tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74553756992338245102024-03-13T07:32:54.997-06:00The Niewald Kitchen Table Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.comBlogger321125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-21527629553144497782015-11-20T21:40:00.000-06:002015-11-21T07:19:38.490-06:00Paleo Granola in 2 minutes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I accidentally discovered this and it's my new favorite breakfast go to. </div>
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I am a big granola fan and missed having it since doing the paleo challenge. One night as Andrew was having his usual bowl of cereal I gave in and came up with this...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYbDmQoUn9o/Vk_kLfMTSRI/AAAAAAAAFzk/BuhRYYcoga8/s1600/nov.20%252C15%2B012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYbDmQoUn9o/Vk_kLfMTSRI/AAAAAAAAFzk/BuhRYYcoga8/s640/nov.20%252C15%2B012.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
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Despite the bird seed appearances...it's an awesome granola.<br />
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<b><u>Paleo 2 Minute Granola</u></b><br />
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In your cereal bowl, toss in:<br />
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1 Handful of sliced almonds<br />
1 Handful of chopped pecans<br />
1 Large handful of shredded unsweetened coconut flakes<br />
1 small handful of flaxseed meal.<br />
1 small handful of chia seeds (I learned the fascinating facts of about them in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307279189/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448076889&sr=8-1&keywords=born+to+run" target="_blank">this book</a>. The ultra-marathon runners ate them on their 100 mile runs. Super food)<br />
! handful of Cranberries or Raisins....or blueberries or sliced bananas.<br />
Cinnamon - I usually give the bowl a good dusting on top<br />
Honey - to taste<br />
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Add in milk of choice - doing paleo I did unsweetened vanilla almond milk.<br />
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Best part about this granola- so easy and very filling for breakfast. <br />
Voila! My granola cereal fix is satisfied!<br />
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-58266426307186993682015-11-04T21:14:00.000-06:002015-11-20T21:15:09.384-06:00Halloween 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Royals Baseball player, the kind witch, Belle, and a little pink pig. </div>
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Despite appearances, this was the only tearful moment. It was a night full running and laughing and of candy sorting and trading.<br />
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-58792231925367715202015-11-01T19:40:00.000-06:002015-11-20T19:42:08.746-06:00Paleo Tomato Basil Soup This weather....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydy719NiujY/VkoEDwtOaII/AAAAAAAAFxw/cKcR9W8ByLw/s1600/halloween%2B086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydy719NiujY/VkoEDwtOaII/AAAAAAAAFxw/cKcR9W8ByLw/s640/halloween%2B086.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Calls for this soup....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDd7ATpu5xY/VkoMgWF8TsI/AAAAAAAAFy4/A6zS1bXAc2A/s1600/nov.%2B15%2Bphone%2B031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDd7ATpu5xY/VkoMgWF8TsI/AAAAAAAAFy4/A6zS1bXAc2A/s640/nov.%2B15%2Bphone%2B031.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's adapted from<a href="http://www.thepinningmama.com/copycat-panera-creamy-tomato-basil-soup-recipe/" target="_blank"> this recipe</a>...converted it so it's dairy free.<br />
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Of course I make it with grilled cheese for the kids. I had mine with <a href="http://elanaspantry.com/dark-rye-bread/" target="_blank">this Paleo Rye bread</a> and some Cesar salad and it was delish!<br />
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<b>Paleo Tomato Basil Soup</b><br />
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes<br />
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes<br />
1 Tbs. minced garlic<br />
14 oz chicken broth<br />
3 Tbs. Honey OR 2 Tbs. coconut sugar<br />
1/3 c. ghee<br />
1 Cup of Full Fat Coconut Milk<br />
15 chopped basil leaves or 2 Tbs. of dried basil<br />
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<b>Directions: </b><br />
Combine tomatoes, broth, and garlic and bring to a boil. Boil 10 minutes, then reduce heat to low and stir in honey(or sugar) and ghee until dissolved.<br />
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Pour in coconut milk until combined with soup.<br />
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With an immersion blender, puree soup until smooth and creamy!<br />
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Stir in basil.<br />
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It was a great cold weather night dinner.<br />
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-60544524392356564612015-11-01T14:33:00.001-06:002015-11-03T20:46:51.875-06:00Sunday Dinner: Paleo Chicken TendersWOW. These HIT THE SPOT! I love them better than any other chicken tenders I've made.<br />
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Hello Wonderful! We served ours with a honey mustard dipping sauce....EEEIIII happiness!! I thought maybe I did something wrong because it tasted so good it couldn't be paleo! </div>
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Serve with some cauliflower mashed potatoes and kale salad and BAM. I could have these every Sunday. It's a great change up to red meat and the a big hit with my kids too! </div>
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<b><u>Paleo Baked Chicken Tenders</u></b></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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3-4 Chicken Breasts cut into strips or about 10 Chicken Tenders</div>
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4 Tbs. Ghee </div>
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1 C. Almond Meal </div>
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1 1/2 Tbs. Sea Salt </div>
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1/2 Tsp. Pepper </div>
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2 1/4 Tsp. Paprika </div>
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1/8 Tsp. Turmeric </div>
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1/8 Tsp. Onion Powder </div>
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1/8 Tsp Garlic powder</div>
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<b>Directions:</b> </div>
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Preheat Oven to 400. </div>
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Line a baking sheet with silicone baking mat or foil. Place ghee on prepared baking sheet and place in oven for a minute or two to melt. </div>
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Place almond meal and seasonings in a large ziploc bag. </div>
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Rinse chicken and blot dry with a paper towel. </div>
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Toss in chicken into seasoning mixture and shake until well coated. </div>
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Place chicken strips on baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. </div>
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Take out and flip over, baking another 10-12 minutes. You can bake an additional 5-10 minutes if not done. (Mine took only about 20-25 minutes). </div>
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<b>Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: </b></div>
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3/4 C. Paleo Mayonnaise (I like <a href="http://thehealthyfoodie.com/fail-proof-home-made-paleo-mayo-whole30-compliant/" target="_blank">this version best</a>)</div>
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3 Tbs. Honey</div>
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2 Tablespoons of Yellow Mustard </div>
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1 Tablespoon of Lemon juice (or 1/2 lemon) </div>
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2 Tablespoons of fresh Squeezed Orange Juice </div>
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Combine all ingredients and whisk together. </div>
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Cover and chill for 2 hours. </div>
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Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-36979169033914994982015-10-25T14:03:00.000-06:002015-11-02T12:39:09.156-06:00Paleo Pumpkin Hot CakesWith anything pumpkin, many are in the pumpkin camp or way out. But if you are, I recently made these for my siblings and kids over Fall break and we all loved them.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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There are lots of paleo pancake recipes around and I've played around with a few and came up with this one that is by far my favorite!<br />
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They are are thick and I can feel full after eating them. I love them with the teeniest bit of ghee and pure maple syrup. There's no food coma like after four pancakes, but your belly and body are full and happy afterwards!<br />
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<b><u>Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes</u></b><br />
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<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
1 Banana mashed<br />
1 Egg<br />
1/4 Almond Meal<br />
1/4 Coconut Flour<br />
1/4 Tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 Tsp. Vanilla<br />
1 Tsp. Cinnamon<br />
2 Tbs. Canned Pumpkin<br />
2 Tbs. Unsweetened Almond Milk or Coconut Milk<br />
Coconut Oil or Coconut Oil Cooking Spray<br />
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<b><u>Directions</u></b><br />
Mix all Ingredients together.<br />
Heat skillet or griddle medium-low heat and spray with cooking spray.<br />
Batter will be somewhat thick. With a spoon, spread batter out for about 4 to 6 hotcakes.<br />
Flip after about 4-5 minutes and brown on other side for about 4-5 minutes.<br />
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Serve with maple syrup, pecans, or fresh fruit.<br />
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***As with most paleo recipes I double or triple to save time. So when on the go in the mornings I reheat left over hotcakes in the toaster oven for breakfast and only have to "make" them once.Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-73620333278681563802015-10-12T09:21:00.001-06:002015-11-02T12:41:04.651-06:00Pure Joy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">My goodness they give me so much joy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">I didn't expect to love motherhood so much. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Oftentimes, in college when I would think about having kids, I would assume it was just work, an extended babysitting job, time and commitment. And yes, of course, there are equally hard days mixed with the wonderful ones. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Thank you God for allowing me glimpses of Heaven by the happiness they give me. How lucky I am for the gift of motherhood. </span>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-81089044838419237862015-10-09T12:28:00.002-06:002015-10-09T12:51:13.558-06:00Paleo Fried Sweet Potatoes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3d13kfcso4c/VhgDrKZMfaI/AAAAAAAAFqk/pIGHZ3ZmjWk/s1600/Paleo%2BFried%2BSweet%2BPotatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3d13kfcso4c/VhgDrKZMfaI/AAAAAAAAFqk/pIGHZ3ZmjWk/s640/Paleo%2BFried%2BSweet%2BPotatoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> My go-to Paleo side dish, these leave me FULL and SATISFIED when I eat them and they are SO GOOD! </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 Tbs. Olive Oil</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 Tbs. Ghee (I get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grassfed-Organic-Ghee-7-8-Oz/dp/B0032RPLSY/ref=sr_1_6?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1444415040&sr=1-6&keywords=ghee" target="_blank">this one</a> on Amazon and when I'm not doing Paleo I just use regular butter) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3 Medium Sweet Potatoes </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Medium Onion </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Medium Tart Apple (I prefer Johnathan) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">About 1/2 Tbs. Garlic Powder (I usually just dust over the top of them while they are in the skillet.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 Tsp. Sea Salt (or more to taste)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Directions:</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cut and quarter sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2 inch wedges. Turn wedges flat on their sides and cut in half again so they are in even strips. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cut onion and apple in 1/2 inch slices as well. Frying sweet potatoes can be tricky as you don't want them to be hard or too soggy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">In a large skillet heat oil and ghee over medium high heat. I have a huge Cuisinart skillet at about 375-400. Make sure skillet is large enough that all sweet potatoes have enough room lay flat so as to fry up evenly if you can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Place sweet potatoes and onions in heated skillet. Toss and stir. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sprinkle with garlic powder and sea salt. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Continue to stir and flip so they cook evenly and don't burn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After about 8 minutes add in apples. Fry for about 8 to 10 minutes more turning often until onions are translucent and sweet potatoes are tender when poked with a fork. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I'll even do a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist and it's good too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">May your bellies be full and your heart happy!</span><br />
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-27337709720128032112015-09-30T12:38:00.000-06:002015-10-09T12:39:07.196-06:00For My Grandma SlonkoskyI promised you a long time ago I would publish a post just for you. For my family far away...here's Julia's 1 year pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95Y9d-GO-Ls/VhgJSqqgnYI/AAAAAAAAFrs/t34R0GE4mi8/s1600/julia-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95Y9d-GO-Ls/VhgJSqqgnYI/AAAAAAAAFrs/t34R0GE4mi8/s640/julia-3.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkRG6dmQRg4/VhgJUgRokUI/AAAAAAAAFr0/EsboTiiiXTA/s1600/julia-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkRG6dmQRg4/VhgJUgRokUI/AAAAAAAAFr0/EsboTiiiXTA/s640/julia-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-14091606820652134002014-10-29T12:31:00.000-06:002015-10-09T12:32:26.402-06:00And My Heart Sang<span style="font-size: large;">It swelled actually. The four kids and I packed our bags and headed out one early crisp fall morning to make the trek to St. Louis and meet my sisters and family for Fall break.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We jumped in leaves, baked apple pies, and took long hikes and walks. It was</span><span style="font-size: large;"> just in time to see the wonders of Fall before they faded and spent enough time with family to fill our hearts to the brim. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"You will find something more in the woods, than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters." St. Bernard of Clairvaux</b></i></span></div>
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Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-30322173621776000532014-10-06T14:00:00.004-06:002014-10-09T08:32:52.605-06:00Speaking of Fall...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Why not make an ordinary night into a memory or start a tradition with something warm and wonderful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hot Cinnamon Cider</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXvwwHCOtnM/VDLrLJ3aq_I/AAAAAAAAFhk/oLIQ68R-mL4/s1600/Cider-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXvwwHCOtnM/VDLrLJ3aq_I/AAAAAAAAFhk/oLIQ68R-mL4/s1600/Cider-5.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It beats regular cider any day. We love to make this on Friday nights and take it to go during football games. It's a family favorite here! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Recipe: </b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">64 ounces apple cider </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 quart orange juice </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup red hots </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 Tbs. whole all spice </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3 Tbs. honey </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bring cider, orange juice and red hots to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove all spice and stir in honey. Makes about 12 servings. </span></div>
Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-22355871497263352142014-10-06T13:09:00.002-06:002014-10-09T08:34:25.039-06:00The Good Bad October Day<span style="font-size: large;">Cool air in October makes my heart skip a beat. It beckons me to cook and bake and light cinnamon candles. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was one of those days...I had chicken pot pie bubbling in my oven, fall is in the air...no one sick or fighting and all is well in the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I picked Nicholas up from piano and I overheard on the radio,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "new survey states almost all parents are really looking forward to when their kids move out. The main reasons being: more money left over each month, more quiet, and more freedom." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Good grief. This doesn't shock me. I see many couples trying to live this way while still having their kids at home. It's sad. But I think it is impart, how the world teaches them to live. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I thought back to the car commercials I watched while watching baseball the night before. They market to the restless heart. Go get away, take an adventure, laugh, experience more and again. It's interesting to listen to because it has nothing to do with the car itself, but catches the viewer with images and notions of what they may be longing for deep inside. Doesn't it always go back to wanting to be happy? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I come home still pondering that bleak statistic, and I notice this...</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNBxZJYd0W8/VDKm__2kP8I/AAAAAAAAFgk/4HYTolJx-YI/s1600/october%2B1-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNBxZJYd0W8/VDKm__2kP8I/AAAAAAAAFgk/4HYTolJx-YI/s1600/october%2B1-7.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know my own theory on a happy life is different, even opposed to what the world says. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But I have experienced the following equation that gives me that conviction: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>More children (or even not being able to have children) = more sacrifice = more love = greater happiness.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C36t0eBTqxE/VDLmH7YML4I/AAAAAAAAFhU/14Ymf9tTQEo/s1600/october%2B1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C36t0eBTqxE/VDLmH7YML4I/AAAAAAAAFhU/14Ymf9tTQEo/s1600/october%2B1-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a little secret my mom and dad showed me growing up, having 11 kids, choosing to die to themselves, whatever the number may be. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I saw it in their faces, deep wrinkles from suffering and deep wrinkles from laughter. A secret because most people only saw multiple kids going to and fro, most only thought they saw less money, more noise, and no freedom. They were right. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I saw a father with a stack of bills and and tears coming from his eyes as four girls stacked on his back belly laughing caused him to laugh so hard it made him cry. I saw a mother with a mountain of laundry somewhere, dancing and clogging in the kitchen with her husband and kids around her. </span><span style="font-size: large;">So yes, there was less money, definitely</span><span style="font-size: large;"> more noise, and no free nights and weekends. </span><span style="font-size: large;">They proved the </span><span style="font-size: large;">theory of sacrifice out of love and loving in the moment produces more love. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNqx_6fJm7Q/VDLmCCCo9gI/AAAAAAAAFhM/8LR7x1EWQ_8/s1600/october%2B1-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNqx_6fJm7Q/VDLmCCCo9gI/AAAAAAAAFhM/8LR7x1EWQ_8/s1600/october%2B1-4.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I choose to have more children, choose to live without certain material things, choose to live for them, for Andrew, for God. And deep in my soul that is what is most fulfilling, albeit more difficult sometimes. Sometimes it feels supremely hard most of the time and other times it feels wonderful, and some days, maybe mostly everyday, it's both. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My life's quest is Heaven, it will be my greatest adventure. </span><span style="font-size: large;">My car, well, it needs to be a love boat of sorts. It's how the good Lord told me how I will get there. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My favorite quote lately from St. Therese of Lisieux...</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them." </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYFbyHWJkWs/VDKnWniYybI/AAAAAAAAFg4/ELaCOremrSw/s1600/october%2B1-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYFbyHWJkWs/VDKnWniYybI/AAAAAAAAFg4/ELaCOremrSw/s1600/october%2B1-8.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>That night</b>... music played, bread baked, Julia rocked in her swing sleeping. I could see Nicholas throwing himself a football through my living room window and the girls put on their aprons and helped me bake an apple crisp. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you Lord! I will pour love even in this moment, and even in my joy I can still give you glory. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude." </span>G.K. Chesterton.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">But later that night</b><span style="font-size: large;">...I got to bed late and was up with Julia who was chatting with the bullfrogs at 3 am. for 2 hours. Then Avila awoke to use the bathroom at 5 and then Julia got up again to eat at 6. And there were only small minutes of consecutive sleep. That hurt. Oh sweet Jesus there are moments of pain in parenting such as eyes stinging and body aching for deep sleep. Such is life: good days mixed in with painful ones. But in all things I will give thanks and I will love....well, I will be trying at least. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sK8TOrX7tpw/VDKnERCkRtI/AAAAAAAAFgs/mSG0d6kvaGI/s1600/october%2B1-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sK8TOrX7tpw/VDKnERCkRtI/AAAAAAAAFgs/mSG0d6kvaGI/s1600/october%2B1-10.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
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Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-22514202787665143792014-09-30T22:51:00.001-06:002014-09-30T22:51:21.583-06:00What we do on free evenings...We take long walks, we dance and wrestle in our living room, and in the fall, we play football.<br />
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Whatever one member of the family does....so do we all.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AotJb5-1hAo/VCt3b9_F1oI/AAAAAAAAFgE/9viHfx8m63A/s1600/sept.wkd-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AotJb5-1hAo/VCt3b9_F1oI/AAAAAAAAFgE/9viHfx8m63A/s1600/sept.wkd-14.jpg" height="640" width="532" /></a><br />
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Andrew is teaching them "pass patterns". </div>
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Avila, dressed for <i>watching</i> football. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-HIRjweJk4/VCt3QerjYRI/AAAAAAAAFfw/DNoyvUDQt1Y/s1600/sept.wkd-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-HIRjweJk4/VCt3QerjYRI/AAAAAAAAFfw/DNoyvUDQt1Y/s1600/sept.wkd-13.jpg" height="640" width="382" /></a><br />
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Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-88885724664321169712014-09-26T21:45:00.000-06:002014-09-26T21:45:22.314-06:00Popeye, Olive Oil and the Can of Spinach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't get to blog about our costumes last year. Oh did we have fun. They even won the local "Best Homemade Costume" award. </div>
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My parents passed down their dress up genes. I remember so many Halloweens and not Halloweens of my parents dressing up in wigs and clever costumes. I remember my mom laughing hysterically after she dressed my sister into a nun costume she made.<br />
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I must have belly laughed all day long staring at Avila in her green spinach face. Goodness this was fun.<br />
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Crepe paper, poster board, and yarn....my old shirts, pipe cleaners and felt. One good wig and three willing kids. Happy Halloween.<br />
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We may have had to bribe her to stay in costume with a sucker...or two....<br />
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-63004393288337215542014-09-23T08:41:00.002-06:002014-10-01T06:36:06.526-06:00These are the Days....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just an evening spent watching Dad mow the lawn and squeezing the last good bit out of the summer. </div>
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I spent the evening watching them, it was my delight. </div>
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-43209865218326801782014-09-17T20:59:00.004-06:002014-09-17T20:59:57.158-06:00Hello Breakfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Adding some zing to the</div>
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Whole 30 morning routine. </div>
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Pico de Gallo over Ham and Eggs</div>
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<b><u>Minute Pico</u></b></div>
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2 Jalepenos, seeded and finely chopped</div>
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1/4 to 1/3 Cup Purple Onion, finely chopped</div>
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1/2 - 1 Cup cherry tomatoes </div>
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(or regular, but the cherry tomatoes are sweet and balance out the flavor) </div>
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Dash of salt </div>
<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-71153091980269221792014-09-17T20:50:00.000-06:002014-09-17T21:00:20.685-06:00He's her biggest fan. Maybe it's his age, but I think more so his demeanor... <br />
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but He asks constantly to hold her.<br />
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And when I'm holding her, asks if he can kiss her. It doesn't let up, every day is the same.<br />
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He is constantly giggling at her "getting fat" and has his own nickname for her, "JuJu". We'll see if it sticks...<br />
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Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-17431707215844481832014-09-11T10:35:00.000-06:002014-09-11T10:35:07.691-06:00My Sole Responsibility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"Parents, it is your responsibility to be the first educators of the Catholic faith and to keep this light of faith burning." </span></b></div>
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Each baptism brings into <u>supreme focus</u> my sole responsibility in this vocation God has asked of me. Not to have my kitchen floors swept and toilets cleaned or kids noses wiped and looking perfect. Although, admittedly that is what most times I get caught up with during the day.<br />
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He will ask me if I got Andrew to Heaven and then if I did all in my power to instill the knowledge and love of our Catholic faith to my children. What a very serious and sacred mission.<br />
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At night before I go to bed, it is this question I should ask myself.<br />
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She was baptized on August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption. I have a feeling this little girl, who was born on the Feast of the Dedication of Mary Major, whom her middle name, Mercedes is Spanish for Mary Mother of Mercy, will be especially guided by her Mother Mary.<br />
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It was incredibly special for Andrew to baptize her alongside Dominic and his daughter Charlotte.<br />
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I wonder what we could see on the other side as a new soul is born into the Church family and original sin erased and a daughter of God made new...Heaven rejoicing...our journey to get her there beginning.<br />
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Our dear friend and priest Fr. Jarett Konrade did the baptism, as he was in town for Kathryn's wedding.<br />
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We proudly chose John and Lindsay with the care of being her Godparents, we couldn't admire these two more as a godly examples of constant heroic fidelity to the Catholic faith in their daily lives.<br />
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We thank Aunt Kristin for so kindly supplying our baptismal gown, since I was grossly unprepared ;)<br />
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My two pillars, my mother and mother-in-law...so happy they could be there to witness Julia's big day.<br />
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Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-25508699949494627002014-09-10T14:28:00.000-06:002014-09-10T14:28:23.110-06:00Currently Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-World-Survival-Resilience-Redemption/dp/0812974492/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410364687&sr=1-1&keywords=unbroken" target="_blank">This</a> book.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TzjKZu4CUuY/VBB0xBczVsI/AAAAAAAAFaw/8RvpPretvQo/s1600/unbroken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TzjKZu4CUuY/VBB0xBczVsI/AAAAAAAAFaw/8RvpPretvQo/s1600/unbroken.jpg" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
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I heard about it a couple years ago, but watching this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrjJbl7kRrI" target="_blank">trailer</a> got me hooked. I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie. </div>
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This is the story of a passionate runner, Olympian, survivor at sea, prisoner of war, and his survival through the traumatic suffering and the most inhumane treatment a human person can go through in a lifetime. </div>
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May I learn from the lessons of his life: the lesson of will power, the lesson of a God who does not abandon his own, the lesson of suffering without a meaning compared to suffering with purpose, </div>
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the lesson to be broken is to be wide open for redemption. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">"A moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory." - Unbroken</span></b></div>
<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-75040889907062520122014-09-04T10:20:00.000-06:002014-09-04T10:20:32.889-06:00Photo Shoot with Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meager attempts at capturing her newborness. I had fun trying... </div>
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Trying to get all four of them together...whew....nearly impossible. :) </div>
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It was four little monkeys jumping on the bed...</div>
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-44037659927866748982014-09-02T14:58:00.002-06:002014-09-02T21:10:35.541-06:00Running RacesHe stood there holding Julia in one hand and a cold beer in the other.<br />
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We watched the kids running in the back yard, running races, and he said: "THIS is life."<br />
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I'm grateful for those moments I look at the kids, freeze their faces in my mind, I soak them in and try to absorb them, relish them.<br />
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I try to focus in on their presence. They each long to be listened to intently and watched undistractedly. </div>
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I watch them as they get lost in their elements...</div>
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I love what they love. </div>
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Yes, this is life, learning to focus on the OTHER, loving the other....so privileged to love them.<br />
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-34801442168395992452014-08-27T09:54:00.001-06:002014-08-27T11:10:12.366-06:00Breaking Points The breaking point.<br />
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I anticipate one with each new little precious soul. They are worth so much and usually come with quite a cost. They are costly physically on my own body and costly mentally deep in the soul.<br />
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I know this. I even watch and wait for it.<br />
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But each time I still find myself in shock and sorely out of virtue practice when it hits, like going back to a work out after a year off.<br />
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Last night after six hours of successive crying on and off again, my back throbbed from holding Julia all day.<br />
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It comes in various forms: sometimes it's a baby that has been up crying all night after a succession of sleepless nights, or mastitis and uterine infections, a baby with colic that requires me to give up dairy and all food that tastes good, or cabin fever or hormonal imbalance...<br />
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I know for every mother these come at different times and in all shapes and sizes. They may be a moment or several days, or months...a time when the feeling absolute helplessness washes over us. The feeling of difficulties mounting and at some point, being broken.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3XHWtjotyE/U_3792Auu2I/AAAAAAAAFSY/ujIYtZClxlQ/s1600/A-Broken-Branch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3XHWtjotyE/U_3792Auu2I/AAAAAAAAFSY/ujIYtZClxlQ/s1600/A-Broken-Branch.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a><br />
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I can hear myself telling a friend whose premature baby was struggling to gain weight and she was taking hours to feed him ounces several times a day while her other five children were back home...."May you persevere during this season of suffering". And I lay there listening to what I told someone else, barely able to handle my own. Eating my wonderful words of wisdom.<br />
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The point of being broken, the point of feeling completely bereft of strength to go on, that I have nothing left...it is at this point, that I bend down, lay on the ground, and I have to open my hands.<br />
I ask God to take them, because I do not have what it takes to go on. And I know at that point, He has me right where He wants me. <b>"Because my grace is sufficient for you." </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(2 Corinthians 12:9) </span><br />
And I hear that familiar passage in my head..."Unless a grain of wheat fall to the ground and die...it cannot bear fruit." My head knows this, but my heart is always slow and behind.<br />
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I pray. I wait for Him to take over. I remember I'm suppose to rely on Him to be holy. Many times, when I feel my own suffering is great, I think about those whose suffering is far greater. This time, those in Israel who are being beheaded for being Christian, the families who babies are dying from lack of food and water because they were forced from their homelands surface to my thoughts. Suddenly my breaking point seems so small. My baby cried for hours but wasn't sick or dying or hungry. She is perfectly healthy. I am here with my husband and children in a house with food and a bed to sleep in. <b>Thank you God for this crying wonderful healthy baby.</b><br />
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<i>Pain has it's way of</i> <i>waking me up, bringing me into supreme focus. </i>The next morning I prayed with a greater awareness of my need for God, for his presence to sustain me throughout the day. I prayed longer and harder and more often. <i>This is what He wants of me always.</i><br />
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<i>The Breaking of the Dawn...</i>Even if the difficulty or "crying" persists, when I have that breaking point, that moment where I bend before God, when He takes over, I do rise to get up and know He is along side me. As when you bond with a friend after going through a struggle together or deepen your relationship with your spouse when you both suffer through a trial...It is God and I together. That is a treasure.<br />
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Why every time do I forget and try with all my might to do it on my own strength?<br />
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There will be many more breaking points, and I will forget again, and by God's grace I will try and stumble and try again.<br />
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But I know, the break, the piece of me that needs to go....is always good....it is a gift.</div>
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-56082886799426740352014-08-22T12:57:00.004-06:002014-09-04T13:45:12.369-06:00Teacher Treats: Gourmet Pretzels <span style="font-size: large;">I know most of the teachers personally in our small school and the countless, thankless hours they put in every year, as do many teachers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If I have time, I love giving our grade school teachers, and principal and staff, <i>"Back to School" Treats</i>. But you could also easily do them for Christmas treats. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These were so easy and quick and SOOOO good. These also doubled as thank you gifts for the Hospital Staff after I had Julia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Melt. Dip. Roll. Done. Who can't do that? </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAFgDVR5o5Y/U_eB5tAWzbI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/_80IVeh1cGs/s1600/pretzel%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAFgDVR5o5Y/U_eB5tAWzbI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/_80IVeh1cGs/s1600/pretzel%2Bcollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Melt </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Dip</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Roll</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Done, Cool. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It makes a big batch good for gifting in bigger quantities, or for keeping a stash for personal indulging ;)</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I then bagged and ribboned. The gift tag line: "Here's to starting off the school year on the sweet side" Love from, _______</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfMokZQa0DM/U_eJq-h2ILI/AAAAAAAAFRU/-rVkHGbehFc/s1600/gift%2Btag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfMokZQa0DM/U_eJq-h2ILI/AAAAAAAAFRU/-rVkHGbehFc/s1600/gift%2Btag.jpg" height="574" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In these tags I cut 8x10 size paper from brown paper roll and fed it through my printer. I just made a circle text in Word and printed off about 10 at a time. It would be easier with a circle punch, but didn't have so used good ole fashioned scissors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cellophane bags and raffia purchased <i><a href="http://www.creativegiftpackaging.com/Party_Bags_Favor_Bags_s/294.htm" target="_blank">here</a></i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Recipe:</i></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 (14 oz) package of caramels</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Tbs. Water </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Bag Pretzel Rods </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 pack of semi-sweet mini chocolate chips</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 pack of toffee pieces </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Directions:</i></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Line 2 baking sheets with wax paper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pour and mix chocolate chips and toffee pieces into a shallow baking pan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Microwave caramels in a bowl with water for 1 minute. Take out and stir. Heat another minute. Stir. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dip pretzels into caramel and roll into chocolate chip mixture. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cool on baking sheets and chill in fridge or let cool on counter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">They look gourmet and taste amazing!</span>Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-72075501622857833982014-08-20T15:06:00.000-06:002014-08-20T20:25:10.012-06:00You Are My Sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish that song wouldn't immediately come to my head on the first day of every school year. They'll never know how much I love them....</div>
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The start of another school year always sends me into reflection mode.<br />
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The truth is, I love having them at home. I listen to their conversations and watch them play for hours. All summer we did science experiments, read books, planned adventures, and played games. I am going to miss them so much.<br />
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These years I thought school was ages away. We were in the new realm of parenting toddlers. </div>
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Nicholas will be in Second Grade. Sporting the "not sure how I should smile, smile" ;). He wants to be a scientist and study living things when he grows up.<br />
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Christiana started Kindergarten. It is always a huge milestone. They are still puffy and small and look as though they shouldn't be leaving to go on their own.<br />
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In my mind, I go back to these days....and my heart hurts and feels like it weighs ten thousand pounds. I know time and life and life and time will continue to remain a mystery.<br />
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It's how I know we are made for Heaven, a place without time and no goodbyes, a place with foreverness. <br />
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My lovely wonderful sunshine, always smiling and hugging anyone she encounters, pure joy in her soul when she wakes till she sleeps.<br />
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I know I only have <i>today</i> to take it all in. I will look back on the days I'm in now when they are in high school. So I will continue to relish the time I have been given in the <i>now</i>.<br />
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Thanks to Aunt Hilary, Nicholas woke up to find a brand new pair of shoes to go to school. He talked about getting new shoes all summer and I told him the ones he had were fine. Thank goodness for fairy godmothers ;)<br />
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Of course, it puts my heart at ease with <i>this man</i> working at the school. They all walked to the car together and drove off.<br />
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Fortunately I was too emotionally drained from being sick, having all the family in for the wedding that I didn't cry my eyes out. They both were beaming to get to go to school. It's easier when I know they are happy. Here's to another year! AMDG.<br />
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-49766272697752722652014-08-19T20:33:00.001-06:002014-08-19T20:34:48.839-06:00One Year LaterIntroducing our newest family member:
Julia Mercedes<br />
Born on August 5th, 2014 at 9:32p.m.<br />
Weighing 7lbs. 140z and 21 inches long.<br />
Labor from start to finish: 4 hours.<br />
She came into this world with barely a cry out of the womb.<br />
We fell head over heels, it happens every time.
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This is post epidural. Andrew and I chatted with the nurses and doctor for about an hour. And then after that it was full steam ahead.<br />
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I always bring my crucifix with me to the hospital. It serves as a visual reminder that "unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it cannot bear fruit." The "death" would come after delivery ;) but that's another story.<br />
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The staff quickly scrambled to get things ready because they were all caught off guard with how fast she came. I kept looking at the little baby crib, almost couldn't believe there would soon be a little person in there.<br />
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I am in awe of our God. I can not imagine what he is like, but for an instant I get to hold a piece of Heaven and I get a small glimpse of him when I hold that new life in my arms so completely perfect and invoking all my amazement.<br />
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455375699233824510.post-63816033886638086072013-08-20T20:43:00.003-06:002013-08-20T20:44:56.483-06:00Paleo Grilled Greek Chicken Salad<span style="font-size: large;">So...during the weekdays we I try and cook Paleo. I always have variations for family or if we have friends over but it works for the most part. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Tonight, I was in the mood to eat out. I thought about what I would order if I did so, and then realized I could make a version just as good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grilled Greek Chicken Salad</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What you Need: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken tenders </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 Tbs. Mayo with olive oil (or leave out for Pure version) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4-6 cups of Romaine and Red Leaf lettuce (or any greens you prefer, I also use spinach)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 Purple Onion cut in 2 inch wedges. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 Cup of Greek Vinegarette Dressing, plus a little more for salad (recipe below) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 large tomato cut in large wedges </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 large cucumber sliced and quartered </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sliced Kalamata olives (or leave out, my kids don't like them) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 lemon</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Variations: </span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6 slices of smoked bacon, grilled and crumbled. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6 hard boiled eggs chopped </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Feta Cheese (for those not on Paleo ;) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Greek Vinaigrette Dressing:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 cup Olive Oil </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8 Tbs. Red Wine Vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp. Salt </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 cloves chopped garlic </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 tsp. sugar (I leave out, but you can use or add more to taste)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fresh cracked black pepper </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pour in shaker or whisk until combined. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">______________</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Marinade: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. In a ziploc bag, toss chicken,and red onion in in greek dressing marinade (and mayo if using.) I also throw the bacon in the marinade as well for about 20 minutes in the fridge. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grill: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Preheat Grill to Medium-Low heat. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Place chicken, bacon, and purple onion on grill. Turn after about 10 minutes, and finish for about another 10, or when chicken no longer pink and bacon crisp. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, toss tomatoes, cucumber, and salad greens. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">EAT: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Place chicken on top of salad. Add crumbled bacon, olives, and grilled onions. Drizzle with lemon juice or extra dressing. Add additional toppings like chopped hard boiled eggs or feta (for those not on Paleo). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Be prepared for mouth watering flavor!!! </span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"> Food Philosophy: Because the effort to make good food is a gift </i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"> to those </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">around me.</i><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">It’s happy memories, togetherness, </i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"> the living part of life.</i><br />
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<br />Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02119677252363097742noreply@blogger.com2