My Girl

I may be biased, BUT isn't this the sweetest little thing you ever seen? 

 This little smile can ALWAYS brighten my day!

Redeemed

Sin.

Its a word I hate.

But its something that I do daily.

Its a battle.  A DAILY battle.

A battle that I try to fight on my own.

But its a fight that has already been fought FOR me.

And the fight was WON!  Oh Praise GOD He has set me FREE!   

This song has touched my heart in ways that cannot be explained in words.  It is a reminder to me that I REDEEMED.  My Father has already set me FREE!  I can shake of the shackles of sin and I can LIVE.  When I hear this song, I give in and let the tears stream down my face as I echo the line: 

Then You look at this prisoner and say to me 
"son stop fighting a fight it's already been won"
 I am redeemed, You set me free

Oh, I am so unworthy of His grace, but He gave it.  He fought my fight, and set me FREE. 

Big Daddy Weave - "Redeemed"

 Seems like all I could see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me "son
Stop fighting a fight it's already been won"
I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be
I am redeemed, I'm redeemed
All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head"
I remember, oh God, You're not done with me yet

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be

Because I don't have to be the old man inside of me
'Cause his day is long dead and gone
Because I've got a new name, a new life, I'm not the same
And a hope that will carry me home

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, 'cause I'm not who I used to be

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe every stain, yeah, I'm not who I used to be
Oh, God, I'm not who I used to be
Jesus, I'm not who I used to be
'Cause I am redeemed
Thank God, redeemed

Menu Monday

Ugh, its Monday again and I already miss the weekend.  I miss being at home with my sweet, sassy, silly little girl.  But, its Monday no matter what I do, so let's get this week started by figuring out what we'll eat this week.

Monday:
Grilled Shrimp & twice baked potatoes (purchased pre-made from our deli).  
Our grocery store was having a big sale on seafood yesterday, so I was able to get a pound of large, fresh gulf shrimp for only $5.99/lbs. So I grabbed some and stuck it on the menu.  Here is my recipe for grilled shrimp:

Peel and devein.  Melt about 2-3 TSBP of margarine or butter in a bowl.  Add in about 1 TSBP of Tony Chacheres Creole seasoning.  Put the shrimp into the butter & let sit for about 2-3 minutes (make sure they are all covered in the butter - add more melted butter if you need to).  Put them on skewers and grill on the lowest setting possible for about 4 minutes on each side.  Before serving, sprinkle with fresh lemon juice.  Super easy & super delicious!

Tuesday:
Shredded chicken quesadilas. 

Wednesday:
Breakfast for Dinner:  Ham, onion & cheese omelet. 

Thursday:
Hot Dogs (real healthy, I know but we need something quick before daddy's softball game).

Friday:
Grilled salmon with greek seasoning and Cesar salad.

Again - super easy and super delicious.  My way - just generously sprinkle your salmon with greek seasoning.  Thinly slice a lemon and put on top of each salmon patty.  Light your grill and put on low heat. Put the salmon on the top shelf of the grill - so not on direct heat.  Close & let it cook for about 15 minutes or until nice & flaky.  Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice before serving. 


Saturday:
Roasted Chicken Alfredo with a side of steamed broccoli

What do you do with...Leftovers?

Two of my favorite things in life are my crockpot and saving money.  I LOVE my crockpot, y'all.  I would cook in it every night if I could.  There is something great and fabulous about throwing everything in before I leave for the day, then opening that front door at 5:00 and my house being filled with the aroma of a hot meal ready to be devoured. 

And saving money - well that is just an art form.  And no, I have not mastered it yet, I am just a mere bystander watching in awe and dabbling in the creative money-saving when  I can.  But one place I find that I can save money is at the grocery store.  I love going to the meat section and finding the "Manager's Special" packages that need to be either cooked or frozen within a day or two - they are always super cheap.  The problem is that it is typically a huge hunk-o-meat that I have no idea what to do with, but I buy it anyway.

My typical solution to the problem is...my crockpot!  Its the perfect method for cooking my hunk-o-meat, but I always end up having tons of leftovers.  So, I have been using my culinary creativeness to discover new uses for my leftovers! So, here are 3 super quick and easy recipes you can make with your leftovers...make them with beef, pork, or even chicken!

Last night's leftover recipe:  Crockpot BBQ Baked Potatoes

 Y'all, these were so delicious!!!! I had cooked a huge porkloin in my crockpot a few nights ago and had so much left over.  So yesterday I put some big potatoes in my crockpot before I left for work.  When I came home, I put some of the pork in pan, threw in some barbeque sauce, and let the flavors marry by cooking on low for about 20 minutes.  Then open your potato, add some butter (if you desire), put in your bbq, shredded cheese, onion, then top with a dollop of sour cream - DELICIOUS!

(And yes, the crockpot is my preferred cooking method for baked potatoes!!!  How to do it, wash your potatoes, drizzle a little EVOO on the skin, sprinkle with salt and wrap with foil.  Put the potatoes in the crockpot, cover and bake on low for 6-7 hours.  They will be so soft and cooked all the way through  no matter if your cooking 10 or 2.  It really is fabulous!)

Next, make BBQ Sandwiches. 

So simple and so delicious!  Same as above, just put your left over meat in a pan and toss in your barbeque sauce.  Let the flavors marry by cooking on low for 20 minutes, then full your buns!  I like pickle and onion on my BBQ sandwiches, but you feel free to make it any way you like!  If you are feeding a lot of people, you can always put your meat in the crockpot with the sauce and let it cook on low for about 3-4 hours. 

Feeling some good ole' mexican food?  Make some "street" tacos or quesadilas.  All you need is tortillas, cheese, and your desired "fixin's".  Take your meat and toss in some fajita seasoning.  Let it simmer on low for 15 minutes, then add it to your tortillas.  Top it with your favorite fixin's. 

Super easy and I promise you that each one is super delicious!  What are your favorite leftover recipes?  I'm always looking for new ones!!!

She's A Happy Girl

Can you believe this happy little girl is already 16 months old?  I certainly can't.  She is just the sweetest, happiest, but sassiest, little spit-fire I know! I just love her! Some of her favorite things are puppies, her cousins, her baby doll LuLu, being outside, and food (yes, this child LOVES to eat).  She is so much fun to be around, and certainly keeps us on our toes.

(DISCLAIMER:  Please pardon all of the blurry photos - babies in action are hard to capture! )

On Saturday, we had our first Chuck E Cheese outing to celebrate Cousins Aeson's 6th birthday.  Em had so much fun.  Her favorite was the monster truck (although she thought it was more safe to sit on the floor instead of the seat). She wanted to ride this over and over and over!

She just happy playing and exploring everything she could.

We had so much fun celebrating.  These two love each other so much! 

Summer Fun List Update

Well, the summer isn't over yet, but I just thought I would give you a quick update on what we have accomplished from our "Summer Fun" List. 

Here is our original list:

• Pick Berries at Gnismer Farms
• Go to Hawaiian Falls
• Spend a day on the lake 
• Wagon ride through Rose Memorial Park
• Go to a petting zoo
• Blow bubbles 
• Take Dax to the park
• Fly a kite
• Have a picnic
• Plant an herb garden
• Read books
• Feed ducks at the park
• Go see 4th of July fireworks
• Fingerpaint
• Plant a flower
• Dallas World Aquarium
• Make cookies
• Play in the rain

Although we haven't done a lot, we have done a few things and certainly had a ton of fun!

We have definitely spent our fair share of time at Hawaiian Fall.  Emmalee LOVES the water and loves to be outside, so Hawaiian Falls is a great place for us.  

We've also spent some time at the lake, and will spend quite a more this weekend.  With Granda and Grandad living on the lake and having a boat, we always have the chance to go to the lake.  This weekend we'll be spending some relaxing days on Lake Whitney at the White Bluff Resort.  I can't wait to leave. 

Sometimes I look back at this list and laugh because it seems like we read books on a nightly basis.  Emmalee LOVES her books, whether she is sitting in your lap, or reading herself.  She definitely gets this from her momma! 

On the 3rd of July we went and saw the fireworks in our little town of Mansfield.  It was great.  Brant's family came, and my sister met us out there with a few of her kiddos.  With colors filling the skies, a slight breeze and lots of friends and family, its was a GREAT evening.

And of course, I was the mom that let her child play in the rain.  You can see my post about it here.

What have you crossed off your "Summer Fun" List?

Five Fabulous Years

Last Friday, July 20, Brant and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary.  I still can't believe that its been 5 years since we said "I do."

I remember that day like it was yesterday.  I remember saying my vows and thinking that there was no way my life could get any better - but I was wrong.  Life has gotten better and I am blessed every day to be married to this man.

To add a twist to our day of matrimony, it was also the best-man's (Brant's best friend, Ryan) birthday.  So as we celebrated 5 years of marriage, Ryan was celebrating 30  years of life!  So we spent Friday night with some of our favorite people celebrating Ryan. 

Me and Melissa

Definitely the more the merrier!

Brant is one incredible golfer - and I'm not being biased here - he really is!!!

The men thought they needed to teach the women how to swing a club.

Happy Anniversary Love!! 

Its been an incredible 5 years and I can't wait to spend the next 50 years with you by my side!

Menu Monday

Yesterday we got a call from Brant's sister and her AC unit at her house went out, so she asked if she could come stay for a few days.  Well of course we were happy to have her and Emmalee was thrilled to spend special time with her "Special K" (Kristie).  When she asked if she could come, she said she would make dinner for everyone tonight - and since I work outside the home - I would be a fool not to accept the offer!

So, the week starts out with a guest-cook making a fabulous chicken spaghetti.

Tuesday night, I'm making one of my all-time favorites from Rachel Ray - Chicken & Peaches.  I know I've posted the recipe before, but here it is again.  This is one of my most favorite recipes - absolutely delicious - especially this time of year when the peaches are in season.



Wednesday - Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff.  I have never made this recipe before, but I am so excited about it.  Talk about comfort food at its finest - especially with some delicious green beans and fresh green salad!

Thursday  - Baked Salmon with vegetable medley.  This is so easy - I just take my salmon fillets and put on a foil-lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with EVOO, salt, pepper, then the juice of a lemon.  Bake at a low temp (around 275 or 300) for 15 minutes.

Friday - as usual - its pizza night!

As I've told y'all before, I usually don't plan our meals for the weekend just because you never know what we'll be up to, but I decided yesterday that I need to start cooking more for Sunday lunch.  Its very common for us to go out after church, but Sundays are so hard on Emmalee because she doesn't get her morning nap.  She usually falls asleep before we even leave the church parking lot.  SO going out to lunch is not always a great idea because she is so exhausted that she doesn't eat much and throws a fit.  So I told B yesterday that I think its best if we begin having Sunday lunch at home.

So Sunday - Spaghetti and meatballs with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.

What are y'all havin' this week?  

Growing Girl

Well Emmalee Caroline turned 15 months old on Sunday.  I still can't wrap  my mind around the fact that she is getting so big and INDEPENDENT!!

On Monday we had our 15-month well check with our favorite pediatrician, Dr. Hull.  

Dr. Hull said Emmalee was "perfect".  She weighs 21lbs 12oz and is 32.5" long.  She is still in the 30% for weight and 95% for height - literally the same since she was 6 months old!  She is wearing 12 months clothes but an occasional 18 month for length, and is still in size 3 diapers.  Our appointment was great, but ended with 2 shots, so what's a mom to do?  Get her baby a CFA milkshake!!!

YUM!!!  Milkshakes always make it better!

She really has an outstanding vocabulary.  "Dax" is still one of her favorite words, as well as "bite please", "more", "mommy", and "daddy".  She also mastered saying "thank you", "bananas", "go to bed", "bath", "outside", "puppy", "cat", "book", and quite a few more.  I love seeing her learn new words, except when she picked up the work "suck" after she heard her daddy say something "sucks" the other night - oops! PARENTING FAIL!

Em is also doing great on her motor skills and development - Dr. Hull says she is right on track!  I love seeing her do new things and watching her "discover" this great big, fascinating world we live in.  She loves to play outside and pick up the grass, sticks, leaves, and dirt (yes, she is definitely her father's child).  She loves to chase after Dax and love on him.  She got a bubble-gun for her birthday and loves to blow bubbles.  Wagon rides are certainly a favorite, as well any other outside activity.  Em will RUN toward water - the pool, the lake, the bath - she loves it! 

Em is still a great eater, although bananas, grapes, watermelon, carrots and cheese (especially mac'n'cheese) are her favorites.  She's not a huge meat eater, but I still try to get her some protein every day.  She might already love her some CFA sweet tea - oops again.

She's also a great sleeper.  She usually has 2 naps during the day, then goes to bed between 8 and 8:30 and sleeps until 6:30 (or 7 - 7:30 on the weekends).  She's also really easy to put to sleep - just ask her if she is ready to go to bed.  If she's ready, then she'll walk to her room and ask to get in her bed.  If not, she'll tell you "no" then ask her again in 10 minutes.

I still can't believe my little girl is growing up so fast.  She is so independent and I fell like I never get to just hold her and cuddle her anymore.  So the other night she fell asleep on the home from a friend's birthday party, so when I went to lay her down I could help but just hold her awhile.  I kept her in my arms and sat down in her rocking chair and I just held my sweet baby girl.  It was a moment of pure bliss for me. 

Well happy 15 month-birthday baby girl.  Your momma and daddy still love you more and more each day.  You bring a smile to our faces and joy to our hearts every moment.  We are so blessed and honored to be your parents.

Playin' in the Rain

On Sunday afternoon we got a light shower of rain - more of a heavy sprinkle.  Emmalee was dying to go outside, so I thought I would go stand outside under the patio with her so she could see the rain.  Well, of course she wanted down, so I let her get down.  She had a blast!  

She is definitely her father's daughter - she loves discovering grass, and leaves, and all kind of nature!

I even let her play in the mud!

"Washing" her hands.

Why do children always put stuff in their mouth???

This face says it all! She LOVED playing in the rain!

Lil' Firecracker

Well I was debating on even writing about our Fourth because it was completely uneventful..WE STAYED HOME!  But we did have a patriotic service Sunday morning, so Em was our Lil' Firecracker!

If there is one thing this child loves about going to church on Sunday morning, its the donuts!!

Anyways, our sitter, Ms. Donna was off for the first few days this week, so Em's Nana & GrandBob came to town just to play. Someone got spoiled rotten!  

On Tuesday, Brant's sister, Kristie, came down with our nephew, Aeson.  The two kiddos played and played.  Then as soon as I got home from work we went to Aunt Cookie's house and went swimming with all the other cousins.  We wore these kiddos out!  After swimming, we headed to dinner, then got some yogurt for dessert on our way to see the fireworks.  It was really great.  

Since we got home so late, Emmalee didn't go to bed until almost 11, so we slept in on Wednesday. Nan & GrandBob left in the early afternoon, so we just stayed home.  Em never got a good nap so she wasn't in the "best of moods".  So we played at home and just enjoyed some time together as a family - how more American can you get?  

So I hope you all had a great Fourth, because we certainly did.  .

My Lil' Sassy Pants

On Saturday morning, Aunt Cookie did a little photoshoot with Emmalee.  I'm a crap mom and forgot to have 12 month pictures made, but we decided that 14 month pics was better than nothin'!  And y'all, I know I say it all the time, but I am so incredibly lucky to have a sister who is such a fabulous photographer!!!

I thought I would share a few of my favorites!  

Looking so sweet and innocent.

This one is one of my most favorite!  I LOVE those big blue eyes!

"Emmalee Caroline - get that stick our of your mouth!"

LOVE!

Annnndddd...here is Ms. Sassy Pants!

This is my happy girl! This is a totally unedited pic that I just had to share! She is just too cute here!

And the Diva is revealed!