Happy Thanksgiving!
Carri
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thankful
Even though the title may not be original, it truly expresses how I feel. Below is a picture of just 3 of the many things I am thankful for on this special day set aside for giving thanks. May remember that every day is full of a bounty of blessings and things, people, place, and so much more to be forever grateful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Carri
Happy Thanksgiving!
Carri
Monday, November 19, 2012
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
This week my kitchen will not be permeating the aromas of turkey and dressing. Instead, I feel like doing a few twirls and having my dashing Prince Charming lift me into the air to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies from the Nutcracker because I feel like I am dancing in pounds of sugar this week. For not only will we be celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday, but we will turn right around 2 days later and celebrate last year's true Thanksgiving blessing's 1st birthday!
I can't believe this blue eyed rascal, I mean angel, will be a year old already. Any ways...I digress.
So this week, I have "signed-up" to bring desserts to our family's Turkey Day gathering. I have chosen to make my heavenly Pumpkin Cheesecake and a newly pinned dessert Candy and Caramel Apple Pie. It drives my hubby crazy when I try out new recipes on family and friends but, hey, when else would I get a chance?! So the 2nd selection will remain a mystery to him until Thanksgiving, for now he thinks I am making my latest successful Caramel Apple Cheesecake.
After the sleep inhabiting chemicals from the turkey wear off, I will gear back up in the kitchen to make not one, but TWO birthday cakes. You see our Elijah-bug happens to share a birthday with one of SG's close friends (her best friend if you ask her), therefore, we have decided to throw her a little surprise into the mix. Since I want to keep Elijah's cake and her cake a surprise, I will have to suspend the details until later this week.
Until then, if you happen to hear an ambulance roll by during this week, it's probably just me. For I have probably inhaled a bit too much powdered sugar or slipped on another stick of butter!
Just kidding! But in all seriousness, I pray that you and your families are truly blessed and thankful during this Thanksgiving and beyond!
Truly Blessed,
Carri
I can't believe this blue eyed rascal, I mean angel, will be a year old already. Any ways...I digress.
So this week, I have "signed-up" to bring desserts to our family's Turkey Day gathering. I have chosen to make my heavenly Pumpkin Cheesecake and a newly pinned dessert Candy and Caramel Apple Pie. It drives my hubby crazy when I try out new recipes on family and friends but, hey, when else would I get a chance?! So the 2nd selection will remain a mystery to him until Thanksgiving, for now he thinks I am making my latest successful Caramel Apple Cheesecake.
After the sleep inhabiting chemicals from the turkey wear off, I will gear back up in the kitchen to make not one, but TWO birthday cakes. You see our Elijah-bug happens to share a birthday with one of SG's close friends (her best friend if you ask her), therefore, we have decided to throw her a little surprise into the mix. Since I want to keep Elijah's cake and her cake a surprise, I will have to suspend the details until later this week.
Until then, if you happen to hear an ambulance roll by during this week, it's probably just me. For I have probably inhaled a bit too much powdered sugar or slipped on another stick of butter!
Just kidding! But in all seriousness, I pray that you and your families are truly blessed and thankful during this Thanksgiving and beyond!
Truly Blessed,
Carri
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Apples of Gold
Almost 7 years ago, I truly can't believe it has been that long ago, after first moving to my husband's first full-time ministry position in southern Alabama, I took my first ALL female Bible study. This study was set-up in a way that we would be studying about being "Apples of Gold" towards our husbands, basically following Proverbs 31.
Now I have to admit, if you had taken me to this study as a newly wed almost 9 years ago I would have thought you had lost your rocker. I was SO far from even glimpsing at what a Proverbs 31 wife should look like, let alone act like. For I was a young bride, by today's standards, of 21 ready to adapt to what society felt like a marriage should look like and act like today. Man! I sure am glad that God got a hold of my heart and turned me back around.
Back to "Apples of Gold"...Like I mentioned above this study was not only to help us realize what our roles were as Godly wives but there was also an aspect of the study I absolutely loved...cooking! For those of my readers that know me, who would have guessed that that was one of my favorites. We would end each study literally with a complete meal accompanied by the recipes that were prepared. It was like watching a mini live version of Food Network.
During one of the week's study's the meal's focus was on preparing ahead, so the women in charge used one of my favorite kitchen appliances...THE CROCKPOT! So today I though I would share 2 of my favorite soup recipes that were shared with me on that blessed evening. My family still refers to these as the Apple Soup recipes, even though they have absolutely nothing to do with apples. I hope you and your families enjoy them as much as we have over the last several years! As a bonus I have also thrown in 2 of my favorite staple seasoning mixes that I make!
Crock Pot Stew
We have renamed this Camper's Stew and is commonly referred to where we live now as Brunswick Stew.
1 can lima beans, drained
1 can cream corn
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 tub of premade BBQ
1 large can chunky chicken
1 can (16 oz.) stewed tomatoes
1 small can tomato sauce
1 chopped onion
2 diced potatoes
Put all ingredients in a LARGE (Trust Me! I have learned!) Crock Pot on low before you leave for work (8-10 hours). Enjoy!
Note: We like to top ours with shredded cheese, since everything is better with cheese. I also serve it with our favorite corn bread recipe found here. This recipe makes a lot, so either be ready to serve a crowd or have some gallon size freezer bags on stand-by to put some away for later!
Santa Fe Soup
2 lbs. ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
2 (5 oz.) pkgs. dry ranch dressing mix (see homemade version below)
2 pkgs. taco seasoning (see homemade version below)
1 (16 oz.) can black beans, undrained
1 (16 oz.) can great northern beans, undrained (You can also use pinto beans, which was in the original recipe we just like the taste of the northern beans a lot better)
1 (16 oz.) can Rotel, undrained
1 (16 oz.) can tomato wedges, undrained
2 cans corn, drained
2 C water
Sour cream, Corn chips and Cheese for garnish
Brown meat with onion. Drain and set aside. In a LARGE crock pot, add beans, tomatoes, corn, water, ranch dressing and taco seasoning. Stir. Add in cooked meat. Stir once more to combine. Turn on low for 8 - 10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. I like to stir mine, if I am home, periodically throughout the day. Serve with cheese, sour cream and corn chips.
Note: This recipe, too, makes A LOT! It can easily be cut in half or if you make the entire recipe be prepared to serve a crowd or freeze some.
BONUS RECIPES
The first of these came from one of my favorite eBooks Easy. Homemade. by Mandi Ehman
Homemade Ranch
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon sea salt
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight lid. Shake until all ingredients are well combined. Store in a cool dried place for 6 - 12 months.
To Use: 2 Tablespoons of the mixture equals 1 envelope of dried ranch dressing. For homemade ranch, combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of dried mixture. Stir and chill in air tight container.
Taco Seasoning
1/4 C chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 t cumin
1 1/2 teaspooon oregano
1/2 t paprika
1 t salt
1 t pepper
Mix all ingredients together in jar with tight lid. Stores 6 -12 months, if you can keep from using it that long!
2 tablespoons of mixture equals 1 taco seasoning packet.
Now I have to admit, if you had taken me to this study as a newly wed almost 9 years ago I would have thought you had lost your rocker. I was SO far from even glimpsing at what a Proverbs 31 wife should look like, let alone act like. For I was a young bride, by today's standards, of 21 ready to adapt to what society felt like a marriage should look like and act like today. Man! I sure am glad that God got a hold of my heart and turned me back around.
Back to "Apples of Gold"...Like I mentioned above this study was not only to help us realize what our roles were as Godly wives but there was also an aspect of the study I absolutely loved...cooking! For those of my readers that know me, who would have guessed that that was one of my favorites. We would end each study literally with a complete meal accompanied by the recipes that were prepared. It was like watching a mini live version of Food Network.
During one of the week's study's the meal's focus was on preparing ahead, so the women in charge used one of my favorite kitchen appliances...THE CROCKPOT! So today I though I would share 2 of my favorite soup recipes that were shared with me on that blessed evening. My family still refers to these as the Apple Soup recipes, even though they have absolutely nothing to do with apples. I hope you and your families enjoy them as much as we have over the last several years! As a bonus I have also thrown in 2 of my favorite staple seasoning mixes that I make!
Crock Pot Stew
We have renamed this Camper's Stew and is commonly referred to where we live now as Brunswick Stew.
1 can lima beans, drained
1 can cream corn
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 tub of premade BBQ
1 large can chunky chicken
1 can (16 oz.) stewed tomatoes
1 small can tomato sauce
1 chopped onion
2 diced potatoes
Put all ingredients in a LARGE (Trust Me! I have learned!) Crock Pot on low before you leave for work (8-10 hours). Enjoy!
Note: We like to top ours with shredded cheese, since everything is better with cheese. I also serve it with our favorite corn bread recipe found here. This recipe makes a lot, so either be ready to serve a crowd or have some gallon size freezer bags on stand-by to put some away for later!
Santa Fe Soup
2 lbs. ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
2 (5 oz.) pkgs. dry ranch dressing mix (see homemade version below)
2 pkgs. taco seasoning (see homemade version below)
1 (16 oz.) can black beans, undrained
1 (16 oz.) can great northern beans, undrained (You can also use pinto beans, which was in the original recipe we just like the taste of the northern beans a lot better)
1 (16 oz.) can Rotel, undrained
1 (16 oz.) can tomato wedges, undrained
2 cans corn, drained
2 C water
Sour cream, Corn chips and Cheese for garnish
Brown meat with onion. Drain and set aside. In a LARGE crock pot, add beans, tomatoes, corn, water, ranch dressing and taco seasoning. Stir. Add in cooked meat. Stir once more to combine. Turn on low for 8 - 10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. I like to stir mine, if I am home, periodically throughout the day. Serve with cheese, sour cream and corn chips.
Note: This recipe, too, makes A LOT! It can easily be cut in half or if you make the entire recipe be prepared to serve a crowd or freeze some.
BONUS RECIPES
The first of these came from one of my favorite eBooks Easy. Homemade. by Mandi Ehman
Homemade Ranch
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon sea salt
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight lid. Shake until all ingredients are well combined. Store in a cool dried place for 6 - 12 months.
To Use: 2 Tablespoons of the mixture equals 1 envelope of dried ranch dressing. For homemade ranch, combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of dried mixture. Stir and chill in air tight container.
Taco Seasoning
1/4 C chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 t cumin
1 1/2 teaspooon oregano
1/2 t paprika
1 t salt
1 t pepper
Mix all ingredients together in jar with tight lid. Stores 6 -12 months, if you can keep from using it that long!
2 tablespoons of mixture equals 1 taco seasoning packet.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
A Little Slice of Heaven
This week at our house we have been talking A LOT about heaven, for we had to say good-bye to a close friend who unexpectedly passed away Sunday. Then, as the circle of life would have it, some new friends are getting ready to plant their roots just a few minutes away from us with a family make-up very close to ours. We are so excited to say the least!
I was discussing with the wife of our new friends some of our favorites during this time of year. We came upon the AMAZING combination of chocolate and peanut butter! For her, this discussion became quite painful, for you see she is allergic to peanuts, but, oh, how she remembers what a heavenly experience came when she used to be able to enjoy such things.
With all this discussion of chocolate and peanut, I thought I needed to share one of my favorite pie recipes. Now I will say it is an involved pie, meaning there are a lot of steps, but do not let this intimidate you! All the work is SO worth it!
Heavenly Peanut Butter Silk Pie
Yields: 8 - 10 servings (All dependent on how big you slice it!)
Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 8 minutes
Freeze: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 3/4 C crushed Ritz crackers
1/3 C Granulated Sugar
1/3 C melted butter
1 (4oz.) milk chocolate candy bar, broken into small pieces
2 C whipping cream, divided
1 (8 oz.) package Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 C powdered sugar sifted
1 C Creamy Peanut Butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, divided
1 (4 oz.) white chocolate baking bar, melted
1 C chopped lightly salted cocktail peanuts
1/4 C powdered sugar
Preparation
1/2 cup whipping cream
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
Bring whipping cream to a light boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat, and pour over chocolate morsels in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth.
Hope this is as divine to you and yours as it is to me!
I was discussing with the wife of our new friends some of our favorites during this time of year. We came upon the AMAZING combination of chocolate and peanut butter! For her, this discussion became quite painful, for you see she is allergic to peanuts, but, oh, how she remembers what a heavenly experience came when she used to be able to enjoy such things.
With all this discussion of chocolate and peanut, I thought I needed to share one of my favorite pie recipes. Now I will say it is an involved pie, meaning there are a lot of steps, but do not let this intimidate you! All the work is SO worth it!
Heavenly Peanut Butter Silk Pie
Yields: 8 - 10 servings (All dependent on how big you slice it!)
Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 8 minutes
Freeze: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 3/4 C crushed Ritz crackers
1/3 C Granulated Sugar
1/3 C melted butter
1 (4oz.) milk chocolate candy bar, broken into small pieces
2 C whipping cream, divided
1 (8 oz.) package Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 C powdered sugar sifted
1 C Creamy Peanut Butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, divided
1 (4 oz.) white chocolate baking bar, melted
1 C chopped lightly salted cocktail peanuts
1/4 C powdered sugar
Preparation
- Combine crushed crackers, 1/3 cup granulated sugar and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press mixture on bottom and up sides of an ungreased 9-inch deep dish pie plate.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on wire rack.
- Stir together chocolate candy bar pieces and 3 tablespoons warm whipping cream until chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour into cooled pie crust.
- Beat 2/3 cup whipping cream at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Add peanut butter, 1/3 cup whipping cream, 1 tsp. vanilla, and white chocolate, beating at medium speed until blended. Fold in whipped cream. Spread mixture evenly over milk chocolate layer in pan. Cover and freeze 30 minutes or until slightly firm.
- Spread Ganache (recipe below) evenly over peanut butter layer, and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Beat remaining 1 cup whipping cream at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add 1/4 cup powdered sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Spoon whipped cream mixture into a 1 quart zip-top plastic bag, and pipe onto edges of pie by gently squeezing bag. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Garnish with crushed peanuts and chocolate curls, if desired.
1/2 cup whipping cream
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
Bring whipping cream to a light boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat, and pour over chocolate morsels in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth.
Hope this is as divine to you and yours as it is to me!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Mixing It Up
This week our little house hold has been busy...staying at home! We have loved it! My house has stayed relatively clean (as clean as one can with a 4 year old and almost 1 year old), dinner has been almost ready when Daddy gets home and kiddos and Mommy have stayed away from all the germies floating around this time of year.
During my time at home this week, I have felt a bit "Suzy Homemaker-ish". I have to admit I was inspired by a newly discovered blog by a lovely lady by the name of Danielle. I stumbled upon her blog via a pin I had pinned quite awhile ago concerning menu planning on a budget. Well, let's just say she kicked my money saving booty to the curb and is making this OCD planning type A momma step it up a few notches. (I also give credit to a friend giving me a call about good 'ol Dave Ramsey and his budgeting/money saving ideas.)
So in my extraordinary efforts this week, one of my main goals was not to even venture to some of my frequent stores this week that usually get me in trouble because just like Lay's potato chips ("You just can't eat one."), I have a hard time just buying what's "on the list", especially at places like Target and Hobby Lobby! Secondly, I had been convicted by Blissful and Domestic to make a lot more of my "staple" items from scratch. Therefore, I turned to my good old friend Pinterest and one of my favorite e-books Easy. Homemade. to start acquiring some of these items.
First item I tackled, I believe, is something everybody can benefit from this time of year. I don't know about your family but our family, especially in the fall/winter time period, make a lot of recipes using creamed of something soups. The cost of a store brand can is usually around 98 cents, which on the surface doesn't seem too bad. But just like anything, that cost can add up quickly. So after some quick searching, I found this recipe for creamed of something soup mix. It costs pennies on the dollar compared to buying the cans, not to mention I know what is in it and it doesn't come out in a perfect cylindrical shape that often times worries me. I know what your thinking, "Does it taste as good in the recipes?" Well, my answer is...it tastes even better!
I also would like to share two of my favorite mixes that my family enjoys and are easy go-tos when you need either an easy dinner or dessert. My favorite part about both of these recipes, and all homemade mixes for that matter, is I see and know every ingredient that goes into them! Plus my family has said that both of these recipes when prepared into various creations taste better than the prepackaged boxed stuff!
Homemade Bisquick
5 C flour (can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose unbleached flour)
1/4 C baking powder
2 T sugar
1 t salt
1 C shortening or butter (Our family likes the buttery taste!)
Mix dry ingredients together then cut in shortening or butter until pea size crumbles are formed. Store in airtight container or gallon size zip top bag in refrigerator. Lasts at least 6 months. Use just as you would regular Bisquick in any recipe.
Better than Betty Crocker Brownie Mix
1 C Sugar
1/2 C Flour
1/3 C Cocoa
1/4 t salt
1/4 t baking powder
Mix together all ingredients and put into ziplock bag. Onto bag write or create a label with the following:
Add 2 eggs, 1/2 C vegetable oil, 1 t vanilla. Pour into 8x8 pan sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes.
Mix lasts 6 months in pantry.
NOTE: My family likes to personalize our brownies by adding various add-ins such as chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, M&M's, walnuts, cranberries, etc. Our ultimate favorite is to pour half the batter into the pan, then layer our favorite candy bar and finally pour the remaining batter on top. Bake as directed and you have delicious Candy Bar brownies! YUMMY!
I hope some of these simple mixes bring you some ideas for the holidays for easy gift giving or simply just make your life in the kitchen a little easier and yummier too!
During my time at home this week, I have felt a bit "Suzy Homemaker-ish". I have to admit I was inspired by a newly discovered blog by a lovely lady by the name of Danielle. I stumbled upon her blog via a pin I had pinned quite awhile ago concerning menu planning on a budget. Well, let's just say she kicked my money saving booty to the curb and is making this OCD planning type A momma step it up a few notches. (I also give credit to a friend giving me a call about good 'ol Dave Ramsey and his budgeting/money saving ideas.)
So in my extraordinary efforts this week, one of my main goals was not to even venture to some of my frequent stores this week that usually get me in trouble because just like Lay's potato chips ("You just can't eat one."), I have a hard time just buying what's "on the list", especially at places like Target and Hobby Lobby! Secondly, I had been convicted by Blissful and Domestic to make a lot more of my "staple" items from scratch. Therefore, I turned to my good old friend Pinterest and one of my favorite e-books Easy. Homemade. to start acquiring some of these items.
First item I tackled, I believe, is something everybody can benefit from this time of year. I don't know about your family but our family, especially in the fall/winter time period, make a lot of recipes using creamed of something soups. The cost of a store brand can is usually around 98 cents, which on the surface doesn't seem too bad. But just like anything, that cost can add up quickly. So after some quick searching, I found this recipe for creamed of something soup mix. It costs pennies on the dollar compared to buying the cans, not to mention I know what is in it and it doesn't come out in a perfect cylindrical shape that often times worries me. I know what your thinking, "Does it taste as good in the recipes?" Well, my answer is...it tastes even better!
I also would like to share two of my favorite mixes that my family enjoys and are easy go-tos when you need either an easy dinner or dessert. My favorite part about both of these recipes, and all homemade mixes for that matter, is I see and know every ingredient that goes into them! Plus my family has said that both of these recipes when prepared into various creations taste better than the prepackaged boxed stuff!
Homemade Bisquick
5 C flour (can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose unbleached flour)
1/4 C baking powder
2 T sugar
1 t salt
1 C shortening or butter (Our family likes the buttery taste!)
Mix dry ingredients together then cut in shortening or butter until pea size crumbles are formed. Store in airtight container or gallon size zip top bag in refrigerator. Lasts at least 6 months. Use just as you would regular Bisquick in any recipe.
Better than Betty Crocker Brownie Mix
1 C Sugar
1/2 C Flour
1/3 C Cocoa
1/4 t salt
1/4 t baking powder
Mix together all ingredients and put into ziplock bag. Onto bag write or create a label with the following:
Add 2 eggs, 1/2 C vegetable oil, 1 t vanilla. Pour into 8x8 pan sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes.
Mix lasts 6 months in pantry.
NOTE: My family likes to personalize our brownies by adding various add-ins such as chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, M&M's, walnuts, cranberries, etc. Our ultimate favorite is to pour half the batter into the pan, then layer our favorite candy bar and finally pour the remaining batter on top. Bake as directed and you have delicious Candy Bar brownies! YUMMY!
I hope some of these simple mixes bring you some ideas for the holidays for easy gift giving or simply just make your life in the kitchen a little easier and yummier too!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Can't believe it?!
In 2 days our Elijah bug will be 11 months old...Where has the time gone? I have begun planning a fun family party to celebrate the momentous occasion of turning one!
We love birthdays at our house, especially me! I love to go ALL out. Unfortunately, a lot of times the costs can add up. However, there are many awesome ways to save on various things for parties. Some of my favorites are:
1. Dollar bin at Target. I love to tell my family members at least 2 months in advance my plan for a theme so everyone can be on the lookout for various sale items. Luckily this year Target carried some of the my theme items. Thanks to my sister-in-law and a sharp eye, I was able to snag all kid party favors along with some of the table decor for under $10!
2. Collect those diaper points! Yes, I collect Pampers points and have been since SG was born. Thankfully, I have reaped many rewards from this habit. One, this year, has been FREE personalized invitations from Shutterfly for the party. They may not match the theme perfectly BUT the color scheme is close and the best part was they were FREE!
3. Watch the flyers. I have been watching my grocery flyers for various ingredients that can be stored for party edibles and, most importantly, for the cake.
Looking forward to posting pics of all the festivities soon!
We love birthdays at our house, especially me! I love to go ALL out. Unfortunately, a lot of times the costs can add up. However, there are many awesome ways to save on various things for parties. Some of my favorites are:
1. Dollar bin at Target. I love to tell my family members at least 2 months in advance my plan for a theme so everyone can be on the lookout for various sale items. Luckily this year Target carried some of the my theme items. Thanks to my sister-in-law and a sharp eye, I was able to snag all kid party favors along with some of the table decor for under $10!
2. Collect those diaper points! Yes, I collect Pampers points and have been since SG was born. Thankfully, I have reaped many rewards from this habit. One, this year, has been FREE personalized invitations from Shutterfly for the party. They may not match the theme perfectly BUT the color scheme is close and the best part was they were FREE!
3. Watch the flyers. I have been watching my grocery flyers for various ingredients that can be stored for party edibles and, most importantly, for the cake.
Looking forward to posting pics of all the festivities soon!
Monday, September 24, 2012
A Whole New World
S-I-G-H...That was me just taking a cleansing deep breathe from a very busy Saturday in our family of four! I never knew we could cram so much into such a small time period but we did it, and, I might add, without a single melt down by any of the small ones in tow. Blessings definitely bestowed on the parents from that angle!Our princess, as you can see from the picture, was over filled with joy to go see her friends Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Disney on Ice. I have to admit, as I mentioned in the previous post, I was pretty excited about it too! We joined up with some of our friends and had a mommy/kiddos afternoon out. Such wonderful memories were made. Below is just a couple of pictures taken by Mommy (when I stopped long enough from watching sweet SG's reactions) and even some from what I think might be a future blogger on our hands...SG!
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| SG's Quote: "If Daddy were her Mater would have been his favorite!" |
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For this occasion, I had been asked to prepare some desserts as I mentioned in the previous post. I ended up making the following: chocolate chip cheesecake, candy corn cupcakes, trash cookies (recipe to come later this week), and my newest creation, caramel apple cheesecake with and animal cracker crust. The recipe I actually was given by my sweet mother-in-law who cut it out of a magazine that the Tennessee Farm Bureau publishes, go figure?! I read through it and made some slight changes to make it my own. You can find the recipe here. According to our pastor, "It's an award winner!"
I have to personally admit I rarely eat the desserts that I prepare. I know...weird. But deep down inside I am pretty much just an ice cream and cookies kind of gal, if that. I get such an enjoyment preparing food for others and to see how much they enjoy it! Now, that is a true blessing!
Cupful of Blessings,
Carri
Friday, September 21, 2012
Step in Time
I can relate a lot of my life experiences to music. I guess that is because growing up I played piano, clarinet, dabbled in the cello and guitar and was always involved in some kind of singing/dancing group. Then I ended up marrying a music minister...so go figure.
This time of year I love music in more ways than you can imagine. For one things, we have already been fully immersed in our Christmas music at church for over a month now. Plus I can just hear the drum warming up at the local high school just behind our church almost everyday for band practice. This brings back so many memories of the LONG, fun, LONG, hot, LONG hours spent on the marching band field standing on the metal podium at least 15 ft in the air. But I will have you know that I LOVED every minute of it and miss it greatly.
All these memories flooded my mind today for some reason, but then other songs, as I was working around the house today, started spinning too. These are songs of Disney. For you see, I am going to be surprising our little princess with tickets to see Disney on Ice tomorrow! I am so excited to see her face tonight and even tomorrow when we go! Thanks to a great friend, Jennifer, and her awesome talents, we will be arriving in style!
However, I couldn't let all my excitement let me miss a "step in time". (Can't you hear the chimney sweepers singing from Mary Poppins?!) Today, I knew that my pin of choice was to return back to food. I am preparing desserts for a dinner we will be attending this weekend. One of the 4 desserts was chosen from Pinterest, one was a new one that I will write about in tomorrow's post, and the other two are some of my tried a trues. The idea from Pinterest got me even more excited about fall.
Candy Corn Cupcakes! I don't know about you but candy corn is one of my biggest weaknesses during fall. Especially, the ones I can get from the Fresh Market in Huntsville. They have these cinnamon ones come Christmas time that just lighten the mood of any day good or bad. Any ways...these cupcakes actually came from a professional bakery in California. So I took the picture and idea a step further and made my batter in candy corn layers too. Much like this rainbow cake. I will later be decorating my tray with candy corn pieces just to add the special!
What kind of goodies are you baking up this fall? Feel free to leave a comment below.
Cupful of Blessings,
Carri
This time of year I love music in more ways than you can imagine. For one things, we have already been fully immersed in our Christmas music at church for over a month now. Plus I can just hear the drum warming up at the local high school just behind our church almost everyday for band practice. This brings back so many memories of the LONG, fun, LONG, hot, LONG hours spent on the marching band field standing on the metal podium at least 15 ft in the air. But I will have you know that I LOVED every minute of it and miss it greatly.
All these memories flooded my mind today for some reason, but then other songs, as I was working around the house today, started spinning too. These are songs of Disney. For you see, I am going to be surprising our little princess with tickets to see Disney on Ice tomorrow! I am so excited to see her face tonight and even tomorrow when we go! Thanks to a great friend, Jennifer, and her awesome talents, we will be arriving in style!However, I couldn't let all my excitement let me miss a "step in time". (Can't you hear the chimney sweepers singing from Mary Poppins?!) Today, I knew that my pin of choice was to return back to food. I am preparing desserts for a dinner we will be attending this weekend. One of the 4 desserts was chosen from Pinterest, one was a new one that I will write about in tomorrow's post, and the other two are some of my tried a trues. The idea from Pinterest got me even more excited about fall.
What kind of goodies are you baking up this fall? Feel free to leave a comment below.
Cupful of Blessings,
Carri
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Sand of Time
Did you, as a little kid, ever think you could find some way to speed up the flow of the sand in a sand timer? Did you try flipping it back and forth or just plain shaking the tar out of it as if you were trying to add some kind of flavor to one of your mom's latest new kitchen creations? I know that I did do a few of these "tricks", especially when playing a game that used a timer of this sort; however, these days if I had one of these timers to measure the time in my day, I think I would try to discover some way to put a cork in the middle of the hour glass to make the sand STOP!
Today, our family got a rather S-L-O-W start. I am a early riser at our house generally up between 3:30 and 4:00 AM and hitting the pavement for my morning run by 4:30. But after yesterday, I knew that my body needed a little rest. Boy, I never knew that my back, biceps or abs could have taken such a beating from holding an 18 pound little boy for at least 5 hours yesterday. I was SORE! Needless to say, we all slept in until 8:00 AM, including both kiddos! I don't remember the last time I did this. Even after the extra sleep, my body just couldn't get into motion, but I knew my hour glass of time was quickly fading away.
So I got busy...As in the days previous (except yesterday), I decided to tackle a pinterest pin. This time I stepped away from the edibles and went to one of my other favorites cleaning/organizing. I chose to tackle my pesky glass cooktop that has those boil over, water on the bottom of the pan, you name it caked on stains. I had read THIS pin the other day about a proven homemade cleaner that was guaranteed to remove such above named stains. So I thought, 'What the heck!'
After following the directions, I have to say I have never been able to see myself so clearly in my cooktop as I do now. I think by the next treatment it will look almost brand new! I highly recommend this easy treatment to anyone with a glass cooktop.
This day, even though my hour glass I think may have sprung a leak causing it to fly by, has been a wonderful blessing. Besides the wonderful cooktop cleaner I now have in my back pocket, the kiddos and I have enjoyed the wonderful fall weather the good Lord has sent our way! All the while, I began to refinish a bookshelf turned hanging area for SG's dress-up clothes. Can't wait to show off the finished product!
Cupful of Blessings,
Carri
Today, our family got a rather S-L-O-W start. I am a early riser at our house generally up between 3:30 and 4:00 AM and hitting the pavement for my morning run by 4:30. But after yesterday, I knew that my body needed a little rest. Boy, I never knew that my back, biceps or abs could have taken such a beating from holding an 18 pound little boy for at least 5 hours yesterday. I was SORE! Needless to say, we all slept in until 8:00 AM, including both kiddos! I don't remember the last time I did this. Even after the extra sleep, my body just couldn't get into motion, but I knew my hour glass of time was quickly fading away.
So I got busy...As in the days previous (except yesterday), I decided to tackle a pinterest pin. This time I stepped away from the edibles and went to one of my other favorites cleaning/organizing. I chose to tackle my pesky glass cooktop that has those boil over, water on the bottom of the pan, you name it caked on stains. I had read THIS pin the other day about a proven homemade cleaner that was guaranteed to remove such above named stains. So I thought, 'What the heck!'
After following the directions, I have to say I have never been able to see myself so clearly in my cooktop as I do now. I think by the next treatment it will look almost brand new! I highly recommend this easy treatment to anyone with a glass cooktop. This day, even though my hour glass I think may have sprung a leak causing it to fly by, has been a wonderful blessing. Besides the wonderful cooktop cleaner I now have in my back pocket, the kiddos and I have enjoyed the wonderful fall weather the good Lord has sent our way! All the while, I began to refinish a bookshelf turned hanging area for SG's dress-up clothes. Can't wait to show off the finished product!
Cupful of Blessings,
Carri
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Just Keep Swimming
Monday and Tuesday this week in our area we received A LOT of rain! So much rain I contemplated taking up the sport of rowing to build up my upper arm strength as a trade off for paying a gym membership somewhere, but that would not ever happen considering I am terrified of capsizing a boat of any kind and not being able to get out. (Betcha didn't know that about me.)
Anyways...all this talk about rain (Isn't that a title to a country song?!) has absolutely nothing to which I am writing about today. Do you ever have those days that you wake up and you just have a gut feeling that nothing is going to go quite as you planned? Those days where you feel like the fish from Finding Nemo, Dori, and you keep telling yourself, "Just keep swimming...Just keep swimming," as a personal pep talk that everything is going to be just fine.
Well, today was one of those days for me or shall I say us because before all was said and done I had the whole family involved to help make all the gears turn in proper fashion. It all started with our Elijah-bug just not sleeping so well the night before. I felt like we were back in newborn stage getting up every 3-4 hours. Scarily I thought we might be entering into this with child #2. However, our God is much BIGGER than those deceptive thoughts one might have at 2:00 AM as your loving Hubby rolls over in bed says your child's name but shows no inclination of getting up to see what is wrong.
After multiply middle of the night feedings and uncharacteristic behaviors of our E-bug (i.e., cuddling and falling asleep in our laps, which is so NOT him our mover and shaker), I knew it was time to batten down the hatches per say. With a temperature gradually rising, I quickly put the adorable candy corn cupcakes I had planned to make for my KidsPraise kiddos on the back burner for this week and "Saddle Up My Horses" (A great Steven Curtis Chapman song if you've never heard it.) to take action. I knew by mid-morning things were not improving considering our moocher of a son was not taking a bite of food and didn't have a lick of interest in a bottle/cup of milk. I know, surprising to some of you who know our E-bug.
A quick phone call, a trip to our fabulous pediatrician, a car's backseat covered in projectile vomit and we have the good 'ole stomach bug! You wouldn't know it now considering my Little Man is quietly entertaining himself, while I my legs are slowly coming to a halt for the day as my "Just keep swimming" is about to drown out of pure exhaustion.
However, through all of this I have to say the rest of my family put out their star-studded walk of fame! Hubby took on dance duty taking our SG to ballet and tap. Then SG handled everything like a pro without an ounce of complaining. Lastly, God knew all of this in advance because he truly sent an angel to clean out E-bug's car seat so he could ride back to the doctor and home safely. Praise the Lord!
Needless to say it has been a pinterest-less day, but I am so grateful for JUST a stomach bug and to be continually blessed by an awesome family and friends!
Cupful of Blessings,
Carri
Anyways...all this talk about rain (Isn't that a title to a country song?!) has absolutely nothing to which I am writing about today. Do you ever have those days that you wake up and you just have a gut feeling that nothing is going to go quite as you planned? Those days where you feel like the fish from Finding Nemo, Dori, and you keep telling yourself, "Just keep swimming...Just keep swimming," as a personal pep talk that everything is going to be just fine.Well, today was one of those days for me or shall I say us because before all was said and done I had the whole family involved to help make all the gears turn in proper fashion. It all started with our Elijah-bug just not sleeping so well the night before. I felt like we were back in newborn stage getting up every 3-4 hours. Scarily I thought we might be entering into this with child #2. However, our God is much BIGGER than those deceptive thoughts one might have at 2:00 AM as your loving Hubby rolls over in bed says your child's name but shows no inclination of getting up to see what is wrong.
After multiply middle of the night feedings and uncharacteristic behaviors of our E-bug (i.e., cuddling and falling asleep in our laps, which is so NOT him our mover and shaker), I knew it was time to batten down the hatches per say. With a temperature gradually rising, I quickly put the adorable candy corn cupcakes I had planned to make for my KidsPraise kiddos on the back burner for this week and "Saddle Up My Horses" (A great Steven Curtis Chapman song if you've never heard it.) to take action. I knew by mid-morning things were not improving considering our moocher of a son was not taking a bite of food and didn't have a lick of interest in a bottle/cup of milk. I know, surprising to some of you who know our E-bug.
A quick phone call, a trip to our fabulous pediatrician, a car's backseat covered in projectile vomit and we have the good 'ole stomach bug! You wouldn't know it now considering my Little Man is quietly entertaining himself, while I my legs are slowly coming to a halt for the day as my "Just keep swimming" is about to drown out of pure exhaustion.
However, through all of this I have to say the rest of my family put out their star-studded walk of fame! Hubby took on dance duty taking our SG to ballet and tap. Then SG handled everything like a pro without an ounce of complaining. Lastly, God knew all of this in advance because he truly sent an angel to clean out E-bug's car seat so he could ride back to the doctor and home safely. Praise the Lord!
Needless to say it has been a pinterest-less day, but I am so grateful for JUST a stomach bug and to be continually blessed by an awesome family and friends!
Cupful of Blessings,
Carri
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Just a Little Country
Being a girl from Knoxville, TN and married to a man from Nashville, TN, country music is just part of our blood. I am a fan no doubt of some good Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Zac Brown Band and many others. I even know that it is 5 o' clock somewhere, even though I am a "dry" Southern Baptist. And I absolutely LOVE cowboy boots, even if mine may never have stepped into a single pile of cow plops!
So tonight I thought I would try my hand a something a little "country", at least that was in the name of the recipe on a recent pin on my Dinner Board. It fell under this pin that claimed to have 40 recipes for shredded chicken. Well, the site did have 40 recipes for shredded chicken and some, I must admit, sounded a little, shall we say...scary to the taste buds. I decided to take the safe road tonight and not the "road less traveled". I chose this recipe.It sure has made my kitchen smell like one pulled out of a farm house. (It is still countrifying itself as a write this post.)
I did not feel that this was enough for my accomplishments today, for I had to get a little taste of fall in combination with our recent fall in outside temperatures. So I tested out one of my neighbor's and fellow blogger's recipes...Pumpkin Crunch Cake. If this makes your mouth water go ahead and jump in your car because there is more than enough to share. A lucky person might receive a gift tomorrow of this delectable dessert. I LOVE fall with all the colors, food and essences that go along with it. Just melts my heart!
In combination with all of these exciting new recipes I roped my mind around, my SG had quite a break through today in our schooling. For those who may not know, my Hubby and I have chosen to try our hands at homeschooling this year. As part of SG's curriculum, we have started the beginning basics of reading. Well, today she read 2 beginner books from the BOB book series. I was so excited because this area of study has been quite a tooth puller because she is such an artsy person. I almost cried! But she didn't stop there, she also proved that she could recognize and order all numbers 1 -20!
HOWEVER, the biggest blessing of today had nothing to do with our scrumptious dinner/dessert that we are about to devour or even the fantastic academic break throughs that we had today...No, the best blessing was when SG asked me this, "How do you get to go to heaven? I want to go to heaven!" So I explained the ABC's to her. We are on our way to having another sister-in-Christ. Such a BLESSING!
Cupful of blessings,
Carri
So tonight I thought I would try my hand a something a little "country", at least that was in the name of the recipe on a recent pin on my Dinner Board. It fell under this pin that claimed to have 40 recipes for shredded chicken. Well, the site did have 40 recipes for shredded chicken and some, I must admit, sounded a little, shall we say...scary to the taste buds. I decided to take the safe road tonight and not the "road less traveled". I chose this recipe.It sure has made my kitchen smell like one pulled out of a farm house. (It is still countrifying itself as a write this post.)I did not feel that this was enough for my accomplishments today, for I had to get a little taste of fall in combination with our recent fall in outside temperatures. So I tested out one of my neighbor's and fellow blogger's recipes...Pumpkin Crunch Cake. If this makes your mouth water go ahead and jump in your car because there is more than enough to share. A lucky person might receive a gift tomorrow of this delectable dessert. I LOVE fall with all the colors, food and essences that go along with it. Just melts my heart!
In combination with all of these exciting new recipes I roped my mind around, my SG had quite a break through today in our schooling. For those who may not know, my Hubby and I have chosen to try our hands at homeschooling this year. As part of SG's curriculum, we have started the beginning basics of reading. Well, today she read 2 beginner books from the BOB book series. I was so excited because this area of study has been quite a tooth puller because she is such an artsy person. I almost cried! But she didn't stop there, she also proved that she could recognize and order all numbers 1 -20!
HOWEVER, the biggest blessing of today had nothing to do with our scrumptious dinner/dessert that we are about to devour or even the fantastic academic break throughs that we had today...No, the best blessing was when SG asked me this, "How do you get to go to heaven? I want to go to heaven!" So I explained the ABC's to her. We are on our way to having another sister-in-Christ. Such a BLESSING!
Cupful of blessings,
Carri
Monday, September 17, 2012
Where the Boat Leaves From
Well, this is where my boat leaves from (Yes, I am a HUGE Zac Brown Band fan!)...yep, I finally broke down just a little over 2 weeks of my strike and went to the grocery store. I, personally, could not face another night of pasta, eggs or some other weird concoction.
Following an adventurous day on the lake with some friends (who shall remain nameless and our story is safely secure with us), I broke down. However, I am happy to report that over the past 2 weeks I had saved enough from our grocery envelope that I was able to pay complete cash for groceries that will last us long past this week...minus the 2 gallons of milk that I will be lucky to stretch to Wednesday. I know this maybe astounding to some but I was able to stock us up for at least 1 1/2 weeks for right at $120, including meat purchases. I did this without any coupons! I know some of you are probably shocked, but with the stage at which I am at right now my couponing has gone on the back burner.
We are trying to still get in the swing of a new "routine" as well as adjust to homeschooling while being interrupted by an almost 1 year old! Quite interesting at times.
Now that my pantry is fully stocked, I look forward to posting some of the new recipes I have pinned on my pinterest boards. I generally try to leave my comments under the pins that I complete just in case you are curious as to how it turned out.
I am continually reminded how blessed we are even if I did eat pasta much more than I ever desire (not a big pasta fan!). Looking forward to the blessings the Lord will bestow upon us this week!
Cupful of blessings,
Carri
Following an adventurous day on the lake with some friends (who shall remain nameless and our story is safely secure with us), I broke down. However, I am happy to report that over the past 2 weeks I had saved enough from our grocery envelope that I was able to pay complete cash for groceries that will last us long past this week...minus the 2 gallons of milk that I will be lucky to stretch to Wednesday. I know this maybe astounding to some but I was able to stock us up for at least 1 1/2 weeks for right at $120, including meat purchases. I did this without any coupons! I know some of you are probably shocked, but with the stage at which I am at right now my couponing has gone on the back burner.
We are trying to still get in the swing of a new "routine" as well as adjust to homeschooling while being interrupted by an almost 1 year old! Quite interesting at times.
Now that my pantry is fully stocked, I look forward to posting some of the new recipes I have pinned on my pinterest boards. I generally try to leave my comments under the pins that I complete just in case you are curious as to how it turned out.
I am continually reminded how blessed we are even if I did eat pasta much more than I ever desire (not a big pasta fan!). Looking forward to the blessings the Lord will bestow upon us this week!
Cupful of blessings,
Carri
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Penguins, Chickens and a Fish Bowl
I know I already have your mind wandering what in the world penguins, chickens and a fish bowl all have in common. Well, I promise they all have some things in common...at least at our house.
We have now entered Day 9 of my grocery store strike. I have to admit a trip to the Farmer's Market might be in my near future because we are almost out of all fruits and veggies and I HAVE to have at few of these items for my mere everyday survival. But I digress.
Yesterday proved to be a very busy day despite my calendar being blank on September 10. Our family has now lived in the Tennessee Valley for almost 2 years and to say we have completely adjusted would be a lie. You see every year we get hit by what the Hubby and I have coined as the "Fish Bowl Syndrome". You ask, "What?!" You see we live in Tennessee Valley and when allergy season sets in I think it takes up residence for at least the next 6 - 8 months in our "Fish Bowl" and doesn't escape until a good hard freeze and/or a super scorcher of a summer with some afternoon rain to rinse the pollen away.
Thanks to the "Fish Bowl Syndrome" make its grand entrance upon us this past week, our poor kiddos have invited this unwelcomed guest into our home first. Therefore, a trip to our favorite Decatur Pediatrician became very apparent during Saturday and Sunday when SG sounded like a chain smoker. (Sorry if you are a smoke but we are NOT for many reasons.) Then came our next little friend to enter the house...Miss Penguin. Yes, we now have a penguin, or shall I say a child's nebulizer, that resides at our home. She is like a pet to SG, for she cares for it and watches over it as she receives her breathing treatments every 4- 6 hours for the next week. So the Fish Bowl Syndrome brought us a Penguin and then lead us to having Chicken Pot Pie for dinner.
This is one of SG's favorites because it includes 2 of her favorites, chicken and eggs. The recipe I use was given to us from some friends from Seminary. We have loved every sinful part including the whole stick of butter that is poured over the topping.
As promised last week when I started this journey, I have prepared yet another tasty treat for my family to start off the week. I made honey cinnamon swirl bread. I was given a bread machine for Christmas and I LOVE it! I use it mainly for making doughs and then bake in the oven because the machine, itself, tends to over bake the bread and dry it out. I have found from other bloggers advice that just baking the bread in the oven makes it so much better. I was so stoked about my bread and had plenty of ingredients left that I even made a loaf and took it to a friend today. I think what truly made this bread was the honey that my friend had bought me from the Savannah Honey company last year. DIVINE!
I must depart now to go turn on Miss Penguin, dose out some more Fish Bowl Syndrome antibiotics and figure out "What's for Dinner?" tonight.
One Cupful of Blessings,
Carri Duke
P.S. My kiddos had their pictures made today by an awesome Christian couple from Madison. Go check them out! Gallery Seven Photography
We have now entered Day 9 of my grocery store strike. I have to admit a trip to the Farmer's Market might be in my near future because we are almost out of all fruits and veggies and I HAVE to have at few of these items for my mere everyday survival. But I digress.
Yesterday proved to be a very busy day despite my calendar being blank on September 10. Our family has now lived in the Tennessee Valley for almost 2 years and to say we have completely adjusted would be a lie. You see every year we get hit by what the Hubby and I have coined as the "Fish Bowl Syndrome". You ask, "What?!" You see we live in Tennessee Valley and when allergy season sets in I think it takes up residence for at least the next 6 - 8 months in our "Fish Bowl" and doesn't escape until a good hard freeze and/or a super scorcher of a summer with some afternoon rain to rinse the pollen away.
Thanks to the "Fish Bowl Syndrome" make its grand entrance upon us this past week, our poor kiddos have invited this unwelcomed guest into our home first. Therefore, a trip to our favorite Decatur Pediatrician became very apparent during Saturday and Sunday when SG sounded like a chain smoker. (Sorry if you are a smoke but we are NOT for many reasons.) Then came our next little friend to enter the house...Miss Penguin. Yes, we now have a penguin, or shall I say a child's nebulizer, that resides at our home. She is like a pet to SG, for she cares for it and watches over it as she receives her breathing treatments every 4- 6 hours for the next week. So the Fish Bowl Syndrome brought us a Penguin and then lead us to having Chicken Pot Pie for dinner.
This is one of SG's favorites because it includes 2 of her favorites, chicken and eggs. The recipe I use was given to us from some friends from Seminary. We have loved every sinful part including the whole stick of butter that is poured over the topping.
As promised last week when I started this journey, I have prepared yet another tasty treat for my family to start off the week. I made honey cinnamon swirl bread. I was given a bread machine for Christmas and I LOVE it! I use it mainly for making doughs and then bake in the oven because the machine, itself, tends to over bake the bread and dry it out. I have found from other bloggers advice that just baking the bread in the oven makes it so much better. I was so stoked about my bread and had plenty of ingredients left that I even made a loaf and took it to a friend today. I think what truly made this bread was the honey that my friend had bought me from the Savannah Honey company last year. DIVINE!
I must depart now to go turn on Miss Penguin, dose out some more Fish Bowl Syndrome antibiotics and figure out "What's for Dinner?" tonight.
One Cupful of Blessings,
Carri Duke
P.S. My kiddos had their pictures made today by an awesome Christian couple from Madison. Go check them out! Gallery Seven Photography
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Breaking In
I left you all hanging, I know...So for the answer to "What's for Dinner?" on our movie night, we chose what was deemed as the BEST cast iron skillet baked mac and cheese. I took a recipe off of pinterest and adapted it to what I had on hand. It was originally this 3 cheese (not all common cheeses mind you) baked mac and cheese. The picture, I am a very visual learner, showed it being baked in a cast iron skillet; so, I thought, 'What the heck? I AM a southern girl who DOES know a thing or two about cast iron skillets!' It turned out divine. My favorite part of baked mac and cheese are what we call the "crunchies" and this method left plenty to be had.
Our family is now in day 7 of my grocery store "strike" and today I REALLY wanted to go to the store, not because we needed something, but because Elijah is in the process of breaking in his first tooth finally and I just needed a break from all the whining and crying. Believe it or not the grocery store is generally my break time and I LOVE it!
But I am glad to say that I have not caved in yet. SG and I did go on Friday to get ONLY milk. It was tough looking at some of good buy one get one deals of the week and just passing them by but I did it! Our dinners on Friday and Saturday we not too exciting:
Friday
Pancakes
Cheesy Eggs
Fruit
Saturday
Parmesan Chicken Wraps with Marinara Sauce
Mixed Veggies
Despite the blah menus, I did manage to have the ingredients to make a killer buffalo chicken dip for college football watching with friends (ROLL TIDE!!) and some scrumptious bread machine cinnamon rolls for a friend to take to church. Both were out of this world!
So as I sit here in my first moments of silence in the last 2 hours, if you feel so compelled to hand me your grocery list this week, I would be thrilled to shop for you! Maybe by the time I return, all 4 of Elijah's first teeth will have cut through!
Just kidding! Continually astonished and blessed by our abundance!
Cupful of blessings,
Carri
Our family is now in day 7 of my grocery store "strike" and today I REALLY wanted to go to the store, not because we needed something, but because Elijah is in the process of breaking in his first tooth finally and I just needed a break from all the whining and crying. Believe it or not the grocery store is generally my break time and I LOVE it!
But I am glad to say that I have not caved in yet. SG and I did go on Friday to get ONLY milk. It was tough looking at some of good buy one get one deals of the week and just passing them by but I did it! Our dinners on Friday and Saturday we not too exciting:
Friday
Pancakes
Cheesy Eggs
Fruit
Saturday
Parmesan Chicken Wraps with Marinara Sauce
Mixed Veggies
Despite the blah menus, I did manage to have the ingredients to make a killer buffalo chicken dip for college football watching with friends (ROLL TIDE!!) and some scrumptious bread machine cinnamon rolls for a friend to take to church. Both were out of this world!
So as I sit here in my first moments of silence in the last 2 hours, if you feel so compelled to hand me your grocery list this week, I would be thrilled to shop for you! Maybe by the time I return, all 4 of Elijah's first teeth will have cut through!
Just kidding! Continually astonished and blessed by our abundance!
Cupful of blessings,
Carri
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Treasure Trekking
Today I called my sister-in-law to catch-up and to see how my favorite niece did in her first day of preschool. Gosh I miss her chubby cheeks! As she and I were exchanging stories of what our kids are up to and our new "normals", I told her that today the kids and I started our Community Bible Study class and how that was the last item on our "list" to put us back into our school routine.
As I have been talking about stretching myself to places I have never been and/or doing things that have only crossed my mind, I was shocked at this year's theme for our Bible study...Trekking for Treasure. All of the things that our lead teacher was mentioning that we will cover in the course of 8 months and 5 Old Testament books made me stop and think. 'Wow! All the things that she is mentioning almost coincide with what I have been writing about for the past 4 days.'
So on our way home, I was discussing the remainder of the day with our SG and politely yet pointedly asked, "What are we having for dinner to go with our movie night?" (At our house, family movie night is generally on Thursdays since Daddy has Fridays off.) That is when it hit me. I have been doing really good all week about diverting the thoughts of going to the grocery store but today the temptation became very high. I really just wanted to go and pick up the ingredients for homemade pizza and be done with it!
But once again, my competitive nature kicked in and started talking to me. "Make this into something fun...go on a "treasure hunt" and see what you can come up with for dinner?" After all, my pantry looks nothing like Old Mother Hubbard's at ALL. So I went treasure trekking! Came up with not one but 3 options for dinner. So my little chef will help pick one of the three options and you will find out tomorrow what was chosen:
1) Baked Mac 'N Cheese with green beans
2) Chicken Parm. Wraps with green beans
3) Breakfast: scrambled eggs, waffles and fruit
Realizing once again the over abundance of blessings in my life!
Cupful of Blessings,
Carri
As I have been talking about stretching myself to places I have never been and/or doing things that have only crossed my mind, I was shocked at this year's theme for our Bible study...Trekking for Treasure. All of the things that our lead teacher was mentioning that we will cover in the course of 8 months and 5 Old Testament books made me stop and think. 'Wow! All the things that she is mentioning almost coincide with what I have been writing about for the past 4 days.'
So on our way home, I was discussing the remainder of the day with our SG and politely yet pointedly asked, "What are we having for dinner to go with our movie night?" (At our house, family movie night is generally on Thursdays since Daddy has Fridays off.) That is when it hit me. I have been doing really good all week about diverting the thoughts of going to the grocery store but today the temptation became very high. I really just wanted to go and pick up the ingredients for homemade pizza and be done with it!
But once again, my competitive nature kicked in and started talking to me. "Make this into something fun...go on a "treasure hunt" and see what you can come up with for dinner?" After all, my pantry looks nothing like Old Mother Hubbard's at ALL. So I went treasure trekking! Came up with not one but 3 options for dinner. So my little chef will help pick one of the three options and you will find out tomorrow what was chosen:
1) Baked Mac 'N Cheese with green beans
2) Chicken Parm. Wraps with green beans
3) Breakfast: scrambled eggs, waffles and fruit
Realizing once again the over abundance of blessings in my life!
Cupful of Blessings,
Carri
We Need a Cow
I know what some of you that know me and where I come from the title of this post is a little, shall we say, out of the box?! For those who don't know my family now resides in what we refer to as our little "Mayberry". We don't have a stop light and things get fixed all in good timing...or shall I say when someone gets around to it.
Well, one of the things I joke about with my husband is about moving further out into the "country" and buying some chickens and a cow. To which he always responds, "I am not have ANYTHING to do with their upkeep." Who can blame him? If you have never been around chickens, well, frankly, they STINK. We have a chicken farm only about 15 minutes from our home and the chicken trucks roll through town like cars drive into Sonic from the hours of 2-4 PM. CRAZY! You don't realize the stench until you are either A) Running with a group of girlfriends and one drives by or B) driving on your motorcycle and one pulls right up next to on your way to Chick-fil-A to which you divert your trip to another eating establishment. Not that I or my husband have had first hand experiences like the a fore described I am just saying they stink.
All this to say that I have always said that we need a cow for its milk because we go through at least a gallon a week and we eat at least 2 lbs. of cheese a week too! Surely a cow would help cut down on some of that expenditure. Right?!
As I digress, I write all of that to lead into the meal I made for dinner on Day 2 of my grocery store, I guess you could call it almost, strike. Last night, being Wednesday our crazy afternoon day, I had to come up with something that was quick but still "homemade". As I racked my brain and skimmed the pantry and fridge I knew immediately...Chicken Salad Melts. These are one of our go-to recipes that we picked-up from one of the our favorite places to dine when we were dating called the Green Hills Grill in Nashville. It is no longer in business but their Chicken Salad Melts were to die for and I am not a big chicken salad fan at ALL.
This melt is built in this manner: First you take some kind of bread, in our case last night it was a slice of homemade bread. Then you take a heaping, don't skimp yourself, scoop of your favorite chicken salad. Finally, top it with mounds of either slices or grated cheese of your choosing. Our favorite is either Sharp Cheddar or Muenster. I prefer the cheddar just to break up the white color scheme. We usually serve this with fresh fruit and a small side salad. Last night, being it was already 9:30 when hubby and I sat down to eat, we simply just had the melt and called it a night.
I am still utterly amazed at what I am able to come up with and it is now almost Friday. Usually I would be scraping the car door to go to the grocery store because I am one of those weird people that absolutely LOVES to grocery shop. I will have to admit, I have found myself thinking about it a time or two but then I divert to my goal!
How have you realized this week the abundance of blessings the Lord has bestowed upon you?
Cupful of Blessings,
Carri
Well, one of the things I joke about with my husband is about moving further out into the "country" and buying some chickens and a cow. To which he always responds, "I am not have ANYTHING to do with their upkeep." Who can blame him? If you have never been around chickens, well, frankly, they STINK. We have a chicken farm only about 15 minutes from our home and the chicken trucks roll through town like cars drive into Sonic from the hours of 2-4 PM. CRAZY! You don't realize the stench until you are either A) Running with a group of girlfriends and one drives by or B) driving on your motorcycle and one pulls right up next to on your way to Chick-fil-A to which you divert your trip to another eating establishment. Not that I or my husband have had first hand experiences like the a fore described I am just saying they stink.
All this to say that I have always said that we need a cow for its milk because we go through at least a gallon a week and we eat at least 2 lbs. of cheese a week too! Surely a cow would help cut down on some of that expenditure. Right?!
As I digress, I write all of that to lead into the meal I made for dinner on Day 2 of my grocery store, I guess you could call it almost, strike. Last night, being Wednesday our crazy afternoon day, I had to come up with something that was quick but still "homemade". As I racked my brain and skimmed the pantry and fridge I knew immediately...Chicken Salad Melts. These are one of our go-to recipes that we picked-up from one of the our favorite places to dine when we were dating called the Green Hills Grill in Nashville. It is no longer in business but their Chicken Salad Melts were to die for and I am not a big chicken salad fan at ALL.
This melt is built in this manner: First you take some kind of bread, in our case last night it was a slice of homemade bread. Then you take a heaping, don't skimp yourself, scoop of your favorite chicken salad. Finally, top it with mounds of either slices or grated cheese of your choosing. Our favorite is either Sharp Cheddar or Muenster. I prefer the cheddar just to break up the white color scheme. We usually serve this with fresh fruit and a small side salad. Last night, being it was already 9:30 when hubby and I sat down to eat, we simply just had the melt and called it a night.
I am still utterly amazed at what I am able to come up with and it is now almost Friday. Usually I would be scraping the car door to go to the grocery store because I am one of those weird people that absolutely LOVES to grocery shop. I will have to admit, I have found myself thinking about it a time or two but then I divert to my goal!
How have you realized this week the abundance of blessings the Lord has bestowed upon you?
Cupful of Blessings,
Carri
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Date this Challenge
To catch those of you just joining in on my little "game", I have challenged myself to something I have never done before. After discovering this weekend that I do better if I just face my fears head-on, I realized I could take the same approach to other areas of my life. Upon returning home from quite an exciting motorcycle ride with the hubby (You might see us on an upcoming episode of Storm Chasers...just kidding), I concluded that my family is beyond richly blessed and one of the areas that we are blessed is through the abundance of food in our pantry, fridge and, yes, 2 freezers. So with all this being said, I have challenged myself to see how long I can take my family, while still providing 3 meals a day and snacks, without going to the grocery (except for milk and eggs).
Today is day 1...I started this challenge off right by making my family a little treat, Date-Cranberry Nut Bars. My little chef in training "helped" by taste testing the dates, cranberries and walnuts that made these oh so delectable treats. I have to say that I have been so proud of her lately, for she is not afraid to try anything new when it comes to food. This is a HUGE step because when she was a toddler we found that she leaned towards the picky eater side of life.
I am hoping to start each week, yes I said week (hoping to last at least 3 weeks or more), with some sort of treat for the family. In hopes that it might overshadow some of the "creative" meals that might come along further into my challenge.
Tonight on the table for dinner we will be taking a stab at something that I had pinned on my Pinterest wall sometime back Cream Cheese Grits topped with some kind of meat (haven't decided) with a side salad and fruit! They only seemed so fitting for a southern gal.
One thing I did learn from preparing last nights dinner and trying to be more frugal in preparations is that I tend to think I am preparing for 6 grown men when in reality I should only prepare for probably 2 grown men considering SG and I tend to eat like birdies.
The one thing, overall, I hope to take away is how abundantly blessed we are to be able to keep our pantry, fridge and 2 freezers overflowing with edibles. We are truly blessed!
Cupful of blessings,
Carri
P.S. If you choose to take on a similar challenge, don't starve your family, please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom. Would love to see some others join in on the fun!
I am hoping to start each week, yes I said week (hoping to last at least 3 weeks or more), with some sort of treat for the family. In hopes that it might overshadow some of the "creative" meals that might come along further into my challenge.
Tonight on the table for dinner we will be taking a stab at something that I had pinned on my Pinterest wall sometime back Cream Cheese Grits topped with some kind of meat (haven't decided) with a side salad and fruit! They only seemed so fitting for a southern gal.
One thing I did learn from preparing last nights dinner and trying to be more frugal in preparations is that I tend to think I am preparing for 6 grown men when in reality I should only prepare for probably 2 grown men considering SG and I tend to eat like birdies.
The one thing, overall, I hope to take away is how abundantly blessed we are to be able to keep our pantry, fridge and 2 freezers overflowing with edibles. We are truly blessed!
Cupful of blessings,
Carri
P.S. If you choose to take on a similar challenge, don't starve your family, please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom. Would love to see some others join in on the fun!
Monday, September 3, 2012
Stretching the Limits
We just gave a giant wave bye-bye to a wonderful and fun-filled weekend with Mimi and Bobo. If they learned anything from our weekend it probably was 2 things:
1. Elijah LOVES to eat!
2. Elijah is a polar opposite of Samantha Grace comparing them at this stage (9 1/2 months). Extremely active and into EVERYTHING!
I am for certain that they felt like they had to be Stretch Arm Strong in order to keep track of him.
This weekend I taught myself to overcome some fears in the same manner we make our Samantha Grace...facing them head on. One of my biggest fears was riding the motorcycle with Josh on a "fast" road (aka Highway 20/24 that both straddle our little town). Well, I faced this fear head on and just before and after a major storm hit the area we were heading. On our way home, I felt a bit like a storm chaser but always checking Josh's side view mirrors to make sure the sunshine was just behind us. Quite a thrill once we got home without a drop of rain. Bobo and Mimi said we must have direct communication with the Lord on a golden line because we were all for certain that Josh and I were going to get soaked! Boy did I feel stretched out of my comfort zone.
Now that the "normal" has settled back into our lives of just the 4 of us, I have set out to make my weekly goals. I made my, for certain, final weekly trip to the grocery to gather a couple necessities. Upon arriving home and looking in my pantry, fridge and freezer, I realized how blessed beyond all measure our family is with an abundance of food. Therefore, I have decided to stretch us to the limits and see how long (minus milk and eggs) we can go without a "MAJOR" shopping trip. Now being a full-time stay-at-home mom I think this would be a fun challenge of myself and my family. So I invite you on this journey.
I will post a short blog each day to let you know how we are doing. I think I am going to be surprised. Let the creative cooking juices flow and let me stretch us to the limits...
Cupful of blessings,
Carri
1. Elijah LOVES to eat!
2. Elijah is a polar opposite of Samantha Grace comparing them at this stage (9 1/2 months). Extremely active and into EVERYTHING!
I am for certain that they felt like they had to be Stretch Arm Strong in order to keep track of him.
This weekend I taught myself to overcome some fears in the same manner we make our Samantha Grace...facing them head on. One of my biggest fears was riding the motorcycle with Josh on a "fast" road (aka Highway 20/24 that both straddle our little town). Well, I faced this fear head on and just before and after a major storm hit the area we were heading. On our way home, I felt a bit like a storm chaser but always checking Josh's side view mirrors to make sure the sunshine was just behind us. Quite a thrill once we got home without a drop of rain. Bobo and Mimi said we must have direct communication with the Lord on a golden line because we were all for certain that Josh and I were going to get soaked! Boy did I feel stretched out of my comfort zone.
Now that the "normal" has settled back into our lives of just the 4 of us, I have set out to make my weekly goals. I made my, for certain, final weekly trip to the grocery to gather a couple necessities. Upon arriving home and looking in my pantry, fridge and freezer, I realized how blessed beyond all measure our family is with an abundance of food. Therefore, I have decided to stretch us to the limits and see how long (minus milk and eggs) we can go without a "MAJOR" shopping trip. Now being a full-time stay-at-home mom I think this would be a fun challenge of myself and my family. So I invite you on this journey.
I will post a short blog each day to let you know how we are doing. I think I am going to be surprised. Let the creative cooking juices flow and let me stretch us to the limits...
Cupful of blessings,
Carri
Thursday, August 16, 2012
For Every Season
I would like to re-introduce myself to my followers, readers and anyone else who may stumble upon our site. I have taken a little over a month break from documenting the cupfuls of blessings that have been taking place in our lives as a family, for the Lord has been teaching our family SO much over the last couple of months.
I actually went back and re-read what I had written at the beginning of 2012 to help me realign some things in my life. The Lord has put me in some "tough" situations lately where I have had to lean completely on Him, but they have all turned out to be such a true blessing in the end.
For those that might be interested, we are all doing fabulous! Samantha Grace and Elijah are best friends, literally! Elijah gets so excited each morning to go into SG's room to "wake" her up. The smiles on their faces are irreplaceable.
Elijah is almost completely mobile. He enjoys alternating between army crawling and crawling on all fours. He can sit himself up and has just mastered pulling himself up and slowly cruises. (He will be 9 months old next Friday!) Samantha Grace is growing into such a beautiful young lady. She is eager to start school...at home! Yet another blessing the Lord has showered upon us.
I have had an opportunity this summer that has allowed me to stay home a lot with my children and I would NOT trade it in for the world...even on those tough days. We, as a family, have realized how important that bond between our children and even between the parents and the children is to not only cherish but to strongly develop and nurture as long as possible.
Through my blogging break the Lord has totally strengthened my walk with Him. It still amazes me that when you start your day "walking" in line with him how much He will open his Word to direct your paths for the day and even help you with the difficulties of life that you may be going through at the time.
I have leaned on a lot of music during my break as well including some of my all time Getty favorites:
Still, My Soul, Be Still
Every Promise of Your Word
May you find your cupful of blessings everyday!
In His footsteps,
Carri
I actually went back and re-read what I had written at the beginning of 2012 to help me realign some things in my life. The Lord has put me in some "tough" situations lately where I have had to lean completely on Him, but they have all turned out to be such a true blessing in the end.
For those that might be interested, we are all doing fabulous! Samantha Grace and Elijah are best friends, literally! Elijah gets so excited each morning to go into SG's room to "wake" her up. The smiles on their faces are irreplaceable.
Elijah is almost completely mobile. He enjoys alternating between army crawling and crawling on all fours. He can sit himself up and has just mastered pulling himself up and slowly cruises. (He will be 9 months old next Friday!) Samantha Grace is growing into such a beautiful young lady. She is eager to start school...at home! Yet another blessing the Lord has showered upon us.
I have had an opportunity this summer that has allowed me to stay home a lot with my children and I would NOT trade it in for the world...even on those tough days. We, as a family, have realized how important that bond between our children and even between the parents and the children is to not only cherish but to strongly develop and nurture as long as possible.
Through my blogging break the Lord has totally strengthened my walk with Him. It still amazes me that when you start your day "walking" in line with him how much He will open his Word to direct your paths for the day and even help you with the difficulties of life that you may be going through at the time.
I have leaned on a lot of music during my break as well including some of my all time Getty favorites:
Still, My Soul, Be Still
Every Promise of Your Word
May you find your cupful of blessings everyday!
In His footsteps,
Carri
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Cute as buttons
No words can explain... I am amazed at how fast they are growing. It seems like yesterday I was trying to "rush" the clock for SG to be able to be mobile. Now I am trying to do the exact opposite with both. Someone tell me where the emergency break is so I can pull all this to a grinding hault!
It's All in the Numbers
This week, for some reason or another, a lot of numerical figures have been running through my head. So let expound upon some of the mathematical thoughts:
3 - The number of days my husband is spending in motorcycle safety training course. Yes, you read right. I am finally folding and letting him seriously consider the purchase of a 2 wheeler.
12 - The number of years ago that I met my husband and never turned back...
11 - The hour in which we said "I do" and made our life long commitment to one another.
23 - The lowest our daughter's blood sugar has been this week to throw this Momma into a scare.
431 - The opposite end of the spectrum...the highest her blood sugar has reached less than 24 (another number) hours after the lowest low. Gosh this disease frustrates me.
9 - The date in September when we will walk to raise funds for finding a cure for this currently incurable disease of Type I Diabetes.
654 - These are the numbers that correspond, in order, minus the zeros in front of each of them to the month, day and year that Hubby and I became one.
But the most important number this week is...
8 - The number of years that my Husband and I will celebrate today of wedded bliss.
Happy Anniversary Joshua!
3 - The number of days my husband is spending in motorcycle safety training course. Yes, you read right. I am finally folding and letting him seriously consider the purchase of a 2 wheeler.
12 - The number of years ago that I met my husband and never turned back...
11 - The hour in which we said "I do" and made our life long commitment to one another.
23 - The lowest our daughter's blood sugar has been this week to throw this Momma into a scare.
431 - The opposite end of the spectrum...the highest her blood sugar has reached less than 24 (another number) hours after the lowest low. Gosh this disease frustrates me.
9 - The date in September when we will walk to raise funds for finding a cure for this currently incurable disease of Type I Diabetes.
654 - These are the numbers that correspond, in order, minus the zeros in front of each of them to the month, day and year that Hubby and I became one.
But the most important number this week is...
8 - The number of years that my Husband and I will celebrate today of wedded bliss.
Happy Anniversary Joshua!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
La Petit Chef
There once was a girl...
Who dressed very fancy!
She loved helping her mommy taste each new delight.
Then pause for a smile when the moments was just right.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
In a Moment's Time
This afternoon I was reading through a college friend's Facebook page getting "caught-up" realizing from some previous posts that her precious 1 month old had to undergo open hear surgery just a few weeks ago to correct a defect. Then I thought for a moment longer about today as I stared at the serial number that Samantha Grace peeled off of her insulin pump last night reminding myself to call the pump company...it hit me...today marks 3 years that our little princess has been a walking testimony of the power of prayer!
For those that are unfamiliar with our story, I invite you to read this post and then follow it by this post. Those postings will give you a short synopsis of where we came from to what the difference a year makes.
Yesterday I read an article on my friends blog about comparing ourselves to "Parenting" magazines. I read with my mind and heart agreeing with every statement that she made. She hit every point that I needed to hear. Because in our little family everyday is surrounded not just by the daily activities but it also includes counting carbs, finger pricks every 2 hours (or more if moods change), and pump supplies have overtaken our medicine shelf.
(She made sure that her face was in the picture!) We are so blessed by her tough personality and unconditional love for those in need. She is such a trooper!
We, at first, asked God so many questions like, "Why us? Why her?" But now that we look back at the situation we thank God for what did NOT happen.
I look forward to every opportunity to share her story, the power of prayer and to make the common public aware that these are just "normal" kids with a story to tell!
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| Hard to believe this was our little girl 3 years ago! |
Yesterday I read an article on my friends blog about comparing ourselves to "Parenting" magazines. I read with my mind and heart agreeing with every statement that she made. She hit every point that I needed to hear. Because in our little family everyday is surrounded not just by the daily activities but it also includes counting carbs, finger pricks every 2 hours (or more if moods change), and pump supplies have overtaken our medicine shelf.
We, at first, asked God so many questions like, "Why us? Why her?" But now that we look back at the situation we thank God for what did NOT happen.
I look forward to every opportunity to share her story, the power of prayer and to make the common public aware that these are just "normal" kids with a story to tell!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Catch-Up
This week has been swamped preparing for a very successful yard sale to the point I haven't had a chance to even think about writing; however, I have been able to pick-up the trusty old camera and take a few snap shots of what the kiddos and I have been up to this week.
Even though this week was jam packed with preparations and other activities, we still managed to find our many blessings one cup at a time!
~Carri
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| We thoroughly enjoyed viewing a rainbow following a LONG hail storm. Fittingly enough this was only a couple days before St. Patrick's Day. |
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| Mimi and Bobo came down during St. Patrick's Day weekend to celebrate hubby's birthday a little early. I got to enjoy a small portion of his gift too. |
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| After a busy weekend with Mimi and Bobo, both the kiddos collapsed watching Max and Ruby after church. (Notice the pile of folded clothes...Mommy must of crashed too because they haven't quite made it to their spots.) |
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| Our handsome Prince Charming started eating solid foods (pureed of course) this past week. There is no turning back for this little guy. Mommy is still trying to adjust to the amount he can put down! |
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| Elijah took a little breather this week to practice his super hero skills during nap time. (It's really supposed to be his swaddle but he has learned how to turn it into his superhero cape.) |
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| Our Princess always reminds us to take a moment to rest and relax. So we did and enjoyed a nice evening around the fire pit and, yes, we even enjoyed a marshmallow or two! |
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| This was a big moment for Mommy and Elijah this week. After exiting the room for a moment, I came back to find that Elijah had grabbed his monkey lovie and was having the best time cuddling him and, of course, trying to "eat" his hand due to the nature of teething. Just melted my heart! |
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| What a way to finish out our week than to mark Elijah's 4 month birthday! It's amazing that I was able to get the two pictures that I did. He is such a scooter and climber already. His favorite place to be is outside and loves looking at his future play set outside. I believe that once he is mobile we are in trouble! |
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| In this picture, he was in the propped sitting position; however, he decided to flip himself over and then push down to "rest" on the arm of the chair. Such a monkey! |
Even though this week was jam packed with preparations and other activities, we still managed to find our many blessings one cup at a time!
~Carri
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Plain Fun
Like most of the southeastern portion of the United States, we are experiencing abnormally warm temperatures for this time of year. As I write right now, my iPod is showing 81 degrees! WOW!
We are fully taking advantage of the warm weather.
Before this picture was taken, we also washed Mommy's car. Thank you Mr. Pollen for the need of a major car bath!
Following our fun in the sun, we downed a couple of Popsicles, I did some laundry, rocked a teething almost 4 month old (Where has the time gone?) to sleep, and came out to find this precious scene.
Gosh I love pictures of my kids sleeping! So peaceful and timeless.
To top off the afternoon, I gave my mail lady a huge hug today because this came...
I might just have to cook my mail lady something out of it as a way to say thank you!
Blessings by the cup full!
~Little C
We are fully taking advantage of the warm weather.
Before this picture was taken, we also washed Mommy's car. Thank you Mr. Pollen for the need of a major car bath!
Following our fun in the sun, we downed a couple of Popsicles, I did some laundry, rocked a teething almost 4 month old (Where has the time gone?) to sleep, and came out to find this precious scene.
To top off the afternoon, I gave my mail lady a huge hug today because this came...
Blessings by the cup full!
~Little C
Sunday, March 11, 2012
November Babies
A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of keeping the evening bed baby nursery at church. So I took the opportunity to snap a picture of the November trio. All I have to say is Elijah is one lucky boy!
Building Anticipation
I am so excited this week for so many reasons! To start off the week, I received a message from our wonderful photographer that my little prince charming 3 month proofs had been released! He is growing so fast. Just last night as I walked down the street to a friend's house with his sister, he let out some of the biggest belly laughs. Made me all giddy inside..
I am also excited to be returning to the racing world of running later this week. What a better way to return than by giving back through our church's Missions 5K. So if you are in the northern Alabama region we would love to have you join us while giving to the furthering of His kingdom.
Another reason I am anticipating the events of this week is the release of this book. In honor of the release of The Pioneer Woman's book, I have planned my entire menu this week using her first cookbook. I thought I would let you in on some of the goodness my family will be enjoying this week.I am going to photograph each night's meal since I am such a visual learner. Unfortunately, one part of last night's meal got devoured too quickly for me to photograph since my family had been outside ALL day yesterday. I felt like I was feeding a bunch of hungry cowboys and cowgirls. :) (Note: We will be eating at a special event at church Sunday so note the "cheat" night of no cooking.)
Saturday: Cinnamon Rolls
(These got a 5 star rating from the hubby last night!)
Breakfast Potatoes
Fatty's Grandma's Cheez Eggs
Sunday: Dinner at Church
Monday: Taco Salad with No Bean Chili
Tuesday: Marlboro Man's Sandwich
Fruit Salad
Freezer Tater Tots (This one was on her show on Saturday!)
Wednesday: Baked Mac & Cheese (No Easy Mac involved here.)
Carrots & Homemade Ranch
Thursday: Sherried Tomato Soup (Probably omitting the sherry)
Skillet Cornbread (Gosh! I LOVE my cast iron skillets!)
Friday: Cowboy Calzones
Fresh Greens Salad
As promised, below is a picture of last night's meal.
Happy Cooking! (And lots of exercise this week!)
I am also excited to be returning to the racing world of running later this week. What a better way to return than by giving back through our church's Missions 5K. So if you are in the northern Alabama region we would love to have you join us while giving to the furthering of His kingdom.
Another reason I am anticipating the events of this week is the release of this book. In honor of the release of The Pioneer Woman's book, I have planned my entire menu this week using her first cookbook. I thought I would let you in on some of the goodness my family will be enjoying this week.I am going to photograph each night's meal since I am such a visual learner. Unfortunately, one part of last night's meal got devoured too quickly for me to photograph since my family had been outside ALL day yesterday. I felt like I was feeding a bunch of hungry cowboys and cowgirls. :) (Note: We will be eating at a special event at church Sunday so note the "cheat" night of no cooking.)
Saturday: Cinnamon Rolls
(These got a 5 star rating from the hubby last night!)
Breakfast Potatoes
Fatty's Grandma's Cheez Eggs
Sunday: Dinner at Church
Monday: Taco Salad with No Bean Chili
Tuesday: Marlboro Man's Sandwich
Fruit Salad
Freezer Tater Tots (This one was on her show on Saturday!)
Wednesday: Baked Mac & Cheese (No Easy Mac involved here.)
Carrots & Homemade Ranch
Thursday: Sherried Tomato Soup (Probably omitting the sherry)
Skillet Cornbread (Gosh! I LOVE my cast iron skillets!)
Friday: Cowboy Calzones
Fresh Greens Salad
As promised, below is a picture of last night's meal.
As mentioned above I was unable to get the WHOLE meal because the Cheez Eggs were gone!
Did I mention that I get to meet and greet Ree Drummond in 3 1/2 weeks!Happy Cooking! (And lots of exercise this week!)
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Southern Winter
As many of you know the weather in the south has been quite crazy this winter. One week we are in the mid-60's then out of the blue the bottom drops out and we are all freezing (in what us southerners consider cold) in the 30-40's.
Last week was no exception of craziness and apparently the weather has my daughter extremely confused as to what to wear to go play outside.
Last week was no exception of craziness and apparently the weather has my daughter extremely confused as to what to wear to go play outside.
Notice the stocking cap, mittens, short sleeve shirt and flip flops to top it all off!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Brown Bear, Brown Bear
Everyday I make it a point to sit down with both children to read a couple of short but classic children's books with them.
The other day Samantha Grace picked out Brown Bear, Brown Bear one of our all time favorites along with another Eric Carle book called 10 Rubber Ducks. (I think she likes the later because it has a sqeaky rubber ducky at the end.)
While we were reading, I notice that Elijah was extremely animated. I begin to think it was just a fluke thing, but as I read further into the book his face just continued to light up. So Samantha Grace grabbed my iPod and snapped this photo.
The other day Samantha Grace picked out Brown Bear, Brown Bear one of our all time favorites along with another Eric Carle book called 10 Rubber Ducks. (I think she likes the later because it has a sqeaky rubber ducky at the end.)
While we were reading, I notice that Elijah was extremely animated. I begin to think it was just a fluke thing, but as I read further into the book his face just continued to light up. So Samantha Grace grabbed my iPod and snapped this photo.
PRICELESS!
Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see? I see Elijah smiling at me!
Friday, March 2, 2012
The Wavin' Wheat Sure Smells Sweet
Can you hear the tune to the theme song "Oklahoma" in your head yet? I have mentioned before that I never thought that I would miss the Midwest EVER but since stumbling upon The Pioneer Woman, I finding myself searching all kinds of things in the Midwest. Go figure! (I know my mom is shaking her head right now in complete udder disbelief in what she is reading. She might even re-read it a second time for clarification.)
Well, this week has been no exception. I had a bakery order come in this week for some desserts to feed about 80 guests. So to get into the spirit of spring and to make me feel a little happier since suffering with a sinus infection and bronchitis (did I mention that both our children are sick too with ear infections and sinus infections?), I decided upon making some beautiful sugar cookies decorated in bright spring fashion.
I knew I needed to make some royal icing to adorn on these precious gems, but I wanted to see how the "experts" were decorating these days. So I hopped on over to The Pioneer Woman's site and stumbled upon a posting of...you guessed it cookie decorating, which eventually led me to this awesome baking supply company called Sweet Baking Supply. I was shocked by their product line and their prices. It was my kind of store. Then upon further searching I found out that the actual store front is located in my state of origin...Kansas.
As I placed my first order today, I had a flash back memory of my Ama and I standing in her kitchen decorated still in the 70s wallpaper (gosh I miss her) making one of her amazing cakes! Then looking out upon the sweet waving wheat fields of Kansas. I feel like that every day that passes I become more and more such a sentimental sappy mommy. Oh, well, Samantha Grace and Elijah are just going to have to deal.
Any ways...I encourage all my baking and non-baking friends to head on over to Sweet Baking Supply. They even have some awesome freebies! You never know, you just might find that inner baker inside of you!
P.S. I wish I had some awesome photos to share with you of the flowers, but I neglected to photograph them in time. But they must have been divine because there were only 3 brownies left!
Well, this week has been no exception. I had a bakery order come in this week for some desserts to feed about 80 guests. So to get into the spirit of spring and to make me feel a little happier since suffering with a sinus infection and bronchitis (did I mention that both our children are sick too with ear infections and sinus infections?), I decided upon making some beautiful sugar cookies decorated in bright spring fashion.
I knew I needed to make some royal icing to adorn on these precious gems, but I wanted to see how the "experts" were decorating these days. So I hopped on over to The Pioneer Woman's site and stumbled upon a posting of...you guessed it cookie decorating, which eventually led me to this awesome baking supply company called Sweet Baking Supply. I was shocked by their product line and their prices. It was my kind of store. Then upon further searching I found out that the actual store front is located in my state of origin...Kansas.As I placed my first order today, I had a flash back memory of my Ama and I standing in her kitchen decorated still in the 70s wallpaper (gosh I miss her) making one of her amazing cakes! Then looking out upon the sweet waving wheat fields of Kansas. I feel like that every day that passes I become more and more such a sentimental sappy mommy. Oh, well, Samantha Grace and Elijah are just going to have to deal.
Any ways...I encourage all my baking and non-baking friends to head on over to Sweet Baking Supply. They even have some awesome freebies! You never know, you just might find that inner baker inside of you!
P.S. I wish I had some awesome photos to share with you of the flowers, but I neglected to photograph them in time. But they must have been divine because there were only 3 brownies left!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Pink Chair
Joshua and I bought this wonderful chair for Samantha Grace for her 2nd Christmas. She was just a little over 1 1/2 and you would have thought we hung the moon. This chair has been through it all. It's been crawled upon, climbed on, turned into a slide, a step stool and, yes, even thrown up on. But I will tell you that it is one of the hardiest and kid friendly chairs on the market.
Any ways, enough of my sales pitch...
Today, I was trying to rest as I seemed have caught what the kids have been fighting the last few weeks due to elevated pollen levels. SG was supposed to be playing in her room quietly. Well, after a small mishap in her room and a few shed tears, I walked in a few minutes later to find this...
Does this picture look familiar to some of my readers? For only a couple of years ago, this picture was taken...
Any ways, enough of my sales pitch...
Today, I was trying to rest as I seemed have caught what the kids have been fighting the last few weeks due to elevated pollen levels. SG was supposed to be playing in her room quietly. Well, after a small mishap in her room and a few shed tears, I walked in a few minutes later to find this...
My how she has grown!
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