Monday, February 28, 2011

Menu Monday-2/28 and some encouragement~!

Ok, this week on WW I learned that I’m likely to eat bad things if I’m in a rut.  I need to try some new foods.  I also learned that stress is a problem for me and eating.  (ok I already knew that!)  I also learned that I can get started in a downward spiral if I eat too much junk food.  Once I start I want it constantly.  But, on Sunday I actually ate half a cupcake and gave the other half away….  and it was CHOCOLATE!  Winking smile  So, I’m not sure what the scale will say, but I feel like that alone was a victory!

I also promised a friend I’d post this to encourage you. 

If I lost just 1 pound a week in 2011:

By Valentines Day
I’d be 7 lbs lighter!  I’m loving it!

By St. Patrick’s Day
I’d be 11 lbs lighter!  With the luck-o-the Irish I’ll make my goal.

By Easter
I’d be 16 lbs lighter!  I’d be a cuter bunny.

By Memorial Day
I’d be 23 lbs lighter!  Won’t let it rain on my parade.

By Flag Day
I’d be 25 lbs lighter!  Boy, could I wave my flag then.

By Independence Day
I’d be 27 lbs lighter!  That’s a neat declaration of Independence from overeating!

By Labor Day
I’d be 36 lbs lighter!  What a wonderful reward for all my hard work.

By Columbus Day
I’d by 41 lbs lighter!  What a joy to discover what I can do.

By Halloween
I’d be 44 lbs lighter!  I didn’t think I had a ghost of a chance.

By Thanksgiving
I’d be 47 lbs lighter!  I’d have so much to be thankful for.

By Christmas Eve
I’d be 51 lbs lighter!  Talk about being merry!

By New Year’s Eve
I’d be 52 lbs lighter!  It’s not just a new year, it’s a new ME!

With that, here’s my menu for the week Winking smile

Monday:  Drive Thru Dinner fundraiser at church Smile

Tuesday:  Bacon Broccoli Penne, Smoothies

Wednesday:  White Chicken Chili, Salad

Thursday:  Tilapia and Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese

Friday:  Pizza night for the kids

Saturday:  Burgers on the Grill, Fries

Sunday:  Snack Dinner

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Supper Sunday- Cinnamon Sugar Crustos

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I worked at Taco Maker as a teenager and I still love their food.  Unfortunately the closest store to me now is in San Antonio Sad smile  Oh well, I can have Cinnamon Sugar Crustos any time I want Winking smile  And now, you can too!

Cinnamon Sugar Crustos

Ingredients:
Flour Tortillas
Oil
Sugar
Cinnamon

Directions:
Cut the Tortillas into 1 inch wide strips.  Heat oil in a large pot until it bubbles when something is put in.  Mix Cinnamon and Sugar together.  Mix enough cinnamon into sugar that it has a light brownish color (like you make it up for cinnamon toast).  Place tortillas in oil a few strips at a time and cook until light golden brown and firm.  Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.  Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over them while still hot.

I have no idea how many points, not sure how to figure the oil from frying….  Sorry!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Singing Saturday- You Are More

I love this song.  How often do we feel unworthy of God’s love.  Unworthy of others’ love.  How often do we feel like we only screw everything up and aren’t worth anything?  Those words are from the Devil, not God.  These are God’s words:  You Are More Smile



You Are More- Tenth Avenue North

There's a girl in the corner
With tear stains on her eyes
From the places she's wandered
And the shame she can't hide
She says, "How did I get here?
I'm not who I once was.
And I'm crippled by the fear
That I've fallen too far to love"
But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?

Yeah don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

Well she tries to believe it
That she's been given new life
But she can't shake the feeling
That it's not true tonight
She knows all the answers
And she's rehearsed all the lines
And so she'll try to do better
But then she's too weak to try

But don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to
This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
You've been remade
You've been remade.
You've been remade.
You've been remade.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Family Time Friday- BirthVerse

I think we, as parents are often looking for another way to hide the word of God in our children’s hearts, but never feel like we do enough.  Maybe that’s just me….  Did you know that there is a BirthVerse for every day of the year?  You can use this verse to be your child’s personal motto and help them to use the word of God to shape their life.   BirthVerse came about when a man was praying to God for inspiration for a greeting card.  Another person in the same company received the same answer in prayer and thus, BirthVerse was born!  You can read the brief story here. 

I looked up the BirthVerses of some of my family members.  Here’s what I found:

Psalm 11:7 NIV
For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.

Luke 9:23 NIV
Then he said to them all: “If any would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Philippians 3:14 NIV
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

John 10:15 NIV
Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 1:22 NIV
Set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Deuteronomy 11:18 NIV
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

Is there something to these?  Well, I don’t know….. but I do see some significance in each verse I looked up.  For example, Auston’s is John 10:15 above.  “I know the Father” is part of it.  Auston is a very spiritually mature young man.  He always has been, from a VERY young age.  He has a pastoralness about him.  Interesting that this would be his birth verse….

I looked up my dad’s verse, who is not a believer, and it was:

1 Peter 2:25 NIV
For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

That gives me hope that he will, one day, return to the Lord.  So, I don’t put too much stock in the things of men, but I do believe that God uses people, and this may be an instance where He is using these people who created BirthVerse to encourage us, and to guide us, and to give us another way to hide His word in our Hearts.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Making Our Homes Like Heaven in 2011-Week 8!

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Ok, we’re 2 months in and getting to the nitty gritty.  I’m wondering if many of you are like me and have missed a few tasks, or have let some things slide in the last few weeks.  In March we’re going to really focus on Spring Cleaning, so in preparation for that, I’m going to list all of the previous tasks here, and you should go through them this week and make sure they are all checked off….  Winking smile

Week One:

  • Create a Household Notebook, or use your current notebook and make notes about this Christmas- things you liked, things you didn't like, what you'd like to do differently/the same next Christmas.  Update any addresses that have changed on your Christmas card list.  A good source for Household Notebook stuff is Donna Young, or Organized Home.  I personally have my household notebook on my computer in OneNote, using principles found on both sites :)  You can find an inventory list for your Christmas décor here.
  • Get a fresh start on the year in your kitchen.  Clean out your Fridge and Freezer, wiping all shelves etc.  Inventory food that you put back into the freezer and keep the list handy so you know what's lingering in there :)
  • Get a fresh start in your bedroom closet.  Let's face it.  We all have way too much stuff in our closets.  Go into your master bedroom closet and go through your CLOTHES ONLY.  (There is a LOT of other stuff in there I’m sure, but let's start with the clothes).  Take all of your clothes out and as you put them back in, assess if you've worn that item in the last year.  If you haven't, donate it.  If you're unsure, or not ready to get rid of something, don't worry about it.  While putting all of your clothes back in the closet put them ALL backwards on the rod.  This way when next January comes around you can feel good about giving away any items that never got turned around during the year.  :)  NO GUILT! 
  • As you put away the Christmas items from this year, try to put them away in an organized fashion, labeling boxes.  Write down on a note card or a sheet of paper what is in each box.  Store the paper/note card in each box or in a separate file, whichever works best for you :)  Oh- you might want to put the Thanksgiving stuff away too :) 
  • Look at your front door/entry way.  What needs to be changed?  Change what you can now, and make a list of what still needs to be purchased/done.
  • Week 2:

    1. Go back into your closet and clean out the closet. There are many, many items in there that are no longer of a use to you. Commit to donate at least 20 items to a charity. The items that you do not use on a regular basis need to be stored elsewhere. Take them out of your closet. This is the place you go to start your day, and when it's in a disarray it sets a tone for the day.  Go have a look at this Closet Inspiration and visualize what to do in your own before beginning!
    2. Set up an account at It's Deductible and log your donations. Be sure to visit regularly and keep track of your donations. It's free and it will help you a whole lot come tax time next year.
    3. Look at your calendar and find at least 1 day in the remaining month of January that don't have any appointments. Block out your calendar on that day and purpose not to fill it up with activities.
    4. Go through your list of what you'd like to do to your front entryway. Make a budget and figure out how you are going to accomplish it.
    5. Go through your sock basket. Match all of the socks. When they are all matched and the laundry is done throw away the socks that don't have matches.

    Week 3:

    1. Go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com and get your credit report. It's free once a year. Make it a habit to go run your own credit every January so you know what's on there :)
    2. Go through the cabinets in your bathroom. Throw out anything you haven't used lately and put everything back in an organized fashion.
    3. Go into your bedroom. Change out your bed sheets and clean all of the blankets. Throw out any pillows that are past their prime and buy pillows to replace them.
    4. Clean off the end tables by your bed, and your dressers. Dust. While you're at it, dust the ceiling fan and walls/ceiling.
    5. Look under your bed. If it's not too bad clean it out. If it's really bad spend 15 minutes on it and stop.

    Week 4:

    1. Go into your pantry and clean it out.  Make an inventory list of the items that are in there and put everything back in an organized fashion.
    2. Based on your inventory lists for your Freezer and Pantry, plan at least one meal in the next week solely made from food you already have on hand.
    3. Check your calendar for February.  Find a date to do something for yourself- maybe get a pedicure, maybe a massage, or just spend an afternoon alone at the library.  Whatever you decide to do, make time for yourself away from the kids a priority this month.
    4. While your checking your calendar for February, find a date to go on a date with your spouse.  I know it's Valentine's month, and if you usually go out for Valentine's Day that's fine (we stay home and spend it with the kids), but make sure you have at least one night that you will have time to refuel your marriage.
    5. Finally, find 1 full day and 1 half day on your calendar that you can block out and commit not to plan anything, just have some down time on those days.

    Week 5:

    1. Take some time this week to plan out your Valentine’s Day.  Are you planning on doing something with the sweetie?  Are you purchasing gifts?  Are you making a special meal?  Are you going out?  Sit down with a piece of paper, or on your computer and completely plan out the day.  Write out the grocery list, plan any items you need to attend to ahead to.  Are you giving teacher’s gifts?  Teachers LOVE to get a little something for Valentines Day and if you’re strapped for cash there is a TON of ideas online for homemade items.  Even a batch of cookies is a nice treat and easy to make Smile  Get those gifts done and wrapped up ahead of time so you can focus on your family on the actual day.

    2.  Go back into your bedroom.  Has clutter begun to gather on the floor of the closet?  What about your end tables?  Are they gathering items again?  Does the master bath counter need a wipe down?  Be sure that the clutter bug isn’t multiplying again in the areas you’ve already cleaned.

    3.  In your living room or family room take some time this week to vacuum thoroughly.  I mean move the furniture and vacuum behind and beneath everything.  Clean out your couches and vacuum inside the couch under the cushions.

    4.  Do a thorough dusting of the living room.  As you are dusting take inventory of all the items you’re dusting.  Do they bring you joy?  Do they have sentimental value?  Do they need to be displayed?  Purpose to put away, or give away at least 2 items that no longer bring you joy by being displayed. 

    5.  Go through your entire house with a towel and some cleaner and clean all of your light switches and switch plates.

    Week 6:

    1. Choose 2 cabinets in your kitchen and go through and clean them out.  Throw away or donate anything you do not use.

    2. Do a good cleaning of all of your countertops in your kitchen.  Remove items that do not belong.  Move all appliances that live on the counter and scrub underneath.

    3. Thoroughly wipe down the outsides of the cabinets.

    4. Wipe down the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher.

    5. Buy or pick some flowers and put them in a vase in your kitchen.

    Week 7:

    1.  Choose two more cupboards and clean them out, organize the items inside and get rid of anything you don’t use!  Don’t forget to log your donations on It’s Deductible so you have that record at tax time!

    2.  Wipe down the fronts of all of the cabinets.  Scrub off those trouble spots!

    3.  Thoroughly sweep and mop the floor.  Get down with a sponge and scrub up any trouble spots and the corners where the mop doesn’t get it very good.  Wipe down all of the base boards.

    4.  Thoroughly wipe down your kitchen table and chairs.  Wipe down the legs, the backs of the chairs, everything.  You’ll be surprised at how much collects there- especially if you have little ones!

    5.  Clean out your coffee pot Winking smile

    Ok, if you’ve kept up all along, you get a pass- just spend some time this week preparing for some deep cleaning Winking smile  If not, you may have some work ahead of you.. (like me)….

    Wednesday, February 23, 2011

    Wordless Wednesday- I AM

    IMAG1566

    Don’t forget to link up, share some comment love, and tell your friends!  Smile

    Tuesday, February 22, 2011

    GratiTuesday- Daughters of the King

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    That’s me.  Yep.  My hair is growing back Smile  SLOWLY…  Anyway, see that cross I wear?  Isn’t it pretty?  It’s not just ANY cross.  And NO, I’m sorry you can’t go out and buy one for yourself.  That cross is important.  VERY important.  It is a symbol that I belong to a religious order called the Daughters of the King.  This is not a ministry in the church that you join.  It’s not a ministry of choice and convenience.  It is an order.  Does that sound weird to you?  Good, then I want you to read on.  If you’ve been reading my blog for any period of time, or if you know me in person you now I’m not a weirdo, and I hope you know I’m not part of some weird cult LOL Winking smile  You also should know by now that my faith is VERY important to me, and I believe in sharing that faith with others.  I don’t share my faith because I think I’m better than others who do not have the same faith as I, but rather, because I want EVERYONE to experience the joy that I experience in the Lord.  Anyway, I’m not here to talk about me. 

    Daughters of the King is a religious order of women who belong to a church in the Historical Episcopate, who have felt a calling by God to join the order.  These women who go through a period of training, reflection, and prayerful consideration, take life-long vows before their priest and congregation to live their lives following a Rule of Prayer  and a Rule of Service.  This is a life long commitment.  What this means, is that these women are committed to daily prayer and service for the work of the Lord.  This looks different for each Daughter and what it means to each Daughter is determined personally by the Daughter and her Lord through prayer.  You can read more about the order on their National Website.

    Why do I tell you all of this?  Well, for two reasons.  The first is so that you know if you ever see a woman wearing one of these funny crosses, you know what it means, and you know that if you need prayer you can ask her and she will pray for you.  Smile

    The second reason is because what I’m grateful this GratiTuesday is I had the opportunity to spend some time with over 100 other Daughters this weekend.  We had our Diocesan Spring Assembly and it was an amazing experience.  It is such a blessing to be in the presence of literally hundreds of other women who have taken the same vows I have and have the same love and zeal for the Lord.  It is an amazing experience to feel the energy that surrounds that commitment.  It is such a blessing to see how the Lord has worked in other people’s lives and such an encouragement to me as well.  So, the order of the Daughters of the King, the kindred spirit I share with my fellow Daughters, and the blessing of living my life for my King, Jesus Christ is what I am most thankful for today Smile

    I hope you have a blessed day.

    For His Sake,

    Monday, February 21, 2011

    Menu Monday- 2/21

    image

    This week on Weight Watchers I learned that I eat a whole lot less when I’m busy at home!  LOL…  Imagine- if I’m not sitting still I don’t think about eating????  Winking smile  I also learned that I can save most of my weekly points and go on a retreat and eat carefully, but enjoy it and eat without guilt knowing I have all those points.  I’m really starting to get the hang of what foods to stay away from when I don’t know the points and what foods to fill up on.  This is an important life lesson!  Yay me!  LOL….  I also reminded a friend that failing to plan is planning to fail….  It’s a good reminder for us all Smile

    Monday:  Baked French Toast, Bacon, Smoothies

    Tuesday:  Chicken Chow Mein

    Wednesday:  Bacon Broccoli Penne

    Thursday:  Tilapia, Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese

    Friday:  My daddy’s birthday- Steak on the grill, Stuffed Jalapenos, Baked Potatoes, Chocolate Candy Bar Brownies

    Saturday:  Snack Dinner Winking smile

    Sunday:  Taco Soup

    Sunday, February 20, 2011

    Supper Sunday- Southwest Chicken Salad

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    Note: If you can find poblano peppers, replace the green pepper that is called for here with the poblano- it will be very good!
    Southwest Chicken Salad
    WW Points+= 7 pts, 12 servings

    Ingredients:
    Romaine Lettuce
    cilantro
    1 can corn, drained
    1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
    1 Cup Grape tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
    1 green bell pepper (or poblano pepper) diced
    4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
    The juice of 2 limes
    1 jalapeno, diced
    1 cup ranch dressing
    3 cloves garlic, pressed
    1/2 cup salsa
    chicken (3-4 breasts or 1 whole fryer, thawed)
    Southwest Seasoning of your choice
    14 tortilla chips, crushed
    Directions:
    Sprinkle chicken with southwest seasoning and cook until done.  While chicken is cooking, cut up romaine lettuce and place in large salad bowl or platter.  Pour corn and black beans over lettuce.  Sprinkle Grape Tomatoes over the salad.  Sprinkle in Green/poblano pepper.  Sprinkle cheese over entire thing.  In a bowl, mix up lime juice, finely diced jalapeno, ranch dressing, salsa, and pressed garlic.  Whisk to combine well.  When chicken is done, cut up into bite sized pieces and place over salad.  Pour Dressing mix over salad.  Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips.  Serve!

    Saturday, February 19, 2011

    Singing Saturday- I Will Follow

     

    I Will Follow- Chris Tomlin

    Where you go, I'll go
    Where you stay, I'll stay
    When you move, I'll move
    I will follow...
    All your ways are good
    All your ways are sure
    I will trust in you alone
    Higher than my side
    High above my life
    I will trust in you alone
    Where you go, I'll go
    Where you stay, I'll stay
    When you move, I'll move
    I will follow you
    Who you love, I'll love
    How you serve I'll serve
    If this life I lose, I will follow you
    I will follow you
    Light unto the world
    Light unto my life
    I will live for you alone
    You're the one I seek
    Knowing I will find
    All I need in you alone, in you alone
    In you there's life everlasting
    In you there's freedom for my soul
    In you there joy, unending joy
    and I will follow

    Friday, February 18, 2011

    Family Time Friday-Family Shields

    Something very important in a family is a sense of unity.  Does your family feel like it’s going in the same direction, or in many different directions?  Sometimes when we get really busy it can feel like we’re going in a million different directions, and it is at that time that it is the most important to know that the general direction the family as a whole is going in is the same.  Here’s an idea to bring back some unity to your family and learn a little about each other’s goals as well.

    Make a family shield

    Family Shields or Coats of Arms originated in England as a way of identifying different families.  They represented family unity through generations.  Here’s some brief history that you may find interesting.

    You can get some ideas for inspiration by creating your own family shield or coat of arms online.  Don’t stop there, though!  Have each member of the family think about what’s important to them.  Have each come up with some sort of picture that represents what’s important to them.

    Take a piece of poster board and cut it in to a shape of a shield.  Divide the shield into enough parts to accommodate the motives for your family.  Together come up with a motto, or scripture that you feel represents your family. 

    Together, as a family decorate the shield with your designs and motto and hang it in a place that will be visible, and remind you where you’re headed Smile

    Thursday, February 17, 2011

    Making our Homes Like Heaven in 2011- Week 7

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    On to this week’s challenge!  It’s been a busy few weeks, and this week we’re going to concentrate on our kitchens Smile  Don’t try to do all 5 tasks in one day- spread them out!  Do one or two tasks a day until they’re all completed Winking smile

    1.  Choose two more cupboards and clean them out, organize the items inside and get rid of anything you don’t use!  Don’t forget to log your donations on It’s Deductible so you have that record at tax time!

    2.  Wipe down the fronts of all of the cabinets.  Scrub off those trouble spots!

    3.  Thoroughly sweep and mop the floor.  Get down with a sponge and scrub up any trouble spots and the corners where the mop doesn’t get it very good.  Wipe down all of the base boards.

    4.  Thoroughly wipe down your kitchen table and chairs.  Wipe down the legs, the backs of the chairs, everything.  You’ll be surprised at how much collects there- especially if you have little ones!

    5.  Clean out your coffee pot Winking smile

    That’s it for this week!  Have a great week!!!