Idol

What in the world is Jason Castro still doing on Idol? What are people thinking? I don't like David A. either. Brooke is going home, she has had a rough few weeks. I realized today that the female winners have done much better than the male winners.

Amazed

My kids never cease to amaze me. Alex was in the bathroom and I hear something being poured into the toilet. If you know Alex, you know to be concerned when you hear this sound. He had taken his pants and diaper off and peed in the little potty and was pouring it into the big potty. When he saw me standing in the door, he smiled and said, "gummies." He gets gummy bears for using the potty. So, he had gummy bears with his bacon and eggs this morning. I guess it is time for me to let him grow up a little and really hit the potty training thing. I don't want to, I know he is my last little one and it makes me sad to watch him grow and become more independant. Brianna will turn 8 and will be in the third grade in August and I am not happy about any of it. It's hard for parents to let their children grow up!

Last Few Days

The last couple of days have been crazy around here. Monday we had really weird weather, lots of rain and tornado warnings. Brianna was in the main building for an hour, in the guidance room, then they were on tornado lockdown for 30 minutes. For 15 minutes they were in the tornado drill position. My legs would have been hurting, if I would have had to crouch down that long. Monday night, I had girls night with some ladies from church.

Tuesday started with me running errands for the 252 auction that is coming up Saturday. Then at 12:30 we went to Brianna's program at school. I was so proud of her, she knew all the words and motions to her songs. I even cried, no Robin I am not a crybaby! Ran more errands for the auction and made dinner for us and the Bagley's. I made a really good broccoli salad, we all ate it! Brian said he only ate one hot dog and mostly salad! That's huge in this house, for us to be eating a lot of salad. After the kids went to bed, so did I and watched TV. We watched American Idol and Hell's Kitchen. I am such a reality TV junkie.

I have more phone calls to make for the auction today and one more errand to run. I also have to finish the laundry I started yesteday and finish making some things for the auction. Then I have a camp meeting tonight.

Zesty Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cauliflower, chopped
1 red onion, sliced
1/2 cup zesty Italian dressing
1/4 cup sunflower seeds

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, except the sunflower seeds. Toss, cover and refrigerate. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds before serving.

I used unsalted sunflower seeds. We all thought it was good! I will definately make it again.

Weekend

We had a very busy weekend.

Friday I took the kids to Pharr Mill Road Park and we walked the trail and let me tell you, it was great. The trail is somewhat hilly, but shaded most of the way. I let the kids play, and they had a great time sliding and swinging. The park is neat, they have play equipment suited for Alex's size kid and bigger stuff for Brianna.

Saturday we went to my mom's. It was a short visit, but nice. We went to eat supper with Sonya and Amos at The Beacon in Spartanburg. Brian stayed home, so he could get ready for finals. We had to bring him onion rings home. I got my mixer from my aunt and can not wait to use it. I may let the big kids make cookies Tuesday.

Sunday, I was busy with church. We had a camp and fundraiser meeting last night. We are having a spaghetti dinner and auction on Saturday. It has been a lot of work, but we hope to raise a lot of money for camp. It would be great if we could raise enough money to be able to charter buses to get to camp this year, instead of having to borrow vans.

Tomorrow is Brianna's Second Grade program at school. She is really excited. She wants to tell me stuff about it, but won't because she doesn't want to ruin it for me.

Alex said the funniest thing Saturday. We were riding around Forest City and he was in the back yelling, "Holy, God Bless." The stuff that kids comes up with just cracks me up. This morning he is walking around saying, "ABC."

I am slowly starting to come out of my funk. I talked to the doctor about it and she really let me have it. I needed the kick in the butt she gave me.

Brian has finals next week. When he gets those over with, he only has one more class until he is FINISHED!

Weight Issues

I have struggled with my weight all of my life. I am beginning to think part of my mood has to do with some weight struggles I have been dealing with this week. I think I am afraid to lose weight. This makes no sense right? It didn't click with me until Jenny said something about being scared Tuesday. That's when it hit me like a freight train. I'm scared to lose weight! Why am I scared? I have been fat all my life. I have always been the fat sister, the fat friend, the fat mom. Frankly, I'm tired of it! If I lose this weight, I will have to come up with a new "identity" for myself. I will have to become a new person. I do NOT want to pass this problem onto my kids.

Here's my plan:

Start walking five times a week, for more than 200 minutes a week. Plus I will take the kids for neighborhood walks 4 times a week.
Really watch what I eat, not the old joke that I watch everything go into my mouth. But, make conscious decisions about what I am eating.
Stop giving excuses!
Don't obsess! If I screw up a meal or snack, start again that minute.
No eating just because I am bored.

I am not the person that God wants me to be. Isn't gluttony one of the seven deadly sins? This is not who He wants me to be. I am not living to my full potential. How can God bless me when I am not abiding my His word and not living like I should?

Can I do this and still eat what I want? Can I still eat chocolate, ice cream, The Beacon, and pizza? Yes, I lost 60 pounds doing that. But, it's like a bank account. You get so many carbs, in my case, to spend in a day. If you overdraw you just overdraw. You start again the next second. I am actually feeling a little better, just getting this out and admitting to the fact. So, I hope you all have a great night. I am going to work on my menus for next week.

One more thing: Thank you Carol for the Southwestern Chicken recipe that I posted earlier in the week!

Kids

We are going to eat lunch with Brianna today. I am so excited. I haven't been to the school to eat lunch with her in quite a while. She also looks forward to the visits. Her second grade program is Tuesday and they have been practicing all week. I think she is excited about it, she is like Brian and is very calm and cool about most things.


Alex got to play with the "baby" in the mirror today. He gave him a hug and a kiss and kissed the mommy in the mirror.


I'm still in a mood today. I go to the doctor tomorrow for my annual visit, so I may mention it to them. Don't know though, I know they kind of jump to medicate people and I am not big on relying on medicine. I know some people have to, but if I don't have to, I'm not! I just told Robin, I am kind of like a baby, all I want to do is eat and sleep.


Jenny and I talked about medicine and chemicals on Tuesday. It was very deep. She is thinking about going green and organic. It seems a little more expensive in the beginning, but if it helps with kids allergies and cuts down on the chemicals in a home, it has to have some benefits.

I am going to my mom's house Saturday. I haven't been in a while. Nanna will be happy to see the kids. My aunt is giving me a stand mixer. I know, big news, but y'all know I LOVE to cook and want to start baking. Saturday night we are going to the Beacon for supper with Sonya and Amos. I really can't wait. If you don't know about the Beacon, it's a hamburger place that has the BEST onion rings you will ever put in your mouth! It's really good.

Tuesday

Last night I went to a cookware demonstration with Jenny. We had a great time and as always, great conversation. I didn't buy anything, but it was fun going.

I realized today, that I am just plain tired, both physically and mentally. I really don't know what is wrong lately. I'm just down in the dumps for some reason. I am tired of offering to help people and getting blown off. Actually, I'm just tired of people blowing me off. I don't know if it's just because I am a stay at home mom and people don't think that's "real" work. I am also tired of people walking away from me while I am trying to talk to them. That's just downright rude. It happens the most to me at church! I guess what I'm saying just doesn't matter.

Okay, I'm finished griping!

Mistaken

The story behind this song is that a youth volunteer was mistaken for Jesus at a rest home by a resident. So my question to you guys is, how are you mistaken for Jesus? Where do people see Jesus shining through you? Is it how you speak to your spouse or children, how you act toward strangers, how you treat the cashier at the grocery store? As Christ Followers shouldn't people see Jesus in us often? Shouldn't He shine through us in everything we do?

Have a great day!

Weekend

We had a really busy weekend.

Friday we went to Fractured Prune for dinner and doughnuts. It was really good and the staff at FP was great. We are going to try another fundraiser there in June!

Saturday night Brianna and I had a girl night and went to see Warren Barfield. He is a Christian artist, and I didn't know his music before the concert, but he was good! I really liked it. He had one song that really spoke to me.



Sunday we had a diaper and wipe shower at church for Travis and Kristin. Then after church we had a leadership meeting and I finally got to tell Travis that I can go to camp! I am so excited! I am going to be a team leader, whatever that means. I really enjoy hanging out with the kids, so I am excited about camp. I tried a new recipe for supper last night that was pretty good.

Southwest Chicken
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (8.75 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 pinch ground cumin
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Brown chicken breasts on both sides. Add tomatoes with green chile peppers, beans and corn. Reduce heat and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Add a dash of cumin and serve.

We had it with a pack of spanish rice and Brianna had the idea to put some sour cream on top. And it was delicious!

Have a great week!

Thursday Stuff

I tried a new recipe last night. It was good! After supper we went to watch Kaylee and Becca H play softball. They WON! Kaylee slid into home. It was pretty fun. Brianna had fun hanging out with Becca D. They followed each other all over the place. She also liked hanging out in the dugout with the team. It would thrill Sonya if Brianna decides she wants to play softball. I realized last night that I miss hanging out at a softball field in the summer. Maybe she will decide to play. I will have to ask her today what she thought about being there and watching the game.

This morning on the way home from school Alex was having the best time. I turned the radio to a station I don't normally listen to in the mornings and they were playing a decent song, so I left it there. Then, I hear clapping coming from the back seat. Alex is dancing and clapping and having himself a good time! It's so fun to sit and watch the kids just do what kids do.

We are going to Fractured Prune tonight for our 252 fundraiser. I am so excited. I love their doughnuts.

Fiesta Casserole
from In the Kitchen with Mary and Martha: One Dish Wonders

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (11 oz) can whole-kernel corn, drained
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup tortilla chips, coarsely crushed
sour cream
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 head lettuce, chopped

Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Top with cheese and crushed tortilla chips. Bake at 250 until cheese is melted, about 6 to 10 minutes. Garnish with sour cream and top with tomato and lettuce.

I only used 1 lb of ground turkey. It was really good scooped with extra chips!

Have a great day!

Fractured Prune

What is Fractured Prune? It's a doughnut shop and it's AWESOME! They make your doughnuts for you when you order them, so they are always hot and fresh. Project 252, the youth ministry at church, is having a fundraiser there on Friday from 5-9. 10% of sales goes into our camp fund. Please come out and have dinner, yes they have sandwiches also, and support a great group of kids. If you buy a dozen doughnuts, you can dip your own at the dipping station. So, come out for dinner, give the kitchen a break on Friday! Try the O C Sand, Strawberry Shortcake, Creamsicle, or Reese's doughnuts and that's just to name a few! If you know of anyone who would come out to this, please forward!

Have a great day!

Stamp Class

I had stamp class last night. We made two awesome projects. I love stamping with Sharon. She has the best ideas and teaches us ways to make our projects look great.

We etched an image of a flower onto a glass canister. Then we made a card. I really love the stamp set we used. The flower is beautiful.

Birthday

Today is my little sister's birthday. I hope she has a fabulous day! The older we get the closer we get and I am so happy that my kids have Aunt Sonya in their lives. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONYA!

Love you!
Steph

Too Cute

I just gave the little guys their lunch. Alex closed his eyes and put his head on the table. I asked him what he was doing and he said "pray." So, we all held hands and said our little blessing and when we were finished he said "Amen!" How cute is he?

I got the kids haircuts yesterday. I will post pictures later.

Report Cards

Brianna got her report card today. I used to HATE report card day. I was not always the best student in the class, just lazy and I really didn't understand math. I still don't understand it. I remember dreading opening that report card and then taking it home to Momma and Daddy, then waiting for them to say it was good or waiting on them to let me have it, depending on the grades. Sometimes I would feel quite sick. We try not to make a big deal out of report cards around here. Brianna is an excellent student, but she doesn't get rewarded for good grades. I feel it is her job to go to school and do the best job she can, I don't get rewarded for cleaning the house or cooking dinner. Have a great day everyone!

Thursday

Thursday was a big day for Alex. He had his first cup of "coffee" and his first fudge bar.

Weekend

We had a really good weekend. On Friday Alex, Olivia, and I went to Becca's DARE graduation. It was neat. One kid from each class won the essay contest, so they got to read their essays to the parents. For dinner I made crockpot lasagna and garlic bread. I will post the garlic bread recipe at the end.

Saturday, a friend of Brian's and his wife came over. It was nice to sit and talk. We went to lunch at Cheddar's. The food was good. Brian had a sandwich and I had shrimp. Brian doesn't like fish, so if we go out, I will order it. Then we just kind of hung out at home and I cleaned up the house. It was a mess. On Saturday morning Alex climbed in the bed with Brian. Then I heard him yelling "potty" and "stink." Brian was dying laughing. I went to see what was so funny and Brian was blowing his morning breath in Alex's face. That's what he was yelling "stink" and "potty" about.

Sunday after church we had a surprise party for Sonya. Her birthday is Tuesday. Our parents, Sonya's friend Summer, Travis and Kristin, and of course Sonya and Amos all came over for lunch. It was fun to have a relaxed lunch with friends and family. For dessert we had brownies, pound cake, and strawberries. Sonya even talked Momma into grilling us some of the pound cake. If you haven't tried it, it's really GOOD! Just put some butter in a frying pan and put the pound cake in until it is crispy! Put the strawberries on top and oh my!

I realized last night that I am tired of thinking about food. It seems I am obsessed about thinking about what I ate for the day. I'm tired of it. I am starting to food journal again today, so I won't have to worry with it. That seems to be the only way to keep myself on track. If you are trying to lose weight, try to food journal, you will be amazed at what you eat without even thinking about it.

I have a 252 leadership meeting next week and was working on my homework last night. I came across a quote I want to share: "It is impossible for a believer, no matter what his experience, to keep right with God if he will not take the trouble to spend time with God...Spend plenty of time with God; let other things go, but don't neglect Him." J. Oswald Sanders

Pull Apart Garlic Bread

3 Tbsp. butter, divided
2 (10 count) tubes refrigerated biscuits
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 to 3 Tbps. grated Parmesan and/or Romano cheese

In a 350 oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a loaf pan. Place both logs of biscuit dough in the pan, on log on each side. Fan the biscuits apart. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and blend with garlic; drizzle over and between biscuits. Sprinkle cheese over and between biscuits. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes of until middle tests done. Serve warm.

Evolution

I don't get the theory of evolution. I mean evoluntionists think the Earth was formed when two planets slammed into each other and everything basically evolved from some kind of sea animal! I just don't get it. Brian and I watched a show about it a couple of nights ago on Discovery Channel. I have to admit we did not watch the entire show. It was just too much for me to even wrap my brain around. I just don't get how scientists try to explain everything and just not acknowledge God's hand in everything.

Prayer Request

My uncle Steve was moved to ICU last night. He has been in the hospital for a week due to a possible staph infection following surgery. His blood pressure and heart rate dropped late last night. Please add him to your prayer list.

Thanks,
Steph

One Year Later

Today, Drew Weaver, a 20-year old college student, will tee off for his first Masters tournament. What's so special about Drew? Drew is a junior at Virginia Tech. Almost one year ago Drew was on the campus of Virginia Tech when the horrible massacre happened on campus. I watched an interview with Drew this morning on Good Morning America and it brought me to tears. When he heard the shots on April 16, 2007, Drew ran into the library where he watched ambulances line up to carry people away to hospitals. We all know what happened on that campus on that day. Drew tees off today in honor of 32 kids who lost their lives on that day almost one year ago. Drew probably will not win the Masters this weekend, but he will be the sentimental favorite.

Wednesday Thoughts

America's Next Top Model is a rerun, so I'm sitting here watching Idol Gives Back. It's like a telethon, raising money for different charities. Two of the charities they are giving to is Save the Children and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS. The clips of what these two charities provide are killing me and really giving me a kick in the butt. The clips are just showing children in need, orphans due to AIDS, and children who live in neighborhoods where it is unsafe for them to play outside. I have a huge soft spot for kids. But, this has made me realize that maybe I don't appreciate what I have like I should. I have a great husband and two gifts from God. I also take very seriously the responsibility that Jeff, Maria, and Robin gave me when they let me care for their children. But, sitting here at the end of a crazy day, I realize I don't let my kids and Brian know how much they mean to me. I don't think I let anyone know what they truly mean to me. Sure, I tell people I love them all the time and I mean it when I say it, but sometimes I don't think the feeling is there behind it.

I took the kids to the Memorial Garden today to make their pictures. This place is great. It's a huge cemetary, but in the spring, it is full of beautiful tulips and azeleas. I can't wait for Brian to edit the pictures and make some black and white. Momma, Nana, and Brian's mom will get some of those for Mother's Day. Pictures of the kids are the best thing to get my mom. She says she can never have enough.

Brian has been studying like CRAZY this week. He has two tests, a project and homework all due this week and a test next week. I am so ready for this semester to be over. I know after finals this semester, we only have one more class!

I have really been thinking about my post on giving God control of my life. Why in the world is this so hard? Why can't I just give up control? Has anyone else found it hard to do? Should I just start with one thing, then add another and another, until finally everything is turned over or should I just go all in? I think the biggest question for me is how do I do this? I have noticed that I feel God leading me in certain directions. I have also noticed that when God shows up and you are doing His work, Satan shows up in full force.

Anyway, I'm tired and I hope to get all the kids tomorrow. I haven't had Becca and Kaylee this week. Kaylee has strepthroat and hasn't been to school in two days. I really miss those girls when they aren't here. Brianna misses them too.

Kids

My kids are just silly!

Looking for

I am looking for a Macaroni Salad recipe. I really like it on my salad and it's just getting to be too expensive to keep buying it already made at the store. So, if you can help me, please send me your recipes!

Weekend

Today may be one of those days that I post a lot on here. Just bear with me.

As you know I teach Middle School girls at church on Sundays. The last two weeks, we have had good lessons which lead to great discussions. Yesterday, we got totally off track talking about whether animals go to Heaven or not. If you have any ideas on the subject, let me know. But I noticed yesterday the girls are starting to seek me out on Sunday mornings. They will come up to hug me or just to say good morning. When I got home yesterday I was so excited. I am being accepted by the girls, they are really listening to what Robin and I have to say, and I think they are starting to respect us.

Over the weekend I read two really good books. I love to read mysteries, my mom suggested a series of Christian mysteries. Brandilyn Collins is the author and the first book I read was Brink of Death. The basics of the book is a Annie's neighbor is killed and her 12 year old daughter witnesses the entire thing. Annie is dragged into the investigation because she used to be a courtroom artist and she helps the daughter draw a picture of the murderer. Anyway, through the investigation she begins to question her dad's view of Christianity. Toward the end she promises God she will get to know him. The second book in the series, Stain of Guilt, was also good. As I was reading last night one passage in the book jumped out at me and really made me think:

This is Annie's neighbor asking why she hasn't surrendered her life to God. "Okay. Let me ask you a question, but it's not one to answer aloud. When you look at your life, Annie, this life that you are running under your own steam - is it working? See, for my own life, I know I couldn't do half as good a job as God does, because He's the one who created me. He knows my talents and weaknesses better than I do. It's like the Bible says when it talks about the potter knowing better than the clay how to form the jar."

It just really made me think about why I haven't given control of my life to God. It's not an easy thing to do, after I have been driving this life for the last 32 years. How do you break the cycle and give total control to someone else? That is a huge leap of faith. But, I guess that what it is a leap of faith. Any advice on how to do this is greatly appreciated, just post a comment. I have come to realize this life I am running isn't working out all that great, God has so much more planned for me that I can ever imagine. I think that's it for today.

New Recipes

I have tried two new recipes in the last couple of days that were good, so I want to share them here with you. I am also posting a recipe the Taylor clan LOVES!

Crockpot BBQ

1 Boston Butt pork roast
1 can Coke (yes, Coke)
1 sliced onion

Put all in crock pot over night on low. The next morning drain Coke and shred meat. Add BBQ sauce of your choice and cook on low.

I only cook ours on low for a couple hours and then turn the crock pot to warm! If you live near a Lowe's Foods they have Boston Butt's on sale for 99 cents a pound until Tuesday!

Hungry Man
from 1001 Best, Short, Easy Recipes

1 pound ground beef
1 (16 oz) can baked beans
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
2/3 cup Cheddar cheese

Brown ground beef and drain. Mix ground beef, baked beans and barbecue sauce together in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Sprinkle with cheese the last 15 minutes of cooking.

I just realized I forgot to add the cheese and it was good anyway!

And last but not least:

Pizza Crescent Bake
from In the Kitchen with Mary and Martha: One Dish Wonders

2 tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 (15 oz) jar pizza sauce
2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350. Unroll one tube of crescent rolls; place in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Press to seal perforations. Set aside. Brown ground beef; drain. Sprinkle beef over dough. Top with pizza sauce and cheese. Unroll remaining tube of crescent rolls; place over cheese layer and press to seal perforations. Bake for 30 minutes.

Okay, here's how I made this. I used the pizza toppings we like instead of the ground beef. I didn't use as much pizza sauce, we just don't like a pizza swimming in sauce. I also added some Mozzarella to the top of the last crescent roll layer. It tastes a lot like a stromboli I make, but it makes so much more.

I love to cook. I almost always change the recipe in some way. I thought by adding the pizza toppings we like, it would make it more Taylor friendly! One of my goals is to start baking from scratch. I have always wanted to make a cake from scratch, not a box. I also want to try brownies from scratch. I just need to find someone to give all of this baking to, so they WILL NOT be in my house!

Friday's Cards

Here are the cards I made for Travis and Kristin's baby shower. They were really easy to make. I have been making other cards without using stamps but punches. I am really excited about what I have been making lately. I guess I am in stamping mode!

LAPD SWAT

I got so mad watching Good Morning America today! I actually yelled at the TV. The LAPD chief has decided to lower the standards for the SWAT Team test. Why did they lower these standards? So more women would pass the test and make the team! This makes me mad. I believe that women can do anything men can do, and will tell my daughter that she can be whatever she wants to be. But, I want her to be as good as the men. I don't want someone to have to lower their standards just so a woman can be on the job. It makes no sense! The chief was saying women could not pass the physical part of the test. Let me tell you, if my husbands life depended on a woman who passed the lower standard test, or a man who passed the original test, give me the man. LAPD wants a woman on SWAT because they are good negotiators, well that's all fine and well, but they should have to earn their way on the team, just like everyone else. My question is, do you have to be on SWAT to be a negotiator? Brian normally disagrees with me on the whole women can do anything men can do issue, just to cause an argument, but today was the first time we actually agreed! It really mad me really mad and that is not a good way to start the day! Anyway, I just had to vent for a minute.

I did RSVP Brianna for her friend's birthday party today!

Last few days

The last few days I have not been feeling well. My allergies are kicking in full time! I have not been sleeping well at night. Let me tell you, that takes a toll on a person. I slept very well last night, I think I only woke up once. I am also walking on the treadmill and watching what I eat again. This makes all the difference in the world for me.

It is raining again today. It has rained here everyday for the last week or so. Yes, I know we need the rain, but it makes it hard to take the littles out anywhere.

I am going to a baby shower tonight. I need to make a card for it, I will try to post it. I love making baby cards.

Over the last few days I have noticed that Alex is talking like crazy. He has started to really put 2 and 3 words together. Last summer we thought something was wrong with him, thanks to the PA at the doctor's office. She told me there could be some kind of brain damage or fluid on his brain. I thought it was just because he was a boy and was going to be a late talker. When she told me that was not the case, I was totally freaked out! So, we had his speech and hearing tested and he was NORMAL! Now, we can't get him to hush and it is nice to know that he is fine.

Brianna has been invited to her first birthday party by a friend at school. That is a huge thing for 7 year olds. Now, if her mom can just remember to call and RSVP her for it!

I am making a ton of new recipes this week, so be on the lookout for those! I hope you all have a fabulous day!

Several Things

I have several things on my mind this morning:

Today is the one year anniversary of the murder of Officers Jeff Shelton and Sean Clark. It's a shame that policemen can't go to work without the threat of being murdered in their car. Yes, I am old school and still say policemen and I even still say firemen. I know their are women in both of these professions, but it's hard to relearn some things. My prayers go out to their families and their friends.

I got an invitation to the MOMS Club banquet yesterday. This is the first banquet in 5 years I will be unable to attend. I will not be there because I will no longer be a member. MOMS Club of Harrisburg has been one of the best things to come into my life. Before I found this wonderful group of women, I was sitting at home with my then 2 year old Brianna doing NOTHING. I joined the club to give Brianna the experience of playing with other children and learning to make friends. Little did I know the impact it would have on my life. I always say I joined for Bri, but I got more out of it than she did. I am not renewing my membership this year because I feel like I have gotten everything I can from the group and I am no longer able to contribute. I have not been very active since Alex was born. I love these ladies and that is not said lightly. They cried with me when we found out I was unable to have children and then they celebrated with me when I got pregnant with Alex. If you think a group of stay at home moms is ridiculous, think again. We do service projects and give back to the community. Most importantly we help that mom who is on the edge of not knowing what to do. I am the mom I am today because of the great people I met in this club. I just have so much to say about this group of women and how much they helped me when I needed it most. If anyone from MOMS Club is reading this, I wish you all the best of luck and I will continue to support you guys and pray for you all. I love you ladies. Thank you for what you have done for me and my family.

Now on a much lighter side, I made two great recipes in the last couple of days that I want to share with you:

Beer Bread
recipe from In the Kitchen with Mary and Martha; One Dish Wonders

3 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 12oz can beer
2 Tbsp. butter, melted

In a large mixing bowl, blend first three ingredients in the order given. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 375 for 50 to 55 minutes. Remove from pan and brush with melted butter.

I have been looking for a good beer bread recipe that wasn't from a mix for a while and this was so good!

Pepperoni-Parmesan Bites
recipe from 1001 Best Short Easy Recipes

1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 cup finely chopped pepperoni

Coat 12-muffin mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Whisk flour, baking powder, and basil together in a large bowl. Stir in cheese, milk, egg and pepperoni. Spoon into mini muffin tins. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. Makes 24 appetizers.

I made these for Jimmy's surprise party on Friday. I think they would be good with pizza sauce to dip them in! That's all for today. I hope you all have a great one.