A Grateful Heart

This is going to be a tough week because I have to leave my family for a business meeting. This will be my first time to be away from Preston since he was in the NICU. But I am grateful. I am grateful to have a job. I have had 7 friends lose their job in the last 3 weeks.

I am grateful to my parents who volunteered to keep my kids for the week and who love them so much, and they are doing everything within their power to keep them busy and entertained so that they won't miss Mommy and Daddy.

I am grateful to have 2 healthy children. There are so many sick babies out there who's parents don't know what their outcome will be.

I am grateful for my Heavenly Father. He is the Divine Healer, and He has a plan that our minds cannot grasp.

I am grateful for the Cross.

I am grateful for my church, that even in difficult financial times, it continues to establish programs for reaching into the community to share Christ's love no matter the cost.

I am grateful for my husband, who at this moment is making a huge mess working so hard in the kitchen to make me one of my favorite meals and a fresh strawberry pie before I get on the road.

I am grateful for the rainbow that was over our house yesterday after horrible storms that kept the tornado sirens going off for an hour.

What are you grateful for?

My little thumb sucker can paint the "icky" deterrent on her nails by herself. I don't think this is what the company that makes this stuff had in mind. My child is the 0.001% it doesn't work for. Oh, the strong will of a child.

This punkin is about to take off! I'm not sure we're ready.

The Park

We were able to spend some time with the Pattons last weekend. Well, sort of...when we weren't chasing all the kids!


Sis-sis going "all by mysef"

Bryson on the slide

Preston's first ride on a slide

Even Milo got in on the slide action

Horseback Riding

The Carter's invited us to go horseback riding last weekend. We had a great time. Maddie always enjoys hanging out with Landon.




Looks like daddy is trying to start a family feud...

Sticker Queen

Every morning around 6:00, two little feet make the pitter-patter run to our bedroom. The other day, we heard the pitter-patter followed by a kitchen drawer opening, then some plactic rustling. Hmm...that's never happened before. I sent Marty in to check out the situation, and here is what he found:

Tasty Tuesday - Baked Ziti

I recommend doubling this recipe and freezing one dish for a quick meal later.

Baked Ziti - from Nicki Robins

1 stick unsalted butter
1 lb ground beef (optional) (may replace with ground turkey or fresh mushrooms)
2 medium jars spaghetti sauce (one with mushrooms, one with onions & roasted garlic)
Keep empty jars to fill with water at the end.
Pinch salt, plus additional salt for pasta water
Pinch pepper
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp parsley
1 (1-pound) box rigatoni noodles
1 package of sliced mozzarella cheese
1 (1-pound) block mozzarella cheese (not the soft kind)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned. Add tomato sauce, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion and simmer until onion is tender.

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until a little less than al dente. Drain and cool. Cut 1 of the blocks of cheese into cubes and slice the other into thin slices. Melt the remaining butter and pour into the bottom of a deep 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Pour 1 1/2 ladles full of the sauce into the dish, or enough to completely cover the bottom. Add a layer of pasta and then a layer of cubed cheese. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used.

Fill 1 of the empty sauce jars 1/8 full with water and shake. Pour over pasta. Top with the thin slices of cheese, and sprinkle with additional oregano and parsley, if desired. Cover casserole with foil and place in oven. Check every 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove foil for last 5 minutes of cooking to brown cheese.

The Gold Party

Amy, Kristy, and me






So you know that commercial that says "Put all your old gold jewelry in a bag and send it to us. We'll send you cash." Why don't I just send you a signed blank check, right? Well a friend of a friend hosted a "gold party" tonight to raise money for the adoption of a sweet baby girl in Ethiopia. Some girls and I decided to go, so I dug up some old gold rings and a bracelet that were buried deep in a cardboard box in the back of a closet. Remember when gold nuggett and pink ice were all the rage? Kristi and her husband recently received their adoption referral. They were planning a trip in May to bring their baby girl Lucy home, but the mother came back to the orphanage to get her. They are currently waiting on another referral.

There was a great turnout, and we had to wait a while to meet with the gemologists. I know you're biting your nails, so I won't keep you in suspense...my clunker jewelry was worth $30. At least I freed up a tiny space in my storage closet! One person made $475. No joke. I still can't believe it. In case you are planning to go to a gold party, let me give you a few tips (because attending one party makes me an expert). 18K is the way to make the money. 14K is okay, and 10K might not be worth the gas you use to get to the party. If you have gold plated jewelry, they will politely hand it back to you in your baggie. Have jewelry with stones? They will remove the stones and give them back to you. If you host a party, invite people over the age of 35. Gold jewelry really hasn't been in style the last 10 years or so (except for a brief attempt made by The Limited and Express in 2001), so invite people who might have a better collection. If you are raising money for a charity, you get a higher percentage of the proceeds. If you don't have a charity, you still help your friends make money. It's a win/win.

So here's the best part about the night: one of the bloggers that I keep up with was there! I came across Adrienne's blog a few months ago, and I have been reading about her family's road to adoption. It was great to meet her, but as she was sharing her story with me, I wanted to ask so many questions about her experiences because I love learing about the adoption process. I could hear my friend Sunny in the back of my mind saying "Why are you asking her that? You're a stranger to her." So Adrienne, I am sorry if I was a little nosey. But I now know more specific ways that we can pray for your precious family during your journey. Everyone - you really should read her story. And you should start collecting your old gold jewelry in a baggie. You never know how much you could get for it!

P.S. Kristi's sister Kelly took Preston's 9 month pics a few posts down, and she was the friend who shared her story on the 700 Club. Kelly's family recently adopted a little boy, Nathan, from Ethiopia.

P.S.S. Look at these darling t-shirts that you can purchase to help the Oatsvall Family raise money for their adoption.

These girls are a mess! They think they are so big. One of the neighbors let them ride the big 4 wheeler. I have a feeling they will be wanting an upgrade from their little pink ones!

In to everything...he started waving bye-bye today!

Big boy seat

We finally put Preston in a big car seat. Yes, it has pink on it. Not to worry. The company is sending me a nice grey replacement cover.

9 month pictures

Marty says this is his "why am I wearing a dress?" face. Daddy...it's shorts! Really! I know you don't approve of these outfits, but he was so cute.

Tasty Tuesday - Breakfast Cups

It has taken me all day to post a recipe, so I chose a breakfast recipe that you can try on Wednesday. Brian - I especially made sure I didn't pick something Mexican just so you wouldn't make fun of me. :)

Breakfast Cups - from My Aunt Sylvia

12 slices ham
3 slices whole grain bread, cut into 4 squares each
1 1/2 Cups fat free egg substitute
3 Cups shredded cheddar cheese, save 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top
1/4 tsp pepper
3 T chopped chives (optional)

Lightly coat a 12 cup muffin pan with oil. Push a slice of ham down into each cup. Place a 1/4 square piece of bread in the ham cup. Mix eggs, 2 1/2 cups cheese, and pepper. Fill cups with mixture. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top. Bake 15 minutes at 400. Great for on the go!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Maddie made a train out of our canned goods!

This is the "bossy" look. For those of you who knew me before the age of 4, you know I am just getting paybacks.


This is the only way to keep him still for more than 5 seconds.

Today's 700 Club

My friend Kelly Putty was able to share her amazing story on the 700 Club today. She was a victim of rape, and she has a miraculous story to tell of how Jesus helped her. I would love for you to watch it. Here's the link.

http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/amazing/kelly_putty031209.aspx

Whew...

So I have no family pictures to offer. I can hear the grandparents clicking away from my blog right now. We have been busy enjoying our great weather. Also...the battery for my camera needs charging. My dear friend Kelly came to visit this weekend (Kel..did you gets pics? Please send 'em if you did). I also hosted a CAbi clothing party Saturday. Marty took the kids to the zoo, and the girls and I had a great time trying on clothes and shopping right in my living room!

http://www.amyjohnson.cabionline.com/

I got this cute pink jacket and top for work.

Kelly, Nicki, and I went to see He's Just Not That Into You later in the evening. This is a movie I will watch with Maddie Grace before she is ever allowed to date. If you couldn't see yourself in some of the roles, you can think of a friend that had been there/done that. Too funny.

Kid update....Maddie is covered in a rash that looks and feels like a strep rash (so I'm told), but she tested negative. Preston can say mama, and he ate his first bite of dog food.

Tasty Tuesday - Mexican Chili Dip

Okay, so we have been spending all our time outside. Love this 70 degree weather! We have been in a rush to fix dinner, and well, this isn't exactly dinner, but it works in a pinch. It's great for parties too.

Mexican Chili Dip (originally from Sunny Hall)

Three cans of No Bean Chili (I use Hormel)
Three blocks 8oz cream cheese, softened
1 bag shredded Mexican style cheese
1 bag Tostitos Scoops (Fritos Scoops are great too!)

In a large Corningware type dish, spread the cream cheese on bottom. Pour the chili next, then top with cheese. Bake at 400 for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve with chips. It's so easy, but sooo good!

Oh boy!...and a girl

Do you see a theme?

My sweetheart

Tasty Tuesday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is probably in my top 3 of the best things I have ever tasted. When friends come over, this is what they ask me to make. If you don't have many spices, there might be a small investment the 1st time you make this. The good news: you will make it again, so the spices will not be a waste. I recommend the McCormick Gourmet Collection. I have purchased generic label spices in the past, and they are not as good of quality. You get what you pay for. Also, I work for a brand company, so I don't buy off label. :) That's another post. The best thing about this recipe...you can't mess it up. I change the measure of ingredients every time I make it.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

4 boneless chicken breasts (boiled, shredded - see "Tip" from February 24th)
1/2 tsp olive oil
4 cans chicken broth
1/2 tsp onion powder (original recipe calls for 1 cup chopped onion; use only if you really love onion; I think it overpowers the spices)
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp Ancho Chile powder (or 1/2 dried ancho chile minus the seeds; I use the powder)
1/2 tsp minced garlic (I buy the jar, I don't mince it myself)
1 Tbs lime juice
1 cup Pace Picante Medium
1 cup frozen white shoepeg corn (this can be hard to find, but don't substitute; it's not as good)
1 can Rotel Original
Tortilla chips
Sour Cream
Monterey Jack Cheese

In a large pot, heat oil; In a small bowl, blend together onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and Ancho Chile powder. Add in minced garlic. Put shredded chicken in pot. Add spice mixture and coat chicken thoroughly. Add lime juice. Stir for 2 minutes.

Add chicken broth, Pace, and frozen corn to pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Add Rotel. Reduce to medium heat, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.

Once you pour it into bowls, break tortilla chips on top, add sour cream and monterey jack cheese.

Down time with Daddy

Maddie went to the steps and said "Come on Preston"...and he did!

Would you get on this plane??

You have heard me talk about our dear friends Trent and Christa and their little boy Bryson. Last Friday, Trent had to catch a flight, and when his plane pulled up to the gate, this is what the passengers saw. Trent took this pic with his phone. US Airways...can you not do better than this???

Tasty Tuesday

I am always looking for new recipes. I feel like we get in a rut and fix the same thing all the time. I thought I would share some of our favorites with you each Tuesday. If you have a great (and somewhat easy) family favorite, please e-mail it to me and I will pass it along. If you make a recipe and change it up a bit, let me know how it turns out.

Here is one of our favorites:


WHITE BEAN CHILI (originally from Dana Graves Cordell)

1 lb boneless chicken, cooked and shredded into small pieces
1 can chicken broth
3 cans Great Northern Beans
1 cup medium salsa (I use Pace)
1 8oz bag shredded cheddar cheese

Combine all ingredients in large pot. Cook over medium heat until cheese is melted (about 10 minutes). Stir occasionally. Serve with cornbread.


TIP: I buy boneless chicken breasts in bulk at Costco (or Sam's Club) and boil it at one time. Then I shred it and divide it into 1 pound freezer bags. The bulk pack at Costco is usually equal to 6 freezer bags. It makes cooking during the week much faster bacause the chicken is already prepared.

9 month check-up

We had an interesting check-up today. Preston weighed 20 pounds, 9 ounces. He was 28.5 inches long. I have him on a delayed shot course, so he was supposed to get 2 today. After he got the 1st one, he took in such a deep breath, he made himself pass out. It is probably an understatement to say that the nurse and I panicked. We screamed. Preston's eyes rolled back in his head, his face was purple, and he was lifeless. Two doctors came running in, and well, he is okay. His doctor told me that he will probably continue to do this when he gets mad. Has anyone else experienced this?

The before

The after












The suspects

The evidence

You decide....