Brian had to work late AGAIN last night. He is paying for being out of the office last week while he was in class. The overtime is going to be nice, but he is worn out. He has to go back to work tomorrow, maybe he will get a day off on Sunday. He needs a day to rest. (Don't we all!) Alex decided that he wanted to sleep in our bed last night and didn't go back to his bed until around 11:30, I'm so tired, Alex is too! Maybe I can get a good nap this afternoon.
I'm so proud of Brianna. A guy who rides her bus was picking on her and the other girls in her seat earlier this week. When it was time to get off the bus, she talked to the bus driver about it. I'm so proud that she stood up for herself and didn't just sit there and take it. As a mom, I would love to have some words with this kid (he's given her a hard time for two years), but she took care of it.
I watched Survivor last night. Here's what I don't understand about Survivor. This show has been coming on for 9 years and these people have yet to learn that you are going to be stranded where ever with just the clothes on your back. Hello! There's no sense in grown men and women running around in their underwear, because they didn't wear the right clothes to begin with.
The ETrade baby commercials crack me up. They are the only commercials that my DVR stops for. Here's one of my favorite:
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Funny
Nope it's not from Alex.
Brianna's teacher was visiting another school this morning. We are all sitting aroung the table coloring just now and I am reading. Out of the blue Brianna looks up and says, "Seriously our substitue looked like a teenager today." This coming from an 8 year old.
Brianna's teacher was visiting another school this morning. We are all sitting aroung the table coloring just now and I am reading. Out of the blue Brianna looks up and says, "Seriously our substitue looked like a teenager today." This coming from an 8 year old.
Check This Out!
I just saw this guy on Rachael Ray's show. This guy had a great idea to help motivate himself to lose weight. If you are struggling with weight loss, read his blog. If your not struggling with weight loss, check out the site anyway! www.donatemyweight.com
Idol
I watched American Idol last night and was thoroughly disappointed. No one did a good job. There was no one on the show that made me want to jump up and vote for them. Come on people, you are supposed to be selling your future albums and did a horrible job last night.
On another note, I made the weirdest supper last night. I started out making Chicken Gyros, but it ended being Fajitas. For the gyros, I was supposed to marinate the chicken and then put it under the broiler. For some reason, I was not feeling it, so just cut up the chicken, added some peppers and onions and away we went. The kids probably liked it better than they would have the gyros anyway. I also made a banana bread yesterday. It was so good. I got the mix from Trader Joe's over the weekend and mixed it up yesterday. The only thing is I wish I would have added some chopped pecans to the mix. Tonight we are having individual pizzas made on tortillas.
Alex just thanked the garbage man for picking up the trash. He's so funny!
I started reading a new book my mom told me about yesterday. The title is Out to Pasture (but not over the hill) by Effie Leland Wilder. The author is 85 and the book is a journal about what happens at "The Home." It's so funny. I got all five of the books in the series from the library, so if you want a good, easy, funny read, check them out. I read the whole first one yesterday. I couldn't put it down!
On another note, I made the weirdest supper last night. I started out making Chicken Gyros, but it ended being Fajitas. For the gyros, I was supposed to marinate the chicken and then put it under the broiler. For some reason, I was not feeling it, so just cut up the chicken, added some peppers and onions and away we went. The kids probably liked it better than they would have the gyros anyway. I also made a banana bread yesterday. It was so good. I got the mix from Trader Joe's over the weekend and mixed it up yesterday. The only thing is I wish I would have added some chopped pecans to the mix. Tonight we are having individual pizzas made on tortillas.
Alex just thanked the garbage man for picking up the trash. He's so funny!
I started reading a new book my mom told me about yesterday. The title is Out to Pasture (but not over the hill) by Effie Leland Wilder. The author is 85 and the book is a journal about what happens at "The Home." It's so funny. I got all five of the books in the series from the library, so if you want a good, easy, funny read, check them out. I read the whole first one yesterday. I couldn't put it down!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Funny
Here's an Alex funny to brighten your day:
We were leaving the library this morning and I said to The Littles, "Let's go get in the truck." Alex says, in his deepest voice, "I'm a man driving a truck." I almost peed my pants laughing at him.
We were leaving the library this morning and I said to The Littles, "Let's go get in the truck." Alex says, in his deepest voice, "I'm a man driving a truck." I almost peed my pants laughing at him.
Feeling Blue?
I was listening to the radio last night and they were having people call in to tell them what they do to help themselves feel better when they are feeling blue. One caller sang musicals at the top of her lungs, another ate chocolate. Personally, I like a hot bath, then my favorite pajamas. If I have a good book in the house, that helps too. What do you do to help make yourself feel better when you are in a funk?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Teeth
Yesterday was a pretty normal day. Brianna had to go to the dentist. They told us that she needs to pull two teeth. We normally just let them fall out! I don't do teeth. I can't even stand to clean her retainer. It's just gross. Brianna says she will do it herself. I told her if she pulls them out, the tooth fairy might give her a little extra. I don't know why the hygentist didn't just pull it out herself. She honestly acted a little offended when I asked her if she could just pull them out. Brianna really liked the hygentist, said she was very nice.
I made another risotto last night. This time we had it as the main dish, so I added mushrooms and some chicken we had left over from the weekend. We had it with a salad and it was so good. Alex found a piece of chicken and had to show me there was chicken in his rice. Everyone else must have thought it was good too, there are no leftovers for lunch. I am making a crock pot lasagna today! I love that stuff.
My dad needs to have back surgery. Thanks to some friends we go to church with, we may have found him a surgeon. I hope they fix his back so he can walk normally and not like an old man!
I made another risotto last night. This time we had it as the main dish, so I added mushrooms and some chicken we had left over from the weekend. We had it with a salad and it was so good. Alex found a piece of chicken and had to show me there was chicken in his rice. Everyone else must have thought it was good too, there are no leftovers for lunch. I am making a crock pot lasagna today! I love that stuff.
My dad needs to have back surgery. Thanks to some friends we go to church with, we may have found him a surgeon. I hope they fix his back so he can walk normally and not like an old man!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Weekend Update
We had a very good weekend. Friday night we had Rock Group. We were missing several people, but we had a great time. I made a taco casserole and crescent rolls with orange cranberry butter.
Saturday morning started off busy for me. I had two meetings for church. The first one was for a new "class" at church. It's a health management class. It was nice to sit down with people who all need to get control of their health. We talked about the food pyramid. Lisa is leading the group and she asked us to make two changes over the next month. That way we don't get overwhelmed and give up. This month I am going to concentrate on adding more fruits and vegetables. The second meeting was a planning meeting for our Womanless Beauty Pageant. We are doing this as a camp fundraiser. I think it will be hilarious and hope it raises a lot of money. The kids grow so much at camp. Saturday afternoon we headed out to Trader Joe's. I could be in there all day.
Sunday was church. The last several weeks I have noticed adults playing with their cell phones during church. In Project 252 we don't let the kids use their phones during service. At Revolve, we don't let them text while the speakers are talking. Why should it be okay for adults to do this during a service? Maybe Jimmy should have a collection basket for cell phones, and you can get them back at the end of service. It's very distracting. Our church is kind of dark and you can spot the phones when they light up. Jimmy had a great message on how to pray for ourselves. One thing kind of confused me: He said you should be persistant in asking for what you need. What if what you think you need is not God's will for you? I didn't stay for Project 252 and missed it, but enjoyed the time home with Brian and the kids.
Brianna has a dentist appointment today. She is not looking forward to it. I hope my fear of the dentist is not rubbing off on her. I am going to try to stay calm today when I take her in and stop talking about it.
Taco Casserole
Toritillas
Refried beans
1 lb ground beef or turkey
Salsa
Shredded cheddar
Taco seasoning
Brown ground beef and add taco seasoning according to directions.
In a casserole dish layer the tortillas, refried beans, meat mixtures, salsa and cheese until you run out of meat mixture. Brianna likes this served with sour cream.
Glazed Crescent Rolls with Cranberry-Orange Butter
2 cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 egg, beaten
Cranberry-Orange Butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 Tbsp. whole berry cranberry sauce
1 tsp. orange zest
Heat oven to 375. Separate dough into 16 triangles. Roll-up each loosely, starting at shortest side of triangle, rolling to opposite point. Place rolls, point side down, on ungreased cookie sheet, curve each into crescent shape.
Brush each roll with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually bean in cranberry sauce and orange zest. Serve warm rolls with butter.
This butter was so good. I have been eating it on toast this weekend.
Saturday morning started off busy for me. I had two meetings for church. The first one was for a new "class" at church. It's a health management class. It was nice to sit down with people who all need to get control of their health. We talked about the food pyramid. Lisa is leading the group and she asked us to make two changes over the next month. That way we don't get overwhelmed and give up. This month I am going to concentrate on adding more fruits and vegetables. The second meeting was a planning meeting for our Womanless Beauty Pageant. We are doing this as a camp fundraiser. I think it will be hilarious and hope it raises a lot of money. The kids grow so much at camp. Saturday afternoon we headed out to Trader Joe's. I could be in there all day.
Sunday was church. The last several weeks I have noticed adults playing with their cell phones during church. In Project 252 we don't let the kids use their phones during service. At Revolve, we don't let them text while the speakers are talking. Why should it be okay for adults to do this during a service? Maybe Jimmy should have a collection basket for cell phones, and you can get them back at the end of service. It's very distracting. Our church is kind of dark and you can spot the phones when they light up. Jimmy had a great message on how to pray for ourselves. One thing kind of confused me: He said you should be persistant in asking for what you need. What if what you think you need is not God's will for you? I didn't stay for Project 252 and missed it, but enjoyed the time home with Brian and the kids.
Brianna has a dentist appointment today. She is not looking forward to it. I hope my fear of the dentist is not rubbing off on her. I am going to try to stay calm today when I take her in and stop talking about it.
Taco Casserole
Toritillas
Refried beans
1 lb ground beef or turkey
Salsa
Shredded cheddar
Taco seasoning
Brown ground beef and add taco seasoning according to directions.
In a casserole dish layer the tortillas, refried beans, meat mixtures, salsa and cheese until you run out of meat mixture. Brianna likes this served with sour cream.
Glazed Crescent Rolls with Cranberry-Orange Butter
2 cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 egg, beaten
Cranberry-Orange Butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 Tbsp. whole berry cranberry sauce
1 tsp. orange zest
Heat oven to 375. Separate dough into 16 triangles. Roll-up each loosely, starting at shortest side of triangle, rolling to opposite point. Place rolls, point side down, on ungreased cookie sheet, curve each into crescent shape.
Brush each roll with beaten egg.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually bean in cranberry sauce and orange zest. Serve warm rolls with butter.
This butter was so good. I have been eating it on toast this weekend.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Anniversary
I can't believe I have been blogging for a year! I changed the look to celebrate. Actually the actual year was last week, but I didn't do a lot last week but hold a sick little boy. Thanks to those of you who have been reading for the last year!
Check out www.rockyriverchurch.com and listen to the latest audio message. I listened to it yesterday while dusting and it was such a good message. Jimmy said it was a healing service and it really was!
Off to clean the house!
Check out www.rockyriverchurch.com and listen to the latest audio message. I listened to it yesterday while dusting and it was such a good message. Jimmy said it was a healing service and it really was!
Off to clean the house!
Sing a Song
This is one of my favorite songs. I heard it on the radio this morning on the way to school. When it comes on, we turn it up loud and "sing a song!" What a great way to start the day. The song after this was Todd Agnew's This Fragile Breath, another favorite!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Stuff
I have a lot of little things to tell you about this morning:
Tatiana is gone from American Idol. I think she is crazy. The judges may want to get a restraining order!
Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver made it to the top 12 on AI! These two have awesome stories. Danny's wife died a couple of weeks before his audition. Michael works on oil rigs in Texas.
Watched last night's Top Chef while I was on the treadmill this morning. Carla made it to the finale! She has stayed true to herself the entire competition and I hope she wins it all!
I made a risotto on Monday. It's one of those things I watch them make all the time on Food Network. They keep saying it's not hard. I finally got up the nerve to make one myself and it was good. It was so easy to make! Risotto is a creamy rice. I am going to find a recipe to make one with "stuff" in it this week. Maybe make it the main dish with a salad or something.
Sherry is starting a new Zumba class on Thursday's. It's awesome to watch her realize her dream. If you want details, I will hook you up!
Brian has training this week. Thank goodness it's in Charlotte and he doesn't have to fly anywhere.
We have Rock Group on Friday. I need to get the house cleaned up!
The Littles are less whiney today than yesterday.
Brianna has gotten two Cardinal Complements at school in the last week. Cardinal Complements are given when kids are "caught" being good. She was just complaining earlier last week that she hadn't gotten one yet and she's "always good at school."
I think that's it for today!
Tatiana is gone from American Idol. I think she is crazy. The judges may want to get a restraining order!
Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver made it to the top 12 on AI! These two have awesome stories. Danny's wife died a couple of weeks before his audition. Michael works on oil rigs in Texas.
Watched last night's Top Chef while I was on the treadmill this morning. Carla made it to the finale! She has stayed true to herself the entire competition and I hope she wins it all!
I made a risotto on Monday. It's one of those things I watch them make all the time on Food Network. They keep saying it's not hard. I finally got up the nerve to make one myself and it was good. It was so easy to make! Risotto is a creamy rice. I am going to find a recipe to make one with "stuff" in it this week. Maybe make it the main dish with a salad or something.
Sherry is starting a new Zumba class on Thursday's. It's awesome to watch her realize her dream. If you want details, I will hook you up!
Brian has training this week. Thank goodness it's in Charlotte and he doesn't have to fly anywhere.
We have Rock Group on Friday. I need to get the house cleaned up!
The Littles are less whiney today than yesterday.
Brianna has gotten two Cardinal Complements at school in the last week. Cardinal Complements are given when kids are "caught" being good. She was just complaining earlier last week that she hadn't gotten one yet and she's "always good at school."
I think that's it for today!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Monday/Tuesday
We are finally settling back into our weekday routine around here. I have gotten back on the treadmill, I actually didn't gain the weight I thought I would after being off last week. Monday I made the Orange Chicken recipe that I posted on January 6. This time, I only used half the chicken broth and used cranberry juice for the rest of the liquid. It was so good. Next time I may just eliminate the chicken broth all together and use all cranberry juice. One of my favorite cookie recipes is Orange Cranberry Cookies. I got the recipe at a cookie swap several years ago. The idea for the chicken has been in the back of my mind for a week or so.
Last night we had soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for supper. I love soup and sandwiches! It's one of my comfort foods. Just making it makes me feel good. Brian is not a big fan of soup, but he may be getting used to it by now.
On the way home from dropping Brianna off at school this morning Alex was talking about getting to go outside to play this afternoon. I told him we couldn't because it's raining. Then I told him that rain was for the grass and trees to drink. He said, "I will give them my apple juice so it can stop raining!" He just cracks me up! He was dead serious too, he wanted to be able to go outside and play after homework.
Here's the soup recipe from last night:
Quick Hamburger Soup
www.diabeticlivingonline.com
8 oz extra-lean ground beef
8 oz ground turkey breast
1 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 carrots, coarsely shredded
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups lower sodium beef broth
2 14 1/2 oz cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 Tbsp. snipped fresh sage, or 1 tsp. dried
2 tsp. snipped fresh thyme, or 1 tsp. dried
1 tsp. snipped fresh rosemary, or 1/2 tsp. dried
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 medium potatoes, chopped (2 cups)
In a Dutch oven, cook beef, turkey, onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat.
Add beef broth, undrained tomatoes, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil Stir in potatoes, reduce heat. Cover; simmer 10 to 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
I used only ground turkey and did not use the rosemary or sage. I thought I had those, but didn't and didn't feel like going out to get them. This was so good with a colby-jack grilled cheese sandwich! This was fairly healthy too. Only 103 calories for 1 cup serving. I also used the no salt added tomatoes.
Last night we had soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for supper. I love soup and sandwiches! It's one of my comfort foods. Just making it makes me feel good. Brian is not a big fan of soup, but he may be getting used to it by now.
On the way home from dropping Brianna off at school this morning Alex was talking about getting to go outside to play this afternoon. I told him we couldn't because it's raining. Then I told him that rain was for the grass and trees to drink. He said, "I will give them my apple juice so it can stop raining!" He just cracks me up! He was dead serious too, he wanted to be able to go outside and play after homework.
Here's the soup recipe from last night:
Quick Hamburger Soup
www.diabeticlivingonline.com
8 oz extra-lean ground beef
8 oz ground turkey breast
1 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 carrots, coarsely shredded
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups lower sodium beef broth
2 14 1/2 oz cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 Tbsp. snipped fresh sage, or 1 tsp. dried
2 tsp. snipped fresh thyme, or 1 tsp. dried
1 tsp. snipped fresh rosemary, or 1/2 tsp. dried
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 medium potatoes, chopped (2 cups)
In a Dutch oven, cook beef, turkey, onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat.
Add beef broth, undrained tomatoes, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil Stir in potatoes, reduce heat. Cover; simmer 10 to 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
I used only ground turkey and did not use the rosemary or sage. I thought I had those, but didn't and didn't feel like going out to get them. This was so good with a colby-jack grilled cheese sandwich! This was fairly healthy too. Only 103 calories for 1 cup serving. I also used the no salt added tomatoes.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Your Last Meal
Last week on Top Chef, the chefs had to cook the "last meal" for famous chefs. One lady wanted a roast chicken, one man wanted salmon, another wanted squab (whatever that is), and so on. Anyway, that got me to thinking about my last meal. What would I want? I think I would want Nana's chicken and dumplins, no one does them better, Granny's fruit salad, cheesecake, Beacon onion rings and tea, and of course some kind of chocolate. I asked Brianna what hers would be and she said, mac and cheese, Nana's banana puddin, and Aunt Darlene's cherries in the snow cake. Think about it. What would your last meal be? Calories don't matter!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Weekend Update
We're baaaaaaaaaack! Alex is feeling so much better. He started getting better Friday afternoon and even said he was hungry Friday! I have never called the doctor's office so much before. They must think I'm an idiot, but my kids hardly ever get sick. Becky, one of the nurse's, is so awesome. She's very patient and took her time talking to me.
I think the last time I posted was Thursday. Thursday and Friday were pretty much the same as the rest of the week, holding Alex all day. Brian had to work late both nights. He didn't get home until 2 on Saturday morning. So, he slept a lot this weekend. He was just worn out, he had to work the weekend before and late two nights. Friday we did get to go out with Emma's Flat Stanley. We had a great time. We took him over to the speedway. I went in and asked if there was a sign the kids could stand around with Stanley. The lady inside said to go on into the speedway, the gates were unlocked, and see what we could find! We were the only 5 people there. It seems MUCH bigger when there is no one there. The kids had a great time playing on the seats and looking around.
Saturday was Valentine's Day. Brian woke me up when he got home with roses. I have to say, he is great at buying flowers! He's very particular. Brianna had her first skate party Saturday afternoon. That was the first time she had ever been skating. She did a great job. I got quite a surprise Saturday afternoon. Jennifer Hill made chocolate covered strawberries to sell and raise money for her kids camp. We totally forgot to order some, but got a delivery anyway! Ellie got us some. I LOVE chocolate covered strawberries! They are so good. Ellie is so sweet, such a great friend.
Sunday was church. I was so excited to actually be able to sit in a service. The last two weeks I have missed the sermon, either Brian or I were serving in some way. I was really bummed about missing last week's sermon, I heard it was really good and couldn't find it on the website. Anyway, this week's sermon was good. Jimmy started a series on prayer. I had such a horrible headache, it was hard to stay focused, but I made myself, even took notes.
I am looking forward to Zumba tonight. Sherry is starting a new class at Elite! I am getting on the treadmill in a few minutes, so maybe life at the Taylor house is back to normal, or as normal as it gets around here.
I think the last time I posted was Thursday. Thursday and Friday were pretty much the same as the rest of the week, holding Alex all day. Brian had to work late both nights. He didn't get home until 2 on Saturday morning. So, he slept a lot this weekend. He was just worn out, he had to work the weekend before and late two nights. Friday we did get to go out with Emma's Flat Stanley. We had a great time. We took him over to the speedway. I went in and asked if there was a sign the kids could stand around with Stanley. The lady inside said to go on into the speedway, the gates were unlocked, and see what we could find! We were the only 5 people there. It seems MUCH bigger when there is no one there. The kids had a great time playing on the seats and looking around.
Saturday was Valentine's Day. Brian woke me up when he got home with roses. I have to say, he is great at buying flowers! He's very particular. Brianna had her first skate party Saturday afternoon. That was the first time she had ever been skating. She did a great job. I got quite a surprise Saturday afternoon. Jennifer Hill made chocolate covered strawberries to sell and raise money for her kids camp. We totally forgot to order some, but got a delivery anyway! Ellie got us some. I LOVE chocolate covered strawberries! They are so good. Ellie is so sweet, such a great friend.
Sunday was church. I was so excited to actually be able to sit in a service. The last two weeks I have missed the sermon, either Brian or I were serving in some way. I was really bummed about missing last week's sermon, I heard it was really good and couldn't find it on the website. Anyway, this week's sermon was good. Jimmy started a series on prayer. I had such a horrible headache, it was hard to stay focused, but I made myself, even took notes.
I am looking forward to Zumba tonight. Sherry is starting a new class at Elite! I am getting on the treadmill in a few minutes, so maybe life at the Taylor house is back to normal, or as normal as it gets around here.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Land of the Sick
I have been living in the land of the sick this week. Alex had a stomach bug on Monday, Tuesday night he had a fever, Wednesday he just laid around. Who knows what today will hold? He hasn't let me go, so I haven't been on the treadmill all week. I realized how much I missed it. I know I could walk during nap time, but I am so exhausted that I try to get a nap when he does. Last night I went to Zumba and was totally not into it. I had a great time though. It was nice just being around the girls. Alex did go outside to play yesterday. I think he wore himself out though. He was asleep in the bed with Brian when I got home at 5 til 8.
Yesterday I got my weekly Taste of Home email and was so excited to see one of the recipes in the newsletter. A couple of months ago Brianna and I went to Rocky River Coffee for a girl day. We got our drinks and had a slice of their lemon bread. It was so good. Brianna has talked about it since then. Well, there was a recipe for lemon bread in yesterday's TOH newsletter and I had all the ingredients in the house to make it! So, I whipped some up and Bri had it for snack when she got home. She was so excited and said it was better than the one at Rocky River Coffee, I think she was just glad that I cooked! Poor Bri has been so neglected by me this week, Alex has just demanded all my attention. Maybe we should plan a girl day or girl time this weekend? She probably needs the attention.
Bri and I are headed out tomorrow to take Flat Stanley around town. My friend Kate home schools her kids, she has 4 with number 5 on the way! Her daughter Emma has to report about Flat Stanley at her drama class every week. Sonya and Amos did a great job with Bri's Stanley, so Bri has a ton of ideas for Emma's. We even took a picture of him with our lemon bread yesterday. I told you she was excited about the bread. I will post some of the pictures after our trip out tomorrow.
Here's the recipe for the bread. It's more of a cross between a pound cake and a bread.
Golden Lemon Bread
from Taste of Home
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup milk
Glaze:
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
2 to 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk.
Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Place pan on a wire rack.
Combine the glaze ingredients; immediately pour over warm bread. Cook completely before removing from pan.
I think the next time I make this, I may add some lemon zest to the bread batter, just to give it a more lemon flavor. The glaze is tangy and delicious. This only has 125 mg of sodium, so it was okay for Brian to have! I love it when a recipe has the nutrition facts included! It took a little longer that 45 minutes to bake, so keep an eye on it.
Alex is wiggling in my lap, making it hard to type! So, I guess that's a sign that I'm finished.
Yesterday I got my weekly Taste of Home email and was so excited to see one of the recipes in the newsletter. A couple of months ago Brianna and I went to Rocky River Coffee for a girl day. We got our drinks and had a slice of their lemon bread. It was so good. Brianna has talked about it since then. Well, there was a recipe for lemon bread in yesterday's TOH newsletter and I had all the ingredients in the house to make it! So, I whipped some up and Bri had it for snack when she got home. She was so excited and said it was better than the one at Rocky River Coffee, I think she was just glad that I cooked! Poor Bri has been so neglected by me this week, Alex has just demanded all my attention. Maybe we should plan a girl day or girl time this weekend? She probably needs the attention.
Bri and I are headed out tomorrow to take Flat Stanley around town. My friend Kate home schools her kids, she has 4 with number 5 on the way! Her daughter Emma has to report about Flat Stanley at her drama class every week. Sonya and Amos did a great job with Bri's Stanley, so Bri has a ton of ideas for Emma's. We even took a picture of him with our lemon bread yesterday. I told you she was excited about the bread. I will post some of the pictures after our trip out tomorrow.
Here's the recipe for the bread. It's more of a cross between a pound cake and a bread.
Golden Lemon Bread
from Taste of Home
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup milk
Glaze:
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
2 to 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk.
Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Place pan on a wire rack.
Combine the glaze ingredients; immediately pour over warm bread. Cook completely before removing from pan.
I think the next time I make this, I may add some lemon zest to the bread batter, just to give it a more lemon flavor. The glaze is tangy and delicious. This only has 125 mg of sodium, so it was okay for Brian to have! I love it when a recipe has the nutrition facts included! It took a little longer that 45 minutes to bake, so keep an eye on it.
Alex is wiggling in my lap, making it hard to type! So, I guess that's a sign that I'm finished.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday
Yesterday was CRAZY. Alex was sick, throwing up a lot. I have never seen him that sick. Everything that went in his mouth came right back up. He even put himself to be at 10:30 yesterday morning. Brian stopped on his way home and got the usual stomach bug supplies: Gatorade, Cheerios, crackers, soup, and his surprise, Lysol. I couldn't get anything done yesterday, he wanted to sit on my lap all day. Last night he wanted me to lay in the floor with him, so I did and Alex was asleep by 6:30. He got up a couple times during the night, I just think he is so thirsty. Hopefully he will be much better today and the rest of us don't get it, I would love to go to Zumba tonight.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Weekend Update
Brian had to work most of the weekend. Saturday I cleaned out Alex's room. I am so proud of myself. You can actually see his carpet and all his toys have a home! He has been playing in there a lot more now that he can get in the door.
Sunday at church I had nursery and to teach the middle school girls. I really enjoyed our talk with the girls. They are a very open and honest group. We talked about prayer, specifically The Lord's Prayer. I admitted that I normally don't close my eyes to pray. Well, during the closing prayer, the girls were looking at me to see if my eyes were closed! They are too funny. Sunday afternoon after a quick nap, I had a meeting at church and we got a lot accomplished.
The Taylor's have the crud, or a cold that is kicking our butts. Alex has been throwing up this morning from the drainage, or that's what I hope it's from. Man, I HATE cleaning up puke! We are hanging out on the couches and doing nothing.
Sunday at church I had nursery and to teach the middle school girls. I really enjoyed our talk with the girls. They are a very open and honest group. We talked about prayer, specifically The Lord's Prayer. I admitted that I normally don't close my eyes to pray. Well, during the closing prayer, the girls were looking at me to see if my eyes were closed! They are too funny. Sunday afternoon after a quick nap, I had a meeting at church and we got a lot accomplished.
The Taylor's have the crud, or a cold that is kicking our butts. Alex has been throwing up this morning from the drainage, or that's what I hope it's from. Man, I HATE cleaning up puke! We are hanging out on the couches and doing nothing.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Alex Funny
Brian said he doesn't like the weekends because no one blogs. So, I thought I would share an Alex funny that not even Brian knows yet. Last night we went to Captains Galley with Rock Group. Brian had to work late, so it was just me, the kids and most of the Rock Group. We had just finished up and were sitting around talking and the other large party in the room started singing Happy Birthday. We started singing also, and Alex shouts, "cha, cha, cha" toward the end of the song (funny #1). He was sitting with Mrs. Jennifer during all this. He comes running around the table back to me and asks if he, "can go ask that lady for some of her cake." (funny #2) He was totally serious! He wanted some of that lady's cake! Today you got two funnies for the price of one.
Friday, February 6, 2009
YUM!
We had this for supper last night and it was so good. If I can get the kids to eat veggies, it's a plus!
Grilled Veggie Subs
4 slices red onion
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 sliced zucchini
1/2 eggplant, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
4 slices swiss cheese
2 Tbsp. olive oil
Brush veggies with oil. Grill or saute until soft. Pile on rolls or foccacia bread. Top with swiss and put under the broiler until the cheese melts.
Brianna even asked for the leftovers for lunch today and said it was good. I didn't use eggplant or tomato, I did use yellow squash. The kids and I put a little light Italian dressing on it.
Grilled Veggie Subs
4 slices red onion
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 sliced zucchini
1/2 eggplant, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
4 slices swiss cheese
2 Tbsp. olive oil
Brush veggies with oil. Grill or saute until soft. Pile on rolls or foccacia bread. Top with swiss and put under the broiler until the cheese melts.
Brianna even asked for the leftovers for lunch today and said it was good. I didn't use eggplant or tomato, I did use yellow squash. The kids and I put a little light Italian dressing on it.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
I love Jesus, but I drink a little
This is long, but HILARIOUS! I don't watch the Ellen show regularly, but saw this and just about peed my pants.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday
Well today is a snow day. There is not a whole lot of snow, but according to Brian the roads are pretty icy. Tuesday was just a normal day. I didn't feel too well. I hadn't slept well in a couple of nights, had a headache and was just irritable. I was in desperate need of a nap, but for some reason I couldn't sleep. I slept better last night, but the 5:30 am wake up call from the school kind of ruined it. Add to that the fact that Alex got up around 6 and I am still tired. I feel a lot better this morning though, so that's a good sign!
I tried a new recipe last night and it was different but good.
Roasted Cranberry Chicken
8 small chicken thighs, skinned
3/4 cup low-calorie cranberry juice
3/4 cup fresh cranberries
2 sprigs fresh thyme
4 tsp. packed brown sugar
Fresh thyme leaves
Preheat oven to 375. Coat extra large ovenproof skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium high heat. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper on chicken. In hot skillet cook, meaty sides down, 5 minutes, turning once, until well browned on both sides. Transfer skillet to oven. Roast, uncovered, 20 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink.
Meanwhile in a saucepan combine juice, berries, thyme sprigs, brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes, until slightly thickened. Discard thyme springs. Serve chicken with sauce, sprinkle with thyme leaves.
I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs. and did not use fresh thyme. I had some dry, so I used it. I couldn't find fresh cranberries, so I used dried and plumped them using warm cranberry juice. I thought this would be tart, but I guess the brown sugar helped. It was really good, the kids even ate it.
I don't know if I will let the kids go outside and play in the snow today. Two of them have colds and I don't want to make things worse. We don't get snow that often so I hate not to the let go out. Maybe I will just bundle them up extra and let them play anyway. I am going to try out a new chili recipe today, since it's cold and snowy out, it will be the perfect end to the day. I am also looking forward to trying out a grilled veggie sandwich recipe I found. I found a website that has a ton of low-sodium and healthy recipes that I am loving, http://www.lowsodiumcooking.com/.
I tried a new recipe last night and it was different but good.
Roasted Cranberry Chicken
8 small chicken thighs, skinned
3/4 cup low-calorie cranberry juice
3/4 cup fresh cranberries
2 sprigs fresh thyme
4 tsp. packed brown sugar
Fresh thyme leaves
Preheat oven to 375. Coat extra large ovenproof skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium high heat. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper on chicken. In hot skillet cook, meaty sides down, 5 minutes, turning once, until well browned on both sides. Transfer skillet to oven. Roast, uncovered, 20 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink.
Meanwhile in a saucepan combine juice, berries, thyme sprigs, brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes, until slightly thickened. Discard thyme springs. Serve chicken with sauce, sprinkle with thyme leaves.
I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs. and did not use fresh thyme. I had some dry, so I used it. I couldn't find fresh cranberries, so I used dried and plumped them using warm cranberry juice. I thought this would be tart, but I guess the brown sugar helped. It was really good, the kids even ate it.
I don't know if I will let the kids go outside and play in the snow today. Two of them have colds and I don't want to make things worse. We don't get snow that often so I hate not to the let go out. Maybe I will just bundle them up extra and let them play anyway. I am going to try out a new chili recipe today, since it's cold and snowy out, it will be the perfect end to the day. I am also looking forward to trying out a grilled veggie sandwich recipe I found. I found a website that has a ton of low-sodium and healthy recipes that I am loving, http://www.lowsodiumcooking.com/.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Homelife
Okay, I said I was going to do this yesterday, but yesterday got away from me before posting. Nana saves up her magazines for me so I can look at the recipes. And that's normally all I look at in a magazine. For a while now she has been sending Homelife. I have never read any of the articles until Sunday. The articles are pretty good, I found several that I liked and marked. I want to share some of my thoughts with you:
CeCe Winans has written a new book titled: Always Sisters: Becoming the Princess You Were Created to Be. In the book she offers young girls this advice:
1) You are the daughter of the King (know your real identity).
2) You are beautifully and wonderfully made (accept yourself).
3) Don't try to be like everyone else.
4) Prayer is your power source. Big prayer equals big power.
5) What you think about affects what you do.
6) Staying pure means living by the Word.
7) God's got your back; don't let fear rule your life.
8) Shine your light - a princess shows and tells who her Father is everywhere she goes.
9) Don't date the devil no matter how fine he is. A princess only dates a prince. If he doesn't belong to God, he cannot belong to you.
10) God's plan for your man is for him to be a spiritual covering in your life.
11) God forgives what you leave behind.
12) When everyone else walks away, God stays.
13) Forgive yourself and those who have mistreated you.
I think my favorite is number 9. I certainly dated a lot of "devils" when I was younger. But, I didn't think that then. I now know that those guys didn't respect me or who I was. I want Bri to grow up knowing these principals!
The other article that stuck out to me was about raising your sons to be good husbands from the beginning. Teaching them how to handle the fragile hearts of their wives. How do you do this?
1) Teach him responsibility
2) Teach him to pray
3) Help him tune in to you
4) Have him read to you, preferably from the Bible
Honestly raising both a girl and a boy, I feel like I need to learn all I can. I especially want Bri to not make the mistakes I made. I also want Alex to grow up respecting and valuing women.
CeCe Winans has written a new book titled: Always Sisters: Becoming the Princess You Were Created to Be. In the book she offers young girls this advice:
1) You are the daughter of the King (know your real identity).
2) You are beautifully and wonderfully made (accept yourself).
3) Don't try to be like everyone else.
4) Prayer is your power source. Big prayer equals big power.
5) What you think about affects what you do.
6) Staying pure means living by the Word.
7) God's got your back; don't let fear rule your life.
8) Shine your light - a princess shows and tells who her Father is everywhere she goes.
9) Don't date the devil no matter how fine he is. A princess only dates a prince. If he doesn't belong to God, he cannot belong to you.
10) God's plan for your man is for him to be a spiritual covering in your life.
11) God forgives what you leave behind.
12) When everyone else walks away, God stays.
13) Forgive yourself and those who have mistreated you.
I think my favorite is number 9. I certainly dated a lot of "devils" when I was younger. But, I didn't think that then. I now know that those guys didn't respect me or who I was. I want Bri to grow up knowing these principals!
The other article that stuck out to me was about raising your sons to be good husbands from the beginning. Teaching them how to handle the fragile hearts of their wives. How do you do this?
1) Teach him responsibility
2) Teach him to pray
3) Help him tune in to you
4) Have him read to you, preferably from the Bible
Honestly raising both a girl and a boy, I feel like I need to learn all I can. I especially want Bri to not make the mistakes I made. I also want Alex to grow up respecting and valuing women.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Weekend Update
Nothing very exciting happened this weekend. Friday night we had Rock Group. I love it when they come over. We had a very good lesson by David and ate some wonderful soups!
Saturday we went to visit Sonya and Amos, my parents and Nana. It was a good trip. All the adults in Momma and Daddy's house took a nap while the kids played. I don't know how that happened, but it was nice. I still can't believe the kids played so quiet. Momma and Daddy got the kids WebKinz for Valentine's Day. Brianna named her pig Wilber and Alex named his horse Grady. I don't know what it is about that kid and the name Grady, but we have an elephant and now a horse with the same name.
Sunday was church and then we relaxed. I made a new recipe and will post at the bottom. I looked through a magazine Nana gave me and will post some thoughts on the articles later today.
Headed to Zumba tonight. Can't wait!
Spicy Shrimp Pasta
8 oz angel hair pasta
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 6.5 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes with Italian herb packed in oil
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 lb frozen, peeled and deveined shrip with tails, thawed and drained
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh basil
In a 4 quart Dutch oven, cook pasta with broccoli according to pasta package directions. Drain and return to Dutch oven. Cover to keep warm.
Meanwhile, drain tomatoes, reserving oil. If necessary, add olive oil to equal 1/4 cup. In extra large skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Add shallots, cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until tender. Add shrimp and crushed red pepper; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes, cook and stir 1 minute or until shrimp are opaque.
Toss shrimp mixture with cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with additional olive oil. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
Okay, here's what I did. I used whole wheat pasta. I did not use the tomatoes, I couldn't find them and didn't feel like searching all over! I didn't use shallots, I had onions and they are in the same family. I also didn't use that much oil, it seemed like a lot nor did I use the basil. The shrimp I bought was peeled, deveined, with no tails. I was afraid that would freak the kids out and that Brian wouldn't eat it either. The kids and I thought this was good. Brian is not a big fish eater, but ate this and said he liked it pretty well. I love shrimp, so this may be one of those things I make every now and again, when shrimp are on sale! I didn't use a lot of the crushed red pepper, I didn't want to make it too spicy for the kids.
Saturday we went to visit Sonya and Amos, my parents and Nana. It was a good trip. All the adults in Momma and Daddy's house took a nap while the kids played. I don't know how that happened, but it was nice. I still can't believe the kids played so quiet. Momma and Daddy got the kids WebKinz for Valentine's Day. Brianna named her pig Wilber and Alex named his horse Grady. I don't know what it is about that kid and the name Grady, but we have an elephant and now a horse with the same name.
Sunday was church and then we relaxed. I made a new recipe and will post at the bottom. I looked through a magazine Nana gave me and will post some thoughts on the articles later today.
Headed to Zumba tonight. Can't wait!
Spicy Shrimp Pasta
8 oz angel hair pasta
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 6.5 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes with Italian herb packed in oil
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 lb frozen, peeled and deveined shrip with tails, thawed and drained
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh basil
In a 4 quart Dutch oven, cook pasta with broccoli according to pasta package directions. Drain and return to Dutch oven. Cover to keep warm.
Meanwhile, drain tomatoes, reserving oil. If necessary, add olive oil to equal 1/4 cup. In extra large skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Add shallots, cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until tender. Add shrimp and crushed red pepper; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes, cook and stir 1 minute or until shrimp are opaque.
Toss shrimp mixture with cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with additional olive oil. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
Okay, here's what I did. I used whole wheat pasta. I did not use the tomatoes, I couldn't find them and didn't feel like searching all over! I didn't use shallots, I had onions and they are in the same family. I also didn't use that much oil, it seemed like a lot nor did I use the basil. The shrimp I bought was peeled, deveined, with no tails. I was afraid that would freak the kids out and that Brian wouldn't eat it either. The kids and I thought this was good. Brian is not a big fish eater, but ate this and said he liked it pretty well. I love shrimp, so this may be one of those things I make every now and again, when shrimp are on sale! I didn't use a lot of the crushed red pepper, I didn't want to make it too spicy for the kids.
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