Ramblings from an imperfect mom...

Cleaner Eating

2012-01-26T17:26:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been trying to eat "cleaner." I was invited to a Wild Tree party where the sales lady talked about all of the junk in our food. I have been hearing more and more about it and it is really getting my attention now. I mean we all know that we don't eat the best food, but the problem is that we don't even know what we are putting into our bodies some of the time. The list of ingredients is scary! One thing the lady said that really stuck with me is the "anti-caking" agent that is put into a lot of powders and baking mixes. It's the same chemical that is in the silica packets in new shoes that say toxic, do not ingest. Now, I know it has to be a safe level according to the fda, but how safe is even a little?

So anyway, I've been trying to make more things from scratch. Simple things like taco seasoning, pancake and waffle mixes, and snacks. There is something really special about your kids eating something that you took time to make and know exactly what you put into them. Now, I'm not perfect on this yet, I still do buy some snacks but every little bit helps. I would really like to learn how to make graham crackers...those seem to be a staple here. But we did make brownies from scratch today, and they are amazing! I am trying very hard to control myself around them, since they are 5 pts. a piece!
Here's one of my favorite cookbooks when it comes to making snacks for the kids.

And one of our new favorite recipes is the Chocolate Chip Cookies with chickpeas. Yes you read right, chickpeas! Here's how they look...

And here's Aaron enjoying them! Even Brian liked them!

The living word

2012-01-22T21:14:00.001-05:00

While reading devotions with Brian tonight, we came across this quote, "Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years." ~ CH Spurgeon.

What a great quote! It made us think about how every single time we read a portion of the Bible, something new jumps out. It's just amazing to me. Never have I read another book that does that. The Bible is truly alive. It is beautiful and so full, I get excited just thinking about it. One example for me of a Scripture having new life is from Psalm 46:10. Most are familiar with the first part of the verse, "Be still and know that I am God." I even have this on a plaque over our entry door. I love this Scripture, and for a long time I used it to remind me to take time and be still with God. That is part of the verse but did you know there's more to the verse? So often we only learn pieces of Scripture, and in turn miss out on even more. The second part of the verse says, "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." So God is not just telling us to be still and spend time with Him, but He is saying in this time of uncertainty, that He is in control. It's a lot easier to be still and know he is God when we know that in the end He will be exalted in the earth.

So my point of this post is~ next time you read or hear a familiar verse, dig deeper into it. Look at the text around it and find out the content. You may discover something new!

Just had another quick thought connected to this...have you heard Mandisa's song "God Speaking"? I love this song and it talks about the beautiful ways that God uses to talk to us. Check it out!

Remember this?

2012-01-20T21:35:00.000-05:00

I was surfing around on my WW profile today and saw this picture as my profile picture...

This photo was taken in the spring of 2010. What a difference 50+ pounds makes!

What do your cravings look like?

2012-01-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

Reading through "Made To Crave" again is proving to be exactly what I needed to keep me focused and refocus my cravings. Cravings are funny little things...they can start as an itch and slowly or not so slowly creep up and take over your thoughts. MTC talks about the ad campaign WW had a few years ago with the little red monster. Remember him?

One of the questions for discussion today was what do your cravings look like. Mine are much different than this scary (okay really cute) monster. Mine look more like an old friend.

Someone who when they come around, you want to sit and catch up. You don't want to be rude and ignore them because you don't see them everyday. And before you know it you have spent all afternoon with them, or in my case, the whole bag of chips. When I get a craving for food, the devil makes me feel that it's okay because I haven't indulged in such a long time. That's almost always never true because I certainly do not deprive myself, but the devil is sly and knows how often I can be fooled by that lie.

Did you know that cravings aren't bad? In fact, God made us to crave? "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul LONGS (craves), even faints for you. My heart and flesh cry out for You." Psalm 84:1-2. It's all about taking those cravings whatever they may be for-food, shopping, relationships, money, etc. and searching for what you are really craving. When I stop myself and ask what I am really craving, it's almost never food. In those moments, I am learning to pray and ask God to fill me with what I need at that moment. It's not easy, but life is a journey and I refuse to be controlled any longer by food!

10 lbs to go

2012-01-12T14:14:00.000-05:00

I have been on this weight loss journey for almost two years and I can finally say that I have only 10 lbs to go. Whew, that sounds great to say. I have a deadline for those 10 lbs but only a few people know that and I am trusting on them to keep me accountable. This month has been rough with Christmas in it so the weight loss has been slower than I would like. I did start taking measurements though and have lost over 6 inches in just a month.

I'm so close...I have to keep persevering! I can't wait to start the online Bible Study of "Made to Crave" and get that additional pumping up that I know will get me to the end. The end...I mean the beginning, of a new stage called maintenance. That will be a challenge!

Everyday miracles

2012-01-11T14:49:00.001-05:00

I have been thinking about this post for a while, knowing that I will not have the adequate words to describe how I am feeling but here it goes...

How dependent are you on God? Do you only ask God to give you the basics? To heal the sick? To cure diseases? To bring the lost back? These are amazing petitions, and I am not suggesting by any means that you stop asking God for these things. But how often have you asked him to just get you through the next day, or the next few minutes? I have seen so often how God has used my little prayers in big ways. I want to share just a few examples with you.

A few years ago, 3 months after Aaron was born, I was home alone one night with the boys snug in bed and Brian out playing soccer in a rec league. I had just received an email from our tax accountant that we were going to receive more money back from the government than we had expected. Now this wasn't just a few hundred dollars...it was $8000 more than we had originally been told. I'm not saying that number to brag, well maybe to brag on God, but at the time that seemed like an unreal amount of money. I distinctly remember finishing up on the computer, going upstairs, standing in the kitchen and praying to God, "Lord, you are giving us an amazing gift with this extra money. Please don't let us blow this money and help us to spend it wisely." Ten minutes later, I received a call that Brian had gotten hurt on the soccer field. Long story short, Brian was off of work for 2 months, without insurance to help pay anything. I think God answered my prayer that night! We made it through a huge disaster just barely hanging on, so grateful for God's providence and the miracle that he performed that night. If not for that money, we would have had to take out some major loans, or who knows what would have happened. We are currently paying off the last bill from that event and will be free of that (minus the two large scars on Brian's leg) in a few months.

A much smaller answer to prayer came two nights ago. My sweet little boys woke up puking in the middle of the night. Yes I said both of them were puking...at the same time...coming out the other end too. After getting them cleaned up for the 3rd or 4th time, I laid in bed praying to God, "Please Lord, don't let me get sick right now too!" I was not feeling great, actually I felt as if I were going to puke any minute, but I knew that I couldn't get sick that night. I kept repeating that prayer as the waves of nausea passed through me. God answered my prayer. I did not end up puking, and was able to help the boys return to their normal healthy selves again.

Small requests, big answers. I have been thinking a lot about miracles lately and am a full believer that God is still doing them today. Here are two examples of mine. I know there are a million others out there. What's your miracle? And more importantly, what are you NOT asking God for, for whatever reason?

Why not give it a try? Here's the kicker...you have to have faith that he will see it to fruition. It might not be what you specifically asked for, but believe in him...

One last example-during my last Bible study at church we prayed intensely for a fellow member who was struggling with infertility. She is now due to have their baby in the end of July! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

PS. I would love you to share your everyday miracles with me. God uses our stories to help others!

John 14:13
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Family game night

2012-01-07T07:56:00.000-05:00

Do you have a family game night? A night where you "unplug" from everything and just spend some time together? We try to do this one night a week. Now you may ask, "How do you have family game night with a two year old and a four year old?" The answer is simple games and lots of patience! Here is a shot of some of our games

Some of our favorites not pictured are Elefun, Hungry, hungry hippos and Uno Attack. Why do I insist on doing this once a week? The pictures tell it all!

Memories like this are priceless!

Made To Crave...God Not Food!

2012-01-04T14:16:00.000-05:00

I know I have talked about this before, but it's time for me to reconnect with this study. Last winter I co-led a Bible Study based on this book and starting January 15, I will be starting the study again, following an online Bible study, as my life if quite busy this winter and this is the most convenient way for me to participate in a Bible Study and still stay accountable. I would love to have you join me in this 6-week study. You can find out more about it on this website. Made to Crave is an amazing book that helps us see how God understands our struggle with food, and wants to meet us in our struggle and free us from it. Remember Eve? The first recorded sin involves food! Your struggle is not something new for God. Another great resource is Lysa TerKeurst's website. She is the author of the book.

Maybe reading it through a second time will make it stick a little more. I may have to read it through 20 times to fully "get" it through my thick sinful head. I do agree with Lysa TerKeurst that my struggle with food is really a struggle with trusting God and not letting the devil have control over my life. You may not see your struggle in that way, and I have all respect for that. But as for me, this way of looking at my struggle with food is so helpful. Let me know if you want to join me, I would love to have local support on this journey as well as the support of the online community.

Garden Vegetable Soup

2012-01-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I have been a part of Weight Watchers for a while now. I'm very close to my goal, and plan to get there soon with some extra motivation from the new year. Also, I have had this blog for a long time and not been very faithful with writing on it while I am full of ideas for things to share. I am inspired by my cousin's wife, Michelle, and her beautifully written, very vulnerable blog. You can check it out here...http://gettinghealthyonestepatatime.blogspot.com/
So I am attempting to get back at blogging in hopes that it will help me stay motivated and maybe inspire others to get motivated too!

So here's the scoop on one of my favorite recipes that Weight Watchers has. It is my fall back meal when I know I am going to have a high point supper and need to have a filling meal with low points. I have to admit that I have seen this recipe the two other times that I have done Weight Watchers and have turned a nose up to it. It's Garden Vegetable Soup. It's okay to admit that it sounds horrible, especially when others in the WW community call it Cabbage soup. It grossed me out for the longest time. Finally last year I decided to give it a try and I LOVE IT! It's super fun to make and tastes really great. It also, amazingly to me, fills me up! There are so many yummy vegetables in it and it's easy to freeze and pop in the microwave when you are ready to eat it.
Here's a pic of it cooking on the stove (it also makes your house smell wonderful with the spices and garlic!)

Here's the recipe from http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeid=93151
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1/4 cup diced onions
2 minced garlic cloves
3 cups fat-free broth of your choice
1 cup diced green cabbage
1 cup chopped spinach
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup diced zucchini

Spray a large saucepan with nonstick cooking spay, heat. Saute the carrot, onion, and garlic over low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth, cabbage, spinach, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 15 minutes covered. Stir in zucchini and cook 3-4 minutes more. Serve hot. Makes 6 1 cup servings. PP per serving-0!!!

I almost always double the recipe so that I have lots to eat and freeze. Here is what a double batch makes for me. The smaller containers have one serving and the larger containers have two.

And here's my favorite way to eat it. These crackers are my favorite and are 2PP for 5 crackers. Yes, I do only eat 5 crackers at a time! Not to say I couldn't eat the whole box at once if I wanted to but it's all about control.

On another note, it's been great to see the impact my healthy eating and exercising has had on the people around me. My beautiful friend Whitney has recently hit her goal weight at WW, and I am so proud of her! And the impact it has on my family is priceless. It's so great to see my boys choosing healthier options once and a while.

Thoughts from my dad

2011-07-31T14:47:00.000-04:00

My dad is called upon quite frequently at his church do to the children's message. He does not take this job lightly and always comes up with amazing ways of teaching the kids something important about God. This week it was about worship. He told me he came up with a prop while sitting outside in the back yard relaxing. He was looking at the corn stalks and noticed how their 'arms' were all raised up to God, growing up and praising the creator. Then he said to think about all kinds of plants and how they all have it figured out, in order to grow, they must grow up to the sun, the source of their light, the source of their every being. If corn stalks have it figured out, how hard is it for us to figure out? Wow! I don't think I will ever look at another corn stalk again without thinking of praising our God for all he gives for us. Thanks Dad, for not only teaching the kids, but for teaching us!
Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

My Dream Board

2011-07-06T22:32:00.000-04:00

My WW leader challenged us to create a dream board. I thought it sounded like fun so I gave it a try. According to her, if you make one of these...things will start happening! If you want to make one for yourself, check out Oprah.com and type in Dream board to make your own.

Goal #1-Meaningful devotions and prayer at the supper table

Goal #2-Better communication with my husband

Goal #3-Run two 5K races

Goal #4-Tone my arms

Goal #5-Buy a music device

Goal #6-Read at least 2 books a month

Goal #7-Save money

Goal #8-Be a more patient mom

my water baby!

2011-06-14T08:37:00.000-04:00

Why bad things happen

2011-06-13T20:41:00.000-04:00

Last night at church Dave Stravers from Mission India preached. He talked on John 9:1-12 with major emphasis on the first three verses. His sermon was about why bad things happen, such as the horrible social system that India has. I can, as I'm sure many other people, can think of so many things going on in my own life and in the world around me that I constantly wonder...why is this happening. That is exactly what Jesus' disciples did when they encountered yet another blind person. They asked Jesus, "Who sinned?" They wanted to know why this man was blind, what did he do or his parents do to deserve this. How many times do I ask God that when something bad happens, or even worse, how many times do I say "that happened because God is not happy with ______________." I am really good at doing that. But again, God's word "slapped me in the face" (in a good way, don't worry!) and here is His amazing response to the disciples and to us:
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:3.

Whoa...that verse took my breath away. Of course I know there are times when God uses things in our lives to get us back on track with him. But what about all the other amazing things that he does just so that we may see His miracles working! I think it's time I start looking for the works of God being displayed instead of trying to find the blame.

Watermelon Love!

2011-06-02T18:19:00.000-04:00

Aaron loves watermelon! I think he would only eat that if we let him! We have to hide it most of the time when we do eat it just to make sure he eats his other food too. We have learned to limit him though...too much watermelon can make a big mess in a few hours.

Superman's Mom

2011-05-31T09:02:00.001-04:00

I found this poem earlier in the year and have been wanting to share it for a long time...Here's to all the mom's of boys!

Superman's Mom
Last week I fought a dragon strong
Then climbed a castle wall.
Too bad I fell from off the roof
Mom's flowers broke my fall.

Yesterday I sailed to sea
With pirates at the door.
Too bad the tub was just too small
To keep the ocean off the floor.

Today I launched a rocket to
The moon for Mom to see.
Too bad the wheel came flying off
And so I skinned my knee.

But mom was there to pick me up
And make me feel alright
Then sent me out to save the world
And put my cape on tight.

Someday I'll grow and fly away
Little doesn't last for long.
But when I'm big, I won't forget
Even superman needs a mom.
~Liz Lemon Swindle

My superheros!

Easter Idea

2011-04-10T21:12:00.003-04:00

I was planning out my week of activities do to with the kiddos and ran across this awesome recipe. Has anyone ever made these? I can't wait to do it with Joey and maybe start a tradition! What a great way to tell the story of Easter for kids to understand.

Easter Story Cookies
Ingredients:
• Bible
• 1 c whole pecans
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• pinch of salt
• 1 c granulated sugar
• 1 qt. or gal. size zipper bag
• wooden spoon
• tape
Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2.  Place pecans in ziploc bag and let kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.
     Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3. Then
     Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his
     head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the
     Jews!" And they struck him in the face.
3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Add teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus
     was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30...Later, knowing that all was
     now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine
     vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and
     lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink,Jesus said,"It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
4. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read
     John 10:10-11. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,
     and have it to the full. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
5. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.
     Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own
     sins. Read Luke 23:27 A large number of people followed Him, including women who mourned and wailed for
     Him.
6. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the
     story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm
     34:8--Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him~and John 3:16--"For
     God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believeth in Him shall not perish
     but have everlasting life."
7. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color
     white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah
     1:18--"Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall
     be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." And John 3:1-3 Now there
     was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at
     night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform the
     miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth,
     no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
8. Fold in broken nuts.
9. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.
10. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60 As
     evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph
     took the body, wrapped it in clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of
     rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.
11. Place the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape
     and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66 "Take a guard," Pilate
     answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting a guard.
12. GO TO BED. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers
     were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 "I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn
     while the world rejoices. You will grieve, buy your grief will turn to joy." And John 16:22 "So with you~
     Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your
     joy."
13. On Easter morning, open the oven and remove the cookies. Take a bite. Notice~the cookies are hollow.
14. On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
15. Read Matthew 28:1-9 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other
     Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from
     heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning,
     and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead
     men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was
     crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go
     quickly and tell His disciples: "He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There
     you will see Him. Now I have told you." So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with
     joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them, "Greetings," He said. They came to Him,
     clasped his feet and worshipped Him.
Easter Egg Cookies

Valentines Day Fun and some mom tips

2011-02-16T21:42:00.000-05:00

I LOVE Valentine's Day and want to make sure that my boys know that even though it may seem like a silly holiday, they need to make sure they let the people in their lives know they are loved! I found these adorable Valentine ideas from another blogger. You take a sucker and cut out lips for girls and mustaches for boys. Joey loved it because he said he looks like Daddy! He still asks for it with all of his suckers!

We made a special pizza for supper on Saturday night. I'm not the most creative but here's how it turned out...

Now for some fun mom tips. I got this idea from a class that I took from the Kent District Library on Magical Math.

Here's what my living room looked like at first. I have been collecting boxes for the last couple of weeks and taping them up again to make them whole. The kids then are allowed to build with them. It's so fun to watch them try to figure out how to make the different shaped boxes go together. Here's some pictures of the boys at work. Even Aaron loved this activity!

My last mom tip is for all the moms of boys! I was getting so sick of wiping off the seat when I had to go to the bathroom thanks to a short little man who is too "big" to stand on the stool to go potty. So I thought of a way to make him remember to lift up the seat.

I put stickers on the lid of the toilet seat that Joey has to hide before he can go potty. We told him that the aliens can't watch him go pee so he has to hide them. He loves the idea and has lifted the seat every time! Oh the wonderful power of stickers!

I don't know how you do it

2011-02-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

I hear that phrase so many times when people ask me what I do. Apparently I have a hard job. I can think of a hundred other jobs that are harder than at home daycare but that's not what this post is about. I thought it would be fun to create a top ten list of how I do what I do! So here it is...
Top Ten Reasons I can do Daycare
10) I get to wear sweats everyday
9) I can wake up 10 minutes before work and still be on time
8) My house gets messy quickly but I have lots of little helpers to clean
7) I get to do a craft everyday
6) Cuddles with my boys and the other kids too
5) I get to stay home with my kids
4) I have a big back yard (that I can't wait to get out into once the snow is a little less)
3) I have great kiddos that I'm blessed to take care of
2) I get to stay home with my kids, and still get paid!
1) I can only accomplish all of this by praying every morning for patience and joy. Without asking God for his help throughout the day, I would not have good days.
The number one reason has been so helpful to me! I am astonished every day when I don't get up early to pray and give the day to God how crappy my day can be. God really does give what we ask even little things like patience and joy. I'm so thankful that I have a God who listens to the little things. And I'm thankful that I have the great job of taking care of his precious children. Now you know!

Families and a recipe

2011-01-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

We have been attending church on Sunday nights as a commitment with our small group and I have really been enjoying them! I feel they are a hidden gem that many many people in our congregation are missing out on. This week the message from Pastor Tom was called "Families: Toxic or Tranquil" He talked about how there are many types of toxic family groups and what you can do to help change the way things are going. He gave 5 things we can do every day to make our families better. I typed them up on the computer and put them in a few places in our house as reminders of things we should be doing everyday to make our family the best it can be. I thought I would share them with you too!
1)Emphasize the uniqueness of every member of your family and encourage individuality.
2)Maintain consistency of the messages we convey.
3)Give immediate and appropriate discipline (kids can't call the shots).
4)Allow a generous margin for mistakes.
5)Require responsibility for actions.
These five things are so simple and yet so easily get forgotten. I hope and pray that by seeing these reminders everyday Brian and I can continue to raise Joey and Aaron up to be amazing men of Christ!

Also I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes with you. We have it about every other week here! It's from Weight Watchers and is simply amazing and so easy. I'm a big fan of using my slow cooker since I have daycare kids at my house until 5:30-6 everyday so this one has become a staple here.

Slow Cooker Lasagna
1 pound(s) uncooked lean ground beef (with 7% fat)
1 small onion(s), chopped
1 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
15 oz canned tomato sauce
1 tsp table salt
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 cup(s) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cup(s) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheeses, divided
6 item(s) dry lasagna noodles, no-cook
1/2 cup(s) shredded parmesan cheese, strong-flavored like Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano

Instructions

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes; simmer 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together ricotta cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Spoon 1/3 of beef mixture into a 5-quart slow cooker. Break 3 lasagna sheets in half and arrange over beef mixture; top with half of ricotta mixture. Repeat with another layer and finish with remaining 1/3 of beef mixture.
Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 4 to 6 hours. Remove cover; turn off heat and season to taste, if desired.
In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over beef mixture. Cover and set aside until cheese melts and lasagna firms up, about 10 minutes. Yields 1/6th of dish per serving.

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=135321#

Enjoy it tonight!

Lullabies

2011-01-12T21:24:00.000-05:00

Do you sing them to your babies? As I was rocking Aaron to sleep tonight contemplating how long I should rock him, I started singing one of my favorite lullabies to him. Joey heard what I was doing and sat right next to me and so I sang to both boys. I could tell he was a little jealous because I sang a song that I have been singing to Joey since he was born. But I made it fun by inserting both of their names in the song and looking at both while singing. I could see though how it affected Joey. Most nights I sing to him in his bed, in the dark, with my eyes closed. Tonight I could see his whole mood change in front of me as he watched me sing and then wanted to rock along with Aaron and me. What precious times! We, as moms and dads, have such amazing opportunities to love on our children! Even if you don't have a great singing voice, that special time before bed can be so important. When all is quiet after a crazy day, some of the best bonding occurs. It did make me think though that I may need to get a few more songs in my "playlist," some special ones that I only sing to Aaron so that Joey can have his special ones too. Here's my list of a few that I sing...feel free to add more.
Beautiful Boy by John Lennon-My brother TJ sent this song on a cd along with the next one when Joey was born. Love it!

Godspeed by the Dixie Chicks-This one sums up being a mom to boys in every way!

Masterpiece by Sandi Patti-I can remember growing up, hearing this song every time a baby was baptized in our church. That is one tradition that I really miss! This song is so amazing!

Feel free to add your suggestions! Thanks for reading!

"I'm so glad you're home!"

2011-01-07T16:10:00.000-05:00

Last night Brian and I were blessed by my parents to have a date night. It seems they come so infrequently that when I finally beg my parents to come out I get so excited to have an evening with just Brian that it's all I can think about. Being cheap (and poor!), we really rely on mine and Brian's parents to babysit for us. They are so gracious to come and spend time with their boys that we are really blessed. But that's another post.
Brian and I had a great time: getting a little shopping done at the mall (VS has their big sale-great prices on bras and panties-something I hardly ever let myself spend money on!) and eating at one of my favorite restaurants, On The Border. It's amazing how different dinners out are without the boys. Needless to say, we had a great time as usual.
   We got home around 8:30 hoping to have both boys in bed. That was not the case. We opened the door to a sleepy little boy staring at us and telling us how happy he was that we were home. I'm not gonna lie and say I was a little sad he was still up but I soon understood the reason why he had not fallen asleep. Talking with my parents about the evening, Joey's sweet little voice kept repeating "I'm so happy you're home." I think we heard it nine or ten times. It really made me think what it's like for them when we go away. We continually reassure him before we leave that we will return and remind him when we do that we kept our promise. But sometimes that is just not enough.
Aren't we just like that with the Father? He continually reminds us that He is coming back, but I always feel like I am waiting up by the door for him. Everyday I see examples of his love and shepherding over my life and yet still find myself wondering where he is. I long for the day when I see him face to face and hear him say "I'm so happy you're home!"
   I have done a lot of growing in this area of my spiritual life lately, trusting God that I do have a home to enjoy forever. For the longest time I had let fear drive my thoughts about heaven, and would spend many nights laying in bed being scared of dying. Looking back I realize how silly that really was. Why? Has He not promised me numerous times that he is coming back? How could I believe some of his promises but not this one? Why did I let fear run my life and many times steal my sleep?
It wasn't until I earnestly started praying about it and giving that fear over to God that anything changed. The devil knew he had a hold on me and made me feel embarrassed to tell anyone, especially God that I was afraid of dying. I just recently started exploring passages on heaven. I finally was able to read through Revelations without fear. I had always avoided that book because I simply did not want to think about it.
   Now I long for heaven. I don't have a death-wish by any means, but my soul longs for the day when I can hear heaven's music and see my Father face to face. I have been reading books on people's accounts of going to heaven and returning. Two of my favorites are 90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper and Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo. The second book is by far one of my favorites and a must read for anyone who is doubting heaven.
Praise God that I have a forever home and will some day here from my Father's mouth "I'm so happy you're home!"
John 14:2 (from the Message)

^1-4 "Don't let this throw you. You trust God, don't you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I'm taking."

Starting a new endeavor

2011-01-07T15:42:00.000-05:00

I have felt the tugging to post more things on my blog and while "resting" during nap time today I decided to listen to my voices and make my blog more than just me raving about my boys. I'm sure there will be plenty of that still but there are just times when I feel I need to share the things that God are speaking to me with other moms like myself. (If you are not a mom, I hope you can enjoy this blog just as much...but most of my thoughts are generally about motherhood.)
God has given us mothers such an amazing, crazy and important job to do. He blessed me with two little boys who are by all means the most challenging things I have ever been in charge of! But through this blog I would love dialog and feedback on how we can all journey through this together raising children who love and fear our amazing God. Thanks for reading!

Long time coming

2010-11-09T21:49:00.002-05:00

Don't know if I have anyone who reads this but thought I may need to update! Aaron will be one next week (so sad!) and he decided to start walking this week. Here's a fun video of him chasing after his favorite blanket, with his big brother Joey in the back ground showing him how to do it! More to come hopefully from the blog. I have been baking a storm and really feeling like I should share my fun and healthy recipes. Comment back so I know that someone is still out there!

New dinosaur

2009-10-20T09:28:00.003-04:00

Haven't posted again in a while but I thought I should post this video. If you go back to Sept. 24 of last year you can compare his past dinosaur dance to the present one. I guess this is just going to be his style. He's dancing to Sid the Science Kid, where he usually dances like the kids but he never does what I want him to do on the camera. But regardless it's always fun to watch kids dance so have a little laugh! We are working on having him dance to the apple bottom jeans song...

ABC's

2009-09-18T20:17:00.002-04:00

Here's Joey doing what he loves to do, sing! He is so much fun. Yesterday Brian and I were practicing a song to sing at a church on Sunday and he pulled up a chair and started singing along with us. Like I said before, the VonTraps have nothing on us...okay maybe they have a few more kids but we have a complete family (almost!) and God's love in our hearts to make us sing!

My adorable 2 year old!

2009-08-04T09:27:00.003-04:00

Can you believe that he will be two next week? I cannot. We had his pictures taken last week and I almost cried at how big he looked. He is growing, believe it or not. He has gone up a shoe size this summer, hopefully his clothing will follow soon. Still only in 18 month size clothes, but I haven't had to buy much so I can't complain. Sad that he still hasn't worn some of the clothes that he received for Christmas yet but hopefully he will this winter!

New best friend

2009-07-28T15:32:00.002-04:00

For some reason, Joey has taken up a new friendship with his friend George. He takes him places with him and always has to make sure he's in bed and gets a good night kiss before bed. It's pretty fun to watch him talk to him and play with him. Hopefully this means that when kids start coming here, he will be able to play good with them too.
We have his two year pictures this week! It's crazy to think that he is going to be two in just a few weeks. How time flies. I am having fun working on his two year book though. Can't wait to see the finished project.

Baby Powder!

2009-07-06T15:23:00.003-04:00

Joey decided that he needed some baby powder at nap time on Sunday. What a mess! I guess I better really check the room to make sure that everything is put away before he goes to sleep!

Summer fun

2009-06-15T11:46:00.003-04:00

Hello friends! Summer is here and I'm home to enjoy it! I'm done working at Forest Grove CLC and patiently awaiting the start of my daycare. I will post pictures soon of the fun basement that we have set up for the kids to come. Joe loves playing in the back as he calls it and we spend lots of time out there. July 8 we get to find out if we are having another boy or if we need all new clothes. Either way we can't believe that we are that far along. Here are some pictures of Joe at Lake Michigan. Once I figure out how to upload more pictures onto my computer I will surely post more. Today we are going to Milenium park to play in the splash pad. I will be sure to post some pictures of that!

Crazy times

2009-05-11T11:43:00.003-04:00

Man I'm bad at this! A lot has been happening, maybe that's why I haven't updated in a while. The daycare is moving ahead slowly but surely. I can really feel God's calling to lead me to this stage in my life. I can't wait to open and be staying home with Joey every day.
Another update in case you didn't know... we are expecting our second child in November. All I can say about that is CRAZY!! So far everything looks good and I'm feeling well. But this week was a big reminder for me that this baby is totally under God's control and I need to totally trust him with taking care of him/her. One of my great friends lost her baby this week at 7 months along. I grieve for her and pray for peace and acceptance of God's will for her life.
Mother's day was fun, we had some of the family here at our little house. It was a little tight but lots of fun!

Here is a few pictures from our trip to Atlanta...we had a great time spending the weekend with my brother TJ and Jim! Joey checking out the view at Stone Mountain

Jim, Brian, Joey, me and TJ at Piedmont Park

Two new videos

2009-03-18T20:34:00.004-04:00

Joe is getting too big and too smart! Here are two videos of him. The first is of him playing soccer outside with Brian. He loves to kick the ball around much to his dad's delight! Too bad he's left-footed like his mommy! Later after I filmed this video I came outside to see Brian trying to get Joey to kick with his other foot! Sorry Charlie, he's a lefty all the way.
The second video is of Joey playing Guitar Hero with Brian. He loves anything musical and lately he has a huge fascination with guitars. Brian has a few old guitar hero guitars around so he lets Joey play with them. At church Joey plays air guitar along with the praise team. The VonTraps have nothing on the Louzons! Watch out for our cd coming out someday!

Playing the Drums

2009-02-11T20:57:00.002-05:00

Joey is so creative! The other morning while I was getting ready, he found a "drumstick" in the bathroom, ran out to get his drum and played me a song while I got ready! Oh the things they come up with!

Talking away!

2009-01-29T16:04:00.003-05:00

Wow it's been too long again. Sorry! Here is a cute video of all the fun stuff that Joey can say. Hope ya like it!

FAMILY!

2008-12-22T21:07:00.003-05:00

I am so excited about spending the next few days with my family! I really think that is the best thing about Christmas. My brother is hopefully making it into Holland sometime tonight, not on the amtrak like scheduled, but on a bus. Thankfully he did not come in last night though! Bri has to work tomorrow night and then is off for the rest of the week until Saturday! I can't wait! As crazy as things can get in families, I'm so thankful for mine that is full of love and laughter! Can't wait to share stories and pictures! And I would love for you to share with me your family stories too! Merry Christmas all!

Visiting Santa

2008-12-10T21:12:00.001-05:00

So we went to visit Santa tonight...let's just say it didn't go so well! Oh well, at least he looked cute in his outfit, although he will probably kill me for making his wear this when he is 18.

Cupcakes

2008-12-09T19:07:00.002-05:00

Making cupcakes! Need I say more, it was lots of fun!

Love of Reading

2008-12-03T21:31:00.001-05:00

So it looks like my love of books has been passed down to my offspring. Some of you know of my obsession with children's book (over 800 and counting). Well thankfully it seems that Joe will be reading many of them. We read every night before he goes to bed and he loves to look at books forever! He will be running around and spot a book, plop on the floor and just look and turn the pages. It is so amazing to see the little gears in his head cranking away! Here are a few pictures of him reading, and one of Papa reading his bedtime story.

Raking Leaves

2008-11-13T19:12:00.001-05:00

Although we are not done raking leaves yet...I thought I would post some fun pictures of us trying! I am not used to raking all these leaves as this is the first year in our house. The front tree alone was 14 bags plus and the back is at 10 bags with about half the yard to go. Seeing how we can only put 5 extra bags out with our trash, we have a small problem. But thankfully my dad said we could bring the leaves over to his house. Anyway, enjoy the pictures!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-02T21:04:00.002-05:00

I don't really have any great pictures of just Joey in his Halloween costume so you will have to enjoy these instead. The first picture is of Joey and his Grandma B looking at her decorations. Next is Joey at Daycare with his classmates. And the last picture is Joey with Daddy.

Thank Heaven for Little Boys

2008-11-02T20:05:00.003-05:00

I am so blessed to have a little boy. It is so much fun watching him grow and learn new things. And I am so glad that God gave me a little boy. Many of you know that I say I don't want a little girl and that is still mostly true. I love little boys so much. I laugh at him and with him so much. Yesterday he was busy playing in the backyard while I was cutting bushes back for winter. He was taking rocks from the firepit and putting them into his car. Then I got him out his wagon and he went into his coupe car and was still pulling the wagon as he drove. When we went to go inside he had dirt all over his mouth and was as happy as could be. It's just so amazing how God knows exactly what you need to bless you. And to make Brian happy too, Joey has started kicking his balls around the house. MLS here we come!

Dancing with Daddy

2008-10-28T17:57:00.003-04:00

Man, does Joey love to dance. Today Brian was playing a game on the Wii and Joey thought he would join in the fun with him! Sorry for the shakey view, I was laughing so hard that I had a hard time holding the camera still!

In for it big time

2008-10-12T20:52:00.004-04:00

Many have commented on how I am going to be in for it with our little man! Oh man are we having fun! He gets into everything and needs to do everything! I can no longer hang my purse up with our other bags...
He sure knows what money is already! But at least I have a big helper who is always ready to clean up his messes

Time for updates

2008-10-12T20:39:00.008-04:00

So I am really bad at this blogging thing. I hear I will catch on so bear with me. Here are a bunch of pictures from the last two weeks. Lots of fun things are happening here! We went to the apple orchard with Grandpa and Grandma Tucker (ha that's funny to type!) and Joey had a great time picking apples off the trees, riding in barrels and riding the wagon. Joey also got his first full haircut. My mom has been trimming it around the edges but I had enough. If anyone knows me I'm a little compulsive when it comes to hair (especially mine...), so I made the appointment at noon and his hair was gone around 3. But he looks so handsome now I can't take it! And the final pictures are of the Boerman family hayride that I was so kindly invited to last night by my dear friend Sandi. Enjoy!

Riding the barrels Picking apples Riding the wagon with Grandpa

Pre-haircut Post-haircut Hayride!

DINOSAUR!!!

2008-09-24T21:36:00.002-04:00

Whoa man this actually worked! I'm so excited! I have been trying to put videos on here for so long and I can't tell you how happy I am that I think I got it to work. This is a video of Joey showing off his dance moves. Don't ask where he got them from but man is he a ham! Any time there is music on he dances like this. It's too funny!

A Weekend Without Sickness!

2008-09-15T15:45:00.002-04:00

Wow! Knock on wood, we made it a weekend without a sick child. It was wonderful! Too bad it rained all weekend. But now we have a new and exciting problem. Okay minus the exciting...Our dear precious boy is a tantrum king! I thought they didn't start that until they were 2, but oh no, he can throw a good one. The other day we got pizza from Papa Murphy's for dinner. (where you take it home to bake) Well Joey saw the pizza when we got home and decided that he wanted it right then. I had to bake it so I put it in the oven and Joey started to cry and kick his feet on the floor. This continued the entire 20 minutes that the pizza was in the oven. We tried giving him other food, distracting him with his favorite toys, but nothing worked. Needless to say we have our hands full! But he's so darn cute...

Water Aerobics

2008-09-08T20:41:00.003-04:00

Oh man did I have fun tonight! Melissa and I started water aerobics at the Grandville Middle School. We were a little worried at first but then realized that we were some of the youngest people there and had nothing to worry about how we looked in a bathing suit! It was a lot of fun though (although I am a little itchy right now...) I am a little sore and can imagine that I will be even sorer tomorrow. But it's great exercise and a nice break from life for a while. Brian has been gracious enough to watch Joey and Jessica tonight, not an easy task as Joey is still getting over something and a crabby pants. But he made it and we made it and we are signed up for thirteen weeks of this so we better get used to it! I think it's time for some popcorn and a little rest and relaxation. Small group starts tomorrow night which is always a great time and I can't wait! TTFN!

The first of many

2008-09-03T22:11:00.003-04:00

Here begins the insanity! Well I guess it is not that crazy here, crazy is as crazy does, right? Our life is pretty simple here, I guess I just started a blog to join the revolution. I hope this keeps our friends and families in touch.

So as many of you know, Joey gets sick quite often. Three weeks ago we had tubes put in his ears after endless ear infections and a failed hearing test. We thought that he would be healthier now that he has these tubes but I guess we were wrong. Last week he had a yucky cold again which caused his ears to drain. We made it through that and were hoping for a great week free of sickness (we are on about a two week cycle of sicknesses with him). But that is not the case! Our beautiful son did not poop all weekend (I sound like Jonna). Monday night he had a small one and has successfully had a small little one each day. I was thinking he was okay, but then Miss Barb at daycare came to tell me today that Joey threw up twice in the last half hour or so. Joey has never thrown up so I was a little frightened. I went and checked on him and he seemed okay, ready for a nap, but okay. So I called the doctor and told her what was going on and she said to try the prune juice and see what happens. So we are trying and waiting... pray for patience, he's pretty crabby...I would be too if I had a gut ache like that. And pray for health, something that we just can't seem to get a handle on.