Comfort Food...last nights grub.

BECAUSE OF THIS...

                               AND THESE...(those dreary skies above)

I made this.... "Creamy Mac and Cheese" (Paula Deen)

AND this...."Mom's Turkey Meatloaf" (and by mom...I don't mean, MY mom)
that would mean MY mom cooks. :) LOL...just teasin' mama! (kinda).

This was a recipe I pulled from Food TV Network...and I have to say, it was quite delicious. I don't cook with Ground Turkey very much but this was delicious! My boys LOVED it! Lance said it was the best meatloaf I've made. I didn't really feel the same...I do think it was good but I prefer less "chunks". I needed to cut the onion and peppers a bit smaller. The little girl...well, she would have just skipped dinner if I would have let her. If it's not Chicken Nuggetts, Bread, Pork Tender, or PASTA slathered in butter and garlic OR if it doesn't have some sort of "wrapper" wrapped around it...she "doesn't like that kind of meat". Any hoo...with the grey skies and cold snow...I was doomed! Comfort Food was in order.  May be something new for you to try, so I thought I'd share.  No one needs to indure these calories alone! :)

Recipe for the Mom's Turkey Meatloaf, you can find HERE: Mom's Turkey Meatloaf!
Recipe for the Mac and Cheese, you can find HERE:  Creamy Macaroni and Cheese!

Today THE big K-State Wildcats vs. the KU Chicken Hawks is on!  Starting at 6 pm.  We have a big day...Lance started work at 7AM this morning, will come home to coach WyJ for his BBall game at 1pm, "A" is having a day at OP Mall with Holly for her birthday treat and then daddy goes back to work.  So, for dinner tonight "Crockpot Pork Spare Ribs"...they are on and smell delicious.  Now for something as a side dish...preferrably for me...NO CARBS!  I think I'll be eating a salad or Broccoli and maybe some Parmasan Mashed Potatoes for the kiddos!   I suppose the SUGAR COOKIES that I'm going finish baking this afternoon are not really on my "I gotta loose 40 lbs" diet either?!...

I'll finish with a picture of my "helpers"...who don't leave my feet the entire time I'm in the kitchen cooking.  And for the record, this will be my 6 day in a row for making dinner and trying new a new recipe...the husband worked every night this week so no help there.  Afterall, he's a way better cook than I!  But I'm going to have to give cuddos where cuddos are due, even if I have to do it myself. -So a pat on the back for ol' me!-  They actually were pretty good too!  I'm not usually much about cooking...but I'm trying.  Have a great weekend everybody!...as if there is actually someone that reads this.

RULES FROM GOD! ...and my friend is moving, *sigh*!

1. WAKE UP!!  Decide to have a good day.

"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it"  Psalms 118:24

2. DRESS UP!!  The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. 

A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."  I Samuel 16:7

3. SHUT UP!!  Say nice things and learn to listen.

God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

"He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. STAND UP!!  For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.

"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. LOOK UP!!  To the Lord.

"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."   Philippians 4:13

6. REACH UP!!  For something higher.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."  Proverbs 3:5-6

7. LIFT UP!!  Your Prayers.

"Do not worry about anything;  Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."  Philippians 4:6

I ran across the quote above on THIS WEBSITE.  I liked them, so I am sharing.  I suppose...#6 is closest to my heart today!  Although each and every one is something to think about, pray about and reflect on!  The one that "stands out" to me right now is #6.

You see today, my head and heart is filled with emotion and anxiety.  I'll start here:  We met Johnny and Traci and their 4 children "The Tindall's" a couple years ago when Wyatt started playing T-ball.  At first, our friendship was pretty much a hi, how are you...small talk, blah blah blah.  We cracked a few jokes about Issac and Ava getting married and shared a season of baseball year after year. This coming year will be #4 (I think?). 

And then as each season passed, a friendship grew, the kind you don't have with everyone...at least, I think so!  She has helped me probably in more ways than she knows. She is kind, and generous in more ways than one.  She's smart and honest.  She's beautiful inside and out!  And she is an awesome mom and wife!  And she can make a rockin' "come back for 2 or 3 (more)" chocolate chip cookie!

Realizing we had more and more in common and of course there are some things we don't.  Like her being minimalistic, organized and a good baker.   But that only enlightens us to new things, and how much we can share...as great friends do!  And although LIFE sometimes makes it a little hectic to do as much as I'd/we'd like...we enjoy spending time with THE Tindalls and getting to know them better. And most of all...MY kids adore every minute they get to spend with them! 

I know it was God's Plan to put them in our lives and I'm so glad he did!  Through the last two years, doing more and more together...besides sharing our husbands' as coaches on our boys baseball team...We have little girls whose lives revolve around Princesses and Drama and love to play! Two little guys who adore each other!

We've shared family days at the park! Days at the Swimming Pool, & MANY baseball games!  We've shared a little rivalry on the Wii, photos, stories, holidays, recipes and 

lots of birthday parties.  As time goes on, I pray our friendship(s) will keep

                  growing!   In a about a month...THEY ARE MOVING!  Which I am EXTREMELY thrilled for them and so happy for them because they have worked so hard to get to this place in thier journey and deserve this greatness with all it's might.  I know...they are just moving a little ways and we can still hang out but it's far enough that it makes me kind of sad.  Kind of sad, because now our kids don't share the same school.  Kind of sad because she's not just down the road...a couple minutes for those spur of the moment "drop by" or "can my kids come over and play, cause I need a break".  Kind of sad because now they won't go to the same pool and park! Kind of sad because I was so hoping to start running with Traci this summer...okay, I'm lying...there is NO way I would really do that!  She is so much ahead of me on the fitness scale, I'd be catching up to her on the next day! :)  But them moving is just a part of life and with it comes change and with change comes new and better things! 

My emotion and anxiety is not just because they are moving...but because (and I am ashamed to say)...I find myself looking at the photos they posted of the beautiful home they may soon call their own and I'm filled full of envy!  I want to MOVE so bad!  I've wanted to move for so long!  I want to move to a house like they are buying! I want to be in a neighborhood filled full of children and other families for our kids to grow with!  I want our kids to be able to walk out the garage door and play in the drive way with other children on the block!  I want to be a part of community...other mothers...friends...and yeah, a bigger house!  I want an office, more storage, a basement with a recreation room and playroom!  I'm sure you can see the common denominator here?  You see, I know I should be happy with what I have.  I know through all our struggles we have endured these past two years, financially and emotionally...we are so fortunate to still have our home, a car, a job, our lives together!  Both our kids have an abundance of love from so many people, moreover two parents that adore them more than they could ever know.  They have an abundance of clothing and toys!  I know we are RICH in so many blessed ways...and I don't mean monitarily (I think you knew that, but I wanted to clarify)!  Moreover, I know our time will come...when HE sees fit.  There is a reason for everything in HIS Plan...and if I just give it to God, If I pray...he will make what is suppose to happen, happen!  And it's not our turn right now. I need to be happy with today, MY today...and what the Lord has provided for me and quit thinking about what others have, or thinking about what might or what I wish would happen tomorrow, in a week or even a month or year!  I need to look around and take today for what it has to offer because I am blessed in so many ways!  I know that if I remind myself of these steps 1-7, especially #6..."Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6  -- My - Our Savior will take care of me/us....and it will happen!

Congratulations Traci, Johnny, Kaleb, Joshua, Issac and Lydia on your new home...my he continue to guide you on your path to even better days with your new life!! 

The Lowry's are so happy to have met you, be blessed with your friendship and share your joy!  Just please promise us -- you won't forget about us over here in "old" OP! :)  Hugs and Love!  Already miss you...and we are here to help with whatever you need, whenever you need it!  P.S. See you at Church on Sunday! :)

VINTAGE PEARL - Giveaway!

WANT TO WIN ONE OF THESE?






















VISIT ERIN'S Blog - HERE and leave a comment for her!  You can let her know I sent you (or not).  OR, if you just have to have it and can't hold yourself back for that chance to win...go directly to HER WEBSITE and order one up!

She has tons of super cute stuff! This is just one of them!

I own several of her pieces and have given many as gifts! I have yet to purchase one of the newer items but there are definitely several of them on my wish list!

Giveaway ~ My Funky Camera!

Giveaway #8 ~ My Funky Camera - Check it out! I own one of her straps and they are awesome!

The Giveaway!!  Click on the LINK and VISIT "Homeschool Creations" Blog.


My Funky Camera is giving one of some of her readers their choice of a gorgeous camera strap! There are several ways for you to enter this giveaway, but there is one mandatory first entry: visit My Funky Camera and tell me the pattern of the strap that you would pick if you won. My Funky Camera

Go to HERE for the remaining details on how to win!

This giveaway will be open until Sunday, January 31st until 8pm.

a little more today and A GIVEAWAY!

There's a giveaway...for some beautiful jewelry from an even more beautiful person! Go check out her blog 60 Piggies for some interesting reading and enter to win free jewelry! You'll be so happy you did!

As for me..., nothing too exciting to report. I've been off the map for the last few days. You see...I somehow came down with Strep Throat AGAIN!  The throat pain started on Thursday, waking up on Friday feeling miserable!  I felt like I was swallowing razor blades. I mustered through Saturday...trying to nurse myself by gargling salt water and taking lots and lots of IBPROFIN!   It wasn't too fun for my babes!  I missed my boys first basketball game which was quite disappointing.  Missed the HOLLYDAY Christmas Party on Saturday Night!  So finally after little to no sleep Saturday night, I caved and visited the Minute Clinic promptly at 10 AM!  The sweet nurse, so kindly informed me that my throat was blazing red and I for the second time in 3 months had strep throat!  Wrote me a prescription for a 6 day Zpak of Azithromycin, normal doses of Ibprofin and Vitamin C. Then gargling a mix of Maalox and Benadryl every six hours! And who'd a thunk that...it REALLY works! I'm on my way to recovery.   I was actually quite amazed at how fast the Azithromycin kicked in!  Besides the pounding headache that these pills give me...I was feeling so much better by evening.  Craving a day of rest...but daddy was referring basketball ALL day...so mommy did her best to stay afloat and was so thankful for the drugs!  Why didn't I just go on Friday? Hopefully, I'll be back to myself and ready to go full speed on my excercising that was so rudely halted by that nasty sick bug.  I really really feel so strongly about loosing this weight and becoming a better person, I can't wait to get started...REALLY started! 

It's still a snowy mess around here.  But the sun is out which somehow makes it all better!  Enjoy your day people. When I get better at this blog thing, I'll post more photos to hopefully make it more interesting!  Thank you for taking the time to read about my little world.  I'd love to hear from you!  Leave me a comment if you stop in and say hello!

Party Planning....

Party Planning for THE girl's birthday is in full swing. Invitations are done and ordered...ready to go in the mail. The party place is booked! The party favors and supplies are ordered and on thier way! Just some fine tuning and we are ready for her celebration on the 24th! The place was booked on the 23rd so we had to settle for Sunday.  Which actually worked out nicely, because WyJ's Basketball game on Saturday is scheduled for 3pm.  We weren't quite sure how to work all that in so having the party on the 24th actually worked out well.  Grandpa & Grandma W will be here on Saturday to watch WyJ's game and help celebrate A's actual b-day.  My girl couldn't be more excited...I'm pretty sure SHE thinks her birthday is the entire month of January! My little Aquarius is so funny about parties and birthdays! There just can't be too many! She loves a celebration! And Celebrating her BIRTHday couldn't be more of a privilege for her mama *me*!  And it should be lots of fun! We'll be sure to post lots of pictures!

P.S.

Don't forget to leave a comment...so I know you were here! :)

"A Message" in my Inbox

Good Morning Everyone.  Since my time today needs to be spent on my house and getting Christmas all put away and cleaning up my kids rooms...in lue of my rambling today; I'm going to just share something from my inbox.  I received this in an email from our church this morning.  I loved it's message.  It's a message that hits very close to home!

Looking for the Messiah,

Part 2
by Max Lucado

Some missed him.
Some miss him still.

We expect God to speak through peace, but sometimes he speaks through pain.
We think God talks through the church, but he also talks through the lost.
We look for the answer among the Protestants, but he’s been known to speak through the Catholics.
We listen for him among the Catholics but find him among the Quakers.
We think we hear him in the sunrise, but he is also heard in the darkness.
We listen for him in triumph, but he speaks even more distinctly through tragedy.
We must let God define himself.

When we do, when we let God define himself, a whole new world opens before us. How, you ask? Let me explain with a story.

Once there was a man whose life was one of misery. The days were cloudy, and the nights were long. Henry didn’t want to be unhappy, but he was. With the passing of the years, his life had changed. His children were grown. The neighborhood was different. The city seemed harsher.


He was unhappy. He decided to ask his minister what was wrong.


"Am I unhappy for some sin I have committed?"
"Yes," the wise pastor replied. "You have sinned."
"And what might that sin be?"
"Ignorance," came the reply. "The sin of ignorance. One of your neighbors is the Messiah in disguise, and you have not seen him."

The old man left the office stunned. "The Messiah is one of my neighbors?" He began to think who it might be.  Tom the butcher? No, he’s too lazy. Mary, my cousin down the street? No, too much pride. Aaron the paperboy? No, too indulgent. The man was confounded. Every person he knew had defects. But one was the Messiah. He began to look for Him.


He began to notice things he hadn’t seen. The grocer often carried sacks to the cars of older ladies. Maybe he is the Messiah. The officer at the corner always had a smile for the kids. Could it be? And the young couple who’d moved next door. How kind they are to their cat. Maybe one of them …

With time he saw things in people he’d never seen. And with time his outlook began to change. The bounce returned to his step. His eyes took on a friendly sparkle. When others spoke he listened. After all, he might be listening to the Messiah. When anyone asked for help, he responded; after all this might be the Messiah needing assistance.

The change of attitude was so significant that someone asked him why he was so happy. "I don’t know," he answered. "All I know is that things changed when I started looking for God."

Now, that’s curious. The old man saw Jesus because he didn’t know what he looked like. The people in Jesus’ day missed him because they thought they did. 

How are things looking in your neighborhood?

From A Gentle Thunder
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1987) Max Lucado

I know I don't live my life "looking for God".  I know I DESIRE that life of doing good, being good, looking at things with good.  All I can say...is I'm going to try harder.

As for my diet today...I'm failing miserably.  Definitely need a really really really good workout routine!  I have to say this cold miserable weather is not helping me.  I am SO much more motivated when it's sunny and warm! :)

Getting Started

Alrighty...here we go.  I'm new to this Blogger thing! At least doing it myself.  I follow (or what I call STALK) lots of other bloggers so I thought I'd try out the other side of things and give it a go on my own! :)  Starting a new year...two LARGE goals this year and I don't call them resolutions...they are goals!...and I'm going to conquer!  I am going to become a better photographer...we'll get into that more later!  And I'm going to join my highschool friend ANGIE in the journey to loose 40lbs by or hopefully before my 40th Birthday, November 9th 2010!  I guess I figure by verbally putting this out there...it makes it more accountable.

We'll try to fill you in on things that are going on with my little ones, updated photos, ect.  Hopefully not to bore you to death!