Yummy Cranberry Chicken

Here's another yummy crock pot recipe for you!! I made this on Sunday and it was delicious!! I thought it might make for a good post-holiday recipe and it won't heat up the kitchen. (Clean up's a breeze too if you use a liner bag.)

Cranberry Chicken

3-4 lb chicken pieces
1 can whole cranberry sauce
1 c barbecue sauce
1/4 c minced onion

Spray (or line) your crock pot and combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 4 hrs or low heat 6-8 hrs. Makes 4-6 servings.

Serve over stove top. (That only takes 5 min in the microwave.)

Hope this helps you stay out of the kitchen and play with the kids this holiday season!!

A New Plan

I am fed up with my lack of willpower these days and now I'm trying to decide what plan to follow to lose weight. I know I need to exercise more but it's the eating that I can't seem to figure out. I lost 20 lbs about a year before I got pregnant with my first and after each baby I think I did a pretty good job of getting back to normal (even though I seemed to get pregnant again 15 months later).

However my eating habits have changed. Life is faster with a full family and I am always trying to get my kids to eat anything for dinner so I haven't been very picky about what I'm making lately. I have no idea which plan to follow. I looked at Dr. Oz but it seems very complicated and, let's be honest, expensive. I don't think I can do South Beach again but I guess it's possible. Who knows. Something's got to give!!! and I hope it's not my waistline. . . .

Happy Halloween!

Here are my little angels on our way to a Halloween party. Jayci was Tinkerbell. Cade was Spiderman. And Karis was Piglet. She told me an hour before we left, "No pig'et," but eventually gave in. We had a great time & made out with a loot!

Gonna Miss This

There is a song out on country stations called, "You're Gonna Miss This". It's about realizing that where you are RIGHT NOW is life. Wishing it away will only keep you from seeing the blessing of the moment. You're gonna miss this time in life, wherever you are.

I used to work really hard at not missing the moment. When Jayci was a baby, I was very careful to not wish for the next phase of her life . . . rolling over to sitting to crawling to walking, etc. I think I set a good precedent for myself. I was very cautious with my other 2 as babies as well. I have slacked a bit.

I must admit since my oldest started Kindergarten this year, I have missed some of the things we used to do with all our kiddos. Although I am thankful for the free childcare (as I've been calling it for a while), now we have to plan fun trips for the weekends like everyone else in the world (zoo, Wild Animal Park, beach, etc.). We no longer get to do things during the week with ALL 3 like we did just a few short months ago. I miss that already.

I have a renewed commitment to live in the moment, to savor the morsel that is currently in my mouth (so to speak). I realize I will have tons of time for things later like shopping without little fingers grabbing everything off the shelves (of course, I'll have to leave Matt at home then too), for quiet dinners with friends, for soaking in the bathtub AND getting all my chores done . . . . More likely than not, I will have time for all those things but I can never have my children in these stages of life again. I can never rewind to the days of them begging for the tickle monster to come back, begging to go play at the "fire truck park", begging to go to McDonalds (yuk). I must drink it in now.

I have a friend in Texas plugging through cancer right now. I did not get to be with her long before we moved to CA but I believe God crossed our paths for a very important reason. (The story is too cool. I'll have to share it another day.) She is in maintenance chemo right now but she has struggled with this crappy disease for several months now. She is savoring the moments with her boys. Of course, she does laundry, cleans dishes, and makes beds but she savors the faces she does these things with. She lives in the moment. I am jealous of her right now. I wouldn't trade my health for anything so I hope I can learn this lesson through her and not have to learn this the hard way. (I love you, A, and I'm praying for you.)

Drink it in, people. It's the only today we get.

I am so blessed . . .

(See my original post: Soakin' Up the Day)

Retail Rant

So, I found a little money (from my birthday stash) and needed a little retail therapy. Little did I know that it would be so difficult to buy some sanity! First of all . . .

JoAnn's
Coupon craze week is a sham!!! I am probably not the first to say this but there is absolutely no point in printing all those coupons. They print a million! (I got 3 sets between my mail, visiting the store the week before, and the newspaper.) You only get to use them if you are buying an item that's not on sale and everything is on sale. That doesn't sound like a bad thing right? BUT, the coupons are mostly for 40% off (of a non-sale item) but most of the store is marked 20% - 30% off. What a load of it!! It would be better to go in with 3 - 40% off coupons on any given week and get the best discount. UGH!

Target
Did anyone else notice the new jeans styles they have??? The prices are really good but it is a little confusing on which style and fit I wanted. I mean, they have 6 different hip-styles: relaxed/curvy, how far below the waist they sit, etc. However you can't get any style in any size. Some sizes are juniors, some women's. To add confusion to chaos, there are different leg-styles too: boot cut/straight/skinny. You can get all these leg-styles in the 6 different fits. WHEW! SO if you're looking for a good pair of inexpensive jeans, Target is a good place (I bought 2 pair) but don't take anyone (husband, children, friends) that cannot be patient enough to wait for you to try on like 60 pairs of jeans . . . .They probably need to be willing to do some leg work too . . . .

Wal-Mart
Now, this complaint is not only for our dear friends at Wally-World but this is where I experienced this phenomenon. How cool is it for the clothing industry to have JUNIORS sizes and WOMENS sizes . . . What is up with that?? So a SMALL is not a SMALL in every department of the store. I usually wear a small in the Womens section but needed a LARGE in the Juniors! Now come on . . . why the discrepancy?? I see the need to go up or down a little, based on designers, but really? In the same store??

I just needed a venue to vent a little. I'm sure you can understand. And yes, I did find some good stuff!

Ridgeline ReLAUNCH!!!

So, I guess you figured out that my countdown fell flat. Honestly, counting down like that made me more anxious so I canned it. It was a pretty good week.

There were several people there to check out Ridgeline, including several new families. It wasn't overwhelming so that is good. I was praying that we would see just a little more than we thought we could handle so that we knew it was God. I feel like we saw God anyway . . . .no matter how many people showed up. I think we will see more new faces in the coming weeks but hopefully we will keep seeing the same ones too.

Thanks for all your prayers. Things are rocking out here!!! God is awesome!

6 Days and Counting

Ridgeline's reLAUNCH countdown continues . . . .

Today was a good day. Matt reminded us in leaders meeting that we need to stay connected to the Source - Jesus. There are many little things that need to get done this week. But the first order of business is to spend time with our Creator.

On the family front, we had a great day. Lots of fun and laughing. . . . even got a nap in!!! The night was topped off with a trip to 5 Guys Burgers and Fries - YUM!

Although, Matt's broher had a major accident today. He was roping calves and broke his pelvis when the horse stopped. He was care-flighted to the hospital in Ft. Worth where they are awaiting the pelvic specialist to see if surgery is needed or not. It is rough right now so any prayers would be appreciated.

7 Days and Counting . . . .

In 7 days, Ridgeline Community Church will reLAUNCH in a major way. Over the last 3 weeks we have hit about 11,000 homes twice with door hangers - one with a funny top 10 and one with a pop rocks & Coke dare. Statistics say that 1-3% will respond. Think about that with me . . . minimally, that's 110 homes . . . . that's potentially 220 adults and who knows how many kids. Can I get a collective scream???!!

We are excited, scared, thrilled, afraid, and all around anxious but we are praying for peace. Peace for our families this week and peace for Sunday. Praying for no hiccups in the technology, praying we have enough volunteers in RidgeKids, praying we get things together and ready for the visitor bags, praying we keep our heads on straight and save time and sanity for our families.

This is the biggest risk we have taken so far but it is in God's hands now. He is the only one that can make this thing happen. He is the only one.

Matt and I are watching "Facing the Giants" right now and we are both bawling like little girls. We love this movie because it came into our lives a few years ago, right when we needed to hear the message the most: "Nothing is impossible with God" (Matthew 19:26). He does more than we can dream or even imagine. (Ephesians 3:20-21) He blesses just because He can.

Let's see what God has in store for Ridgeline . . . . Stay tuned . . .

BEST Ice Cream Sandwiches

I hate ice cream sandwiches. I have never liked them. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE ice cream!!! But "NO!" on the sandwich thing.

However, I have just invented the most amazing ice cream sandwich EVER!! (Ok, I doubt I invented it but I did it really well ((and cheap)) so I get a little credit . . . ) Follow these directions and you will have your own little piece of heaven right here on earth!!

First you will need to make cake mix cookies: cake mix (chocolate of some kind), 2 eggs & 1/2 cup of oil. Stir until combined and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely.

Then slightly thaw Ben & Jerry's Cherries Garcia Ice Cream for about 10 seconds in the microwave. Spread a dollop on a cookie and top with another cookie. Repeat until you run out of cookies or ice cream. (Coffee ice cream is ok but Cherries Garcia is the BEST!)

If you're in a hurry, go ahead and gobble one but if you have a minute, put it in the freezer for about 5 minutes. It will firm up a little and not mush when you bite in.

Ahhhh. . . . . Now isn't that amazing??!?

wishiwas

Do you ever get the "I wish I was's"??? I sure do. Especially when I am checking out all my favorite blogs and copying all their ideas for my crafty moments. I know the majority of the blogs I follow are stay at home moms that blog for income. I really want a job like that. I LOVE to sew and create but I just don't think it would work for me.

There are a lot of things I'd like to be: in fashion, more compassionate, selfless, more confident, and skinny. Ok, let's don't go crazy. Seriously though, I know God made me just like this but I know there are things I HATE about myself too. I think some of them are just me wallowing in mud but I also have a sin nature that I'd LOVE to shuck. It causes me most of my personality flaws so I could just go without . . . . I'll have to wait for heaven on that one, I guess. :(

1 Corinthians 12 talks about the body of Christ and how we all have our part. The author, Paul, says we should not wish for other gifts because our role is exactly what is needed to fulfill the cause of Christ but I can't help but wishing for some other talents. My gifts lie in areas of leadership, administration, and teaching, and I like all those things. However, I'd like a few other perks. Know what I mean??

Most days I feel very secure in what I am and what I'm not. I meet so many people that could really use this sense of security that only comes from Christ, especially women. What is it with us?? Why are we always comparing ourselves to each other??

I'm having a weak day but let's ban together on this, ladies, and do our best to be satisfied with who we are. We are wonderful women that God sculpted with His very own hand. We would want our children (especially our daughters) to be confident in who they are. Let's face the mirror and be strong for them. We are who we are for a reason and when we are in our sweet spot, we will see everything so clearly.

Not looking for pity . . . . Just some thoughts of the day, I guess.

Check this one out!

I just stumbled onto a few cool blogs lately and I wanted to share one of my new fav's. It's giverslog.com. Click the button at the bottom or this link and check it out. Enjoy!

Headband Crazy!

We are going crazy around here for headbands and flowers! I made this headband with attached flower in a matter of minutes (and, as you know, that's all I've got). In fact I've made 3 headband covers and 5 flowers over the weekend! You can find the headband cover template and directions from mmmcrafts and the flower tutorial from The Secret Stitch Club. Click on these links and you can see it for yourself. (BTW- I just learned how to link this stuff and I didn't even have to ask anyone. Wahoo!)

Blueberry Picking

Today we went blueberry picking with a couple of friends. It was so much fun but it didn't take long to fill our buckets with wonderful blueberries. "Only pick the blue ones!" YUM! We already made a list of the yummy things we are going to make with our catch. Pancakes and muffins top the list!!

Family Photo

Yay! My first tutorial!!! I saw these little people at Hobby Lobby last week and HAD to make something with them. I thought about the stickers I see on so many cars around me and since I'm not wild about stickers on my van, I thought I would make a little home decor.

Here goes . . . .

I found these thin, wooden people in the aisle with the wooden letters. They were about $2 per package and there is 2 men, 2 women, 2 boys and 2 girls.

Using black spray paint, thoroughly spray the front of all the people you need to use. I chose black because that matched the fabric I wanted to use. I think it would be really cute to do some other colors. If you miss some of the sides, you can use a marker to color it. I didn't think of this until all my fingers were totally black! (No pics of that tho :) )

Use the paper from inside your frame to cut a piece of material big enough for the back. Don't worry about ironing it. The frame will flatten it out.

Place double stick tape on the back of each figure. (Make sure it is not visible from the front.)

Arrange the figures like you want them.

I like the mom and dad on the ends and placed my kids in birth order but feel free to arrange them however you like.

Finished products!!! Both are 8x10 but that's because I couldn't find a 5x7 I liked. I am using the matted family as a new baby gift.

BTW- Some of you may see these again in December because I think they will make great (and affordable) Christmas gifts!!!

I would love your feedback on the idea and how smoothly (or bumpy) the tutorial went. I want to do more tutorials in the future so let me know how this one went.

Green Thumbs

For their birthdays, Jayci and Cade got Sesame Street seed planting kits. (A really great gift. See previous post!) So today we decided to plant some seeds . . .

Jayci planted "Abi Cadabby" Pumpkins.

Cade planted "Oscar the Grouch" Green Beans.
I'm hoping this will help them eat vegetables. (Fingers crossed!)

Birthday Frustration

So I have a little venting to do -

Birthdays. More specifically, Birthday Parties.

My kids have spring birthdays so we are in full swing of birthday season. I am happy to report that we are surviving with one more birthday of our own to go, but my problem is all the parties we are invited to. Jayci is just now getting to the age that her friends are all having parties and of course we have church friends that invite us too.

I never mind going but we CANNOT afford to give people the kind of presents we are receiving from people. Make sense? I would LOVE it if our party guests would limit the amount they spend on my kids but I'm not sure how to say this in an invitation, etc.

Then I feel cheap because we show up with a small, inexpensive gift among MANY pricey presents. I know that is my issue and I shouldn't feel like I have to measure up to someone else's standard. Yet, I do. I set a price limit for myself but even that cannot last for 3 kids' friends over the years. I try to buy on clearance too but can't afford to buy a years worth of gifts even on clearance.

I want to bring inexpensive gifts but not CHEAP ones. Make sense?

Any suggestions???

Grocery Store Scavenger Hunt

I've been thinking of how I'm going to make it this summer, taking all 3 kids to the grocery store. One option is to go at night or naptime when Matt can watch them and I'm sure I'll do that many times. But sometimes that just isn't the best choice. So I tried to think of something to occupy their time.

It took me about 20 minutes to make a grocery store scavenger hunt list. I just made 3 columns in a table in a Word document. The first column is the word. The second column is the picture and the third column is blank for a check mark. (You can get great pictures on Google images - even name brand specific if you want.) I'm going to give each one a clipboard with their list and a crayon or pencil. Because it is a word doc I can change it each week if I want to. At some point I might give Jayci my actual list without pictures and let her try to find things that way. I was also thinking I could use expired/actual coupons sometime.

Anyone have other ideas??

An Awesome Day!!

Today was such an awesome day! I remember the last time I felt like that - day after Thanksgiving, 2008. That sounds terrible. It's not to say we don't have many really good days. But sometimes we have a truly awesome day that seems too good to be true.

We started off the day by sleeping in . . . .I should have known that things were on my side when all 3 kids slept passed their usual bedtimes. They owed me though. 2 of them were up VERY late last night - not their fault, but still, they owed me.

We went to the park and played with friends for a couple of hours. I packed a picnic lunch but our friends all went home before that. It was no big deal. The kids didn't fuss about it at all. We packed up our fun stuff and ate together. I caught a glimpse of peacefulness just sitting with my little guys have a great picnic lunch. It was one of those moments.

They all went down for nap fairly easily. The only glitch in the day was that naps didn't last very long but I still got to sit on my butt AND get some things done. YAY! After SHORT naps, all three kids got up and we baked. Karis entertained herself (a new thing for her) while I baked with the older guys.

It was an unusually fun time for all of us. . . . .

Karis is 1!!!

I really can't believe it - my BABY IS ONE!!! ( I sound so old. )

So far she can:

- walk around while holding on

- stand for brief seconds by herself

- say "Dada", "Saysee" (Jayci), "nana" (banana), "yumumum", "hey", and "yea"

- smile so cutely while wrinkling her nose

- eat like a man

She is so cute and growing so fast. Don't worry. I'm being realistic about her perfection - I can see the temper from a mile away. It's really fun to watch her grow and learn.

Look Ma, No Wheels!

A couple of weeks ago we took the training wheels off Jayci's bike. We've been running beside her for many days but this time we let her go and Man, did she!

She was thrilled with herself!

Boys will be girls?

I'm curious. My son would like nothing more than to dress up in his sister's dress up clothes (not his boy ones) and pretend to be various female characters from the shows they watch. So, does he just want to be like his sister? Is it because he is always with me? Is this different with little boys that don't spend all day with Mommy and big sister?

Don't get me wrong - he will sock you in the gut if you let your guard down and/or shoot you with his "shoot gun". He'd like to use a play gun but his finger will work in a pinch.

This drives Daddy crazy. I think it's kinda funny as long as he grows out of it. I feel sure it's a phase but just once I want him to say he wants to be Freddie instead of Daphne!! Heck, I'd be happy with Scooby!