In the Kitchen

So as some of you know I am trying new recipes from the Betty Crocker Book. I decided I would start taking some pictures of what I do. Here is what I have done this past week.

Oven Fried Chicken and Au Gratin Potatoes- No pictures for these


Chicken Pot Pie and Corn Bread-
As I was saying I am using what I have in the house and the Corn Bread called for buttermilk which I didn't have--so the corn bread was a bit on the hard side...haha
The Chicken Pot Pie was super fun to make and the coolest part was trying to make the shells of the pot pie homemade.

Homemade Hamburger Pizza---
had so much fun making the crust

Breaded Pork Chops, with shredded hash browns and Strawberry Glace Pie
Shredding the hash browns was very time consuming...
For this meal I spent about 3 hours in the kitchen.


I made stuffed meatloaf Wednesday night and sometime soon will be making enchiladas...FUN FUN

Forever Yours

I wear it everyday but it goes unnoticed most often. It has a treasured meaning to my family. Its beautiful beyond measure and yet I don't take the time to admire it. It holds a special place in my heart. It means forever. It means to not take him for granted, it means to love him always. To be there for him. It was once Ben's grandmas. It means don't give up. It means being intentional. It says I love you. I have worn it now for five years. Its a never ending circle. It was given to me on my drive way six years ago by the man of my dreams. It is priceless. Its a symbol of never giving up, always forgiving, and loving unconditionally.

I know I don't need a ring to show that I am married and that I love my husband but I will never forget what that ring symbolizes. Its not just a hunk of metal that will one day be thrown away. Its on my hand forever. Its beauty gazes at me each day and sparkles in the light to remind me of just who my heart belongs to.

My wedding band also symbolizes the relationship we have with Christ. The never ending bond that will last a lifetime. Christ's love for us cost him everything, his love for us is unconditional.

I pray that I will be a wife that can love unconditionally, encourage my husband, respect my husband and take care of my husband through all of life's joys and trials.

I pray that I will be a mom that shows my daughter the love of Christ and that she can see him in me.

I pray that I will be a servant to Christ that one day he will say, well done good and faithful servant.

God never said marriage, parenthood, and living for him would be easy but the ring I am wearing symbolizes that it is forever and that I will always keep trying to be a better woman of God, wife and mother.

So as it sparkles each day I will remember my commitment to forever.

Addy Update

Addison Rose was 10 Months old on Monday!!

She is crawling around like crazy, loves getting into cuppboards and dishes, loves playing with her toys,she especially loves this cute little piano that Marshall gave to her, rolls a ball back and forth between us, gives high fives, waives goodbye, eats lots of different foods--no more baby foods, and is starting to take little steps with our help.

Addy
23 pounds
28 inches long

She is our pride and joy!! Can't belive in less than 2 months we will be celebrating one whole year of life! Praise the Lord.

Life Begins at Conception

I know the topic of abortion is very controversial. Let me start out by stating, I am PRO-Life or the way I would like to say is PRO-BABY and I strongly believe that taking a child's life in this manner is WRONG. I believe that when a man and woman come together and make a child; that child's life begins then- At conception.

Why do I bring up this topic today? Well, the other night I got a call from the MCCL (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life). They were calling to ask for support to deny the upcoming new part to the partial birth abortion law. Right now law makers are trying to push ahead that when a mother/father find out the gender of their child, and if those parents don't want that gender; at that point they can abort/take that child's life. Now, sometimes I don't stay up on my current laws/amendments,etc but when I got this phone call I just broke down in tears.

How could anyone abort a child, but abort them because they are not the right gender?

Another area of abortion I just don't understand is how when a mother that is expecting a child is murdered and the child inside the womb is also murdered---its a double homicide even when that child is just a few weeks a long.

Why is that when a child is aborted, it is a fetus then and not considered a human? Shouldn't that be homicide?

Again, this phone call brought up a lot of thoughts and emotions. I encourage those of you thinking about abortion to stop and think about someone else for just a moment. What about that child's choice??? Don't they get a say in this?

I am thankful each day that the Lord has allowed me to have a child. I can't imagine life without Addison. She is a miracle, just like every other child out there. Give each child a chance; CHOOSE LIFE!

Deliciousness

So last night was a success!!! The potatoes Au Gratin turned out wonderfully and the oven-fried chicken tasted great! Ben is so far loving this new idea.

The other twist I have decided to go by is that I have to use what we have in the house before I grocery shop again. So I look through our food supply, see what we have, and then go into Betty Crocker and cook away. I am also trying to lose my baby weight and so I am trying to do healthy food and eat the right portions while doing this new found adventure.

Tonight, as I sit here; in the oven is a large chicken pot pie and corn bread (which Ben loves). I'm excited to try it. I also made the pastry to cover the pot pie mix from scratch which was an experience but oh so fun!

This is not going to be an everyday thing but when I have the time, I am going to try new things with the food we have in the house.

I already picked a dinner out for tomorrow night but that is a secret until tomorrow. Tune in for more nummyness soon.

Julie and Julia

So the other night Ben and I watched the movie Julie and Julia. It was so great and it has inspired me to start my own "Julie and Julia" Project.

I have decided that I am going to go through the Betty Crocker Cook Book that Katie (my sis-in-law) gave to me and make everything in it! I don't really have a time frame but I thought it would be fun to try some new things to our dinner time.

Right now, I make the same old stuff that is some of Ben and my favorites, such as lasgna, homemade spaghettie sauce, meatloaf, garlic chicken, shepherds pie, tacos, and more.

Its time to make a change and try to make something new. I really enjoy cooking and now that I have more time to do dinner now that I am home with Addy, I thought it might be fun to try something new, be adventurous.

So tonights menu is Oven-fried Chicken and Au Gratin Potatoes. Now remember this all made from scratch. Its cooking and will be ready when Ben gets home. Wish us luck or should I say wish Ben luck on trying all the new stuff.

Blessed in 2010

The year of 2010 was a year of new beginnings for our family. Ben and I were truly blessed this year.

In 2010 I began the year pregnant and Ben was in search of a new job. I was working at Brookdale Health and Ben was working for Edward Jones. In March we had 2 wonderful blessings occur in our family.

On March 8, Ben started a new job with US Bank where he is a Personal Banker/Small Business Expert. Then on March 17, just about a week later. Addison Rose was born on St.Patrick's Day (also during March Madness). In just a week's period our family had bestowed upon us two blessings.

I have been able to stay with Addy and work some hours for Brookdale Health from home which has been a huge blessing. Ben has been working with US Bank now for almost a year and just loves it and loves the people he works with. At the bank, Ben is #1 in the District for production out of over 300 people. Ben is so great at his job.

Ben and I were also blessed this year to become an aunt and uncle 2 times. Elizabeth Joy was born to David and Katie in June of 2010. Thaddeus Ronald was born to Scott and Amanda (and big sister Ainsley) in July of 2010. We were able to spend Christmas with both of them and have sure enjoyed seeing them grow!

This year has been full of new experiences for us as parents. Ben and I enjoy our time with Addy and watch her grow each day. She does so many new things each day and each experience is a thrill for us. Addy is so lovable and laughs all the time. Just last night she was in such a good mood and having so much fun she wouldn't go to bed and just wanted to play with mommy and daddy. Addy had such a great first Christmas and enjoyed unwrapping all her presents that were graciously given to her.

Again, I am so blessed to be able to stay home with Addy thanks to Ben. Ben's job and all his hard work had allowed me to stay home and take care of Addy and our home. Ben has been such a blessing to me and I am thankful for him each day. Words cannot express my love for him. Ben is and will always be my best friend and the love of my life. He makes me smile and laugh like no one can. I am so blessed. I love you Ben... Infinity and Beyond

I am so thankful to the Lord this year for how he has blessed our family. Each day I can see how much he has taken care of us and he always sees us through each trial and joyful moment.

Thank you Jesus for allowing me to have the blessings you give so freely. Thank you Jesus for my family.

Many blessings to you all and I pray the Lord will bless each of you in 2011.