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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Menu Plan Monday - 3/29

Monday Lunch: tacos

Monday Dinner: chicken pot pies

Tuesday Lunch: hot dogs
Tuesday Dinner: pork chops, mashed potatoes, lima beans

Wednesday Lunch: slow cooker nachos
Wednesday Dinner: tacos
Thursday Lunch: baked ziti, salad
Thursday Dinner: sandwiches, bean with bacon soup
Friday Lunch: crawfish boil - yum!
Friday Dinner: salisbury steaks, peas, corn on the cob
Saturday Lunch: slow cooker nachos
Saturday Dinner: sandwiches, bean with bacon soup
Sunday Lunch: baked ziti, salad
Sunday Dinner: hot dogs

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Don't Bungee Jump Naked

Another story from one of my favorite comedians...I love this woman!

Something's Wrong...

I'm seeing something lately that really bothers me…I don't know if it's something new, or if it's just something I never noticed before. I'm seeing so many Christians who are just muddling through life, barely plodding along, just being average…mediocre…lukewarm…almost zombie-like.

My husband preached not long ago about being average, and he gave some statistics on the "average" Christian. The average Christian goes to church 1.5 times a month, rarely prays, and only occasionally picks up their Bible. I'm noticing a trend among co-workers, friends, and even family members that the "average" Christian reads horoscopes and uses bad language, too. I'm not saying that Christianity is a list of "do" and "do not" rules that have to be followed, but I see what's now considered average, and I don't want to be average!

I'm reading Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love, and it's completely rocking my world. He starts the book off with a simple statement that pretty much sums up the entire book - we all know something's wrong. He is challenging me in so many ways, asking me to really think about God's crazy love for us, forcing me to look at what it means to be a lukewarm Christian (that was a painful chapter to read), asking the hard question - are we offering God our best, or are we offering Him our leftovers? Ouch.

But I needed that. I'm tired of muddling along. I'm tired of doing the same thing. I'm tired of dragging myself through life knowing that spiritually, things could be better, but not sure what to do about it. I'm not a perfect Christian - not even close. I know I have weaknesses and failures. I know that I will never be good enough because of anything I've ever done or ever could do. But for reasons I'll never understand, Jesus loves me, and I want to be as much like Him as I can be, even if that means being radical compared to others. Something is wrong in our churches, in our faith today, and I'm ready to change it and make it right.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Small Talk Six - Teen Crushes



Oh, wow, that really takes me back...
1. Tom Cruise (I pretty much had Top Gun memorized when I was a teenager!)

2. Well, when my hubby and I were watching American Idol the other night when Miley Cyrus was coaching, I was laughing about the fact that I had a poster of her dad on my bedroom wall when I was a teenager.  I remember when Miley was born!  (Now I can't stand country music...life changes.)

3. Leonardo DiCaprio (Who didn't have a crush on him after Titanic?)

4. the New Kids on the Block (What's funny is I can't remember now which one of them it was...)

5. Pierce Brosnan  (I loved the James Bond movies when I was a teenager!)

6. Joe Lando (the guy from Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman)

Friday, March 26, 2010

Five Question Friday - Most Embarassing Moment Edition!

1. Did you pass your driver's test on the first try?

Yep.

2. What is your most embarrassing moment?
Oooh, just one?  I'm such a clutz, I have a lot of those...let's see, the worst one was probably when I was pregnant with our oldest son...I still crack up thinking about it!  (I have a weird sense of humor!) 

My husband (who is a pastor) needed to pick up light bulbs for our church while I was at Walmart, so I took one with me to make sure I was getting the right kind.  It was one of those big long flourescent bulbs, so I stuck it in my shopping cart and propped it up so it wouldn't fall and break.

Now, before I go on, let me add here that this happened about six months after 9/11, so everyone was still very uptight and suspicious about everything.  As I start pushing my cart away from the door, in a crowded store, something apparently bumped the bulb and - POW!  It exploded into a million pieces.  Immediately masses of panicked customers turned to the door...to see a very surprised pregnant woman staring at shattered glass.  Let's just say the employees were not happy with me.

3. What TV show would you like to be on- Oprah, Biggest Loser, or What Not to Wear?
What Not To Wear!  Can someone nominate me, please?  I've been begging my husband for years but apparently he hasn't nominated me yet because they haven't called me.

4. Would you ever get plastic surgery and what kind?
Probably not because I'm a chicken...but if I did, it would probably be a tummy tuck.  After 2 babies, I just don't think it's going away no matter how much I work out...

5. What are your favorite jeans to wear?
Ahem...after the above question this will make sense...dark rinse tummy tuck jeans.  These things are awesome - they really work.  I'm not as skinny as I look in those jeans.  : P

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Thankful Thursday - my health



It seems kind of ironic to be posting this as I'm recovering from being sick for a week and a half.  lol  That's part of the reason this post is short and sweet - I'm catching up from being sick.  Other than minor stuff like I just had, however, I'm rarely sick.  I'm in very good health, and I'm so grateful for that.  Working at a gym, I see people come in with all kinds of major health issues.  It's surprising how many of them are my age or even younger.  I'm very blessed to be healthy.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Working Mom Wednesday - 30 Minute Recipe



What is your favorite 30 minute recipe?

First let me say that I am all about quick and easy meals!  I use my crockpot a lot, and I love OMAC (once a month cooking) recipes, too.  I have a couple of things I fall back on when I'm in a hurry - they aren't really recipes, but that's why I love them.  You don't have to do the same thing every time.

I love making quesadillas and omlets, and the reason I love them is that you can grab whatever you have in your fridge and make dinner.  I always have eggs and tortillas, beyond that, I just throw in whatever meats, cheeses, and veggies I have on hand and dinner is done in just a few minutes.  Plus you can customize them to what each member of the family likes.  My hubby loves mushrooms, we both love roasted red pepper, and my kids like plain old meat and cheese.  Cheap, fast, and easy - my favorite kind of meal!  lol

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Menu Plan Monday - 3/22 (one day late) - plus a question

Okay, so in addition to this week's menu plan, I have a question...I have this recipe at home for a creamy ham and cheese cannelloni. It's good, very creamy and cheesy, but it's lacking something. It really needs some seasoning to kick it up a notch. What do you think would work best in a creamy dish with lots of cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta)? Please leave me a comment with your suggestions! I really want to experiment with this but I don't really know how to start.

Monday Lunch: chicken sandwiches, salad
Monday Dinner: slow cooker beef stroganoff, peas

Tuesday Lunch: lasagna, green beans, salad
Tuesday Dinner: Swiss chicken, lima beans

Wednesday Lunch: slow cooker beef stroganoff, peas
Wednesday Dinner: loaded baked potato soup

Thursday Lunch: lasagna, green beans, salad
Thursday Dinner: Swiss chicken, lima beans

Friday Lunch: loaded baked potato soup
Friday Dinner: chicken and black bean enchiladas, rice, corn

Saturday Lunch: chicken sandwiches, salad
Saturday Dinner: loaded baked potato soup

Sunday Lunch: chicken and black bean enchiladas, rice,corn
Sunday Dinner: loaded baked potato soup

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Don't Send a Man To the Grocery Store

I was introduced to comedian Jeanne Robertson a few months ago when we listened her CD's on the way back from a women's retreat.  We laughed so hard it hurt!  She is hilarious.  This clip is one of my favorites of hers, explaining her first hand experience in the dangers of sending a man to the grocery store...

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Small Talk Six


 
Today’s topic is “6 things you love to eat, but rarely get to because at least one other person in your household does not care for it.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

 
Okay, I'm going with six sentences...and this one doesn't count!

 
  • This is a hard one for me, because I'm the picky eater in our family.
  • As a former vegetarian, I love certain foods that my hubby and kids won't even try.
  • I love Boca burgers.
  • I also love Morningstar Farms breakfast strips.
  • I recently discovered hummus - roasted red pepper is my favorite!
  • Finally, one that is definately NOT from my vegetarian days - I love meatloaf but my husband hates it.

 

 

Friday, March 19, 2010

5 Question Friday time!

TGIF!  This has been a good week, but I've been sick, so I'm ready for some rest and housecleaning this weekend, and my youngest son's first tee ball game tomorrow.

1. Have you ever had a celeb sighting?

Nope, never - no one famous ever comes to the little town where I grew up!  Unless you count the time I shook Bill Clinton's hand at school, but that was long before he became President.
2. What temperature do you keep your house?
70 - 72 in the daytime, 68 or so at night
3. Do you notice dust at other peoples homes?
Why would I?  There's too much in mine!  lol
4. What's the worst job you ever had?
Day care...not day itself, because I worked at several, but there was one that was awful!  I would never have put my children there.  The only reason the owner passed her state inspections is because she was friends with the inspector.  She fed the kids hot dogs and Cheetos every day for lunch, had 20 kids in the 3/4 year old class (with two workers!) and kept the kids under 2 in playpens all day once they started walking.  Yes, it was that bad.  Plus the owner was the meanest boss I ever had.  I was only there a few weeks when I got a job across town...that one ended up being the best day care I ever worked at, and also the last.

5. What is your most sentimental possession?
Just one?  Can I count my cedar chest and its entire contents as one possession?  My husband got me the cedar chest for our anniversary one year, and it's packed full of favorite toys from my childhood and my husband's, my boys first baby clothes, their decication outfits, and so much more.  The chest itself even survived a hurricane!  I emptied it's contents and took them when we evacuated for Hurricane Ike, but our house flooded.  Thankfully that cedar chest was one of the only pieces of furniture to survive. 

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Hamburger Casserole

My family loves this easy, one-dish recipe.  Best of all, it tastes even better left over, so you can make it ahead of time and warm it up when you're ready to eat!
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 pkg. Lipton Spanish rice
  • 1 can chili beans
  • 1/2 lb. shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can cheddar cheese soup
  • tortilla chips, crushed
  1. Brown beef and drain; while it is cooking, prepare Spanish rice according to package directions.  (OK, it's a two dish recipe.)
  2. In a large skillet, mix beef, rice, beans, soup, and 1/2 of the shredded cheese.
  3. Top with crushed tortilla chips and the remaining cheese.
  4. Cook until heated through and cheese on top is melted.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Menu Plan Monday - Week of 3/15

Vacation is over - it's back to Menu Plan Monday!  This week is going to be another one of those insane weeks, so I'm trying to keep it simple...

Monday Lunch: chicken sandwiches

Monday Dinner: chicken in a pot

Tuesday Lunch: lasagna
Tuesday Dinner: omelets
Wednesday Lunch: taco soup
Wednesday Dinner: chicken in a pot
Thursday Lunch: chicken sandwiches
Thursday Dinner: pierogies and kielbasa
Friday Lunch: lasagna
Friday Dinner: taco soup

Saturday Lunch: hamburger casserole (This is a super easy, one skillet dish - best of all, the leftovers are great!  My family would rather it eat leftover than the day it's cooked.)
Saturday Dinner: omelets

Sunday Lunch: M3 Day, lunch at church
Sunday Dinner: salisbury steak with French onion gravy

Sunday, March 14, 2010

What a gift!


This made my entire weekend great...flowers picked by my precious boys, and a handwritten note.  I love my kids!

Back to Reality

We had such a great mini-vacation! We went to Houston, swam at the hotel, ate out, and went to the Natural Science Museum, NASA, and the zoo. We needed that time away so much. Honestly, I didn't realize how stressed I'd become until we actually went on our trip. Stress from work, college, and church had piled up until I was a basket case. Taking a few days off was just what I needed.


Then we came home and were catapulted back into reality. This week is going to be non-stop, filled with meetings, tests, work, school, and my youngest son's first tee ball game. (Does anyone know why on earth anyone would schedule a tee ball game at 8 a.m. on a Saturday? Does 8 a.m. even exist on a Saturday? At least we'll get a head start on the day's work.) And we lost an hour of sleep last night, which I didn't realize until I looked at the clock and saw that it was 11:15, which meant it was actually 12:15…I think I'm still on vacation time.

So today I've spent my afternoon attending a funeral, eating lunch in the car on the way there, and now it's time to study for Tuesday's test, wrap up work on a major project, and plan my menu and shopping list for next week so I can get groceries in the morning before my meetings at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., my 3:30 anatomy and physiology class, and working from 5 to 8 p.m. Vacation was great…when can I have another one?

Friday, March 12, 2010

Five Question Friday - 3/12/10

1. How much time do you spend on the computer a day?

Too much!  lol  It depends on what day it is...since I'm in college, I'm on the computer pretty much daily, working on research projects, checking online assignments, goofing off and studying.  On Wednesdays and Saturdays, I help my hubby (who's a pastor) get ready for services, so I'm pretty much glued to the computer those days.  And since my wonderful hubby got me a laptop for Christmas, it's basically my constant companion.  I'm addicted to Facebook and my blog, so I spend a lot of time playing online...it's cheaper than therapy. 
 
2. Will you pay for your children's college or raise them to pay for their own way?
We will help them but we won't pay all of it.  Especially with me now going to back to school, I see so many kids who are there on Mom and Dad's money, and they just don't care.  The ones who are at least partially responsible for paying their own way seem to be taking it much more seriously.  I'm a big believer in the fact that you appreciate things more if you have to work for them.

 
3. Have you ever been in a car accident?
Only once - it was very minor, a guy ran a red light and hit me when I was on my way home from college years ago.  I was terrified!  Thankfully a good friend (who had totaled several cars already) came by, saw me, and stopped to calm me down.  (I believe his exact words were, "It's okay - I do this all the time.")

 
4. What is your favorite book?
Just one favorite?  There are so many!  Let's see, how about my top three? 
  • The Awakening by Angela Hunt - I just identified with the story so much, and she's a fabulous writer. 
  • Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers - one of those books that just leaves you so full of emotion at the end of it...wow.  I cried like a baby throughout the entire book!  It's a retelling of the Biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, a beautiful love story, an incredible allegory, all wrapped up in absolutely amazing storytelling.
  • Finally, a great thriller by my very favorite author, Adam by Ted Dekker - sleep with the lights on if you're reading this one (but you'll still be scared!).
5. Do you make your bed everyday?
I'm doing to good to be able to see the bed lately!  It's usually got mounds of clean clothes waiting to be folded piled on top of it...I couldn't make it if I wanted to!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Thankful Thursday

I absolutely love my husband's smile!  I love the way his face lights up, the way his blue eyes sparkle, the way he looks like a little boy when he smiles. 

I first knew I was in love with him when I was 20 and we were having a snowball fight with my family after a freak storm dumped 16 inches of snow on our small town in south Arkansas...I looked over at him and saw him smiling, with ice crystals sparkling in his hair, and I thought, "Wow.  I really like this guy."  A few months later we went on our first date, three weeks after that he proposed, and later that year we got married.  Hard to believe it's been almost 10 years, and I still fall more in love with him every day.

Robby brings so much joy into my life, and I love seeing his smile, knowng that he's happy and that life is good.  Here he is with our oldest son...




Working Mom Wednesday - Perspective

Since I am writing this while we're on a family vacation, it feels funny posting "Working Mom Wednesday."  We're loving our spring break mini-vacation.  I'm sad that we have to go back to reality tomorrow evening, but I'm going to enjoy our last couple of days.





How do you regain focus and perspective on being away from your kids/family for work? How do you refresh and get back on track when life seems to get you down?

My faith shapes absolutely everything in my life, and it gives me my perspective in everything.  When I get down, picking up my Bible spending time in prayer lifts me up more than anything.  I just recently found a website I love - Proverbs 31 Ministries has such great articles and devotionals, and when I read them, it often feels like God wrote them directly to me, because it's just what I need to hear at the time.  I've found myself turning to that website almost daily since I discovered it.  I've also found the following from one of their devotions to be very true..."The only way I can navigate this balancing act is to stay close to God. Really close. Rather than seeing God as far off, I have to rely on him as a desperate daughter who needs her Daddy."  And believe me, there are many times I cry out to Him in desperation.  I'm so glad He's there to hear me and comfort me when I do.

For me, another way to gain perspective is to remember that what I'm doing is long term.  It's so hard trying to work and go to college.  It takes a toll emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially - but in the long run, when I become a dental hygienst, I'll be able to be home every night by 5:00 or 5:30, I'll probably only work four days a week, and I'll be making three times what I'm making now.  So when I get too down, I remind myself that in the long run, it'll all be worth it.


Tuesday, March 9, 2010

A Late Night Brings Major Changes...

I couldn't unwind and go to sleep tonight, so I decided to work on my blog.  Since we don't have internet at home (I rely on Wi-Fi and internet access at our church) and our hotel has Wi-Fi access, I decided to seize the opportunity and totally redo my blog.  I was even more excited when I saw some the new features Blogger has added, like the ability to add pages and a tag cloud.  I'm having a blast!  Let me know what you think about my new blog design, and look for more changes in the future.


Simple Woman's Daybook - March 9, 2010


I didn't get to do this last week - life was just too insane, with two major tests and some big work and church projects.  Now I'm relaxing on vacation, here we go...

FOR TODAY


Outside my window...the busy sounds of Houston, Texas (our spring break vacation destination).

I am thinking...about today's trip to the Natural Science Museum and tomorrow's trip to NASA.

I am thankful for...the chance to spend a few days relaxing with my incredible family.

From the learning rooms...spring break!

From the kitchen...ahhh, no cooking this week either - it's a rare occassion when I'm paying restaurants to do that for me!  lol

I am wearing...jeans, socks, no shoes :) and a black v-neck t-shirt.

I am creating...memories and a more relaxed family.

I am going...to read a book after I'm done on the computer.

I am reading...Sisterchicks in Sombreros (I love those books!)

I am hoping...that I head back to work and school next week feeling refreshed.

I am hearing...quiet...wow, that's unusual for me.

Around the house...I will have a lot of laundry to do when we get home!  lol

One of my favorite things...my laptop, which was a Christmas gift from my wonderful husband.  It amazes me how much I've come to rely on this in the two and a half months I've had it.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  After our vacation ends, I'll be helping my hubby at the church, studying for my sociology test (Tuesday), and working on research projects in both sociology and anatomy and physiology.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I was so sad to hear that she had passed away today.  Please pray for Layla Grace's family, and thank God for the gift of healthy children.

Sopapilla Quesadilla

This recipe is quick, easy, and delicious!  It's perfect for dessert...or a yummy, sweet breakfast.

• 2 8-ct cans of dinner crescent rolls

• 2 sticks butter
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 2 8-oz pkgs cream cheese
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1. Spray a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick spray.
2. Unroll 1 can of crescent rolls and place on the bottom of the pan.
3. Mix cream cheese, 1 stick butter, 1 c. sugar, and all the vanilla and spread on top of crescent rolls.
4. Roll out second can of crescent rolls and place on top of cream cheese filling.
5. Pour 1 stick melted butter over the top layer.
6. Sprinkle 1/2 c. sugar and the cinnamon over the melted butter.
7. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Reverting to Childhood?

That must be what's happening to me!  I went to the library Friday to check out some books for spring break.  That's what I miss the most since I started college...having time to curl up and get lost in a good book.  So I've been saying I wanted to check out a bunch of books and spend time reading over my break.

What's funny is what I came out of the library with...they're all from the teen section!  I've been feeling nostalgic lately, wanting to go back and re-read childhood favorites like A Wrinkle in Time, Anne of Green Gables and the entire Chronicles of Naria.  I actually looked for the newest book by Ted Dekker, my favorite author, but someone had already checked it out.  So I headed for the teen section and picked up another Ted Dekker book, Chosen.  I also got Madeline L'Engle's A House Like a Lotus, which is about the daughter of the main character in A Wrinkle in Time.  I also checked out The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, since I loved the movie, but that was just too teen-agery for me - I quit after the first couple of chapters.

I've already spent some time snuggled up with a good book this weekend, but I plan on spending a lot more time during the coming week doing just that.  I'm so excited about the having the whole week off work and out of school.  Most of all, I'm looking forward to spending time with my family, relaxing and having fun together.  It's going to be an awesome week!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Spencer for President?


My four year old is the funniest kid!  He always has us laughing about something.  This past week, we came home from church Wednesday night, and out the blue, Spencer launched into a campaign speech - it was hysterical!  He was waving his hand and telling us, "Mom, Dad, if I was President, I would shut down the smoke shops so nobody could smoke!"  I don't know why he become so political all of a sudden, but it was so cute!  We told him, "If you ran for President, we would vote for you!"  He shrugged his shoulders and said, "But I'm not a President - I'm just one me!"  That seems to be the end of his brief political career - what a ham!

5 Question Friday!

1. What's your guilty pleasure?

Hhmmm....food wise it's coffee, especially Starbuck white chocolate moccha with raspberry...I don't even want to know the calorie count, but it's a guaranteed pick-me-up on a bad day.  My other one would have to be reading, especially the times I stick my nose in a good book when I'm supposed to be doing something else...like housework...

2. What is your favorite TV series?
24!  I'm so addicted to this show - I cannot miss my Monday night date to watch Jack Bauer save the world every week.  I've seen every episode of every season at least once...most of them twice...some of them more than that!

3. Can you speak any foreign languages?
Not unless you count my ability to ask "Where is bathroom?" in Spanish.  (Donde es el bano?)  I really want to learn Spanish, though.

4. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Actually not that many...let's see, 3 pairs of tennies, 2 flats, 1 pair of awesome heels, 3 or 4 sandals, lots of flip flops...I'm more of a purse junkie than a shoe junkie.

5. What's your favorite kind of M&M's...peanut, almond, straight up regular, etc.?
The original, plain M&M's can't be beat!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Top 3 Thursday - Springtime!




It's time for Top 3 Thursday again!  This question is about something that's been on my mind a lot lately - SPRING!  I'm so ready for it!
 
#3 - Seeing everything come to life again
I love how fresh and new everything looks in spring.  Seeing the grass and flowers growing, the trees blossoming again, makes everything feel so alive.
 
#2 - Warm weather
I am Southern to the bone, and I HATE cold weather!  I don't mind the heat of summer at all.  I love wearing flip-flops, going to the beach, sipping lemonade - everything associated with hot weather.  It really doesn't get cold often here on the Gulf Coast, but this winter has been much colder than normal, so I'm more excited than normal for nature to turn up the heat!
 
#1 - Going barefoot
Once again, I am Southern to the bone, and I grew up in the country...I love going barefoot!  Okay, I'll admit, I do sometimes go barefoot even in winter, but to me, nothing feels better than walking barefoot in the warm grass.  When I think about heaven, one of the first images that comes to mind is running barefoot through the grass, carefree, like a little kid...so bring on the barefoot weather of springtime!

My Job

Although it can often be a source of major stress (what job isn't!) I really love my job.  I'm a manager at a women's gym, and I also train people who are just starting our workout program and counsel women are taking part in our nutrition and diet program.  I'm part coach, part counselor, part comedian, and part cheerleader. 
I love the fact that I meet so many women who I would never cross paths anywhere but at our gym.  I've made so many friends there since I started my job 2 1/2 years ago.  I love seeing the excitement and the joy when women realize they can lose weight and they can get in shape.  I love seeing women who may start out unsure and self-conscious bloom into outgoing, confident women.  I really enjoy going to work - it feels like I'm spending the day hanging out with friends.  I have to admit, when I leave this job to start my new career as a dental hygienist in a couple of years, I will miss the awesome women that I've met through my job.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The Return of Working Mom Wednesday!

Yea!  I'm so glad to see Working Mom Wednesday has returned!  I love today's question...

How do you cope when people criticize your method?

I think that criticism goes along with motherhood...it seems that many people think their way is the only way to do things and if anyone does things differently, they're wrong.  I've learned to just say, "It's a weird arrangement but it works for us."  Then I shrug it off and ignore it.  They don't live my life, so they don't understand why we do things the way we do.

We are not your typical working family.  My husband is a pastor, so he has the flexibility to take the kids to work with him.  I work long hours at a women's gym, and I'm also going to college to become a dental hygienest, so he takes care of the kids.  He's also the one who usually takes the kids to tee ball practice, doctor's appointments, etc.  (I miss doing that...I was a stay-at-home mom for 4 years...but that's not an option for us anymore.)  We also homeschool our kids, which gets us LOTS of criticism.  (I don't bash anyone's decision to send their kids to public school or private school, but some people seem to think it's fair game to bash homeschoolers...but that's another post for another day.) 

Being a mom is tough, and I've learned that guilt goes along with it.  I just remind myself that I don't have to live up to what anyone else thinks, I just have to do my best for my family and trust God to help me balance it all.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Cowboy Cookies

• 1 c. brown sugar

• 1 c. sugar
• 1 c. oil
• 3 eggs
• 2 c. flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 c. Rice Krispies
• 1 c. oatmeal
• 1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 c. coconut

1. Beat brown sugar, sugar, oil, and eggs together.
2. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together.
3. Combine all ingredients and mix well.
4. Drop by teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes.
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