Well Christmas is over. We had a wonderful week last week on a family vacation to Galveston. We were then given the not so great gift of the stomach flu, that sent me to the laundry mat with 16 loads of laundry. (Dryer broke!) Everyone got it, except for me. Hopefully the bug is not lurking in my belly waiting to show itself.
I did want to post my story about how Christ found me. As his birth was just the beginning of the story, I thought it appropriate for me to share (just a tiny bit) of my story. After all, He is the Reason we celebrated, right? We did sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus on Christmas Eve, with a cake and candles. I think that was a nice tradition to start. :)
I didn’t start out in a family that went to church – not even on Easter or Christmas. We didn’t talk about the “reason for the season” or even say a bedtime prayers. I can’t say that I even remember having a Bible in our home, although I’m sure that somewhere in one of my mother’s dresser drawers there was one.
I had an interest in church as a little girl, and would sometimes go with my cousin. I really liked it there. I just liked being a place that had routine and “normal people” – people who didn’t drink too much, smoke too much, or scream and hit others. My childhood was filled with an alcoholic stepfather that did all the above things. I knew it wasn’t normal. No one else’s mother picked them up at school to “go away” for a while, and no one else that I knew had a packed suitcase under the bed for when the times got too tough.
When I went to college, I attended church a couple of times with girls in my sorority. When asked my “religious views” I just said I was a Christian. Really my only religious experience was with my Jewish high school boyfriend’s family rejecting me because I wasn’t Jewish. I guess I HAD to be Christian since we celebrated Christmas and Easter, right?
When I married the first time, I was determined it would be in a church. I searched high and low for a church on the same street as the place I was having the reception. For a donation of $250 they would marry us. What a deal.
When I got pregnant with my first child, I suppose as most people do, I figured it was time to get my priorities right, and that I wanted to raise my child going to church, so that the child would be around normal, good people. (Remember my childhood experience?) I had unfortunately married a man that mirrored my stepfather, and desperately sought “normalcy.” We did try a few churches but like many people with good intentions, we didn’t follow through on regular attendance. I still didn’t understand what being a Christian meant… I still held to the fact that if I put up a tree at Christmas and the Easter bunny comes on Easter morning, I’m a Christian.
I did have a feeling, when I was pregnant with my first child, that something might be wrong with her. Call it intuition, call it pessimism, call it depression from a situation where I caught my husband doing very bad things… I just had a feeling. I began saying the Lord’s prayer every night that I was pregnant with her. I knew it by heart from just the few times of going to church, although the end I wasn’t sure if it was “divine is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,” or “divine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory”… so some nights I would say it one way, and some nights I would say it the other way. I also didn’t know if I needed to do the Catholic cross when I finished it, or what the exact order of the sign was, so I fumbled through that most nights. (I now know the real version of the Lord’s prayer, and that the cross sign is not required.) I did think I needed God, though.
The day my daughter was born was a great one. I went in to labor and it was not a difficult birth. I finally got her in my arms in the evening. Friends came and visited before I went to sleep. The next morning, I said to myself, “You look like you have Down Syndrome, but I guess you don’t – because the doctor would have told me.” On cue, the doctor entered. He confirmed my thoughts. The cry within me was primal. I was frightened beyond belief at what this meant for her. I thought, “Who is going to take her to prom?” I know, how shallow – but honestly this was my first thought. I then thought of a mean lady that sacked my groceries that was mentally challenged, not with Down syndrome, but some other challenge; I wondered will my daughter’s best bet for a job be a grocery bagger?
My husband immediately requested that we give her up for adoption and try again. My heart filled with emptiness. I felt alone, except for this little bundle of joy in my arms. She was a wonderful, beautiful baby. I had no idea what her future held, or mine for that matter, but I would not abandon her. (By the way, that was my first husband.)
My hospital room was quarantined as if we had some terrible disease. Meals were left at the door, not brought in. The hospital Chaplain came in and told me that it was okay to be angry with God. He left me a small bible (a tiny white new testament) and left. The picture lady that comes and takes pictures of all newborns was not allowed in our room. (By the hospital staff.) My father said “They’re wrong honey!” My mother, a rock, said “We just need information.” My doctor prescribed a mood stabilizing drug which my husband took all in one night. He refused to allow his friends to visit or come to the house when we got home. He didn’t tell his co-workers for months about her.
The first year was honestly a bit fuzzy. The first two months I operated the best I could – caring for her and taking her to lots of doctor appointments, physical therapy sessions, genetic testing, etc. She started smiling at six months. She has always been a wonderful, happy, joyful child. None of this bothered her. Not even her heart surgery (except when she came out of the anesthesia) bothered her. 7 days in the hospital for RSV pneumonia, and the angel smiled the whole time. She was a good, good baby. I relied on my mother to help me emotionally. My mother carried a large burden for a while.
Somewhere after her first birthday, I was doing laundry, and I was overcome by the Holy Spirit. Here’s what He whispered to me: “I love you as much as you love her.” It didn’t come in a church. It didn’t come when I was in the Word. It didn’t come when someone was sharing the good news. Quietly, as I sat folding laundry thinking about my beautiful girl, I realized that I would not change her in anyway because to me, she was perfect, despite any diagnoses of Down Syndrome, ability (or inability) to walk, crawl, or speak. Despite what her future held. She was MY CHILD. And my love for her is so deep and so pure. And I knew right then and there that God loves me, and to Him I am perfect, despite any of my failures, shortcomings, or sins. I am HIS CHILD. And He made me for a reason.
Shortly after that I found a church and was baptized. But that was just a public proclamation of my rebirth in Christ, because I gave him my heart that day I was folding laundry.
Now, every time I am tempted to worry about Cameron's future, or any of her four siblings, I remember that God made her for a reason. I believe that God made Cameron to bring me to Him. Can you think of a more important mission in life than to bring someone to God? I can’t. I don’t think that any of my deeds shall amount to hers. Yes, God made me for a reason too. And it is up to me to share the good news of His love and His salvation. I only pray that I will do it as well as she did for me.
There is NOTHING too great or too big for God to overcome. He blessed me with my dear husband and all five children. He has helped me through all my adult life challenges, I and really wish I knew Him when I was growing up, so that he would have shouldered my pain, fears, and uncertainty. But, I know Him now, and I am so grateful.
Happy New Year... "C" you in 2010~
I look forward to a very STRONG year.
Mecca
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Week of Dec 14th
Hello! Well the countdown to Christmas is definitely upon us! Another busy weekend, and this week I'll be in Florida with work Wed - Friday. So, here is our easy, make-ahead meal for the week. I'll confess, today (Monday) I had chicken thawed but didn't feel great so I ordered pizza. Something I really never do during the week (something we do if we have a baby-sitter on the weekends) but everyone thought it was a good idea. Imagine that, kids thinking that ordering pizza was a good idea. They're so easy to please.
Tues: Pan sauteed chicken, egg noodles, steamed asparagus. Chicken will be sliced thin (when raw - this just makes it cook faster) and I'll put a tiny bit of olive oil in the pan, with a bit of butter, put seasoned salt on the chicken and just saute it. Easy. If you need more color on the plate, put some Mandarin oranges on the side.
Wed: Crock pot pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, green beans. In the crock pot, put one can of cream of mushroom soup, one can of water, one onion, sliced, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire, pepper, and a pork tenderloin. Cook all day. Since I'll be gone, and my nanny can't really cook, I get the tub of mashed potatoes and frozen green beans for her to heat up. Can make with some dinner rolls and the family loves it.
Thurs: Flat iron (or flank) steak that I will marinate on Wed before I leave... Hubby can cook it in the grill pan when he gets home. Marinate in plastic bag with 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup sliced scallion, white and green parts, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon sesame seed, 2 teaspoons garlic and ginger mix (comes in a little bottle in the produce section of the grocery store), you can add some red pepper flakes if your kids will tolerate anything spicy - which mine won't. Serve with brown rice and steamed broccoli.
Fri: Baked Tilapia (brush with melted butter, sprinkle some lemon pepper and dill on it, cut a lemon very thin and put a slice of lemon on each fillet. Bake 20 minutes if frozen, 12 minutes if thawed (at 350) or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with orzo pasta mixed with frozen peas (cooked) and some Parmesan cheese. And for the veggie: Carrots steamed and then swirled in a pan with brown sugar and melted butter. (about 2 tsp brown sugar and 1 tsp butter - melt and then coat the carrots.)
I'm off to wrap presents. Christmas shopping is ALMOST done!
Stay Strong!
Mecca
Tues: Pan sauteed chicken, egg noodles, steamed asparagus. Chicken will be sliced thin (when raw - this just makes it cook faster) and I'll put a tiny bit of olive oil in the pan, with a bit of butter, put seasoned salt on the chicken and just saute it. Easy. If you need more color on the plate, put some Mandarin oranges on the side.
Wed: Crock pot pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, green beans. In the crock pot, put one can of cream of mushroom soup, one can of water, one onion, sliced, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire, pepper, and a pork tenderloin. Cook all day. Since I'll be gone, and my nanny can't really cook, I get the tub of mashed potatoes and frozen green beans for her to heat up. Can make with some dinner rolls and the family loves it.
Thurs: Flat iron (or flank) steak that I will marinate on Wed before I leave... Hubby can cook it in the grill pan when he gets home. Marinate in plastic bag with 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup sliced scallion, white and green parts, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon sesame seed, 2 teaspoons garlic and ginger mix (comes in a little bottle in the produce section of the grocery store), you can add some red pepper flakes if your kids will tolerate anything spicy - which mine won't. Serve with brown rice and steamed broccoli.
Fri: Baked Tilapia (brush with melted butter, sprinkle some lemon pepper and dill on it, cut a lemon very thin and put a slice of lemon on each fillet. Bake 20 minutes if frozen, 12 minutes if thawed (at 350) or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with orzo pasta mixed with frozen peas (cooked) and some Parmesan cheese. And for the veggie: Carrots steamed and then swirled in a pan with brown sugar and melted butter. (about 2 tsp brown sugar and 1 tsp butter - melt and then coat the carrots.)
I'm off to wrap presents. Christmas shopping is ALMOST done!
Stay Strong!
Mecca
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Week of Dec 7
My dishwasher broke on Saturday, just as it was filled with the breakfast dishes of 14 people. The new one will not be installed until Thursday, so we are having mostly one dish meals this week!!
Monday: Zuppa Toscana soup with bread rolls. Recipe: Brown sweet italian turkey sausage (bulk or take out of the casings) with one onion that is sliced thin, and two cloves of minced garlic. When it is brown, add in 1/2 tsp anise (fennel) seed. In a big soup pot, put in six (or more) cups of water and three bouillon cubes, bring to a boil. Add in to the chicken broth: three russet potatoes sliced thin. Put a lid on and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the sausage / onion mix. Add in half a cup of milk (or cream if you have it.) Add in one bunch of shredded Kale. When the kale wilts, it's ready (and the potatoes are soft!) This is such an easy and yummy soup. I add crushed red pepper flakes to my soup because I like a little heat - but the kids don't like it.
Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie. Probably the easiest thing I know how to make. Get a frozen (double) pie crust. Mix together a can of chunky potato soup, one bag frozen peas and carrots, and one BIG can of chicken breast. (This is by the canned meat section in the store.) Put the mixture inside the bottom pie crust, top the mixture with the other pie crust... press down with a fork the entire seam and slice an "x" in the top of the pie. Bake at 350 until brown. Serve with a salad if you need more veggies.
Wed: Crock Pot beef stew. I honestly just get the McCormick brand beef stew seasoning packet and follow the directions... I do doctor it up a bit with some red wine and beef broth, but other than that, it works great and is soooo easy. Serve with corn bread.
Thursday: Mushroom Dill baked fish, couscous, corn. Recipe for Fish: 2 pounds skinless red snapper fillets (or any thick, white fish will do) thawed and rinsed with water, then pat dry with paper towels. Place in a greased 9X13 baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside. Then add in a very large skillet: 3 T of butter (melt in skillet); 1 container of sliced fresh mushrooms; 1 small red onion, chopped; 2 cloves of minced garlic. Saute until mushrooms are tender. Then add 1 cup of whipping cream and 1/2 cup white wine. Boil gently about 20 mins or until the mixture has thickened a bit. Stir in 2 T of dijon mustard, 1 t dill, and 1 package of thawed, well drained (frozen) chopped spinach. Mix well and pour over fish fillets. Then take 2 T of butter and melt it, add in 3/4 cup breadcrumbs and 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese - stir well - then sprinkle over the top of the sauced up fish. Bake uncovered at 375 for 25 minutes or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Friday: Sour cream chicken enchiladas with black beans, sauteed zucchini, and rice.
For the chicken enchiladas: boil a couple of large chicken breasts in water till they turn white... about 20 mins or so... then shred them and then cook them with half a package of taco seasoning, about 1/2 chopped onion and just a bit of water. Mix this with a couple of cups of shredded cheese - I use the Mexican Blend. Set aside. Microwave corn tortillas in a damp cloth until the tortillas are soft. Stuff with the chicken/cheese mixture. Top with this sauce: In a pot, mix together a can of rotel, 8 oz lite sour cream, one can of cream of chicken soup. Pour over the top. Top with any cheese you want (you don't have to but I do.) You can add in things to the enchiladas if you feel like it - like black beans, spinach, mushrooms... but since we already had spinach and mushrooms the night before, I am not putting them in the enchiladas. And I like my black beans on the side.
Saturday we have a party to go to. Last Sunday night I made a very easy, thrown together meal: I took frozen italian meatballs and put in a container of refrigerated marinara and cooked them together, then I topped the meatballs with slices of provolone cheese (turned the heat off but put the lid back on so the cheese would melt.) The meatballs were so tasty that way, I made buttered pasta on the side and had a salad with it. So easy, I think next time I will get hogie rolls and stuff the meatballs in there with the cheese on them. It would be perfect that way for meatball subs. You could serve with some coleslaw - get the broccoli slaw in the veggie section of the grocery store and also the refrigerated coleslaw dressing. It's very sweet and the kids like it. Another easy dinner night!
Stay strong!
Mecca
Monday: Zuppa Toscana soup with bread rolls. Recipe: Brown sweet italian turkey sausage (bulk or take out of the casings) with one onion that is sliced thin, and two cloves of minced garlic. When it is brown, add in 1/2 tsp anise (fennel) seed. In a big soup pot, put in six (or more) cups of water and three bouillon cubes, bring to a boil. Add in to the chicken broth: three russet potatoes sliced thin. Put a lid on and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the sausage / onion mix. Add in half a cup of milk (or cream if you have it.) Add in one bunch of shredded Kale. When the kale wilts, it's ready (and the potatoes are soft!) This is such an easy and yummy soup. I add crushed red pepper flakes to my soup because I like a little heat - but the kids don't like it.
Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie. Probably the easiest thing I know how to make. Get a frozen (double) pie crust. Mix together a can of chunky potato soup, one bag frozen peas and carrots, and one BIG can of chicken breast. (This is by the canned meat section in the store.) Put the mixture inside the bottom pie crust, top the mixture with the other pie crust... press down with a fork the entire seam and slice an "x" in the top of the pie. Bake at 350 until brown. Serve with a salad if you need more veggies.
Wed: Crock Pot beef stew. I honestly just get the McCormick brand beef stew seasoning packet and follow the directions... I do doctor it up a bit with some red wine and beef broth, but other than that, it works great and is soooo easy. Serve with corn bread.
Thursday: Mushroom Dill baked fish, couscous, corn. Recipe for Fish: 2 pounds skinless red snapper fillets (or any thick, white fish will do) thawed and rinsed with water, then pat dry with paper towels. Place in a greased 9X13 baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside. Then add in a very large skillet: 3 T of butter (melt in skillet); 1 container of sliced fresh mushrooms; 1 small red onion, chopped; 2 cloves of minced garlic. Saute until mushrooms are tender. Then add 1 cup of whipping cream and 1/2 cup white wine. Boil gently about 20 mins or until the mixture has thickened a bit. Stir in 2 T of dijon mustard, 1 t dill, and 1 package of thawed, well drained (frozen) chopped spinach. Mix well and pour over fish fillets. Then take 2 T of butter and melt it, add in 3/4 cup breadcrumbs and 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese - stir well - then sprinkle over the top of the sauced up fish. Bake uncovered at 375 for 25 minutes or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Friday: Sour cream chicken enchiladas with black beans, sauteed zucchini, and rice.
For the chicken enchiladas: boil a couple of large chicken breasts in water till they turn white... about 20 mins or so... then shred them and then cook them with half a package of taco seasoning, about 1/2 chopped onion and just a bit of water. Mix this with a couple of cups of shredded cheese - I use the Mexican Blend. Set aside. Microwave corn tortillas in a damp cloth until the tortillas are soft. Stuff with the chicken/cheese mixture. Top with this sauce: In a pot, mix together a can of rotel, 8 oz lite sour cream, one can of cream of chicken soup. Pour over the top. Top with any cheese you want (you don't have to but I do.) You can add in things to the enchiladas if you feel like it - like black beans, spinach, mushrooms... but since we already had spinach and mushrooms the night before, I am not putting them in the enchiladas. And I like my black beans on the side.
Saturday we have a party to go to. Last Sunday night I made a very easy, thrown together meal: I took frozen italian meatballs and put in a container of refrigerated marinara and cooked them together, then I topped the meatballs with slices of provolone cheese (turned the heat off but put the lid back on so the cheese would melt.) The meatballs were so tasty that way, I made buttered pasta on the side and had a salad with it. So easy, I think next time I will get hogie rolls and stuff the meatballs in there with the cheese on them. It would be perfect that way for meatball subs. You could serve with some coleslaw - get the broccoli slaw in the veggie section of the grocery store and also the refrigerated coleslaw dressing. It's very sweet and the kids like it. Another easy dinner night!
Stay strong!
Mecca
Friday, December 4, 2009
Christmas Traditions
Focus on the Family had what I thought, was a great idea: Help your little ones focus on others this season by making use of those Christmas cards received in the mail. Place the cards in a basket on the dinner table; taking turns each night drawing one out. Then pray together for that person or family.
What a wonderful Christmas Tradition to begin. I rarely think about what we do at the holidays as making a tradition, but it is just that. Whether it be the way we decorate the tree, go to church on Christmas Eve, or have the same coffee cake on Christmas morning... it's all something that our children will remember and hopefully cherish. How different would I approach things if I were thinking I was making a tradition? I certainly don't want to be our Christmas Tree tradition being Mommy and Daddy stressing over the glass ornaments being broken... which honestly seems to have been our tradition for as long as we've had someone three or under participating in tree decorating (so a long time...). This year, we just separated the glass ornaments and put them away. (One did get broken before I did it.) I think that next year I may just leave that little box of glass ornaments in the attic. It's not worth the stress, and certainly not worth making it an unhappy Christmas tradition.
Just food for thought... Make happy traditions!
And if you send us a Christmas Card, know that we'll be praying for you at dinner time.
Stay Strong.
Mecca
What a wonderful Christmas Tradition to begin. I rarely think about what we do at the holidays as making a tradition, but it is just that. Whether it be the way we decorate the tree, go to church on Christmas Eve, or have the same coffee cake on Christmas morning... it's all something that our children will remember and hopefully cherish. How different would I approach things if I were thinking I was making a tradition? I certainly don't want to be our Christmas Tree tradition being Mommy and Daddy stressing over the glass ornaments being broken... which honestly seems to have been our tradition for as long as we've had someone three or under participating in tree decorating (so a long time...). This year, we just separated the glass ornaments and put them away. (One did get broken before I did it.) I think that next year I may just leave that little box of glass ornaments in the attic. It's not worth the stress, and certainly not worth making it an unhappy Christmas tradition.
Just food for thought... Make happy traditions!
And if you send us a Christmas Card, know that we'll be praying for you at dinner time.
Stay Strong.
Mecca
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Cameron's Birthday
Today is Cameron's birthday. She is 12! She came downstairs this morning and told us it was snowing - which it was and still is - beautiful big flakes, piling up. Wow. Kind of a "once a year" thing in our area.
I always reflect on the birth of my child on his/her birthday (remember I have five, so I get to do this five times a year.) I think about how they looked the first time I saw them. The love that made my heart overflow when I looked in to my baby's eyes for the very first time. But Cameron, my first baby, is different. Different because she was the first and I had never felt love the way that I felt it when I had my first baby. And different because she has Down Syndrome. My first few months with her were very different than what most mothers experience. I stumbled a bit the first year, and it took me a while to find my way. She was a wonderful, happy baby. She didn't stumble. She worked hard with therapists and me to hit her milestones. It took her a lot longer to do what most babies do, but she did smile and sit, and everything else that babies do.
While I am not a person who cries, (really, I am not) today I cried. Not in sadness, but in wonder. Just like my two year old looking at the snow coming down with wonder and awe, I too get misty-eyed at how much Cameron has grown these 12 years. And the growth that has happened within me.
Last night as we were helping Alex (6 year old) with his Guided Reading, Cameron sat down on the bed with us. On my bedside table was a new book... something I picked up at a store on sale... a children's book. She opened it up and began to read it. Slowly, but surely, she read the entire book. It wasn't at a first grade level - or at the level Alex was reading - it was more advanced... words like 'whisper' were in it (hard to sound out...) - and she read it. She read the entire thing -15 pages or more. And she got it. She understood that the small bear was handing out cakes to each of his neighbors in red paper bags. And at the end, there were two cakes left, one for him and one for his mama. She read it. I didn't know she could read. I know she has spelling words that she studies each week, and sometimes she gets 100's and sometimes she doesn't. I know she has a great memory. But I didn't know she could READ.
Just like her first year of life, Cameron, slowly but surely, can handle any hurdle that comes her way. Her birthday is a great day to remember that anything is possible, as long as you're willing to work at it.
Praise God for little girls that turn 12, that can read, that have special gifts that most people can't see, but that I know. Praise God for snow on her birthday. Praise God for the little joys and the big hurdles that when we work hard, can be overcome. Praise God for the gifts that He has given us... even when at first we don't understand why we were chosen to receive them, but in time understand that they are more valuable than what we asked for in the first place.
Stay Strong.
Mecca
I always reflect on the birth of my child on his/her birthday (remember I have five, so I get to do this five times a year.) I think about how they looked the first time I saw them. The love that made my heart overflow when I looked in to my baby's eyes for the very first time. But Cameron, my first baby, is different. Different because she was the first and I had never felt love the way that I felt it when I had my first baby. And different because she has Down Syndrome. My first few months with her were very different than what most mothers experience. I stumbled a bit the first year, and it took me a while to find my way. She was a wonderful, happy baby. She didn't stumble. She worked hard with therapists and me to hit her milestones. It took her a lot longer to do what most babies do, but she did smile and sit, and everything else that babies do.
While I am not a person who cries, (really, I am not) today I cried. Not in sadness, but in wonder. Just like my two year old looking at the snow coming down with wonder and awe, I too get misty-eyed at how much Cameron has grown these 12 years. And the growth that has happened within me.
Last night as we were helping Alex (6 year old) with his Guided Reading, Cameron sat down on the bed with us. On my bedside table was a new book... something I picked up at a store on sale... a children's book. She opened it up and began to read it. Slowly, but surely, she read the entire book. It wasn't at a first grade level - or at the level Alex was reading - it was more advanced... words like 'whisper' were in it (hard to sound out...) - and she read it. She read the entire thing -15 pages or more. And she got it. She understood that the small bear was handing out cakes to each of his neighbors in red paper bags. And at the end, there were two cakes left, one for him and one for his mama. She read it. I didn't know she could read. I know she has spelling words that she studies each week, and sometimes she gets 100's and sometimes she doesn't. I know she has a great memory. But I didn't know she could READ.
Just like her first year of life, Cameron, slowly but surely, can handle any hurdle that comes her way. Her birthday is a great day to remember that anything is possible, as long as you're willing to work at it.
Praise God for little girls that turn 12, that can read, that have special gifts that most people can't see, but that I know. Praise God for snow on her birthday. Praise God for the little joys and the big hurdles that when we work hard, can be overcome. Praise God for the gifts that He has given us... even when at first we don't understand why we were chosen to receive them, but in time understand that they are more valuable than what we asked for in the first place.
Stay Strong.
Mecca
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Here Comes December - Week of Nov 30th
Thanksgiving is over! We ate out at El Fenix tonight - yummy - and a great way to end the last few days of turkey and dressing. We decorated today - the children did a lovely job on the Christmas tree and then we hung the lights outside. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Menu for the week:
Monday - by request, Nick's favorite pasta. This is one of my favorite things to make because the family loves it and it is so easy. Refrigerated (fresh) cheese tortellini, cooked according to package directions, and while it is cooking, saute some diced ham (already chopped and packaged), frozen peas, and when the peas turn bright green, add in a jar of alfredo sauce. Heat it all up, toss the drained tortellini in with the sauce... serve with crusty bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Truly dinner on the table in 15 minutes.
Tuesday - Roasted pork tenderloin, Lentils, steamed asparagus. Marinate pork night before in a plastic baggie with: 1/4 cup each olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire, and also 1 teaspoon of each: garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, ginger, sage, marjoram, salt and pepper. bake at 350 for 45 minutes. (Start the lentils first... I've found they can cook longer. Also if they seem dry, add some water or more chicken stock.)
Lentil recipe:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 chopped onion
2 chopped carrots
1/2 teaspoon each thyme and marjoram
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup lentils (washed and picked free of little rocks)
1 can of diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sherry or dry red wine
1/4 cup cream (optional)
Directions:
In a large pot, saute the carrot and onions 3-5 minutes in the olive oil. Add dried spices and a bit of salt, stir. Add in stock, lentils and tomatoes. Bring to boil, then cover and reduce heat. Cook until lentils are tender (about 35-45 minutes). Add the sherry and cook for just a few minutes more, add cream if you are adding. Top with cheese (Parm or cheddar) to serve.
Wednesday: Cameron's birthday - she has asked for flat iron steak (marinate the night before in equal parts soy sauce and ketchup, 2 tsp fresh ginger and garlic, and a splash of sesame oil), mashed potatoes, and broccoli.
Thursday: Lemon Chicken Soup with crusty rolls. Since last night had some work to it, this night should be easy! In a dutch oven or big pot saute a large onion, chopped, 5 celery ribs, chopped, and 2 cloves minced garlic - in 1 tsp olive oil. Add two big boxes of chicken stock or broth, 4 tsp lemon zest, 2 bay leaves and 1 package of carrots (chopped) . While it is simmering, add in chicken from a rotisserie chicken bought at the deli section of the grocery store. Can add cooked green beans at the end if you want more veggies in it. It's done with the carrots are tender.
Friday: We're taking our five plus six other little girls to Studio Movie Grill for Cameron's birthday party. Wish me luck... not on the movie night, but the sleepover that follows.
Saturday: Kids get ordered pizza, we have a party to go to! And the fun begins....
One other thought... This year I am making all the teacher gifts. With my five children, we have 10 teachers that need gifts! I am trying to decide if I am going to do homemade Hot Fudge Sauce (December 2009 Southern Living) or it's "sister" the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Hot Fudge Sauce; pickled carrots; or Eggnog Pound Cakes. The hot fudge keeps up to two weeks in the fridge, but that means the teacher may have to eat a few hot fudge sundaes to get rid of it. The pickled carrots sound easy and they're a nice compliment to a sandwich or can be set out at a holiday party, but seems like kind of a weird thing to give, but I would put it in a nice jar and have the kids help me make them... of course. And the Eggnog pound cake just sounds so yummy and is a breeze to make. Oh, I forgot, we also have the bus driver and the aid on the bus that Cameron takes... so that takes it up to 12. I might be making a little of each. I'll keep you posted.
Stay Strong - you need it this holiday season.
Mecca
Menu for the week:
Monday - by request, Nick's favorite pasta. This is one of my favorite things to make because the family loves it and it is so easy. Refrigerated (fresh) cheese tortellini, cooked according to package directions, and while it is cooking, saute some diced ham (already chopped and packaged), frozen peas, and when the peas turn bright green, add in a jar of alfredo sauce. Heat it all up, toss the drained tortellini in with the sauce... serve with crusty bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Truly dinner on the table in 15 minutes.
Tuesday - Roasted pork tenderloin, Lentils, steamed asparagus. Marinate pork night before in a plastic baggie with: 1/4 cup each olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire, and also 1 teaspoon of each: garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, ginger, sage, marjoram, salt and pepper. bake at 350 for 45 minutes. (Start the lentils first... I've found they can cook longer. Also if they seem dry, add some water or more chicken stock.)
Lentil recipe:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 chopped onion
2 chopped carrots
1/2 teaspoon each thyme and marjoram
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup lentils (washed and picked free of little rocks)
1 can of diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sherry or dry red wine
1/4 cup cream (optional)
Directions:
In a large pot, saute the carrot and onions 3-5 minutes in the olive oil. Add dried spices and a bit of salt, stir. Add in stock, lentils and tomatoes. Bring to boil, then cover and reduce heat. Cook until lentils are tender (about 35-45 minutes). Add the sherry and cook for just a few minutes more, add cream if you are adding. Top with cheese (Parm or cheddar) to serve.
Wednesday: Cameron's birthday - she has asked for flat iron steak (marinate the night before in equal parts soy sauce and ketchup, 2 tsp fresh ginger and garlic, and a splash of sesame oil), mashed potatoes, and broccoli.
Thursday: Lemon Chicken Soup with crusty rolls. Since last night had some work to it, this night should be easy! In a dutch oven or big pot saute a large onion, chopped, 5 celery ribs, chopped, and 2 cloves minced garlic - in 1 tsp olive oil. Add two big boxes of chicken stock or broth, 4 tsp lemon zest, 2 bay leaves and 1 package of carrots (chopped) . While it is simmering, add in chicken from a rotisserie chicken bought at the deli section of the grocery store. Can add cooked green beans at the end if you want more veggies in it. It's done with the carrots are tender.
Friday: We're taking our five plus six other little girls to Studio Movie Grill for Cameron's birthday party. Wish me luck... not on the movie night, but the sleepover that follows.
Saturday: Kids get ordered pizza, we have a party to go to! And the fun begins....
One other thought... This year I am making all the teacher gifts. With my five children, we have 10 teachers that need gifts! I am trying to decide if I am going to do homemade Hot Fudge Sauce (December 2009 Southern Living) or it's "sister" the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Hot Fudge Sauce; pickled carrots; or Eggnog Pound Cakes. The hot fudge keeps up to two weeks in the fridge, but that means the teacher may have to eat a few hot fudge sundaes to get rid of it. The pickled carrots sound easy and they're a nice compliment to a sandwich or can be set out at a holiday party, but seems like kind of a weird thing to give, but I would put it in a nice jar and have the kids help me make them... of course. And the Eggnog pound cake just sounds so yummy and is a breeze to make. Oh, I forgot, we also have the bus driver and the aid on the bus that Cameron takes... so that takes it up to 12. I might be making a little of each. I'll keep you posted.
Stay Strong - you need it this holiday season.
Mecca
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving Week
Hello!
Sorry to have not posted a menu this week - it's a shortened week at work and therefore (probably like you) I have to fit five days of work in to three. I did try a new tangerine chicken recipe on Monday night - and after squeezing 15 tangerines to get a cup of juice and zesting a few to get a tablespoon of tangerine rind - I am sad to say that it was wasted effort. Glad I didn't share the recipe. We went out to eat on Tuesday night - Asian food - and Wednesday night I am trying a new pork stew recipe that looks promising (and was easy - crock pot with potatoes, carrots, celery, ginger, garlic, bay leaves, diced tomatoes and a pork tenderloin)... if it turns out I'll be sharing the recipe.
You may be busy creating your own Thanksgiving masterpieces this week. I don't cook for Thanksgiving, as I LOVE to cook but do not love the pressure of a holiday meal. I am cheerfully contributing fruit salad, green salad, and roasted veggies. That's enough for no pressure.
On the topic of Thanksgiving, we have so very much to be thankful for. We live in a country that is rich, and we are also rich. Our worries are never "will we eat today" but "what do we want to eat today." Our problems are often just inconveniences - not problems at all. What we think is bad is typically just something that is bothersome - we can't get what we want - we're a bit uncomfortable - had to go out of our way to do something. How many people would GLADLY trade our "problems" for their problems?
This morning one of the men at my church did a charity coat event. I took over seven coats. He will be taking the coats to a church in east Plano where there are 1200 people waiting for the coats. (And the food bank.) Here, literally under my nose, are 1200 people that will wait in line for my old coat? For themselves and their children. What would I complain about? I still have two very nice coats hanging in the closet. And so do my kids.
Oh, we have so much to be thankful for.
One tradition we have at one of my in-law's homes at this time of year is to go around the table while we are eating and tell everyone what we are thankful for. This year, my turn may last until desert is served.
Stay Strong. Give Thanks.
Mecca
Sorry to have not posted a menu this week - it's a shortened week at work and therefore (probably like you) I have to fit five days of work in to three. I did try a new tangerine chicken recipe on Monday night - and after squeezing 15 tangerines to get a cup of juice and zesting a few to get a tablespoon of tangerine rind - I am sad to say that it was wasted effort. Glad I didn't share the recipe. We went out to eat on Tuesday night - Asian food - and Wednesday night I am trying a new pork stew recipe that looks promising (and was easy - crock pot with potatoes, carrots, celery, ginger, garlic, bay leaves, diced tomatoes and a pork tenderloin)... if it turns out I'll be sharing the recipe.
You may be busy creating your own Thanksgiving masterpieces this week. I don't cook for Thanksgiving, as I LOVE to cook but do not love the pressure of a holiday meal. I am cheerfully contributing fruit salad, green salad, and roasted veggies. That's enough for no pressure.
On the topic of Thanksgiving, we have so very much to be thankful for. We live in a country that is rich, and we are also rich. Our worries are never "will we eat today" but "what do we want to eat today." Our problems are often just inconveniences - not problems at all. What we think is bad is typically just something that is bothersome - we can't get what we want - we're a bit uncomfortable - had to go out of our way to do something. How many people would GLADLY trade our "problems" for their problems?
This morning one of the men at my church did a charity coat event. I took over seven coats. He will be taking the coats to a church in east Plano where there are 1200 people waiting for the coats. (And the food bank.) Here, literally under my nose, are 1200 people that will wait in line for my old coat? For themselves and their children. What would I complain about? I still have two very nice coats hanging in the closet. And so do my kids.
Oh, we have so much to be thankful for.
One tradition we have at one of my in-law's homes at this time of year is to go around the table while we are eating and tell everyone what we are thankful for. This year, my turn may last until desert is served.
Stay Strong. Give Thanks.
Mecca
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Week of Nov 15
Wow, half way through November already! This weekend we went to a lovely wedding in Fort Worth. It is amazing how one night away can recharge. (Away from the children.) Friday night we started a new Bible Study about marriage. We watched a Nooma video called Flame, where Rob Bell talked about the three different kinds of love that the bible describes. It was a great video. I wondered if the couple being married had were experiencing all three types of love. I am happy that we have all three in our marriage. It was very thought provoking... the video and then attending a wedding.
Last week Shawn helped me prepare the pot roast (browning it in oil) and ended up frying his hand and has second degree burns. The blisters have now deflated and I'm concerned that they're getting infected. He is keeping it covered with the burn cream the hospital gave him, with pads and gauze... changing it twice daily - but it is not looking so good. Never a dull moment in this house.
Our menu this week is entirely from recipezaar.com. Hubby is ready for lights out so I didn't have much time to look through cook books. (Sunday night we had a soccer party and ate dinner there.)
Mon: Garlic Rosemary chicken breasts in the crock pot, mashed potatoes, sauteed zucchini. (5 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup white wine, 1/2 chicken bullion cube, 5 sprigs of fresh rosemary - all in the crock pot with frozen chicken breasts all day on low.)
Tues: Pistachio Asparagus stuffed Tilapia, orzo pasta, strawberry spinach salad. (The recipe for the fish is on recipezaar.com under the title - looks delish! Strawberry spinach salad is a pint of sliced strawberries, baby spinach, dressed in 2 Tablespoons strawberry jam, 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 3 Tablespoons olive oil - wisked together.)
Wed: Chinese pork tenderloin, rice, sauteed baby bok choy and carrots. (Recipe is under name "Spicy chinese pork tenderloin... got five stars on the ratings and is super easy.)
Thurs: Second soccer party - out for burgers.
Fri: Baked Penne with Spinach, Grilled Italian (turkey) Sausage, crusty bread (Recipe #78338 on recipezaar.com)
Sat: Having my boss and her family over. I'm thinking we'll grill beef tenderloin, have baked potatoes, some veggies and a nice salad.
Stay Strong!
Mecca
Last week Shawn helped me prepare the pot roast (browning it in oil) and ended up frying his hand and has second degree burns. The blisters have now deflated and I'm concerned that they're getting infected. He is keeping it covered with the burn cream the hospital gave him, with pads and gauze... changing it twice daily - but it is not looking so good. Never a dull moment in this house.
Our menu this week is entirely from recipezaar.com. Hubby is ready for lights out so I didn't have much time to look through cook books. (Sunday night we had a soccer party and ate dinner there.)
Mon: Garlic Rosemary chicken breasts in the crock pot, mashed potatoes, sauteed zucchini. (5 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup white wine, 1/2 chicken bullion cube, 5 sprigs of fresh rosemary - all in the crock pot with frozen chicken breasts all day on low.)
Tues: Pistachio Asparagus stuffed Tilapia, orzo pasta, strawberry spinach salad. (The recipe for the fish is on recipezaar.com under the title - looks delish! Strawberry spinach salad is a pint of sliced strawberries, baby spinach, dressed in 2 Tablespoons strawberry jam, 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 3 Tablespoons olive oil - wisked together.)
Wed: Chinese pork tenderloin, rice, sauteed baby bok choy and carrots. (Recipe is under name "Spicy chinese pork tenderloin... got five stars on the ratings and is super easy.)
Thurs: Second soccer party - out for burgers.
Fri: Baked Penne with Spinach, Grilled Italian (turkey) Sausage, crusty bread (Recipe #78338 on recipezaar.com)
Sat: Having my boss and her family over. I'm thinking we'll grill beef tenderloin, have baked potatoes, some veggies and a nice salad.
Stay Strong!
Mecca
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Hello Friends!
Another week, another menu to be planned! I have to say that last week, the rosemary merlot steak was fantastic. This week, I will be out two nights with work related events, as we are piloting a new leadership program. So, you'll see that there are two crockpot recipes this week to accommodate Daddy and kids only nights.
It was a busy weekend and soccer is OVER! I'm ready for the break till we start again in Spring. I have two more weeks of co-leading the Truth Project at church, and then only two more teach times with the Career Transition Ministry and then I'm taking a break for a while from my evening commitments. Expect some good menus then! But till then...
Sun: Cheese Tortellini, ham, peas. This is a standby in my house when I have no time to cook, and it is Nick's favorite dinner. It is SO EASY. Fresh cheese tortellini, cooked according to package directions.... then while that is cooking, heat up a package of diced ham (by the lunchmeat at the store), a small package of frozen peas (literally dump them in with the ham and heat till they're bright green) and then pour in pre-made alfredo sauce. When the tortellini is done, drain it and toss it with the alfredo, ham, and peas. Top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with a Caesar salad and hot bread.
Mon: Baked Tilapia (lemon pepper, butter, slice lemon), couscous, sauteed spinach with garlic, black-eyed peas and corn bread.
Tues: Pot Roast in the crock pot (sear the meat before putting in the crock pot, then add one onion, a package of italian dressing mix (like good seasons), one beer, one can of cream of mushroom soup, small new potatoes, and baby carrots. Cook all day.)
Wed: Parmesan Chicken and Rice Casserole with steamed green beans. (Ingredients: 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 bags boil in bag brown rice, 1/3 cup white wine, 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, 1 1/2 tsp thyme, 2 cups low sodium chicken broth, 3 tablespoons whipping cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. 450 oven, saute onion, garlic in touch of olive oil, for two mins. Add rice (uncooked) to pan, stir 30 seconds, stir in wine, cook until wine is almost gone. Put in 13 X 9 pan. Put chicken breasts over rice, sprinkle with thyme and some salt. Mix broth and cream, pour over chicken and rice. Bake for 15 minutes, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese, bake additional 5 or 10 minutes till chicken is done.)
Thurs: Pulled pork tacos with black beans & corn. Pork butt or roast in the crockpot with one package of taco seasoning on top and a can of rotel poured around it. Let cook on low all day. Take two forks and pull in opposite directions when ready to eat... thus "pulled pork" - it shreds nicely. I like it best in corn tortillas with all the regular taco fixings. Open a can of black beans and a can of corn and you have dinner tonight.
Fri: Cornflake crusted Halibut with mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus. (In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup milk and 1 large egg white, lightly beaten. In another dish, 2 cups of finely crushed cornflakes, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper. Heat about 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Dip fish in milk mixture, then cornflake mixture. Cook 4 minutes on each side - test it to make sure it is flaking the whole way through. Serve with tartar sauce.)
We have a wedding to go to on Saturday night and all the kids will be sleeping over with friends, a cousin, or grandparents. Yes - when you have this many children, you do have to send them to different places. We're so lucky that everyone has a place to go and that they're all looking forward to it. We are looking forward to our night out!
Have a wonderful week... stay strong!
Mecca
Another week, another menu to be planned! I have to say that last week, the rosemary merlot steak was fantastic. This week, I will be out two nights with work related events, as we are piloting a new leadership program. So, you'll see that there are two crockpot recipes this week to accommodate Daddy and kids only nights.
It was a busy weekend and soccer is OVER! I'm ready for the break till we start again in Spring. I have two more weeks of co-leading the Truth Project at church, and then only two more teach times with the Career Transition Ministry and then I'm taking a break for a while from my evening commitments. Expect some good menus then! But till then...
Sun: Cheese Tortellini, ham, peas. This is a standby in my house when I have no time to cook, and it is Nick's favorite dinner. It is SO EASY. Fresh cheese tortellini, cooked according to package directions.... then while that is cooking, heat up a package of diced ham (by the lunchmeat at the store), a small package of frozen peas (literally dump them in with the ham and heat till they're bright green) and then pour in pre-made alfredo sauce. When the tortellini is done, drain it and toss it with the alfredo, ham, and peas. Top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with a Caesar salad and hot bread.
Mon: Baked Tilapia (lemon pepper, butter, slice lemon), couscous, sauteed spinach with garlic, black-eyed peas and corn bread.
Tues: Pot Roast in the crock pot (sear the meat before putting in the crock pot, then add one onion, a package of italian dressing mix (like good seasons), one beer, one can of cream of mushroom soup, small new potatoes, and baby carrots. Cook all day.)
Wed: Parmesan Chicken and Rice Casserole with steamed green beans. (Ingredients: 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 bags boil in bag brown rice, 1/3 cup white wine, 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, 1 1/2 tsp thyme, 2 cups low sodium chicken broth, 3 tablespoons whipping cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. 450 oven, saute onion, garlic in touch of olive oil, for two mins. Add rice (uncooked) to pan, stir 30 seconds, stir in wine, cook until wine is almost gone. Put in 13 X 9 pan. Put chicken breasts over rice, sprinkle with thyme and some salt. Mix broth and cream, pour over chicken and rice. Bake for 15 minutes, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese, bake additional 5 or 10 minutes till chicken is done.)
Thurs: Pulled pork tacos with black beans & corn. Pork butt or roast in the crockpot with one package of taco seasoning on top and a can of rotel poured around it. Let cook on low all day. Take two forks and pull in opposite directions when ready to eat... thus "pulled pork" - it shreds nicely. I like it best in corn tortillas with all the regular taco fixings. Open a can of black beans and a can of corn and you have dinner tonight.
Fri: Cornflake crusted Halibut with mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus. (In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup milk and 1 large egg white, lightly beaten. In another dish, 2 cups of finely crushed cornflakes, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper. Heat about 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Dip fish in milk mixture, then cornflake mixture. Cook 4 minutes on each side - test it to make sure it is flaking the whole way through. Serve with tartar sauce.)
We have a wedding to go to on Saturday night and all the kids will be sleeping over with friends, a cousin, or grandparents. Yes - when you have this many children, you do have to send them to different places. We're so lucky that everyone has a place to go and that they're all looking forward to it. We are looking forward to our night out!
Have a wonderful week... stay strong!
Mecca
Sunday, November 1, 2009
First Week of November
Hello! Here we are, November 1st. The year has flown. I love Halloween - it's such a fun holiday with no pressure. No perfect meal needs to be prepared, no perfect gifts to find... just good fun. And if for some reason some part of your costume doesn't work... you just roll with it. I had a little girl come to the door trick-or-treating and she had wings and cat ears on - when I asked her what she was she said she stared as a fairy, but really liked the cat ears, so she decided she was the kitty fairy. I love it! And I really, really love when daylight savings time ends. The kids went to bed at 7:45 tonight because we didn't change the clocks (purposely!) Bliss! I know it won't last long but I do love a night when the whole house is quiet (except for the dishwasher and washing machine and dryer - those never quit here) and it's just 8:30!
More blessings - my little strawberry blond girl is POTTY TRAINED! She didn't have an accident all weekend even when we were out at the soccer fields and visiting her grandmother. She's waking up in the middle of the night and going too... that kid is a wonder! She's so independent. Doesn't turn three till mid-February. HOORAY! Our oldest boy is off to his fifth grade camp away this week - he's very excited. Oh, and he made ALL B's the first nine weeks with NO MEDS! I am thrilled, thrilled, thrilled to see that he's beginning to manage his ADHD on his own. He has gotten detention twice though, so we are going to meet with his neurologist in a couple of weeks to see if we can get some coping strategies for him. His issue is too much talking, fidgeting, distraction, movement. I'll keep you posted on that one.
Okay, here's the menu for the week. All very easy... that crock pot recipe from last week (the new one with chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots) was a winner. Family cleaned their plates.
Sun: Roast turkey, egg noodles, broccoli, tossed salad, strawberries.
Mon: Orange Chicken (slice raw chicken breast in to thin pieces - width wise if you will - so it looks like you have a whole chicken breast just very thin, all the same thickness so it cooks fast. Dredge in flour, salt, pepper, and a bit of dried thyme. Saute in equal parts butter and olive oil (2 tsp each) till golden - doesn't take long at all. Remove from heat. Combine in pan 1/2 cup white wine, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, bring to simmer. Pour over chicken.) Serve with fast cooking wild rice, steamed asparagus.
Tues: Buttermilk brined pork chops (new recipe: Let 1/2 inch thick porkchops marinate overnight in 2 cups fat free buttermilk, 2 tbls kosher salt, 2 tbls sugar, 1 tsp grated lemon rind, 1 tsp fresh rosemary, 1 tsp fresh sage. When you're ready to cook the next day, pat pork dry with a paper towel, sprinkle with pepper, cook in grill pan. ) I picked this one because my little herb garden still has sage and rosemary and I wanted to use it. I am going to serve it with roasted butternut squash and steamed green beans.
Wed: Rosemary - Merlot Flat Iron (or Flank) Steak (I love the flat iron steaks... they're cheap and very good. 30 minute marinade for the steak: 1 finely chopped onion, 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup merlot, 1 tbls fresh rosemary, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp italian seasoning, 2 minced garlic cloves. Marinate steak but don't throw away the marinade. Broil the steak or cook in your grill pan till done, cut in thin slices, across the grain. While you cook the steak, heat up the marinade, adding 1 tbls tomato paste and 2 tsp dijon mustard. Bring to a boil and cook till reduced to about one cup. Serve with steak.) Serve with roasted new potatoes, peas, and mandrin oranges.
Thurs: Bowtie pasta with sweet turkey sausage, cannellini beans, and kale. And hot bread. (While pasta is cooking, cook sausage - out of it's casing if it was link sausage and not bulk - about 1/2 cup white wine, a chopped onion, 1/4 cup oil packed sun dried tomatoes - drained but 2 tsp of the oil in the pan with the sausage. Cook till sausage is browned, add 6 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp italian seasoning, 1 can of low sodium chicken broth. Stir in one bunch of fresh kale (chopped) and simmer till kale is tender. Add 1 can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Add the pasta. If too dry, add in a bit of the pasta water. Top with lots of Parmesan cheese.)
Fri: Baked potato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches. No green to be seen - but I do put celery and carrots in my baked potato soup in the base. By Friday I have to do something simple because I am worn out!
We're having guests over on Saturday night, after two soccer games, me taking the soccer team pictures, my niece's first birthday party at Fort Worth Zoo (one hour away)... Thankfully I think my hubby will NOT have to work this Saturday, which will make it the first Saturday that he's spent with us in seven weeks! I'll need his help with the busy schedule. I saw a recipe in my new Southern Living for a beautiful roast pork with lots of good fixings and I may duplicate that for our guests.
Have a great week, friends. I am so excited to be hitting the hay at 9:00pm!
Cheers!
Mecca
More blessings - my little strawberry blond girl is POTTY TRAINED! She didn't have an accident all weekend even when we were out at the soccer fields and visiting her grandmother. She's waking up in the middle of the night and going too... that kid is a wonder! She's so independent. Doesn't turn three till mid-February. HOORAY! Our oldest boy is off to his fifth grade camp away this week - he's very excited. Oh, and he made ALL B's the first nine weeks with NO MEDS! I am thrilled, thrilled, thrilled to see that he's beginning to manage his ADHD on his own. He has gotten detention twice though, so we are going to meet with his neurologist in a couple of weeks to see if we can get some coping strategies for him. His issue is too much talking, fidgeting, distraction, movement. I'll keep you posted on that one.
Okay, here's the menu for the week. All very easy... that crock pot recipe from last week (the new one with chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots) was a winner. Family cleaned their plates.
Sun: Roast turkey, egg noodles, broccoli, tossed salad, strawberries.
Mon: Orange Chicken (slice raw chicken breast in to thin pieces - width wise if you will - so it looks like you have a whole chicken breast just very thin, all the same thickness so it cooks fast. Dredge in flour, salt, pepper, and a bit of dried thyme. Saute in equal parts butter and olive oil (2 tsp each) till golden - doesn't take long at all. Remove from heat. Combine in pan 1/2 cup white wine, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, bring to simmer. Pour over chicken.) Serve with fast cooking wild rice, steamed asparagus.
Tues: Buttermilk brined pork chops (new recipe: Let 1/2 inch thick porkchops marinate overnight in 2 cups fat free buttermilk, 2 tbls kosher salt, 2 tbls sugar, 1 tsp grated lemon rind, 1 tsp fresh rosemary, 1 tsp fresh sage. When you're ready to cook the next day, pat pork dry with a paper towel, sprinkle with pepper, cook in grill pan. ) I picked this one because my little herb garden still has sage and rosemary and I wanted to use it. I am going to serve it with roasted butternut squash and steamed green beans.
Wed: Rosemary - Merlot Flat Iron (or Flank) Steak (I love the flat iron steaks... they're cheap and very good. 30 minute marinade for the steak: 1 finely chopped onion, 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup merlot, 1 tbls fresh rosemary, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp italian seasoning, 2 minced garlic cloves. Marinate steak but don't throw away the marinade. Broil the steak or cook in your grill pan till done, cut in thin slices, across the grain. While you cook the steak, heat up the marinade, adding 1 tbls tomato paste and 2 tsp dijon mustard. Bring to a boil and cook till reduced to about one cup. Serve with steak.) Serve with roasted new potatoes, peas, and mandrin oranges.
Thurs: Bowtie pasta with sweet turkey sausage, cannellini beans, and kale. And hot bread. (While pasta is cooking, cook sausage - out of it's casing if it was link sausage and not bulk - about 1/2 cup white wine, a chopped onion, 1/4 cup oil packed sun dried tomatoes - drained but 2 tsp of the oil in the pan with the sausage. Cook till sausage is browned, add 6 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp italian seasoning, 1 can of low sodium chicken broth. Stir in one bunch of fresh kale (chopped) and simmer till kale is tender. Add 1 can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Add the pasta. If too dry, add in a bit of the pasta water. Top with lots of Parmesan cheese.)
Fri: Baked potato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches. No green to be seen - but I do put celery and carrots in my baked potato soup in the base. By Friday I have to do something simple because I am worn out!
We're having guests over on Saturday night, after two soccer games, me taking the soccer team pictures, my niece's first birthday party at Fort Worth Zoo (one hour away)... Thankfully I think my hubby will NOT have to work this Saturday, which will make it the first Saturday that he's spent with us in seven weeks! I'll need his help with the busy schedule. I saw a recipe in my new Southern Living for a beautiful roast pork with lots of good fixings and I may duplicate that for our guests.
Have a great week, friends. I am so excited to be hitting the hay at 9:00pm!
Cheers!
Mecca
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Hello Everyone! Sorry for the lapse in time with my blog. One of my dear friends (who I haven't seen in ages - shame on me) asked me why I wasn't blogging anymore. My answer to her was that I had to re-prioritize some things in my full life, and this kind of fell off the list. Unfortunate, because I really do enjoy it. Just now I am multi-tasking between cleaning the lunch dishes, helping the kids carve a pumpkin for a contest this afternoon, and blogging. And the youngest needs a nap...oh, my bed remains unmade. (ick - I do hate an unmade bed... the children have at least made their beds.) And don't even get me stared on the laundry.
So, here's what I'll try to do... I'll just share my menu each week with you. People always ask me how I do it - mother five children, work full time, give time to church, etc. One of the keys to keeping it all together is menu planning each week. That leaves the guess work out of the evening, and even if it's false - a sense of control. Maybe, if you haven't been planning your menu, it will help you too.
Week of 10/25: (AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!)
Sun: Chicken Tortilla Soup (One box of chicken broth, one large (32 oz) can of diced tomatoes, one packet of mild taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1 can corn (drained). Throw that all in the crock pot with a few torn up corn tortillas. Then, saute in a pan with a little olive oil - a few carrots, chopped, one chopped onion, one diced fresh jalapeno pepper, and if you have it - a couple of stalks of celery, chopped, and one or two cloves of minced garlic. You can put it on low all day or high for a couple of hours... or make it on the stove if you are out of time. You do want the tortillas to dissolve - which is your indicator that it's done. Before you serve it, put in a can of all white chicken meat, that has been drained. If you like a lot of chicken, throw in two cans. Or if you really feel like going for it, shred a rotisserie chicken bought warm at the store. I topped it with cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.)
Mon: Flat Iron Steak, brown rice, steamed broccoli, mandarin oranges. (Flat Iron Steak either the morning that you'll cook it or the night before, marinade it in equal parts ketchup and soy sauce (like half a cup each), one clove smashed garlic, minced ginger if you have it (1 tsp), and some sesame oil. If you have green onions, chop those up and put them in the marinade. The sesame oil - not much - maybe 2 tsps, gives it great flavor. Grill it either in your grill pan on the stove or outside, and slice thin against the grain.)
Tues: Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Carrots and New Potatoes, and peas on the side. (New recipe for me, got it out of Oct Southern Living. Looks easy - an onion, chopped, new potatoes halved, then 2 cups baby carrots (layered in that order on the bottom of the crock pot). Then mix together 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup white wine, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and pour it over the veggies. Salt and pepper the veggies, then lay on top of that 6 skinned, bone-in chicken thighs that have been sprinkled with paprika salt and pepper. Cook on Low 6 hours. I'm just serving it with peas cause I feel like we need something green on our plates.)
Wed: Spaghetti, sauteed yellow squash, salad, hot bread. (I use ground turkey that is already "Italian seasoned" for my spaghetti sauce, and then I get a McCormick spaghetti sauce packet and add that to whatever jarred spaghetti sauce is on sale, some red wine, and a can of tomatoes. Just like home-made but not. Slice the squash, saute it with a bit of olive oil and salt. And I use the barilla gold box pasta because that adds nutrition and tastes great.)
Thurs: Baked tilapia, couscous, roasted brussel sprouts and acorn squash. (Tilapia is the loins from Sams Club, frozen, that we brush with melted butter when frozen, sprinkle with lemon pepper, dill, and thyme and then bake for about 20 minutes or till the fish flakes. Couscous is just from the box. The roasted veggies are simply cut to be the same size pieces - you do have to peel the acorn squash and pick the top leaves off the brussel sprouts - then shake in a big ziplock bag with some olive oil, put on a foil lined cookie sheet, salt/pepper, and then bake at 450 till you can easily pierce with a fork. Don't turn your nose at these - they're actually delicious and everyone likes them.)
Fri: Sausage, potatoes, and green beans. (One of the easiest meals you will ever make, and loved by all. Cut a horse-shoe looking sausage... I use the skinless turkey kind but any kind will do - some call it sausage and some call it kielbasa... cut it in to 2 inch pieces, brown in a pan with a tiny bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of sage. Take a few potatoes - russets - and dice them - leave the skin on - and throw them in the pan while the sausage is browning. Get them brown on at least one side too. Then throw a bag of trimmed/washed fresh green beans on top, turn your heat down, add 3/4 cup of chicken broth, and put the lid on the pan. This will steam your green beans and cook your potatoes - and the chicken broth is salty enough that you don't need to add salt or pepper for that matter. It's done when the potatoes are tender and so are the green beans. My family devours this and it is SO easy.)
Sat - This is Halloween and I make chili every year for Halloween... just my tradition. I like to take steak and slice it thin, with ground meat and also pork tenderloin diced up... add it in with lots of spices but if you're new to the chili making business, then just buy a 2-alarm and doctor it up with all kinds of meat, red wine, a can of bushes chili beans. Cornbread made with creamed corn and cheddar cheese. A salad on the side if you must, but it is Halloween and everyone eats terribly anyway. I am going to try to make a couple of new adult cocktails to celebrate Halloween - we always have guests over for dinner... I will let you know how they turn out.
Have a spook-tacular week. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
Mecca
So, here's what I'll try to do... I'll just share my menu each week with you. People always ask me how I do it - mother five children, work full time, give time to church, etc. One of the keys to keeping it all together is menu planning each week. That leaves the guess work out of the evening, and even if it's false - a sense of control. Maybe, if you haven't been planning your menu, it will help you too.
Week of 10/25: (AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!)
Sun: Chicken Tortilla Soup (One box of chicken broth, one large (32 oz) can of diced tomatoes, one packet of mild taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1 can corn (drained). Throw that all in the crock pot with a few torn up corn tortillas. Then, saute in a pan with a little olive oil - a few carrots, chopped, one chopped onion, one diced fresh jalapeno pepper, and if you have it - a couple of stalks of celery, chopped, and one or two cloves of minced garlic. You can put it on low all day or high for a couple of hours... or make it on the stove if you are out of time. You do want the tortillas to dissolve - which is your indicator that it's done. Before you serve it, put in a can of all white chicken meat, that has been drained. If you like a lot of chicken, throw in two cans. Or if you really feel like going for it, shred a rotisserie chicken bought warm at the store. I topped it with cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.)
Mon: Flat Iron Steak, brown rice, steamed broccoli, mandarin oranges. (Flat Iron Steak either the morning that you'll cook it or the night before, marinade it in equal parts ketchup and soy sauce (like half a cup each), one clove smashed garlic, minced ginger if you have it (1 tsp), and some sesame oil. If you have green onions, chop those up and put them in the marinade. The sesame oil - not much - maybe 2 tsps, gives it great flavor. Grill it either in your grill pan on the stove or outside, and slice thin against the grain.)
Tues: Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Carrots and New Potatoes, and peas on the side. (New recipe for me, got it out of Oct Southern Living. Looks easy - an onion, chopped, new potatoes halved, then 2 cups baby carrots (layered in that order on the bottom of the crock pot). Then mix together 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup white wine, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and pour it over the veggies. Salt and pepper the veggies, then lay on top of that 6 skinned, bone-in chicken thighs that have been sprinkled with paprika salt and pepper. Cook on Low 6 hours. I'm just serving it with peas cause I feel like we need something green on our plates.)
Wed: Spaghetti, sauteed yellow squash, salad, hot bread. (I use ground turkey that is already "Italian seasoned" for my spaghetti sauce, and then I get a McCormick spaghetti sauce packet and add that to whatever jarred spaghetti sauce is on sale, some red wine, and a can of tomatoes. Just like home-made but not. Slice the squash, saute it with a bit of olive oil and salt. And I use the barilla gold box pasta because that adds nutrition and tastes great.)
Thurs: Baked tilapia, couscous, roasted brussel sprouts and acorn squash. (Tilapia is the loins from Sams Club, frozen, that we brush with melted butter when frozen, sprinkle with lemon pepper, dill, and thyme and then bake for about 20 minutes or till the fish flakes. Couscous is just from the box. The roasted veggies are simply cut to be the same size pieces - you do have to peel the acorn squash and pick the top leaves off the brussel sprouts - then shake in a big ziplock bag with some olive oil, put on a foil lined cookie sheet, salt/pepper, and then bake at 450 till you can easily pierce with a fork. Don't turn your nose at these - they're actually delicious and everyone likes them.)
Fri: Sausage, potatoes, and green beans. (One of the easiest meals you will ever make, and loved by all. Cut a horse-shoe looking sausage... I use the skinless turkey kind but any kind will do - some call it sausage and some call it kielbasa... cut it in to 2 inch pieces, brown in a pan with a tiny bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of sage. Take a few potatoes - russets - and dice them - leave the skin on - and throw them in the pan while the sausage is browning. Get them brown on at least one side too. Then throw a bag of trimmed/washed fresh green beans on top, turn your heat down, add 3/4 cup of chicken broth, and put the lid on the pan. This will steam your green beans and cook your potatoes - and the chicken broth is salty enough that you don't need to add salt or pepper for that matter. It's done when the potatoes are tender and so are the green beans. My family devours this and it is SO easy.)
Sat - This is Halloween and I make chili every year for Halloween... just my tradition. I like to take steak and slice it thin, with ground meat and also pork tenderloin diced up... add it in with lots of spices but if you're new to the chili making business, then just buy a 2-alarm and doctor it up with all kinds of meat, red wine, a can of bushes chili beans. Cornbread made with creamed corn and cheddar cheese. A salad on the side if you must, but it is Halloween and everyone eats terribly anyway. I am going to try to make a couple of new adult cocktails to celebrate Halloween - we always have guests over for dinner... I will let you know how they turn out.
Have a spook-tacular week. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
Mecca
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Unsafe Websites
Not that you all are surfing the net for news on stars... but in case you are, McAfee just released the top 10 most DANGEROUS celebs to search for. Last year, Brad Pitt was the most dangerous, but he has just lost his title as the Most Dangerous as Jessica Biel has overtaken the number one space.
People searching for “Jessica Biel” have a one in five chance of landing at a Web site that has an online threat, such as spyware, adware, spam, phishing, viruses and other malware. Searching for the latest celebrity news and downloads can cause serious damage to your personal computer.
You'll also see the cybercriminals at work through facebook, twitter, and UTube just to name a few. If you get an email that says "Click on this" or "download this" verify that the email was actually sent by a reputable source before you click. A lot of the criminals can set up phony urls that start with the application name but end in something different. An example is application name (like facebook) followed by wait_till_u_see_this. While it looks like it came from facebook because it has facebook.com in the url, it is actually a malicious website aimed at doing harm to your computer or stealing from you. Once clicked, the program can infiltrate your computer in seconds and steal information or download a virus on to your computer.
It's real and it's scary. You can visit stophcommerce.com to educate yourself on hacker commerce (the business that is bigger than drug trade - the business of hacking in to a computer and stealing information.)
Make sure that you are monitoring your children's use of the computer as well... I know my kids will download anything that pops up on the screen just to get rid of the box.
Part of staying strong is protecting yourself. I have a very smart and savvy friend who was recently a victim of malware that stole her banking information. In minutes, she had money transferred out of her bank account and her debit card used at a retail store in another state. Literally, it happened in the blink of an eye, and it took her days to remedy the situation. None of us are immune to the hackers.
Stay Strong and Be Safe!
Mecca
People searching for “Jessica Biel” have a one in five chance of landing at a Web site that has an online threat, such as spyware, adware, spam, phishing, viruses and other malware. Searching for the latest celebrity news and downloads can cause serious damage to your personal computer.
You'll also see the cybercriminals at work through facebook, twitter, and UTube just to name a few. If you get an email that says "Click on this" or "download this" verify that the email was actually sent by a reputable source before you click. A lot of the criminals can set up phony urls that start with the application name but end in something different. An example is application name (like facebook) followed by wait_till_u_see_this. While it looks like it came from facebook because it has facebook.com in the url, it is actually a malicious website aimed at doing harm to your computer or stealing from you. Once clicked, the program can infiltrate your computer in seconds and steal information or download a virus on to your computer.
It's real and it's scary. You can visit stophcommerce.com to educate yourself on hacker commerce (the business that is bigger than drug trade - the business of hacking in to a computer and stealing information.)
Make sure that you are monitoring your children's use of the computer as well... I know my kids will download anything that pops up on the screen just to get rid of the box.
Part of staying strong is protecting yourself. I have a very smart and savvy friend who was recently a victim of malware that stole her banking information. In minutes, she had money transferred out of her bank account and her debit card used at a retail store in another state. Literally, it happened in the blink of an eye, and it took her days to remedy the situation. None of us are immune to the hackers.
Stay Strong and Be Safe!
Mecca
Monday, August 24, 2009
Routines
With the first day of school here, my intention was to write about routines. I thought about it all weekend - why routines are good for kids (and parents!) and what new routines I would start along with the new school routine. We have positive school habits like most families: early bed time and limited TV / video game time, etc.
But the morning was not about routines. When I was walking the boys to school, just as soon as we passed the crossing guard, he collapsed. Luckily my 5th grader had walked ahead with his cousin. But my 1st grader and I saw it as it happened. His little face was mixed with concern and fear as we turned and saw the man crumpled in the street. It was awful. He had just crossed us safely 3 minutes before. Several fathers rushed to assist, and a policeman was yards away and quickly called an ambulance, but the crossing guard passed away at the hospital.
This evening I will be asked the hard questions. About life, and about the end of life. Years ago, when dealing with another death, I was counseled on telling a child that someone had died. The counselor was incredibly helpful. She said that we (adults) "over detail" our children. Children don't need details; they just need facts. Instead of trying to explain something that you really can't - you just state the facts, and then you can identify and/or relate to the child's emotions. "He died." "Why?" "His heart stopped." "Oh, why did his heart stop?" "I am really not sure." (It is okay not to have all the answers.) "That is sad." "Yes, it is sad." (Hug your child.)
I'm sure that I will be asked if he is in heaven. We get this question a lot from the kids. The four year old often asks who or what goes to heaven. Do houses go to heaven? (no); plants? (I'm sure this is because I kill so many of them - no); dogs? (yes - although I'm not sure but I say yes); fish? (no). I find that talking about heaven is much easier than talking about death.
The thing about talking about death is that we want to provide answers without worrying our children. Death should not be scary. It is sad, but not frightening.
I feel very sad for the family of the crossing guard. I hope that he and his family exchanged good, loving words this morning, before he went off to his new job protecting our children. I feel sad that the first day of school will be marked by the death of someone that wanted to keep our children safe.
When confronted with death, I think of how much I have in life. It makes any issue that is on my mind today (juggling schedules, getting the laundry done, even paying bills) seem insignificant.
What matters most is a developing a routine of loving our children and other important people in our lives. I'd be interested to hear how you make that part of your routine. Let me know by commenting on the post.
Be thankful today for the children in your arms and the people that you love that are with you. And, please, say a prayer tonight for the families who have lost the ones they love.
Stay Strong!
Mecca
But the morning was not about routines. When I was walking the boys to school, just as soon as we passed the crossing guard, he collapsed. Luckily my 5th grader had walked ahead with his cousin. But my 1st grader and I saw it as it happened. His little face was mixed with concern and fear as we turned and saw the man crumpled in the street. It was awful. He had just crossed us safely 3 minutes before. Several fathers rushed to assist, and a policeman was yards away and quickly called an ambulance, but the crossing guard passed away at the hospital.
This evening I will be asked the hard questions. About life, and about the end of life. Years ago, when dealing with another death, I was counseled on telling a child that someone had died. The counselor was incredibly helpful. She said that we (adults) "over detail" our children. Children don't need details; they just need facts. Instead of trying to explain something that you really can't - you just state the facts, and then you can identify and/or relate to the child's emotions. "He died." "Why?" "His heart stopped." "Oh, why did his heart stop?" "I am really not sure." (It is okay not to have all the answers.) "That is sad." "Yes, it is sad." (Hug your child.)
I'm sure that I will be asked if he is in heaven. We get this question a lot from the kids. The four year old often asks who or what goes to heaven. Do houses go to heaven? (no); plants? (I'm sure this is because I kill so many of them - no); dogs? (yes - although I'm not sure but I say yes); fish? (no). I find that talking about heaven is much easier than talking about death.
The thing about talking about death is that we want to provide answers without worrying our children. Death should not be scary. It is sad, but not frightening.
I feel very sad for the family of the crossing guard. I hope that he and his family exchanged good, loving words this morning, before he went off to his new job protecting our children. I feel sad that the first day of school will be marked by the death of someone that wanted to keep our children safe.
When confronted with death, I think of how much I have in life. It makes any issue that is on my mind today (juggling schedules, getting the laundry done, even paying bills) seem insignificant.
What matters most is a developing a routine of loving our children and other important people in our lives. I'd be interested to hear how you make that part of your routine. Let me know by commenting on the post.
Be thankful today for the children in your arms and the people that you love that are with you. And, please, say a prayer tonight for the families who have lost the ones they love.
Stay Strong!
Mecca
Thursday, August 20, 2009
welcome
Hi! Thanks for stopping by. StrongMom is dedicated to provide anything that might help a mom stay strong - while I can't give you an extra hour of sleep; I hope to provide you with any kind of tip that has worked for me with my children, as well as recipes, relationship tips, encouragement, etc. We moms need to stick together!
What are my credentials? Five children (no twins, all single births) ranging from age 11 to 2. Two girls, three boys. One child with Down Syndrome. One child with ADHD. I also have a full time job, travel, and participate in church activities. Yes, I have a wonderful hubby, too. Our lives are full and wonderful and quite busy.
Tonight, my StrongMom tip is just the basic principle of parenting: Consistency. If you can't get this right, don't try anything else. You must, above all, be consistent. This means if you say you're going to do something, do it. Too often, parenting is inconvenient. At our house, we have a no tolerance policy for whining. Our four year old often violates this policy. And at the worst times. I've just gotten home from work, and still in my high heels I am preparing dinner. He's had his snack at the alotted time of 4:00, but when I walk in it seems that like Pavlov's experiments I've triggered the "I need a snack" reflex. I don't give in - I remind him that dinner is on the way (see Mommy cooking it?) And he begins to whine. It is completely inconvenient for me to stop what I am doing and take him to the chair placed in his room for punishment. So I warn... and warn again... and the whining doesn't stop. Why? Because he knows I'm busy. And I have seven mouths to feed at 6:30 when my husband walks in the door. And there are other children in the house that need something. Have you been there?
But, here's the key - when I stop what I am doing, and gently but firmly take him in to his room and place him on the chair, and tell him that he will be sitting there until he stops whining - the whining comes to a complete and sustained halt. Yes, he will try us frequently. And if we, without warning, simply take him to the chair when he whines for the first time, we can go DAYS without whining. Even weeks. Unfortunately that one time when we warn, and warn, and warn without stopping what we do will completely undo all the good work that we've done with the no tolerance policy... so we must start over.
Mom's - it is in your hands. It's in your control. If there is a behavior that your child is doing that you don't like, be consistent about stopping it. AND DO NOT NEGOTIATE. Child not eating dinner? The consequence is no snack, no cereal, no dessert, no nothing. Don't budge. Don't be swayed in to a sandwich or something small. If your goal is to have your child eat his/her dinner, then save that dinner plate for when he/she asks for food. Our parents did it. And it works. But the moment you give in and give something else, you've just invited a whole months worth of work in to your home to undo your moment of weakness. Stay Strong, Mom!
The key to staying strong is to first be consistent in all things. If you say your child gets a reward for doing something well - then reward him. We'll talk rewards later, but when I say reward please know that I am saying TIME and not money. We have turned our children in to materialistic consumers instead of giving contributors... again, another post for that topic. Consistency in all things is the same as having integrity - doing what you say you are going to do, in all situations. Don't threaten something that you know you will never do. (example: telling your child that if he acts up on vacation that he'll never come back on vacation with you again... unless you have childcare for a week and could really live with yourself if you didn't bring him with you the next year.) Children are not stupid. Even children with developmental delays will call your bluff - I have living proof in my oldest daughter. If my husband threatens something that will never happen (I'll leave you at home alone while we go have fun at the pool) she'll say "RIGHT, DAD!" in a sarcastic way and won't change her behavior. If he warns her of a real, impending punishment (If you continue to do that you will lose TV priviledges for an entire day) she'll immediately change her behavior.
Okay friends, here's my last word on consistency - think before you threaten - understand exactly what you want your child to do - and DO what you say you are going to do. While inconvenient, stop what you are doing to do what you said you would do. I have to stop now and put five little tired children to bed, because I said that bedtime is 9:00 tonight and I have 8 minutes to keep my word.
Thanks again for sharing a few minutes with me. Post your comments, and your consistency stories for others to see!
Stay Strong!
StrongMom
What are my credentials? Five children (no twins, all single births) ranging from age 11 to 2. Two girls, three boys. One child with Down Syndrome. One child with ADHD. I also have a full time job, travel, and participate in church activities. Yes, I have a wonderful hubby, too. Our lives are full and wonderful and quite busy.
Tonight, my StrongMom tip is just the basic principle of parenting: Consistency. If you can't get this right, don't try anything else. You must, above all, be consistent. This means if you say you're going to do something, do it. Too often, parenting is inconvenient. At our house, we have a no tolerance policy for whining. Our four year old often violates this policy. And at the worst times. I've just gotten home from work, and still in my high heels I am preparing dinner. He's had his snack at the alotted time of 4:00, but when I walk in it seems that like Pavlov's experiments I've triggered the "I need a snack" reflex. I don't give in - I remind him that dinner is on the way (see Mommy cooking it?) And he begins to whine. It is completely inconvenient for me to stop what I am doing and take him to the chair placed in his room for punishment. So I warn... and warn again... and the whining doesn't stop. Why? Because he knows I'm busy. And I have seven mouths to feed at 6:30 when my husband walks in the door. And there are other children in the house that need something. Have you been there?
But, here's the key - when I stop what I am doing, and gently but firmly take him in to his room and place him on the chair, and tell him that he will be sitting there until he stops whining - the whining comes to a complete and sustained halt. Yes, he will try us frequently. And if we, without warning, simply take him to the chair when he whines for the first time, we can go DAYS without whining. Even weeks. Unfortunately that one time when we warn, and warn, and warn without stopping what we do will completely undo all the good work that we've done with the no tolerance policy... so we must start over.
Mom's - it is in your hands. It's in your control. If there is a behavior that your child is doing that you don't like, be consistent about stopping it. AND DO NOT NEGOTIATE. Child not eating dinner? The consequence is no snack, no cereal, no dessert, no nothing. Don't budge. Don't be swayed in to a sandwich or something small. If your goal is to have your child eat his/her dinner, then save that dinner plate for when he/she asks for food. Our parents did it. And it works. But the moment you give in and give something else, you've just invited a whole months worth of work in to your home to undo your moment of weakness. Stay Strong, Mom!
The key to staying strong is to first be consistent in all things. If you say your child gets a reward for doing something well - then reward him. We'll talk rewards later, but when I say reward please know that I am saying TIME and not money. We have turned our children in to materialistic consumers instead of giving contributors... again, another post for that topic. Consistency in all things is the same as having integrity - doing what you say you are going to do, in all situations. Don't threaten something that you know you will never do. (example: telling your child that if he acts up on vacation that he'll never come back on vacation with you again... unless you have childcare for a week and could really live with yourself if you didn't bring him with you the next year.) Children are not stupid. Even children with developmental delays will call your bluff - I have living proof in my oldest daughter. If my husband threatens something that will never happen (I'll leave you at home alone while we go have fun at the pool) she'll say "RIGHT, DAD!" in a sarcastic way and won't change her behavior. If he warns her of a real, impending punishment (If you continue to do that you will lose TV priviledges for an entire day) she'll immediately change her behavior.
Okay friends, here's my last word on consistency - think before you threaten - understand exactly what you want your child to do - and DO what you say you are going to do. While inconvenient, stop what you are doing to do what you said you would do. I have to stop now and put five little tired children to bed, because I said that bedtime is 9:00 tonight and I have 8 minutes to keep my word.
Thanks again for sharing a few minutes with me. Post your comments, and your consistency stories for others to see!
Stay Strong!
StrongMom
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