New Recipe

I made this recipe on Monday and forgot to post it.

Meatless Burritos from www.diabeticlivingonline.com

3 15 oz can red kidney beans and/or black beans, rinsed and drained
1 14 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups bottled salsa or picante sauce
1 11 oz can whole kernel corn with sweet peppers, drained
1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
2 tsp. chili powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
16 flour tortillas, warmed
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup shredded taco cheese or cheddar cheese
Sliced green onions and/or sour cream

In a slow cooker combine beans, undrained tomatoes, salsa, corn, jalapeno, chili powder, and garlic. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4.

To serve, spoon bean mixture in the center of the tortillas. Tp with lettuce and cheese. If desired top with green onions and sour cream. Fold bottom edge of each tortilla up and over filling. Fold in opposite sides; roll up from bottom.

I left out the jalapeno and the corn. Honeslty, I forgot to buy the corn. This was really good. Brianna wants it on the menu every week. We ran out of tortillas, so I had it for lunch the next day as a chili, and WOW was it good!

Rescue

Tuesday

Yesterday was a pretty average day. Hung out with The Littles all day, walked on the treadmill, cooked supper, went to Zumba, and went to stamp club at Sharon's. I only went to stamp club to get the new catalog, cause I was tired after Zumba. I can't wait to sit down with it today and really look through the catalog. I also got a new Taste of Home magazine yesterday I can't wait to look through.

I still have a couple things I am worrying over. Man, I really wish I wasn't such a worry wart.

Brianna's class is sending out Flat Stanley's. I wish we knew someone who lives in another state to send it to. I think it would be really cool for her to learn about different places through this project. I can't wait to hear what the kids bring in and tell about.

Weekend Update

Okay, here's the weekend update, a day late. Friday 42 people, mostly girls, packed into two vans and two cars to head to Greensboro. We were going to Revolve. If you don't know what Revolve is, it's a conference for young girls. The speakers talk about what boys like and this year the theme was All Access. So, Friday late afternoon we checked into the Embassy Suites in Greensboro. Then we all had an awesome dinner that was set up for us. Then we headed out to the coliseum. Normally the Friday night session is like a big concert. So we sang and had a great time. Natalie Grant sang and she is so good. After the concert we headed back to the hotel to let the girls swim in the indoor pool.

Saturday morning we woke up, packed and headed down to the lobby for an awesome breakfast buffet. I love breakfast foods of all kinds. Saturday was jam packed with speakers and singers.

Here are some of the thoughts I have floating around:

Guys need great guys to look up to. AMEN! This is the thought I had about this, girls need great guys to look up to as well. Girls need a positive male in their lives to tell them everyday that they are beautiful, so they don't end up doing things they don't need to do with the first guy that tells them they are beautiful. This doesn't work as well when it comes from Momma's, face it we are supposed to say that stuff.

Chad Eastham spoke about what guys like in girls. And it's not what you think it would be. According to Chad, guys like girls who are comfortable with themselves and are themselves. It's not complicated.

Jeanna Lucado spoke and she was really good. She spoke about what gets in God's way: Only the things we put in His way. She also spoke about our relationship status with God. If you are on Facebook, you understand the analogy. If not, on Facebook you can list if you are single, in a relationship, engaged, married, it's complicated, or in an open relationship. Which of those best describes your relationship with God? One thing she said that smacked me in the head was that God wants to know the details of your life. He wants you to tell him every single, small detail.

I am still processing a lot of what was said and looking at my notes. Those three are what I have thought fully about since leaving Revolve Saturday afternoon.

Yesterday was a DAY. Nothing in particular happened. The Littles were good. Ellie came over for a visit. I was just drained, physically, emotionally, and mentally. I just had a lot on my mind. That makes for a tough day. I don't know how Brian knew that it was not a good day for me, but he showed up last night with roses. He takes such good care of me. It's funny, but I knew from week one that we were meant to be together. Don't get me wrong, it's not always shiny, happy around here, but we get through.

I tried a new recipe on Sunday. It was so good. I got the recipe from Better Homes and Gardens website.

Oven-Fried Parmesan Chicken

1/2 cup refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed, or 2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup fat-free milk
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
1 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
5 pounds meaty chicken pieces, skinned (breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
Snipped fresh oregano, optional

Preheat oven to 375. Grease two large shallow baking pans; set aside. In a large small bowl, combine the egg and milk. In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan, bread crumbs, oregano, paprika, and pepper.

Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture, coat with crumb mixture. Arrange chicken pieces in prepared baking pans, making sure pieces don't touch. Drizzle chicken pieces with melted butter.

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Do not turn chicken pieces during baking. Immediately transfer chicken to a covered container; serve within 1 hour.

Here's how I changed it, I did not use the butter. I sprayed the baking pan with Pam and did turn the chicken while baking, so the crust would be crunchy on both sides. We also ate it when it came out of the oven, there was no wait time for us! It was really good for lunch yesterday also and warmed up well. Lowes Foods has leg quarters on sale for 89 cents a pound, just cut them and there you go!

Struggling

I am sorry I am late blogging today and I know it's not the usual weekend update. Look for that tomorrow. I am just struggling with a decision I feel has to be made soon. I just don't know whether to continue doing what I am doing or stop. Am I helping or hurting? Am I making a difference? Does it matter that personalities are getting in the way? Should I put that aside and just deal with it? I'm just so frustrated with the entire situation. Hopefully just putting my questions and frustrations out there will help.

Anyway, be praying for my Aunt Carolyn, her baby great grandson passed away Sunday morning.

Alex

Sonya and Amos got Alex this race car toy for his birthday. Of course it makes a lot of noise. I can't wait until their baby gets here so I can get it lots of toys that make A LOT of noise.

Zumba

Yesterday was so much fun. Liz was over most of the day. We watched movies and just hung out. Then after supper she and I went to Sherry's for Zumba with four other girls, mostly from church. I didn't know what to expect, but it was so much fun! Zumba is a dance, aerobic class and Sherry does an awesome job teaching it. The hour flew by and we were all sweating. I think we all had a great time. If you are a member of the Harrisburg Y, check out Sherry's Zumba class.

I was thinking yesterday about what President Bush, or is it former President Bush, is doing this morning. Does he sleep in? Does he just take it easy? What do you do after 15 years of being a governor, campaigning, and being President? On the radio they asked this question: What is the biggest change you and your family have gone through? I think mine would be bringing home both kids. I couldn't believe they let me even leave the hospital with Brianna. I had no idea what in the world I was going to do with this little baby. Then after Alex was born, I couldn't figure out how to juggle two kids.

SNOW DAY!

Playing in the snow in our pajamas, yep they were that excited and wore me down.

"She threw snow in my face."

Thank goodness for those rain boots!

Snowball fight!

I totally did not want it to snow today. After the kids being home yesterday for a holiday, I was ready for Brianna to go back to school. I have to admit though that so far, it hasn't been a bad day. The kids went out before 8 this morning to play in the snow in their pajamas. We don't get snow that often, so I let them go out. The snow is already melting. That kind of bums me out, but it's okay. They had enough to play in for a little bit and for some pictures.

I am supposed to go to Sherry's tonight for Zumba. Don't really know that much about Zumba but am really looking forward to the workout. I will let you know how it goes.

I have been watching The Bachelor. I don't watch every season, but for some reason have been watching this one. I have always said that there should be a camera in the house where the girls live, so the bachelor can see what goes on in the house. It would save a lot of arguing. I also watched some new show called True Beauty. It's where they have a bunch of good looking people and see if their insides match what is on the outside. I didn't like it that much. I was excited that House came on last night. Watched it this morning while I was on the treadmill.

Weekend Update

Our weekend was very relaxing. Friday night we had Rock Group. David shared a ittle nugget with us. We had different kinds of pizza for supper. It was so good!

Saturday I honestly did nothing. The most productive thing I did was cook and wash dishes. I laid around in my comfy clothes with my blanket all day. I needed a day off so bad. It feels like we have been running everywhere on the weekends. I feel rejuvenated! I made a new soup for supper, look for it at the bottom of this post.

Sunday was church. Our new worship pastor was there and ROCKED! He did such a good job. Sunday I taught MS girls. I am just not feeling it when I teach them. I don't know what the problem is, I love hanging out with the girls. I just don't feel like I am getting through to them. After church we hung out at home again.

The kids are out of school today and for some reason, mine are already arguing. Actually the kids are out of school three days this week! Hopefully it won't snow tomorrow to get one more day off. I am going to walk on the treadmill in a few minutes and then this afternoon I am going to try out a new kickboxing DVD.

Veggie Chowder

2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cubed peeled potatoes
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can (14 3/4 oz) creamed corn
1 can (12 oz) fat free evaporated milk
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. real bacon bits

In a large saucepan, combine the broth, potatoes, carrots and onion. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Add corn, milk, cheese, mushrooms, and pepper. Cook and stirl 4-6 minutes longer or until heated through. Sprinkle with bacon.

I left out the bacon and cheese. We sprinkled a little cheese on top. This was so good and so easy to make! I really wish I had doubled it and next time probably will!

Braces

Brianna had her braces taken off yesterday. She smiled all afternoon. Here she is before he appointment. Here she is all smiles afterward. After her appointment we went to ChickFilA over at Concord Mills. That's where Mrs. Leigh from church works. Bri was so excited to get in there and smile at Mrs. Leigh. Leigh made Bri's day. She had her smile at a couple of people. Then we had to go buy Tootsie Rolls. Bri has been through two Halloweens with braces on and all she wanted was Tootsie Rolls. We also ended up with Sour Patch Kids and ice cream, thanks to Aunt Sonya. Bri has her own little candy bag on top of the fridge that no one is allowed to get into.

This morning it's COLD. It's supposed to be colder tomorrow. I felt so sorry for Mrs. Munger at Bri's school this morning. It was her day to let kids out of cars. But, this is why I love A T Allen. Mrs. Batts, the principal, came out and let Mrs. Munger go inside and get warm. Mrs. Batts could have found someone else to do it, but no she came out and did it herself.

Got to get the house cleaned up for rock group tonight.

New Recipe

I am on a roll this week. You are getting three new recipes.

Chicken Orzo Skillet
from Taste of Home

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
3 tsp. olive oil, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14 1/2 oz) stewed tomatoes, cut up
1 can (15 oz) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt
1 package frozen broccoli florets, thawed

Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skille cook chicken in 2 teaspoons oil for 6-7 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, cook garlic in remaining oil until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, Italian seasoning and salt. Bring to a boil. Stir in broccoli and chicken, heat through. Drain orzo; stir into chicken mixture.

This was really good. I realized that I hadn't thawed the broccoli, so I threw it in the pot with the orzo when it was almost finished.

I watched American Idol last night. I don't like the whole try out process. I do like the stories of the people trying out, especially the blind guy. I watched Biggest Loser while on the treadmill this morning. I am going to start really pushing myself on there. I even ran for a little bit. If those people on Biggest Loser can do it, then I certainly can!

American Idol

American Idol starts tonight and I am so excited. Brianna is bummed, but then she remembered that we can record it and she can watch it in the afternoons. That totally made her day. I am ready to start watching Idol again. Can't wait to pick my favorite and vote away! There is also a new show starting on Food Network tonight called Chopped and it looks like Top Chef, which I LOVE. Have a great day everyone!

Weekend Update

This weekend was so busy.



Friday night we stayed home. That was the only night we were all at home.


Saturday morning I had a meeting. I am NOT going to anymore of those meetings. It's the same thing everytime and I felt like I got blasted the whole time. Saturday night Brianna and I headed out to Liz's 16th birthday party. Bri had a great time dancing with the kids. I had a great time talking to everyone. Brian stayed home with a VERY ill Alex. He was so tired. Before we headed out to the party I made some supper for us all, it was two new, healthy recipes. I will put them at the bottom of the post.


Sunday after church we made a Wal Mart run then we came home for lunch. Brian baked some potatoes. Then I headed to Winter Jam with the youth. We stood in line outside Bobcats arena for about 2 hours, but it wasn't bad. We even got to see a protest. Don't worry, most of the kids were across the street at Burger King and didn't even know what was going on. The protestors were not being ugly or mean that I could hear. I don't think the people at Bobcats Arena liked it very well that they had a bunch of kids outside in line and here were a bunch of protestors. Then when it was time to go inside Travis and three of our guys ran in to get us good seats, and did they ever! We had awesome seats and could see the stage, it was so good. Stephanie Smith was so cute. Jeff and I got to speak to her at the youth leader's meeting before the concert. She said she wanted to be a princess ballerina cowgirl that day. She talked to us for about 10 minutes. Thanks for letting us go back Travis! Hawk Nelson was there. I was NOT excited to see them. I know I will be seeing them again in two weeks at Revolve.
Brandon Heath.
Tony Nolan was the speaker and gave me a tidbit that I am going to start saying. He was talking about near death experiences and said that sometimes people's breath can about do you in, so "give them a breath mint in the name of Jesus." Cracked me up!
And last but not least, TOBY MAC! I have wanted to see him in concert for a while and we heard him doing his sound check at the State Fair back in October. Oh my gosh, he was so good. He finished the show with Jesus Freak! I think the kids liked it too. He was the big reason that I even wanted to go to Winter Jam. Travis even spoke to him on our way into the youth leaders meeting! If you get the chance to see him in concert, do it! It's very high energy and FUN!!!!!!!

I am glad that today is a somewhat back to normal day. I was actually ready for today, I might actually get some rest.

Both of these recipes are from Taste of Home.

French Style Chicken

6 boneless skinless chicken halves
1/4 tsp. salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning
1 1/3 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
3 medium apples cut into wedges
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
4 Tbsp. apple cider or juice, divided
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
Minced fresh parsley

Sprinkle chicken with lemon-pepper. In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear. Remove from skillet and keep warm.

In the same skillet, combine the broth, apples, onion, 3 tablespoons cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and the remaining 1 tablespoon cider until smooth; stir into apple mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Top with chicken, sprinkle with parsley.

I didn't use the parsley. I used Mrs. Dash lemon pepper seasoning. Mrs. Dash has a website that you can get recipes from. I get an email from them weekly.

Colorful Veggie Saute

1 small zucchini, sliced
1 yellow summer squash, sliced
1 small onion, halved and sliced
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small green pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh carrots
1 Tbsp. butter
3 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
1/2 tsp. steak seasoning
1/4 tsp. garlic salt

In a large skillet, saute the zucchini, yellow squash, onion, mushrooms, green pepper and carrots in butter until tender-crisp. Add the spinach, steak seasoning and garlic salt; saute 3-4 minutes longer or just until spinach is wilted.

I didn't use the butter, I used olive oil. I also did not use the garlic salt of the steak seasoning. I used Mrs. Dash Table Blend to cut out some of the sodium. Both of these were very good. Brianna helped me cook and was talking about how good it smelled and couldn't wait to eat! She was excited to eat veggies! How awesome is that?

Last Couple of Days

Yesterday we didn't do much of anything. I worked on my menu for this week. With Brian's new low sodium diet, I am really paying attention to what we are eating. Buying groceries took a little longer last night, looking at the labels. But, it's well worth it, keeping him healthy and with us. So, start looking for our new lower sodium recipes on here each week.

I took Alex for his 3-year old check up this morning. I can't believe my baby is 3. He had so much fun at the check up, he told Olivia he played with the doctor. When the doctor asked me who I was, he tried to say Stephanie. That's a mouthful for a little man. I will never see the PA again that we saw this morning. She is always suggesting some speech therapy for Alex. She said she should understand 75% of his speech and she couldn't. I told her no way, I can tell a HUGE difference in his speech over the last month. This is the woman who told me 18 months ago that his head was too big and there might be some developmental problems. Last time I fell for it and did all of her tests, this time, no way. His speech is improving and if it weren't, I would do something about it.

This weekend is another busy one. Saturday morning I have a meeting at church about Rock Groups and am NOT looking forward to it. Saturday night is Liz's 16th birthday party. I am excited for her. Sunday afternoon Project 252 is going to a concert in Charlotte, I haven't decided if I am going or not. Toby Mac is going to be there, I would love to go see him. I AM going to Revolve on the 23rd. I am so excited about that. Last year I got so much out of it and had a great time. I am already planning on packing a notebook, so I can take lots of notes!

Smart Boy

Brianna is learning her multiplication tables and it is rubbing off on Alex.

The Biggest Loser

While on the treadmill this morning I watched last night's season premiere of The Biggest Loser. I love this show. It often gives me the kick in the butt that I need. This season there is a 19 year old who is the biggest contestant EVER on Biggest Loser. He was told if he didn't lose weight, he wouldn't live to 30! If I were on the show, I would want Bob to be my trainer. Jillian scares me, which is probably what I need, but wouldn't volunteer for it. This season looks like it will be a good one and can't wait to see who wins.

Brian is probably going to be mad with me for posting this, but he gave me quite a scare yesterday. He called about 8:30 saying he needed me to call and make an appointment with the doctor for him. That is enough to scare me as it is, but when he told me that his BP was high, it really scared me. I called the doctor's office and they had an appointment for that afternoon, they wanted to see him much sooner. He went, and was told to buy a BP cuff and read over an eating plan. So, today, I am reading through that. (I am the one that cooks and buys groceries.)

I am so tired already today. I had a horrible dream and have been awake since 5:15 this morning. I might even get to go to bed early tonight, if I don't get a nap before that.

Monday Stuff

Yesterday was spent getting back into some kind of groove. Washing clothes, cleaning, I even got on the treadmill. I LOVE the DVR. I watched Desperate Housewives from Sunday night while on the treadmill yesterday. I watched yesterdays Young and Restless while on the treadmill this morning. Yep, that's two days in a row. I have GOT to start taking care of myself and the treadmill just sits there gathering dust, why not use it. I would like to find some toning exercises to do while The Littles nap. I watched Oprah, I'm not a huge fan and only watch it when something good is on. She is losing weight again and she said she has learned that she has to schedule time for herself. I started doing that yesterday. I won't even answer the phone while I am on the treadmill unless it's the school or Brian calling.

We tried a new recipe yesterday. You get two new recipes this week. It was really good. I got a new cookbook for Christmas called: Quickies in the Kitchen and this recipe is from that. The recipe for Bacon Muffins I posted yesterday was from Taste of Homes Simple and Delicious magazine.

Orange Chicken
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup flour
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
2 tsp. lemon juice
2/3 cup orange marmalade
1/4 tsp. pepper

In a large skillet over medium heat, saute chicken about 7 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine flour, chicken broth, lemon juice, orange marmalade, and pepper. Mix together and transfer to used skillet. Heat flour mixture over low medium heat, stirring constantly, until bubbly. Add chicken and cook over low heat for 4 minutes. Serve warm.

I made this according to the recipe and we loved it, I will make it the same next time. I had never bought marmalade before and was surprised at how good it was. I served it with quinoa. It's a whole grain, kind of like couscous or rice, I heard about it on Food Network and wanted to try it. We had the chicken and orange "gravy" over the quinoa and it was so good. I am trying to serve different things around here, but things I think we will eat. Brianna didn't want to eat it, but she did. Alex ate it up and Brian said it was good. So it was at hit! I am really excited about trying out new recipes and can't wait to share them.

Have a good rainy Tuesday everyone.

Boys Day

This is what Brian does with Alex while Brianna and I are out and about.

Weekend Update

Let me just start by saying, I did NOT want to hear the alarm clock this morning.

We had a pretty good weekend. Thursday I bought groceries and heard the funniest thing. A man was on the baking aisle with a phone in his hand talking to someone, I assumed his wife. He asked her if she wanted him to buy vegetable oil or granola oil. I had to explain to Brian that there is no granola oil, it's granola bars.

Friday Becca spent the day with us. We headed out to Trader Joe's. I love that store. If you haven't tried the mini peanut butter cups, we highly recommend them. My parents came down to see what the kids got from Santa. That night we had Rock Group. There were a lot of people missing, but we had a great time anyway! It was nice just talking and laughing.

Saturday Bri and I spent some time together. We went to Rocky River Coffee, Concord Mills, BJ's, and got Bri a haircut. She can name all the places we went in order. I think she had a good time and really needed to spend some time with me. While we were running around Alex and Brian spent the day together. I think they went to Lowes.

Sunday was church and I think Jimmy preached on of the best messages I have heard him preach in a long time. We have several families going through a tough time in our church, and he preached on how to deal with life when it is falling down around you.

Keeping with one of my New Year's Resolutions I made a new recipe yesterday:

Busy Day Bacon Muffins

6 bacon strips diced
2 cups biscuit/baking mix
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 egg
2/3 cup milk

Cook bacon according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile in a large bowl combine biscuit mix and sugar. In a small bowl combine egg and milk. Stir into dry ingredients, just until moistened. Fold in bacon.

Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 400 for 13-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm. Yields 9 muffins.

I cooked my bacon in the microwave first, then crumbled it into the mix. These are dry, so I will add more milk the next time I make them. These were good and would work well with turkey bacon.

I am trying to get into some kind of groove today. With Brian back at work and Brianna back at school, I need to get back into my routine.

Do Not Fear

I was watching Facing the Giants last night and heard something that kind of hit me upside the head. One of the characters looked at the main character and said that God says Do Not Fear 365 times in the Bible. I don't know if this is true or not, but if it is, that's one do not fear for every day of the year. I even rewound the DVR three times to see if I heard it right!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone! Last night Bri and I hung out at the Project 252 party for a little bit. I couldn't stay until 12, really just wanted to be at home with Brian and Alex.

So here's the New Year's deal. This year I am going to try at least one new recipe each week and post the recipe on here. If I don't like the recipe, you will know it. I am really excited about this. I have a ton of cookbooks but get stuck in a rut cooking the same things. So, be on the lookout each week for the new recipe!

Have a great new year!