Recipe Monday: Taverns

This week I emailed my go-to recipe girls and I am so excited that they pulled through with several good recipes for you all! I told them I needed some help because I am sure you all know how to make PBJ, which is about all I have been making lately! Here is a recipe from Katie- I am so pumped to make this, seems like the perfect lake recipe for us..and freezable- even better! Enjoy and Happy Monday!

One of my favorite sandwiches I grew up eating is a tavern.   It's basically a loose meat sandwich and they are oh so good. They are easy to make and you will have lots of leftovers, but don't worry they freeze great.  We normally just eat them on hamburger buns.  They are even better if you melt a slice of cheese over the top and add a little mustard.

 Taverns

5 pounds ground beef, 85% lean
4 oz ketchup
3 heaping teaspoons prepared mustard
3 heaping teaspoons cream style horseradish
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3 teaspoons salt
1 cup onions, put in food processor to grind very fine
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Place beef in Dutch oven or large pot.  Combine ketchup, mustard, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a 1 cup measuring cup.  Stir into beef. Fill the same cup with warm water (1 cup water) and add to meat mixture.  Add onions to mixture.  Cook on low, stirring constantly, 15 minutes or until meat is brown.

Slowly increase heat until mixture boils.  Boil 25 minutes stirring occasionally.  Use slotted spoon to spoon onto buns.

Summer Learning Ideas

Hi friends, I am just writing a quick something today to tell you about some fun things we are focusing on this summer- just in case you want to join us! 
1) We are memorizing one scripture verse per week with the girls (if you are friends with me on FB I have a fun video posted on there)- we start on Sunday and practice it every day- usually before bed time. Last week was Isaiah 41:10, this week is John 14:6. "Jesus Answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." I am going to post our weekly memory verse on here every Sunday and you are welcome to join us in memorizing it..and it will remind me to stick with it if I put it on here! 

2) We are learning some spanish this summer- I know a small lick of spanish from 2 years of high school spanish (which took me 4 years to finish- if we are being honest!) So I found this DVD {LINK} and the girls love it. Ellie has watched it 5 or so times and already knows almost every word- I don't know that she knows what she is saying, but it is a foundation! 
3) As previously discussed, we love Leap frog videos- they came out with two new ones recently. Numberland {LINK} and Phonics Farm {LINK}. Here is my previous post about videos {LINK} we love ALL of the Leapfrog videos. 
4) For this summer on DelightfulMomStuff, I am going to write a little weekly post on a spiritual virtue from PrayerWithPurpose Passionate Prayers for Children. I have loved praying virtues and scripture over my girls and so I thought you might want to join! 
5) Finally, we are going to continue to focus on our Preschool Prep videos, especially Meet the Sight Words videos and Meet the Phonics videos. My girls love the videos and learn so much. My 3-year-old even knows her sight words from watching. 

Hope this is a little summer inspiration for you, I would love to know your ideas for Summer learning. 

Mother's Day Series: Gift Ideas!

Here are some fun Mother's day gift ideas- of course if you have a large budget...go for the Yurman- but if you are like me, you are needing some fun, affordable ideas that will bless your mom on Mother's day! Here are my ideas! 

1. Tai Bracelets- If you live in KC, Standard Style has these! Otherwise check them out online- so many fun ones! (starting at $75)
2. Cross Pendant Necklace ($75)
3. Fun Earrings like these ($52)
4. For the Kitchen- I love Juliska and this Wood Cheeseboard is beautiful! ($98)
5. Of course I love the Clarisonic ($149 and up)
6. Jo Malone (see my favs at this {link} #12) (Pricing varies, starts around $35)
7. Lucy or Lululemon - everyone likes new workout clothing (even if you don't workout...trust me!) (pricing varies) 
8. Pj's are always fun, I love PJ Salvage ($58)
9. A cute IPad or IPhone case, I like the DVF ones and Kate Spade cases too! ($40ish and up)
10. Love Tory B Flip Flops (starting at $50)
11. I love these personalized towels at Pottery Barn, perfect for the lake, beach or pool! ($25)
12. These are THE best blankets- and you can put her name or monogram on it- seriously the best! (Starts at $49)
13. Check out my friend Maggie's Etsy page- it is a fun gift idea to turn your children's art into a pillow or framed art, here is her {link} ($50 ish)
14. Silver Engraved Frame {Link} (Starting at $29)
15. Antique Silver Serving Bowl ($89)
16. Monogram Soap
17. Hand-Wrought Iron Collector Cork ($64)
18. Jan Barboglio Iron Boxes (Guardian Angel or Cross) ($64)
19. A good Book (Maybe a Francine Rivers book or series: all are amazing- Lineage of Grace, Her Mother's Hope/Her Daughters Dream, of course Redeeming Love, Mark of the Lion Series  )
20. These are darling Monogram Mugs ($8)
21. Look at this fun milk Bottle Measuring cup ($24)
22. Joseph and Joseph has the coolest Kitchen "stuff"- I love the "chop to pot"
23. For the sweet tooth- Cheryl's Cookies are always delightful ($26+)
24. Christopher Elbow Chocolates
25. Everyone knows this idea..but it should be mentioned- a photo book! I love the photo books you can print on a Mac, so easy to do and beautiful!

That is my gift list- I have asked several smart moms for ideas to share, when I compile that list, I will share it! I will say this, I have asked several moms for ideas or traditions based on their past experience and it seems- if mama doesn't plan it..it doesn't get done! I am amazed by how many moms don't get honored in creative ways on Mother's day- lets change that- even if you are a mom, you can still plan something special for your mom! And..feel free to forward this to brothers and husbands- time to step it up fellas! More to come...

Moms Are Delightful!!!!!

Since there is all of this media buzz about moms lately and it is approaching mother's day I thought I would mention a few thoughts today! If you see/talk to me, I would avoid discussing this whole Hilary Rosen vs Ann Romney controversy- I am studying the book of James right now and it might just be more than my tongue can handle to hold back my true thoughts! :) However, I have a few nuggets to write!
1) If you haven't read my thoughts on our JOB as moms, here is the {link}
2) My friend Mercy, who is a mom of 5, wrote this great op-ed, here is the {LINK}
3) Being a SAHM is not a rich/poor issue- I have sacrificed a LOT and I know all other moms have as well to be home with our children- we have 5 years (if you choose traditional education) to be the primary influence in our children's lives- that is a HUGE job- don't let anyone make you feel stupid or unworthy because you don't "clock in" at an outside workplace!

NOW...On to Mother's Day ideas!
4) Check out my friend Maggie's Etsy page- it is a fun gift idea to turn your children's art into a pillow or framed art, here is her {link}
5) These are THE best blankets- and you can put her name or monogram on it- seriously the best!
6) I love these personalized towels at Pottery Barn, perfect for the lake, beach or pool!
I am going to do a series of ideas from moms/grandma's...stay tuned!

Ok...off to bed so I can wake up and WORK!!!!

You Gotta Have Faith!

This is another one from Purpose Driven Connection- It just hit home with me- I can honestly say that the Lord has built so much faith in us over the past few years- waiting on the Lord is hard but always always always worth the wait! Thought this might encourage you as well!  At a Dead End? Expect a Rescue by Rick Warren

"'What do you mean, "If I can"?' Jesus asked. 'Anything is possible if a person believes.'" (Mark 9:23 NLT) God will build your faith by planting a dream within you. But that dream will require a decision of faith, and then God will stretch your faith as you face delays, difficulties, and dead ends. It is then that God comes in and delivers. God does a miracle. God provides a solution. For instance: In Moses' case, God parted the Red Sea.  In Abraham's case, he and Sarah miraculously conceived a child.  In Joseph's case, all of a sudden his dream came true, and he found himself no longer imprisoned in a dungeon; instead, he was the second in command in Egypt.  And Jesus was resurrected! God can even turn a crucifixion into resurrection, and that means he has the power to transform your dead ends into deliverance. He builds your faith through delays, difficulties, and dead ends, so that when he delivers you, God gets all the credit! When faced with a dead end, the best response is to expect God to act. What are you expecting God to do in your life? Jesus says, "According to your faith let it be done to you" (Matthew 9:29b NIV). When you wait for deliverance, then God gets the credit. And you can look back to see how God led you through a path of faith, expanding and increasing your trust of him with every step. Your faith is stronger, and now you can say with confidence, "I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see his goodness to me ..." (Psalm 27:13 LB).

Recipe Monday- Healthy SJ!

Lucky for you all, I have delightful friends who are willing to share their recipes with us! I am in somewhat of a cooking slump (think... exclusively frozen TJoes food) so they are bailing me out on Recipe Monday! Today, my cousin-ish Amy has agreed to do another guest post for me- she is filled with fun ideas! I do love the Deceptively Delicious book and I am pumped Amy reminded me to go blow the dust off of my copy and use it! So Happy Monday and Enjoy! 

This is one of my favorite recipes from one of my favorite cook books called Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. Yes, this is the wife of the infamous Jerry Seinfeld. I've made many recipes from this particular book that have been successfully kid tested. And I love that they are getting some vege's! I recommend steaming or baking the vegetables ahead of time, then pureeing them in a food processor or blender. You can throw them directly into the recipe and freeze some portions for later. I love pairing these Sloppy Joes with Alexia Julienne Sweet Potato Fries. http://www.alexiafoods.com/products/sweet-potatoes/sweet-potato-julienne-fries?gclid=CK26ocDBrq8CFYdeTAod92I-lA

Enjoy!

Deceptively Delicious Sloppy Joes

From Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious. Serve these on a whole grain hamburger or hot dog bun.

Minutes to Prepare: 25

Minutes to Cook: 20

Number of Servings: 8

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground turkey or sirloin
1/2 cup sweet potato puree
1/2 cup butternut squash or red pepper puree
Raw, finely chopped carrots (optional)
1/2 cup reduced-fat low-sodium beef broth
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
8 whole-grain hamburger or hot-dog buns

Directions

1. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set it over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the oil. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and cook until the onion starts to soften (not brown), 3 - 4 minutes.

2. Add the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink, 4 - 5 minutes.

3. Add the vegetable purees, raw chopped carrots (if using), beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the liquid is reduced by about one-half, 15 - 20 minutes.

4. Spoon the mixture over buns and serve.

Spiritual Gifts

Something I have been researching and thinking a lot about in the past year or two is the topic of: Spiritual Gifts. I am not talking about your God-given "talent" or abilities (that you were born with), I am talking about your gifts from God given by the Holy Spirit to unite us as one body of believers with the central purpose of bringing glory to God and reaching people on His behalf (given when you are re-born in Christ). The most common places to find scripture on these gifts are found in: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Peter 4:11. That being said, I am not an expert by any stretch, so I am not going to elaborate on this, but I will tell you about an awesome website I found http://theresurgence.com/series/spiritual-gifts - you can go through all of the gifts and it really helps you pinpoint which gifts you have been given and which gifts to pray for. I found that a couple of gifts I thought I had been given were not as strong as others I didn't even know I had! We are to pray for all of the gifts and we are to serve outside our gifting, but I believe that knowing your spiritual gifts will really help you serve your family, your church and your community (and beyond). Also, I want to thank the Lord for these awesome gifts and give him glory when I receive any acknowledgement for using my gift. I will give you a small example- one of my gifts is the gift of Administration- when I am in a group setting that is where I am the happiest and most useful- but when I receive acknowledgement for using this gift- it is fun to be able to say- "I am blessed to use my gift of administration" and give God the glory. You get the idea- so if you have not explored your gifts- check this website out {LINK}. It was fun to go through them with Dave also, I think it is important to know how your spouse is gifted as well!


Hope you are having a Delightful week- I am having trouble saying "NO" to all of the Easter candy lingering around- I think a "dump" is in order where the Cadbury Eggs are involved!

Easter Series Wrap Up!

I am not going to lie, I am simply posting this because I need to move on from my Good Friday post and I don't really have much to say! If you are friends with me on Facebook, I am sorry you are having to see SO many Easter pics! Here is a little picture run down of our Easter Weekend! 

{For the love of children- I was too lazy to boil eggs for dying/decorating so I did the "poke and blow" looks nasty, but is super easy, definitely the way to go!}

 {Izzy hunting for Eggs}

{The girls with their daddy at the "egg hunt"}

 {My Bunny Cake for the kids}

{Love these three}

{Our Whole Fam}

{My side of the family- wish we could have been with Dave's side too!}

There you go- Happy Easter! 

Easter Series: It's a Good Friday Indeed

There are many things to say on this GOOD Friday!
1) It is hard to explain to kids how we are so grateful and glad Jesus died- but I think I am going to have my girls "sacrifice" something special today to teach them about God's amazing sacrifice for us on that Friday- Praise God for his amazing Grace and sacrifice of His only son who took away the sins of the world- we can't earn it, we don't deserve it..but we can live in freedom as children saved by an Almighty Father! There is no freedom like the freedom found in a relationship with Christ Jesus! Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, is as exciting and amazing as a relationship with Jesus- it is a blast! (End of Day Note: we gave up TV today- best decision ever- we need to do that more often!)
2) I told you about my favorite "good friday song" last year {LINK} Please take the time to watch the music video- awesome...he suffered and died for YOU! (LINK) (NOTE: the video is graphic and not for young kids, they would not understand yet)
3) Today is my friend/former roommate Mindy's bday!! Since I can't publicly tell you on Facebook- Happy Birthday Minds!!!
4) Today was the day, one year ago, when I went in for the ultrasound to schedule a hysterectomy {See story here} and they found my sweet baby girl in there! One Year later...she is 4 months old and has a humongous chunk of my heart- I am SO grateful for God's sovereign plan and that it is ALWAYS ALWAYS better than my plan!

FINALLY...I wish you a very Happy Easter- He Has Risen Indeed! We are going to be hunting for eggs, hanging with family, eating Cadbury Eggs (my absolute favorite- I discovered the tiny ones recently- absolute perfection!), dressed in our Easter best, playing outside and celebrating that the Son of God conquered sin and death and on that third day...the tomb was empty!!! Have a fabulous weekend! (PS I might have to block Monday out for my Facebook reunion- I have so many pictures and status updates to plow through- I will be swamped!) 

Easter Series: Holy Week

Here is a rundown of the happenings of Holy Week- I found this on {this link}- make sure to click on the linked words to learn more and find the associated scripture. I thought it was a helpful tool for walking through this awesome week with the kids!


Holy Week is the last week of Lent, when we follow Jesus from Palm Sunday, the Sunday of the Passion, to his death on Good Friday in preparation for his rising from the dead on Easter Sunday.


Palm Sunday: Accompanied by his disciples, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt, while crowds of people covered the streets ahead of him with their cloaks and with palm branches.
Monday: Jesus chased the money-changers out of the Temple.
Tuesday and Wednesday: Jesus preached and taught in Jerusalem.
Thursday: After washing the feet of the disciples, Jesus celebrated the Feast of the Passover, instituting the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
After the supper, Jesus and his disciples went to Gethsemane to pray, where he was arrested by the Temple guard and taken to an illegal night session of the Jewish court, the Sanhedrin.
Good Friday: Jesus was taken into Roman courts, before Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas, who sent him back to the Jewish court. Roman soldiers took him to Golgotha, the place of the skull, where he was crucified.
Saturday: Jesus rested in the tomb while his disciples observed the Sabbath.
Easter Sunday: An angel met Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" (perhaps Mary, the mother of James and John) at the tomb to tell them that Jesus was risen from the dead.

Easter Series: Easter Books

Easter Book Ideas:

For Kids: 

1. Easter Bugs 

2. Fancy Nancy's Elegant Easter

3. Happy Easter Mouse

4. In Elmo's Easter Parade 

5. Mater and the Easter Buggy (Cars)

6. Strawberry Shortcake Easter Surprise

7. Where are Baby's Easter Eggs

8. Pat the Bunny (a Classic any time of year!)

9. Let's Celebrate Jesus on Easter

10. The Berenstain Bears Easter

11. It's the Easter Beagle Charlie Brown

12. Precious Moments: My Easter Bible Storybook
13. Duck and Goose: Here Comes the Easter Bunny
14. Happy Easter Mouse
15. An Easter Gift for Me

For Adults:

One of my favorite books of all time (Easter or Not)- and such an easy read it No Wonder They Call Him the Savior by Max Lucado. If you haven't read it- please do! I would like to read it every year around Easter as a great reminder! 

Easter Series: The Baskets

I am not quite sure what to do about the "easter bunny"- it is almost more than I can handle to lie to my children that there is a jolly man who comes and brings them gifts at Christmas through the chimney and tell them that when they lose teeth a fairy comes in the house and for some reason wants their dead tooth in exchange for cash. I just cannot go with the bunny who somehow sneaks in and leaves a basket full of candy for them- just can't do it! So, I am just really ignoring the subject all together- I am, however, going to have a fun little easter basket out for them on Sunday morning when they wake up. I feel like they get plenty of candy at the "hunt" so I am doing a non-candy basket- here are some ideas in case you need inspiration! This is good for Grandparents too!

NON-Candy Easter Basket Inspiration:

-play-doh

-bubbles

-sidewalk chalk

-bath toys

-squinkies (these would fit in eggs)

-coins in eggs

-new markers or crayons

-chapstick

-Easter movies

-garden seeds- I like the idea of giving new life to something on Easter

-flip flops (we like Havaianas)

-nail polish

-Lego's in the eggs

-Easter Books 

-new shorts/T-shirts (if they will be getting them anyway...why not use it for a gift!)

-new swimsuit (same reasoning as above) 

-new toothbrushes/toothpaste

-event tickets (movie, ballgame, play, etc..)

Recipe Monday/Easter Series: Karen's Killer Rolls

This recipe was one of my mother-in-law's favorites- and her boys LOVE them! So in honor of Karen, this "recipe monday" is one that she would have made for Easter. Here you go- I just love Easter time! 

Killer Rolls

18 frozen rolls

1.5 sticks of butter

1.5 cups of brown sugar

pecans

1.2 package butterscotch pudding (non instant) 

Grease bundt pan, place 18 frozen rolls in pan. sprinkle 1/2 package of non-instant butterscotch pudding. Melt 1.5 sticks of butter in pan with 1.5 cups of brown sugar. Sprinkle cinnamon over rolls. Pour warm butter mixture over rolls and 1 c pecans over that. Grease foil and place it over the pan. put towel over the foil and pan and let set in over over night. Next morning, remove towel and foil and bake foe 30 min on 350- let sit for 5 min and put on plate. 

Easter Series: Easter Story Cookies

My friend/cousin-ish Amy sent me this idea to tell the Easter story while baking cookies with my kids- I am SO excited to do this, so I wanted to share it with you! Last year I posted on Resurrection Rolls which are fun, but I am excited for this new tradition! Make sure to check out my Easter series from last year [LINK]- I am so excited for Easter, I am going to try to post this week on all things Easter! Have a fabulous week!

EASTER STORY COOKIES – To be made the evening before Easter:

You need:
1 cup whole pecans

1 tsp. vinegar

3 egg whites

Pinch salt

1 cup sugar

Ziploc baggie

Wooden spoon

Tape

Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don't wait until you're half done with the recipe)!

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 tsp vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the sadness God feels when we do sinful things. Read Luke 23:27.

(So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.) Now, add 1 cup sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents --in God's
eyes -- the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper-covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus'
body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was
sealed.. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9