Monday
Poppyseed Chicken
Tuesday
Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup
Wednesday
English Muffin Pizzas
Thursday
Girl's Night Out @ El Gran Puerto!!!
Friday
Tacos
Saturday
Terriyaki Meatballs
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
An Exercise in Thanksgiving
1. Think back over the fast 10 years. What are you the most grateful for during that time period?
The chance to finish my high school career at Ridgeview, the opportunity to go to Liberty University, and parents that were able to pay for my college, Zoe being born, finding the love of my life, getting pregnant without a problem, beautiful and healthy Bailey Anne, and also the learning and growth that has come about because of the trials in my family
2. Now think back over the past year. What are you most grateful for during that time period?
the birth of my beautiful baby girl.... I don't think one day has gone by this year where I have not thanked God for her
3. Now what about the past week? What are you most grateful for?
having a husband who is a teacher so he gets great holiday breaks from work! And my vibrant niece Zoe who just turned 5!
4. The following verse says "O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34. Name a way that God has been good to you lately.
What way HASN'T He been good to me? This past year, with my friend Malisa losing her baby to a genetic disorder, and Tyson battling brain cancer, I have asked myself so many times, "Why did God allow this to happen to them, and not me? What's the difference?" and obviously I don't know the answer to that question, but I am thankful, that for now, it is NOT me in those shoes. So God has been good to me by sparing me the personal heartache of situations such as these during this season in my life.
5. Name 2 physical or monetary blessings you've received lately.
It was a financial blessing to get to babysit for Marcy the other day. Obviously one day of babysitting doesn't amount to a great deal of money, but every little bit helps, and it was just another way of God showing me the He will provide for us. Also, I have been losing weight, rather effortlessly really, so that is a physical blessing.
6. Name 2 spiritual blessings you've received lately.
I have felt a renewed love for and desire to be in God's Word. Also, during my times with God recently, He has really been addressing issues that are very relevant in my life right now. I love it when that happens.
7. How often do you give praise to God?
I don't think that I could ever praise Him enough, but I do think the tragedies I have seen in others' lives has given me a renewed sense of thankfulness. Even just last night, in the middle of the night, when I was up nursing Bailey, I just sat there staring at her and could only thank God for the blessing she is in my life.
8. Do you think God is pleased with how you praise Him?
The quality, yes. The quantity, no.
9. Name someone that God has placed in your life to be a blessing to you.
Trying to think outside the box, aside from the obvious people... I do have to say Summer, and how graciously and beautifully she has handled the unfavorable lot in life that God has chosen to place on her right now. I only hope that if I were ever to deal with a terminally ill child, that I could handle it with the same grace and attitude that she has shown. Also, (and I don't say this just because I know she will read it) Courtney. She coordinated meals for me when I had Bailey and basically went grocery shopping for me and brought all kinds of great stuff. I know she is someone I could ask for help or anything I needed and she would be willing to do whatever she could. She's just been a great friend and example.
10. Now that you have reflected on how God has blessed you, choose a person this week(even during the busy holiday season) and be a blessing to that person.
Here are a few ideas:
Send someone a card to encourage them
Take someone a batch of cookies or fresh baked bread
Make dinner for someone
Visit a lonely or elderly person
Send someone flowers just for the fun of it
The chance to finish my high school career at Ridgeview, the opportunity to go to Liberty University, and parents that were able to pay for my college, Zoe being born, finding the love of my life, getting pregnant without a problem, beautiful and healthy Bailey Anne, and also the learning and growth that has come about because of the trials in my family
2. Now think back over the past year. What are you most grateful for during that time period?
the birth of my beautiful baby girl.... I don't think one day has gone by this year where I have not thanked God for her
3. Now what about the past week? What are you most grateful for?
having a husband who is a teacher so he gets great holiday breaks from work! And my vibrant niece Zoe who just turned 5!
4. The following verse says "O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34. Name a way that God has been good to you lately.
What way HASN'T He been good to me? This past year, with my friend Malisa losing her baby to a genetic disorder, and Tyson battling brain cancer, I have asked myself so many times, "Why did God allow this to happen to them, and not me? What's the difference?" and obviously I don't know the answer to that question, but I am thankful, that for now, it is NOT me in those shoes. So God has been good to me by sparing me the personal heartache of situations such as these during this season in my life.
5. Name 2 physical or monetary blessings you've received lately.
It was a financial blessing to get to babysit for Marcy the other day. Obviously one day of babysitting doesn't amount to a great deal of money, but every little bit helps, and it was just another way of God showing me the He will provide for us. Also, I have been losing weight, rather effortlessly really, so that is a physical blessing.
6. Name 2 spiritual blessings you've received lately.
I have felt a renewed love for and desire to be in God's Word. Also, during my times with God recently, He has really been addressing issues that are very relevant in my life right now. I love it when that happens.
7. How often do you give praise to God?
I don't think that I could ever praise Him enough, but I do think the tragedies I have seen in others' lives has given me a renewed sense of thankfulness. Even just last night, in the middle of the night, when I was up nursing Bailey, I just sat there staring at her and could only thank God for the blessing she is in my life.
8. Do you think God is pleased with how you praise Him?
The quality, yes. The quantity, no.
9. Name someone that God has placed in your life to be a blessing to you.
Trying to think outside the box, aside from the obvious people... I do have to say Summer, and how graciously and beautifully she has handled the unfavorable lot in life that God has chosen to place on her right now. I only hope that if I were ever to deal with a terminally ill child, that I could handle it with the same grace and attitude that she has shown. Also, (and I don't say this just because I know she will read it) Courtney. She coordinated meals for me when I had Bailey and basically went grocery shopping for me and brought all kinds of great stuff. I know she is someone I could ask for help or anything I needed and she would be willing to do whatever she could. She's just been a great friend and example.
10. Now that you have reflected on how God has blessed you, choose a person this week(even during the busy holiday season) and be a blessing to that person.
Here are a few ideas:
Send someone a card to encourage them
Take someone a batch of cookies or fresh baked bread
Make dinner for someone
Visit a lonely or elderly person
Send someone flowers just for the fun of it
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Target Deals
Just wanted to share some of my Target deals from this week.
I got everything pictured for $8.36.
4- 77 count Up & Up wipes for 54 cents a piece (Target has a $1 off wipes or diapers coupon)
4 - Ocean Spray juices for 98 cents a piece - I originally got these for my mom cause she uses them, but then I decided I should keep 2 of them for us since they were such a good deal! :)
2 - Swanson chicken broth
4 - Campbell's Cream of Chicken
1 - Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes
I don't remember exactly how much the last 3 were and I'm too lazy to go get my receipt. :) But they were great deals. I had really wanted to get Cream of Mushroom instead of chicken, but they were plumb out of mushroom. Luckily, I went back today, while they are still doing that sale and got some Cream of Mushroom. We use both of them frequently.
This week has been good so far. Yesterday was my birthday and it was a good day. Just spent the day at home and Anthony made dinner and cake and gave me a nice foot rub, so that was nice. :)
I have started to listen to Christmas music, despite Anthony's wishes. Haha. But only when he's not here so it's not like I'm forcing him to listen to it. He is firm on his stance of waiting till after Thanksgiving. I cannot wait to put up our tree and decorations next week. We are also planning on painting the living room next week, so I'm not sure what our timeline will be, but we'll get it figured out.
Looking forward to an evening of eating leftover soups, playing with Bailey (who I believe is getting more fun by the day), and catching up on our DVR'd shows. :)
I got everything pictured for $8.36.
4- 77 count Up & Up wipes for 54 cents a piece (Target has a $1 off wipes or diapers coupon)
4 - Ocean Spray juices for 98 cents a piece - I originally got these for my mom cause she uses them, but then I decided I should keep 2 of them for us since they were such a good deal! :)
2 - Swanson chicken broth
4 - Campbell's Cream of Chicken
1 - Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes
I don't remember exactly how much the last 3 were and I'm too lazy to go get my receipt. :) But they were great deals. I had really wanted to get Cream of Mushroom instead of chicken, but they were plumb out of mushroom. Luckily, I went back today, while they are still doing that sale and got some Cream of Mushroom. We use both of them frequently.
This week has been good so far. Yesterday was my birthday and it was a good day. Just spent the day at home and Anthony made dinner and cake and gave me a nice foot rub, so that was nice. :)
I have started to listen to Christmas music, despite Anthony's wishes. Haha. But only when he's not here so it's not like I'm forcing him to listen to it. He is firm on his stance of waiting till after Thanksgiving. I cannot wait to put up our tree and decorations next week. We are also planning on painting the living room next week, so I'm not sure what our timeline will be, but we'll get it figured out.
Looking forward to an evening of eating leftover soups, playing with Bailey (who I believe is getting more fun by the day), and catching up on our DVR'd shows. :)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Meal Plan Mond.... err Wednesday
So I kind of forgot to post my meal plan till today. At least John Parker will only had to be hungry the first half of the week, right Courtney?? ;)
Monday
Anthony gone - went to Mom & Dad's
Tuesday
Mexican Chicken
Vegetable
Wednesday
Taco Bean Soup
Thursday
Easy Italian Stew (the plan right now but subject to change since it's my BIRTHDAY!)
Friday
Baked Potatoes w/ Chili
Saturday
Chuck E. Cheese's for Zoe's birthday
Monday
Anthony gone - went to Mom & Dad's
Tuesday
Mexican Chicken
Vegetable
Wednesday
Taco Bean Soup
Thursday
Easy Italian Stew (the plan right now but subject to change since it's my BIRTHDAY!)
Friday
Baked Potatoes w/ Chili
Saturday
Chuck E. Cheese's for Zoe's birthday
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Awesome Freebie
I just had to share this freebie with you guys!
Check out this post from Freebies 4 Mom to get 50 free (totally free, even shipping!) photo cards. This is a great idea for Christmas cards if you have not done that already. It's good till the end of November so make sure you get it done before then.
I just finished making my photo card and can't wait to get them so I can hand/send them out! I would not have done a Christmas card if it wasn't for this, so I was so excited to find this! :)
Check out this post from Freebies 4 Mom to get 50 free (totally free, even shipping!) photo cards. This is a great idea for Christmas cards if you have not done that already. It's good till the end of November so make sure you get it done before then.
I just finished making my photo card and can't wait to get them so I can hand/send them out! I would not have done a Christmas card if it wasn't for this, so I was so excited to find this! :)
Friday, November 13, 2009
Holidays
Well, we have reached the end of another week... one week closer to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the wonderfulness that comes with those! And I am so excited to be celebrating these holidays with Bailey this year. I just can't wait to see her curiousity of the Christmas tree, excitement of opening presents (though she'll probably be more excited about the boxes and wrapping paper!), and the opportunity to teach her about the true meaning of Christmas (though she won't understand this year).
I think I'm about done Christmas/birthday shopping for Bailey. Since she is too young to understand this year, and since we are pretty broke, we haven't gotten her a lot. But then again, maybe that's how it should be every year anyways. We'd probably be better off to teach her about generousity and giving to others instead of having a case of the "gimmees".
Anyways, I wanted to share what I have found as far as gifts for Bailey this year.
This is the Fisher Price Busy Ball Popper. I got this for about $5.99 by price matching and with a coupon. I've heard it's a pretty entertaining toy for the little ones so hopefully she will enjoy it!
I ordered the Fisher Price Nativity set from www.familychristian.com last night and with a sale and a 30% off code I got it for a little over $20, which is a great deal on this. Thanks to Jen @ Thrifty NW Mom for pointing this deal out!
And then probably my favorite purchase is this Pottery Barn Kids Oversized Anywhere Chair that I got off craigslist for $50! To buy it new from PBK, it would have cost at least $140. The only thing is that it has the name "Alexis" embroidered on it, but I plan to have a cute patch made to put over "Alexis" with Bailey's name embroidered on it. I think it should turn out cute and jazz up the chair a little bit.
We may find a few more small things for Bailey, but that's all of our big purchases for her. Oh, actually I just remembered that I did order a Veggie Tales DVD that I got for free and only had to pay shipping for. So she'll also get that. :)
We'll be spending Thanksgiving with my family and Christmas with Anthony's family this year, and ALL of the brothers and families will be there! So it should be a crazy, wonderful, hysterical Christmas this year. Especially crazy-- with all 4 brothers reunited for Christmas and 6 little ones running/walking/crawling around! I can hardly wait for all the baking and food, though I'm not so excited about the pounds I am sure to gain! :)
I think I'm about done Christmas/birthday shopping for Bailey. Since she is too young to understand this year, and since we are pretty broke, we haven't gotten her a lot. But then again, maybe that's how it should be every year anyways. We'd probably be better off to teach her about generousity and giving to others instead of having a case of the "gimmees".
Anyways, I wanted to share what I have found as far as gifts for Bailey this year.
This is the Fisher Price Busy Ball Popper. I got this for about $5.99 by price matching and with a coupon. I've heard it's a pretty entertaining toy for the little ones so hopefully she will enjoy it!
I ordered the Fisher Price Nativity set from www.familychristian.com last night and with a sale and a 30% off code I got it for a little over $20, which is a great deal on this. Thanks to Jen @ Thrifty NW Mom for pointing this deal out!
And then probably my favorite purchase is this Pottery Barn Kids Oversized Anywhere Chair that I got off craigslist for $50! To buy it new from PBK, it would have cost at least $140. The only thing is that it has the name "Alexis" embroidered on it, but I plan to have a cute patch made to put over "Alexis" with Bailey's name embroidered on it. I think it should turn out cute and jazz up the chair a little bit.
We may find a few more small things for Bailey, but that's all of our big purchases for her. Oh, actually I just remembered that I did order a Veggie Tales DVD that I got for free and only had to pay shipping for. So she'll also get that. :)
We'll be spending Thanksgiving with my family and Christmas with Anthony's family this year, and ALL of the brothers and families will be there! So it should be a crazy, wonderful, hysterical Christmas this year. Especially crazy-- with all 4 brothers reunited for Christmas and 6 little ones running/walking/crawling around! I can hardly wait for all the baking and food, though I'm not so excited about the pounds I am sure to gain! :)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Meal Plan Monday
Well, I have been slacking with posting my meal plans lately, but don't worry, I've still been planning. And, in order for John Parker not to starve this week (wink wink Courtney!), I am posting my meal plan for this week! Oh, and while I'm thinking of Courtney, she told me at church yesterday that she dreamed that I was pregnant and wanted to have the baby at church! Haha! What did you eat before bed Courtney??
Monday
Anthony gone, going to Mom's
Tuesday
Baked Potatoes w/ Broccoli
Wednesday
Tortellini
Peas
Thursday
Baked Ziti
Green Beans
Friday
Stromboli
Saturday
Chicken Patties
What are you having for dinner this week? Feel free to share any great recipe ideas you have... I'm always looking for new ideas!
Monday
Anthony gone, going to Mom's
Tuesday
Baked Potatoes w/ Broccoli
Wednesday
Tortellini
Peas
Thursday
Baked Ziti
Green Beans
Friday
Stromboli
Saturday
Chicken Patties
What are you having for dinner this week? Feel free to share any great recipe ideas you have... I'm always looking for new ideas!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Fun Friday (a little late) & Catch Up
A few weeks ago we went to the pumpkin patch. We got a few pumpkins and got to take a horse carriage thing type ride to the patch which was a lot of fun. Though I can't wait till next year when Bailey can really enjoy herself and know what we are doing at the pumpkin patch. Here are a couple of pics...
Then two weeks ago on Friday we ventured out and met Ashley and James at Target. I wanted to go just to see if I could find any deals, and just for something to do. Well am I sure glad I went! I found two cute little pairs of striped leggings (red & white, dark blue & light blue) for Bailey to wear. I have been wanting to get her some because she needs something to keep her legs warm when she wears dresses and I am not a big fan of tights.
Also, they had Pampers Cruisers size 3 diapers on clearance for $14.48 and I had a couple of coupons so I got Pampers for 12 cents a diaper!!!
After Target we went to Petsmart which is always a fun, free activity! Then I stopped in Bed Bath and Beyond because I have been wanting a little hook thing to hang by our back door to hang keys on. So I got one of those there and also found a cell phone charging station on the clearance shelf that I got. I was excited about that because I have been wanting one of those! I used my gift card and only had to pay 35 cents out of my pocket. :)
Finally we went to Kroger and I got some great deals there! I have a picture of my purchases but I haven't uploaded it yet and it's been too long now so I can't remember what all I got, so I'll just let it suffice to say that Kroger has really been paying off for me lately! I love their Buy 10 Get $5 off sale.
My absolute best deal lately that I can remember right now was cans of Hormel chili w/ beans for 12 cents a can! We make a meal out of baked potatoes with this chili on them and we actually ate that last night (and it was so yummy!). So I want to see if I can try to break down how much this meal actually cost me. It was me, Anthony, and my Dad eating, so here we go....
4 Potatoes - 40 cents
Can of Chili - 12 cents
Cheese - 50 cents (at the max)
Butter - let's go with 5 cents (haha)
Sour Cream - 50 cents
Steam Fresh Lightly Sauced Brocolli - 50 cents
$2.07 to feed 3 people!!! It can't get much better than that. :)
Well, Bailey and I are just staying at home today. I feel like we've been running around a lot this week so we're just chilling today. Then later this evening I am going to go play Bunco! I think it has been before Bailey was born that I last played, so I'm really excited about it.
Then tomorrow we are headed to Lynchburg for the Awana conference. Bailey is going to go with us and stay with her Auntie Vicky for the day! Then after the conference is over we are going to have dinner at Tokyo (yummmm) and hopefully see some friends. We are ready for a great weekend!
Then two weeks ago on Friday we ventured out and met Ashley and James at Target. I wanted to go just to see if I could find any deals, and just for something to do. Well am I sure glad I went! I found two cute little pairs of striped leggings (red & white, dark blue & light blue) for Bailey to wear. I have been wanting to get her some because she needs something to keep her legs warm when she wears dresses and I am not a big fan of tights.
Also, they had Pampers Cruisers size 3 diapers on clearance for $14.48 and I had a couple of coupons so I got Pampers for 12 cents a diaper!!!
After Target we went to Petsmart which is always a fun, free activity! Then I stopped in Bed Bath and Beyond because I have been wanting a little hook thing to hang by our back door to hang keys on. So I got one of those there and also found a cell phone charging station on the clearance shelf that I got. I was excited about that because I have been wanting one of those! I used my gift card and only had to pay 35 cents out of my pocket. :)
Finally we went to Kroger and I got some great deals there! I have a picture of my purchases but I haven't uploaded it yet and it's been too long now so I can't remember what all I got, so I'll just let it suffice to say that Kroger has really been paying off for me lately! I love their Buy 10 Get $5 off sale.
My absolute best deal lately that I can remember right now was cans of Hormel chili w/ beans for 12 cents a can! We make a meal out of baked potatoes with this chili on them and we actually ate that last night (and it was so yummy!). So I want to see if I can try to break down how much this meal actually cost me. It was me, Anthony, and my Dad eating, so here we go....
4 Potatoes - 40 cents
Can of Chili - 12 cents
Cheese - 50 cents (at the max)
Butter - let's go with 5 cents (haha)
Sour Cream - 50 cents
Steam Fresh Lightly Sauced Brocolli - 50 cents
$2.07 to feed 3 people!!! It can't get much better than that. :)
Well, Bailey and I are just staying at home today. I feel like we've been running around a lot this week so we're just chilling today. Then later this evening I am going to go play Bunco! I think it has been before Bailey was born that I last played, so I'm really excited about it.
Then tomorrow we are headed to Lynchburg for the Awana conference. Bailey is going to go with us and stay with her Auntie Vicky for the day! Then after the conference is over we are going to have dinner at Tokyo (yummmm) and hopefully see some friends. We are ready for a great weekend!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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