tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61503923693562078952024-02-06T18:19:45.481-08:00Templin TantrumsCrazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-56651098124550714872012-06-30T16:13:00.002-07:002012-06-30T16:24:34.538-07:00LoveI started a post about Christian women publishing their thoughts on the popular books going around right now and certain male-centered movies that just came out. I thought I was calling it what it was - a bunch of self-righteous mommies who were judging others when we are really called to love.<br />
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And then I had my husband proof read it.<br />
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And he said it sounded like I was "judging the judgers".... so I deleted it.<br />
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Here's what I want to say. Ladies, we are called to love. We were created to be nurturing, caring, loving, compassionate, gentle and forgiving. We are called to see the example in those gone before us and set the example for those who will come after us. We should be having each other over for lunch, holding another's crying, colicky baby, praying with our friends who are fighting with their husbands and praying over our children that they will grow to know and love God. We should be thankful, content and happy. We should be willing to serve others. We should be teaching our children and each other about giving, serving, loving Jesus and all that it involves. <br />
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I have many, many flaws. I also have some wonderful friends that I know, without a doubt, the Lord placed in my life to show me grace and provide me with much needed accountability. And I am thankful. I hope that each of you have someone like that in your life.<br />
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<strong>"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." Col. 3:12-14</strong></div>
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<br />Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-63243838780595869892012-06-29T16:45:00.000-07:002012-06-29T16:45:13.815-07:00And the Worst Blogger of the Year Award goes to...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So blogging isn't my strong suit:) I am trying to finish the "house tour" that I promised a few of my friends before this blog turns into a different venue - more on that later! This is the guest bedroom. My favorite part about it has to be the magnetic frames you see on the right wall; they are drawings from the boys and I can easily change them out. I love their artwork but they bring home soooo much! This is a great way to display it all without it taking over my fridge.</div>
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This next picture is of the "game room" that is at the top of the stairs. It has been perfect for the Wii, DVD/VHS player for the kid's videos (they don't watch unmonitored television), my treadmill and other odds and ends such as the train table...</div>
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The master bedroom. I am still working on it. My Pinterest idea didn't turn out how I had hoped so it will be changing again soon:/</div>
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My little makeshift desk that I love and John hates. I don't know what it is but it just feels like my little corner of the office is complete with that old black vanity turned desk:) (and my pink plaid computer of course)</div>
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The office... no point in going into detail. An office is an office is an office. Ours just happens to come with a printer that won't work. Grrrrrr!</div>
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And the boy's/guest bath: I finally got away from the yellow rubber ducks and I heart these elephants/ jungle-ish theme. I didn't take a picture but the frame on the right has a drawing of coconut trees and monkeys by JT. It was perfect and I had to put it in there.</div>
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And that concludes my boring existence for now;) I still need to post the formal dining room and the living room I guess but my phone is almost dead so it will have to wait...</div>
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***what? you couldn't tell these were iPhone pictures??? </div>
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<br />Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-88446421925959405922012-03-30T15:37:00.010-07:002012-03-30T16:12:01.359-07:00Settling InIt seems like I have told many of my friends over the past month that I would blog about the new place once we were settled in... sorry I've been such a sorry blogger:/
<br />I'm really going to try my best to do better:)
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VBp4PdFjBsXH-qZGDFgP_VN_Y4wJ98iFuyXJKGajbdS3Nnk9phPPxCNVLaStmusW6URE3QgVOHUr1xhQDmTeQmlSfdRTTIsm95kkufsUV55fix60OFl41jrUuyicvAe4Z9iP7triSLg/s1600/finley+side.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VBp4PdFjBsXH-qZGDFgP_VN_Y4wJ98iFuyXJKGajbdS3Nnk9phPPxCNVLaStmusW6URE3QgVOHUr1xhQDmTeQmlSfdRTTIsm95kkufsUV55fix60OFl41jrUuyicvAe4Z9iP7triSLg/s320/finley+side.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725829393995006674" /></a>
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<br />Since I only gave a sneak peak of the boy's room I though we could start there. Yes, I kept the same comforters and room decor from their old rooms and threw it all together. I know it might seem tacky but they really like their stuff so, you know, it stayed. The hardware for valance rods were also already in place so I bought the rods for 97 cents and hung those up as well. Score!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDtA7fNZTxykJVVJwktouC4u2nkm9a0Cmuy6JI30O_xW077TAlvP6sW0hHheziFFrqEwvpQ7fk9p-IvmHhcaRVvfOA9QnyXsVYggcpDReeP1ZZbZnMOQCBc4_WW3kNcDxEIqlhY9NH2g/s1600/jt+side.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDtA7fNZTxykJVVJwktouC4u2nkm9a0Cmuy6JI30O_xW077TAlvP6sW0hHheziFFrqEwvpQ7fk9p-IvmHhcaRVvfOA9QnyXsVYggcpDReeP1ZZbZnMOQCBc4_WW3kNcDxEIqlhY9NH2g/s320/jt+side.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725828497475898418" /></a>
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<br />Finley thinks I'm awesome because of the cars and gas station on his closet door. I am but I don't like to brag;)
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxPjd1R_QAKKmZ92y-hN3y1xQzpX_isCQWTiR0PU78mntskFiT4s68OV8JG7y40Jk9JpLzEvAq-Rk5CgL4gokyrQfVwOXb1u7_sdA5B_MJeK-LGN4exdWLQ6EYayz3pYjFiSVUg3MHEQ/s1600/boy%2527s+closets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxPjd1R_QAKKmZ92y-hN3y1xQzpX_isCQWTiR0PU78mntskFiT4s68OV8JG7y40Jk9JpLzEvAq-Rk5CgL4gokyrQfVwOXb1u7_sdA5B_MJeK-LGN4exdWLQ6EYayz3pYjFiSVUg3MHEQ/s320/boy%2527s+closets.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725829648990240498" /></a>
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<br />***I am very aware how tacky all of those books are!!! Any suggestions for book ends or something cool you've seen on Pinterest? Also, the fan is tacky as well but we use it to drown out noise at night so it's not going anywhere - I guess I could hide it better though...
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<br />The space between the boys beds and the space between their closets is where I want to put scripture. Maybe I should have a contest for ideas and have a prize for the winner???
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<br />Moving on:
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovIpkiR8TCqOe7ZlhLXkTGZ3dWkhoVvAApVR96c0-8jAMX7wc-93o6Ekd7-nIzwuFJ5Wg4y4hCi5DtN-uMORgxBXFq63VY5LzkFECnfWLezcNVhlc_BlLC3kQev3WKJrxGySC8ji1u_4/s1600/kitchen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovIpkiR8TCqOe7ZlhLXkTGZ3dWkhoVvAApVR96c0-8jAMX7wc-93o6Ekd7-nIzwuFJ5Wg4y4hCi5DtN-uMORgxBXFq63VY5LzkFECnfWLezcNVhlc_BlLC3kQev3WKJrxGySC8ji1u_4/s320/kitchen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725829902108806226" /></a>
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<br />This kitchen is so much fun to me. It has a gas range and oven - LOVE. It also has a ton of cabinet and drawer space so that has been nice as well. I like the little eat-in area the most... it just feels so cozy when we sit down to eat together:)
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwqyCAs4iXv-wpD0SJ-Lg7n9nxEw8HYGrqbrr_475dpMfOGr1-3xCb-O2z3zp7axDYDbnuE9RjahQ9vZ5lHSr03mqMzUiDR8bzG8X178Dc0mtfv-gufRpUnjY7FGVBQvtD9PmGRWvsPI/s1600/breakfast+nook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwqyCAs4iXv-wpD0SJ-Lg7n9nxEw8HYGrqbrr_475dpMfOGr1-3xCb-O2z3zp7axDYDbnuE9RjahQ9vZ5lHSr03mqMzUiDR8bzG8X178Dc0mtfv-gufRpUnjY7FGVBQvtD9PmGRWvsPI/s320/breakfast+nook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725830089163156114" /></a>
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<br />Ever heard of thatch? It's that veiny, spidery weed looking stuff by my foot right there. It suffocates the lawn and grass can't/won't grow.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQkZd9E8jCLhj0tji50hR1sZbXVRHqPXH9nJ6B0EbgBxutxqIAAw1qU0b7zAxN8dWrdjx6lSgtxOr4XNmRPF-pdWOeJMDsqG1RhXxMUEit8d8_sPmPWeauc5IQZt6_RiMjxyHdKm9DaM/s1600/thatch+ick%2521.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQkZd9E8jCLhj0tji50hR1sZbXVRHqPXH9nJ6B0EbgBxutxqIAAw1qU0b7zAxN8dWrdjx6lSgtxOr4XNmRPF-pdWOeJMDsqG1RhXxMUEit8d8_sPmPWeauc5IQZt6_RiMjxyHdKm9DaM/s320/thatch+ick%2521.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725830290055560258" /></a>
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<br />It. is. everywhere. I called around about power-raking and no one seemed to be able to help me so I went to Lowe's. I bought a big ole rake. And I hand-raked the entire front yard. Yep. It took forever, I have super sore muscles and it took about 15 garbage bags to get it all out of the way. I also may have lost five pounds from pure sweat but I'm not complaining. I have never been soooo dirty. I think Finley's bus driver thought I was nuts but she stuck with the old "honey, you are making a MESS!" To which I thought <em>what? am I five years old? don't talk to me about my mess sister because I have to do something because I DON'T HAVE ANY FRIENDS YET!!!</em> Umm, yes, apparently I am five or think like a five year old. Sorry. I very sweetly left it at "yes ma'am, I am. A big old mess..."
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<br />Here is what it looked like before I bagged everything. Good grief I am bored. But I'm super excited about what it will begin to look like over the next few weeks with a little TLC...
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<br />That's all for now I guess. Tomorrow we are going to put the vegetable sprouts into the bigger pots and pray for bees! And do something about the grass. Pray for me as John hasn't seen my big ole mess yet...Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-25166554392466674482012-03-29T10:23:00.009-07:002012-03-29T11:35:31.904-07:00We've MovedI know that most of my readers know that we have moved, but in case you didn't know.... we've moved! We moved into our rental house on March 1st and I'm down to one last room of boxes. We actually call the extra bedroom the basement because those are the boxes that are left to unpack in there - the kids get tickled because the "basement" is upstairs:) We still need to put pictures on the walls and add some finishing touches but for the most part everything is in its place for now. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4trsU0u_2hjx1_mzrYEEgAhFl7XFIG_9YbfTJzsuUSo2GPQFje21fkg6pBbzfKy4IH9SDl2lRcD6f_SRiDUhoGyuqDM5VmxfkcMTDkDPYWMklFn1Jy64NPbwjcVqQTBTKkxTmaxBHfVY/s1600/house.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4trsU0u_2hjx1_mzrYEEgAhFl7XFIG_9YbfTJzsuUSo2GPQFje21fkg6pBbzfKy4IH9SDl2lRcD6f_SRiDUhoGyuqDM5VmxfkcMTDkDPYWMklFn1Jy64NPbwjcVqQTBTKkxTmaxBHfVY/s320/house.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725372167333059778" /></a><br /><br />We had been praying about a job for John that would require less travel and that would bring us closer to family. God's timing is perfect. John didn't even apply for this job, a friend recommended him and, well, here we are; we are hours away from family instead of days and John is home every. single. night. It is wonderful.<br /><br />Because the master bedroom is on the first floor in this house, we decided to let the boys decide if they still wanted their own rooms or if they wanted to share the big room upstairs. They chose to share and the room really is perfect. It has two windows, two closets, and plenty of space to play. We are using one of the other rooms as an office and the other (the basement room) will become the guest bedroom. I've actually spent a lot of time in the boy's room because I want them to adjust well so I have put pictures on their walls (I used those hang-ups instead of nails; I have anxiety about putting holes in the wall;))and some paint-safe decals as well. I also want to make a canvas or two with scripture on them for their room but I can't seem to choose which ones.... any suggestions? Here is a sneak peak of the boy's room:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz9kV-BSEv60tcZTsRmHg0ZcLL0GvPX-zVqx4wHn2G3s6WG6eDgrZS7H_uUABygHvLbnk-kMdw9CwZopHj-T0gb2llhxBtSvLejyTUYfaZ2McJex_gTXNLps4sh_tY53UwiMclMiqbQk/s1600/sneak+peak.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz9kV-BSEv60tcZTsRmHg0ZcLL0GvPX-zVqx4wHn2G3s6WG6eDgrZS7H_uUABygHvLbnk-kMdw9CwZopHj-T0gb2llhxBtSvLejyTUYfaZ2McJex_gTXNLps4sh_tY53UwiMclMiqbQk/s320/sneak+peak.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725375514720498306" /></a><br /><br />We decided to plant some vegetables this year and teach the boys how to care for a small garden. We picked out the seeds and let the boys arrange the soil, plant the seeds and begin to water them. JT decided we should make signs so we will know what is growing where; he made them all by himself and is very proud of them. We are obviously proud of him. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1ofCamomOqMSBQmALpfVKruqsXyhstsjQxJGpMtLODnj74lPo_YlwSZGbH6cmviyPq-loQh8oNBUYyVtuNAv2Kgap-_mAMalljdMhmHPWJz2dS3ueDiBkVQfgxjrqxUbmeIvL-EQKn4/s1600/planting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1ofCamomOqMSBQmALpfVKruqsXyhstsjQxJGpMtLODnj74lPo_YlwSZGbH6cmviyPq-loQh8oNBUYyVtuNAv2Kgap-_mAMalljdMhmHPWJz2dS3ueDiBkVQfgxjrqxUbmeIvL-EQKn4/s320/planting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725378088758688082" /></a><br /><br />The seeds took about a week to start sprouting and the boys were oh sooooo excited!!! Now they check them every day, sometimes twice a day. I'm not going to lie... I check them just as much. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKWw9mbtD_0pPReJ5m5SHgxB0a8bFjzMi7qS6gep4MW_QtkTeIr_gLZigmAbvRcE8oBitZeOUKOH5ffIHkO1zq9unn3J3XZC8GGXvOWh3dOINRFkP9Omg1wy0jPeUn_HPSdKFAh4eF-Q/s1600/signs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKWw9mbtD_0pPReJ5m5SHgxB0a8bFjzMi7qS6gep4MW_QtkTeIr_gLZigmAbvRcE8oBitZeOUKOH5ffIHkO1zq9unn3J3XZC8GGXvOWh3dOINRFkP9Omg1wy0jPeUn_HPSdKFAh4eF-Q/s320/signs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725379185578733730" /></a><br /><br />These are a few of the signs JT made: tmatow (tomato), red unyin (red onion) and zookene (zucchini). He's practicing his handwriting and phonics so I'm not complaining!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiMMzJXc1ZhR_ETmgM0bxlsdRxWabghMaYTaSQg5o81-YEWZ7nNP2zztd4f513pfl4u8c7sMH6Ek3jMaZVmPxNFbfkPK7EFjXz-_v1zC_QkdWn8cC5Yw0MjUW2W_bacC83sGZH0v_LZM/s1600/zucchini.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiMMzJXc1ZhR_ETmgM0bxlsdRxWabghMaYTaSQg5o81-YEWZ7nNP2zztd4f513pfl4u8c7sMH6Ek3jMaZVmPxNFbfkPK7EFjXz-_v1zC_QkdWn8cC5Yw0MjUW2W_bacC83sGZH0v_LZM/s320/zucchini.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725379965829200546" /></a><br /><br />In the next few days we will transplant these into really large pots so that they will all have room to grow. I'm hoping to see at least a handful of vegetables this year as we have been weaving scripture into this project. Our motivation started with Isaiah 58:11 "The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring." I want the boys to see a vibrant picture of the Lord's provision in our lives through this small garden. <br /><br />As for the transition, I think everyone is doing as expected. John is really throwing himself into this job, as I knew he would, and seems to be enjoying it more everyday. It is very different from his old job but I know, as he has proven time and time again, that he will thrive here and exceed their expectations. <br /><br />JT really acted out the second week or so. I expected a little of this but he really outdid himself:) He had a few meltdowns before school, after school, about homework, about bedtime, about <em>insert anything here and he probably had a meltdown over it</em>... The first week we showed him a lot of grace and tried to talk with him about the changes. The second week we took away the Wii and all of the games. The past week was wonderful. I hope we are on the tail end...<br /><br />Finley broke his foot the Sunday after we moved in:/ He was actually doing pretty well until he witnessed JT act like a crazy kid and the past week or so he has taken the liberty to act the same way. We responded the same as well. Grace, talking, losing the Wii for a day... Sometimes I think he just wants to test us to make sure that we will treat him the same. Done.<br /><br />As for me? I've been struggling with feelings of being alone and feeling inadequate. I can't really explain it. I've been really trying to focus on what God's word has to say about being a wife and mother at this point in my life. I have been getting up around 5:45am with John every morning to make everyone's breakfast and have coffee with John; this has really been a great time to pray over my family - I can pray for their day, their conversations, their choices and their hearts - but it also makes for a very long day. I know that this is temporary and that these feelings will pass but I wanted to get them out there so I can look back and be thankful when the time comes.<br /><br />"He has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-65242557510480190742012-02-14T19:39:00.001-08:002012-02-14T19:41:37.352-08:00Happy Valentine's DayIn honor of Valentine's Day, I'm re-posting a previous post about the man I've given my heart to. I love you John Templin!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXQ6OwmyvZ4YpKURpp6kv-n-lneoQCrpmUwJkfz3wlibMCxWYVXqIUAYonFwL6th4niYR6xeeRN8t3A6EDMkbwMcO1EuDuuHA0cdkuptqydtMbACz0AXON6i83gSRFnDb9h0cfR6Hio8/s1600/thankful1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678754818410707714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXQ6OwmyvZ4YpKURpp6kv-n-lneoQCrpmUwJkfz3wlibMCxWYVXqIUAYonFwL6th4niYR6xeeRN8t3A6EDMkbwMcO1EuDuuHA0cdkuptqydtMbACz0AXON6i83gSRFnDb9h0cfR6Hio8/s320/thankful1.JPG" /></a><br /><br />"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HAe0hGckw-NFb8dBzzeCmOGRpy8To2rclN4bIWBPlagqmPlrs4SHfz1dto9WwYfRDiSgI-oQoAHtEgaj8BHODiLDTfVc-gpjOdbloBrnBFqJnJVPFkfQqHPZ9HKhjeX-DoUXEnWwVss/s1600/thankful3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678754818844841186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HAe0hGckw-NFb8dBzzeCmOGRpy8To2rclN4bIWBPlagqmPlrs4SHfz1dto9WwYfRDiSgI-oQoAHtEgaj8BHODiLDTfVc-gpjOdbloBrnBFqJnJVPFkfQqHPZ9HKhjeX-DoUXEnWwVss/s320/thankful3.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjRoos__xU_BXI6UB2kP19sA6lxoHIbxuOtvg1YaYQDLjyycivgSLluq8pih2UHJU1Mtyr1WwwPpwywWhwMBBxLO3u6-wY_NZmO7ganGeymO-fGrmtt42w09U-FbhZyhtC3y4XBR02rc/s1600/thankful2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678754823385284626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjRoos__xU_BXI6UB2kP19sA6lxoHIbxuOtvg1YaYQDLjyycivgSLluq8pih2UHJU1Mtyr1WwwPpwywWhwMBBxLO3u6-wY_NZmO7ganGeymO-fGrmtt42w09U-FbhZyhtC3y4XBR02rc/s320/thankful2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Today I am thankful for this man. My husband, companion, partner in crime in this thing we call parenthood. He is a good man, a hard-working man, an amazing father and the love of my life.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><em>The only man you want to give your life to is the one who makes you hunger for Christ, believe in grace, experience the other-world love of God.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Ann Vonskamp</em></div>Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-34197837380450151582011-12-09T11:04:00.000-08:002011-12-09T11:52:41.629-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Days 22 & 23 (and more Jesse tree ornaments)Sorry. These posts are late. I've been sick. I'm still sick actually. So there's that.<br /><br />Today's first recipe is courtesy of my new friend Shelby! She just moved here from Texas, so you know, we are sorta "insta-friends" because we're southern...<br /><br />Cheesy Chicken and Rice<br /><br />You will need:<br />4-6 chicken breasts<br />2 cans cream of chicken soup<br />1/2 cup milk<br />1 tsp Nature's Season<br />2 cups cooked rice<br />2 cans mixed veggies<br />1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese<br /><br />Place chicken breasts, soup, milk and seasoning in crock pot. Cook on high for 4 hours. Remove chicken and add rice, veggies and cheese to soup mix. Cook and stir on high until cheese is melted and rice and veggies are warm.<br /><br />I thought this was pretty good. Again, I haven't been feeling well so nothing tastes fantastic to me right now. So you should definitely make this and decide for yourself.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1Xww-6wXcTDnQrccXDDB1BQL33CMEZbpkWMl_BXDFsfTgaqdU71V5M4DjNzuO_h2ywZRgDRau5NinwXAJtJ9eOTWDXhVJAN6n9L9KSETQ7vnKCv8dZZtRQs7RyAFcNbtzcx4Gr8fdn0/s1600/cheesychickenandrice.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1Xww-6wXcTDnQrccXDDB1BQL33CMEZbpkWMl_BXDFsfTgaqdU71V5M4DjNzuO_h2ywZRgDRau5NinwXAJtJ9eOTWDXhVJAN6n9L9KSETQ7vnKCv8dZZtRQs7RyAFcNbtzcx4Gr8fdn0/s320/cheesychickenandrice.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684207473285359218" /></a><br /><br />This is the only picture I took because I'm sick...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiJhWghTUMt6A28i_2jpXBx2jpQgmc3IskZ7By9T2-06WbHZUKEYyglRSvE3xRtLk_2ElHsIgNudP9W-cQTt5552hdu_37VfDk6q1X2De9a4ZGbYZkOmYAaPEVSLuqVL6J58X07YSoUI/s1600/advent345.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiJhWghTUMt6A28i_2jpXBx2jpQgmc3IskZ7By9T2-06WbHZUKEYyglRSvE3xRtLk_2ElHsIgNudP9W-cQTt5552hdu_37VfDk6q1X2De9a4ZGbYZkOmYAaPEVSLuqVL6J58X07YSoUI/s320/advent345.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684207458886711410" /></a><br /><br />These three ornaments are a dove, a tent and a ram. The dove is from the story of Noah: Genesis 6:11-22 & 8:6-12. The tent is from the story in Genesis 12:1-7 & 13:2-18.<br /><br /><br />The next recipe is a Three Bean and Barley Soup. You will need:<br />1 Tbsp EVOO<br />large onion - diced<br />stalk of celery - diced<br />large carrot - diced<br />2 cups of water<br />4 cups of chicken broth<br />1/2 cup pearl barley<br />1/3 cup dried black beans<br />1/3 cup dried great northern beans<br />1/3 cup dried kidney beans<br />1 tbsp. chili powder<br />1 tsp. cumin<br />1/2 tsp. oregano<br />3/4 tsp. salt<br /><br />Mix all in a crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. I cooked it on low. I baked some Grands Flaky Biscuits to eat with this soup and my family liked it. Again, I'm SICK and can't taste anything. Very annoying. Very. Annoying.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEJfrdA58YkjHOYVzfNUDIiCP-13nbhXR6brCvh51WHSZA19Ujh48oK6Zes7NVZFQW-gLBGxlor-kpw5LJdQh1NKkCyymrpae_EFdFnModPmQ0CvHJNkOoXqPVWMLXMb0nZaHpuOySM8/s1600/3bean2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEJfrdA58YkjHOYVzfNUDIiCP-13nbhXR6brCvh51WHSZA19Ujh48oK6Zes7NVZFQW-gLBGxlor-kpw5LJdQh1NKkCyymrpae_EFdFnModPmQ0CvHJNkOoXqPVWMLXMb0nZaHpuOySM8/s320/3bean2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684207447393266370" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHMgANPZIaLFymszCVskTQ-RMdjAjjLaboHqtxYs1u6DLUOBCtBqiU2tBmsNz0V7mzMWM3kc1Py0GKHbU0ofWY5ol-zovliUpZbs2vhTBFyPu0qrqtYvaGNk3fixZXLXbG4vv1yA9u28/s1600/3bean.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHMgANPZIaLFymszCVskTQ-RMdjAjjLaboHqtxYs1u6DLUOBCtBqiU2tBmsNz0V7mzMWM3kc1Py0GKHbU0ofWY5ol-zovliUpZbs2vhTBFyPu0qrqtYvaGNk3fixZXLXbG4vv1yA9u28/s320/3bean.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684207443601279314" /></a><br /><br />I know, these pictures are substandard. I've been a slacker. I'll try harder from now on:) Maybe;)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbUPVVMKZx0-LmKr2woKfra_oXju6f2wjTne0igB41cSxpWDRrV0eMv71GPqgCBhhzIw4omirZHdx3m9WiUGrqTQhhRnMq4zMvEyEOSiD2IYN1tl-Kmz_Pk_eXjs97UfACEz0YV8qS94/s1600/3bean3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbUPVVMKZx0-LmKr2woKfra_oXju6f2wjTne0igB41cSxpWDRrV0eMv71GPqgCBhhzIw4omirZHdx3m9WiUGrqTQhhRnMq4zMvEyEOSiD2IYN1tl-Kmz_Pk_eXjs97UfACEz0YV8qS94/s320/3bean3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684216981902774594" /></a><br /><br />The 7th, 8th and 9th ornaments are a ladder, a candle and the coat of many colors. The scripture for the ladder is Genesis 27:41 - 28:22. Day 8, the candle, Isaiah 9:2-7. And the coat of many colors from Genesis 37: 1-36.Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-13487264025324239222011-12-06T19:14:00.000-08:002011-12-06T20:25:56.052-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 21 and The Jesse Tree!Today's recipe is one I've made on occasion when we had NO GROCERIES in the house. It is very easy but pretty tasty if you like that sort of thing.. What sort of thing? Beef Tips and Rice!<br /><br />You will need:<br /><br />1 pound of stew meat<br />1 jar/ can of gravy<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiRVK2Os2audl1uiu6RUCVinWWtrUhGJ94yHDUe-zZhMqhB075yuywWKQjBgPxR80ZXHbwyPjcXybqw7eLIlkbmuV-pufqn05uCDLg70ePi5fLCiFSOM1Y82WccW0RDj1FeQXPqb5po4/s1600/beeftip.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683231059865859234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiRVK2Os2audl1uiu6RUCVinWWtrUhGJ94yHDUe-zZhMqhB075yuywWKQjBgPxR80ZXHbwyPjcXybqw7eLIlkbmuV-pufqn05uCDLg70ePi5fLCiFSOM1Y82WccW0RDj1FeQXPqb5po4/s320/beeftip.JPG" /></a><br /><br />No this isn't the healthiest meal, but it sure is comfort food at its finest. And I don't cook it every week. More like every two or three months. So we're good. Right?<br /><br />Place the stew meat and gravy in the pot and cook on low for 8 hours or so. The meat is so tender and it is so filling. I serve it over rice and with a salad and a piece of french bread. Except sometimes without the salad. Comfort food, remember?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJethseq2RVt9GmrMaUvmL8gvDWGechW9bSfVghU1hVQvlQ1bMPjfgYv4JOOSJkESqH7iXUX8pEhl2UmyB0D10aOePUGWEdh7W-fRELOAKFJldshsCCsKVwVbNF2Csx9fFIDpORNvVr8/s1600/beeftip2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683231054384024546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJethseq2RVt9GmrMaUvmL8gvDWGechW9bSfVghU1hVQvlQ1bMPjfgYv4JOOSJkESqH7iXUX8pEhl2UmyB0D10aOePUGWEdh7W-fRELOAKFJldshsCCsKVwVbNF2Csx9fFIDpORNvVr8/s320/beeftip2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Have you ever heard of a Jesse Tree? It is a really neat idea if you want to weave Christ into the holiday season. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God and was born into this world, perfect and blameless, to die for our sins so that we may have eternal life with Him. John and I really want to place more emphasis on Christ's birth than the gift-focused idea that is today's society. Don't get me wrong. We participate in the idea of Santa and do a lot of baking and naughty vs. nice conversation as much as the next family. We just want our kids to understand <em>why </em>we celebrate and that everything else is secondary.<br /><br />On that note, I just heard about the idea of a Jesse Tree very recently (yesterday?) and decided it would be a really fun way to bring Christ into our daily routine leading up to Christmas Day. The problem was that it is a lot of work to try and translate it into something that small children will understand. So, if you are interested, I have taken the grunt-work out of it for you. <br /><br />But you have to promise to look past my terrible artsy skills. You see, the problem is, I don't have any. So, that's a bit of a problem. But my heart is in the right place and I don't think my almost-five-year-old and seven year old will mind. So I hope you don't either.<br /><br />Since advent actually started on November 27th and goes for 28 days until Christmas, we were a little behind so we actually will do a few each day until we are caught up..<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn8Fphz6Wz-LyWFGcceNvxjEqngAK8chRW0NYAR6Q53DrGfFNioV0agDj3e_TyAlq7y3ARckqO1qQ6KRus_46JW0__QuQuHCfKm3LLoc79JsCNEyvhLnj4wDsRqkOcReG5wS1MpJzoyM/s1600/jesse.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683232278390570642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn8Fphz6Wz-LyWFGcceNvxjEqngAK8chRW0NYAR6Q53DrGfFNioV0agDj3e_TyAlq7y3ARckqO1qQ6KRus_46JW0__QuQuHCfKm3LLoc79JsCNEyvhLnj4wDsRqkOcReG5wS1MpJzoyM/s320/jesse.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is the first ornament that we will place on our tree. It symbolizes "God's Family Tree". This actually worked out well that we just did JT's family tree assignment last week so the boys understood. Sort of. The scripture is 1 Samuel 16:1-13. It discusses how the Lord chose Jesse's youngest, most scrawny and unlikely "king material" son. And so our story begins...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a-ac6pWPgukAS-xbCRUPS5wnWdFAAJFw9sQqkIOrc3hX31h80qMgIv_XmK879tm7cH4DmC1m0mY7ykG9EHKuNYwqXjsDWQo4tlGMRRTAze8hwDoew-Qvyu9G_HC6vTP_gAcz0707Z30/s1600/jesse2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683232270309890786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a-ac6pWPgukAS-xbCRUPS5wnWdFAAJFw9sQqkIOrc3hX31h80qMgIv_XmK879tm7cH4DmC1m0mY7ykG9EHKuNYwqXjsDWQo4tlGMRRTAze8hwDoew-Qvyu9G_HC6vTP_gAcz0707Z30/s320/jesse2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Day 2: I chose the sun to symbolize creation. The scripture is Genesis 1: 24-28. This scripture ends with the Lord's command to Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. This is where the journey starts.<br /><br />Day 3: I chose the snake/serpent for this ornament because it symbolizes the fall of man and our need for a Savior, Jesus, to be born and rescue us. We read "The Terrible Lie" (Genesis 3:1-24) again from our Storybook Bible to remind the boys how doubt was placed in man's heart and how sad it made God. But God had a plan to bring us together again.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhF17pD2R1ZnoTxMIHoj0JndzflgF-FaE8Dxn5XKN8EUxv_iJA5xUkikccIe6TYzhb85t0fDH7wC8GnJBGIosVA9XNDYz853BqH1cdgjGkgyO2e4IJEwGN-arSoUU-VhfpBbUPC820po/s1600/terriblelie.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683232265562175954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhF17pD2R1ZnoTxMIHoj0JndzflgF-FaE8Dxn5XKN8EUxv_iJA5xUkikccIe6TYzhb85t0fDH7wC8GnJBGIosVA9XNDYz853BqH1cdgjGkgyO2e4IJEwGN-arSoUU-VhfpBbUPC820po/s320/terriblelie.JPG" /></a><br /><br />If you don't have a children's bible, I highly recommend this one. It integrates Jesus into every story and the importance of his birth. It's beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80aJiM_IHArN7CTEr52Sf9PT3UAmW5XJZ0NjqgGj52Tts0M5vcmDAOH8NFpt9JN1YtrOVQ-KFWJyrqLpJ-D-l3ZnR8Oz-I9lsDecXLfFrR4E1c97mjGzWCduDIvFLjm9zvZxxvN0_6Gw/s1600/storybookbible.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683232265554558770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80aJiM_IHArN7CTEr52Sf9PT3UAmW5XJZ0NjqgGj52Tts0M5vcmDAOH8NFpt9JN1YtrOVQ-KFWJyrqLpJ-D-l3ZnR8Oz-I9lsDecXLfFrR4E1c97mjGzWCduDIvFLjm9zvZxxvN0_6Gw/s320/storybookbible.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We sat down on the couch, letting the boys touch the ornaments and ask questions. Then we read the scriptures and talked about what they meant. Before they hung them on the tree we went over their meaning one more time. I pray that the Lord will speak to their tiny hearts through these small acts.Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-79154190687674535512011-12-05T21:37:00.000-08:002011-12-05T21:53:30.393-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 20Well hello there! Miss me? I missed you:) Today's recipe is from my childhood friend, Deana. I don't have a lot of memories without her and one other family. Her younger sister and I actually took turns spending the night at each other's houses for something around two weeks straight... I was always jealous because there were three girls in that house and I wished I had sisters.<br /><br />Tomato Florentine - you will need:<br /><br />3 cups chicken broth<br />2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic<br />1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce<br />1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained<br />1 cup chopped onion<br />1 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1/4 teaspoon pepper<br />1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini (wheat okay & freezer section kind okay)<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vDKc20DhBFM4tzbIKPPPF7X3pZfmoA5vG0r525NFPAdufWZcv67nl6geb5A1z36YbTjV92Uiyd-XJPosYMhmJQsMqyCqIJodD-hdkNlWDOZ3-JnMbn2kORLggyDrTUmTxc0r0YPmwl0/s1600/tf.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682886040056083298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vDKc20DhBFM4tzbIKPPPF7X3pZfmoA5vG0r525NFPAdufWZcv67nl6geb5A1z36YbTjV92Uiyd-XJPosYMhmJQsMqyCqIJodD-hdkNlWDOZ3-JnMbn2kORLggyDrTUmTxc0r0YPmwl0/s320/tf.JPG" /></a> </p><br /><p>Combine the first eight ingredients in the crockpot. Cover and cook on LOW for 5.5 hours. Add tortellini and cook on LOW for 30 more minutes.<br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRu5xkUB9SgjcRYW2T8cUiYTPRJuP5lC3bCwR9k8mQ1L4rGIVwgGSURNSUJEZgviTewd0WafHhDDKF7ZrXoroIU5bjJtqRHciqtpkooXTdp3IhU8r8PPMwD4qh7Ll4xt97DtRiuOB8fsU/s1600/tf2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682886032635369666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRu5xkUB9SgjcRYW2T8cUiYTPRJuP5lC3bCwR9k8mQ1L4rGIVwgGSURNSUJEZgviTewd0WafHhDDKF7ZrXoroIU5bjJtqRHciqtpkooXTdp3IhU8r8PPMwD4qh7Ll4xt97DtRiuOB8fsU/s320/tf2.JPG" /></a><br />Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired. Ya'll this soup was sooooo good. She told me it would be but you know I'm a skeptic. John really liked it too and that is saying something since it doesn't have any meat. I'm serving the leftovers to my besties tomorrow!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDYf7ptsFPNY-Ul9wsBQaxG0i_vtHI0gsEiQcPUvaq7Uo1Hk7FNO7JVNSerMyay72wGPRKNNQEl3cWzezAS0Xu5MKIZ8gz_ms3r_EUZEM_0UA1mWUKpWwWmkZPfsTZikCmilyyQnv0mg/s1600/tf3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682886028298034930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDYf7ptsFPNY-Ul9wsBQaxG0i_vtHI0gsEiQcPUvaq7Uo1Hk7FNO7JVNSerMyay72wGPRKNNQEl3cWzezAS0Xu5MKIZ8gz_ms3r_EUZEM_0UA1mWUKpWwWmkZPfsTZikCmilyyQnv0mg/s320/tf3.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />I didn't have any garlic so I added garlic salt and I just realized that it only calls for one cup of chopped onion and I added the whole darn thing. My bad. You will love this soup. Trust me. So get going and make yourself some and let me know how it turns out!!!<br /><br />Coming up this week: beef tips & rice and three bean & barley soup! Maybe one of your recipes if you want to send one this way: meredithtemplin(at)yahoo(dot)com.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-42341187333585340032011-12-04T21:34:00.000-08:002011-12-05T10:03:08.099-08:00Taking a Break - Be Back Tomorrow<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsYC6Bg0-ctxUurSSF6lGO4Oo_cKIgvYNAcvwGlAhIQNZsu1M8ZVnX40evnoHtrY-WLM1A2yNVUOwQgDNFMoZ9R9qUEqdfV0e4AUTcPh5WAlnqM_JJmHGbl9DyUAgYPn5EejW4KLiEk8/s1600/christmas4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682704756473800578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsYC6Bg0-ctxUurSSF6lGO4Oo_cKIgvYNAcvwGlAhIQNZsu1M8ZVnX40evnoHtrY-WLM1A2yNVUOwQgDNFMoZ9R9qUEqdfV0e4AUTcPh5WAlnqM_JJmHGbl9DyUAgYPn5EejW4KLiEk8/s320/christmas4.JPG" /></a><strong> "It is good to be children sometimes,<br /></strong></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPRo2Czq4ZcKD9-50V2gn_wfHzjRGii-P9N5YXtibRUkzrgx_OeSnGM3kgveiT76WOslJSIgUZhOtHGP4w0kfrTQMnxMPaaOpAlPdPekCRl5BQa1fHAKiBIrmC_f77xBeZk8Ta-W3FFE/s1600/christmas3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682704749247586754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPRo2Czq4ZcKD9-50V2gn_wfHzjRGii-P9N5YXtibRUkzrgx_OeSnGM3kgveiT76WOslJSIgUZhOtHGP4w0kfrTQMnxMPaaOpAlPdPekCRl5BQa1fHAKiBIrmC_f77xBeZk8Ta-W3FFE/s320/christmas3.JPG" /></a> <strong>and never better than at Christmas,<br /></strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qGjfYKpog6S_44pqC1w4m02i_BVAypNpVJxxmlGAYqHgpK_36GC7uNR3slmF-h1wtXfOqCWLvTx2iYodPa-CKGA75H20ibgIzjTqkWeyeiaWgaCF9aF7BeJ0rz_4QhXDlNEdJ4CAHIY/s1600/christmas.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682704743482721042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qGjfYKpog6S_44pqC1w4m02i_BVAypNpVJxxmlGAYqHgpK_36GC7uNR3slmF-h1wtXfOqCWLvTx2iYodPa-CKGA75H20ibgIzjTqkWeyeiaWgaCF9aF7BeJ0rz_4QhXDlNEdJ4CAHIY/s320/christmas.JPG" /></a><br /><strong>when its mighty founder was a child Himself."</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Charles Dickens<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /></div>Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-36891777103271805302011-12-03T16:35:00.000-08:002011-12-04T14:10:22.903-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 19<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKMKVIcpdb8L3Dt70755-RnXKowGwGVp7OXRoWUUCYqw07X9ZixWG70RlAZ9GUjLCXg9VdjlF3l4wZGx6CUJUns6mmUdqRSUTD7stBwVAa5oGH_zIDYH_Mq6w5bG3o2N5HjFtsc6IJtU/s1600/brownies.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682396800242921650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKMKVIcpdb8L3Dt70755-RnXKowGwGVp7OXRoWUUCYqw07X9ZixWG70RlAZ9GUjLCXg9VdjlF3l4wZGx6CUJUns6mmUdqRSUTD7stBwVAa5oGH_zIDYH_Mq6w5bG3o2N5HjFtsc6IJtU/s320/brownies.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Today's recipe comes from the Hillbilly Housewife. I have heard of this site before but hadn't really visited it until recently. I wanted something sweet so I googled it on my phone for something sweet to make in the crock pot and this recipe looked the yummiest. Is that a word?<br /><br />You will need:<br /><br />2 1/2 cups of brownie mix<br />1 egg<br />1/4 cup of good peanut butter<br />1/2 cup of chocolate chips<br />1 tablespoon of butter or margarine, softened<br />2 tablespoons of cocoa<br />1/4 cup of packed brown sugar<br />1/2 cup of water<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp0mOQm4s1TfrOWjvFqJpzmLVTidn28u23qO3eyfxN2LBwmoH9NLFOkFuGuUy-2IxJpmAKALQ9juz26sp4SjRJoMkyItf6OqmRQ-wGYA3a7IsNJYYTA_9Zb6tyzM6DnjJRDFVidKBHik/s1600/brownies2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682396799150667762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp0mOQm4s1TfrOWjvFqJpzmLVTidn28u23qO3eyfxN2LBwmoH9NLFOkFuGuUy-2IxJpmAKALQ9juz26sp4SjRJoMkyItf6OqmRQ-wGYA3a7IsNJYYTA_9Zb6tyzM6DnjJRDFVidKBHik/s320/brownies2.JPG" /></a> Spray the liner of your crockpot (or crockpot bag) with a nonstick cooking spray. Mix the first five ingredients together and spread in the pot. Then mix the cocoa, brown sugar and water on the stove on medium-high heat until bubbly and pour over the top. Place the lid and cook on high for 2 hours. Then turn the crockpot off and let sit for 30 more minutes.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpFpqhJGjR7VDTMotkquATq8_Mh0l08I3DwIK2mY-VZoPAGLFSYVl1okM5Hs3kXHnEZ5QF1z5fUONgKUynz-7xP15B8Nf1jrOe8Ec7J3jbVbLPEeKlB9ZsuLWX9nYlqrCZZBg4APY4Iw/s1600/brownies3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682396800809526930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpFpqhJGjR7VDTMotkquATq8_Mh0l08I3DwIK2mY-VZoPAGLFSYVl1okM5Hs3kXHnEZ5QF1z5fUONgKUynz-7xP15B8Nf1jrOe8Ec7J3jbVbLPEeKlB9ZsuLWX9nYlqrCZZBg4APY4Iw/s320/brownies3.JPG" /></a> We ate this with the leftover ice cream from the peach pobbler - my mouth waters just typing those glorious words. Anywho, next time I make this (and I will be making this again) (very soon) (maybe tomorrow), I will cook on high for 1 1/2 hours and then turn the pot off and cook another 30 minutes or so. It was overdone around the edges. Not really burnt - just super done. It is very ooey gooey wonderful so you should prepare yourself for something wonderful.</p><br /><p>Enjoy!!!</p>Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-26761463883053880702011-12-02T18:00:00.000-08:002011-12-04T03:40:31.115-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 18<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n8ICOYzERNV-Y4s2puyOxsDmOum0neeIP6AQPWu9mOfDkYt0ZL3oX_7Zg0360NZRKHiUScdLwx4Nm180qsIFpPrUsX1v2FpJXhDDZPaQh-5ddwVFTybvfHsKSuTyrrbiH06nfvPe94Y/s1600/chili.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n8ICOYzERNV-Y4s2puyOxsDmOum0neeIP6AQPWu9mOfDkYt0ZL3oX_7Zg0360NZRKHiUScdLwx4Nm180qsIFpPrUsX1v2FpJXhDDZPaQh-5ddwVFTybvfHsKSuTyrrbiH06nfvPe94Y/s320/chili.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682230217403172962" /></a><br /><br />Today's recipe comes from my very own mother. The best cook I know. My mother who I have a phone coffee date with at least once a week and she has, on more than one occasion, fallen sound asleep during that date:)But she makes a mean chili so we'll let that slide...<br /><br />For this recipe you will need:<br />1 pound of hamburger meat<br />2 packages of chili seasoning<br />1 small onion<br />1/2 green bell pepper<br />1 large can tomato sauce<br />1 small can tomato paste<br />1 can of pinto beans<br />garlic salt to taste<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviRsZ0_GV_xOkb4SndWy13vHwekB6BK9etOoxtPYw763VIgaUh0jgoge70rsMDhdNK1e6X56XejFx9ds2SquPojCDu3H0GoE9scPkkUaRT0PNByRhKct7TimZxJbm6s511Gsn_JgMDgE/s1600/chili2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviRsZ0_GV_xOkb4SndWy13vHwekB6BK9etOoxtPYw763VIgaUh0jgoge70rsMDhdNK1e6X56XejFx9ds2SquPojCDu3H0GoE9scPkkUaRT0PNByRhKct7TimZxJbm6s511Gsn_JgMDgE/s320/chili2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682230214227802786" /></a><br /><br />Cut up the onion and bell pepper and toss in with the hamburger meat. Cook until done. Drain and place in the crockpot. Add everything else. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7pLaBK1NuwayYbl6PvAYWo3NSTerPXX_wm7cEGthRN9wOhhZqtlJd-BJVuhYFKIhFS-rCmlxWVJ114WguB1keBP530S9D6IFgufPOx5iriuNSlellktJW_wGwCN2tO8EuGZdWfF6R6c/s1600/chili3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7pLaBK1NuwayYbl6PvAYWo3NSTerPXX_wm7cEGthRN9wOhhZqtlJd-BJVuhYFKIhFS-rCmlxWVJ114WguB1keBP530S9D6IFgufPOx5iriuNSlellktJW_wGwCN2tO8EuGZdWfF6R6c/s320/chili3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682230211735093890" /></a><br /><br />We will eat this with crackers/french bread/corn muffins tonight and then with fritos and cheese tomorrow for Frito Chili Pie. It will be good football food to watch the LSU Tigers beat up on Georgia. Geaux Tigers!!!Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-13207339524252562162011-12-01T21:21:00.000-08:002011-12-01T21:46:59.635-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 17<div align="center">Another thing I blame for my poor bloggy skills? Picking up a sick child from school. And lots of snow. Blowing snow.<br /><br />Oh, and schoolwork. Did I mention that already?<br /><br />Today's recipe is the one I cooked yesterday. But we ate it today too. Curious?<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-glr4PLx-gPU6aBC1l1QKRZL2YqWoQLEKQG1KZuKUBMnjof3Jq3_q2vHjBsY0_BO0TX_xHgCuKD94kC1wcmE4UPHmAZgHti0vIDuvuRK5OYGSuMR_8EsR2qac2iO-U-S95N-pLoDVIo/s1600/roast.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681401062967032418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-glr4PLx-gPU6aBC1l1QKRZL2YqWoQLEKQG1KZuKUBMnjof3Jq3_q2vHjBsY0_BO0TX_xHgCuKD94kC1wcmE4UPHmAZgHti0vIDuvuRK5OYGSuMR_8EsR2qac2iO-U-S95N-pLoDVIo/s320/roast.JPG" /></a><br /><br />You will need:<br /><br />1 chuck roast or eye of round beef roast (your call - I buy what's on sale)<br />1/2 onion - sliced<br />1 package Lipton onion soup mix<br />1 can beef broth<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQtq9CXg4bN-QHb1bCF3Zk2ciYFlPYiU0dsNrWg2Zipvqyg772G2WkzVqMpjkegzkMjRwvUaWOwqRVutbjXE5T_fa7kSIVLAr1cEqPiUvrICpA2d_5d7hAeoszbuUr-0TjO5p2SsOPO0/s1600/roast2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681401067843445522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQtq9CXg4bN-QHb1bCF3Zk2ciYFlPYiU0dsNrWg2Zipvqyg772G2WkzVqMpjkegzkMjRwvUaWOwqRVutbjXE5T_fa7kSIVLAr1cEqPiUvrICpA2d_5d7hAeoszbuUr-0TjO5p2SsOPO0/s320/roast2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Mix the soup mix and beef broth together and pour over the roast in the crockpot. Place the sliced onions on top and cook on low for 8 hours.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwXg9HaOk4w7N4-Ezc4T_TRucweP0SigyGk90bUzP2UA8hB_t6mNKV2Futu8kgcXam6ES6t12PR3ACFFZZpvFLRWbF-je2qTh42nL-zmPk5cq2dJiIGucs38TZRzu6ZRzACopFQAcWeg/s1600/roast3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681401074573158802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwXg9HaOk4w7N4-Ezc4T_TRucweP0SigyGk90bUzP2UA8hB_t6mNKV2Futu8kgcXam6ES6t12PR3ACFFZZpvFLRWbF-je2qTh42nL-zmPk5cq2dJiIGucs38TZRzu6ZRzACopFQAcWeg/s320/roast3.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The first day you can have this roast with some mashed potatoes, corn, a salad, whatever you choose. It is so tender and tastes fantastic!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_b4B-eUZOFAv-4RbZM9iCfQPpj5WWv5KblSQmkCNobK_pynhlfapu3j4i6DPQHk4QWqDUX1aXncJSAGUEiujUepDaweZz8yaZ8Q3MBiQM1RmMkkC5upKP-FL-sOrYWM_hzDr3tVMtLk/s1600/roast4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681401074514597122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_b4B-eUZOFAv-4RbZM9iCfQPpj5WWv5KblSQmkCNobK_pynhlfapu3j4i6DPQHk4QWqDUX1aXncJSAGUEiujUepDaweZz8yaZ8Q3MBiQM1RmMkkC5upKP-FL-sOrYWM_hzDr3tVMtLk/s320/roast4.JPG" /></a><br /><br />My favorite day is the second day because you can make faux french dip sandwiches.<br />Cut some hoagie rolls in half, place some provolone cheese on one side and broil for a few minutes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N5T-JP1g8SmghyonSHZuAEz-yb1cs3uDw-paLh8EjvllZ_1MUmP0d81nPRu9o1TedAdOWcYQn6kEZpc8nYV84Ogl5Bh-riIwFMrXCqnkWV_9lbQwtgFK9Ear-3j5XvctuHkJQH1rB9c/s1600/roast5.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681401079375300386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N5T-JP1g8SmghyonSHZuAEz-yb1cs3uDw-paLh8EjvllZ_1MUmP0d81nPRu9o1TedAdOWcYQn6kEZpc8nYV84Ogl5Bh-riIwFMrXCqnkWV_9lbQwtgFK9Ear-3j5XvctuHkJQH1rB9c/s320/roast5.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center"></a><br /><br />FYI:Stay focused on the bread under the broiler. This is one of those instances where "Mom, I peed on my shirt. Again." will inevitably distract you and you will burn up the toast and quite possibly your kitchen. My advice to you? Earmuffs... then you can focus on the task at hand and not be distracted by the miniature people peeing on their clothing in the bathroom.<br /><br />Put some of the roast on the non-cheese side of the roll and place that yumminess together. We ladel out some of the juice and dip our sammiches in it. Delicious:)<br /><br />"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1</p>Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-22595236285740182972011-11-30T21:04:00.000-08:002011-12-01T21:20:37.299-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 16I blame school. For everything. Especially my inability to post a blog in a timely manner. So, there you have it.<br /><br />I know you were worried...<br /><br />This recipe is really a no brainer. I love pulled pork sandwiches and don't really remember where I learned to make this. I just know that it's a favorite.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlNCfsNWS9zSsccA71Oy0Y7oyVlGSzJoQq3qa82dxvUzhncaYYT1j0Is6U8eQRLnppRHBpH79deybs8ignaC4iRJCknBpQKUq39IiSQHVoWPDK2bLv6h8fTnSCubnaw5jj3nUgUEvco0/s1600/bbqpork.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlNCfsNWS9zSsccA71Oy0Y7oyVlGSzJoQq3qa82dxvUzhncaYYT1j0Is6U8eQRLnppRHBpH79deybs8ignaC4iRJCknBpQKUq39IiSQHVoWPDK2bLv6h8fTnSCubnaw5jj3nUgUEvco0/s320/bbqpork.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681395748371991794" /></a><br /><br />You will need:<br /><br />1 pork loin or pork roast (I had this one in the freezer from a sale at Target)<br />1 bottle of barbeque sauce - any kind (I like KC Masterpiece)<br />1/4 cup brown sugar<br />1 tablespoon yellow mustard<br />1 tablespoon worstershire sauce<br />1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke (less is more - the stuff has some serious flavor)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJVu4mD9UGfiTvhbmDmjdUYmHGx7eMTyuRBDt831-J_dHjm4MLTEnHxP7bgP04d23WZ2hVbzyq2A99HprFAdK0SecsB9LOH5Nr4wJpJGI3_V3gCBuwEwC2JQi0Y8_jNb6NUWYC7ofK-k/s1600/bbqpork2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJVu4mD9UGfiTvhbmDmjdUYmHGx7eMTyuRBDt831-J_dHjm4MLTEnHxP7bgP04d23WZ2hVbzyq2A99HprFAdK0SecsB9LOH5Nr4wJpJGI3_V3gCBuwEwC2JQi0Y8_jNb6NUWYC7ofK-k/s320/bbqpork2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681395738860584978" /></a><br /><br />Mix all of the above in the crockpot and place the pork in the middle of it. Cook on low for 8 hours and then shred with a fork. We like to eat ours on little hoagie rolls.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6vAZRuD_CTrEnYSlbzwzkRSs5aAx2lEuSmrXzs_XYVDNqQA9ZdgDQgYHtNHchgVPAS5qJy-lpMYKO3u9OW8ETfm8sxjjztTmknL7nHWB4UYoCT1pltac09ads5JZLKcYbroa_KSTs0U/s1600/bbqpork3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6vAZRuD_CTrEnYSlbzwzkRSs5aAx2lEuSmrXzs_XYVDNqQA9ZdgDQgYHtNHchgVPAS5qJy-lpMYKO3u9OW8ETfm8sxjjztTmknL7nHWB4UYoCT1pltac09ads5JZLKcYbroa_KSTs0U/s320/bbqpork3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681395733580549266" /></a><br /><br />*For the record, I do serve most of these meals with a vegetable or two on the side. I just don't take pictures of them because it really takes a lot of effort to take the pictures I <em>do</em> take. If you know me at all that makes sense:)Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-4782346238666386532011-11-29T20:55:00.000-08:002011-11-29T21:04:43.331-08:00The Day After 15 and Before 16<div align="center">In other words, I took a break today. I know I was going to cook in my crockpot for the next 30 days, but I have a pretty big crockpot and a LOT of leftover food. I want to be creative and prepare good meals for my family but I also want to be a good steward of our money and resources and I just couldn't make myself do it today. We had to eat through the leftovers before I could feel okay with making something else... I hope you understand. All three of you:)<br /><br />This actually happened on a good day because blogger is being really crabby and is taking forever to upload pictures so the pulled pork barbeque recipe will have to wait to be shared for tomorrow.<br /><br />"But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:8</div>Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-75662680445954910372011-11-28T17:03:00.000-08:002011-11-28T19:53:08.695-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 15<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkYT8q7RNIYTXlj1b1b90ZBZ9M-0ALHtB3oS13CGi3vGQ9PmGyDU_5VBGVFX1_Gg_M2x0bVO7CjvIT6e2UN5CNClldWJPoRN2bWJWLspyU2OPXheOOissyrKuO9xT5IVJUTiFpOaRknk/s1600/pobbler.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680258086323034706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkYT8q7RNIYTXlj1b1b90ZBZ9M-0ALHtB3oS13CGi3vGQ9PmGyDU_5VBGVFX1_Gg_M2x0bVO7CjvIT6e2UN5CNClldWJPoRN2bWJWLspyU2OPXheOOissyrKuO9xT5IVJUTiFpOaRknk/s320/pobbler.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Well friends, we're halfway there! So it seems fitting that one of my favorite eats so far would fall on this exciting day. I'm calling it Peach Pobbler. I thought it was going to be a pie, but it tasted more like a cobbler, so...</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4prCHZsv-BvdlFRrXvoyjaYjODvOwY7dDVMhXl05zuYqFA1V8WE9Xq8ieBIaSdkx2myVCXcDBBH7jCM6Zrs2Rz8Z0R3D5IXXZBodkoX0AhL1SEqRMqzOiEEVEey9o3Kc7puIMBUKVp4/s1600/pobbler2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680258084812914338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4prCHZsv-BvdlFRrXvoyjaYjODvOwY7dDVMhXl05zuYqFA1V8WE9Xq8ieBIaSdkx2myVCXcDBBH7jCM6Zrs2Rz8Z0R3D5IXXZBodkoX0AhL1SEqRMqzOiEEVEey9o3Kc7puIMBUKVp4/s320/pobbler2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>For this recipe you will need:</div><br /><div>1 bag of frozen sliced peaches</div><br /><div>1 pie crust</div><br /><div>1/4 cup of brown sugar</div><br /><div>1/2 cup sugar</div><br /><div>1/2 stick butter</div><br /><div>3 tbsp corn starch</div><br /><div>3 tbsp flour</div><br /><div>1 tsp cinnamon</div><br /><div>1/8 tsp nutmeg</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7OkdPs-GrmIOnGytlbTF7wN-zzcVjEfsx9f2YINcQrLURB6Fqdj1Gd1xXGnpPWv-ome_gTMMBrUjdrI4F0RVsizpzkcG-if4FqVCOzQgNNpqoiEveWqHNOmB3SwdnHV5MA8NMUNxKKs/s1600/pobbler3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680258075617736562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7OkdPs-GrmIOnGytlbTF7wN-zzcVjEfsx9f2YINcQrLURB6Fqdj1Gd1xXGnpPWv-ome_gTMMBrUjdrI4F0RVsizpzkcG-if4FqVCOzQgNNpqoiEveWqHNOmB3SwdnHV5MA8NMUNxKKs/s320/pobbler3.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Cut a circle out of the pie crust to fit in the crockpot and set aside. Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray or with Baker's Joy (oil and flour). Slice the remaining crust into little 1 inch slices and line the bottom of the pot. Mix the peaches and dry mixture together and place on top of the crust slices. Slice the butter and place on top of the peaches and then place the circle of pie crust on the top. I sliced a few places in the top so it wouldn't puff up too much. Cook on high for 2 hours. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSTdHpIJDFfjjFdW2IYDU3khLeNoOW5ZmX9i36Hcmsf2W1Q6hIZd1iAMLk5t44f3b6SGTBsf_YmyN0G-dPofVAH9yHhlLwItv09Ee6TKNXQeyE5Z9Eli-wbjsywS7hwBqYrZNqJ_GCa8/s1600/pobbler4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680258074634936946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSTdHpIJDFfjjFdW2IYDU3khLeNoOW5ZmX9i36Hcmsf2W1Q6hIZd1iAMLk5t44f3b6SGTBsf_YmyN0G-dPofVAH9yHhlLwItv09Ee6TKNXQeyE5Z9Eli-wbjsywS7hwBqYrZNqJ_GCa8/s320/pobbler4.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Serve with vanilla ice cream (we love Blue Bell) and repeat over and over again "Oh my <em>dang</em> this is WONDERFUL!!!" </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkhzDmzPx6BaLx5MlqG8lu8Lk6RkVilRW432E9dC5fvX-B9ynLG0ixgYakrmR29UFomo16tUqcugDGGfAh077_NIADzCIBPYi01GrPAt5RThLNwoD0aEfUPQNUk2veAiidzQIv7TSbn8/s1600/pobbler5.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680258069710276578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkhzDmzPx6BaLx5MlqG8lu8Lk6RkVilRW432E9dC5fvX-B9ynLG0ixgYakrmR29UFomo16tUqcugDGGfAh077_NIADzCIBPYi01GrPAt5RThLNwoD0aEfUPQNUk2veAiidzQIv7TSbn8/s320/pobbler5.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>I think Finley liked it the most. You know, since he was <em>licking the plate</em>!</div></div></div></div></div>Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-7135585539848753522011-11-27T18:55:00.001-08:002011-11-27T19:05:45.813-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 14<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHr-bXLkg00Bc7JCaw7IalE-u0t2MGbRtonBKdTcKnSd90A2ZPPxyLLlrRTK6oGYaJrGOiKNRdn93MVr1MpYa8IwRTrCEfytfc8VoG0GJQk8QVQOwE1MgW45RxvmGB4tD-MtCR8QU55h4/s1600/alfchicken.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679875196566363858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHr-bXLkg00Bc7JCaw7IalE-u0t2MGbRtonBKdTcKnSd90A2ZPPxyLLlrRTK6oGYaJrGOiKNRdn93MVr1MpYa8IwRTrCEfytfc8VoG0GJQk8QVQOwE1MgW45RxvmGB4tD-MtCR8QU55h4/s320/alfchicken.JPG" /></a>So today I severely needed to go to the grocery store. I had planned on going yesterday but we got busy decorating for Christmas and I never really got out of my pajamas. I ended up making Chicken Alfredo Pasta in the crockpot the same way I normally make it in the oven - minus all the nasty clean up afterward. I may be a titch obsessed with the old gal...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpToZ5zjmyisTttseD1II8cNCI-1Kg8GkcVhYgBFYZ6Ue9FEuNfTPgI1WPkgzIsu4r1jRXzF8o5282Sn4aQpFsz8MzcGZyhAwawVhqNXFmSdfAYf3KvaiEFVlPYDDOViUwsOMBS4Yye0/s1600/alfchicken2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679875191910354466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpToZ5zjmyisTttseD1II8cNCI-1Kg8GkcVhYgBFYZ6Ue9FEuNfTPgI1WPkgzIsu4r1jRXzF8o5282Sn4aQpFsz8MzcGZyhAwawVhqNXFmSdfAYf3KvaiEFVlPYDDOViUwsOMBS4Yye0/s320/alfchicken2.JPG" /></a><br />The only thing you really need is some chicken and a jar of alfredo sauce. I really like the Bertoli Brothers (I think that's the brand), but I'm sure I got this jar on sale with a coupon so I used it instead. We aren't super picky around here. I placed frozen chicken in the pot and covered it with the jar of sauce. After about 7 hours I boiled some water, dropped in the pasta, mixed up a bag-o-salad and voila! dinner was served. I forgot to take an after picture so I just got up and told everyone to say cheese:)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUqP1AcHqPqb4M02H8cpTgVuoqCjbOem5ghqxuWvLvXipxYDtVqG6g1-crg6H8JvQQOPbuf_eUVM4D_0zIQRbM_rArY_IcrwqBQayZse8Do02l-EJnVs2rf_9ZDHbN4iXHu3JUn27fjk/s1600/alfchicken3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679875186617324130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUqP1AcHqPqb4M02H8cpTgVuoqCjbOem5ghqxuWvLvXipxYDtVqG6g1-crg6H8JvQQOPbuf_eUVM4D_0zIQRbM_rArY_IcrwqBQayZse8Do02l-EJnVs2rf_9ZDHbN4iXHu3JUn27fjk/s320/alfchicken3.JPG" /></a> They actually listened! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You should probably check in tomorrow to learn how to make a fabulous Peach Pobbler - that's what I'm calling it because I thought it was going to be a pie and it tasted like a heavenly cobbler. So, pobbler it is.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>See you tomorrow!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div>Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-61562995600252678992011-11-26T19:02:00.000-08:002011-11-26T19:12:52.172-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 13Yesterday I was craving something sweet. And since we still had some Thanksgiving food leftover I didn't want to make anything big. So I made something small. But oh so delicious.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30jQSiNV0WS-NgLWl4EUI1MEBl_JbZodVFx0J_eZipsE1hPjibFd2KttdQleKU_N9z9WJ_MKMRzXOIndNv5WzzQ1dpCw4XIs5EITIrC3K7weMX725xDafPAg586fwN34BhOVBsZ-P7A8/s1600/apples.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679507349621134066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30jQSiNV0WS-NgLWl4EUI1MEBl_JbZodVFx0J_eZipsE1hPjibFd2KttdQleKU_N9z9WJ_MKMRzXOIndNv5WzzQ1dpCw4XIs5EITIrC3K7weMX725xDafPAg586fwN34BhOVBsZ-P7A8/s320/apples.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I'm calling these Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Apples. I'm claiming them because I looked up a bunch of recipes and came up with my own mixture in the end.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b0fbpR3cP8T7_Nf2rR_Uv0dfATzXT300bJJakYlUpJFOt7jlI1jU0IOoQDGG_6YbZc-gII1QqBsqG5hG6vWMxHdbgefrOhZk4XkKXVfcJhRzqacmD7I1Uq25KRomltwztGhlCWWv5aU/s1600/apples2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679507349959527218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b0fbpR3cP8T7_Nf2rR_Uv0dfATzXT300bJJakYlUpJFOt7jlI1jU0IOoQDGG_6YbZc-gII1QqBsqG5hG6vWMxHdbgefrOhZk4XkKXVfcJhRzqacmD7I1Uq25KRomltwztGhlCWWv5aU/s320/apples2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />You will need:<br />6 apples<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1/4 cup brown sugar<br />3 Tbsp. cornstarch<br />2 tsp. cinnamon<br />sprinkle of nutmeg (to taste)<br />1/2 stick butter<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2m9fFvGY_5O4_yu4Fad2Dje_OTtLRtSHc05q7l8JeCZ8zceUiAD9fyB8VVO8sc2J8h463dZWTYN8yTDYlpk1TC1kh74a9xjpudbFP59evdcrB39egDw9Sn9q4jtqfJwXYMRVbH9c5-7w/s1600/apples3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679507337695112290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2m9fFvGY_5O4_yu4Fad2Dje_OTtLRtSHc05q7l8JeCZ8zceUiAD9fyB8VVO8sc2J8h463dZWTYN8yTDYlpk1TC1kh74a9xjpudbFP59evdcrB39egDw9Sn9q4jtqfJwXYMRVbH9c5-7w/s320/apples3.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Mix all of the dry ingredients together. Slice the apples. I used my apple corer and then removed the skin. Place the apples in the crock and coat with the mixture. Place butter slices on top. Cover and cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. <em>Die</em> because they are so good.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_NqTUXEV1JgagydyhDl772vqyHsbn_tlSrAAMRYIium0ax9xy4Hgc5yjjFaVkx1Xsc-gWdjS7R47fR-gVIorkVmIxUiBiE_uKZtLv8xxmIG17qQsO5JbOjZxJu4dt1IMBnNIXRsEHCE/s1600/apples4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679507335139605218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_NqTUXEV1JgagydyhDl772vqyHsbn_tlSrAAMRYIium0ax9xy4Hgc5yjjFaVkx1Xsc-gWdjS7R47fR-gVIorkVmIxUiBiE_uKZtLv8xxmIG17qQsO5JbOjZxJu4dt1IMBnNIXRsEHCE/s320/apples4.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We had ours with a little bit of cool whip on top. I'm thinking of trying out some sort of apple pie in the crockpot next week with this little recipe. I also think these would be good with pancakes. The possibilities are endless folks. Just endless.<br /><br />What is your favorite dessert?Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-125539416203920632011-11-25T21:56:00.000-08:002011-11-25T22:18:14.581-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 12 and a Winner<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHI6X7Ml8ryoSC3coTvGpnqL6YcG4gRjHKvbK_uKXxxmQslNyLQU9ZRN2vE66bW6HvCwaD0LAHmXCjU4DxHn4zpqqWOJ0g1ep5fD1VPTFMOMxuy23hR5MP0RgfnxJ92MBqzyqsJI0gLY/s1600/beans.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679180731751915762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHI6X7Ml8ryoSC3coTvGpnqL6YcG4gRjHKvbK_uKXxxmQslNyLQU9ZRN2vE66bW6HvCwaD0LAHmXCjU4DxHn4zpqqWOJ0g1ep5fD1VPTFMOMxuy23hR5MP0RgfnxJ92MBqzyqsJI0gLY/s320/beans.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Today's recipe is one of my childhood favorites, courtesy of my mom and, well, subsequently, me:)<br /><br />Red Beans and Rice:<br /><br />1 onion<br />1 small bag pinto beans<br />enough water to cover the beans<br />Beef or pork sausage<br />a dab of crisco (yes, I realize I just lost some readers there, but I'm a southern gal through and through and I occasionally cook with crisco) I apologize...<br />2 cans tomato sauce (there is only one in the picture because I'm a goober - but I used two)<br />As much Tony's Seasoning as your mouth can stand<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJqTGmVnJiyeNvufGxoIHfekvimN-xSuC8JPDctWRlyx325CZZpsOS1o2_HVhCn3E8CjzXoH0YfLKfKHjTRJRXB8L6LkL2pjehQJS88yLBodTZND8-oJyANl3a0M4LvqUn_2lnsL7C_w/s1600/beans2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679180732065991186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJqTGmVnJiyeNvufGxoIHfekvimN-xSuC8JPDctWRlyx325CZZpsOS1o2_HVhCn3E8CjzXoH0YfLKfKHjTRJRXB8L6LkL2pjehQJS88yLBodTZND8-oJyANl3a0M4LvqUn_2lnsL7C_w/s320/beans2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Place the beans in the crock, cover with water, add the tomato sauce and dab of crisco (I'm guessing there are a couple of tablespoons on that wooden spoon. I'm an eyeballer:))Sprinkle with Tony's. (I actually use so much that it covers the entire mixture.) Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours.<br /><br />After 4 hours, slice up the sausage and mix it in with the rest of the goodies and cook on low another 4 hours or so. You may need to add water occasionally throughout the day depending on how fast/hot your slowcooker actually cooks. <br /><br />Serve over sticky white rice, yes white, with cornbread or corn muffins (our favorite!). Sweet tea is optional although it actually isn't at this house. Southern remember?<br /><br />Enjoy!!! I didn't get any after pictures because John was in such a hurry to eat and then I took the leftovers to my neighbors house... My bad.<br /><br /><br />Aaaaaaand, we have a winner! My neice pulled a name out of a hat, okay my sister-in-law's lap, on Thanksgiving Day.<br /><br /><strong>Lacy</strong>!!! Contact me at meredithtemplin(at)yahoo(dot)com with your address and I'll put your Starbucks giftcard in the mail. Congratulations!Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-49253358660378364392011-11-24T18:23:00.000-08:002011-11-24T18:44:30.372-08:00Thankful<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXQ6OwmyvZ4YpKURpp6kv-n-lneoQCrpmUwJkfz3wlibMCxWYVXqIUAYonFwL6th4niYR6xeeRN8t3A6EDMkbwMcO1EuDuuHA0cdkuptqydtMbACz0AXON6i83gSRFnDb9h0cfR6Hio8/s1600/thankful1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678754818410707714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXQ6OwmyvZ4YpKURpp6kv-n-lneoQCrpmUwJkfz3wlibMCxWYVXqIUAYonFwL6th4niYR6xeeRN8t3A6EDMkbwMcO1EuDuuHA0cdkuptqydtMbACz0AXON6i83gSRFnDb9h0cfR6Hio8/s320/thankful1.JPG" /></a><br /><br />"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HAe0hGckw-NFb8dBzzeCmOGRpy8To2rclN4bIWBPlagqmPlrs4SHfz1dto9WwYfRDiSgI-oQoAHtEgaj8BHODiLDTfVc-gpjOdbloBrnBFqJnJVPFkfQqHPZ9HKhjeX-DoUXEnWwVss/s1600/thankful3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678754818844841186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HAe0hGckw-NFb8dBzzeCmOGRpy8To2rclN4bIWBPlagqmPlrs4SHfz1dto9WwYfRDiSgI-oQoAHtEgaj8BHODiLDTfVc-gpjOdbloBrnBFqJnJVPFkfQqHPZ9HKhjeX-DoUXEnWwVss/s320/thankful3.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjRoos__xU_BXI6UB2kP19sA6lxoHIbxuOtvg1YaYQDLjyycivgSLluq8pih2UHJU1Mtyr1WwwPpwywWhwMBBxLO3u6-wY_NZmO7ganGeymO-fGrmtt42w09U-FbhZyhtC3y4XBR02rc/s1600/thankful2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678754823385284626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjRoos__xU_BXI6UB2kP19sA6lxoHIbxuOtvg1YaYQDLjyycivgSLluq8pih2UHJU1Mtyr1WwwPpwywWhwMBBxLO3u6-wY_NZmO7ganGeymO-fGrmtt42w09U-FbhZyhtC3y4XBR02rc/s320/thankful2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Today I am thankful for this man. My husband, companion, partner in crime in this thing we call parenthood. He is a good man, a hard-working man, an amazing father and the love of my life.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><em>The only man you want to give your life to is the one who makes you hunger for Christ, believe in grace, experience the other-world love of God.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Ann Vonskamp</em></div>Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-73829301773695112222011-11-23T12:09:00.000-08:002011-11-23T19:02:42.615-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 11Today's recipe is courtesy of one of my besties, Laura! Hey Speerio;) Laura was my carpool buddy until I stopped working as much. A Sonic buddy and fellow Twi-hard there's not much we disagree on. She is definitely one of the world's greatest friends and my life is richer because of her. She makes the best homemade Queso, Eggplant Parmesan, and apparently, Beefy Noodles! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebgtVtCOfJB1HjDA1q-TINc2LPjFIvLVSwsiW77PROHnvTdW-YSQAWuGijbZmLeWYTq2qrX0gwaiAAHlB2CBVL631ZMLzOMYd4q0gsIC-z1SHmxkrTGuqzu1F-xud_TuXXohQ7BHcY-Q/s1600/ls5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebgtVtCOfJB1HjDA1q-TINc2LPjFIvLVSwsiW77PROHnvTdW-YSQAWuGijbZmLeWYTq2qrX0gwaiAAHlB2CBVL631ZMLzOMYd4q0gsIC-z1SHmxkrTGuqzu1F-xud_TuXXohQ7BHcY-Q/s320/ls5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678387344545218802" /></a><br /><br />You will need:<br />1 package of cubed steak<br />1 package Lipton onion soup mix<br />2 cans cream of mushroom soup<br />1 package sliced mushrooms<br />1 4oz tub of sour cream<br /><br />Cut up the steak. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpUzZ0sbgJw28Z61oEeIQAl_kpEs99Sfjs_GMdtaKdbV8wQM1cedBL9O7ek4cMl11c8Ee92dB59vwbfHJbm0gMbGCc8trpoCeSGRIqgjI0cmsWrgeVnFBOwvnrlJTIsI4Seq7fCj0Kq4/s1600/ls4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpUzZ0sbgJw28Z61oEeIQAl_kpEs99Sfjs_GMdtaKdbV8wQM1cedBL9O7ek4cMl11c8Ee92dB59vwbfHJbm0gMbGCc8trpoCeSGRIqgjI0cmsWrgeVnFBOwvnrlJTIsI4Seq7fCj0Kq4/s320/ls4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678387345737525042" /></a><br /><br />*I feel like I need to share a tip with you. If you have an electric can opener, you probably have a knife sharpener on the back. Use it. Before you cut the meat:)I didn't know this for years and it was the source of a lot of unnecessary cooking frustration for me. Ha!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlFmxpzrT7N5RLYw5Z1HudWHbebEx8nuEeaKGaaFbvtKCDMQfp6srlSfRK5Mx9yR66uNMyht-NwMwdK_x2DOci8-OiPYdAhnLoTx5qptZmTXt-glBSASt2-1GWZZ4frnskQVVZmEZFHE/s1600/ls3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlFmxpzrT7N5RLYw5Z1HudWHbebEx8nuEeaKGaaFbvtKCDMQfp6srlSfRK5Mx9yR66uNMyht-NwMwdK_x2DOci8-OiPYdAhnLoTx5qptZmTXt-glBSASt2-1GWZZ4frnskQVVZmEZFHE/s320/ls3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678387349659219010" /></a><br /><br />Mix the soups, soup mix, steak, and mushrooms in the pot and cook on low for the day. An hour before serving add the sour cream to the mix. Serve over egg noodles. Or rice. Or mashed potatoes. I have an oral aversion to egg noodles so I served it to my family over rice. I was going to make mashed potatoes but I ended up going to the Cheesecake Factory with the girls. And then we saw Twilight. Again. So I didn't have time to make mashed potatoes. The end. Of that story.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT4r1KRZJEbjT8LVtrL5D6e2CGzaqPF3aw2Kq-Tfd6yFhO2w90pGsEc6zkNT9p2O6GR3ovj_h71MVD8eDkgd-XJ6KkGda4oDbt88BP2F6BxEcT40PvJyHWCVWJrEYv-A76wojaA_lqBw/s1600/ls2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT4r1KRZJEbjT8LVtrL5D6e2CGzaqPF3aw2Kq-Tfd6yFhO2w90pGsEc6zkNT9p2O6GR3ovj_h71MVD8eDkgd-XJ6KkGda4oDbt88BP2F6BxEcT40PvJyHWCVWJrEYv-A76wojaA_lqBw/s320/ls2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678387358398150562" /></a><br /><br />I promise you will love this recipe. So give it a try.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tBWE8saEe69UdjKEDk-3zxSvAwNcIhWXqPRR9j3ZByodowL3g_Rn_PDgaMThG_wC8Cfq53E_yVuPa2YmxyA_JbdP0b6KbJNHdNVcEnLhVqsD1UIv_62qA0Q-cFA9v0W51zN5otKDfo4/s1600/ls1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tBWE8saEe69UdjKEDk-3zxSvAwNcIhWXqPRR9j3ZByodowL3g_Rn_PDgaMThG_wC8Cfq53E_yVuPa2YmxyA_JbdP0b6KbJNHdNVcEnLhVqsD1UIv_62qA0Q-cFA9v0W51zN5otKDfo4/s320/ls1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678392176036280450" /></a> <br /><br />And this is the last day to enter to win a Starbucks gift card... so get on it!<br /><br /><br />"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice." Proverbs 27:9Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-19719171466478752302011-11-22T22:06:00.000-08:002011-11-22T22:47:38.024-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 10 and what good books have you read lately?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82x5R48jFsUs3rEy9N3O9LE94F9dAsheKS9Frfe7cT-r8_gty67KN9z5XcDjv_shiviSh4l55Iyg_i2RccaQITbFd32OuV_BHs3FsTsD_u6JnAPKa5QD8B2EF6JcptcF-rjBPaWZBliQ/s1600/sp5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82x5R48jFsUs3rEy9N3O9LE94F9dAsheKS9Frfe7cT-r8_gty67KN9z5XcDjv_shiviSh4l55Iyg_i2RccaQITbFd32OuV_BHs3FsTsD_u6JnAPKa5QD8B2EF6JcptcF-rjBPaWZBliQ/s320/sp5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678074364801621138" /></a><br /><br />"Did I just eat a piece of pineapple?" These words came out of John's mouth during dinner last night.<br /><br />"Ummmm, yeah..."<br /><br />"It's good."<br /><br />And that is all I needed to hear. I don't know if John will ever admit it but I think he secretly likes my little crockpot adventure. <br /><br />Today's recipe, "Stuffed Peppers", comes from my friend Jessica. Hey Jessica! I met Jessica 8 years ago when I started working nights at a new hospital in Denver. Well, not a new hospital altogether, just new to me:) Anywho, she sent me a message with this recipe and it sounded like nothing I've ever made before so I thought I'd give it a go. I'm glad I did.<br /><br />*These aren't your average stuffed peppers. In the past I've tried the peppers with rice and some type of red sauce and hamburger meat and they were okay but these peppers are delicious. Seriously.<br /><br />You will need:<br /><br />4 or 5 bell peppers (I used 3 green and 1 yellow and 1 orange)<br />2 cans of chicken (or the equivalent in prepared chicken breasts)<br />1 package of sliced mushrooms<br />1 jar pineapple salsa (I used Peach Pinapple Chipotle - it's all I could find!)<br />1 can pineapple tidbits with juice (I used 3 snack ones - I had them in the fridge)<br />2 packages of grated cheese<br />2 packages frozen rice (I cooked 4 servings of Minute Rice)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOSutZJ7gap9Ft4tga8XEyivN7ciqu1LSOlwxBnBkt81T8J47mtjVGY1hp1zQVsj_87JsAGyc5RprFG-fkxoXFTaiB4gWE6NfIDlf_pZK3lcpHgUCVtpI8kgkYY8jXdm0dNfwuQpdw1o/s1600/sp2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOSutZJ7gap9Ft4tga8XEyivN7ciqu1LSOlwxBnBkt81T8J47mtjVGY1hp1zQVsj_87JsAGyc5RprFG-fkxoXFTaiB4gWE6NfIDlf_pZK3lcpHgUCVtpI8kgkYY8jXdm0dNfwuQpdw1o/s320/sp2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678070878988770258" /></a><br /><br />Now Jessica's recipe calls for cutting up the peppers and mixing everything together (except 1 package of cheese) in the crockpot and cook on low all day.Then place a some cheese over the top before serving.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDhdbwdbxQf_ZTZ5wTtWLb9Y7zi93eAHB8EswCV3T_Flb5e27dkCfBIgNHUYA1akaN5yDTFyvoFcem9OgPbPIf7aUGr9NkqFuPl7avsLqjClfKfoN7xETFdh34nBWuj1tT-x02QoIe80/s1600/sp3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDhdbwdbxQf_ZTZ5wTtWLb9Y7zi93eAHB8EswCV3T_Flb5e27dkCfBIgNHUYA1akaN5yDTFyvoFcem9OgPbPIf7aUGr9NkqFuPl7avsLqjClfKfoN7xETFdh34nBWuj1tT-x02QoIe80/s320/sp3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678073748119572498" /></a><br /><br />I like how pretty bell peppers look when they are actually stuffed. So I cut up 1 green bell pepper, mixed everything together and cooked on low all day. About 30 minutes before dinner I washed and "gutted" 2 green peppers and 1 orange/ 1 yellow and put the mixture inside, topped with cheese and baked on 350 for about 30 minutes. I bought some tortilla chips and served the mixture on them for the boys and called them nachos! Win - win!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0ZNLlYqKUx-Ozfy8CD7b3xpMlAC657BDRDvf5-PtZoAmQsAF_bfcg53uewOq2tiEMNoaFVh2_OTjxdUoDL_-rUs2YDBxmYry-CzWcPnGE4RBli7aNEUv02RmaOhFltLsBvAQIRKUOlk/s1600/sp4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0ZNLlYqKUx-Ozfy8CD7b3xpMlAC657BDRDvf5-PtZoAmQsAF_bfcg53uewOq2tiEMNoaFVh2_OTjxdUoDL_-rUs2YDBxmYry-CzWcPnGE4RBli7aNEUv02RmaOhFltLsBvAQIRKUOlk/s320/sp4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678074063305246050" /></a><br /><br />This is honestly different from anything I've ever attempted before but I'm glad I tried it because I feel a little fancier for it. Oh, and Jessica made this recipe up by the way so kudos to the creative people of the world. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2B6DtlzfT0helrq-BFODtDJZLx3dP7fuPqlLKTxqt2EnhAk8JaY7y7kZmlkGj8VK8pAjuN0IF_afGd-HC0u-McsmDv15TEtL0XWO-PYkZOQuxy1B-GjR__kzsm2ViFi-rzrcqe7_Whs/s1600/sp1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2B6DtlzfT0helrq-BFODtDJZLx3dP7fuPqlLKTxqt2EnhAk8JaY7y7kZmlkGj8VK8pAjuN0IF_afGd-HC0u-McsmDv15TEtL0XWO-PYkZOQuxy1B-GjR__kzsm2ViFi-rzrcqe7_Whs/s320/sp1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678074560872410178" /></a><br /><br />Enjoy!!!<br /><br /><br />Have you read any good books lately? I've been told that the Hunger Games are good and also The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. A few weeks ago I read Kisses from Katie and it was absolutely wonderful. Like a three hour read wonderful. And I've been told Beautiful Outlaw is also worth reading. <br /><br />What books do you recommend?<br /><br />"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" Colossians 3:23Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-51068847748869568542011-11-21T18:04:00.000-08:002011-11-21T18:47:28.475-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 9 (and a pic of the burnt lasagna)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQs1wn0OKbmdqMu_OoJfHgo4tNIJqOpxQuCXccjfRf-VGaSivfpiNZHku_XYujSHrgkdE77FTJhOAfZgYl-UDlUmmE23EotT5WW0Sn2rCWXcYvhTAG-QVaRT52kWILzKEj-HbrFx8H-4w/s1600/cc2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQs1wn0OKbmdqMu_OoJfHgo4tNIJqOpxQuCXccjfRf-VGaSivfpiNZHku_XYujSHrgkdE77FTJhOAfZgYl-UDlUmmE23EotT5WW0Sn2rCWXcYvhTAG-QVaRT52kWILzKEj-HbrFx8H-4w/s320/cc2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677640646890862946" /></a><br /><br />So there it is - the big nasty. OR the burnt lasagna. Potato <em>pototo</em>.<br /><br />In case you missed my post yesterday, I decided to post each meal the day <em>after</em> I try it. This way I don't feel so much pressure:)<br /><br />Today's (yesterday's) recipe comes from my friend Mary. I have worked with Mary at the hospital for years and she is one of my favorite people. In fact, she solidified that status when I found out she got kicked out of one of those bounce house places. With her kid in tow. Because she was being a smarty pants:) I also enjoy giving report to Mary in the mornings because she has an icy Diet Coke in hand and tells me it's her "drug of choice". Oh how I could listen to her talk all. day. long. She's a funny one. And now I'll stop going on and on about her because after these pork chops, my husband may be in love with her and I don't want to add any more fuel to that fire. For realz. About the love <em>and</em> the fire. <br /><br />Mary's Yummy Pork Chops! You will need:<br /><br />pork chops (any kind, I used bone-in because that's what they had at the Walmarts)<br />2 cans cream of mushroom soup<br />a little bit of butter<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tVOlVhWhOgW9LI31VzTPbVr6035f-3JP1lD3Ljb7WRp1OMuma-kJvIvAoC7Em4Bc3-dodjltsuxP7gl-fxmP8ccp-C4O5NwF1s8Qnd8IMYysBi78Y772xeE5aLpMEaQRPK0Feb2W33Y/s1600/cc1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tVOlVhWhOgW9LI31VzTPbVr6035f-3JP1lD3Ljb7WRp1OMuma-kJvIvAoC7Em4Bc3-dodjltsuxP7gl-fxmP8ccp-C4O5NwF1s8Qnd8IMYysBi78Y772xeE5aLpMEaQRPK0Feb2W33Y/s320/cc1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677640625217167474" /></a><br /><br />Um, yeah, that's all. And it is so good. It makes the most magnificent gravy as it cooks all day.<br /><br />In fact, John decided yesterday afternoon that he wanted to take me on a date. We found a babysitter and were going to go to dinner and a movie and just eat the porkchops the next day for lunch. I opened the lid to stir those angels and pulled out a piece for John to taste... and we ended up eating them for dinner that night and lunch the next day (today). They are that good. We were going to eat at the Japanese restaurant near our house and the porkchops trumped the fried rice. <em>Darn you porkchops.</em><br /><br />So, you know, just so you know. You know?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrIFYhdpnvgHLNfm2YQUOnqtsEOiRgos38kKZbc3YKkqqtCFh3EJFnUEyNtWeyLOasqYttdXcAc2knIukNNl1w5pc6YpFQS0SIU-qIVoypVXCMdVsLLGOvP2shyphenhyphen31P77vB0MqTQI3cgE/s1600/cc4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrIFYhdpnvgHLNfm2YQUOnqtsEOiRgos38kKZbc3YKkqqtCFh3EJFnUEyNtWeyLOasqYttdXcAc2knIukNNl1w5pc6YpFQS0SIU-qIVoypVXCMdVsLLGOvP2shyphenhyphen31P77vB0MqTQI3cgE/s320/cc4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677640629492335426" /></a><br /><br />Put a little butter in a pan and brown the pork chops. (on a sidenote I'm not sure if pork and chop belong together or separately so I'm using them interchangeably because I can)I browned ours for about 30 seconds on each side.<br /><br />Then place them in the crock pot. (again, one word or two? I don't know)Cook on low around 6-8 hours depending on how thick the chops are.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoxTVV-zGOu_ZEhLY_jTqgBQVOMTJNV72VDezP0YcBE3Cd1_2Z_8S-Sj77nrfltSEl0NA95zCIYK0H5Vplp3sTdEh6chlMW7UEE9jmXNpUfEyXF4A4e63GjtNHm6vhHTVay-hdFZsZH8/s1600/cc3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoxTVV-zGOu_ZEhLY_jTqgBQVOMTJNV72VDezP0YcBE3Cd1_2Z_8S-Sj77nrfltSEl0NA95zCIYK0H5Vplp3sTdEh6chlMW7UEE9jmXNpUfEyXF4A4e63GjtNHm6vhHTVay-hdFZsZH8/s320/cc3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677640636569099922" /></a><br /><br />Pour the soups on top. Stir occasionally throughout the day. Sing Mary's praises for the rest of the evening. We did. And I hope you do too.<br /><br />The end.<br /><br /><br />"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life..." John 6:27<br /><br /><strong>*Don't forget to leave me a comment and be entered for a chance to win a Starbucks giftcard</strong> on Thursday. I've decided that anyone who leaves me a comment on any of the "Crockpot Challenge" posts will be entered to win, unless you tell me otherwise, in which case I may have to reconsider our relationship because you don't like free stuff.Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-87013761693469597342011-11-20T22:35:00.000-08:002011-11-20T22:43:46.069-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 8So here's the truth. Or some truths. <br /><br />1. I promise I will post pictures tomorrow of the burnt lasagna and the most wonderful, easiest pork chops ever that I made today.<br /><br />2. My phone, camera, computer essentially all hate me at the same time and I'm having issues.<br /><br />3. It works out well that all technology has a conspiracy against me because it made me realize that it is cuh-razee to try and cook and blog the same recipe every day. This way I will be one day behind and I can put more time and energy into each post.<br /><br />4. Okay that last sentence was a lie. School requires most of my time and energy, as well as two little blonde-headed boys, so my posts will still have the same amount of suckage each day. (possibly more, who knew?).<br /><br />5. I saw Twilight again tonight with my sister-in-law. I know! It's a condition. I may need a therapist. Or medication. Or an intervention. Or <em>something</em>.<br /><br />See you tomorrow and I'm going to tell you how a nurse named Mary's (super easy) porkchops can save your marriage... or something less drastic.Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-13196176102390448262011-11-19T18:58:00.000-08:002011-11-19T19:28:08.308-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 7 (and something else entirely)Go figure. I made two bad meals two days in a row. <br /><br />Seriously.<br /><br />This morning, I thought I would be really crafty and do something crazy like make lasagna in the crockpot with what I had on hand. I layered lasagna noodles, hamburger patties, garlic salt, marinara sauce and mozarella cheese in the ole girl and put the lid on. I HONESTLY thought I was going to blog about this fantastic meal we ate for dinner. Ha! Somehow, someone during the day turned the pot on high and by 4:30 I had a crockpot full of something awful. Terrible. Awful terrible ya'll. I did take pictures and I will post them tomorrow. I just wanted to get this on here so you will know that I<em> did </em>cook in the crockpot today but it was absolutely horrific.<br /><br />In other news, I saw the new Twilight movie "Breaking Dawn". Let me just say that I, for one, am glad that teenage girls are in love with this series. Hear me out. Before you get all <em>being in a codependent relationship with a vampire isn't healthy </em>or <em>romanticizing bruising/ pain associated with love is unacceptable</em>, we need to look at the practical lessons involved, not the over-the-top ones.<br /><br />1. Twilight tells the story of a boy and a girl who spend hours talking, <em>excessively talking</em>, and getting to know each other for who they are - the good and the bad. They accept each other. They develop a relationship through friendship, not jumping into bed with each other or groping each other through their clothes. Which leads me to my second point...<br /><br />2. Twilight is teaching young girls that they are worth being pursued by a gentleman. Bella Swan is a clumsy, super-shy girl in the book. She isn't dressing provocatively or trying to jump into bed with Edward. She is intrigued by him, they get to know one another, and they fall in love. Contrary to the first movie, they actually develop their relationship over months (not minutes) and he doesn't even attempt to kiss her until the end of the first book. So there...<br /><br />3. If you've stuck with me this far, congratulations!!!<br /><br />4. Twilight is showing teenagers that it is okay to wait until marriage to have sex.<br /><br />5. Twilight lets teenagers know that it is normal to have sexual feelings or urges toward someone you are involved with/dating/in love with, but the author has her characters show restraint; they balance each other out.<br /><br />I could go on and on but no one really reads my rantings anyway:) My point is, yes there is a cheesy vampire/werewolf story involved and yes it is very juvenile in a lot of ways, but I think it is better for our teenagers to read this type of story than watch one episode of Teen Mom or the new 90210.<br /><br />Is it super obvious that I felt really old watching that movie and need to justify why? Oh, okay, good then:)<br /><br />*If you stuck with me throughout this entire rambling, nonsensical post (without pictures), leave me a comment to tell me what you think about Twilight and I'll enter your name into a drawing to win a <strong>Starbucks gift card</strong>!!!<br /><br />(I'll draw a name out of a hat on Thanksgiving - seems fitting since most normal people are thankful for Starbucks.)Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150392369356207895.post-82939579036773267012011-11-18T18:03:00.001-08:002011-11-18T18:26:17.820-08:00Crockpot Challenge: Day 6This is going to be a quickie... I've had a busy day and my hubby's plane just landed so the rest of my evening is reserved for the fam.<br /><br />Today's recipe is courtesy of <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com">this blog</a>. Again.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_2o9e9tGc104P3OKGGAY1mkJaqX81CtYj3yVYUG-HNhrmaEHJXTRlXLu3ZudGsxuaO9ZLenwJ__hp1z0KuHefikZbShQT0Qlx6LDoLQJAxJtedS4bTacA7G2yo6KdS64R1sA1FQAjEc/s1600/yuck2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_2o9e9tGc104P3OKGGAY1mkJaqX81CtYj3yVYUG-HNhrmaEHJXTRlXLu3ZudGsxuaO9ZLenwJ__hp1z0KuHefikZbShQT0Qlx6LDoLQJAxJtedS4bTacA7G2yo6KdS64R1sA1FQAjEc/s320/yuck2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676525574119028146" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Cranberry Pork Roast</strong><br />You will need:<br />1/2 lemon<br />1 can whole cranberry sauce<br />1 tsp. ginger<br />1/2 tsp. dried mustard<br />1 clove garlic (minced)<br />2 Tbsp. cornstarch<br />1 pork roast<br />1/3 c. cranberry juice<br />*the recipe calls for some golden raisins too. <br />*I left those out.<br />*because it just sounds nasty.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJczP377Wd2A9C83OoStKz-SyVFRM6maifY8HrSrDtbzJlJt9pc8wd8Vc5zhU5-fMrsQZo8oeNN6xqrC5rz1JxKDVaFmveATWCNUxQGJn6L681I-bxjov7trfzpeix5cGFccmswTLcbwk/s1600/yuck3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJczP377Wd2A9C83OoStKz-SyVFRM6maifY8HrSrDtbzJlJt9pc8wd8Vc5zhU5-fMrsQZo8oeNN6xqrC5rz1JxKDVaFmveATWCNUxQGJn6L681I-bxjov7trfzpeix5cGFccmswTLcbwk/s320/yuck3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676525560758294034" /></a><br /><br />Mix all of the dry spices and garlic together, rub over pork and then pour cranberry sauce and juice on top. Cover with the sliced lemons. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 until done.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivI4tRZytYn0hHP08LHLcN9bqbRxMtV7HxvHaYEnIcaTP0aog2MU0sEHQZtJr5lPoPixYsL3JxtnqosCOHQYNnsTgBDJbSGkITSKAJHtZWqudB5spP2XQbMnsrh4zUQ6-943NpZNDqgyg/s1600/yuck4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivI4tRZytYn0hHP08LHLcN9bqbRxMtV7HxvHaYEnIcaTP0aog2MU0sEHQZtJr5lPoPixYsL3JxtnqosCOHQYNnsTgBDJbSGkITSKAJHtZWqudB5spP2XQbMnsrh4zUQ6-943NpZNDqgyg/s320/yuck4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676525565686253922" /></a><br /><br />Honestly? Not impressed. It was pretty at first but pretty food that doesn't taste pretty is ugly. U-G-L-Y.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV40VlSQKVcKgNuEJx9kw1YOd-UmdIok2WbD3Gny__ja-tXN2AAt0U_hCMcrR6XZ22Psx3-7HS2fdMhNhdpoyCauwOsB3KKCs1rbvWRbD2ljJTSwsxXdcaiuFKiRW_GXt2gfXh8BEkQTI/s1600/yuck1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV40VlSQKVcKgNuEJx9kw1YOd-UmdIok2WbD3Gny__ja-tXN2AAt0U_hCMcrR6XZ22Psx3-7HS2fdMhNhdpoyCauwOsB3KKCs1rbvWRbD2ljJTSwsxXdcaiuFKiRW_GXt2gfXh8BEkQTI/s320/yuck1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676525556374180562" /></a><br /><br />I know there are plenty of people who would love this. Just not the person writing this blog <em>thankyouverymuch</em>. So, after cooking dinner all day I'm still hungry.<br /><br />(Don't get me wrong. We still ate this. We just didn't really like it that much that's all.)<br /><br />Good thing I have some cookie dough left... or I'd probably be mad:)Crazy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07135795686345749928noreply@blogger.com0