I think we're going to have Maple Mustard Chicken w/ pasta. It is really yummy, so I thought I would share the recipe. I got it from Family Fun Magazine, of all places. I am a recipe addict, I read magazines from back to front, because usually recipes are in the back. I do love to cook, but since Gabe was born I have been really struggling with meal planning and finding time to make the meals I used to love cooking. The time factor is a biggie. We have eaten a lot of take out type food in the past few months, unfortunately. The other problem I have is when I go to the store to shop for groceries, I inevitably forget one or two things. Can I just say how glad I am for the little grocery store 3 blocks away? :)
side note: I double this recipe
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
3 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup chicken stock
3/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 pound snow peas, stemmed and lightly steamed
1/2 pound penne, cooked
1. Make a marinade for the chicken by heating 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic in the oil for just 30 seconds. Add the herbs and vinegar and cook for 30 seconds more. Pour the mixture into a small bowl to cool, then whisk in the maple syrup and mustard.
2. Place the chicken in a glass baking dish and pour in the marinade. Turn the meat once to coat it. Cover the bowl and chill the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight.
3. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, remove the chicken from the glass dish, saving the marinade, and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté it for 2 minutes on each side to seal in the juices. Reduce the heat to medium and continue heating the chicken until it is cooked through and browned, about 6 minutes.
4. Then transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cut it into bite-size cubes. Next you will be using the cooking juices that have browned in the skillet to make a glaze, a procedure that's called deglazing the pan. Start by adding 1/2 cup of the chicken stock to the skillet and simmering it until it reduces by half. Add the remaining chicken stock and the reserved marinade and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue cooking at a simmer until the liquid has thickened, 5 or more minutes.
5. Combine the chicken cubes, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, snow peas, and cooked penne in a large bowl. Pour in the sauce and toss the pasta to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Makes 4 servings.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
potty talk...read at your own risk
I will spare some of the disgusting details, but I feel we had a major potty breakthrough today with Luke. He was potty trained about a month and a half ago and the #2 part finally was trained around birthday time. He went to Build a Bear to get a new bear (actually he picked a turtle), and I thought we were home free. Not so much. We have had major regression in the past 2 weeks, with many accidents of the most disgusting nature. I can't even tell you how many pairs of underwear I threw out over the course of 2 weeks. I can tell you that we were running VERY low on the underwear stock, so much so that he had to wear a diaper today because I am a bit behind on laundry and the 3 or so pairs he has left were dirty. And the pull ups were all gone.
Well, bribery is sometimes the only way to get through a situation like this, in my humble opinion, so at the store today we picked out the most awesome package of Power Ranger underwear a 3 year old little boy could ever want. The catch? He has to go #2 in the TOILET to be able to wear the awesome undies. He held that package of underwear through the whole store. He even opened them and touched them, talking about how much he likes them. Guess what 3 year old boy did when we got home? #2...IN THE TOILET!!!
I hear a little voice call me from the bathroom, "mommy, I p@@ped!!"
I reply, a bit warily, (can you blame me?) "WHERE??"
The 3 yo, "in the to-let"
Me...screaming and laughing and jumping around. You'd have thought I won the lottery!
We immediately called daddy to share the fantastic news and grabbed the new, awesome undies and picked his favorites to put them on. We are saving the other 2 pair for the next 2 times he goes in the potty.
Ahhh...victory. At least for today.
Well, bribery is sometimes the only way to get through a situation like this, in my humble opinion, so at the store today we picked out the most awesome package of Power Ranger underwear a 3 year old little boy could ever want. The catch? He has to go #2 in the TOILET to be able to wear the awesome undies. He held that package of underwear through the whole store. He even opened them and touched them, talking about how much he likes them. Guess what 3 year old boy did when we got home? #2...IN THE TOILET!!!
I hear a little voice call me from the bathroom, "mommy, I p@@ped!!"
I reply, a bit warily, (can you blame me?) "WHERE??"
The 3 yo, "in the to-let"
Me...screaming and laughing and jumping around. You'd have thought I won the lottery!
We immediately called daddy to share the fantastic news and grabbed the new, awesome undies and picked his favorites to put them on. We are saving the other 2 pair for the next 2 times he goes in the potty.
Ahhh...victory. At least for today.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
this sums it up...
After I posted my thankful list I turned on my Jeremy Camp cd and this song came on. It sums up my thankfulness.
Beyond Measure
by Jeremy Camp
The fog has finally cleared to see, the beautiful life You've given me. To feel the breeze of my newborn's gentle breath. With one to walk hand in hand, to share this life that you have planned. It's like a storybook with dreams that are meant to see. Every next step is an extraordinary scene.
I know that I've been given more than beyond measure. I come alive when I see beyond my fears. I know that I've been given more than earthly treasure. I come alive when I've broken down and given You control.
I've faced a great tragedy, but have seen the works of what You bring. A display of faith that You give. I don't know if I will ever understand the depth of what it is You've done inside, but I know that I won't find any worth apart from You. Everything that I have has been given so unselfishly and shown that even when I don't deserve, You always show the fullness of Your love.
Beyond Measure
by Jeremy Camp
The fog has finally cleared to see, the beautiful life You've given me. To feel the breeze of my newborn's gentle breath. With one to walk hand in hand, to share this life that you have planned. It's like a storybook with dreams that are meant to see. Every next step is an extraordinary scene.
I know that I've been given more than beyond measure. I come alive when I see beyond my fears. I know that I've been given more than earthly treasure. I come alive when I've broken down and given You control.
I've faced a great tragedy, but have seen the works of what You bring. A display of faith that You give. I don't know if I will ever understand the depth of what it is You've done inside, but I know that I won't find any worth apart from You. Everything that I have has been given so unselfishly and shown that even when I don't deserve, You always show the fullness of Your love.
Thankful Thursday
Well, I'm 30! Today is my birthday and I really don't feel any older or different. I still have to change poopy diapers and get spit up on and settle arguments between the kids. :) I must say that it is VERY strange being 30, my 20s seemed to go on forever, and I loved them! I know my 30s hold many wonderful moments too, so I thought it would be appropriate, on Thankful Thursday, to list the top 30 things I am thankful for. So, goodbye 20s, hello to a new decade!
I am thankful...
1. for God. for all of the things on this list and so much more.
2. for David, my wonderful husband of almost 12 years, whom I have shared half of my life with so far!
3. that my hubby puts up with all of my grumpy moods, etc.
4. that he also is a wonderful father to our beautiful children. I couldn't ask for more!
5. for our beautiful firstborn daughter, Sydnee. She is growing up so fast it is breathtaking.
6. for our awesome firstborn son, Benjamin. He has grown so much this year, emotionally and physically.
7. for our magnificent middle child, Madyson. She is the sunshine in my day.
8. for our spunky and loving son, Luke. His hugs and kisses melt my heart.
9. for our youngest son, Gabriel. He is the gift of a lifetime, so full of love and peace.
10. for the tears I am crying now, because I am so grateful for all of the above. I have been given so much.
11. for the home we all share, it is warm and full. Like the Toby Mac song, love is in the house and the house is packed.
12. for the food on our table each day. We are never hungry.
13. for the cars we drive so we can fill our days with fun things to do.
14. for the crazy, busy days that I find myself complaining about. Because it means we have ways to touch others and be touched as well.
15. that I have a wonderful dad and mom. They are always so willing to lend an ear or a hand, they love and support us so much and love our kids to pieces.
16. for my in laws who are so supportive and generous. They adore our kids too...our children are so blessed to have two sets of amazing grandparents.
17. for the legacy of love and commitment my grandparents set for all of my family. My Grandma is an inspiration to me, and I miss my Grandpa so much. I am blessed to have the wonderful memories I have of him, and that 4 of my 5 children knew him.
18. that my Grandma prays for me and can be an active part in our lives. She is amazing.
19. that I was there when my Grandpa went to be with Jesus this past summer. What a privilege.
20. for my siblings, that even though we lead different lives that we can still support and love each other.
21. that I have friends I can lean on and count on.
22. for the hard times we've been through these past 10 years. I can say that I have learned so much through them.
23. for God's grace and mercy, even when I don't deserve it.
24. for my health.
25. for my family's health.
26. that I can laugh every day at the little things that happen. There have been so many times when it was hard to do that.
27. that I can stay home and raise our children. I couldn't imagine not being here for every milestone and special moment.
28. that David has a job he LOVES and is so good at. He works hard for us and I appreciate that so much.
29. for the little wrinkles that are forming on my face. I have earned them and will learn to embrace them. hee hee.
30. that I can look ahead to my 30s and anticipate even more memories and learning and awesome experiences.
I am thankful...
1. for God. for all of the things on this list and so much more.
2. for David, my wonderful husband of almost 12 years, whom I have shared half of my life with so far!
3. that my hubby puts up with all of my grumpy moods, etc.
4. that he also is a wonderful father to our beautiful children. I couldn't ask for more!
5. for our beautiful firstborn daughter, Sydnee. She is growing up so fast it is breathtaking.
6. for our awesome firstborn son, Benjamin. He has grown so much this year, emotionally and physically.
7. for our magnificent middle child, Madyson. She is the sunshine in my day.
8. for our spunky and loving son, Luke. His hugs and kisses melt my heart.
9. for our youngest son, Gabriel. He is the gift of a lifetime, so full of love and peace.
10. for the tears I am crying now, because I am so grateful for all of the above. I have been given so much.
11. for the home we all share, it is warm and full. Like the Toby Mac song, love is in the house and the house is packed.
12. for the food on our table each day. We are never hungry.
13. for the cars we drive so we can fill our days with fun things to do.
14. for the crazy, busy days that I find myself complaining about. Because it means we have ways to touch others and be touched as well.
15. that I have a wonderful dad and mom. They are always so willing to lend an ear or a hand, they love and support us so much and love our kids to pieces.
16. for my in laws who are so supportive and generous. They adore our kids too...our children are so blessed to have two sets of amazing grandparents.
17. for the legacy of love and commitment my grandparents set for all of my family. My Grandma is an inspiration to me, and I miss my Grandpa so much. I am blessed to have the wonderful memories I have of him, and that 4 of my 5 children knew him.
18. that my Grandma prays for me and can be an active part in our lives. She is amazing.
19. that I was there when my Grandpa went to be with Jesus this past summer. What a privilege.
20. for my siblings, that even though we lead different lives that we can still support and love each other.
21. that I have friends I can lean on and count on.
22. for the hard times we've been through these past 10 years. I can say that I have learned so much through them.
23. for God's grace and mercy, even when I don't deserve it.
24. for my health.
25. for my family's health.
26. that I can laugh every day at the little things that happen. There have been so many times when it was hard to do that.
27. that I can stay home and raise our children. I couldn't imagine not being here for every milestone and special moment.
28. that David has a job he LOVES and is so good at. He works hard for us and I appreciate that so much.
29. for the little wrinkles that are forming on my face. I have earned them and will learn to embrace them. hee hee.
30. that I can look ahead to my 30s and anticipate even more memories and learning and awesome experiences.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
mmmm....coffee
I have so much to do today (as every day). Gabe just went down for his first morning (cat)nap and instead of racing around doing the things I need to do I am sipping my coffee which is hot and hazelnutty and creamy and delicious. I am also eating a piece of leftover french toast. I think about it and realize that these moments of sipping hot fresh coffee that hasn't been microwaved 10 times over the course of a morning are so wonderful. Worth every bit of procrastinating my daily duties for just 10 minutes. It's the little things that make me so happy, really.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
for the love of muffy
Our sweet fluffy kitty Muffy has a bladder infection. Gross, I know. Even grosser? (more gross, ??) Giving a cat antibiotics. I have had kids spit medicine on me, many times. Lots of those medicines have nasty tastes/smells. But seriously, cat medicine smells rancid. Our cat is a champion spitter. When I took her to the vet Friday and picked her up later that afternoon the vet tech demonstrated giving Muffy her liquid anitibiotics. She wrapped her in a towel and (without any of my help) tipped my cat's head up and sqeezed it right into her mouth, no spitting, no clawing, no fuss. I was ready for the challenge! That night I confidently called Muffy, wrapped her in a towel and sat on the floor trying to do exactly what the girl at the vet's office did. Let's just say I didn't have the same luck. I have been clawed and spit on each of the three times I have given her the medicine. And this will have to go on for 10 days! Yuck.
Friday, October 19, 2007
apple picking
Last weekend we took the kids to a local apple orchard to pick a bushel of apples. It was an overcast, chilly day, but they had so much fun! Picking apples is something we do as a family every year. It's easy for the kids and they love to eat as many apples as they possibly can before our bags are full! This year I got some really nice pictures of them while they were climbing trees and munching apples, then a rare picture of all 5 together sitting among the pumpkins...and 4 of the 5 were actually smiling! Thank God for small miracles!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
backing up a bit...
I thought I would put a few pictures of Maddy and Luke's birthdays on here as they both had birthdays a couple of weeks ago. Maddy had a "unicorn/rainbow/princess" birthday party (in that order). She had 8 little girls come to her party at the dance studio for some princess dancing, crafting and cupcakes. They all dressed up as princess-y as possible and were met at the front door with fairy dust and a crown. It was just as sparkly and girly as possible and I think I may have enjoyed it as much or more than the little girls! :) My baby girl is 5 now, where has the time gone?
Luke had his pirate 3 year old birthday party the night of his birthday. We had family over: both sets of grandparents, my grandma, my sister in law and niece and of course all seven of us were here. It was a fun night with spaghetti (Luke's favorite) and cupcakes, and a cake that I attempted to make into a treasure chest. It didn't look like a treasure chest. The fun began when David had the kids outside waiting for everyone to arrive and Grampy and my Grandma showed up in pirate costume! It was SO funny! We had stick on tattoos for those who wanted them (Luke's is still on his arm after 2 weeks, those are some quality tattoos!) After dinner and many pirate-y conversations he opened presents and got some really fun things. It was definitely a night to remember!
Luke had his pirate 3 year old birthday party the night of his birthday. We had family over: both sets of grandparents, my grandma, my sister in law and niece and of course all seven of us were here. It was a fun night with spaghetti (Luke's favorite) and cupcakes, and a cake that I attempted to make into a treasure chest. It didn't look like a treasure chest. The fun began when David had the kids outside waiting for everyone to arrive and Grampy and my Grandma showed up in pirate costume! It was SO funny! We had stick on tattoos for those who wanted them (Luke's is still on his arm after 2 weeks, those are some quality tattoos!) After dinner and many pirate-y conversations he opened presents and got some really fun things. It was definitely a night to remember!
Jumping on the blog bandwagon!
There are a few blogs of friends that I enjoy visiting on a regular basis, and I just love reading about what is going on in their lives. I have been thinking about starting my own blog for a while now and decided to give it a try! I have never been a faithful journal writer, but seeing how fast my kids are growing up makes me want to record the little moments during our days that I don't ever want to forget! So here goes!!
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