Recipe Rut

I've been in such a recipe rut that Michael has taken over the cooking around here (meaning we are eating LOTS of grilled food). My friend, Amber, told me about this website and I am completely amazed by some of these EASY recipes. I am making a list tonight of the things I want to make. Check out the site for yourself:

PLAIN CHICKEN

Things are crazy for us around here. We will soon be putting our home on the market. YIKES! I can't imagine how I am going to keep it clean with 3 little ones. Wish us luck!!!

Our latest addiction....

Live streaming video by Ustream

Using Mary Margaret's videos

Several people have commented/asked if they may use her videos at church events, Sunday school classes, etc. Please feel free to use them as you wish. If you would just email me or leave a comment on this blog and let me know. I am keeping up with everything and placing it in Mary Margaret's baby book so one day she can look back at all this. I just want to document it. Plus we are keeping up with locations to plug into a map so she may see that one little person can make a big difference! Thanks so much!!!

My friend, Laura....

blogged about Mary Margaret! How sweet she is!!! Check out Laura's blog. She blogs about the Iphone, her old cottage home, crafts, and of course, her baby boy (she uses cloth diapers and she blogs about that as well).

iGriza: You MUST watch how Cute this Kid is!

Mary Margaret's latest adventure

Mary Margaret and I had a great big adventure this weekend. She was asked to come speak at University Baptist Church in Waco, Texas (the church started by the David Crowder Band). She took her very first plane ride and LOVED it. We stayed up late watching Kit Kittridge and ordered room service. We made it a fun Mommy-Daughter date. Then Sunday morning, she took the stage and told the story of Jonah. I am always amazed as I watch her. She never gets nervous or has stage fright. The church then had a picnic and she was able to play with new friends on the playground. We had some issues with flight delays and didn't know if we were going to make it back Sunday night, but ended up that all was well. We just got home a little later than first planned. It was a great weekend and fun experience. Mary Margaret said it best, "Mom, it's an honor!"

Below is a link to an interview done by a local Waco news station:

Pint-sized "preacher" takes over Waco church stage - CentralTexasNow.com - KCEN- HD

Mary Margaret sings Shirley Temple's "Animal Crackers in my Soup"

Baked Potato Soup

The ultimate cold-weather comfort food! We all enjoyed this soup.

Ingredients:

8 to 10 slices bacon, diced, about 8 ounces
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup diced celery
1 cup diced onion
1 bunch green onions, about 8 green onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
4 large baking potatoes, baked, peeled, and diced
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (we like pepper)
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Sliced green onion for garnish, optional

Preparation:

*In a Dutch oven or large kettle over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp.
*Remove bacon to paper towels to drain.

*Keep bacon drippings (original recipe called for 2 tablespoons, but I used all) in the pan along with the butter, chopped onion, and celery. Cook, stirring, until vegetables are tender.

*Stir in the sliced green onion and flour until blended.

*Stir in chicken broth; cover and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thickened and vegetables are very tender.

*Stir in milk, diced potatoes, salt, pepper, cheese, and sour cream. Continue cooking until cheese is melted.

*Blend about half of the soup in batches until smooth. Add the blended soup back to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, until soup is hot.

*Garnish with green onions, bacon, and/or cheddar cheese.

Serves 8.

Mary Margaret sings "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas"

Mary Margaret tells the story of David and Goliath

Mary Margaret's first church appearance

Mary Margaret was asked by her first grade teacher to come and tell the story of Jonah at her church. What an honor it was! Below is a link to see the video of her first live "preaching"!

http://www.vimeo.com/16404771

We are so proud of our little story teller. I pray that she keeps Jesus in her heart and continues to spread His word!!!

Mary Margaret tells the story of Noah

Mary Margaret tells the story of Jonah

Here's what we've been doing...

This is what my sweet Jack thinks about getting his picture made:

Jack---6/7 weeks

First Day of FIRST GRADE!!

Jack Michael

My sweet son, Jack Michael, was born on July 19th at 1:57 am. He weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long. He was 5 weeks early and he went directly to the NICU because he was having problems breathing. He spent 11 loooooooong days there. It was terrible coming home and having to leave your baby at the hospital. I didn't even get to hold him until day 5 (when he came out of the oxygen dome). While I was a complete wreck, my dear husband was a rock. He was such a support to me. We brought Jack home on June 30th and I haven't been doing anything but spoiling him rotten. His sisters adore him and even fight over who gets to hold him. I have let all other things fall to the wayside. It has been adjustment having 3 but it was much easier jumping from 2 to 3 kids than it was from 1 to 2. We are so blessed!!!

Jack--July 2nd

Big sister Harper holding baby Jack.

July 21st---

Nothing like holding a sleeping baby!



Sorry I've been so missing in action. I've been getting some loving from my sweet babies!

Ewwww!

Here is a story without a "filter". I must share it though.

Tonight Harper came to me and said, "Ewww, get this sticky."

I tried to wipe it off her hands as we were on our way to the bathroom to wash hands. I said, "Where did you find this sticky?"

"My nose!" she replied.

Ugh!

Never a dull moment around here.

As you know, baby #3 will be here soon. This heat is literally killing me. I can't even look outside without retaining water. I am trying not to wish each day away as this is the last time I will be pregnant (that's my husband you hear cheering in the background-haha). I'll be sure to post pictures though I am still trying to figure out how I will manage 3 little ones. I know one thing----lots and LOTS of prayer!!!