this is our happily ever after

photos from the weekend

To see more photos and stories from the weekend visit Kelly's blog

What a great weekend we had at our house.  Kelly brought X and E for a visit this past weekend.  I had planned on driving to visit with them, but after a long week for her husband Ryan she felt it would be better to  bring her kids here and leave him with a quiet house! 

We went out for breakfast on Saturday morning at Mimi's Cafe, went to my Aunt and Uncle's pool so the kids could "swim", went to church Saturday night and then out to dinner with some of Kelly and Ryan's friends from when they used to live here.  (Brian and I now go to the church that Kelly and Ryan went to when they lived here years ago).  We were going to make PW homemade doughnuts, but Kelly and I were both too tired Saturday night to make the dough...plus it's just too easy to go buy doughnuts, a treat for al of us!

I loved watching X and E play with Karsten.  We call them cousins because Kelly and I are like sisters. 

putting a puzzle together

X and E looking for turtles at our neighborhood pond

E sharing his train tracks with Karsten

and Karsten doing a taste test of the train tracks.

and a random bathtime photo

fill in the blank Friday

1. The first thing I do in the morning is....go to the bathroom, put my hair up, stumble into the kitchen and make a cup of coffee, open the blinds, have quiet time.

2. I can hardly wait for...Kelly to get here later today with X and E.  Such a fun weekend ahead!

3. The quickest way to my heart is....saying something sweet about my baby....because....I think he's pretty much the cutest little boy ever and I absolutely adore him.

4. A little known fact about me is that...I threw out the first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinal's Game when I was 13. 

5. The best part about my job is...being able to watch Karsten discover and learn new things all day long.

6. Something I couldn't live without...is my faith and hope in Jesus Christ....that, and caffeine...and chocolate....and my friends...and my husband...but first and foremost...my faith!

7. Something useful that I wish I knew how to do is....sew.  I have a sewing machine on my Amazon wishlist...the only problem is that the last thing I need is another hobby! 

8. The yummiest thing I made this week was...PW Broccoli Cheese Soup.  I cut the recipe in half and didn't use as much cream or butter, but it was still really good and easy!

9. The best decision I made this week was...to not embark on the Week in the Life project.  I realized that before I add another project I need to finish some projects! 

10. Recently I looked into...Mother's Day Out for K-bug.  There's one literally less than a mile from my house, but he'll have to wait another year because he won't be 18 months by Sept 1st. 

Have a Super Weekend!!!

 

Crunchy French Toast

This recipe might just rock your breakfast world! 

Several years ago when visiting Portland, OR we went to Mother's Cafe and Bistro for breakfast. For some reason I ordered their Crunchy French Toast because it intrigued me.  Growing up, I was not the biggest fan of French Toast...or any breakfast foods for that matter.  My idea of a perfect breakfast was a BLT (still is today, in fact).  But the Crunchy French Toast called my name and I answered....and my life was changed...or at least my relationship with french toast changed!

When it comes to food, I love the creamy/crunchy/chewy texture.  This recipe hits all the right notes.

Prepare to start thinking about French Toast and determine to make it this weekend for your family.  You could easily make this Gluten Free by using Gluten Free bread.  Cornflakes are already gluten free!  If you don't like coconut then leave it out!

**a note about cornflakes...I don't eat them as cereal, but I do buy a generic box and divide the contents into 2 cup portions in ziplock bags.  Then I keep them  in the freezer to use as breading for chicken, fish, french toast or I'll toss them into a batch of cookies for extra crunch.***

Crunchy French Toast Download Crunchy French Toast

Makes 2-3 adult servings

Ingredients:

½  loaf challah bread or whatever bread you have

1/3 cup half and half

2 tsp sugar

2 tsp Baking Spice (Penzey’s) or cinnamon, divided

¼ tsp salt

4 eggs, lightly beaten

 2 cups cornflakes, coarsely crushed

½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

6 Tbsp butter

Powdered Sugar

Maple Syrup       

Directions:

Slice bread into 1 inch thick slices.  In a shallow dish, whisk together half and half, sugar, 1 ½ tsp baking spice/cinnamon, salt, and eggs.  In a separate dish combine cornflakes and coconut.  Working with one piece of bread at a time, dip in the egg mixture, allowing bread to soak for about 10 seconds on each side, then coat in cornflake mixture.  Transfer to waxed paper.

 

Heat 3 tsp butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until the butter is bubbling.  Transfer the bread to the pan and cook about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove cooked French toast from pan, add 3 more tbsp of butter and finish the rest of the French toast.  Just put cooked French toast in a warm oven while the rest is being cooked.  Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with syrup.  YUM!!!

 

Qualification (Daily Word)

Qualification-a condition or standard that must be complied with (as for the attainment of a privilege)

It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own.  Our qualification comes from God.  2 Corinthians 3:5

What are your qualifications? Let’s see I am a degreed and certified Elementary school teacher.  I’ve completed CPR training. I’m building my photography portfolio so that someday I can be qualified to bless others with my talent.  When looking for a job your resume shows your qualifications; your degree, work experience, and even recommendations from those who can attest that you are qualified for a specific job. 

In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul explains that his mission to spread the Gospel doesn’t necessarily come with a resume or recommendation letters.  In fact, he would be considered the last person qualified based on his former years of persecuting Believers.  He states that his qualifications come from God.  While encouraging the ministers of the new covenant, he explains that the only letter or recommendation they need is themselves; their actions.  Do they walk the walk?  Genuine belief in Christ was and is marked by the Fruits of the Spirit reflected in life. 

Paul is teaching that we don’t need to attend seminary or fill our bookshelves with Christian titles to serve our God.  We are enabled by His Spirit to be ministers of the Good News.  This does require sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading.  Oftentimes I avoid many service opportunities because I don’t feel qualified.  But, if I feel the Holy Spirit urging me to step out of my comfort zone to serve or share the Good News, I am opening myself up to experience God’s power in a new and unexpected way. 

Where have you been holding back because you don’t feel qualified?  What is the Spirit stirring in your soul that you know will require you to step out of your comfort zone?  Remember God’s will is always paired with His power.  Through Him you have qualifications that you won’t know about until you step out and rely on Him.

 

2012 Project Life (weeks 15-16)

I am caught up!  Pictures, words, and a dash of cute.  Nothing over the top, but that's not what matters to me. Both weeks are simple:  just the basic design A page protectors with journaling cards. 

Week 15--this week I wasn't very inspired to take photos, so I just took photos of stuff we use on a regular basis and then photos of our weekend with Aunt Gail and Uncle Jim

Week 16

Saturday at the Farmer's Market

Our little family took a trip to the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning.  The weather was perfect...in my opinion it's perfect when I get to wear a jean jacket!  This particular farmer's market offers only seasonal, locally grown or made products.  Everytime I go I discover something new. 

This time I bought green beans, zucchini, yellow squash, red potatoes, flowers, red onions, homemade cheese crackers, and beets.  I also took my camera to snap some photos...because that's just what I do!

they even have a food truck now where you can get breakfast...one day I'll do this...just so I can say I've eaten from a food truck!

one of these trips I will buy an orchid from here...but I had one once and killed it :( so I'll need some caring for Orchid lessons

There are several flower stands, but this is where I always get my flowers.  The farm where these are grown is in Weimer, TX (about 1.5 hours West of Houston).  They have a farmer's market there on Fridays and I am dying to go and take photos of the flower fields.  If anyone would want to take that field trip I can probably do it next month when Brian will be able to take Friday's off again. 

If I were getting married I would go here early on Saturday morning and buy my flower bouquets, seriously!

my boys

and yes, there's even a vendor who makes fresh lattes and coffee on the spot.  I got a delicious vanilla latte to enjoy!

This is only a small glimpse of everything offered.  You can bring knives to get sharpened (I'm totally doing that next time), buy fresh shrimp and seafood, grass fed beef, organic, free-range chicken and eggs, lavender, artisan bread, and premade food. It's truly one of my favorite things to do on a Saturday morning!

Egg Salad

The other day I was home, Karsten was sleeping, and I needed something for lunch.  Egg Salad seemed to be the winner for that day.  This is not something I make often, but when I do make it, I love it...and make enough to have for lunch the following day. 

It's hardly a recipe, but regardless it's good. 

First, I want to share my almost fool proof way to boil eggs.  It's from a post a few years ago...

I think I finally figured out how to boil an egg and make it perfect.  Here's how.  Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water.  Bring water to a boil with lid off.  When water comes to a boil, turn off heat, cover with a lid, and let sit for 10 minutes.  Drain off water and then shake the eggs in the pot to crack the shells just a little.  Submerge eggs into ice water for a couple of minutes to stop the cooking.  The water will seep under the shells making them very easy to peel.  Pull out of the water and peel.  Perfection.  One tip I read in the same book If found these instructions in is this:  If you're trying to make deviled eggs, turn the carton of eggs in it's side and the yolks will go to the center of the eggs, so even when you boil them the yolks will stay in place.

So here's the "recipe" for Egg Salad and the printable of course Download Egg Salad

Ingredients

4 hard boiled eggs, cooled and peeled

1 ½ Tbsp Hellman’s mayo

1 tsp yellow mustard

1-2 tsp sweet pickle relish (or if you’re lucky enough to have my Mom’s zucchini relish use that)

A few shakes of paprika

Optional: 1 tsp Fox Point Seasoning (Penzey’s)

Directions:

Mash up eggs using a pastry blender. (I find this works best, plus this is the way my Mom did it.)  Add the rest of the ingredients and stir.  Serve on bread, in a pita, stuffed in a hollowed out tomato, or on a lettuce salad. 

 

 

2012 Project Life (week 14)

Last week's PL was very light...this week is very heavy on pictures because it was Karsten's birthday week.  I used a combination of Clementine and Cobalt, 2 extra page protectors (design f and d) and quite a few blank journaling cards with small pieces of patterened paper.  I didn't do tons of journaling about his birthday because I created several blog posts about it, it will also be documented in K's baby album, and I plan on creating a Blurb book for 2012 as well. 

 

the front of one page dedicated to the Children's Museum

page turn---next layout

the back dedicated to our family photo shoot--I used a fiskars paper punch to create the pennants.  I got it at Archivers awhile back using a 30% off coupon.  I decided to get it because a.) I love pennants b.) unlike flowers you can use pennants for boys

For this page I used blank journaling cards, strips of this paper, and oldie but goodie Bazzil Birthday stickers!

next layout

Detail shots---I love using these little Mary Englebreit art pieces from my daily calendar

for this I used a bi fold journaling card adhered the photo and then journaled

Karsten's Birthday---decor

This is the last installment of Karsten's Birthday---I kept the decor rather simple; primary colors, balloons, and a pennant banner.  This was his birthday invitation and the basis for my "theme", if you can call it that!

These banners have been taken down, but will put up in his room this weekend. I used double sided patterned paper and white ribbon.  Here's the PDF of the pennant template Download IMG_0001

a new journey in meal planning and prep

I've really been struggling the past few weeks with getting healthy dinners on the table at a reasonable hour.  You see, I now have a one year old...a very precious, adorable, full of life, and very active one year old.  He isn't as content to jump in his jumperoo for 30 minutes or walk on his walker for more than 15 minutes, or do much of anything that contains him for very long.  This is a new stage for all of us.  It's perfectly normal and I'm learning that I need to make some adjustments.  During a long conversation with my friend and mother of 4, Jessica, she helped me devise a plan to help me keep my sanity during meal time.  I need to prep dinner during naptime.  I need to keep my meals simple.  I need to cook in advance so that I can have stuff already done for later in the week.  I need to let go of my desire to try more than one or two new recipes a week.  I can totally take this advice from Jessica because, like me, she's a foodie.  She has just as many cookbooks as I do.  She strives to put healthy meals on the table for her family of 6 each night as she juggles afterschool activies, homework, bathtimes, and bedtime.  This has worked for her, so I'm going to give it a shot. 

Instead of planning meals a week at a time, I'm going to plan 2 weeks at a time.  I'm going to base my meal plans off of what I have in my pantry and freezer.  I'm going to devise a cook once, eat twice plan of action for a couple of meals a week.  I'm also going to begin planning my lunches, because I've been eating the most random things and not being intentional at all. 

I'm hoping this plan will eliminate stress and guilt, that it will help out our grocery budget, and it will free up time to play with Karsten and work on other projects. 

Here's my meal plan for the next two weeks.  I'll be starting my weeks of meal planning on Sunday because this is often when I'll attempt to get the bulk of my meal prep done for the next week.  Wish me luck and I promise to share my wins and losses here!  If you have any super, healthy, delicious and EASY recipes please leave a comment and share them.  I'm thinking about hosting a recipe contest and giving away a cookbook.  Stay tuned! 

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meal plan for April 22--May 6

**(v) means vegetarian

4/22--Baked Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans

4/23--Leftovers from Sunday **freeze any remaining ham and ham bone**

4/24 (v)--Taco Salad with black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, tortilla strips, and salsa ranch

 4/25 (v)--Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup (cook extra broccoli for tomorrow)

4/26--Prosciutto wrapped Chicken with Provolone, Roasted Potatoes, Broccoli (cook an extra chicken breast for Sunday)

4/ 27--Chili with Fritos

4/28--Angela at Kelly's---Chili for Brian

4/29--Chicken Panini with Pesto and Fresh Mozzerella

4/30--Pepper Steak with Rice

5/1--Leftover Pepper Steak

5/2 (v)--Mexican Vegetable Soup

5/3--Leftover Soup--Angela out

5/4--Italian Chopped Salad with crispy pancetta, fresh mozzerella, tomatoes, basil, garbonzo beans and garlic cheese bread

5/6--Out to dinner after church

5/7--BBQ Chicken and Grilled Vegetables