My heart was heavy this morning due to the tragic event in Boston yesterday. The many people that hurt, those that lost loved ones, those that trained for this marathon and all robbed of the joy. As a firm believer of Jesus Christ I can say that Christ is only one that fully give us joy and peace during this time. Continue to pray for the families that are affected, the healthcare workers, and that hope can be restored. We are told in God's word that end time would be a difficult time. I did not want to think that the events that have occurred in the past few years are the end time but this could be true, because times will not get better. I pray God comes for his people soon! Getting on our knees in prayer for our nation and the ends of the earth to come to know Christ. I prayed that I could help in some way....
Today I received a phone call for a wonderful mission opportunity. Since Matt is a nurse and has a passion for helping others he was contacted to be a part of a team to travel to Vietnam. I would love to be a part of this ministry opportunity. It seemed as though God clearly opened a door for us. We may not be helping those in Boston but we are reaching out to the ends of the earth to proclaim Christ and help others in need. Please pray for us as this is a big decision and will require some strategic planning. May God make His will known to us. I am overjoyed that in the midst of tragedy there is hope and God reveals himself. Never cease to pray!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Tough yet rewarding
Sounds like you cannot put tough and rewarding in the same sentence but I sure can. Almost two weeks ago I ventured on a girls getaway to Vegas and I had the opportunity to be kiddo free for four days. It was awesome but I missed my loves. With every trip I always have a difficult time bouncing back to normal routine and this trip proved to be no different.
K has been pushing the limits and voicing his opinions. This week he has told hundreds of times "no like....!" I never would have thought my child would say "no like chicken, no like taco, no like ham, no like turkey, no like cheese...." These are just a few!!!! I am blessed to have this precious little boy and I currently feel defeated. How can I press on? My fear is that his pediatrician will ask why K is so skinny. I am quite certain he has not gained 10 pounds since his first birthday. So the dilemma is eating and obeying. Easy right?! NOPE. Insert sad faces here! He is a very active two year old that has a passion for the outdoors, football, water, soccer, cars, and books. My goal as a parent is to simply strive to do my best and not stress out. Easier said than done. I am sure I will reap rewards later and I cannot help but want to catch a glimpse of the future. Yes he will eat and yes he will obey. When? Not sure, but we are not guaranteed easy so I can rest on The Lord to give me strength for each movement. Yes, I am living moment by moment because month to month seems so much harder in my eyes. These are the confessions of a true stay at home momma!
K has been pushing the limits and voicing his opinions. This week he has told hundreds of times "no like....!" I never would have thought my child would say "no like chicken, no like taco, no like ham, no like turkey, no like cheese...." These are just a few!!!! I am blessed to have this precious little boy and I currently feel defeated. How can I press on? My fear is that his pediatrician will ask why K is so skinny. I am quite certain he has not gained 10 pounds since his first birthday. So the dilemma is eating and obeying. Easy right?! NOPE. Insert sad faces here! He is a very active two year old that has a passion for the outdoors, football, water, soccer, cars, and books. My goal as a parent is to simply strive to do my best and not stress out. Easier said than done. I am sure I will reap rewards later and I cannot help but want to catch a glimpse of the future. Yes he will eat and yes he will obey. When? Not sure, but we are not guaranteed easy so I can rest on The Lord to give me strength for each movement. Yes, I am living moment by moment because month to month seems so much harder in my eyes. These are the confessions of a true stay at home momma!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Trim Tone
We have stepped up our workouts! Trim out fatty food, trim out carbs, tone those legs, and tone those arms. Working out at home and the gym has proven to be our focus recently. We also are allowing ourselves only one (maybe two) carbs max. It is not easy and trust me I wish I could indulge on a giant scoop of rocky road ice cream but mind over matter. I can do this! It takes true effort to change a lifestyle for the best. Long gone are the days of having soda (especially my favorite Pibb xtra), kit kats (chocolate), and my hormonal craving of French fries,. Adios junk and I have to keep telling myself this over and over. This is not the way I want to look therefore I must change fast. Summer will be here and I would love to rock a new bathing suit on a vacation. The diet is a modified paleo diet and I am not looking at it as a diet but rather a lifestyle. We can eat healthy everyday, who doesn't want to live at optimum level?! Below are a few pics of meals that we have eaten. Yum!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Happy 2nd Birthday
Today at 5:29pm Kaden turned two! I cannot believe how fast two years have flown by. Today I cried several times simply thinking about how blessed I am to have this precious little boy. He really does light up our lives. His second birthday is not going to be a huge party simply family wishing him all the best.
I took him to Red Robin for dinner and he was treated with an ice cream sundae which he LOVED! Then waited for Matt to come home from work so we could sing Happy Birthday with cupcake and candle. Oh my was he excited!! He enjoyed the blue frosting. All in all it was a fun little birthday.
Kaden is a very active little boy, here are some of his favorite things:
Movie: Cars 2 and Mater Tales
Color: Blue
Number: Two
Phrase: "Don't like ....." (Not really a favorite but he says "don't like chicken, don't like batman, etc...)
Current addiction: robots, football, soccer, and running fast
Still likes: chicken shawarma, broccoli, yogurt, milk, carrots, cucumbers and all fruit!
His vocabulary has expanded almost weekly! I have lost track at how many words he says. Proving to be quite a chatter box like his mom. He knows his first name and last name, birthdate, his daddy's name & mommy's name.
No signs of really wanting to potty train. He does tell us "oops I pooped again!" By that time he is in need of a diaper change.
He naps for 2 hours (sometimes almost 3) daily which is wonderful. He goes to bed at 8pm and is a rooster and wakes up between 6:30am and 7am. I can't complain because he sleeps well. He loves to run around the house and play outside. Playing in the dirt is pure bliss for him. He can't get enough of car racing and all sports.
Looking forward to see him grow up and be a man of God. He enjoys praying and saying Amen. He learns so much from BSF that we are excited to see how many bible stories he will remember.
We love you Kaden and Happy 2nd birthday!!
I took him to Red Robin for dinner and he was treated with an ice cream sundae which he LOVED! Then waited for Matt to come home from work so we could sing Happy Birthday with cupcake and candle. Oh my was he excited!! He enjoyed the blue frosting. All in all it was a fun little birthday.
Kaden is a very active little boy, here are some of his favorite things:
Movie: Cars 2 and Mater Tales
Color: Blue
Number: Two
Phrase: "Don't like ....." (Not really a favorite but he says "don't like chicken, don't like batman, etc...)
Current addiction: robots, football, soccer, and running fast
Still likes: chicken shawarma, broccoli, yogurt, milk, carrots, cucumbers and all fruit!
His vocabulary has expanded almost weekly! I have lost track at how many words he says. Proving to be quite a chatter box like his mom. He knows his first name and last name, birthdate, his daddy's name & mommy's name.
No signs of really wanting to potty train. He does tell us "oops I pooped again!" By that time he is in need of a diaper change.
He naps for 2 hours (sometimes almost 3) daily which is wonderful. He goes to bed at 8pm and is a rooster and wakes up between 6:30am and 7am. I can't complain because he sleeps well. He loves to run around the house and play outside. Playing in the dirt is pure bliss for him. He can't get enough of car racing and all sports.
Looking forward to see him grow up and be a man of God. He enjoys praying and saying Amen. He learns so much from BSF that we are excited to see how many bible stories he will remember.
We love you Kaden and Happy 2nd birthday!!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Toddler Two
We are fast approaching the birthday of our little sweetie. Two years ago on March 7th at noon I was officially induced. I had no idea that I would endure 28 hours of labor. The pitocin was at the highest level that can be given and I did not feel any of the contractions. It was after 11pm and my oxygen level was dropping and I was exhausted. Thankful that the night nurse took me off pitocin so I could sleep. It was the best sleep I had in a long time. I needed it so that I could have energy to finally push Kaden. It feels like yesterday. So much commotion for the arrival of this sweetie. More memories later....
Friday, March 1, 2013
Hit the gym & eat healthy
So we broke down and got a gym membership. I was very particular about what I wanted in a gym plus I wanted it to be great for Kaden to go and get exposure to other children. My criteria in looking for a gym was: reasonable pricing (did not want to spend over $40 per membership), offers plenty of classes (ie. Zumba, yoga, Pilates, etc...), I can go to various locations (not limited to one gym, and the biggest factor was the kids club (it had to have a secure kids area & had to cleaned regularly). With my criteria in my mind I would not back down. I found a gym that is 4 miles away, not bad and it fit our budget, offers many classes, can go to any facility in any city, and the kids area won me over- it was highly secured and they clean daily if not more. We have been going to the gym almost everyday and Kaden loves it there. We came to the conclusion that over an hour in the kids club is not long enough for him. I can see it now- first day of school and Kaden will be begging to stay longer!
With a new gym routine we had to incorporate more fruits and veggies plus cut out carbs (limit them). Tonight's dinner was grilled lime chicken with grilled veggies. No bread, no rice, no potatoes, NADA! Scary huh?! Dinner was delicious and I need to train my body not to eat carbs past 4pm and I must be very careful with the carbs I do eat earlier in the day. Can you see the new and improved me in a few months? I sure am excited but worried how long it will take me. Since giving birth to my kiddo my metabolism has taken a nose dive, I need to read up on boosting my metabolism. Maybe because I am now in my 30's? Oh gosh that sounds terrible. Wish I was vibrant like when I was 24! Wishful thinking I know, but I am quite positive that with proper eating, exercising, vitamins, and getting proper sleep that I will turn the tables on my sluggish self. Wish me luck!!!
With a new gym routine we had to incorporate more fruits and veggies plus cut out carbs (limit them). Tonight's dinner was grilled lime chicken with grilled veggies. No bread, no rice, no potatoes, NADA! Scary huh?! Dinner was delicious and I need to train my body not to eat carbs past 4pm and I must be very careful with the carbs I do eat earlier in the day. Can you see the new and improved me in a few months? I sure am excited but worried how long it will take me. Since giving birth to my kiddo my metabolism has taken a nose dive, I need to read up on boosting my metabolism. Maybe because I am now in my 30's? Oh gosh that sounds terrible. Wish I was vibrant like when I was 24! Wishful thinking I know, but I am quite positive that with proper eating, exercising, vitamins, and getting proper sleep that I will turn the tables on my sluggish self. Wish me luck!!!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
New recipe Chicken Pot Pie Soup
I tried Chicken Pot Pie soup at Jason's Deli two weeks ago and I was determined to make it myself! I searched pinterst for a recipe but found one on off Food Network. I have made new dishes by simply following recipes from Food Network but adding my own twist. I have a ton of cookbooks but I tend to gravitate towards recipes from online because I can see comments and reviews. If it is rated 4 or 5 stars I am positive that it will be a hit. I made this today and it was delicious (also great because I had all of the ingredients, love that, no need to run to store!! I will also post my other recipe for Tomato Minestrone Soup (I need blog material).
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Serves 6 to 8 (I cut the recipe in half so we were not eating soup for days)
Ingredients
4 Medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 quarts water
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, split (You can even use rotisserie chicken)
1 tablespoon bouillon flavoring (I recommend chicken bouillon)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 small white onion, diced (1/4 cup)
2 stalks celery (1/2 cup), diced
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 1/2 pounds frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup heavy cream (I used half and half because that is what I had, if you use heavy cream it will be thicker)
Pinch sea salt (I used Kosher salt)
1 container of Pillsbury Junior biscuits (The recipe calls for pie crust but I really wanted a biscuit)
Directions
1. Add diced potatoes to a large bowl filled with cold water. Set aside.
2. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add chicken, reduce heat to a simmer and allow to poach; about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate to cool. Continue to simmer the broth, adding the bouillon until reduced by half, about 10 more minutes. Dice the chicken or shred when cooled.
3. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and the celery cooking until translucent, 2 minutes. Stir in the flour and whisk until it forms a roux. Add the Italian seasoning and pepper; cook for 3 more minutes.
4. Whisk the roux into the broth and bring back to a boil. Drain the potatoes. Add the potatoes and the chicken to the broth over low heat. Stir in the frozen vegetables. Place a lid on top and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Bake biscuits according to package.
5. Stir in cream and a pinch of salt and cook for 5 more minutes.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the biscuits.
Enjoy!!!
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Serves 6 to 8 (I cut the recipe in half so we were not eating soup for days)
Ingredients
4 Medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 quarts water
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, split (You can even use rotisserie chicken)
1 tablespoon bouillon flavoring (I recommend chicken bouillon)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 small white onion, diced (1/4 cup)
2 stalks celery (1/2 cup), diced
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 1/2 pounds frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup heavy cream (I used half and half because that is what I had, if you use heavy cream it will be thicker)
Pinch sea salt (I used Kosher salt)
1 container of Pillsbury Junior biscuits (The recipe calls for pie crust but I really wanted a biscuit)
Directions
1. Add diced potatoes to a large bowl filled with cold water. Set aside.
2. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add chicken, reduce heat to a simmer and allow to poach; about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate to cool. Continue to simmer the broth, adding the bouillon until reduced by half, about 10 more minutes. Dice the chicken or shred when cooled.
3. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and the celery cooking until translucent, 2 minutes. Stir in the flour and whisk until it forms a roux. Add the Italian seasoning and pepper; cook for 3 more minutes.
4. Whisk the roux into the broth and bring back to a boil. Drain the potatoes. Add the potatoes and the chicken to the broth over low heat. Stir in the frozen vegetables. Place a lid on top and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Bake biscuits according to package.
5. Stir in cream and a pinch of salt and cook for 5 more minutes.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the biscuits.
Enjoy!!!
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| The final product! My hubby loved it so much that he had two huge bowls. |
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