Crock pot Cooking

Recently...I have found my domestic side....who knew it was hiding all along in a crock pot...

Ok, so maybe it wasn't literally in a crock pot, or even because of my crock pot, but in all actuality I am more domesticated as of late. I blame it on my new position as "Stay at Home Mom", a.k.a. "S.A.H.M.". First of all (and a little off topic)...why are there so many acronyms for this kind of stuff. Like for instance, I recently found out that SAHM meant, "stay at home mom". I also found out that L.O., meant "little one". I was on a blog about infertility and someone used the acronym T.T.C, which means "Tried to conceive". I mean really....we are stay at home mom's that keep busy doing things around the home; we are not meant to create a new acronym lexicon for goodness sakes. I mean sheesh, I thought the working world was hard, didn't know I needed another degree to navigate through the un-known tongue of "Mom-dom".

Anyways...as I was saying. My domestication. I am LOVING cooking. Before I fried our TV (another story for another time), I was obsessed with watching Food Network while I sat and nursed Mady. Which literally was all day long, as a newborn. So I learned the Food Network line up really fast. My favorite show is Down Home with The Neelys. I am going to get a little vulnerable and reveal some things that I probably would only admit to people who really know me, but because I am writing it into thin "cyber-air" I feel like its ok.

I LOVE that show not only for the amazing "soul food" that Pat and Gina cook, but also because I feel a sort of kindred spirit to Pat and Gina. First off. Pat and Gina are SUPER in LOVE, you can tell when you watch. I mean, sometimes I feel like its really HOT in that kitchen and it aint because of the cooking, if you know what I'm saying. (This is so something I shouldn't say, but oh well) [I think cooking is foreplay for Pat and Gina]......now Pat and Gina are married so of course there is nothing wrong here. Its super encouraging and really funny to watch. Gina gets all crazy when she throws a "KICK OF CYAN PEPPER"! And Pat man handles all the meats with their special rubs and spicy sauce concoctions. Those of you who know me, know that in college my nickname was Gina. So theres that kindred spirit to Mrs. Gina Neely....we are soul sistas in the world of cooking! Our personalities are similar and I know that we'd be B.F.F (heres another acronym for ya) if we knew each other.....especially since I can cook...check out some of my latest meals....

Hearty Beef Vegetable Man Soup

Italian Beef Roast

Homemade Mac n' Cheese

Now I wish I could say that all of these meals (and the ones not pictured) are of my own creative juices.....some are, but most are adaptations from family, friends and "my pretend friends" on food network's recipes. I really love to serve my husband a hot, good meal at the end of a long day, or give him good lunches to make his co-workers (jealous) drool. I feel like this is one way I can be a good S.A.H.M. (here we go again) and serve my family well. Literally.

Soul Food Baby

So much to report...

First off... Look at my darling daughter and her adoring "rents":

I have stories to post about more fun shopping experiences and of course more pictures....all coming soon to a computer near you! Stay tuned...

Nail biter.....

Well...it was a nail biter, but the Colts pulled it off!

We are SUPER BOWL bond, baby!!

Congrats Colts, your biggest, little-ist fan is cheering you on!

The Walgreens Man

We will call him Fred....

All I have to say about Fred is that he is an up seller! He has successfully up-sold me twice. And let me tell you, I am Italian, a sales person and formally in retail management....I do not get sold....except to Fred.

I have a weak spot in my heart for old people and yes Fred happens to be elderly. He fits right into the classification of a "puppy" (in my own categorization of the elderly). To be considered a puppy you must do one or all of the following:

1. Have a "gobble" chin
2. Have "jowel" cheeks
3. Be a little overweight
4. Be adorable

Fred actually fits all four classifications! Lucky Fred. So he is a Puppy. (More on Turtle classification later).

Back to the story...
Over the summer my brother, Shawn and I were driving home from one of his soccer games and of course I had to make a pit stop at my neighborhood Walgreens for some much needed Pepcid AC. While I was preggers, Pepcid AC became a food group to me because my heartburn was out of control! Thanks Mady...

I digress...so there we were in the check out line and there was Fred. Fred graciously took my pepcid AC, slid it across the blinky red thing and asked (in his best upsale tone)

"Would you like to buy one of these delicious brownies....they are really good and only 99 cents. A lady was just in here and bought a dozen because they are so good."

[Ohhhhhh FRED! I'm thinking...you sly little devil...trying to up sell me!! The UP SELL QUEEN!!! How dare you think that I would fall for your little story....ohhh touche my friend, touche....]

"Yeah...SURE, we'll take one" I said, before I could even pick up the bar! I dont know if it was because Fred was a puppy or because I was pregnant and was, in addition to the Pepcid consistently consuming chocolate chip cookies like it was my job. Either way...i was SOLD! Here is a picture of the little "gems" in all their glory...



Not only were they delicious, but now my brother and I are addicted to them! Every time I am in Walgreens I have to stop and get one. I cannot resist.

So you think I would have learned my lesson on Mr. Puppy Fred's tactics and not fall prey to his aggressive sales moves again, you would think...

Then why do I currently have a pack of gum, a flavor of which I do not chew, and a brand I would never buy, for a price that was not that appealing (.79)? Ohhh, probably because Fred, puppy in disguise was selling them. Serioulsy, the girls scouts need to retire and just strap those dang sashes over the elderly and they'd double, maybe even triple their profit! I can see em now...trucking through your neighborhood, door to door with their walkers, wheelchairs and osteoporosis, you'd be sold too!

The sad thing is Bryan came home two days earlier with two packs of gum of flavors that shouldn't be gum, like "Havana Banana Coconut" or "Chocolate Pineapple Twist" (these may not have been the exact flavors, but you get the point)...he came home with them and I rolled my eyes at him saying:

"You just cannot resist those checkout deals can ya?"....to which he says..
"They were only 79 cents!!" and that's when i knew...Bryan was also a victim of Mr. Fred, the Puppy, the up-seller!

"Seek Peace and Pursue it!"

1 Peter 3:11b. (From title)

Lately, the Lord has graciously revealed some sin in my life. With the quiet that lingers, as a result of a broken TV, I hear His call to Holiness more clearly. But, on the flip side of that, I also hear and SEE my sin, much clearer than I want. I am however, thankful. Thankful because I am now able to shed the unneeded weights "that so easily entangle".

Worry.

I have been plagued with all kinds of worry.
I wouldnt go so far as to say that its satans fault or a result of conversations I've been having about the things in which I am now worried....No, I wouldnt. I would however, blame it on my neglect to actively FILTER the filth that floods into our brains daily.

To be more specific. Its MY JOB to help my focus be on "whatever is TRUE, whatever is NOBLE, whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is ADMIRABLE- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Philippians 4:8

My focus then should not be on things that have not even happened! As mothers and women we worry....a lot! About everything. Thinking that somehow my behavior, if i control it perfectly will keep all the bad away. WRONG! No matter what we do, God is in control and WILLS what HE WILLS to be. Now, I am not saying that worrying is unnatural. I think its absolutely natural, its going to happen... but to believe the worry or fear is NOT! An increase in worrying is a decrease in trusting God.

I am thankful for my faithful friend, Lynn for helping me sort through my specific worries...which I will not mention or even give a hint of glory towards. Instead I am believing what is true, God's word.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

Kroger Trip, Week 2

So I have decided that every week, on Monday I will go "Krogering" before Bryan heads off to work. My goals are simple:

1. To be there less than 45 minutes total.
2. Spend less than $100 (hopefully this number goes down as i become more of an efficient budget buster.
3. Come away with some fun stories.

This weeks adventure began in the deli section, as always. My meat "expert" was Triuhn, yes that is her name. She is a 4'11 Asian woman. She could hardly see over the counter, much less understand what i was saying, which explains why i ended up with only a quarter of a pound of Bryan's favorite Salsalito Turkey lunch meat, instead of the pound i requested. I didn't have the heart to correct her...i feel like it might have been the "straw that broke the camels back", per say. Her boss was not too happy that i was standing at the counter, alone without being helped while Triuhn was standing somewhere off the side hoping and praying she didn't have to get some deli meat customer some, well deli meat because she cant understand any English! God love her, she's just trying to make a buck.

Another take away from this trip, other than groceries is: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go to the grocery store on senior citizen day!! Now, don't get me wrong...I love me some old people. Those of you who know me know that i affectionately place old people into two categories: Puppies and Turtles. (You'll have to ask). The reason why i say don't go on senior citizen day is because:

1. They block the isles because they cannot walk and navigate well...which makes you feel obligated to help them (which shoots your under 45 minute goal out the window)

2. You feel sorry for them because the grocery store may be the most social thing they do all week...then again, it may be the most social thing YOU DO all WEEK too...which in turn makes you feel sorry for yourself, which then turns into self-pity which is a sin. You now will have to repent on the ride home, instead of listening to Pandora Radio.

and 3. Everything takes longer! Waiting to be checked out, to walking through isles, to driving through the parking lot...ALL OF IT TAKES FOREVER. Not to mention, most of these adorable seniors run into "Ed, who lives down the hall", or "Erma, who just had that knee replacement surgery" and "Phylis, the one who has been married 6 times"....you know what i mean. They place their friends in categories according to what, when and how they know them. When they see these individuals it turns into story time about grandkids, the weather and Dancing with the Stars!

Even though it was senior citizens day, I was still productive. Planned four meals for the week, which will last us all week with left overs and such.

Monday: Chicken Rice and Salad (just me, bryan is a work enjoying the left overs of our Hearty Beef Man Soup)
Tuesday: Pot Roast
Wednesday: Pot Roast left overs (Bryan at work again)
Thursday: Pillsbury Crescent squares Baked Chicken, Twice stuffed baked potatoes and green beans. I will also be making Yummie Bars for dessert. We are having the McCartneys over this night.
Friday or Saturday: Salsa chicken and rice...NEW RECIPE!

I have vowed to try at least one new recipe a week, until my recipe box is over flowing! I am excited about another week serving my family in the management of our home! I love it!

The Offer of Life or Death

"Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, 'Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?' Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, 'Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?' No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it."
Deuteronomy 30:11-14

"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice and hold fast to him."
Deuteronomy 30:19-20a.

This passage was written by Moses right before he died and handed the Israelites over to Joshua to bring them into the promise land. How frustrating must this have been for Moses. He was chosen by God to deliver a people to redemption who repeatedly doubted him. He heard specifically from God, spoke directly to him and was given special powers and wonders to help the Israelites see the power and promise of God. So right before Moses dies, after having God tell him he would not see the promise land himself, he still chooses to share the Gospel.

I think I would have the opposite reaction. I'd be super upset that I had followed God's commands and done everything he had asked and despite my best efforts these people continued to choose sin over belief; death over life. Why must I be judged and punished for the sins of my people?? Isnt this the same for Christ? Why must He be judged, condemned for the sins of His people?

Now, granted Moses was no Christ. He sinned and fell short, just like the rest of us, but all in the same, he was chosen by God to deliver a people from "death to life". Of course this story had to take place for us to see just how badly depraved we are. How much we need Christ, because even with blatant signs, wonders and rescues we still do not believe. That is a huge take away from this text, but not the main point I am focused on today.

I am focused on Moses' refusal to give up hope. To continually share the Gospel to his brothers and sisters, even after he was told and saw their rebellion and utter state of hopelessness. Why can't i have this same reaction? Why can't I face defeat and closed doors as yet another opportunity to share the Good News? Why can't I offer life or death? Because after all, it is coming and they must choose before its chosen for them.

Mady's Milestones

**Have no clue why this photo wont upload right side up, but oh well.**

What can little Miss Mady do at 10 weeks?

-Smiles...all the time. Especially in the mornings!
-Coo's and speaks "baby talk", also imitates our coo's to her.
-Started to discover her hands. She is rubbing her face more and touching more toys with them.
-She loves to look at a black and white picture of Bryan and I from our engagement photos. She stares at it until she falls asleep sometimes.
-She loves bold patterns, black and white and bright colors.
-She studies objects for long periods of time.
-She loves her swing, takes long naps in it daily.
-She sleeps on average 6 hrs stretches at night in her Miracle Blanket.
-She loves her daddy's voice. Listens to him intently.
-She is starting to love her bath. Kicks in it and enjoys the warmth.
-She has started to recognize Calvin and watches him move.
-She loves to be on her back kicking and working out tummy cramps.
-She hates tummy time!
-She likes her bouncy seat too...usually poops in it when we have it on vibrate!!
-She weighs about 10 lbs and is roughly 22 inches long!

She's a joy!

"Lets go Krogering, Lets go Krogering..."

As the song goes..

"You can always count on us!!"

I don't know why, but every time i do, "Go Krogering" the dang jingle is in my head! Great advertising!

Well...thats just what i did this morning. Went Krogering and had the time of my life, considering i havent been out of the house in three whole days! It was great. Kevin checked me out with a friendly smile. Had a touch of the OCD if you ask me...he was pulling those sleeves over his hands so that my brand new food didnt contaminate him. Larry was my bagger. Larry is an older man, the kind that you feel sorry for when you see them bagging your groceries. The kind that could fall over at any moment and you pray to God that it isnt your Tide detergent that does him in! Pamela was my "deli-girl" (is that politically correct?). She gave me half a pound of the ohh so delicious Boars Head lemon pepper chicken and a pound of the Salsalito Turkey for my love! That Salsalito is soooo good, you must try it. I ran into a friend at the deli counter too. Miss Kristen Groves. We exchanged friendly conversation and caught up for a bit. All in all it was a pleasant experience.

While at Kroger I made some realizations.

1. I like being a stay at home mom. I feel i shop at the Grocery store more efficiently. Why? You ask...well its because I'm here all day. I know what goes in and comes out of my kitchen. Where as before when i worked I ate at the food court all the time and cooked about once or twice (if i was lucky) a week. I rounded those isles with a pep in my step and a new sense of purpose. I knew exactly what we needed. There was no long stares and debates over if we needed Orange Juice, Milk or Chicken...there were bold movements and quick grabs as i completed our shopping in less than forty-five minutes.

This does not mean that I didnt have to go back and grab a few things i forgot to get as i entered the store at the produce section. I seem to always get inspired in the meat section with some lavish (yeah right, lavish) meal I want to prepare and enviably end up going back for more odds and ends to complete the meal. Today's inspiration: A Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup, a man soup for my man.

The second realization:

2. Its easier to plan meals being a stay at home mom too! I've already got this weeks menu complete.
Monday: Spaghetti
Tuesday: Hearty Beef Vegetable Man Soup
Wednesday: Left overs of either Spaghetti or Man Soup (Bryan works that night)
Thursday: BBQ Glazed Chicken breast, mashed potatoes and green beans
Friday: BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (depending on Chicken leftovers) or Pot Roast

Yum, Yum , YUM!

Christmas and New Years Pics

Kissing our baby under the tree!


Not happy about it!


New Years Party Time!


Daddy Love!