Baby gender truffle reveal

I am so happy I got to be apart of the Chandler Baby revealing "Party!"
They had a sonogram the week before Christmas,and I had the honor and privilege of making truffles for them and their extended family!They announced to the whole family on Christmas day with the truffles!
My computer is down and I can't upload my photos,:(
I do have a couple Photos on on my FB page.The best part of the reveal is the sweet video that Chad &Kristin uploaded on my personal FB page.You have to watch it:).
The reveal is on the video!
Super sweet and again,it was an honor to be apart of their celebration!
Looking forward to the next baby gender reveal!
Who is next?
One dozen truffles buttercream blue or pink cherry!($15.00)
Or 2 dozen truffles ($20.00)
I would love to help you announce to your family and close friends:)
Looking forward to a great 2012!

Super Hero Cake Pops and Special request #1...

I am amazed at the "word of mouth" referral I am getting for my sweet little business!
I absolutely LOVE helping others out to make these what can be "time consuming" hot, wanted items for parties etc.
In the last few weeks, I have had 2 very special orders. One just got completed! And if I may say so, SUCCESS!
We stayed home for Thanksgiving and I rested after making 7 dozen turkey cake pops! Then it was a nice 4 days of family time. We also had my friend, Joy and her family over for dinner. (They had closed on their new home that Tuesday, so I insisted on feeding them and letting the boys play). And the kids ate first, then we ate while they played...it was nice!
 I must say that we stayed home for the Thanksgiving holiday and it was so nice to just enjoy the time home and relax after 7 dozen Turkey Pops were made!

(And then of course, I jumped and went shopping @11 PM till 3AM).Yup, shopped and got alot accomplished. However, I am sure I could have gotten some of the same deals on line. But, the time spent with my friends was priceless.
I had a few days break and then it was time to pass off some sweet birthday pops for a little boy @ Parker's preschool. Following that order,I had my first challenge...Super Hero Cake Pops!
They were an absolute joy to make! All the cake pops were the basic butter cream cake pops and then character colors.(Only challenge was the "blue" for Spider man successfully accomplished after working with the correct amount of oil, dye and white chocolate)...the rest of the process and coloring was easy, thanks to WILTON!
The creativity came from the client to add the "rings"! I loved how they turned out and looking forward to making more "birthday" character cake pops. ($2.00 a piece with the special rings).

The next upcoming "special" order is for a very sweet couple in our small group. They are having their third baby in April, and find out in two weeks the gender.
However, it is SO close to Christmas Day when they find out, so they have opted to wait till Christmas DAY by biting into a truffle that I will be making "PINK" or "BLUE" to find out the gender!
How excited do you think I am???
Just a little!
NO A LOT!
 I cried tears of joy that night, after my friend asked me. I remember praying that God would use me to be a blessing to the community with my talent and business. But, I never would have seen this one coming and I am HONORED!
What a joy and privilege to make these special truffles in a couple of weeks and help them celebrate this 3rd child of theirs. :)
 I will not be able to reveal till after they find out! But, I sure will be SO excited to announce to all of you shortly after the holiday with the photos of the truffles. Something extra special about this!
So, Chocolate covered cherry PINK, for (GIRL) and Butter cream BLUE, for (BOY).
I guess I can add that to my list of options now available to all of you! :)

The next few weeks,I will be busy making Cake Pop Reindeer, Snowmen, & Truffle Baskets for many friends, family and clients.

I LOVE taking the load off of others and creating a unique and sweet treat for all to enjoy. I so call this my therapy and joy! Some of my friends call me "crazy!"
 But of course with the economy today, it is nice to offer something reasonable,special and homemade.
Can't wait to see what special orders will come in 2012!
THANKS to all of you who have been so supportive and passing on my business. I am loving this and so excited for all these Christmas Baskets.
Nap time is over...off to my boys! :)

Gobble-Gobble!

                      Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Cake Pops, $1.50 a piece.
I am taking orders for the holidays.
Why not add two of these Turkey's in one of my fall baskets for a total of $12.00? 
Or get a dozen for $18.00, and take them home to the family or have them as your little "centerpieces" for all your guests.
Great way to say "Happy Thanksgiving" to your loved ones this holiday!

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next Thursday!
 Much to do before now and then, and happilly filling orders.
A new flavor was in the works today. And happy to report it is a success!

Any guesses?

Now offering Riese's Piece's Cake Pops & Truffles

Here they are all wrapped! I just made these triple chocolate cake pops for my sister in law's baby shower! They were loved by all.
The joyful thing about a cake pop or truffle, is that it is just the right size for that sweet little crave! You walk away not feeling guilty for having one! They freeze well and are great to pull out when you just want something sweet.
So that's why my new business card says "enjoy some of life's sweet delights!"

I have officially started a business!
I am dipping cake pops all week for a fall festival this coming Saturday. I am loving it and hoping not to come home with any or very little.
My cake pops and truffles can be shipped 8 months out of the year too. September -April.
Current flavors are:
*Apple Cinnamon,(dipped in white and cinnamon/sugar for garnish)
Butter cream,(dipped in white and Pepridge Farm cookie crumbs for garnish)
Triple chocolate( dipped in chocolate and seasonal colored sprinkles for garnish)
Oreo Cookie( dipped in White or chocolate upon request and cookie crumbs)
Strawberry (dipped in white& red sprinkles for garnish)
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup (homemade batch of cookie mix and dipped in chocolate and peanut butter)
*Pumpkin-(Dipped in white chocolate and pumpkin almonds for garnish)
Red Velvet(dipped in white or chocolate upon request and red drizzle for garnish)
Chocolate Mint( dipped in chocolate and garnished with Andes Mint Pieces)
Smore Bites-(Marshmallow bites dipped in chocolate and garnished with graham cracker crumbs)


Let me know what flavor and colors you'd like and allow me to make a unique favor, or gift for all.
Cake Pops and Truffle =$1.00 a piece.
Custom orders that need extra detail =$2.00 a piece.
Shipping $8.00 

Courtney's Baby Shower (NY Visit Part 2)

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-15Baby Boy Riese is a sweet little blessing to the WHOLE Riese family. He has been prayed for, for over 2 years. We have walked a journey with Uncle Brian and Aunt Courtney, and have watched them loose 3 precious babies before he was formed.

 To be honest, I don't think I could have been in their shoes. It is something that God had planned for them and it has made them a very strong and special couple. Their love and desire to be parents has been evident from the start. No doubt-they will be phenomenal parents. There are so many unknowns about the little one's personality, but they are willing to love and accept him as he comes. We know he will rock their world....after all-he is a RIese and they are Precious! :) I am not bias at all to having a Riese baby but we can't wait to see how he looks compared to Parker & Kaden. I hope you will join us in prayer as they prepare and embark upon Parenthood. Thank You for the many prayers that many have you have already bestowed upon them. This little guy is a miracle and we can't wait for his arrival.
It was a joy to throw a shower for Courtney and Baby Boy. My Mother-in-law, Miracle, Cousin Rachel & I all put it together. It was great and the food was awesome. We did an ABC theme shower, since Courtney is a Kindergarten teacher.



 She loved it but I think the most touching part of the shower was the baby blessing bank. We got a special turtle bank for the baby's nursery. We had everyone put a penny in the bank and wish a blessing upon the baby boy, It brought tears to all our eyes. I got it on video and hope that he knows how much he was prayed for before he was born. "Baby Boy-We are so excited to meet you and want you to know how much we all love you. Now promise to sleep ALOT for Mommy, and never cry except when you are hungry or tired!"
 HAHA (We all know that only a few babies out there are like that) but I hope they get a baby that is like this :)
Enjoy the sweet photos of the shower...We will keep you posted upon his arrival.

Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

 (I can't take credit for carving this baby! My Sister-in-law Miracle is SO talented and did an amazing job with all the decor and much more) How Cute is this?

 Ok! I can take credit for this yummy treat! We made Red Velvet Cake Pops and dipped them in White Chocolate and drizzled baby blue chocolate on them....*shower was on July 3, so they had a patriotic look :)

(Courtney with all her hostesses :) *Mom R. Me, Courtney, Miracle & Rachel)

A nice touch for the mommy to be....White Roses and Blue Hydrangea!

It was a beautiful shower and so sweet to have many friends and family come out and shower Courtney and Brian with many,many gifts and love!

Thank You all for helping us throw a great Shower :)

Weigh In Wed!

That's right! I am officially logging my weight loss progress on my blog. I am on a mission to be down 30 lbs by my birthday (mid October),and for sure by our 10th Anniversary, June 2012. Along time ago I told Mike I needed a good motivation and was feeling frumpy and not happy with my body. He came home from his trip to Brazil and had a great motivator for me! I was shocked and excited and insulted all at 1x. (But I wasn't-I was actually thankful that he was aware of my frustration with this stagnate weight loss) and not going anywhere!
Here is the challenge- I have a BIG sweet tooth which has slowed my weight loss down! However, I am determined! I am finding "healthier" sweets to eat and making this weight loss happen. I have done Weight Watchers (in the past) and that works and  I am still following much of it. But I am making this a "life" change. It's not a new diet. As my friend, Lorelei, shared from her Body Boot Camp Weight Loss Program....The first 3 letters in Diet are D. I. E....and it is so true! We are so sad to be kept away from all those foods we love, but the "diet" won't allow. I really believe God wants us to eat everything in moderation, but to ultimately take care of our bodies and be aware of our portion control. I think I should have lived in Bible times. Only Fruits and vegetables, fish (which I can't stand), and of course homemade bread....but no such thing as ice-cream, cookies (you get it)??!  Therefore, I am making more conscious choices on all that we eat. I have no problem cooking from scratch. I am sad that to be healthy it cost more, but it is SO worth it. I find it a battle about 2x a week in my mind "If I eat this brownie then I have to run 3 miles to burn it off and then do some additional workout!" I usually only give in once to that. And the other times I pat myself on the back for walking away from the brownie. I need to  keep working on  my sweet tooth! I am the first to admit that it is my number one weakness. I am sure if I completely cut out all carbs and NO sugar of any kind I would drop it all in 2 months- But I am losing it a little bit slower, and watching my carb intake and enjoying my life with the boys and taking care of this body.
Here is the Motivation (PRIZE)-Mike and I will officially celebrate 9 years of Marriage next Wed. This time  next year, I am hoping to be back to the original size 6/8 that I was when we first met AND if I lose it all He will take me to ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is right-he came home from Brazil, handed me a book on Italy and said here ya go! We can go when you get down 30 lbs & and also celebrate our 10th Anniversary!!
It has been a passion of both of ours to go there! We have never been away from the boys (except for a 24 hour get-a-way last June) and we need to do this for our Marriage and  I need a BIG motivator! As much as I dislike his business trips with GE...the air miles are banking up fast! Looks like there will be enough air miles for this trip next year. We have many other dreams but this is something we need to do for us. I hope it does not seem selfish or a waste of money (and thankfully we should be debt free by then)-and so it will really be a 3 fold trip, (10th Anniversary, debt free and Jenn's weight loss)! 
It seems impossible right now to get to two of these goals, my weight loss and completely being debt free! But I am trying really hard to be more driven and make it happen FAST!
I am so thankful for Mike, loving me (for me and never being critical of my baby belly etc) and loving me for me & great friends running with me(Samantha & Joy),and Lorelei for getting me signed up at the YMCA almost 3 years ago! Still going there regularly and taking classes! :)
I have finally found some classes at the YMCA that are working :) Monday nights-Spin, Wed night-Zumba & Thursday night- (my least favorite) Total Body boot camp....(It is GOOD)!~ I have that love/hate relationship with that class. And on top of the classes I also make sure to run or work out on the eliptical and do 4-6 miles a week. So, no excuses why I can't get this weight off by October, Right?!
So now I am adding some cyber accountability! Just being real and hoping to encourage some other mommies out there. My friend Laura and I are both on a mission to be down to our goals by October. (We are both October babies) Want to join us??
Hop on over and pass her on a note of encouragement...she is doing awesome and has cut our all sweets! (I need to be like her-she is my biggest inspiration) We went to college together and had a blast being suitemates my sophmore year! I think She and I will have to have a celebration some time when we reach our goals :)
I weighed in today and I was down 3 pounds since last Wed. I am thrilled!
Since I started this new workout plan and healthier food intake-I am down 6.4 lbs.
So, only 23.6 lbs to go by October.
Thank you to all my sweet friends for helping me and keeping me motivated.
Italy 2012 Here I come....(30 lbs lighter :)

Sweet Summer Strawberry Jam

Summer time is here and the strawberries are in full season!

It's time to make Mom Riese's Strawberry Jam!
(a.k.a Sure Jell Freezer Jam). I am just keeping the tradition alive and following the same recipe she made for years. Mike and his brothers grew up with this yummy homemade jam, and he still loves it just as much today. He does not have a sweet tooth, but he sure does when it comes to homemade jam! He is so simple to please and with Father's Day next Sunday, this sure makes a sweet,simple and in-expensive gift for him. (He knows he is getting it and excited to come back from his business trip to some home-made jam :)This also makes great little gifts to give away, even at Christmas- (since you can freeze this jam).
Sure Jell Strawberry Jam is easy to follow in as little as 30 minutes.
Strawberry Jam Ingredients
Makes;(5-6 small 8oz jars or 3 large ones):
* 2 containers of Strawberries (or 2 cups of finely chopped berries)
*3&1/2 Cups of Sugar
(recipe calls for 4C-but I do 3&1/2 & chop up another 1/2 cup berries)
(There are boxes of Sure jell for Low Sugar and No Sugar recipes).
*3/4 C.Water
*1 pkg of Sure Jell Pectin
Follow the directions for Fast and Quick Strawberry Jam
I love this recipe because, it will freeze up to 1 year.
What are some things you love to make that you only make in the summer time?
Can't wait for the jam to set and eat it on some good ol' toast in the morning :)

Cake Pops

I got creative for the end of the year teacher gifts. As a teacher, it was always special to get some "unique" gifts at the end of the year. Now it is truly a joy to give back to Parker's teachers who have made a huge impact upon his life. Therefore, they deserve a little extra appreciation from us. So this year my creativity was "sparked" for that "unique" gift- thanks to Starbucks for inspiring me to whip up some Cake Pops!

 Joy wanted to do something for Trey's teachers as well so I encouraged her to embark upon this "cake pop" journey with me. So, we split up the list, went off to hunt down our needed items and baked away. Then we dipped and decorated together :)

We are thrilled with the success of them and the flavor is out of this world!
Want to try one?
I may be onto something new in my life!!
...Watch out Starbucks,these taste better :)

Flavors: German Chocolate, Strawberry Angel food, Brownie Cream & Red Velvet.
The cake pops were presented in these darling tin cans we found at Target :)

BBQ Chicken Pizza (Monday Meals)

We LOVE pizza and what family doesn't? I love Pizza even more when I know it is healthy!
Here is what we had last night for our Monday Meals dinner :)
(My battery was dead on our family camera-so my apologies-these are photos from my cell phone!)
BBQ Chicken Pizza was HUGE success with Parker. I am sure because it was called "PIZZA" he happily ate it!
Here is my long awaited secret! I have homemade Cal zones that everyone LOVES! It is the dough that is the key. This dough is used in our house for homemade pizza too! So here is my secret recipe below-but not everyone wants to slave over homemade dough! (The key is a Kitchen-Aid Mixer!)
It really makes the process easy and I love homemade dough-it is healthier!
I have made this dough since Mike and I were first married.
The crust calls for 2 & 1/2 Cups of All Purpose flour. I know that there is NOTHING nutritious about white flour. So, I experimented last night and used 1 cup of whole wheat flour and the dough raised and it tasted fabulously "healthy!"

I use the weight watchers BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe as the main recipe for this pizza.

• The only thing I do differently is I add beans on the pizza. I would love to use black beans, but Parker won't eat Black beans.
•  I cook the onion with my chicken
• Instead of buying the recommended crust I made mine.

 I think I will continue to make homemade wheat dough for this recipe.

I had a happy little helper last night. Anytime Parker sees me get out my grandmother's rolling pin he gets curious. I love this rolling pin.
There are sweet memories (or shall I say yummy pies), that were made with this rolling pin! My Grandma Clark was a fabulous cook and baker. I had 2 fabulous grandmothers and each one were excellent bakers. I think I may have inherited their love of baking and cooking from them :) Therefore, I am thrilled to have grandma's rolling pin. Thanks mom for passing it on to me :)

A special note: If you have a Kitchen-Aid Mixer this will be an easy and nutritious crust for homemade pizza! I LOVE my Kitchen-Aid Mixer. It is one of my sweetest possessions that I own. Mike got it for me our first Christmas after we were married. It is still the best gift he has ever gotten me! (I think!?) I use it at least 3-4 times a week. So, that is why my friends call me -"Jenny Crocker!"

So, here is the long awaited secret recipe for my homemade pizza dough!
Jenn's Homemade Pizza Crust
2&1/2 -3 Cups of All-Purpose Flour
*(or 1 Cup of Whole Wheat flour and 1&1/2 -2 Cups of All-Purpose)
1TBSP Sugar
1tsp salt
2 tsp Mrs. Dash (Garlic & Herb Seasoning) (MY SECRET)
1pkg Rapid Rise Yeast
3TBSP Olive Oil
1 Cup very warm water (about 120 degrees)
Directions:

• In large mixing bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, sugar, seasoning, salt and yeast.
• Add oil and warm water. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes, scraping bowl frequently.
• Stir in enough remaining flour until dough is soft and leaves the sides of the bowl.
• Place dough on lightly floured surface.
• Knead 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and springy.
• Cover loosely with plastic with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
• Prepare crust in 2 pans for thin crust or 1 large sheet pan for thicker crust.
• Bake at 375 degrees for 7 minutes
• Add sauce and toppings and bake for additional 7-10 minutes or until crust is lightly brown on edges.

(I did add green peppers to this-Parker doesn't mind them:)
• ENJOY

Feel free to join us on the Monday Meals adventure! What did your family have for dinner last night?
Sign up here to share and gain some great recipes.
http://www.linkytools.com/basic_link_entry_form.aspx?id=30590


Jenn :)

A "Lemonicious" Pesto Chicken Sauce (Monday Meals)

It's time for another Monday Meals recipe! I can't wait to see what is cooking in your kitchen.


Who wants to turn on the oven in 95 degree heat? NOT ME! It has been to HOT to even want to attempt to cook-but we have to eat! So, lately I am doing quick meals on the stove or we are grilling.
I love the look of fresh lemons, I love the smell of fresh lemons and I love the added zing they give to an entree'! Every time I see lemons, I think of my grandma's homemade Lemon Meringue Pie! It reminds me of summer.
When I started teaching at NCCS, I ran across a recipe for a homemade Lemon Chicken Pasta on the back of a pasta box! It took time to make (and I don't have that valuable time right now).
I am so excited that I can still make my Lemon Chicken Pasta with a new friend~ Knorr Pesto Mix! They have a recipe almost identical to the one I used to make. This is a great meal to take to a family too! It is a great pasta dish that most families love. (And of course you can make it 10 different ways with all the kinds of pasta out there! LOL).
Knorr's Pesto Sauce takes 20 minutes total. I love that I can doctor up the sauce (with vegetables) and it tastes just like my homemade recipe. There is something about fresh smelling lemons in homecooked food!
I need to mention one special thing; this is a great sauce if you can not have marina. I could not have anything acidic or tomato based while I was strictly nursing Kaden. (This recipe only has 2 TBSP so the lemon is not overpowering). Kaden had/has a sensitive stomach and it was SO hard to find things that I could eat with out it bothering him. This did not bother him!

Here is the recipe from Knorr for Lemon Pesto Chicken Sauce!

This meal only costs about $10.00 to make for a family of 4. (If you can get the chicken breasts on sale.)

• I took advantage of buying the Pasta (when it was BOGO free)!

• I used Rigatoni noodles and Parker LOVED them.

• I added sugar snap peas and he ate ALL of it!

I forgot to get a final photo-but here is the sauce cooking away.

Next time you see those yummy lemons grab two for this awesome meal!

I hope you get a chance to make it soon.

Food for thought:

1. Lemon juice applied to the the skin can prevent sunburns!

2. Lemons can help store memory and recall information! (WOW!)

I read some very interesting facts about the power of the lemon. Check it out Lemon Facts


OK...So I have to post some "Summer time" photos! I am busy and don't have all this time to post a ton of entries so here are two recents of  the boys! So far the sunblock is working great. May have to try the lemons some time!

Want to join us on the Monday Meals?

Feel free to sign up here and learn more how you can participate!

Monday Meals-(Join me!)

“What should I make for dinner?”

“Mom, what are we having for dinner?”
 Does this sound familiar?
I find myself asking what I should make for dinner more then 1 or 2 times a week. I do not want to be so busy that I can not have time to cook and plan for the family. I have so many yummy meals that I make on a regular basis-but I am always looking for fast ones; i.e.:crock-pot meals, 5 ingredients or less, child loved (and nutritious), or just simple ones.
Many of you know that cooking is a passion of mine. I enjoy it in deed-but finding that "time" is much harder now that we have two kids . I really enjoy the breaks when we  do get to eat out! However, eating out on a regular basis adds up really fast and depletes our "eating out fund" FAST! We are a budgeting family. I plan my meals around the weekly  store sales. Occassionally,we can do better to eat out IF it is at Mike's favorite restaurant; Costco = $1.50 Hot Dog Combo Dinner! LOL-But for my kind of "eating out" and more healthy (ok maybe not so healthy but a break for me), it is usually Maggiano's or Cheesecake Factory!
So, we choose to save those restaurants for special occasions.

Therefore, I am choosing to cook a special meal each Monday for the family. God has been challenging me to find joy in the good and "challenging" days as a S.A.H.M. I always find joy at the end of a rough day if I have had a successful family meal! I don’t always feel happy about throwing something together in 3 minutes or tossing that Digorno Pizza in! BUT, some days it is for my sanity! God has allowed me to stay home and be a mom to my sweet boys. I care about what they are eating and I really want to make sure it is nutritious. I know that Monday is a good day for me to prepare a yummy meal. I have Sunday’s to prep if needed. We usually don’t have an event on Mondays and we always have fun as a family. Parker eats much better when we both sit and eat with him. So, we strive to do this 5-6 times a week. Sometimes, Mike’s work schedule doesn’t always allow but he works really hard to be here for it.
So, I am challenging you to take part in my journey with Monday Meals! Maybe you can not commit to cook a special meal for the family on Monday, but you can make a special meal another night. Maybe you actually do it  two or even three times each week. Choose one of those weekly meals to share about. I know that you may not get a chance to post something each week, but try it for a few weeks.  I have a sweet tooth so, do not hesitate to post about the dessert you may have had for "Monday Meals" in stead!   I am always looking for awesome recipes in this department too!

Here is all you have to do:
 1. Post about Monday Meals on your blog-sometime during that week.

• Does not have to be on Monday-but you can call it Monday  Meals so that so we all know what you are referring to.
• If you would link it back to my blog I would appreciate it! :) WINK!
• I want to see those recipe

2. Share what you made?

• please share the recipe or the website that you got it from.
• photos are not necessary-but a perk
• You may want to post a special reason why you made that meal? 
• i.e.;family favorite, chicken was on sale, you wanted a $10.00 meal or less, you accidentally created the meal-because you were out of something the recipe called for!

3. What family discussions did you have during the meal?


4. Was it a success or flop?

• (I have had a few of those moments and I am sure I will have MANY more.)

5. Sign up on this link Monday Meals with your blog to let me know that you are participating.

• This may not go anywhere
• I will give it 3 weeks

Tonight, I get to share the story with Parker about this special meal we are having;
HoBo Dinners
(Click on the “Hobo Dinners” to see the actual recipe). 


1. I chose this meal because I had it as a little girl.
2. I was always so excited to see if we got cheese on our burgers!

3. It was also a "cool" way for our food to be cooked;we didn't focus on the fact that we had "vegetables" on our plate!

4. (Having a nearly 3 year old-I have to find special ways to get veggies in his body!)
5. It is SUMMER tme and this can also go on the grill for 30 min.

During dinner Parker, was not so sure what to think at first. He got ALL excited about dinner being served this way!~ Then he wouldn't eat it. So, he and daddy played a game to see how much he could really eat. He ate it! I am sure that the cupcakes for dessert were a great motivator too! Mike, said he liked it and I would say overall it was a success! We had ketchup for Parker to dip his burger in. :)


I hope to hear of some more great meals from you!
 Remember,you do not have to do it every week and I am not expecting any gourmet meals!  I would just love to see us spending more time as families at OUR dinner tables and not always at a restaurant.


Jenn :)


Here are few photos of my preparations ~and it only took me 15 minutes. YEAH!

Homemade marinade:

• 
  
  1 C Ketchup
• 
  
  1/4 C Worcestire sauce,
• 
  
  3 TBS Olive oil,
• 
  
  2 TBS Brown Sugar

                                  (After cutting up veggies and preparing the meat,
                                  I pour the marinade on the top.
                                   (sit these in fridge for 3-4 hours)

Tah -Da! Dinner is ready!

Sweet Pea Update & Fall Sweet Treats

Today I had my 28 week check up at my OB. (*Thank you Liz & Kayleigh for letting Parker come over and play so I could go to my appointment alone.) Sweet Pea is doing well and such a kicker in some of the most awkward places. Baby really likes to stick out (maybe an elbow? ) under my right rib all the time. Sweet Pea's heart is healthy and beating 150 bpm (for inquiring minds). AND NO weight gain for preggo mama in the past 4 weeks! It sure was tempting last weekend to give in to all those Peanut M& M's from Parker's Halloween Candy-but I really resisted the urge most of the week! I've maintained 24 lbs and praying not to go past my 28 lb pregnancy record! (Haha-with this sweet tooth we will see?)

I have another upcoming Ultra-sound on 11/30 to check on my placenta. Praying that it has moved in the right direction and will allow for another vaginal birth, but obviously God is in control and may have other plans for Sweet Pea's arrival. I'm so grateful each time I go in and hear that all is well! The miracle of life in amazing and there is not a day that goes by where I do not praise God for this pregnancy even though it has been more "dramatic" at times!

I also had the "LOVELY" Glucose test and no wonder I am not a fan of Orange Soda!....I really forgot how much I hated it after the test with Parker 2 & 1/2 years ago! This time it really made me want to puke-but I held in the urge. Praying that there is NO phone call this coming Tuesday saying that I failed. As much as I love my sweets I have tried to balance it out!

So, now that I have been a really good girl the past 2 weeks, here is what's cooking up in my kitchen! I LOVE the Fall and had to make this today: Pumpkin Roll

And for my boys (or more for my munchy cravings....)
Chex Mix Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies

I have been craving this for 1 week!!! So excited to munch on it tonight with my boys! I apologize for any sudden cravings that I pass onto to you blog readers. But-these are some of the yummiest treats for the fall that I just couldn't resist sharing!

:)