This Week's Dinner Line-up....Fantastic!

This was a week for comfort food.  Something nice and hot to warm up from all of this frigid weather.  I must say, I nailed this week's menu...almost.  We started off this weekend with a new recipe, Lasagna Soup, and it was delicious (and kid-approved!).  Sunday I tried a new crockpot recipe, Chicken Santa Fe, but it was not delicious.  Pinterest fail.  

Next up?  A whole chicken in the crockpot.  I've always been intimidated by the idea of cooking a whole chicken.  Not anymore!  It was quick and easy to prep and it was a crockpot meal, so no fuss.  The end result?  Delicious, tender chicken.  I'll share the recipe at the end of this post.  You can get a great price on a whole chicken if you keep your eye out for one.  The bonus for the one I had in the freezer?  No giblets!  I'm a little squeamish when it comes to meat, so this was a pleasant surprise.

To round out our week, I made Goulash and we will have our traditional Friday night pizza tomorrow.  We ate well this week and as silly as it sounds, it felt like quite an accomplishment.  All of the recipes I made did not take a lot of time in the kitchen and made plenty of leftovers for the lunch box, a quick dinner, or lunch.    

Crockpot Chicken

1 whole chicken
1 lemon
Olive Oil
Italian Seasoning
Salt
Pepper

Rinse chicken and pat dry.  Slice lemon into quarters and stuff into cavity.  Roll up three balls of tin foil and place the chicken on top of them.  Rub olive oil on the chicken.  Sprinkle Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste on the top.  Turn on to low and cook for 6-7 hours.  It releases so much juice!  I made some gravy from scratch using it to complete our dinner:  chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy.  Some serious comfort food.

Perspective

Last week I felt discouraged.  I was disappointed that my dream wasn't going to become a reality...yet.  After the announcement,  I received positive and encouraging messages from friends and family that helped bring me out of my funk.  As we all know, life doesn't always go the way we think it should.  More times than not, there's a good reason for it.  Something bigger lies ahead, you're not quite on the right path, or the timing just isn't right.  There are countless reasons why we hit a bump in the road on our journey, but I truly believe it's how we handle those bumps that matters.

My time had been stretched thin while creating the preliminary plans for the preschool.  Had it come to fruition, a lot more of my time would have been diverted to that project and perhaps it would have taken away time that I was meant to spend elsewhere.  It didn't take long for me to realize that my time was indeed needed elsewhere.  I had a meeting with the service learning coordinator at a local high school for From Cover to Cover last week.  It has opened doors (and my eyes) to opportunities that I had not thought of before.  From that meeting, many more ideas have evolved and we are excitedly exploring these opportunities to involve older kids in our community in our project and creating a program that will reach far more children than we currently serve.  A blessing in disguise?  I think so!

Today I have had the rare opportunity to be at home with just the baby for a few hours.  With two of the kiddos at school and one at Grandma's this is a little glimpse of how some of my days will be next year.  Though it's almost eerily quiet around here, it is so calm.  I've had time to snuggle and play with the baby without anyone else needing me.  Could I use a year with a calming break now and then?  Will it be good for my soul?  These are questions that I've considered this morning.  Instead of speeding up even more, I may just have the opportunity to pull back the throttle a bit and have some time to focus on activities I enjoy:  writing, reading, exercise, baking...possibilities abound!

As the old saying goes, "When one door closes, another opens."  I am a believer in this statement and I look forward to seeing where this next year will take me.  I'm not giving up on my dream, but I'm also not going to force it to become a reality.  "Good things come to those who wait."  Patience is not always my strength, but I'm going to do my best to be patient, take advantage of the opportunities that are presently available, and enjoy the "extra" time that I've been given.  

A few friends shared this with me last week and it hit the nail right on the head.  Enjoy!

  

Back At It: Souper Sunday!

I've had so much on my plate for the last several months that my blog was put on the back-burner.  I am a bit excited to be able to get back at it again.  I have found that I really enjoy writing and this is a great tool to share everything from recipes to the difficult choices in life.  I have several recipes and home projects to share in the upcoming month, as well as some new kid projects.  Throw in a few thoughts on parenting and some ways for "mommy time" and that will keep the posts a-flowin'.

Recently there's been a post floating around Facebook for Lasagna Soup.  It looked delicious, so we gave it a try for dinner last night.  Yum!  I made some adaptations and kept it dairy-free and the result was a hit and approved by the pickies!  Eating as much organic as we can is very important to us.  Thanks to Target stocking so many organic products now, I was also able to make the soup using nearly all organic products:  tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices.  Awesome result!

Lasagna Soup

Adapted from Cooking Classy

2 T. Olive oil
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 yellow onion, diced (calls for 1)
1 t. garlic from the jar (calls for 3-5 garlic cloves, minced, to taste)
4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes (I used regular)
1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes (calls for 14.5 oz.)
2 1/2 T. tomato paste
2 t. dried basil
3/4 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. dried thyme
1/2 t. dried rosemary, crushed (I left out)
1/2 t. fennel seeds, crushed (I left out)
1 t. granulated sugar
3 t. dried parsley (calls for 1 1/2 T. fresh parsley)
salt and pepper to taste
8 lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces
1 1/4 c. shredded mozzarella (I left out)
1/2 c. finely shredded parmesan cheese (I left out)
8 oz. ricotta cheese (I left out)

Brown ground beef and drain.  Heat olive oil in a deep soup pot.  Saute onions until they begin to soften.  Add in garlic and cook another minute.  Add in tomatoes, ground beef, paste, broth, sugar, seasonings, salt, and pepper.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.  In a separate pan, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.  Add 1 c. of pasta water to the soup and drain the rest.  Add noodles to the soup and simmer five minutes longer.  If using the cheese, mix all three together with a fork.

Ladle the soup into bowls and add cheese mixture to the top if desired.  Enjoy!

A God-Sized Dream

If you've followed my journey at all, you know that it's my dream to open a preschool in my little community.  It was nearly a year ago that I decided to stop saying, "This would be a great idea" and transitioned to, "Let's do this!"  When I was in college, I dreamt of opening up my own early childhood center.  I wanted to include children with special needs that we could accommodate and create a high-quality program that was challenging and fun.  Fast-forward a little over a decade and I thought, "Now is the time!"  

I've spent countless hours looking at building space, creating my vision, preparing a business plan, jotting down ideas, and on and on.  The excitement was brewing!  A few months ago it seemed that my prayers had been answered and we had found an affordable space...in a church no less!  This seemed like a great fit and I began to really get to work.  It was all smooth sailing until a few weeks ago.  The building code report was in and it was not good.  There were many updates that were noted and before I knew it, the cost and scope of work to be done was too much.  Disappointment.  Discouragement.  Sadness.  

Back to the drawing board it was.  I held out hope for one more space that I had looked at before, but it offered no outdoor space.  Something in the DHS manual caught my eye one day, "Outside space may be waived if the program is three hours or less."  What?!  I had never seen that before.  The space would be great, not perfect, but great.  I met an agent, looked at it, and got excited again.  I am a dreamer and I so badly want to make this happen!  Once again, though, it has ended in disappointment.  After long and thoughtful consideration, it's too much risk this late in the game.  Preschool registrations begin in January.  It's nearly March and while I may have found a space that could work, I still have to be state-approved.  It takes time and it's time I don't have.  Ugh.

This has been a difficult decision to make.  It is a big let down and I feel like I've disappointed a lot of other people as well.  I think it's time to take a little break and revisit the dream in a few months.  I don't want to give up on it altogether, but it seems like now is simply just not the right time.  Failure is not something I am fond of, but I am hoping to look at some of the lessons I've learned and move forward with a better plan.  Perhaps there is something even bigger out there that I just can't envision yet.

The other day I came across a book called, "You're Made for a God-Sized Dream" by Holley Gerth.  Without hesitation I clicked the little one-click button and a few minutes later it was delivered to my Kindle.  I'm going to read this book, thoughtfully answer the questions, and continue to pursue my dream.  I have a fire in my belly that continues to burn.  I just know there's something out there that is going to trigger an "Aha!" moment and I will understand the journey.  Until then...

Let's Be Honest, Parenting is Tough

Parenting.  This seems to be such a hot topic these days.  You can read countless books on different parenting styles, magazine articles making promises that doing "x" will change your life, and countless blog posts that make one think about and evaluate your parenting philosophy.  I love to read and have spent many hours soaking up information from all of these categories.  It wasn't until recently, however, that I switched from reading parenting books and advice written by "professionals" about research and theories to material written by the true professionals:  moms.  Real-life moms.  And better yet?  These books are written by moms with strong faith that have led me to an entirely new view of parenting.  

If you're like me, after reading a book by the "professionals," whether it be on sleep, discipline, or eating, you're left with the hope of changing things, but in the end feel a bit empty or guilty because it was not a success.  Perhaps you're left questioning yourself or even convinced that you're just not cut out for this.  In my experience, all of those books didn't quite work for our family, so throughout the years we've just rolled with it and come up with our own philosophy on all of these topics.  Our kids have been horrible sleepers, but we stick to early bedtimes and attempt a nap/rest time each day.  Our kids have their good and bad moments, so we use time-out, positive reinforcement, and praise to try to shape their behavior.  As for eating, between reflux, sensory problems, and just plain pickiness, we've done our best to provide them with nutritious food and offered a variety of choices.  Sounds pretty plain and simple, right?  Does it coincide with what the "professionals" suggest?  Probably not.  Do people try to impress what has worked for them upon us to "help?"  Yes.  Has it been a challenge?  For sure!  But, such is the life of parenting young children.

Recently there has been a shift in the way I think about and view my parenting.  When I finish reading a book, I feel encouraged.  Rejuvenated.  Hopeful.  I understand that I'm not alone and that parents of young children struggle.  There is no magic "fix."  It has made me think about my choices more, reflect on what I'd like to change, and pray for the strength and guidance to do so.  Tough questions have been asked and I've thoughtfully answered them.  Why?  Because our children are special gifts and it is our job to nurture them, encourage them, and guide them to the best of our ability.  I know I will make mistakes along the way, but I am trying each day to make small changes and embrace the wonderful and the challenging moments.  I'm trying to lower my voice, slow my temper, and focus on the positive.  It's definitely a work in progress and some days are better than others.  Ultimately, though, I'm confident that I'll be able to do this.  I'm ready for a change and to escape this cloud that has hung over me for more time than I'd like to admit.

Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson focus on the importance of connection and support for a mother (I believe it would be true for fathers, too).  One of the most important "ugly truths" about parenting, especially staying at home with the kids, is that it can feel so terribly isolating.  Sometimes I think we feel ashamed that we feel this way, but it's true.  I'm sure many can attest to it.  We crave connection and interaction with people taller than four feet.  It is an area in our lives, since moving, that we still struggle with with.  One of my priorities is to connect with other moms more.  It would be nice to do play dates, mom's night out, or a book study on a regular basis.  Gathering with other couples or a night out alone with my husband have also made the priority list.  Life can't just revolve around the adorable little children.  In addition, I feel strongly that our church should have a mother's of young children group so that the moms can connect, have a support system and the families can build a strong community.  Along with another friend, we hope to achieve that goal soon.  I love Clarkson's advice that in this day and age of busy, it is best not to wait for invitations from others, but take the initiative to make these connections and create these opportunities ourselves.  Speaking from experience, I could not agree more.

So, what sparked this post?  What have I read lately that has given me encouragement and hope?  Two books:  Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst and Desperate, Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson.  If you feel like you could use some encouragement or need a little pick-me-up, I can't recommend them enough!  Enjoy!

Winter Words: Organize and Prioritize

January is always a time where one feels rejuvenated, hopeful, full of ambition, and set on making and achieving goals.  At least this is how I tend to begin each new year.  Some days, weeks, months, or years are more successful than others.  A lot seems to depend on the ages of my kids, the amount of sleep I'm getting, and just my overall mood.  This year I have set goals that I feel are attainable and will improve life, both for myself and our family, but I just need to focus.  I need to organize and prioritize:  my time, my house, and my life in general.

Lately I've felt this sense of disorganization, both in my physical environment and in my physical self.  I look around my house and I just see a mess:  things don't have a place to go, toys are everywhere, my kitchen table is piled with school papers and mail, and no matter how often I clean up, it just happens again.  I fully understand that I have young kids and my house is not going to be pristine, but is it too much to ask to just have the basics put away?  I'm talking about the clutter.  I've come to realize that when my physical environment is messy and chaotic, so is my physical self.  This is why I am making it my goal to spend the next two months of winter organizing my home.  Closets will be cleaned out, things will have places to go, and children will be expected to clean up after themselves or what's left out will be held in "toy prison."  Sounds harsh, but there are lessons to be learned in responsibility that I just can't pass up.

As a self-proclaimed "Type A" person, I like to feel in control.  I like to be organized.  I like to have a plan.  Right now none of that is happening.  I am doing my best to give up on some of the control:  "imperfect progress," but the planning and organization are possible if I just take some time to prioritize my life.  My family will always come first.  I love my outside commitments, but I have to be able to balance them and our home life.  It's tough to do!

I have so many projects I want to complete around the house, so over the weekend my husband and I made a list and we will begin tackling these over the next few months.  I have some DIY projects that are half completed and also have some to begin.  Completing these will help in my goal to organize and hopefully restore a sense of order to our home.  If only time was unlimited!  There wouldn't be a problem then.  My goal is to start with the areas I see the most:  the family room, kitchen, and bedrooms.  Once those are complete, I'll work my way into those areas that aren't so visible.  Prioritize!

I am also planning to refocus on myself a bit.  It's time to get back into a fitness routine, "schedule" some mommy time, write, and read.  I know those four changes will make a huge impact in my overall self.  It's so hard to go, go, go, especially when it doesn't include taking care of yourself.  Sound selfish?  It's really not.  Serving others is a wonderful thing, but taking care of oneself is important.  Mothers unselfishly serve day in and day out.  It's okay to take a break and do something for ourselves!  Prioritize!

As for my outside commitments, this is the area that I really need to prioritize.  Starting a business is time-consuming and that is my focus right now.  All of these baby steps and planning will hopefully turn into a life-changing opportunity for us all.  I am so incredibly excited to be on this journey and can't wait until we are officially licensed by the state and ready to go.  I think it's going to be wonderful for our family and our community.  From Cover to Cover is also near and dear to my heart.  We are moving forward and planning to serve more children in a few months.  With these two big projects on my plate, I am adopting the motto of "no is the new yes."  I just can't take on much more at this time and take care of my family, too  While I feel like my strength is to lead and organize groups, this time I'm going to step back and say no to any more outside commitments that require a lot of my time.  It will be hard to do, but necessary!

I think I have a plan and it sounds like a productive two months will lie ahead.  I just pray I will be able to follow through this time.  What areas of your life do you need to organize and prioritize?  I'd love to hear your struggles and your plan!  

  

        

A New Dinner Recipe: Goulash

Frequently when I'm scrolling through my Facebook feed I see photos of food shared by other friends.  Most times they are for desserts that look sinfully delicious, but occasionally I'll see one that looks promising for a new dinner idea.  This recipe for Goulash surfaced a few weeks ago, I pinned it, and decided to give it a try last night.  It was delicious (though I made a few adjustments) and will be added to our dinner rotation.  It was great for a cold, wintry night!

Goulash
adapted from Paula Deen's Goulash

2 lbs. lean ground beef
1/2 t. garlic (from jar)
3 cups water
2 cans (15 oz.) diced tomatoes (I used petite)
2 cans (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1 T. Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
2 T. soy sauce
1 t. garlic powder
few shakes of salt
few shakes of pepper
2 c. elbow macaroni

Brown ground beef and drain.  Add to large pot, add garlic, and cook for a bit longer.  Add remaining ingredients except for macaroni noodles.  Simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Add macaroni and simmer 20 minutes longer (will thicken during this time).  Serve with warm breadsticks.

Cooking away

The finished product!