Today, from MLIA...
Today, my mom and I were shopping at Marshall's when she called me stupid. I said,"Your mom's stupid!" She responded,"YOUR mom's stupid!" I just smiled and said,"I know." Win. MLIA.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Anointed, Transformed, and Redeemed
The past few months, I have been involved in a Bible Study on Anointed, Transformed and Redeemed. This amazing study is on the life, the anointing, the sin, and the greatness of David, a man after God's own heart.
Toward the beginning of the study, one of the days of homework, the question was asked what journey we were on that we never thought we would have to travel. It was that night that I finally opened up to these ladies about our struggle to have a baby, because you see, this is a road that I never thought I would travel. Last night was our final session and we talked about the greatest impact that the study had had on our lives. And what I was able to share is simply this:
David was anointed by God at a young age - there were roads that he had to travel in order to become the great king that God ordained him to be. He sinned - he stumbled - he failed - but God was always faithful and His plan WAS perfect.
I think this had such an impact on me simply because I have gotten to the point where I remind myself daily that His plan is perfect...his timing is not my own.
I was emailing with Ashley the other day - she is the sister-in-law of a dear friend who has also gone through the battle of infertility, but now has two precious little boys. And I was explaining to Ashley in my email that the longer this battle goes on, the more and more frequent the "bad" days seems to come. At first, I would only get emotional and break down maybe once every 3-4 months...but now it almost seems as if its one every week. So I was worried that I was being ridiculous...but she assured me I wasn't...I was simply being a woman. I am to the point where I fully trust God's plan, but I just pray that he could make my life a movie and give me just a glimpse of the future...just let me push the fast-forward button so that I know what is to come and I can look forward to that day.
You see, in the past few months, I have struggled with wondering if my problems with infertility were punishment for past sins - I have been battling Satan on a daily basis with one. But then I remember David - he waited so long to king and all roads traveled to get to that point were so important. He sinned too! So maybe I am on this road for a reason far greater than I realize. Maybe God is opening door that I don't even know about...maybe its for a greater purpose.
Then today, I was reading Caroline's blog. I had the joy of going to DBU and actually having a few classes with Caroline and I must tell you that I have never met a young woman as true and faithful to the Lord than Caroline Hughes. Well today, she posted a video and it was of herself sharing some of the things that she had recently learned and by the end of the video I was in tears. You see, Caroline made one statement that struck my heart with such conviction - "What if my loss is all for glory's gain?" And this statement had me on my knees - and yes, while I was at work! But on my knees because she made me ask myself - if I could never be a mother but was chosen for something else, would I be ok with that? Would I be ok if God made me barren but gained glory from it?
If you have a moment, go watch Caroline's video here. I hope that your heart is spoken to just like mine was. What if your loss was glory's gain? Would you be okay with it?
And just for the record, I have an amazing husband who lets me have all the meltdowns I need to - who hold me and comforts me and lovingly reminds me that God's plan is better than ours. So my prayer today is simply that I will be still and wait on the Lord - I pray that He gains all the glory in whatever plan he has for me, for Brant, and our family.
I was emailing with Ashley the other day - she is the sister-in-law of a dear friend who has also gone through the battle of infertility, but now has two precious little boys. And I was explaining to Ashley in my email that the longer this battle goes on, the more and more frequent the "bad" days seems to come. At first, I would only get emotional and break down maybe once every 3-4 months...but now it almost seems as if its one every week. So I was worried that I was being ridiculous...but she assured me I wasn't...I was simply being a woman. I am to the point where I fully trust God's plan, but I just pray that he could make my life a movie and give me just a glimpse of the future...just let me push the fast-forward button so that I know what is to come and I can look forward to that day.
You see, in the past few months, I have struggled with wondering if my problems with infertility were punishment for past sins - I have been battling Satan on a daily basis with one. But then I remember David - he waited so long to king and all roads traveled to get to that point were so important. He sinned too! So maybe I am on this road for a reason far greater than I realize. Maybe God is opening door that I don't even know about...maybe its for a greater purpose.
Then today, I was reading Caroline's blog. I had the joy of going to DBU and actually having a few classes with Caroline and I must tell you that I have never met a young woman as true and faithful to the Lord than Caroline Hughes. Well today, she posted a video and it was of herself sharing some of the things that she had recently learned and by the end of the video I was in tears. You see, Caroline made one statement that struck my heart with such conviction - "What if my loss is all for glory's gain?" And this statement had me on my knees - and yes, while I was at work! But on my knees because she made me ask myself - if I could never be a mother but was chosen for something else, would I be ok with that? Would I be ok if God made me barren but gained glory from it?
If you have a moment, go watch Caroline's video here. I hope that your heart is spoken to just like mine was. What if your loss was glory's gain? Would you be okay with it?
And just for the record, I have an amazing husband who lets me have all the meltdowns I need to - who hold me and comforts me and lovingly reminds me that God's plan is better than ours. So my prayer today is simply that I will be still and wait on the Lord - I pray that He gains all the glory in whatever plan he has for me, for Brant, and our family.
Monday, April 19, 2010
ACMA's
So did you watch the American Country Music Awards last night? Well I didn't but I do love me some good ole' country music...and one of my favorite parts of award shows are the outfits. These thumbnail pics aren't the best, so click on the picture for a better view.
Then these guys - well they're just one of my favorite groups and I love the fact that they rock the red carpet!
Who was your favorite artist of the night?????
I must say that I love that fact that Carrie Underwood is 1) an amazing and talented artist, but 2) is a great dresser! I thought she looked gorgeous in this dress!!!
Then these guys - well they're just one of my favorite groups and I love the fact that they rock the red carpet!
And what did you think about Taylor's dress???
I love me some Sugarland, but I wasn't loving the HUGE pendant around Jennifer Nettles neck. What did you think?
And Faith, you have such a great figure...I think you could have done much better on the dress pick. This just seemed a bit...sloppy.
And what in the world was Gretchen Wilson wearing?
Who was your favorite artist of the night?????
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Hats
So, this weekend, I officially learned the difference in the "Aunt" hat that I constantly (and very proudly) wear, and the "Mom" hat that I cautiously just wore am wearing at least until tonight at 11 pm! You see, Sister and Michael have been on a lovely vacation for the past week, so I had the 4 kiddos this weekend. It's funny how different I was knowing that I was going to wake them up, feed them, bathe them, put them to bed...and everything in between.
On Saturday, I went to a baby shower for my dear friend Lindsey. Right before I left, Kristy asked me if I wanted to take a cupcake for each of the kids. The aunt in me wanted to grab the cupcakes and make the day for 4 smiling faces...the mom in me shouted "4 sugar rushes - absolutely not!" However, I did let them eat ice cream at 7:30 last night when bedtime is at 8!
But we have survived and actually had a great time doing so! Last night, Kate, Connor, Ethan and I had a dance party and literally ran around the house like crazy people! Mason and I rocked out to Guitar Hero on Saturday, then he got to kill his Uncle B in Halo and Call of Duty on Sunday! Although I am exhausted from getting up to get 4 kids ready and out the door for school, my heart has been so blessed being surrounded by the laughter for 4 happy babes. If nothing else, this weekend confirmed one thing: I am so ready to be a mom!
On Saturday, I went to a baby shower for my dear friend Lindsey. Right before I left, Kristy asked me if I wanted to take a cupcake for each of the kids. The aunt in me wanted to grab the cupcakes and make the day for 4 smiling faces...the mom in me shouted "4 sugar rushes - absolutely not!" However, I did let them eat ice cream at 7:30 last night when bedtime is at 8!
But we have survived and actually had a great time doing so! Last night, Kate, Connor, Ethan and I had a dance party and literally ran around the house like crazy people! Mason and I rocked out to Guitar Hero on Saturday, then he got to kill his Uncle B in Halo and Call of Duty on Sunday! Although I am exhausted from getting up to get 4 kids ready and out the door for school, my heart has been so blessed being surrounded by the laughter for 4 happy babes. If nothing else, this weekend confirmed one thing: I am so ready to be a mom!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
MILA Quote of the Day
Today's MILA (My Life is Average) great quote(s) of the day:
"I work at a laser tag center. Today I saw a girl shoot herself in the mirror. MLIA "
"Today at school, I was asked if I was asian. Being Japanese, naturally I said 'yes.' Immediately, someone behind me called out "Liar! You told me that you were Japanese! You can't be both!" It took me, and 2 other students and a teacher to convince her that Japan was a part of Asia. I go to a public school... MLIA "
"Today, I asked my 4 year old cousin what he wanted to be when he grew up. A fireman? A doctor? A police man? Nope. "Sexy". MLIA "
"My friend told me a story about her cousin who worked in an ER. She saw a name on the list spelled La-a. Confused by this she tryed sayind "Laa aa" or "Laya" but no one answered. Finally a woman exclaimed "Oh you mean me!" turns out the dash isnt silent. Her name is pronounced Ladasha. MLIA. "
These crack me up!!!!!
"I work at a laser tag center. Today I saw a girl shoot herself in the mirror. MLIA "
"Today at school, I was asked if I was asian. Being Japanese, naturally I said 'yes.' Immediately, someone behind me called out "Liar! You told me that you were Japanese! You can't be both!" It took me, and 2 other students and a teacher to convince her that Japan was a part of Asia. I go to a public school... MLIA "
"Today, I asked my 4 year old cousin what he wanted to be when he grew up. A fireman? A doctor? A police man? Nope. "Sexy". MLIA "
"My friend told me a story about her cousin who worked in an ER. She saw a name on the list spelled La-a. Confused by this she tryed sayind "Laa aa" or "Laya" but no one answered. Finally a woman exclaimed "Oh you mean me!" turns out the dash isnt silent. Her name is pronounced Ladasha. MLIA. "
These crack me up!!!!!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
New Recipes!
Well, here on Good Friday, I woke up with a horrible headache, so I called in sick today! So what better use of my time, than to update with some of the new recipes I've tried out! Right now, I am doing Weight Watchers with several of the ladies in my office. Only 2 weeks in and I have lost 4.8lbs! So, I have included the nutrition facts, as well as the Weight Watchers points, for each recipe.
This was a great recipe that is perfect for left over vegetables or rice! I have some steamed broccoli and carrots left over from a few days ago, so I was able to just throw them in! I also added some fresh mushrooms. Just an FYI - the recipe calls for your rice and chicken to be cooked - so plan accordingly.
First, in a small bowl, combine:
1/4 cup of less-sodium soy sauce
1 TBSP dark brown sugar
1 TBSP dark sesame oil (I just used EVOO)
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (I used just a bit more)
Then, in a wok or large skillet, heat 2 TBSP of EVOO. Then add:
2 cups diced bell pepper (I used red and yellow)
1 Diced small onion
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion.
Stir-fry for about 3 minutes, or until tender. Then add:
2 TBSP minced, peeled ginger
2 large garlic cloves, minced (I just used 1 TBSP minced garlic).
Stir-fry for about 1 minute. Then add:
4 cups cooked brown rice
1 lb of diced, cooked chicken
1 (8 oz.) can of water chestnuts, drained.
Stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
Add soy sauce mixture and cook for 2 more minutes, tossing gently to coat.
Note: The original recipe calls for 1/3 cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts as a topping. Because of Weight Watchers, I decided to forgo the peanuts. So, below are the nutrition facts WITH peanuts:
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 482; Fat: 14g; Protein: 26.3g; Carb. 61.8g; Fiber 6.9g
WW points: 9pts per serving
(Again, if you deduct the peanuts, your only having 8 WW points)
Skillet Fish in Caper Sauce
(from Southern Living: Easy Weeknight Favorites Cookbook)
This was DELICIOUS and easy!!!!!
Cook 1 medium onion, chopped in a large skillet for about 5 minutes, or until tender.
Add 2 (14.oz) Cans for Italian stewed tomatoes, undrained!
Add 2 TBSP chopped capers; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Stir thoroughly; remove from skillet and set to the side.
Add fish fillets (I did 4 fillets) to skillet - top with mixture. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes easily. Serve with spatula so fish won't tear.
Brant and I both LOVED these - Brant has actually requested that I make them again!!!
Original Recipe:
In a large bowl, combine the following:
2 TBSP (organic or light) mayonnaise
1 TSBP fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
2 (6 oz.) packages of skinless, boneless pink salmon
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
Stir ingredients well, then shape into small, round patties.
Heat 1 TBSP oil in skillet over medium heat. Add patties; cook 5 minutes on each side, or until brown.
For the sauce, combine:
4 TBSP mayonnaise
3 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 TBSP fresh parsley
1 tsp chopped capers
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/8 tsp salt
Nutrition Facts:
Cal. 305; Fat 19.3g; Protein 18.8g; Carb 12.6g; Fiber 1g; WW points - 8
(serving size is 2, 3oz patties)
NOTE: To lower the weight watchers point, I substituted the large egg and instead, used 2 egg whites. I also did not cook them in oil, but simply used Pam to coat the skillet. This reduces the points to approximately 7 points.
Hope you enjoy!!!!
Spicy Chicken Fried Rice
(From Cooking Light, March 2010 ed.)
(From Cooking Light, March 2010 ed.)
This was a great recipe that is perfect for left over vegetables or rice! I have some steamed broccoli and carrots left over from a few days ago, so I was able to just throw them in! I also added some fresh mushrooms. Just an FYI - the recipe calls for your rice and chicken to be cooked - so plan accordingly. First, in a small bowl, combine:
1/4 cup of less-sodium soy sauce
1 TBSP dark brown sugar
1 TBSP dark sesame oil (I just used EVOO)
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (I used just a bit more)
Then, in a wok or large skillet, heat 2 TBSP of EVOO. Then add:
2 cups diced bell pepper (I used red and yellow)
1 Diced small onion
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion.
Stir-fry for about 3 minutes, or until tender. Then add:
2 TBSP minced, peeled ginger
2 large garlic cloves, minced (I just used 1 TBSP minced garlic).
Stir-fry for about 1 minute. Then add:
4 cups cooked brown rice
1 lb of diced, cooked chicken
1 (8 oz.) can of water chestnuts, drained.
Stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
Add soy sauce mixture and cook for 2 more minutes, tossing gently to coat.
Note: The original recipe calls for 1/3 cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts as a topping. Because of Weight Watchers, I decided to forgo the peanuts. So, below are the nutrition facts WITH peanuts:
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 482; Fat: 14g; Protein: 26.3g; Carb. 61.8g; Fiber 6.9g
WW points: 9pts per serving
(Again, if you deduct the peanuts, your only having 8 WW points)
Skillet Fish in Caper Sauce
(from Southern Living: Easy Weeknight Favorites Cookbook)
This was DELICIOUS and easy!!!!!Cook 1 medium onion, chopped in a large skillet for about 5 minutes, or until tender.
Add 2 (14.oz) Cans for Italian stewed tomatoes, undrained!
Add 2 TBSP chopped capers; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Stir thoroughly; remove from skillet and set to the side.
Add fish fillets (I did 4 fillets) to skillet - top with mixture. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes easily. Serve with spatula so fish won't tear.
Nutrition Facts:
Cal. 187; Fat 4.6g; Carbs 14.2g; Protein 23g; Fiber 3.2g; Sugar 9.8g
WW points: 4 points per serving
Salmon Croquettes
(from Cooking Light: January 2010 ed. - click here)
Cal. 187; Fat 4.6g; Carbs 14.2g; Protein 23g; Fiber 3.2g; Sugar 9.8g
WW points: 4 points per serving
Salmon Croquettes
(from Cooking Light: January 2010 ed. - click here)
Brant and I both LOVED these - Brant has actually requested that I make them again!!! Original Recipe:
In a large bowl, combine the following:
2 TBSP (organic or light) mayonnaise
1 TSBP fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
2 (6 oz.) packages of skinless, boneless pink salmon
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
Stir ingredients well, then shape into small, round patties.
Heat 1 TBSP oil in skillet over medium heat. Add patties; cook 5 minutes on each side, or until brown.
For the sauce, combine:
4 TBSP mayonnaise
3 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 TBSP fresh parsley
1 tsp chopped capers
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/8 tsp salt
Nutrition Facts:
Cal. 305; Fat 19.3g; Protein 18.8g; Carb 12.6g; Fiber 1g; WW points - 8
(serving size is 2, 3oz patties)
NOTE: To lower the weight watchers point, I substituted the large egg and instead, used 2 egg whites. I also did not cook them in oil, but simply used Pam to coat the skillet. This reduces the points to approximately 7 points.
Hope you enjoy!!!!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
New Blog Designs
I know - I have been a really bad blogger and I never uploaded new recipes when I promised I would. But I have been busy!!!!!!
On March 21st, I hosted (yes I - no one else) a bridal shower for my dear friend Melissa. But since all the guests live almost an hour north of me, my SIL was generous enough to allow me to host it at her home in Plano. Although it was fabulous to have it there, it was a pain getting everything packed up! I had to get the food, the flowers, the drinks, the serving pieces, the plates, napkins, the gift...you name it - I had to pack it!
Then last weekend we had a Sunday School garage sale to benefit the Mansfield Young Life summer camp! Praise the Lord we made our goal of $2000 to help send kids to camp. After the garage sale, Ethan came to play at Grabbie's house while everyone else was at the school for Spring Fling.
Life is just simply crazy right now with baseball, but there is an end in sight...and Monday is opening day of the Texas Rangers and it is tradition that we go....all 100 or so of us!!!! Literally, tickets were bought in September for this day - it is one of those events that people plan their schedules around. We will literally start tailgating by 10 am! This is a great day filled with friends and fellowship! Last year was the first year that I had not been since Brant and I started dating (its his tradition) because I had to work...but this year I made SURE I had the day off! I am really looking forward to it!
But, I leave you with a few new designs I have completed recently! Thanks to everyone who took advantage of the Spring Break Special! I had a great time designing for you!!!!
On March 21st, I hosted (yes I - no one else) a bridal shower for my dear friend Melissa. But since all the guests live almost an hour north of me, my SIL was generous enough to allow me to host it at her home in Plano. Although it was fabulous to have it there, it was a pain getting everything packed up! I had to get the food, the flowers, the drinks, the serving pieces, the plates, napkins, the gift...you name it - I had to pack it!
Then last weekend we had a Sunday School garage sale to benefit the Mansfield Young Life summer camp! Praise the Lord we made our goal of $2000 to help send kids to camp. After the garage sale, Ethan came to play at Grabbie's house while everyone else was at the school for Spring Fling.
Life is just simply crazy right now with baseball, but there is an end in sight...and Monday is opening day of the Texas Rangers and it is tradition that we go....all 100 or so of us!!!! Literally, tickets were bought in September for this day - it is one of those events that people plan their schedules around. We will literally start tailgating by 10 am! This is a great day filled with friends and fellowship! Last year was the first year that I had not been since Brant and I started dating (its his tradition) because I had to work...but this year I made SURE I had the day off! I am really looking forward to it!
But, I leave you with a few new designs I have completed recently! Thanks to everyone who took advantage of the Spring Break Special! I had a great time designing for you!!!!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Spring Break Special
I'm posting for the first time in over a month - please don't fall out of your chairs! HA!
But in all seriousness, I have just been busy! Work, Brant and baseball, watching sister's kids, planning vacations, planning baby showers, planning wedding showers, preparing for the wedding I'm in coming in June, spending good quality time with friends, working out and losing weight, preparing for Bible study, creating blog designs and cards...and so much more! Yes, life has been hectic, but it has also been good.
My cooking has slacked a bit mainly because baseball season at DBU started, meaning I am pretty much a widow for most of the spring. Brant is usually gone 2-3 nights during the week, then usually all day on Saturdays. And when I say "all day" - the man is out of the house by 7 am and gets home around 9 pm! But I do try to go to the games, even if it is just taking him lunch! However, I do still have a few recipes to post for you - watch for them coming soon (and by soon, I mean within a week...not a month).
But for the fun news, Great Grabbie Designs is having a Spring Break Special. From now until March 20th, blog designs are the following:
But in all seriousness, I have just been busy! Work, Brant and baseball, watching sister's kids, planning vacations, planning baby showers, planning wedding showers, preparing for the wedding I'm in coming in June, spending good quality time with friends, working out and losing weight, preparing for Bible study, creating blog designs and cards...and so much more! Yes, life has been hectic, but it has also been good.
My cooking has slacked a bit mainly because baseball season at DBU started, meaning I am pretty much a widow for most of the spring. Brant is usually gone 2-3 nights during the week, then usually all day on Saturdays. And when I say "all day" - the man is out of the house by 7 am and gets home around 9 pm! But I do try to go to the games, even if it is just taking him lunch! However, I do still have a few recipes to post for you - watch for them coming soon (and by soon, I mean within a week...not a month).
But for the fun news, Great Grabbie Designs is having a Spring Break Special. From now until March 20th, blog designs are the following:Basic Blog Design - $10
Deluxe Blog Design - $15
Professional Blog Design - $25
Deluxe Blog Design - $15
Professional Blog Design - $25
If you're interested in a new blog design, simply email me at greatgrabbiedesigns (at) yahoo (dot) com, or you can visit my design site here.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Another Year Older
So I was just looking at my blog reading the "about me" section and saw that I was "a 27 year old paralegal". I was so thrilled until I remembered that I was no longer 27, I am 28! But 28 is like the new 21, right? No, not so much! I am getting up THERE!
So I began to think about what I done in my grand 28 years of life, but when you put it all together, there is still much to accomplish! But regardless of what I have or haven't done in my 28 years, there are events that have changed me and made me who I am today.
What events have changed you?
So I began to think about what I done in my grand 28 years of life, but when you put it all together, there is still much to accomplish! But regardless of what I have or haven't done in my 28 years, there are events that have changed me and made me who I am today.
- Accepting the Lord as my Savior at a young age and learning to love Him more each and every day.
- Going to the Orphanage Emmanuel in Guiamaca, Honduras for 2 months after college. Working with, caring for and loving 200+ children was exhausting, but yet the more rewarding time of my life, thus far!
- Marrying the love of my life in 2007 made me realize that I am not perfect and he is not perfect, but that God truly made us perfect for each other.
- Experiencing and battling infertility for over a year - this has made me rely so heavily on the Lord knowing that everything truly is in his hands. This has given me such a tender heart for women struggling with infertility and for mothers who have lost children.
- Meeting the Mitchells - the couple I met on a plane home to Texas from San Diego who had just found out their son had been shot, and later found out had died once we landed. God really does have a purpose in everything...even who we sit by on planes.
What events have changed you?
Friday, January 22, 2010
Tips on Being a Good Parent...
DON'T DO THIS!!!!!
Couple robs East Dallas bank with infant in getaway car, police say
02:58 PM CST on Thursday, January 21, 2010
A couple robbed a Comerica Bank this week with an infant in the back seat of their getaway car, Dallas police said.
About 2 p.m. Tuesday, Inequa Rushing went into the bank along Interstate 30 near East Grand Avenue while Waylon McDonald waited outside, police said. She gave the teller a note stating she had a gun and demanded cash, police said, and the teller put the money in her purse along with a dye pack.
As the couple left the bank, the dye pack exploded and McDonald threw it out of the car window, police said. Officers found it with Rushing's ID and address inside, Dallas police Senior Cpl. Janice Crowther said.
U.S. marshals arrested Rushing, 23, and McDonald, 32, about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at their home on the 2300 block of Hatcher Street, officials said. They are being held without bail at the Mansfield Jail on aggravated robbery charges.
The child, who is about 3 months old, was placed in the custody of a grandmother.
"The witnesses said the baby appeared ill," Crowther said. "It was a premature child."
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Delicious-ness!!!
I know I have been writing a lot about our fabulous meals, so I thought I would provide you a few mouth-watering pictures ...and of course the corresponding recipes!
This was our dinner tonight - Roasted Chicken and Balsamic Peppers. I got this recipe from Cooking Light and you print it out right here. This is definitely on of my new favorites! I fixed some garlic mashed new potatoes to go with it and it was the perfect match!
This is the delicious green apple salsa that I told you about here. I made it on Sunday and enjoyed with just a few chips.
Then last night, we covered our grilled salmon with it. It was a great meal with our baked asparagus.
Here is the recipe for the salsa:
3 plum tomatoes - chopped
1 cup Granny Smith apples - chopped
1/2 cup cucumber - chopped
1/2 cup corn kernels - chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper - chopped
1/4 cup green onions - chopped (I actually used about 1/2 a cup because I love green onion)
1.5 tbsp of fresh lime juice (equals about 2 small limes worth)
2.5 tbsp of fresh cilantro - chopped
1 tbsp of jalapeno - seeded and chopped
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1.5 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Simply combine all ingredients and serve at room temperature, or chilled. I personally added about 1 tsp of garlic just to give it a bit more flavor. Next time I make it, I will probably add more jalapeno only because I would like it a bit more spicy. I think this is a great recipe just the way it is, but it is also a great recipe to add your own touch to!
Well I hope you try these out! I promise it is worth it! Oh, and just in case you are watching you calories, then you might want to know that 2 tbsp of the green apple salsa is only 24 calories. The Roasted Chicken and Balsamic peppers is 282 calories per serving.
This was our dinner tonight - Roasted Chicken and Balsamic Peppers. I got this recipe from Cooking Light and you print it out right here. This is definitely on of my new favorites! I fixed some garlic mashed new potatoes to go with it and it was the perfect match!
This is the delicious green apple salsa that I told you about here. I made it on Sunday and enjoyed with just a few chips.
Then last night, we covered our grilled salmon with it. It was a great meal with our baked asparagus.
Here is the recipe for the salsa:
3 plum tomatoes - chopped
1 cup Granny Smith apples - chopped
1/2 cup cucumber - chopped
1/2 cup corn kernels - chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper - chopped
1/4 cup green onions - chopped (I actually used about 1/2 a cup because I love green onion)
1.5 tbsp of fresh lime juice (equals about 2 small limes worth)
2.5 tbsp of fresh cilantro - chopped
1 tbsp of jalapeno - seeded and chopped
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1.5 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Simply combine all ingredients and serve at room temperature, or chilled. I personally added about 1 tsp of garlic just to give it a bit more flavor. Next time I make it, I will probably add more jalapeno only because I would like it a bit more spicy. I think this is a great recipe just the way it is, but it is also a great recipe to add your own touch to!
Well I hope you try these out! I promise it is worth it! Oh, and just in case you are watching you calories, then you might want to know that 2 tbsp of the green apple salsa is only 24 calories. The Roasted Chicken and Balsamic peppers is 282 calories per serving.
Monday, January 18, 2010
New Meals
Well I did it! WE have had two completely new meals and really enjoyed both of them! And actually, we have something new on the menu EVERY night this week! I'm going to be Betty Crocker before my husband knows it!
Last Thursday we had our first new meal. We had Orange Ginger Tilapia with caramelized Brussels Sprouts tossed with Bacon and Cranberries. Brant was not very happy when I told him I was cooking Brussels sprouts, but caramelizing them with the cranberries gave them a sweet flavor and he really like that taste of them.
On Thursday, I was actually home all day because I pulled a muscle in my back, so I was literally in bed almost ALL day. So what did I do...watched the Food Network! Now, I must be honest - I have never really cared for Rachel Ray...I mean, I like her dishes, but the recipes in her cook books have always seemed a little difficult, time consuming, and use unusual items that are not in my pantry. But my opinion officially changed on Thursday! So last night, I made on of Rachel Ray's recipes for Herb Chicken Cutlets (link below) and we have spaghetti squash with marinara sauce. This was fabulous!
Last Thursday we had our first new meal. We had Orange Ginger Tilapia with caramelized Brussels Sprouts tossed with Bacon and Cranberries. Brant was not very happy when I told him I was cooking Brussels sprouts, but caramelizing them with the cranberries gave them a sweet flavor and he really like that taste of them.
On Thursday, I was actually home all day because I pulled a muscle in my back, so I was literally in bed almost ALL day. So what did I do...watched the Food Network! Now, I must be honest - I have never really cared for Rachel Ray...I mean, I like her dishes, but the recipes in her cook books have always seemed a little difficult, time consuming, and use unusual items that are not in my pantry. But my opinion officially changed on Thursday! So last night, I made on of Rachel Ray's recipes for Herb Chicken Cutlets (link below) and we have spaghetti squash with marinara sauce. This was fabulous!
Herb Chicken Cutlets
This weeks menu is:
Tonight - grilled salmon with green apple salsa and grilled asparagus. (I made the salsa yesterday since I knew it would chill well and so like any good cook I tasted it.....it is FABULOUS!) I can't wait for dinner tonight.
Tuesday - Balsamic Chicken with roasted peppers
Wednesday - Italian Meatloaf with roasted new potatoes.
Thursday - I have Bunco - so Brant gets to have leftover!
Friday - Shrimp Pomodoro
Saturday - Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Honey Mustard Glaze and Garden sautee
Tonight - grilled salmon with green apple salsa and grilled asparagus. (I made the salsa yesterday since I knew it would chill well and so like any good cook I tasted it.....it is FABULOUS!) I can't wait for dinner tonight.
Tuesday - Balsamic Chicken with roasted peppers
Wednesday - Italian Meatloaf with roasted new potatoes.
Thursday - I have Bunco - so Brant gets to have leftover!
Friday - Shrimp Pomodoro
Saturday - Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Honey Mustard Glaze and Garden sautee
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Julie and Julia
Have you see it yet???? It was a FABULOUS movie, in my not-so-expert opinion! Yes, the movie was great, but even more fantastic than that was the fact that I was so motivated by it!
Here's the thing...I would love to say that I am a good cook, but I have a feeling that my husband would disagree. Now I don't think that he would call me a bad cook, but I do tend to cook the same things over and over...until last week, the only fish I had ever cooked was salmon!
So this movie TOTALLY inspired me to get into the kitchen and make something NEW! If you haven't seen it - go get it - especially if you enjoy cooking!!!!!!! So since I am so inspired I now have this longing to cook...but no, I am not going to do a Ashley/Famous Cook project because I DO NOT have the time for that, but what I am going to do is make a point to cook a full NEW MEAL at least once a week. By NEW I mean something that I have never made before.
So, in my preparation for this weeks meal, I have been reading articles online and finding some fun recipes....and I was THRILLED when I came across this link completely by chance: The Original Julie/Julia Project Blog!!!!! (caution: expletives used).
So yes, each week I will post about our NEW meal and let you know how it goes...now I just have to decide what this weeks meal is going to be! Any suggestions???????
Monday, January 11, 2010
Back to School
Yep - that is exactly where my husband is going..back to school at Penn State University!!! Brant was accepted to Penn State's online degree program last week and begins his new classes next week! He is going to back to school for a Bachelor of Science degree in Turfgrass Science. I am so proud of him!!!!!