Day 2 of Potty Training:
Started out well with some successful #1's then disaster struck on #2 of the day. Threw out panties and started on plan B: Let her go naked until she learns to do this (this idea was not met with a positive response by potty trainee, so we ended up with a sweatshirt and naked waist down).
Then we went to Wal-Mart for supplies (Yes, with all 3 kids on my own, no buggy, just the double stroller which got interesting when we picked up the Toddler Potty). Now we are home with bag of Pull-ups, Training Potty, Carpet Cleaner (we ran out with the said #2 Disaster this AM), Bathroom Cleaner with Bleach and a new pair of shoes (for me, they were only $3, who could say no?)
(Later in the day)
I went to put Caleb down for a nap in his cradle only to discover remnants from said #2 disaster on the bumper pad and sheet. Needless to say, all of Caleb's bedding was added to the rapidly growing pile of Potty Training laundry. The scary thing is that there could be other unseen "remnants" lingering around the house. Today is a good day to deep clean the house!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Month of Meatless Meals: Pappardelle with Roasted Winter Squash, Arugula and Pine Nuts (CL Mag)
This meal exceeded my expectations! The combo of flavors was excellent and it is great for a week night dinner, but could be served for company or even a special occasion. I bought most of the ingredients for this a Trader Joe's. If you don't have Trader Joe's or your local grocery store doesn't carry some of these items, you could substitute and I am sure it would still come out wonderfully. I read some reviews on the internet for this recipe and some used different types of pasta, although, if you can find pappardelle pasta, it is a lot fun to eat and an interesting change from the typical pasta noodles. Also, pinenuts are pricey, so you could substitute pecans in their place. I actually used fresh thyme instead of sage and Dave really liked it. You could sub spinach for the arugula, but don't do it unless you have to because the peppery taste of arugula really compliments the sweet butternut squash. I simmered a little white wine and then added the arugula for just a minute to wilt it as was suggested by some others.
Pappardelle with Roasted Winter Squash, Arugula and Pinenuts
6 servings (serving size: about 2 cups)
Ingredients
4 cups (1-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
Cooking spray
8 ounces uncooked pappardelle (wide ribbon pasta) or fettuccine
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups trimmed arugula
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Asiago cheese
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Preparation
Preheat oven to 475°.
Combine squash, vinegar, oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl; toss well to coat. Arrange squash mixture in a single layer on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 475° for 25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
While squash bakes, cook pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1 tablespoon cooking liquid.
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts, sage, and garlic; cook 3 minutes or just until the pine nuts begin to brown, stirring occasionally. Place pasta, reserved cooking liquid, pine nut mixture, and squash mixture in a large bowl; toss gently to combine. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, arugula, cheese, and black pepper; toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Month of Meatless Meals: Mushroom Frittata
"Any Man of Mine . . . If I cook him dinner and I burn it black, he better say, 'UMMM, I like it like that'." --Shania Twain
As we speak, I am having Pinto Bean Burger leftovers for lunch; I made a double recipe so I could have it for lunch the next day because I like it so much. Last night I tried a new recipe, Mushroom Frittata. I think this recipe would have been great if I didn't burn it. Any recipe that calls for cooking with high heat really needs my undivided attention which is hard to give anything with 3 small children and my husband swarming around me. I was doing fine until I turned off my microwave timer to thaw out some bread; I burned the top under the broiler, but it was still pretty good and Dave even liked it. I will definitely try this recipe again and share it because it is so simple and comes together quickly. I served it with whole wheat toast and a garden salad.
If you don't mushrooms, you could substitute another veggie for them, just make sure you saute the veggies first. Also, you could substitute another fresh herb for the fresh thyme, but I don't know how dried thyme would work--probably not as much flavor because this cooks so quickly. I used a mix of baby bella mushrooms and button mushrooms instead of a wild mush room mix (they didn't have it at the store and I figured this was cheaper anyways).
MUSHROOM FRITTATA (from Cooking Light Mag)
This vegetarian entrée is ideal for a light breakfast or brunch, but can also be served for dinner paired with a simple side salad.
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 wedge)
Ingredients
The 5 Ingredients:
1 (8-ounce) package exotic mushroom blend
1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
3 large egg whites
2 large eggs
Preparation
Preheat broiler. Heat an 8-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add mushrooms to pan; sauté 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Place mushrooms in a medium bowl; cool slightly. Wipe pan clean with paper towels. Combine mushrooms, cheese, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon salt, egg whites, and eggs in a medium bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Heat pan over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add mushroom mixture; cook, covered, for 3 minutes or until almost set. Broil 3 minutes or until egg is set. Cut into 4 wedges.
As we speak, I am having Pinto Bean Burger leftovers for lunch; I made a double recipe so I could have it for lunch the next day because I like it so much. Last night I tried a new recipe, Mushroom Frittata. I think this recipe would have been great if I didn't burn it. Any recipe that calls for cooking with high heat really needs my undivided attention which is hard to give anything with 3 small children and my husband swarming around me. I was doing fine until I turned off my microwave timer to thaw out some bread; I burned the top under the broiler, but it was still pretty good and Dave even liked it. I will definitely try this recipe again and share it because it is so simple and comes together quickly. I served it with whole wheat toast and a garden salad.
If you don't mushrooms, you could substitute another veggie for them, just make sure you saute the veggies first. Also, you could substitute another fresh herb for the fresh thyme, but I don't know how dried thyme would work--probably not as much flavor because this cooks so quickly. I used a mix of baby bella mushrooms and button mushrooms instead of a wild mush room mix (they didn't have it at the store and I figured this was cheaper anyways).
MUSHROOM FRITTATA (from Cooking Light Mag)
This vegetarian entrée is ideal for a light breakfast or brunch, but can also be served for dinner paired with a simple side salad.
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 wedge)
Ingredients
The 5 Ingredients:
1 (8-ounce) package exotic mushroom blend
1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
3 large egg whites
2 large eggs
Preparation
Preheat broiler. Heat an 8-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add mushrooms to pan; sauté 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Place mushrooms in a medium bowl; cool slightly. Wipe pan clean with paper towels. Combine mushrooms, cheese, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon salt, egg whites, and eggs in a medium bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Heat pan over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add mushroom mixture; cook, covered, for 3 minutes or until almost set. Broil 3 minutes or until egg is set. Cut into 4 wedges.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Month of Meatless Meals: Southwest Pinto Bean Burgers with Chipotle Mayo (from Cooking Light)
This is one of my favorite meatless meals. It is pretty spicy (which we like around here), but you can tone it down by leaving out the jalapenos. I usually wait to add the jalapenos and set some aside for my kids without them. The recipe says to partially mash the beans with a fork, but I find that this is inadequate for getting these to stick together; I suggest mashing the beans seperately and then adding them to the mix. Make sure your oil is hot and don't go anywhere, I have burned these more than once. If they fall apart, don't worry about it, just scope them on the bun (or on your plate) and keep going. Let me know what you think!
Also, if you are a vegan, let me know if you have any suggestions for a substitute for the egg (it serves to make it stick together) or you could try it without the egg and let me know how it comes out.
SOUTHWEST PINTO BEAN BURGERS:
Featuring fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and corn kernels, these hearty bean burgers are made even more memorable with a tongue-tingling chipotle mayo.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Burgers:
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño pepper
2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
1 (8 3/4-ounce) can no salt-added whole-kernel corn, drained
Chipotle Mayonnaise:
1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 teaspoon canned minced chipotle chile in adobo sauce
Remaining ingredients:
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 (1 1/2-ounce) whole wheat hamburger buns, toasted
4 romaine lettuce leaves
Preparation
To prepare burgers, combine the first 10 ingredients in a large bowl. Add pinto beans and corn; partially mash with a fork. Divide bean mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each portion into a 3 1/2-inch patty, and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
To prepare chipotle mayonnaise, combine mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon chipotle in a small bowl; set aside.
Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties to pan, and cook 4 minutes on each side or until thoroughly heated. Place patties on bottom halves of buns; top each patty with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 lettuce leaf, and top half of bun.
Have fun!
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Surprising Cost of Delayed Obedience
I burst into tears tonight as Dave showed me a piece of mail we received. I told you the story of how Lucy escaped and we got a ticket; well, the "fix-it" ticket we received said that we needed to bring in her rabies vaccination certificate within 10 days to get her licensed. I checked on the internet to find out more information; I was thinking that her rabies shot was not up to date and was looking for a clinic who gave shots inexpensively. In the process, I discovered that the first rabies vaccination lasted a year and the next one lasted 3 years. Great, I don't have to get her another shot. I also read that the fine for being late to license your dog was $15. So, instead of getting on top of it and digging through the boxes in the garage to find Lucy's rabies certificate and quickly take it to the Animal Shelter, I let it go for an extra 12 days. When I finally dug out the certificate and Dave went to take it in, they told him first of all, it was not current, but also, it was too late, we would have to go to court!
So for a few days, I have been thinking about this: I have never been in a court room in my life and my expectations are only formed from too many court room dramas. I have been repeating the date in my head so I will not miss it: December 2nd, December 2nd, December 2nd . . . . I figured that I would show the proof of licensing (once I obtained it) and pay a fine, around $30, not too big of a deal, right? Then, the letter shows up today stating that the "Bail Amount" for this offense is $765!! What!! I felt sick to my stomach and cried for quite some time. Not only does the money upset me, but I hate getting in trouble. I always have and to this day I am a rule follower for that reason. I was tempted to try to think of some argument of why this was not my fault or why I should be excused (I have 3 small children, I just moved here, ect, ect). But, maturity means taking responsibility for your own stuff, and this was my fault and if I had really made it a priority, I could have gotten it taken care of in a timely manner even though I do have 3 small children and we did just move here (and especially if I had known it might cost me $765).
Tomorrow, I am going to take care of the licensing and rabies vaccination (well, actually, I am going to wait until Wednesday because there is a $5 clinic that day) and Dave is going to call a lawyer/judge who he knows and who is currently helping us with our non-profit here. Hopefully, we will be able to get this cleared up and not loose $765 for a minor offense.
As I am writing this, I see a parallel to the rest of our lives. Many times we delay obedience until we know it will really cost us; and many delay until it is too late. Many don't realize the cost will be so severe for their disobedience. But, there is no excuse. When I thought about all the explanations and excuses I would bring before the judge, I realized how pathetic they sounded and how unlikely it would be for me to be given sympathy from a judge. I thought I would probably be better off sincerely taking responsibility for what I did and asking for mercy on the fine. One day, we will all stand before another Judge and the cost for our disobedience will be much greater than we could have ever imagined. For many, it will be too late. But, I know this Judge will hope that many come to Him before it is too late and soberly take responsibility for their offenses, knowing that there are no excuses or explanations to be made, knowing their only hope is for Him to be merciful. And He is, and He will be. I once heard an illustration that said Jesus is like a judge who judges your life and declares that you are guilty and the sentence is death. But, then He steps down from the bench, takes off his judge's robe, and lays it aside and says I will pay the death penalty, this one can go free.
So tonight, I ponder on this lesson. I do not blame anyone else or try to make excuses. I am just going before a greater Judge and thanking Him for His infinite mercy, forgiving a debt (of what cost I cannot fathom) that I could never pay. And, I am asking Him to give me peace in the midst of the dealing with this small debt, knowing that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without Him knowing, how much more is He concerned about me.
So for a few days, I have been thinking about this: I have never been in a court room in my life and my expectations are only formed from too many court room dramas. I have been repeating the date in my head so I will not miss it: December 2nd, December 2nd, December 2nd . . . . I figured that I would show the proof of licensing (once I obtained it) and pay a fine, around $30, not too big of a deal, right? Then, the letter shows up today stating that the "Bail Amount" for this offense is $765!! What!! I felt sick to my stomach and cried for quite some time. Not only does the money upset me, but I hate getting in trouble. I always have and to this day I am a rule follower for that reason. I was tempted to try to think of some argument of why this was not my fault or why I should be excused (I have 3 small children, I just moved here, ect, ect). But, maturity means taking responsibility for your own stuff, and this was my fault and if I had really made it a priority, I could have gotten it taken care of in a timely manner even though I do have 3 small children and we did just move here (and especially if I had known it might cost me $765).
Tomorrow, I am going to take care of the licensing and rabies vaccination (well, actually, I am going to wait until Wednesday because there is a $5 clinic that day) and Dave is going to call a lawyer/judge who he knows and who is currently helping us with our non-profit here. Hopefully, we will be able to get this cleared up and not loose $765 for a minor offense.
As I am writing this, I see a parallel to the rest of our lives. Many times we delay obedience until we know it will really cost us; and many delay until it is too late. Many don't realize the cost will be so severe for their disobedience. But, there is no excuse. When I thought about all the explanations and excuses I would bring before the judge, I realized how pathetic they sounded and how unlikely it would be for me to be given sympathy from a judge. I thought I would probably be better off sincerely taking responsibility for what I did and asking for mercy on the fine. One day, we will all stand before another Judge and the cost for our disobedience will be much greater than we could have ever imagined. For many, it will be too late. But, I know this Judge will hope that many come to Him before it is too late and soberly take responsibility for their offenses, knowing that there are no excuses or explanations to be made, knowing their only hope is for Him to be merciful. And He is, and He will be. I once heard an illustration that said Jesus is like a judge who judges your life and declares that you are guilty and the sentence is death. But, then He steps down from the bench, takes off his judge's robe, and lays it aside and says I will pay the death penalty, this one can go free.
So tonight, I ponder on this lesson. I do not blame anyone else or try to make excuses. I am just going before a greater Judge and thanking Him for His infinite mercy, forgiving a debt (of what cost I cannot fathom) that I could never pay. And, I am asking Him to give me peace in the midst of the dealing with this small debt, knowing that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without Him knowing, how much more is He concerned about me.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Joys of Condo Living
It is actually rainy here in Southern California today. I am resting and enjoying that all 3 childern are napping. I am enjoying something else too--that I live in a small condo. The reason: Less Cleaning! Although our home in Kansas City was not large by many standards, it always felt like there was some housework to be done. I still have housework, but with a home half the size, the housework has been cut considerably as well. Plus, because it is so small, I cannot do much cleaning without waking up all my kids during nap anyways. Hopefully, this will mean more time to do other needed things like rest, spend time with Jesus, make dinner, stay caught up on laundry (I am actually caught up currently which for those friends who saw my basement mountain of laundry in Kansas City, this may come as a shock).
Many friends have been asking how we have things set up with 3 kids in a one bedroom condo. We ripped out the shelving of our walk-in closet and set up the girls bunk-bed in it. We managed to put a little shelving back in to hang up some clothes. There are no windows (obviously) in the closet and curtains over the door way which means great naps and longer sleeping in the morning (yeah! more sleep). The only down fall is that their "closet bedroom" is directly across from the bathroom so any bathroom visits during nap time must be done in stealth mode with absolutely no flushing. I put Caleb's cradle in our bedroom and he is sleeping quite well there. I have taken advantage of nearly every place for storage that I could think of in our 680 sq feet: containers under our bed serve as the linen closet, the trundle under the girls' bed is where Dave and I store our clothes that don't fit in the dresser, our night stand dresser has become Caleb's dresser and the balcony had become the playroom (which works our great except on rare rainy days like today).
Lucy misses the freedom of the backyard and frequently escapes from our condo when the door is opened. Last week she escaped and Caleb was sleeping so I could not chase after her; I didn't worry about it because she generally comes back on her own. Then, I checked my messages to discover that she had charged up to one of our neighbors who was out walking her dog and the neighbor was calling the pound if we didn't come to get her right away! Yikes! So, we take off looking for her (I was still in my PJ's, no bra and teeth unbrushed), but it was too late, the animal control already had her in custody! They fined us because she is not spade, but thankfully gave us a fix-it ticket for not having her registered here yet (we did just move here 3 weeks ago). I think the gal had mercy on my seeing my state--PJ's, baby, ect.. This is definitely not Missouri.
I am finally winding down after a steady 3 months of high gear (not to mention the month of child birth/new baby before that). It feels so good to just relax for a minute. My dear friend Jill
Many friends have been asking how we have things set up with 3 kids in a one bedroom condo. We ripped out the shelving of our walk-in closet and set up the girls bunk-bed in it. We managed to put a little shelving back in to hang up some clothes. There are no windows (obviously) in the closet and curtains over the door way which means great naps and longer sleeping in the morning (yeah! more sleep). The only down fall is that their "closet bedroom" is directly across from the bathroom so any bathroom visits during nap time must be done in stealth mode with absolutely no flushing. I put Caleb's cradle in our bedroom and he is sleeping quite well there. I have taken advantage of nearly every place for storage that I could think of in our 680 sq feet: containers under our bed serve as the linen closet, the trundle under the girls' bed is where Dave and I store our clothes that don't fit in the dresser, our night stand dresser has become Caleb's dresser and the balcony had become the playroom (which works our great except on rare rainy days like today).
Lucy misses the freedom of the backyard and frequently escapes from our condo when the door is opened. Last week she escaped and Caleb was sleeping so I could not chase after her; I didn't worry about it because she generally comes back on her own. Then, I checked my messages to discover that she had charged up to one of our neighbors who was out walking her dog and the neighbor was calling the pound if we didn't come to get her right away! Yikes! So, we take off looking for her (I was still in my PJ's, no bra and teeth unbrushed), but it was too late, the animal control already had her in custody! They fined us because she is not spade, but thankfully gave us a fix-it ticket for not having her registered here yet (we did just move here 3 weeks ago). I think the gal had mercy on my seeing my state--PJ's, baby, ect.. This is definitely not Missouri.
I am finally winding down after a steady 3 months of high gear (not to mention the month of child birth/new baby before that). It feels so good to just relax for a minute. My dear friend Jill
from Charlotte is visiting this week and made it my goal to be mostly unpacked by the time she arrived. I reached my goal even though it meant not even going to the beach once since we moved. This week, weather permitting, I might actually get some sand between my toes.
Well, there is a little guy here waking up and needing to nurse.
Well, there is a little guy here waking up and needing to nurse.
Monday, October 5, 2009
A land they did not know
Three weeks ago we loaded up the "moving horse trailer" and headed West to our new/old home in San Clemente, California. There have been no shortage of tears and emotional break downs for me since that time. We have moved multiple times in our marriage and I think I counted over 20 moves to different homes since I graduated from high school (over 10 years ago), but this was by far the most difficult move for me. I am sure that having a family of five and a larger home to pack added to the difficulty, but mostly I think it has been the saying good-bye to a place and a community of friends that I have grown to love like no other place or people in my adult life.
I have thought often of Abraham and Sarah moving to a land they did not know; it was not just Abraham that had the faith to move, but Sarah left her family and friends too and went along. We don't here much about her response in the book of Genesis, but in 1 Peter 3, we are told of her faith in the Lord to follow Abraham (thus following the Lord). Today I prayed that the Holy Spirit would teach me the fear of the Lord; that the hosts of heaven would say of me that I am a woman that fears the Lord. I want to tremble at the reality that I will stand before the God of Heaven, the Lion of Judah, and give an account of how I have lived my life. I want to give the cup of cold water (or apple juice) to the least of these (my children) as unto Jesus. I am aware of how far I am from this place and how desperately I need a transforming work and empowerment each day to walk this out in a pleasing way before the Lord.
I was given an image in prayer today of the stench of sacrafices to false idols that rises up from our city. Saturday night in his dreams, all night, Dave heard the chorus from a Jason Upton song, "Better trash our idols if we're gonna be in the army of the Lord . . . " As I work on settling into my home here, I am asking the Lord, what are my idols? What are the things I worship and have become bound to? Am I worshipping the created image or the Creator? Security? Comfort? Food? Pleasure? Play? Beauty?
I miss the constant challenge to go harder after the Lord that living in Kansas City amongst such amazing women and men of God brought me. I pray for more of the Holy Spirit to help Dave and I set the pace amongst the people we are called to lead here. I feel the call to fast and pray in a new way--a desperation for it. We have left the nest and are learning to fly on our own. It is a scary thing, but glorious because of the Lord doesn't enable us, it will not be done--there is no doing this on our own.
Today, I am still unpacking and trying to figure out where to put everything. I am trying to find peace in the midst of chaos. I am trying to set my heart on being thankful for our home and situation rather than complaining about it.
I have thought often of Abraham and Sarah moving to a land they did not know; it was not just Abraham that had the faith to move, but Sarah left her family and friends too and went along. We don't here much about her response in the book of Genesis, but in 1 Peter 3, we are told of her faith in the Lord to follow Abraham (thus following the Lord). Today I prayed that the Holy Spirit would teach me the fear of the Lord; that the hosts of heaven would say of me that I am a woman that fears the Lord. I want to tremble at the reality that I will stand before the God of Heaven, the Lion of Judah, and give an account of how I have lived my life. I want to give the cup of cold water (or apple juice) to the least of these (my children) as unto Jesus. I am aware of how far I am from this place and how desperately I need a transforming work and empowerment each day to walk this out in a pleasing way before the Lord.
I was given an image in prayer today of the stench of sacrafices to false idols that rises up from our city. Saturday night in his dreams, all night, Dave heard the chorus from a Jason Upton song, "Better trash our idols if we're gonna be in the army of the Lord . . . " As I work on settling into my home here, I am asking the Lord, what are my idols? What are the things I worship and have become bound to? Am I worshipping the created image or the Creator? Security? Comfort? Food? Pleasure? Play? Beauty?
I miss the constant challenge to go harder after the Lord that living in Kansas City amongst such amazing women and men of God brought me. I pray for more of the Holy Spirit to help Dave and I set the pace amongst the people we are called to lead here. I feel the call to fast and pray in a new way--a desperation for it. We have left the nest and are learning to fly on our own. It is a scary thing, but glorious because of the Lord doesn't enable us, it will not be done--there is no doing this on our own.
Today, I am still unpacking and trying to figure out where to put everything. I am trying to find peace in the midst of chaos. I am trying to set my heart on being thankful for our home and situation rather than complaining about it.
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