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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Chicago, Nebraska, Home Sweet Home

It feels like we have been on the road quite a bit lately, so I thought I would give you all a short update. Two weeks ago, I was able to join Nathan on a last minute work trip to Chicago. We stayed in a beautiful hotel in Chicago from Wednesday until Sunday. We had a great time! Nathan had to work almost every day, but I fully enjoyed being able to travel with him. I spent my days browsing the shops, reading, and walking/jogging along the "river walk". At night, Nathan and I were able to do see the sights and eat at some tasty restaurants with friends. It was a great last minute vacation and I am so glad that I was able to tag along.
Last week, we visited my family in Nebraska. We simply spent quality time with my family, which is exactly what I needed. I think this is the first time that Nathan actually got to experience small town Nebraska. My mom even arranged for us to pick sweet corn from the fields on Sunday morning. It was great! During out trip, we ate meals with family, spent lots of time with my nieces and nephews (I miss them SO SO much), golfed with my mom and brother, visited my brothers land, spent a day at my brothers place on the lake (we played hours of badminton), ate lots of fresh sweet corn, visited my aunts house, and enjoyed long conversations with my mom. It was really good to see everyone. I usually don't realize just how much I miss them all until I am on the plane back to Huntsville. It isn't easy living so far away from the ones I love, but we make it work :). I need to get pictures of our trip from my mom (hint-hint) so that I can share them with you all.

This is my last week of work at the University, so it is a very busy one to say the least. Starting on Monday, I will be working at The Linc "semi" full-time, which is very exciting! I absolutely love being a part of this ministry. Once the baby arrives, I plan to be a stay-at-home wife and mother, so I am thankful that I will be able to spend a lot of time at the Linc before the baby arrives.

Monday, July 13, 2009

A Simple Meal Idea: Grilled Quesadillas

Over the past couple of weeks, I have discovered the joy of quick and healthy meals. As I begin to think about ways that I can prepare for keeping my home after the birth of our child, I have started to make a list of those things that I might begin to do in order to make this coming stage easier on us. One of the biggest areas of planning is of course, meal planning. I recently started trying some QUICK and EASY recipes, as well as some recipes that I will be able to freeze prior to giving birth. Last week, I re-discovered a super quick meal that we really enjoy and I thought some of you might appreciate to be introduced or reminded of this simple meal. It requires very few ingredients and only takes about 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish!



George Foreman Grill Quesadillas:
Ingredients
Tortillas
Shredded Cheese
Cubed Chicken or Beef
Fajita Seasoning

Optional Ingredients (For simplicity, feel free to use the bare minimum ingredients, meat and cheese.)
Cooked Peppers and Onions
Light Sour Cream
Shredded Lettuce
Salsa

Cook meat in skillet. Once meat is fully cooked, add fajita seasoning and let simmer for 3 minutes. Heat grill (or a large skillet). Spray tortillas with non-fat cooking spray (butter or olive oil). Place tortilla on grill. Add cheese, cooked meat, peppers, and onions. Top with another tortilla. Close grill and heat until cheese is melted. Cut into slices and serve with lettuce, sour cream, and salsa.
Enjoy cooking for your loved ones this week :)!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

A Picture Update- Parenting Practice, Baby Truett, and My Growing Belly

We have been pretty busy here lately. God really followed through with my latest prayer request. I have been praying a lot that God would prepare my heart for the level of servant hood that I am about to experience as a mother. I am praying that he will give me a heart that will truly be fulfilled in serving my family and training children. I wasn't exactly sure how he was going to prepare me, but apparently He had something great in mind. He sent 3 young children to stay with us for awhile, so let's just say He is working on me! We have cared for the children in the past, but this visit has taken on a new meaning for us. We are learning a lot and enjoying every day that we have with them. I plan to write some of the things that I learn during their stay, but those will need to come at a later time (when I have more time to write). For now, I hope you enjoy some pictures from their stay.


Ready to go swimming.Riding scooters.

We have coloring/academic workbook time every night. They are learning so much.

Playing dress-up.

T looks so sad in this picture, but there is a funny story behind it. Nathan told him that he had to hurry up and eat his carrots or he couldn't go fishing, so T shoved 3 carrots in his mouth and proceeded to try to chew them all at the same time. It was so funny. Needless to say, he got to go fishing :).
Fishing with Pop.
Fishing with Ty.

We went to see their brother Kishawn (Kee-Kee) perform in a play put on by Fantasy Playhouse and Lincoln Village Ministries. It was really cute.

This morning, Nate had the kids help him put together a shelf for our laundry room. They love to help with any projects we can give them. While the projects usually take a bit longer, they are way more fun!Putting the finishing touches on the shelf. Thanks to my wonderful husband and two great kids, I have an ugly utility shelf sitting in my laundry room now and I love it!


Our good friends Justin and Cani welcomed their first baby into the world on Thursday. Here he is with his proud daddy. Praise God for this healthy baby! Isn't he just adorable?


Last but definitely not least is a picture of my growing belly. I think that this shirt shows off my small bump quite nicely! I have been feeling great here lately! I haven't experienced any morning or night sickness in a few weeks and I feel like I am getting my energy back, so I am really enjoying being pregnant at this point. They plan to check to the sex of the baby at our next appointment, so we are very excited for our next visit. I will keep you all posted!!!