped her game to go to a photo shoot we gave her for her birthday. It was a shoot of Amy and 4 of her best friends. They had a blast doing it and we can't wait to see the pictures! She got licensed as a lifeguard this weekend too, so she is set for her summer job coaching a neighborhood swim team!
I literally ran from event to event, did laundry and cleaned the house. Cooking for us and a few guests thrown in too. I went to bed last night and told Joe I just felt weary. He said "why?". hmmmmm? I wonder.
Monday
Flat iron steak
salad
strawberries(I bought some from the upick, I "picked" them from their table :)
grilled zucchini
Tuesday
meatballs in the crock pot
baked beans
strawberries
Wednesday
leftover grilled chicken in a salad
Thursday
chicken sausage on the grill
green beans
macaroni and cheese
Friday
Dinner at a friends(with a pool! whoohoo)
Recipe:
Grilled chicken Marinade
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 packet steak seasoning ( we have used Montreal and Luau, both where good)
1/4 cup brown sugar.
marinade chicken for at least an hour or overnight
We had this , this weekend and it was so good. I used it on chicken tenderloins and they cooked quick and browned beautifully!
Baseball, soccer, and track made it fun for the kids. I love watching them have fun playing sports. When they have improved and have some success, the look on their face is priceless. Aaron got 2 Personal record times on Friday at the county meet. That is a wonderful thing about track, he came in 5th and 3rd, but he had 2 PR's, so it wasn't disappointing. His time for the 1600 meters was 4:53 and for the 2400 m was 7:50. He was thrilled, I love watching him run!
Annie has been working so hard on her soccer and it has really clicked this year. She has a great coach, and he has really pushed her and gave her confidence! She had 3 goals! In the heat she played in, it was surprising that her asthma didn't bother her more!
Andrew is in baseball and he is not sure he will be returning next year. It is a frustrating sport for him, feast or famine. His attention span can be short when he is in the outfield. Watching him finally get his hitting going and getting a triple was great. I had just got to the game, so I told him he just needed his Momma there. It made him smile, even though they got beat! He loves basketball, so he may just stick to that.
Amy skipped her game to go to a photo shoot we gave her for her birthday. It was a shoot of Amy and 4 of her best friends. They had a blast doing it and we can't wait to see the pictures! She got licensed as a lifeguard this weekend too, so she is set for her summer job coaching a neighborhood swim team!
I literally ran from event to event, did laundry and cleaned the house. Cooking for us and a few guests thrown in too. I went to bed last night and told Joe I just felt weary. He said "why?". hmmmmm? I wonder.
Monday
Flat iron steak
salad
strawberries(I bought some from the upick, I "picked" them from their table :)
grilled zucchini
Tuesday
meatballs in the crock pot
baked beans
strawberries
Wednesday
leftover grilled chicken in a salad
Thursday
chicken sausage on the grill
green beans
macaroni and cheese
Friday
Dinner at a friends(with a pool! whoohoo)
Recipe:
Grilled chicken Marinade
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 packet steak seasoning ( we have used Montreal and Luau, both where good)
1/4 cup brown sugar.
marinade chicken for at least an hour or overnight
We had this , this weekend and it was so good. I used it on chicken tenderloins and they cooked quick and browned beautifully!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Monday Menus and more
We had a great weekend full of birthdays, and family. Lunch yesterday was for 15 with my mom and mother in law both in attendance. Who knows how many more years we will have that. We celebrated Amy's 16th and mothers. Steaks on the grill (which broke, and I spent the day Saturday running all over looking for a part!) hamburgers and hotdogs too, Caesar salad, macaroni salad, fruit tray, veggie tray, grilled asparagus,rolls and angel food cake with strawberries and raspberries. Yummy! The kids gave me a scrapbook that Annie made with lists of why they love me from each of the kids. It is pretty funny and I will cherish it forever! Joe got me a chai from Starbucks and then we all worked together to get the house ready for our guests! It was actually a relaxing day, the weather was gorgeous and we spent it outside and on our back porch.
I felt very blessed to be able to host, to have everyone there, to make the mothers happy, to have all my kids home. I always dreamt of having a big family and days to spend together. Yesterday was a dream like day, even if they still fought! That is part of my life right now and it won't last forever. This season of parenting we are in is hard. We are so busy, running around and keeping up. Work this year has been a hard adjustment, mostly for me. I still want to do everything, but I have far less time to do it in. Remembering what is important and having the right perspective has helped me tremendously. Prayer too. I drove home from the grocery store on mothers day, feeling a bit sorry for myself. Facebook showed all these other moms getting ipads, pampered, dinner out etc. It is easy to fall into the comparison game. I prayed for peace and perspective. God delivered and reminded me that we all have troubles and I don't want to be in another family. He put me right where I am for a reason. I may not be the princess anymore in my family, but Jesus is always my King and I will always be His princess.
Onto a lighter note--Menus
Monday
Spaghetti and meatballs- a gift from a friend
Leftover turkey and bacon shish kabobs
strawberries and raspberries
Tuesday
Tacos
Wednesday
Taco salad
Thursday
Chicken Caesar salad
Chicken fettuccine Alfredo.
Friday
County meet, probably eat out.
Saturday
at the ballpark all day
Dinner at a friends
Sunday
who knows!
We have a big track week this week, so carb loading a bit.
I felt very blessed to be able to host, to have everyone there, to make the mothers happy, to have all my kids home. I always dreamt of having a big family and days to spend together. Yesterday was a dream like day, even if they still fought! That is part of my life right now and it won't last forever. This season of parenting we are in is hard. We are so busy, running around and keeping up. Work this year has been a hard adjustment, mostly for me. I still want to do everything, but I have far less time to do it in. Remembering what is important and having the right perspective has helped me tremendously. Prayer too. I drove home from the grocery store on mothers day, feeling a bit sorry for myself. Facebook showed all these other moms getting ipads, pampered, dinner out etc. It is easy to fall into the comparison game. I prayed for peace and perspective. God delivered and reminded me that we all have troubles and I don't want to be in another family. He put me right where I am for a reason. I may not be the princess anymore in my family, but Jesus is always my King and I will always be His princess.
Onto a lighter note--Menus
Monday
Spaghetti and meatballs- a gift from a friend
Leftover turkey and bacon shish kabobs
strawberries and raspberries
Tuesday
Tacos
Wednesday
Taco salad
Thursday
Chicken Caesar salad
Chicken fettuccine Alfredo.
Friday
County meet, probably eat out.
Saturday
at the ballpark all day
Dinner at a friends
Sunday
who knows!
We have a big track week this week, so carb loading a bit.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Monday Menus
I know, it's Tuesday. I told my husband last night that I feel like I am standing at the subway station and my life is rushing by, like the subways do. Bottom line is, I am crazy busy. Actually I think I am just Crazy!
Monday
Asian Chicken(bumped from last week)
rice
pineapple
Tuesday
pigs in a blanket(by popular request)
mac and cheese
apples
Wednesday
Orange chicken
rice
leftover pineapple
Thursday
Joe is gone, so it's leftover night!
Friday
Pizza
Sunday
Steaks on the grill for Amy's sweet 16!
(Oh yeah, it's mothers day too. We will see if that gets acknowledged or not :))
Monday
Asian Chicken(bumped from last week)
rice
pineapple
Tuesday
pigs in a blanket(by popular request)
mac and cheese
apples
Wednesday
Orange chicken
rice
leftover pineapple
Thursday
Joe is gone, so it's leftover night!
Friday
Pizza
Sunday
Steaks on the grill for Amy's sweet 16!
(Oh yeah, it's mothers day too. We will see if that gets acknowledged or not :))
Monday, April 30, 2012
Monday Menus
Monday
Italian chicken- I have had this on the menu for 3 weeks and it keeps getting bumped. We are eating it tonight!
Potatoes
Mac and cheese
Strawberries
Tuesday
Tacos
rice
Wednesday
Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo
broccoli
Thursday
Asian honey chicken
rice
green beans
pineapple
Friday
Pizza
Italian chicken- I have had this on the menu for 3 weeks and it keeps getting bumped. We are eating it tonight!
Potatoes
Mac and cheese
Strawberries
Tuesday
Tacos
rice
Wednesday
Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo
broccoli
Thursday
Asian honey chicken
rice
green beans
pineapple
Friday
Pizza
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Less Stress Mornings
With all 6 of us leaving for school and work in the morning, life at our house can be quite hectic. Here are some things we have done to create less stress. You will notice I didn't say "no" stress, because some is inevitable!
1. Clothes out the night before. This way we are not looking for socks, or clean clothes in the morning when there is little time and I can't wash and dry them that fast!
2. Pack lunches the night before. Joe and I share this responsibility. I try to have carrots, apples chips etc. portioned out on the weekend so we just grab and pack at night.
3. Kids pack their backpacks the night before. They usually find a paper that needs signed or a forgotten assignment before its too late this way.
4. Prepare for the next day. Swim practice bag packed, track bag packed etc. I can't take forgotten things in as often now as I work full time, so it has taught them to be prepared.
5. Have quick breakfast foods available. The kids make their own breakfast for the most part. I make a big batch of Biscuits and gravy on Sundays and portion it out for the boys breakfasts every morning. They just heat up a single serving container and they have a filling breakfast. Bananas and breakfast bars, muffins, freezer pancakes are always available.
6. Our totes. Each child has a tote for their backpack, coat, shoes etc. If they put things where they belong, it works great! It helps a lot when they get up late etc. to know where everything is quickly in one spot.
These tricks work for me!
1. Clothes out the night before. This way we are not looking for socks, or clean clothes in the morning when there is little time and I can't wash and dry them that fast!
2. Pack lunches the night before. Joe and I share this responsibility. I try to have carrots, apples chips etc. portioned out on the weekend so we just grab and pack at night.
3. Kids pack their backpacks the night before. They usually find a paper that needs signed or a forgotten assignment before its too late this way.
4. Prepare for the next day. Swim practice bag packed, track bag packed etc. I can't take forgotten things in as often now as I work full time, so it has taught them to be prepared.
5. Have quick breakfast foods available. The kids make their own breakfast for the most part. I make a big batch of Biscuits and gravy on Sundays and portion it out for the boys breakfasts every morning. They just heat up a single serving container and they have a filling breakfast. Bananas and breakfast bars, muffins, freezer pancakes are always available.
6. Our totes. Each child has a tote for their backpack, coat, shoes etc. If they put things where they belong, it works great! It helps a lot when they get up late etc. to know where everything is quickly in one spot.
These tricks work for me!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Monday Menus
Monday
Philly cheessteak sloppy joes (pinterest recipe)
apples
green beans
Tuesday
Grilled chicken
salad
Wednesday
Spaghetti and meatballs
breadsticks
Thursday
Tacos
Friday
Pizza
Philly cheessteak sloppy joes (pinterest recipe)
apples
green beans
Tuesday
Grilled chicken
salad
Wednesday
Spaghetti and meatballs
breadsticks
Thursday
Tacos
Friday
Pizza
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Chore sticks-WFMW
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday Menu
Monday
Beef tips in the crock pot
rice
salad
strawberries
Tuesday
Pork loin in the crock pot
baked potatoes
salad
strawberries
Wednesday
bbq chicken
beans and rice
(we didn't have this last week)
Thursday
Italian chicken
boiled potatoes
green beans
Friday
pizza
weekend
soups
Last week's menus didn't come close to what we actually ate. I was sick Tuesday through Thursday and the kids ate hot dogs, mac and cheese and ravioli. And they lived! Our plan is flexible!
I went to Kroger Saturday night (exciting, I know!) and they had ground beef and turkey on clearance! How could I get so lucky?!
I bought a bunch and it inspired me to make about 10 meals Sunday morning to stick in the freezer. Ground beef/turkey mixture in 3 bags to throw in recipes, 2 bags of meatballs, 2 BBQ chicken, 2 lime marinated chicken for the grill, Asian honey chicken, and sausage gravy with biscuits for breakfast this week for my boys. I feel so much better having these meals on hand!
Beef tips in the crock pot
rice
salad
strawberries
Tuesday
Pork loin in the crock pot
baked potatoes
salad
strawberries
Wednesday
bbq chicken
beans and rice
(we didn't have this last week)
Thursday
Italian chicken
boiled potatoes
green beans
Friday
pizza
weekend
soups
Last week's menus didn't come close to what we actually ate. I was sick Tuesday through Thursday and the kids ate hot dogs, mac and cheese and ravioli. And they lived! Our plan is flexible!
I went to Kroger Saturday night (exciting, I know!) and they had ground beef and turkey on clearance! How could I get so lucky?!
I bought a bunch and it inspired me to make about 10 meals Sunday morning to stick in the freezer. Ground beef/turkey mixture in 3 bags to throw in recipes, 2 bags of meatballs, 2 BBQ chicken, 2 lime marinated chicken for the grill, Asian honey chicken, and sausage gravy with biscuits for breakfast this week for my boys. I feel so much better having these meals on hand!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
How to take an affordable vacation-WFMW
We love family vacations. With a big, active family it is hard to stay connected and make memories sometimes. Vacations are good for our family. With money tight, it can be very hard and seem almost impossible at times. Here are a few ideas that have helped us and may help you too.
1. Find friends or relatives to stay with or use their condo etc. I know this isn't always an option, but look into it. We stay at a friends condo in Hilton Head for a fraction of the cost most condos go for.
We have had so much fun staying with friends in Arizona, Texas and Florida. It saves money and is a lot of fun. Locals are great resources for sight seeing etc. too. Don't be afraid to ask, most people are happy to have visitors, especially if they live far from family!
2. Use discount sites. We have had great luck using these sites(priceline, hotwire etc.) for hotels and airfare. I have learned though to call a hotel and tell them the deal you are getting on a discount site and a lot of times they are able to match or exceed the deal and you can gain the travel points. It is easier to change or cancel a reservation if it is through the company rather than a discount site too.
3. Plan ahead. I start buying gift cards for meals etc. months in advance. I save up all my credit card rewards, rebates and gifts to be used on vacation. That way it isn't such a shock to your budget when you do go on vacation. This past trip we had $250 in meal cards and $250 in cash cards for gas saved up. That helps a lot. Also, call ahead or research the area you are going to. Often there are free events, but you have to sign up early. The case in Washington DC for us was that we had to write our Senators to get tours of the White House, the Capitol building and the Bureau of Engraving 3 months in advance, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to go.
4. Take advantage of free stuff. Parks and tours in popular areas are often free. Hiking and looking at God's beauty is also usually free or low cost. Our last trip to Washington DC was full of free tours. With DC though, you have to plan ahead for tours. See #3. Our favorite thing in DC was a free walking tour recommended by my brother. The guide was a retired teacher and he was awesome! He will only take tips! (Walk of the Town tour! btw)
6. Enjoy the unexpected. We don't have cable at home, so watching cable at the condo is a fun part of vacation. Eating in isn't such a big deal when it saves time that we can watch "Storage Wars" after dinner! Enjoy walks on the beach(free), playing tennis, ping pong, or shuffleboard at the condo(free), runs or walks(free), and reading lots of books by the pool or beach (free)!
By doing these things you can relax and enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank or worrying how this is going to get paid for. It also teaches your kids that these vacations are a privilege and to be grateful for the time away. It also teaches them to live with less. I know this is counter cultural, and can be hard for each of us. Baby steps!
One of the kids favorite things about the Washington DC trip was riding on the metro! It wasn't free but a means to get where we needed to efficiently and affordably!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Monday Menus
After a week on the road, I am ready for some consistency! I am not ready for the crazy busy pace my life is zooming toward!
Monday
Meatloaf
red potatoes
green beans
Tuesday
Shredded BBQ chicken
Beans and rice
fruit
Wednesday
Shredded beef in crock pot
rolls
fruit
Thursday
Left overs
Friday
Chili in the crock pot
Saturday
Potato soup in the crock pot
Monday
Meatloaf
red potatoes
green beans
Tuesday
Shredded BBQ chicken
Beans and rice
fruit
Wednesday
Shredded beef in crock pot
rolls
fruit
Thursday
Left overs
Friday
Chili in the crock pot
Saturday
Potato soup in the crock pot
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
El Salvador
Annie and I are heading back to San Salvador, El Salvador this summer. We had our first team meeting last week and it got us both excited to go.
I can't wait to see Jose Manuel, our little boy that we support. I wonder if he will even remember me? Loving on him can be hard, he has had a rough life and doesn't trust many. We pray for him every night and have his picture on our refrigerator. He is a part of our family. I am not sure he knows what a real family is. His house parents and other orphans are his family.
We leave June 9 and come home June 16th. We are excited to be able to participate in a Toms shoe distribution while we are there too.
Ann will be helping with a VBS program for the kids and I will be on the construction team. I am not skilled, but I am willing :).
Our fund raising is up to the half way mark with support letters sent out and Christmas baking funds. Ann has been saving up, babysitting and birthday money.
We have raised $2375 and we need $3500. We will hopefully be able to get that this next week.
The center of the volcano, has been inactive for 20 years. Residents are still scared of it.
The kids and I with Jose Manuel. We pray for him everyday!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Monday Menus
The girls and I had a relaxing weekend at home while the boys were off at a basketball tournament. We ate out a lot, and shopped a little and just relaxed and had fun.
I did start the packing process for our Spring Break trip this week, it is an all week process for me. Working full time stinks like that :).
Monday
Breakfast burritos
salad
Tuesday
Meatloaf
red potatoes
green beans
wednesday
Leftovers and clean out the fridge day!
Thursday
Chances are it will be Mcdonalds or Taco Bell, since we will be on the road!
Have a great Spring Break for all of you who get to celebrate!
I did start the packing process for our Spring Break trip this week, it is an all week process for me. Working full time stinks like that :).
Monday
Breakfast burritos
salad
Tuesday
Meatloaf
red potatoes
green beans
wednesday
Leftovers and clean out the fridge day!
Thursday
Chances are it will be Mcdonalds or Taco Bell, since we will be on the road!
Have a great Spring Break for all of you who get to celebrate!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Monday Menus
I am doing ok on the decreased grocery spending. I still spend a lot on food. Fresh fruits and vegetables are important to me, that our family eat. I was able to get a few things at Costco Friday on our day off. I forgot what an ordeal it is to take all 4 with me to the store. Geez, they are older, it should be easier, right?
I had to tell the boys to stop wrestling in the aisles more than once.
They got in trouble for going back for seconds on the samples.
They wanted everything.
I love the fruit at costco, but it is gone already and I won't get back there for awhile.
I am trying to stock up on a few things for spring break that I can. We usually take already made meals with us, and a lot of groceries too, since the prices on the island can be high. This year we are stopping in Washington DC for a few days before heading to Hilton Head Island. There will be no fridge or freezer in the DC hotel, so I will be cooking in HH. Eating out every night isn't an option for us. One night out as a family and one date night is our usual. I cook the rest of the time.
For this week! Joe is out of town most of the week, so it will be simple.
Monday
Baked Potatoes with the fixings (left overs from a friends party) FREE
Orange chicken from the freezer.
veggie stir fry
Tuesday
Potato soup (if there are leftover Potatoes)
Wednesday
Chicken fingers
mac and cheese
Berries
Thursday
Spaghetti and meatballs
garlic bread
Friday
Pizza or leftovers
I had to tell the boys to stop wrestling in the aisles more than once.
They got in trouble for going back for seconds on the samples.
They wanted everything.
I love the fruit at costco, but it is gone already and I won't get back there for awhile.
I am trying to stock up on a few things for spring break that I can. We usually take already made meals with us, and a lot of groceries too, since the prices on the island can be high. This year we are stopping in Washington DC for a few days before heading to Hilton Head Island. There will be no fridge or freezer in the DC hotel, so I will be cooking in HH. Eating out every night isn't an option for us. One night out as a family and one date night is our usual. I cook the rest of the time.
For this week! Joe is out of town most of the week, so it will be simple.
Monday
Baked Potatoes with the fixings (left overs from a friends party) FREE
Orange chicken from the freezer.
veggie stir fry
Tuesday
Potato soup (if there are leftover Potatoes)
Wednesday
Chicken fingers
mac and cheese
Berries
Thursday
Spaghetti and meatballs
garlic bread
Friday
Pizza or leftovers
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday Menus
After a busy weekend, I need another weekend to catch up. Luckily we have a 4 day week this week due to a flex day! Whoo hoo!
Monday
Hamburgers on the grill
strawberries
tater tots
Tuesday
Enchilada meatballs- new recipe
rice
green beans
Wednesday
Italian chicken- in crock pot
garlic bread
salad
Thursday
Taco shells- new recipe
fruit
Friday
Pizza
Saturday
soup in crock pot
Sunday
small group
The new recipes are from Pinterest and I will post if they are "worthy". They sure look yummy!
Monday
Hamburgers on the grill
strawberries
tater tots
Tuesday
Enchilada meatballs- new recipe
rice
green beans
Wednesday
Italian chicken- in crock pot
garlic bread
salad
Thursday
Taco shells- new recipe
fruit
Friday
Pizza
Saturday
soup in crock pot
Sunday
small group
The new recipes are from Pinterest and I will post if they are "worthy". They sure look yummy!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
WFMW- free stuff
Works for me Wednesday is a weekly event over at We are That Family <--------. Click on the sidebar to see what it is all about. A lot of great hints and tricks!
Here is mine for the week: Look for free offers online and near you!
A free Quart of paint at Ace Hardware
http://www.acehardware.com/coupon/index.jsp
This offer is ONLY for this Saturday at participating Ace Hardware Stores, and can be color matched.
I love Paint! especially when it's free!
Here is mine for the week: Look for free offers online and near you!
A free Quart of paint at Ace Hardware
http://www.acehardware.com/coupon/index.jsp
This offer is ONLY for this Saturday at participating Ace Hardware Stores, and can be color matched. I love Paint! especially when it's free!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Monday Menus
I realized that last month I spent way over budget for groceries, so I am tightening the reins a bit this month.
Eating through our pantry and going cheap! I try not to buy meat, since we bought 1/4 cow last fall, but I found stew meat marked way down yesterday when I ran in to just get 1 thing. I never come out with one thing! We are having beef tips to celebrate the great deal.
Monday
Beef tips
rice
strawberries
Tuesday- Joe gone
Chicken fried rice, made with leftover rice from last night.
I will probably have to make some chicken strips for the boys too!
fruit
Wednesday
French dip sandwiches in the crock pot. (obviously the meat is only made in the crock pot-ha!)
Recipe below
salad
Thursday
Kids meal, Joe and I have a dinner commitment
Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Friday
Soup in crock pot
Weekend in Fort Wayne balling it up!
French Dip in Crock pot
1 medium onion, sliced or chopped
3 lb Beef roast, it doesn't matter what cut.
1 envelope onion soup mix
2 bouillon cubes
1 can water or red wine or beer
1 can beef broth
Cook on high 5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours. This is usually more of a shredded beef sandwich, but the Au jus is yummy.
Serve with provolone cheese on toasted and buttered hougie buns.
Eating through our pantry and going cheap! I try not to buy meat, since we bought 1/4 cow last fall, but I found stew meat marked way down yesterday when I ran in to just get 1 thing. I never come out with one thing! We are having beef tips to celebrate the great deal.
Monday
Beef tips
rice
strawberries
Tuesday- Joe gone
Chicken fried rice, made with leftover rice from last night.
I will probably have to make some chicken strips for the boys too!
fruit
Wednesday
French dip sandwiches in the crock pot. (obviously the meat is only made in the crock pot-ha!)
Recipe below
salad
Thursday
Kids meal, Joe and I have a dinner commitment
Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Friday
Soup in crock pot
Weekend in Fort Wayne balling it up!
French Dip in Crock pot
1 medium onion, sliced or chopped
3 lb Beef roast, it doesn't matter what cut.
1 envelope onion soup mix
2 bouillon cubes
1 can water or red wine or beer
1 can beef broth
Cook on high 5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours. This is usually more of a shredded beef sandwich, but the Au jus is yummy.
Serve with provolone cheese on toasted and buttered hougie buns.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday Menus
Monday
Chicken Pot pie
salad
Butter bread
Tuesday
Potato soup
Bread
Fruit
Wednesday
Asian Chicken
Rice
salad
Thursday
Chili
Friday
Pizza
Chicken Pot pie
salad
Butter bread
Tuesday
Potato soup
Bread
Fruit
Wednesday
Asian Chicken
Rice
salad
Thursday
Chili
Friday
Pizza
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Works for Me Wednesday
I spent last weekend at a youth retreat in Pennsylvania. Whew, I am still getting back into the groove after being gone on Monday too. Menus will start again next week. We are eating mostly freezer meals this week, which I love.
My Works For Me Wednesday today is no TV on weekdays for the kids. We don't have a huge home, so if one person is watching TV, it effects the whole family. There were always squabbles over what to watch, we don't have cable so the choices are limited. Kids being pokey in the morning. Homework was a battle at times too, with TV on in the background.
We tried time limits for each kid, waiting till homework was done etc. Nothing really worked well, and I was always the bad guy.
So, we just decided to just give TV up during the week. It worked wonderfully. There are no gray areas, its just off. They know on Friday after school they can watch TV. We are currently watching a lot of Antenna TV, Father Knows Best, Dennis the Menace etc. It's great!
We do allow for some exceptions. When someone is home sick, if the Colts are on Monday night football, when a storm is headed our way etc. Other than that, it's off.
Joe and I do watch TV after the kids go to bed some.
Our home is so much more peaceful now. Works for me!
My Works For Me Wednesday today is no TV on weekdays for the kids. We don't have a huge home, so if one person is watching TV, it effects the whole family. There were always squabbles over what to watch, we don't have cable so the choices are limited. Kids being pokey in the morning. Homework was a battle at times too, with TV on in the background.
We tried time limits for each kid, waiting till homework was done etc. Nothing really worked well, and I was always the bad guy.
So, we just decided to just give TV up during the week. It worked wonderfully. There are no gray areas, its just off. They know on Friday after school they can watch TV. We are currently watching a lot of Antenna TV, Father Knows Best, Dennis the Menace etc. It's great!
We do allow for some exceptions. When someone is home sick, if the Colts are on Monday night football, when a storm is headed our way etc. Other than that, it's off.
Joe and I do watch TV after the kids go to bed some.
Our home is so much more peaceful now. Works for me!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Monday Menus
I am not doing 2 weeks again. It got all messed up. We did try a new recipe for Asian Chicken that got rave reviews from everyone, so it will be in the lineup soon.
Monday
Tacos
Tuesday- Valentines Day
Spaghetti and meatballs
Red hot applesauce salad cut into heart shapes
Red velvet cookies
Lime oregano Chicken breasts
red potatoes
salad
Thursday
Hamburger vegetable soup
homemade artisan bread
Friday
Pizza
Saturday and Sunday
Chili in crockpot.- Mom and Amy are heading to a High School retreat!
Monday
Tacos
Tuesday- Valentines Day
Spaghetti and meatballs
Red hot applesauce salad cut into heart shapes
Red velvet cookies
These are being taped on the kids doors when they wake up in the morning!
WednesdayLime oregano Chicken breasts
red potatoes
salad
Thursday
Hamburger vegetable soup
homemade artisan bread
Friday
Pizza
Saturday and Sunday
Chili in crockpot.- Mom and Amy are heading to a High School retreat!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monday Menus-2 week plan
Monday
Beef Vegetable soup
homemade bread
Tuesday
Different Chicken
Fruit
Wednesday
Burritos
Spanish rice
Thursday
Chicken cordon Bleu
salad
green beans
Friday
Toasted Tuna Fish sandwiches
apples
Weekend
Chili in crock pot
Pizza
Monday
Chicken and dumpling casserole
Applesauce
Tuesday
Meatloaf
red potatoes
Wednesday
Crock pot ravioli
Thursday
Chicken and rice
green bean
Friday
Pizza
Beef Vegetable soup
homemade bread
Tuesday
Different Chicken
Fruit
Wednesday
Burritos
Spanish rice
Thursday
Chicken cordon Bleu
salad
green beans
Friday
Toasted Tuna Fish sandwiches
apples
Weekend
Chili in crock pot
Pizza
Monday
Chicken and dumpling casserole
Applesauce
Tuesday
Meatloaf
red potatoes
Wednesday
Crock pot ravioli
Thursday
Chicken and rice
green bean
Friday
Pizza
Thursday, January 26, 2012
I'm not home yet....
I have been listening to the lyrics of this song, over and over and trying to figure out why it is impacting me so strong and emotionally. I'm not home yet, and until that I live in a very broken world.
Injustice is real and evident and it stinks. It won't make sense until I am truly home.
I really never understood what people meant when they said things like that, "I'm not home yet". God has been working on my heart lately, showing me what it means to be "home" or want to be "home".
It all started in Haiti this past October. Walking to the village each day, we would hold babies and kiddos who were starving for attention and love. They were also starving for food, but we weren't allowed to help with that at that time.
Each child I held, I prayed silently for. I prayed God would have His hand of protection over them, that they would each have clean water and good food, and that they would have someone to love them and teach them about Jesus. That's it, simple.
This is a sweet boy named Davidson
Here is a story about him from the nurses in Haiti now:
(http://brookesmalley.blogspot.com/2012/01/hope-and-love.html?spref=fb here is the whole post)
"There’s nothing like a ray of sunshine to brighten ones day. At 10:00am yesterday morning I was greeted by one of my little buddies “Kesna” at our back door. Like most of our school children, I figured she was just sick. Instead she told me that “Davidson” is outside. Davidson is a little boy from our village that I have known since the first day I stepped into Chambrun back in July. He was the little baby you would find on the ground half naked, with dirt all in his mouth, without mom in site. When he found himself in one of our laps (Brooke, Aubs, Leslee or I) he would nuzzle in and fall asleep in minutes. We acknowledged him, held him,fed him, played with him, bathed him and most importantly loved on him. We earned his trust. Many days as we left the village to head back to campus, he’d cry.
About 2 months ago we noticed a decline in his health, so much that we became extremely concerned. His family had brought him into the clinic and we provided him with some medication and nutrition. A week or so later we noticed that Davidson wasn’t ever there during our visits. Family and friends told us that he and his mother had moved to another village. I was extremely saddened, for we no longer could monitor his health during our visits to the village. As we continued our visits in Chambrun, we’d come back always with an update on him. It wasn’t ever real encouraging news, which made it even more difficult. It got to the point where our friends from Chambrun also became concerned about his health. This past Sunday Aubree was able to talk with Pastor Pierre and share our concerns. After sharing her heart, Pastor also agreed that something needed to be done. For me it gave me a spark of hope, I thought to myself now we’re making progress. That afternoon we found ourselves in the village talking with his grandma and sharing our concern and how we can help. Now all that we could do is pray, wait and hope that the message would be shared with his mother and someone would bring him to the clinic before it was too late.
So here Brooke and I were 2 days after Aubree talked with Pastor; holding Davidson in our arms with such joy and hope in knowing that his life-story has many more chapters still to come. The process of intervening has begun. Davidson…our little ray of sunshine has found us again!
------ This is from Etienne and Brooke, serving in Haiti everyday. They are my heroes.
You know it's so easy to be moved by pictures, videos, and stories from people who have been to places of need. But this time it hurt.
I finally get it. Get what they talk about at church, about how trips change you. I had noticed changes upon coming back, but now it's different.
You see, when you touch, talk to, love on someone in need you have an emotional attachment to them. When you intercede in prayer for these sweet ones it takes it to a new level. I'm not home yet, that is why I have this ache in heart. My heart was made for heaven.
So when I read the story of Davidson, my heart hurt for him like never before.
Now what to do from here.....
Injustice is real and evident and it stinks. It won't make sense until I am truly home.
I really never understood what people meant when they said things like that, "I'm not home yet". God has been working on my heart lately, showing me what it means to be "home" or want to be "home".
It all started in Haiti this past October. Walking to the village each day, we would hold babies and kiddos who were starving for attention and love. They were also starving for food, but we weren't allowed to help with that at that time.
Each child I held, I prayed silently for. I prayed God would have His hand of protection over them, that they would each have clean water and good food, and that they would have someone to love them and teach them about Jesus. That's it, simple.
This is a sweet boy named Davidson
Here is a story about him from the nurses in Haiti now:
(http://brookesmalley.blogspot.com/2012/01/hope-and-love.html?spref=fb here is the whole post)
"There’s nothing like a ray of sunshine to brighten ones day. At 10:00am yesterday morning I was greeted by one of my little buddies “Kesna” at our back door. Like most of our school children, I figured she was just sick. Instead she told me that “Davidson” is outside. Davidson is a little boy from our village that I have known since the first day I stepped into Chambrun back in July. He was the little baby you would find on the ground half naked, with dirt all in his mouth, without mom in site. When he found himself in one of our laps (Brooke, Aubs, Leslee or I) he would nuzzle in and fall asleep in minutes. We acknowledged him, held him,fed him, played with him, bathed him and most importantly loved on him. We earned his trust. Many days as we left the village to head back to campus, he’d cry.
About 2 months ago we noticed a decline in his health, so much that we became extremely concerned. His family had brought him into the clinic and we provided him with some medication and nutrition. A week or so later we noticed that Davidson wasn’t ever there during our visits. Family and friends told us that he and his mother had moved to another village. I was extremely saddened, for we no longer could monitor his health during our visits to the village. As we continued our visits in Chambrun, we’d come back always with an update on him. It wasn’t ever real encouraging news, which made it even more difficult. It got to the point where our friends from Chambrun also became concerned about his health. This past Sunday Aubree was able to talk with Pastor Pierre and share our concerns. After sharing her heart, Pastor also agreed that something needed to be done. For me it gave me a spark of hope, I thought to myself now we’re making progress. That afternoon we found ourselves in the village talking with his grandma and sharing our concern and how we can help. Now all that we could do is pray, wait and hope that the message would be shared with his mother and someone would bring him to the clinic before it was too late.
So here Brooke and I were 2 days after Aubree talked with Pastor; holding Davidson in our arms with such joy and hope in knowing that his life-story has many more chapters still to come. The process of intervening has begun. Davidson…our little ray of sunshine has found us again!
------ This is from Etienne and Brooke, serving in Haiti everyday. They are my heroes.
You know it's so easy to be moved by pictures, videos, and stories from people who have been to places of need. But this time it hurt.
I finally get it. Get what they talk about at church, about how trips change you. I had noticed changes upon coming back, but now it's different.
You see, when you touch, talk to, love on someone in need you have an emotional attachment to them. When you intercede in prayer for these sweet ones it takes it to a new level. I'm not home yet, that is why I have this ache in heart. My heart was made for heaven.
So when I read the story of Davidson, my heart hurt for him like never before.
Now what to do from here.....
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
How to refill a swiffer bottle
This has saved me so much money and time. I tried all different ways to get that thing off. I then saw on Pinterest a way to remove it quick and easy.
Fill a measuring cup up with boiling water and dip the tip of the swiffer bottle(the screw on cap side) in the hot water(make sure it is boiling). I let it sit there for a minute or so and remove and turn the lid. It screws right off.
I fill mine with vinegar, water, Shaklee basic H, and a little Isopropyl alcohol. Works great!
Fill a measuring cup up with boiling water and dip the tip of the swiffer bottle(the screw on cap side) in the hot water(make sure it is boiling). I let it sit there for a minute or so and remove and turn the lid. It screws right off.
I fill mine with vinegar, water, Shaklee basic H, and a little Isopropyl alcohol. Works great!
Monday, January 23, 2012
joy
24. redemption
25. Music, especially worship music!
26. Heated seats in our van!
27. Watching my boys play basketball. It gives me so much joy, often reminds me of their daddy.
28. Aaron's smile that couldn't be wiped off, after he played a great game to win the championship.
29. Watching Amy swim.
30. Warm blankets on cold days
31. Dinner made and ready to put in oven.
32. a little boy who told me I remind him of his Mom today :)
33. chai tea
34. a restored marriage
35. finishing my application for El Salvador.
25. Music, especially worship music!
26. Heated seats in our van!
27. Watching my boys play basketball. It gives me so much joy, often reminds me of their daddy.
28. Aaron's smile that couldn't be wiped off, after he played a great game to win the championship.
29. Watching Amy swim.
30. Warm blankets on cold days
31. Dinner made and ready to put in oven.
32. a little boy who told me I remind him of his Mom today :)
33. chai tea
34. a restored marriage
35. finishing my application for El Salvador.
Monday Menu and recipe
Monday
Cowboy Casserole- recipe here.
fruit
rolls
Tuesday
Chicken Parmesan
Garlic bread
Green beans
Wednesday
Crock Pot chicken and dumplings
fruit
Thursday
Aaron's basketball awards dinner at school
Friday
Chili in the crock pot.
The Bennetts favorite Chicken Parmesan
Tyson frozen, breaded Chicken fillets (in the red bag)
Bake as directed.
Add a spoonful of spaghetti sauce over each one and then a handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone.
Place back in the oven for a few minutes until cheese is melted.
I know, not very fancy or healthy for that fact. I have tried numerous homemade recipes and never get a good reaction. This is Aaron's favorite meal!
Cowboy Casserole- recipe here.
fruit
rolls
Tuesday
Chicken Parmesan
Garlic bread
Green beans
Wednesday
Crock Pot chicken and dumplings
fruit
Thursday
Aaron's basketball awards dinner at school
Friday
Chili in the crock pot.
The Bennetts favorite Chicken Parmesan
Tyson frozen, breaded Chicken fillets (in the red bag)
Bake as directed.
Add a spoonful of spaghetti sauce over each one and then a handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone.
Place back in the oven for a few minutes until cheese is melted.
I know, not very fancy or healthy for that fact. I have tried numerous homemade recipes and never get a good reaction. This is Aaron's favorite meal!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Monday Menu and recipe
Monday
Bacon Cheeseburger Buns- new recipe here
Strawberries
Tuesday
Chili in crock pot
Wednesday
Chicken noodle casserole
Thursday
Lazy cooks Chicken
Beans and Rice
green beans
Friday
Leftovers
Lazy Cooks Chicken
4 large chicken breasts
1 cup barbeque sauce
1/2 pkg onion soup mix
1/2 stick butter or margarine
Place chicken breasts in sprayed baking dish. Mix last 3 ingredients and pour over chicken.
Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes until chicken done.
We shred this and serve with beans and rice just like our friends in Central America eat it!
Bacon Cheeseburger Buns- new recipe here
Strawberries
Tuesday
Chili in crock pot
Wednesday
Chicken noodle casserole
Thursday
Lazy cooks Chicken
Beans and Rice
green beans
Friday
Leftovers
Lazy Cooks Chicken
4 large chicken breasts
1 cup barbeque sauce
1/2 pkg onion soup mix
1/2 stick butter or margarine
Place chicken breasts in sprayed baking dish. Mix last 3 ingredients and pour over chicken.
Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes until chicken done.
We shred this and serve with beans and rice just like our friends in Central America eat it!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Winter Mugs
Each child picked out their own mug and this is the one they get to use all winter.
The 4 mugs are cute and colorful and sit on the counter. When they use it, they clean it afterwards to use again.
I felt like I was constantly filling the dishwasher with mugs from hot chocolate, hot cider etc. Now they each have their own mug and seem to think it is kinda fun, and my cabinet and dishwasher isn't overflowing!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Joy continued
11. Life, and my childrens.
12. Eating dinner together as a family last night( at 7:30 but hey)
13. Having more than enough
14. Clean and organized under sink cabinet
15. Beautiful january weather
16. a walk with my husband
17. yummy spaghetti and meatballs in the crockpot.
18. the book I wanted was in at the library
19. curly hair :)
20. a young persons passing- knowing his eternal home
21. hugs from kindergartners
22. my coworkers
23. a full moon
12. Eating dinner together as a family last night( at 7:30 but hey)
13. Having more than enough
14. Clean and organized under sink cabinet
15. Beautiful january weather
16. a walk with my husband
17. yummy spaghetti and meatballs in the crockpot.
18. the book I wanted was in at the library
19. curly hair :)
20. a young persons passing- knowing his eternal home
21. hugs from kindergartners
22. my coworkers
23. a full moon
Monday, January 9, 2012
Monday Menus and a recipe
Brooke is back in Haiti this morning! Missing these sweet giggling girls who sang for us at the village.
Spaghetti and meatballs (freezer meal)(recipe below)
salad
garlic bread
Tuesday
leftover roast and chili
potatoe soup
Wednesday
Italian Baked Chicken
Green beans
red potatoes
Thursday
Hamburgers on grill
Friday
pizza
Recipe for Meatballs:
Tia's Meatballs
2 pounds ground chuck
1 pound ground turkey
1 pound ground sausage
1 cup bread crumbs
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1 t Worcestershire sauce
1/2 c minced onion
2 eggs
Mix altogether and form into balls. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
This recipe makes 2 meals.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Joy Dare
If you read Ann Voskamp's blog or have read her books, you will know she is all about gratitude. She is having a Joy Dare for 2012. I am going to try and list my 1000 gifts this year. It is only for myself, but writing it here gives me accountability!
1. Grateful I have a job and God helped me choose a resilient and flexible profession.
2. The health of my family, immediate and extended!
3. I am so thankful I am married to my best friend.
4. A remote car starter:)
5. Kiddos who can run and play and love to!
6. More than enough food
7. Clean water to drink
8. Unlimited water to bathe and wash in, readily at my fingertips
9. the energy of the kids I work with
10. Music
1. Grateful I have a job and God helped me choose a resilient and flexible profession.
2. The health of my family, immediate and extended!
3. I am so thankful I am married to my best friend.
4. A remote car starter:)
5. Kiddos who can run and play and love to!
6. More than enough food
7. Clean water to drink
8. Unlimited water to bathe and wash in, readily at my fingertips
9. the energy of the kids I work with
10. Music
Monday, January 2, 2012
Monday Menu
Monday
No school- therefore no formal meal.
I can't remember what day it is over break!
We had a big lunch at Hacienda- I'm counting that as 2 meals:)
Tuesday
Chicken and dumplings(freezer meal)recipe here ( I add 1 box of vegetable broth in crock and sometimes carrots and celery finely chopped)
apples
Wednesday
Pot roast in the crock pot with potatoes and carrots
rolls
Thursday
Meatloaf(freezer recipe)recipe here
This is an awesome recipe, I make them into personal meatloaves.
Boiled red potatoes
Friday
Chili in the crock pot
Saturday and Sunday are a hodgepodge.
My challenge in the coming weeks is cooking for the whole family when 2 of us are steering clear of sugar and carbs. Most of the meals this week have the kids eating the carbs, because they need them, and Joe and I eating the protein and vegetables.
Missing the beautiful fall weather!
No school- therefore no formal meal.
I can't remember what day it is over break!
We had a big lunch at Hacienda- I'm counting that as 2 meals:)
Tuesday
Chicken and dumplings(freezer meal)recipe here ( I add 1 box of vegetable broth in crock and sometimes carrots and celery finely chopped)
apples
Wednesday
Pot roast in the crock pot with potatoes and carrots
rolls
Thursday
Meatloaf(freezer recipe)recipe here
This is an awesome recipe, I make them into personal meatloaves.
Boiled red potatoes
Friday
Chili in the crock pot
Saturday and Sunday are a hodgepodge.
My challenge in the coming weeks is cooking for the whole family when 2 of us are steering clear of sugar and carbs. Most of the meals this week have the kids eating the carbs, because they need them, and Joe and I eating the protein and vegetables.
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