Motherhood

Lasagna Soup? What?!

A few weeks ago, my sister told me that she made Lasagna Soup. I was like, lasagna soup?? What?!? How in the world can lasagna be made into soup?! She went on and on about how much the WHOLE family loved it…even the kids. Well, once she said the kids loved it I knew I had to give it a try.

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Skinnytaste‘s recipes are absolutely, without a doubt, DELICIOUS! So much so, that I even bought her cookbook last year! I should have bought some kind of protector for it to keep it clean from all my cooking though…

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I’m not usually looking to reduce calories so I always find myself making the dishes “un-skinny”. With this one, I used regular sausage and most definitely added more cheese.

The girls didn’t try it because I ended up feeding them before it was done. I had a MNO to go to and I wasn’t feeling up to having them try something new. That takes a whole lot of energy…and time. Both of which I was lacking that night.

Next time, I will have them help me prepare and eat this meal. I just know they will LOVE breaking the lasagna noodles as much as I did. It was a great stress reliever!

Happy Cooking!!

Katie 🙂

Cook Once, Eat Twice

The husband and I both love freshly cooked meals. Well honestly, who doesn’t?! But let’s face it, with three kids 4 and under that’s just not going to happen very often. Unless…he hires me a live-in chef. And I’m pretty sure that will NEVER happen! Ha!

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If you are new to meal planning or freezing meals, you MUST try out this recipe. It’s super easy to prepare and if you are making one, why not make a second and freeze it for another week.

Crock Pot Mongolian Beef from Once A Month Meals.

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I’ve tested this one on the hubby before and he had NO CLUE that it was previously frozen. After he was done, I asked him how it was and he said it was delicious!! I chuckled and said…that’s great because I made it last month. From that little “experiment,” he now loves freezer meals too! Thank goodness!

Today, I used a 10oz bag of already shredded carrots (a HUGE time saver!) and ginger paste instead of fresh ginger. This is my first time using the ginger paste so I used the same measurement as the recipe. I’ll find out tonight if I need to increase it next time or not. Promise to keep ya posted!

Happy Tuesday!

Katie 🙂

Crafty Kid Time

Sunday’s card making went so well, I stopped at Michael’s again and picked up some more supplies. I’m in the process of making some teacher gifts (another blog post to follow) and I needed some cards to go with the gifts. My 4yr old LOVES to craft and she is in LOVE with Baby Jesus (she thinks she will get to meet the “real” Baby Jesus on Christmas) so I thought this would be a perfect craft for her. I waited until the other girls went down for their nap and I let her do this one alone. She let me help every once in a while, but for the most part she did it all.

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Now these were slighter more expensive to make…$0.32 per card compared to $0.30 per card for the Christmas tree one. Hahaha! Again, it would cost more to mail these cards than it is to make them. LOVE IT!!

Here’s the breakdown…

  • cards with envelopes…$2.49
  • nativity scene foam stickers…$1.99

For a grand total of $4.48. The stickers only had a complete set of 7, so we decided to do two different cards to be able to get 14 cards. It took a bit to convince her that it would be ok if the wise men are on their own card. I told her they will follow the bright star of Bethlehem and find Baby Jesus. She gave that some serious thought and then gave me the nod of approval. Have I mentioned that I just love this age?

I now have a total of 39 Christmas cards and I only spent about $12. The kids had a blast creating cards to give out to friends and family and hopefully I’ve created some good family memories for them.

Love & Prayers,

Katie

The “Perfect” Cake

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Before motherhood, I was a perfectionist and I had that quality perfected. Now that I’m four and a half years into this motherhood gig, I’ve finally determined it’s not worth all the time, effort, stress and craziness that it brings along.

I’m embarrassed to say that this lightbulb just went off this weekend. I mean really went off. I’ve heard it pretty much all my life but it wasn’t until I took my daughters baptism cake out of the refrigerator that it hit me. Actually, it hit the cake. The top shelf of the fridge hit it…when I pulled it out for the party. Eesh! The old me would have been devastated!! But in all sincerity, it really didn’t phase me. That’s when I realized I’ve changed. Maybe I’m so delirious from the lack of sleep these days or maybe I’m finally coming to terms with motherhood and all its twists and turns. Either way, it’s all good…I created happy memories for my girls that day. And in case they happen to forget, I took LOTS of pictures to show them later.

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I’m in the process of storing all of my recipes at Plan To Eat so that I can efficiently meal plan for the entire family (blog post coming soon!). So here’s the link for the buttercream icing:

http://www.plantoeat.com/recipes/3238551

Your Charmed Wedding made Elizabeth’s gorgeous headband for me. Head on over to Etsy and check out this wonderful shop!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/YourCharmedWedding

PS…I’m new to all this “linking” of websites so if for some reason it’s not working, just let me know.

Beautiful the mess I am.

Love & Prayers,

Katie

The Truth Hurts

Today was a hard day. I can’t even pin point a specific event or a list of specific events that made the day end the way it did. All I know is that there was a constant power struggle between me and my oldest daughter from the moment she woke up until bath time.

It was 645pm and I was feeling thankful that this day was coming to an end and then, out of nowhere, I was sucker punched!! As I was getting the girls out of the tub, my 4 year old stood up, squinted her eyes and informed me that she was going to get a new house with a better mom. Wait…what did I just hear?!

OUCH! That stung.

Actually, it ripped my heart in two. I bit my lower lip and with all my might, held back the tears that were ready to flow like Niagara Falls.

Then in the next breath, she started babbling away like nothing ever happened. I looked at her, asked her to be quiet and tried to process what I heard.

I had the husband finish getting them ready. I just couldn’t be in the same room with her. Deep down, I knew she didn’t really know what she said or how hurtful it was but I couldn’t hide the sadness in my face or the pain in my heart.

When we said our prayers before bed, my husband added a few extra. He thanked God for all of Mommy’s hard work for the family and how she always does everything to keep the family together. My baby girl chimed right in and added…”and for all the food she cooks us!”

I squeezed my eyes shut even harder for fear if I opened them the least bit, the water works would be in full effect.

After a glass of wine (or two), I was finally able to talk about it and figure out what’s going on. Could it be possible she’s feeling the stresses we are with all the buying and selling of the houses? Does she need some one-on-one time with her momma? Okay, maybe I need some one-on-one time with my baby.

My plan is to take her out for cupcakes at her favorite lil’ bakery and then do a little shopping on Friday while her sisters and probably her daddy nap.

I firmly believe everything happens for a reason and this is no exception.

Maybe this needed to happen. Maybe it was the only way I could see that she needs me. That she is only 4. Maybe she’s right. She does need a “new” mom. One who will stop multitasking and make the time to be with her…to really be with her.

Whatever the reason, it has opened my eyes and my heart. And on the Eve of Thanksgiving, I sit here feeling blessed and grateful to have learned yet another valuable lesson in parenting firsthand…kids really do speak the truth.

Beautiful the mess I am…
Love & Prayers,
Katie

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(Photo from Pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/A3VMOQAQwDYH3DOgcX8AAAA/)

Prayerful Text

I admit it. I’m a text-aholic. And I’ll also admit that I prefer to text over talking on the phone. It’s quick, easy, can be done while all the kids are screaming, can be one word or even one letter. It’s the perfect way to communicate. Today, I did something I have never done before with my texting. I typed a prayer to my husband.

With both of our busy day-to-day schedules, his in the business world and mine in preschool land, we rely heavily on text and email to stay in touch through out the day. It works for us.

Today is probably one of the more stressful days we have had in a while. In the beginning of November, we put our house on the market and 4 days later we took it off because we were officially “in contract.” Never in a million years did we ever think that would happen! Talk about putting the rush on finding a new house now!

Low and behold, we found one. One that we could raise our family in and one that we could grow old in. It’s perfect and in a wonderful neighborhood with awesome schools. Yesterday, we signed the papers and the realtor was delivering them to the sellers that afternoon. We didn’t hear a thing until this morning and it was something about the sellers receiving another offer. WHAT?! And just like that we froze. We still know nothing and it’s almost 3pm. We are still frozen and Elsa & Anna are nowhere to be found to help break the spell. (Lame, I know…but remember I live in preschool land). This not-knowing is about ready to give the husband a heart attack. So… before I went to pick up the girls from school, I sent this text:

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It was the only thing I could do to help him, to help us. I’m curious to know if it brought him any comfort but I’ll wait until tonight to find out so I can see it in his face. Surprisingly enough, this time I didn’t have to go searching for comfort in the kitchen (good thing because the oven is on the fritz!). I actually found comfort through prayer.

Beautiful the mess I am…

Love & Prayers,

Katie

Overnight Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal by Circle B Kitchen

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http://circle-b-kitchen.squarespace.com/food-and-recipes/2013/10/18/overnight-apple-cinnamon-oatmeal.html

As promised, here’s a pic and the link to the Overnight Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal. It was absolutely delicious!! I may or may not have had a few bowls this morning. My oldest described it in one word- “Delicious mom!” Alright, that was two words. And my 2yr old made a squinty face and said, “yucky”. She didn’t even try it! She woke up cranky (2yr molars AND her canines are coming in) so I rejected her opinion. I know she will love it. The kid eats everything!

I ended up doubling the recipe so I have plenty of leftovers for a few days. I’m curious to see how it will reheat in the morning though. I may add a little milk (and maybe even some honey) to it and heat it on the stove. I promise to let you know how it goes.

Let me know if you like them or if you have any tips to share! I would love to read them.

Love & Prayers,

Katie

Malaspine Meatloaf

I never gave meatloaf much thought until I tried my BFFs mother’s recipe. Oh my! Ever since then, this is the only meatloaf I crave and now with the cooler weather coming, it’s the ultimate in comfort food. Serve with some egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Or heck! Serve it with both and enjoy! Let me know if you decide to add it to your meal plan for the week. I would love to know how you liked it!

Katie 🙂

Malaspine Meatloaf

  • Servings: 4
  • Print

Credit: The Malaspine Family

Ingredients:

Meatloaf:

  • 1-1.5lbs ground beef
  • 1-1.5lbs ground pork (not the original Malaspine way, a Roemer addition)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 c ketchup
  • 2 tbsp spicy brown mustard
  • 1/2 c breadcrumbs
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Glaze:

  • 1/2 c ketchup
  • 2 tbsp spicy brown mustard
  • 4 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Directions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, scramble 2 eggs. Add the ketchup, mustard, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt & pepper. Mix well. The mixture should be kind of gooey.
  2. Add the ground beef and the ground pork and mix well.
  3. Place into 13×9 pyrex and evenly distrubute to cover the majority of the dish.
  4. Use a small bowl to prepare the glaze. Add the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider and mix well.
  5. Pour the glaze over the meatloaf.
  6. Bake at 350degrees for 1hr 45mins to 2hrs or until meat is thoroughly cooked. 10416981_10203362826047530_5676529786616810818_n

A Few of My Favorite Things

Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

The mornings go so much smoother when I purposely wake up before the kids to have a cup of HOT coffee with my favorite creamer, in my favorite mug, while sitting in my favorite spot on the couch with what has become one of my favorite books to read in the quietness and stillness of the house. Typically, that quietness only occurs in the wee hours of the mornings but lately my littlest angel baby has been requiring all of my attention during those hours. And its been affecting me, my attitude and parenting.

Let’s just cut to the chase…I miss sleeping.

My sister tells me to get over it because I’m a mother of three now and I’ll never sleep again. I’m trying my hardest to prove her wrong. I don’t need a lot of sleep. I love to be active…but I need my sleep to be uninterrupted at least for a few hours so that I can function…and be happy.

Truth be told, I have not been loving the Lord my God with all my heart these past few weeks. I’ve been grumbling, cranky, and down right miserable. That’s not me. That’s me with no sleep.

How, in this season of my life with a 4yr old, 2yr old and a 5month old, do I love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul and all my mind? I do not have the answer to that. The only thing I know is that when I spend the first part of my day in His word, I am a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

While I’ve been all out of sorts because of my lack of sleep, I’ve been cooking up a storm of comfort food. (And of course I know this because I can’t stop photographing it- I just popped a meatloaf in the oven, photo and recipe to come soon!) Searching for comfort in the kitchen yet once again, while all along I should be…on my favorite spot on the couch with my favorite mug filled with coffee with my most favorite book of all time, my Bible.

And while I waited for the big girls to wake up, I prepared their favorite table with a few of their favorite breakfast foods- homemade granola bars, yogurt and some fresh fruit.

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Love & Prayers,

Katie

The Last Time

I read an article a while ago, (when I only had one child and really didn’t have a clue) and it stated something about…cherish every moment with your children because you won’t be aware of the last time you rock them to sleep, swaddle them in a baby blanket, or feed them their last bottle. It just happens. I never gave much thought to that because I was sure I would remember everything. Ha! 4 years and 3 kids later, I’m remembering that article and feeling a bit sad.

I took the girls to the pumpkin patch to meet a friend. My husband was able to sneak away from the office to meet us too. Yippee!!! The girls were beyond ecstatic! My girlfriend immediately said, Let me take a family pic for you! I jumped at the chance, handed the baby to the hubby, whipped off my Ergo and sat on the bale of hay. He had the two younger ones on his lap and I asked the oldest to sit on my lap. She said no. She wanted to sit on the hay like a big girl. I didn’t think anything of it at the time, (chaos always surrounds 5 children, ages 4-4months) but as I look back at all the photos from today, I noticed my lap was empty. Its never empty. I, for the life of me, cannot remember the last time she sat on my lap. I know she gives out hugs sparingly and doesn’t always want to hold my hand but when was the last time she sat on my lap?

For today, I promise not to ask my babies to give me space. For today, I will embrace their hugs and kisses and messy hands. For today, I will love them with everything I’ve got and hold them close.

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Beautiful the mess I am.
Love&prayers,
Katie