Toast & Hot Cocoa

Sunday lunch -Out to eat with family
Sunday dinner - Spaghetti ,garlic bread, steamed carrots
Monday lunch - we are home because day care closed because of the mighty flu and because they want to sanitize. Come on people, as soon as we return on Tuesday we all will be bringing the germs back with us. Germs are everywhere. What is the point of closing unless teachers are the ones with the flu? Am I right or am I right? I should be grateful for a surprise day off, but in my field of work, I require a substitute. That means I have to write down precise instructions for someone to pretend they're me, so the students won't be able to tell the difference. I could find another facility that takes drop-ins, but then the girls would not no anybody and it would cost me 60 bucks to worry about them all day. It's not like they're puppies.
grilled cheese, oven fries, apple sauce
Monday dinner - Tortilla Stew, tortilla chips, guacamole
Tuesday dinner - steamed vegetables, chicken strips, packet gravy
Wednesday dinner - Happy Meals before church
Thursday dinner - brown rice and lentils, baked chicken
Friday dinner - Black Bean Burritos (using leftover rice from Thursday)
Saturday lunch - We'll be at Chick-fil-A celebrating A's third b-day!
Saturday dinner - Fajitas, steamed vegetables

Heelarious

2009-09-10T04:26:00.000-07:00

Why can't I think of things like this. Have you ever seen anything like them in your life?

Missing You Mom

2009-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

There is not a single day that goes by that I don't think about my mom and all the memories I'm making that don't include her.
Days before she died, my mom asked me if my sisters would be okay. I encouragingly told her that we'll all be fine. Don't worry about us. I regretted those words. Weeks later I started to dream about her. In those dreams I would frantically tell her the real truth.
My mom is in heaven and I will see her again. I grieve, but with an eternal hope that only comes from Jesus. Praise God our goodbye was not final.
I love you mom. Happy birthday.

Orowheat Sandwich Thins

2009-09-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

I have just discovered these here in Texas and I love them. They are great for sandwiches and hamburgers and only 100 calories.

I have to add that I probably did have a type flu virus over the long weekend. Upon arriving to school this morning, all faculty were asked to meet in library for a brief meeting. The swine flu is upon us. Well, not officially confirmed, but some type A flu which could be the H1N1 is upon us. In other words, "Wash your hands." If I wasn't already paranoid, I am now. I'm hoping my self-diagnosed flu will immune me to anything else floating around the halls of my school. I pray fervently that my girls will be protected, in the Name of Jesus! You are our Healer Lord and the Only One with Mercy and Strength to help us get through this flu season! Help us Lord.

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day I have felt well enough to do anything other than lay in bed and pray that my family will not catch the same thing. I have had what you would call a very bad sinus infection. The only thing worse than staying awake at night with your own cold is staying awake with a sick child. Oh, the scale says I'm 2 pounds lighter, so maybe it's been worth it.
Our menu for this week will look a lot like last week's because I asked J to carry in the lightest bag of groceries I had. That would have been the one with the two packages of fresh boneless skinless breasts. That chicken never saw the light inside the fridge and layed on the living room floor for about 3 hours before I noticed it and tried to refrain from going all balistic. What a waste and completely my fault! J was obviously headed to play as soon as she stepped into the house and I was distracted with the load of groceries I was carrying...? Needless to say, we had no chicken for all the chicken recipes and I was too sick to cook over the weekend.

Somewhat a Repeat Menu
Monday: Taco Salad
Tuesday: Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Wednesday: Chicken Strip Salad
Thursday: Chili Enchiladas
Friday: Fried Rice and Steamed Vegetables
Saturday: Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Sunday: I hope we have money to eat out!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I look at my menus and think that I am asking for a lot of work.

Monday: White Chicken Chili Enchiladas
Tuesday: Ravioli Bake with pepperoni
Wednesday: Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings, Carrots
Thursday: Brown Rice and Stuffed Tomatoes
Friday: Hamburgers and Fries
Saturday: Taco Salad
Saturday Night: Chicken Strips and Gravy, Steamed Vegies
Sunday: BBQ Meatloaf, Broccoli

Linked to Orgjunkie.com - my favorite site for recipes and organization!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

Monday - Sloppy Joes, Broccoli, Oven Fries
Tuesday - Breaded Chicken Strips, Gravy, Steamed Vegetables
Wednesday - BLT's, Potato Salad
Thursday - Spaghetti, Garlic Toast
Friday - Taco Salad
Saturday - Barbeque Chicken, Baked Potatoes
Saturday Night - Barbeque Chicken Pizza
Sunday - Chicken Taco Soup

Chicken Burnout

2009-08-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

Monday - Chicken Fajitas
Tuesday - Breaded Chicken Strips; Honey Glazed Carrots
Wednesday - Three Cheese Chicken
Thursday - Bean and Cheese Burritos; Apple Sauce
Friday - Chick-fil-A

Safety first

2009-07-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

J has been asking for a while when she doesn't have to sit in her car seat. I finally looked up the new child seat laws for Texas. I remember the days when my parents drove an orange full size van with a stripe down the side. My sisters and I would ride in the back on the floor ALL the time. Times have changed. I've started shopping for some booster seats and found some real cute ones here and here.

Chicken Alfredo Recipe

2009-05-21T05:09:00.000-07:00

Muy excelente! I really felt like a chef preparing this one and wished I hadn't chosen a Tuesday to attempt it. Way too many ingredients for a weeknight.
CHICKEN ALFREDO - I doubled the recipe to ensure leftovers, left out the mushrooms because, "Yuck" and used Spinach fettuccini noodles which smelled really gross while cooking. Just FYI.

MY NEXT ENDEAVOR....My husband admits to eating gas station cuisine and even claims the best hamburger he has ever eaten was purchased at a gas station. That said, his stomach must be made out of steel and so loves hot and spicy food. I figure something wrapped around a jalapeno would be a great meal to offer for our 5th anniversary coming up June 5th.

M&M's with a Side of Guilt

2009-05-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

My joyful four year old J came bopping into the living room and said, "Mrs. Amy..." I was humored and she was embarrassed. Wait a minute. Isn't she supposed to be calling her teacher "Mom" by mistake? Isn't mom the one she instinctly calls out for when she has a problem or needs something? Could it possibly be the fact that J spends more time with her teacher than with me? Oh summer. You save me from being completely devoured by guilt.
Speaking of guilt, I may deserve a little for my new potty training technique. I bought a 42 oz bag of M&Ms at Target the other day going on and on throughout the store that they were for all of us to celebrate A's poo-poos in the potty. I figured her going "number one" was far too frequent and I wanted my $8.00 investment to last a while. Through several missed attempts, (and my self-control) the bag of M&Ms has remained closed until I came up with a brilliant idea. Now, everytime A doesn't make it to the potty, I'm going to give big sister J some M&ms. So cruel, but I assure you, much more affective!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-04-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

Monday: S.O.G.P (I'm using fresh green beans instead of green peppers. HOH can't stand green peppers.)
Tuesday: Mexican Lasagna ; Spanish Rice(Lipton)
Wednesday: Vegetable Lo Mein (Adding carrots)
Thursday: Chicken Strips ; Gravy; Mashed Potatoes; Corn on the Cob
Friday: Cheesy Hash Brown Chili
Saturday: Tuna Sandwiches ; Tomato Soup
Saturday Dinner: Creamy PorkChops ; Noodles; Parmesan Asparagus
Sunday: Out to eat after church
Sunday Dinner: Slow Cooker Taco Soup

My 2 yr old eats ASPARAGUS!

2009-03-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

Here's an easy way to add some zip to asparagus when you can find it on sale for 99cents a bunch. Wash and place in Ziploc with 1 cup Zesty Italian Dressing. Let marinade for 1 hour. Place Asparagus in a single layer on a foil lined oven-proof pan. Generously shake on grated Parmesan cheese for a crusted look, I used about 1/2 cup. Bake at 400 for 20+ minutes until tender. I let Audrey eat this with her fingers, so maybe that's what made it extra special.

Ingredients:
Asparagus
Italian Dressing
Grated Parmesan Cheese

The Gals are also a big fan of the Honey Glazed Carrots.

Barbecue chicken

2009-03-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

My husband told me that I make the BEST barbecue chicken and he would enter into a taste contest. I told him, "I love you too!" My love language has to be words of affirmation cause that filled up the old love tank. Let me tell all my avid reader(s) ha ha the not-so-secret to my barbecue chicken.

Ingredients

Frozen bag of Chicken Breasts, usually Pilgrims Pride and as low as 4.99 when the price is right
12 oz Bottle of Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue sauce (When the bottle of BBQ sauce has already been used...thanks to hubby who uses it on EVERYTHING, I have used 1/2 cup apricot preserves. Worked great.)
2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup Italian Dressing

Directions

Cook frozen chicken on a cookie sheet per directions on bag...as many as will fit on the cookie sheet. After no longer pink, shred chicken to your liking. Then, mix all remaining ingredients. Place chicken and sauce mixture into crock pot. Set to low for 3-4 hours. YUMMY! and so EASY too.

Pictues

2009-03-03T17:37:00.001-08:00

Hi Uncle Tim! I haven't posted pictures of my babies lately, so here are some of my favorites.

And The Truth Comes Out

2009-03-02T16:42:00.000-08:00

Let's face it. Menu planning during the school year is vital, but I don't always have the time. I've been ad-libing so far this week. Also, the family's belt strap just got tightened a extra 2 or twelve notches and I have to cook dinner with what I've got thru Wednesday. Don't feel sorry for us, I've got a bag of frozen yellow squash in the freezer and some Tilapia, Yum. It's just like pushing a not-so favorite outfit to the back of the closet just in case you may be desparate for something clean to wear one day. Well, all that healthy food I've been pushing to the back of the freezer must now come forward to be reckoned with. And the girls? They'll be getting that can of Spaghetti O's. I might even end up opening that can of saurkraut that's been staring at me since summer.

Sunday Lunch: Frito Pie
Sunday Dinner: Eggs 'n Tortillas

Monday: Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Tuesday: Tilapia and Squash
Spaghetti O's

Wednesday: It'll be a surprise.

2009-02-27T17:18:00.000-08:00

Times are busy around the schoolhouse these days and I am seriously earning my paycheck this month. My brain is bustling with all sorts of "to do's" at school and at home. Balancing work and home has no balance at all. I heard a lady on the radio say women working outside the home are really working outside the will of God. For anyone wanting to send her hate mail - I truly can't remember her name right now, but it will come to me. Sometimes I feel that dragging my pre-schoolers out of bed every morning is extra difficult because I know deep down it's not right.

I got a call about 10:30am today from J's teacher. She said that J was playing outside and hit herself in the eye with her knee. I drove over to her school to survey the damage. J's eye looked like it belonged to a prize fighter.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

Monday - Pizza Soup (you'll need to scroll down some on linked page)
Garlic Bread
Cesar Salad
Tuesday - Sloppy Joes
Creamed Corn
Chips
Wednesday - Baked Potatoes
Grilled Cheese
Apple Sauce
Thursday - Black Bean Burgers
Cole Slaw

Chips
Friday - Orange Chicken
Rice
Yellow Squash
Saturday Lunch - Tuna Salad
Chips/Salsa
Saturday Dinner - Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Sunday Lunch - Eat out I hope
Sunday Dinner - Scrambled Eggs/Tortillas

As far as last week's menu. PAPRIKA does NOT substitute red pepper, cayenne, etc..... Also, tilapia is just not that great no matter how you cook it. I hate the "fishy" taste of fish, so I'll eat it for it's health value, not it's taste. I think halibut is better...?

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

I bought Tilapia filets for the first time in my entire life and will attempt totally brand new recipes this week. I've also got two new salad recipes I hope will be winners. Three spicy dishes this week might seem excessive, but they'll be toned down a little (and still taste good I hope) because I'll use paprika which is a bit milder than what the recipes call for. Keep your fingers crossed cause I really have no real proof of this and I don't know what I'm doing exactly.

I found the "spicy enchilada" recipe after I googled recipes for Ocean Spray's Cranberry Sauce...it expires this month. YIKES! God bless it cause I'm gonna use it. I end up wasting so much food which I forget about and/or gets "lost" somewhere in my fridge, so I will not give up so quickly on my Feb - 25- 2009 Cranberry sauce.

I haven't posted my menu on orgjunkie.com in a while, but I have found so many good recipes using her sight!

Monday Evening - Crunchy-Baked-Chicken, Shells n Cheese, Spicy Greens (Recipe off of Pictsweet package)

Tuesday Evening - Apple-Pecan-Cranberry-and-Avocado-Spinach-Salad-with-Balsamic-Dressing ; the gals - Ramen noodles, grilled cheese, apples-cranberry-carrots from salad

Wednesday Evening - Cheesy Tilapia ; the gals - Pizza Rolls, corn, apple sauce

Thursday Evening - Spicy Enchiladas ; the gals - Cheese/Bean tortillas, canned peaches

Friday Evening - Celery Salad ; the gals - Hot Pockets, peas

Saturday Lunch - Canned soup and crackers, tuna salad

Saturday Evening - Easy Baked Tilapia ; the gals - chicken nuggets, gravy, rice, yellow squash

Sunday Lunch - Scrambled Eggs and Toast/Tortillas

Sunday Evening - Mexican Spicy Chicken in Orange Juice, black beans, guacamole, chips

I've Been Saved

2009-01-19T10:19:00.001-08:00

I love this song "Saved" byKent Bottenfield. So much in fact, I wanted to add it to my blog songs; which might explain the reason I am actually blogging again after so long. I am saved and I have done nothing but accept the fact that I need Jesus and He gave His life for my sins. There's just no other way to heaven. And there is no other heaven than the one where Jesus is right now. I hope you're ready. I hope you're not hoping that you'll slide on through at the last minute because your such a nice person and all. None of us are worthy. It's knowing Jesus. And when you know Him, you're not suddenly all wonderful, it's just simply--- you're saved.

Menu Plan

2008-10-19T06:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday: Barbecue B LT Chicken Salad

dessert: Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake

dinner: Cereal/Oatmeal

Monday: Broccoli Beef Supper

Tuesday: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Wednesday: Chicken Nuggets, Corn on the Cob, steamed carrots, rolls

Thursday: Rice and Chili Beans

Friday: Homemade Pizzas

Saturday: Chicken Nuggets, mashed potatoes, apple sauce

dinner: Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

Vote and Vote Early

2008-10-19T05:46:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in the dreaded Teacher's lounge eating lunch with some unique and wonderful women. We were talking politics and I announce that it doesn't matter if the Democrat is purple or pink, I'm a Republican. That was wrong and I wish I could go back and say instead, "I'm a Christian. I'm not voting for any party that does not coiincide with my Christian beliefs." My sister says that the word Christian does not hold the best connotation these days and I should say I want to vote with the Bible. What does the Bible say about the economy? I know I should trust the Lord with all my heart, not store my treasures here on earth, and God takes care of the sparrow and dresses the lillies of the field. I'm not sure how that equates to a vote on either side of party lines, but I'm not ashamed of my siding with God and the Bible. There is a Baptist minister running for president, but I'm not sure his chances are all that great, so I'll just stick with one of the two big guys. Early voting begins Monday, and I will SO be at the poles. Not only because I hate the rushed feelings on the actual last chance voting day, but I REALLY want to GET THIS OVER WITH.

Infanticide

2008-10-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

and I thought partial-birth abortion was bad. now we have induced labor abortion. babies taken pre-maturely and allowed to die. God please reveal Your true self to Obama. Give his wife dreams of those babies that he has voted legislation to kill. God, I pray for justice to be done against those who allow abortion to take place legally.

Only Braum's Gives You So Much More

2008-10-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

HEB was out of milk for a while due to Hurricane Ike, so I had only bought a couple half- gallons that were still available. That ran out several days ago, so I decided to buy a gallon at Braum's. Both my sisters had mentioned Braum's milk didn't have some hormone that others had and to quote one sister, "They know their own cows." Makes sense to me and I was delighted at the other goodies I could get there. I bought bananas, carrots, apples and yogurt. I threw caution to the wind and even bought a gallon of Braum's Iced Tea. I stopped myself from buying some ice-cream because that would have made just too much sense. Now that "the recession that noone wants to admit to" has hit us middle classers in the grocery department, I didn't see much of a price difference, so I'll be back again. Another highlight was the paper bags at the checkout. The smell and crinkly sound of which takes me back to childhood. I have bought into the whole go green thing at HEB and have purchased 4 of their re-usable cloth bags. They were only a buck each and I feel pretty cool carrying them. Also, the handles don't pinch your hands like the plastic ones can.

My birthday

2008-09-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

It's not today, but it's coming up this weekend. And my dear sister has told me she wants to give me a gift I've really been wanting and will cry with joy on receiving it. I know I would want the same for her. I love giving gifts and feeling that they are a blessing to the recipient. I fully agree with, "It is better to give than receive." There is something I want for my birthday. What means much more to me than a gift is quality time. It is my dominant love language. Spending time with my sisters is fun and priceless. I feel the same way about my husband. I have repeatedly asked him to not buy me a gift, but take me out to eat, hold my hand for no reason at all, and tell me he loves me at a time when I don't expect it. And yes, he's reading this over my sholder as I type. It never hurts to drop a hint or in this case a huge boulder. I love you husband!

A Special Day

2008-09-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

Today my mother would have turned 59 again. I will continue to be 29 when my birthday rolls around this year, so it's only fair that I stop counting everyone else's birthdays too. My mother is remembered always, but the memories are not as sore as when it is fall. When cooler weather begins to blow in, the weathermen start to talk of cold fronts, and the harvest decorations show up in the store is when I miss my mom the most. All the comfort and warmth in the world rested in my mom's arms. And for some reason, autumn starts to remind me of that warmth I've lost here on this earth.
The Cracker Barrel store is one of the places that remind me of mom. She always decorated for the holidays and all of the turkeys and snowmen they sell are just overwhelmingly mom. Obviously, I love their store during the holiday season and would go broke buying all their Pilgrims and Indians if I'd allow myself. As part of my persistent reminiscing that began two and a half years ago, other than the Cracker Barrel, I like looking through mom's old recipe binder. She subscribed to Country Woman Magazine among others and collected most of the recipes she came across. I just saw a recipe that really reminded me of the way she cooked. I look forward to making this for my family and I hope it tastes just like something she made when we were all back home with her. Knowing my culinary skills, that is wishful thinking.

SKILLET CHICKEN STEW

1/3 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

dash pepper

1-1/2 pounds chicken

3 Tbs butter

1 med onion

3 celery ribs

2 med potatoes

3 med carrots

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 tsp thyme

1 Tbs ketchup

1 Tbs cornstarch

Combine flour, salt, pepper and coat chicken. In a large skillet, melt butter; brown chicken. Add onion and celery; cook for 3 minutes. Stir in potatoes and carrots. Combine broth, thyme, ketchup and cornstarch; stir into skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegies are tender.

I love you mom. Happy birthday.

Menu Plan

2008-09-07T15:40:00.001-07:00

Menu for this week:

Sunday - Porkchops and Rice

Monday - Scrambled Eggs and Tortillas

Tuesday - Burritos

Wednesday - Turkey Sausage Stirfry

Thursday - Chili-Mac

Friday - Hamburgers

Saturday - Slowcooker chicken

This week is lasting forever!!! I'm back in the saddle and am spending my week in anticipation of the weekend again. Rushing around trying to get things done and waiting until I have some extra time to get it all straight. I know, I know, I just had two months of extra time. I'm going to post our menu so far this week, but will not be posting on orgjunkie.com as you will see it is incomplete and maybe even embarrassing.

Sunday: McDonald's chicken sandwhich and Mcnugget Happy Meals
Monday: Creamy tomato chicken spaghetti.....Really Good
Tuesday: Tacos
Wednesday: Corn Dogs
Thursday: Hamburgers and Tator Tots

Momma needs some new breetches

2008-08-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

The "Better than Robert Redford" dessert is good enough to make someone want to fly back early from the Domincan Republic. You know what I'm sayin'? Fantastically fattening. If you're going to eat something full of calories, it better be something fabulous to make it all worth it. I am back in the throws of pre-school year teacher in service and I am seeing several co-workers coming back slim and trim. I'm coming back seven pounds heavier, so I am saying no more to french fries, fried chicken, and anything else I tend to eat fried. After my body realizes I mean business, I'm gonna subtract something else from my diet. I am thinking it should be sodas. They really aren't that good tasting and as long as I can have my coffee in the morning and my half sweet/half unsweet iced teas, I shouldn't feel too deprived. As punishment for still being in a size 12, I will wear the same raggedy old pants I wore last year until I can buy some in size 10.

Menu Plan

2008-08-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

God is good and He provides for all of our needs! Thank-you Jesus! This is our menu for the week. It's hard to buy groceries for next Sunday because the meat or dairy will expire by then, so I'm going to list today's menu and stop on Saturday.

Sunday, today
PIZZA HUT BUFFET Woooohoooo! for lunch
& PANCAKES for dinner

Monday
BEEF TACO SKILLET
BETTER THAN ROBERT REDFORD DESSERT

Tuesday
CREAMY TOMATO AND CHICKEN SPAGHETTI

Wednesday
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TACO STEW

Thursday
VEGIE SALAD AND ROLLS
INDIVIDUAL PIZZAS FOR GIRLS

Friday
FISH STICKS
CHEESY PASTA AND GREEN PEAS

Saturday
BEEF CORN DOGS
& TATOR TOTS for lunch

CELERY, PEANUT BUTTER/HUMMUS
& FRESH FRUIT TRAY for dinner

Mi hermana con los pies hermosos

2008-08-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15

We love you Aunt Annie! We're all praying you have a Fantastic experience, Peace in your heart, and an unexpected Cold front! You are greatly missed by us all. Oh, we love Uncle Chad too! We pray he will not be hungry and you two will grow even closer as you minister together.

God brings peace to distraught mother

2008-08-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

I feel better now. I go and pick Puddin up from daycare and one of the teachers tells me everything I wanted to hear. They will love her, just consider them extended family...etc. My eyes started to "water" as I asked the teacher if Puddin seemed happy to her. I thought both the girls had looked a little dismal. But now that I think about it, I did drag them out of bed before their eyes were even opened. God answered my prayer quickly. He is taking care of His daughters and I'm included in that.
Enough of being self absorbed for now, let me pray for something you're feeling anxious about. God is no respecter of persons. I know this peace I feel comes directly from Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and that means He has enough to go around.

Day two not looking so hot either

2008-08-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

Preschool has not met my expecations thus far. Maybe I just have set the bar a little too high. Or maybe the 922. 35 a month over the span of 10 months isn't enough. Maybe to get good childcare you have to pay over a thousand. If my girls can't be with me, then I want the next best thing. Day 1 was just OK. Day 2 has me mad. Breakfast this morning was chaotic because, catch this, I wasn't exactly sure how everything worked. Would have been great to see an administrator, teacher, heck a custodian could have helped direct a clueless mother wandering around holding two little girls' hands. I finally arrive with Puddin to her classsroom and am asked, "Has she had breakfast?" I say not yet which earns the response, "Well, I guess we can find something for her." Am I overstepping my bounds? Being demanding? Aren't you the one who applied for this job? Are you not drawing a paycheck for this? I am not pleased and will, for the second time in two days, have a sit down chat with the coordinator.
Part of the problem is my guilt for having to leave them to begin with. My other problem is being a teacher. We become the worst critics of other teachers. I also have a good week to scrutinize and critique. God, please help me to have the right attitude and know what I should expect. You love my girls and I ask you to set the expectations I should have for their daycare. Amen.

Summer is Ending

2008-08-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

The sky has been cloudy all day, but no rain so far. I feel a little cloudy today too. Both the girls spent the morning with their new teachers for the year. I got to see my new classroom where I will be spending my mornings this school year. And I feel hesitant to leave my summer behind. My summer spent falling more in love with two little girls. They are growing way too soon for their dad and me. Their daddy just ordered them the other day to, "Slow down!" I wish I could sit down with my mother over that familiar kitchen counter and talk about how hard it is to see your babies grow up and need you less everyday. How much more compassion and understanding do I have for her now! I wish I would have known then how dear I was to her. Imperfections and all, I was simply her daughter and held a piece of her heart in my naive and inconsiderate hands. One day, I will be able to speak to her again. A day and hour I do not know, I am going to the place where she now lives. Until that time, I will look forward to the future and hope God has for my little girls and trust Him again and again to protect them and guide their steps.

Menu Plan

2008-08-11T10:46:00.001-07:00

Monday:

Leftover SPAGHETTI
GARLIC BREAD
Leftover PEACH COBBLER

Tuesday:

BAKED CHICKEN
Fresh BROCCOLI with SOUR CREAM DRESSING
APPLE SAUCE

Wednesday:

BARBEQUE BEEF
TATOR TOTS
BAKED BEANS

Thursday:

FISH STICKS
CHEDDAR PASTA
GREEN BEANS

Friday:

LEMON CHICKEN
BROWN RICE

Saturday Lunch:

EASY CHEESE QUESADILLAS
COLD CORN SALAD

Saturday Dinner:
CHIPS and CHILI DIP
ORANGE SLICES

Sunday Lunch:

CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
MIXED VEGIES separate
BANANA CHEESECAKE

Sunday Dinner:

CEREAL and PANCAKES

I married a comedian

2008-08-07T18:30:00.001-07:00

My Princess met her new teacher, Ms. Andrea, today. She seems lovely and I am very excited and at ease. She's so ready to be back into that school routine and around all the other kids. And what a sweet surprise when we got home and found a postcard addressed to Princess welcoming her to Ms. Andrea's class. Princess seemed so impressed by this piece of mail specifically for her that she made sure to show her dad as soon as he came in the door. What a special moment to yield such a wretched response. "Wow, your teacher is named Mrs. Booger Face. That was really nice of Mrs. Booger Face." Can you imagine Princess on the first day of school addressing Ms. Andrea in such a way? Oh, hubby thought he was real funny playing on the naivete of a three-year old.

Hubby's sense of humor is unique, but I get it and sometimes will even laugh. Like when we were sitting in front of the TV and a commercial for the Olympics came on. It tried very hard to play on its audience's emotions and inspire them to watch. It really didn't add any enthusiasm to my perception of the Olympics and I wondered what hubby was thinking, so I asked, "Is there any specific competition you're looking forward to?" His response, "Debbie, I still don't know what country I'll be routing for let alone a certain event." Ha Ha. He can make me smile and I love him for it.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-08-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

Monday: Steak and Baked Potatoes

Tuesday: Vegetable Salad w/ mayo, sugar, lemon juice dressing
Grilled Cheese

Wednesday: Scrambled Eggs, Tortillas, Cheddar Cheese

Thursday: Deviled Chicken baked w/ lemon juice, mustard, paprika...
Mashed Potatoes

Friday: Chicken Enchiladas, Rice, Beans

Saturday Lunch: Leftover Enchiladas

Saturday Din: Chili Dogs, Apple Salad

Sunday Lunch: Spaghetti, Garlic Toast, Peach Cobbler

Sunday Din: Cereal/Pancakes

Cleaning is a monster of mine

2008-08-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

Sometime when I was a teenager, I was vacuuming one of our home's kitchen rugs with the hose extension. That carpet seemed to become Velcro to any dirt or fuzz that came it's way, so you had to get down on your hands and knees if you really wanted to be efficient. And if anything, I love efficiency. Because I was getting into the cleaning groove, I continued to vacuum the entire linoleum floor with the hose attachment. My paternal grandmother watched me perform this act of cleanliness and she was, I dare say, quite impressed. See, rumors traveled that she had already made up her mind years before that her granddaughters were not the most tidy creatures. To be truthful, I was probably only down on the floor vacuuming because of her visit in the first place.

Well, would you believe that cleaning groove came on me a bit yesterday and I found myself on my hands and knees again. In my own kitchen this time, scrubbing my linoleum with a rag, water and some Fabuloso. You see, I still believe in efficiency. When something is worth doing, especially cleaning, it needs to be done correctly and completely. The problem is, this idealism causes me to shrink back from basic cleaning because my mind turns it into some kind of monstrous task.

On that floor yesterday, I thought back about that story of my grandma and how my effort had pleased her. I thought about how I wanted to clean that floor not just for the necessity, but because it pleases my Father in heaven. In the story of Mary and Martha, I've always felt Martha deserved a little more credit for her determination to get things done. I believe while I'm cleaning the floor, scrubbing the toilet, or folding clothes, I can still commune with God and know that I am pleasing Him both in taking care of what He has given me and in my relationship with Him.

The Chief Cornerstone

2008-08-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the school year is fast approaching and my stomach is churning. No, not anything I ate, it is because I will be handing my precious little girls over to strangers to care for them during the day while I return to the work force. I have to remind myself alomost daily that my children are the Lord's heritage. They belong to Him and I must trust Him to take care of them. Even when they are under my watchful eye. Like now when I'm on the computer and Puddin's in the living room playing or something. Take care of my precious babies, Lord.

I have chosen a daycare called Cornerstone. Supposedly they only employ Christians. Hubby leaves all the daycare solutions to me and has trusted me to choose the most economical place. Yeah honey, of course I chose a child care facility based on price. Puhlease, you can't pay for peace of mind and that's why during week one, I've planned to drop in unexpectedly, observe all the goings on and interrogate the staff. I'll update you on my findings.

Appetite Spoiler?

2008-07-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

Something strange about all this hot weather is I'm seeing a lot more bugs coming into the house. They're obviously in search of some AC, but they are gonna find the bottom of my shoe instead If they could possibly help pay for part of my electric bill we might be able to come to some other arrangement.

We are seeing a bug at least twice a day and they are strange ones. These have been somewhere between a beetle and a cricket. Of course Princess is the first to discover them, her being closer to the floor and all. She then screams, "Mommy, a bug a bug! Kill it, kill it." Hubby and I were just wondering the other day where in the world she was getting the new violent vocabulary. I guess that would be from me because my natural response to her has been, "Mommy will kill it. Yeah! Now it's dead."

The second time she screamed bug yesterday, I was in the kitchen. I asked her what it was doing. She got down on the floor, layed on her back and started kicking her hands and legs in the air. It was so cute I had her perform it two different times for her dad and aunt. What talent!

Weekly Menu

2008-07-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

Monday: Basic Salad
Carrot Sticks & Ranch Dressing
Chicken Ringos for the girls:)
Apple Sauce

Tuesday: Hamburger Helper Ugh does not equate a great meal, but
it's in the cupboard and I might as well use it and it's quick and easy La la la
Wheat Rolls
Corn on the cob

Wednesday: Salsa Salad (Basic Salad with..dumtadum..Salsa!!!, Pinto Beans, and Fritos)
Bean Burritos for the girls:)
Peaches and Pears

Thursday: Broccoli-Cheese-Casserole
Apple Sauce
Homemade Wheat Bread from the bread machine, please hold all applause

Friday: Frozen Pizza
Frozen-Fruit-Salad cause we're talkin' consecutive triple digits

Saturday lunch: Cheese Nachos with tomato and olive

Saturday dindin: Hamburger-Spanish-Rice

Sunday lunch: PotRoast
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Tapioca Pudding(Not really, it just fit somehow)

Sunday dindin: Cereal
Scrambled Eggs/Toast

Menu Plan Monday

2008-07-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

It's summer, it's Texas, and I am done cooking until fall. That's not the right attitude. I am going to post a menu, but it feels like a lie cause I haven't been exactly following the others I've posted. Too many spur of the moment happenings going on and my menu is being kicked out the window. And it is just too hot to eat and I should start getting skinny any minute now with all the sweat I'm perspirin'. Okay, here's the menu and thank-you to orgjunkie.org for the motiviation!

Monday: Beef Fajitas...can you believe a Taqueria here in town had a sign out advertising their FAHITAS?

Tuesday: Been and Beef Burritos
Taco Rice

Wednesday: Mozzerella hot sauce chicken
Fries

Thursday: Chicken and Rice
Steamed Vegetables

Friday: Tuna Sandwiches
Chips and Salsa

Thursday Already!

2008-07-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Haven't had time to post cause Hubby's parents and nephews came to visit us this week. The girls absolutely adore their grandparents and cousins! It felt like our vacation had come to us. In my book, there is nothing better than to visit with family and still get to sleep in your own bed.

My mother-in-law cooked both Tuesday and Wednesday nights for which I am grateful. I can still want to give a short response to the taco salad from Monday night. It was not quite what I'm looking for and so I will not be making that recipe again. It was one of those meals where you are still full from it four days later. My dad always made a fantastic taco salad growing up and I'll just have to get his recipe.

I wanted to tell you about a great positive behavior reinforcement idea I heard about on the radio. I do recall a mother and daughter speaking about growing up in a single family home and instilling values in children. I wish I could give the daughter kudos because she shared this "fruit tree" idea that I thought was just wonderful. You put a homemade tree up on your wall somewhere and you let your little ones place fruit stickers on the tree every time you catch them "producing" the fruit of the Spirit. I'll be posting a picture soon!

Monday Already!

2008-07-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

Hope you had a fantastic weekend! My menu this week has some repeats cause life happens and hubby drove us to CiCi's Pizza after church and it's just unlike me to order him home because I WANT TO COOK!

Monday: Taco Salad I Fruit

Tuesday: Salsa Cube Steaks Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli

Wednesday: Spaghetti, Garlic Toast

Thursday: Mozerella Hot Sauce Chicken Southwestern Rice

Friday: Fajitas

SaturdayAM: Chicken Ringos, Alfredo Noodles, Corn

SaturdayPM: Frito Pie

SundayAM: Inside-out Ravioli II Apple Sauce

SundayPM: Cereal/Waffles

Who's wearing the smarty pants now?

2008-07-12T06:39:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I were watching a rerun of Everybody Loves Raymond the other night. Debra and Ray had taken an IQ test and it turned out the Debra was smarter(no kidding, right?) Then they found out there was an error and Ray was smarter. Anyway the show went on and I turned to Hubby and said, "You must know I'm smarter right?" Of course I was joking. It's an understood fact he has a lot more knowledge, wit, and is an exceptionally good speller I might add. At times, my Hubby can be brilliant. I hope he reads this...

All that to say this. We were watching a 2minute segment of the game show Duel last night because Hubby was really watching that too fast for you race car movie, but there was a commercial. Hubby had nothing on me during those two minutes. IIIIIIIII am the chammmmpion my friiiieeeend. Try and test your skills:

Which animal helps produce cashmere?

A. Camel

B. Rabbit

C. Goat

D. Llama

Which food contains only three ingredients?

A. Baked Cheetos

B. Fritos

C. Peanut M&Ms

D. Cracker Jacks

The questions seem pretty easy right now, but hubby was way wrong on both. He said rabbit and Baked Cheetos. The correct answers are Goat and Fritos. Hey, I can be your phone a friend on Millionaire if you come across a question about fried snack foods and/or animals who graze. If you found that at all entertaining and would like to play a demo, click the link:

http://abc.go.com/primetime/duel/game/index

Menu Review

2008-07-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

The sweet-n-sour chicken from last night was really good. Next time I'll be more prepared, but I should have put some sliced raw carrot in with the onion and had some of those great crunchy noodles to go on top. Chow mein noodles,of course! I love those things. I wonder if they would be considered a healthy snack? Maybe strange to admit, but I could snack on some raw Ramen Noodles too.

I think the girls and I will go on a short shopping trip this morning just to get out of the house. It must be short because Princess does not do well in stores for long periods of time. If she's not asking to use the restroom, she wants me to buy something she can't live without. Yesterday afternoon I was trying to persuade her to help pick up toys. As serious as can be, she turns her hands palm up and while cautiously examining them, she explains how she can't clean because her hands were red and they hurt. She must have learned that one from her exposure to daycare.

"Something else is gonna hurt if you don't pick up these toys!"

No, I wouldn't say that to a three year old. Instead of threatening a three minute rendezvous in her room, I thought I'd use some good old fashion bribery.

"If you help clean up, we can go get a present!"

Yes, Princess hopped to it and the floor got cleaned. So I'll make good on my promise and get her a new pair of ballerina shoes I saw at Tuesday Morning for $4. I wanted to get those anyway and now I have a pretty poor excuse. The only positive thing about daycare is that I can use it as a scapegoat if Princess turns out spoiled rotten.

Thankful Thursday

2008-07-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

That lasagna I made last night WAS easy, but it dawned on me as I was layering it all together that the recipe did not call for mozzarella! I need more than just cottage cheese to make a lasagna mean lasagna. You know what I mean? I will definitely be making this again with the addition of some chesse. Without it, it almost tasted low-fat. Low fat is what salads are for, not lasagna. Point made.

I am moving the popcorn chicken to tonight because I think we are still going to Abilene Friday evening. I'm not too sure because hubby hasn't mentioned it. I am not the commander of this family, just the co-pilot.

I want to make today Thankful Thursday. I am so thankful for my church. My pastor said something last night that brought joy to my soul. I am very thankful for my pastor. Thank-you God for letting me be in this church at this time. Amen.

That Poolman of Mine

2008-07-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

Today is wash day. The only day I will not talk myself out of mopping some floor and using the washing machine more than once. I need to make sure all laundry is caught up because we are heading out to Abilene for the weekend to visit my in-laws. My husband and I had planned on going the weekend of my father-in-law's birthday, but it has snuck up on us. My menu is going to be waaaaayyyy off. Oh well.

This is a good time to come up for a shortened name for my husband. I will be using two different pseudonyms. I'm sorry, but sometimes "Hubby" just won't cut it. Sometimes my feelings do not reflect a name that brings smiles and warm gushy heart flutters. I will always love him, pray for him, and want the best for my hubby, but somedays I'll be referring to him as Poolman. Swimming pools is his main trade by the way.

Puddin's Calling Me

2008-07-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

And I don't mean the chocolate kind sitting in my fridge right now. Today will be another typical summer morning. My 21mo old, let's call her "Puddin' ", will eventually call my name to be taken out of her crib. Then my 3yr old from here on out to be called "Princess," will come scooting out to the living room dragging her blankets and requesting PBS Kids. Then I will serve some waffles, cereal, or peanut butter toast for breakfast. Oooh how I love the summer! During the school year, I have to wake up my little darlings in the middle of their slumber and rush, rush, rush off to daycare. As always, the summer goes way too fast and ...Yeah, there it is. Puddin's sweet cry for mamma.

Menu Planning

2008-07-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

It has almost been a year since I logged on to my "blog." I still don't know what I'm doing, but I think I have a little more confidence to just run with it. I have spent a lot of this past year reading other blogs. I also am quite addicted to the allrecipes site. I definitely want to start posting my dinner menu for the week. Maybe I'll stop wanting and actually do it. Here it goes...

Monday: SLOPPY JOES
TATOR TOTS
APPLE SAUCE

Tuesday: CHICKEN PATTY SANDWICHES
TOMATO/ONION
COLESLAW

Wednesday:EASY LASAGNA III
GARLIC TOAST
RED GRAPES

Thursday: TUNA SANDWICH
GRILLED CHEESE for the girls
APPLES & PEARS

Friday: SWEET-AND-SOUR POPCORN CHICKEN
WHITE RICE
BROCCOLI

Saturday Lunch: CHICKEN NUGGETS AND LIPTON NOODLE MIX
Saturday Dinner: Taco Salad I

Sunday Lunch: FAJITAS
Sunday Dinner: CEREAL/WAFFLES