They call me schmom

Turkey Meatball Subs

2011-04-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

1 lb lean ground turkey (I use 20 oz pkg)
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs, plain or Italian, whatever you have in the pantry
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp minced garlic
2 eggs
1 jar spaghetti sauce, or make your own

Combine all ingredients together and roll into balls, whatever size you prefer. Place on a large baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. After removing from oven, transfer to a dutch oven or deep skillet on stove and cover in your favorite spaghetti sauce, lightly simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Serve on sub rolls, top with cheese if desired.

Enjoy :)

Oreo Truffles

2011-04-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

First of all, I have to thank Michelle Taylor for introducing me to these scrumptious treats. They are so decadent, yet still pretty easy.

1 (16 oz) pkg Oreo cookies
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
2 (8 oz) pkgs Baker's Semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted

Crush the cookies (cookie & cream filling) in a food processer. (Or by hand in a ziploc bag with a rolling pin.) Place in a medium bowl, add cream cheese, mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into about 1-inch balls, should make about 42. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Refrigerate or freeze for a little while until pretty firm. (I freeze for about an hour.)

When balls are firm, dip them into the melted chocolate and place back on the parchment/wax paper. Refrigerate until firm, about an hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

Easy Beef Stoganoff

2011-04-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup butter or margarine
6 oz can sliced mushrooms
3 cups beef stock/broth
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1/3 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/3 cup flour
2 cups sour cream
12 oz bag egg noodles (I use No Yolks, broad or xbroad)

Melt butter/margarine in large skillet. Cook & stir mushrooms in butter about 5 minutes. Remove mushrooms & reserve until later. In same skillet, brown meat, but do not cook all the way. Reserve 2/3 cup of the stock and set aside. Into meat mixture, stir in remaining stock, onion, ketchup and garlic salt. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. In the meantime, mix reserved stock & flour. After the 15 minutes stir into meat/sauce to thicken. Add mushrooms, heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil & stir for 1 minute. Stir in the sour cream and heat through. While sauce is cooking, cook noodles according to directions on package. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Serve meat/sauce over noodles.

Enjoy.

David Riber

2011-02-24T05:56:00.000-08:00

This is a shout out to my Illinois friend & faithful blog reader, David Riber. Hello friend! Make the recipe below for your lovely wife & you will be her hero. That is if you have time from all your blog reading, ha. Say hi to the fam for me :)

Pork Carnitas Tacos (in the crock pot)

2011-02-24T05:40:00.000-08:00

2 lb boneless pork loin
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 chipotle chile in adobo, chopped, plus 2 Tbsp adobo sauce (I like it a little spicy so I added 2 chipotle, you can add more if you want) These come canned in the Mexican section.
2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
3 Tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Garnishes:
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
red onion, sliced thin
lime wedges

1. Trim excess fat from pork & cut roast in half crosswise, Combine remaining ingredients, except for garnishes, in a 6-qt slow cooker & add pork on top; cover & cook for 5 hrs on high or 8 hrs on low.

2. Shred the pork with two forks, and add back into crock pot. Serve in corn tortillas and top with cilantro, red onion & a squeeze of lime. We also had some shredded lettuce & topped them with that, but it's optional.

Serves 8 to 10.

This is a very declicious & low fat meal as a bonus. 265 calories, 9 grams total fat.

Enjoy :)

Merry Christmas

2010-12-10T04:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if this is considered sooo 2010 or if I'm just lazy, but I have decided to do my Christmas letter on my blog this year. As you can see from the previous posts it has worked overtime on recipes this past year, and frankly needs a break, but we'll go there in my section of the letter, ha.

2010 has been an interesting year, as always. As it comes to a close I think we're more glad it's over than anything else. Through it all God has remained faithful as always. We are so thankful for His constant love and His abundant blessings, and have continued to see His provision over and over especially this year.

Kaley is 22 years old and is still living in Jacksonville. She and her roommate Tiffany recently moved into a new house and are loving it. Kaley is still the softlines manager at The Sports Authority, and is really hoping that this will be her last year in retail at Christmas, ha. She changed her major this past Spring at Florida State College to Sports Management. She would ultimately like to work with kids organizing sports programs at places such as the YMCA or the Boys & Girls Clubs. She has such a heart for children. We couldn't be any prouder of the woman Kaley has become.

Jordyn is 20 and still living at home with us. This past October she started in the Cosmetology program at Virginia College in Jacksonville. She goes to school Tuesday-Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The program is a year, and is a lot of hard work. Upon completion she will get both her Florida & Georgia license and see where God leads her. She is still playing keyboard and singing with the worship team at the Journey Church. Music is her first love, and she hopes to pursue her calling into worship ministry in the future. We are so proud of all she has accomplished, and we know that God is going to do great things in her life. She and David are still dating, and coming up on their 2 year anniversary. He plays bass on the worship team as well, and is currently working for Patrick at Island Kitchen & Bath. He is also the head of our drama dept at our church. We are so thankful for such a Godly young man in Jordyn's life.

Colton is 19 and currently living at home, but is hoping to find a place in Fernandina Beach Florida after the first of the year. He has been working at Target for the past 9 months and loves it. He recently received the "Great Team Hero" award for his entire district. We are very proud of his hard work and dedication. I think he is still trying to figure out what he "wants to be when he grows up", but for now he's working hard and saving his money. He is such a sweet, kind young man, and I'm so thankful for the man he has grown to be.

Patrick is still operating Island Kitchen & Bath. He moved into a larger facility the beginning of this year which has allowed him to do a lot more cabinet fabrication. In spite of the bad economy, God has always provided work for us, and we are so thankful for that. We remain optimistic for the future of IKB and are excited to see what 2011 holds for us. Pat is still serving on the production team at The Journey Church operating the camera.

Nothing much new with me, still a full time wife & mom, which is still the greatest job on the planet. I would say I have done more baking/cooking this past year than ever. After being asked for so many of my recipes, I decided to start blogging them. I have had a lot of fun with it and hopefully helped some people provide some delicious meals for their families. The biggest thing for me this past year was the death of my step-mom Shirley in July. It was unexpected, and such a difficult time for our family. She was such a Godly, loving, generous person, and she is so missed. We do know that we will see each other again in Heaven, which gives us much hope & joy.

As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we never forget that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came to this earth to save each and every one of us and to give us abundant life. We pray that each of you may know Him and that abundant life in Him.

Merry Christmas & a Joyful New Year,

The Mooney family

Buffalo Chicken Dip

2010-11-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

2 (10 oz.) cans chunk chicken, drained
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup Ranch dressing
3/4 cup pepper sauce (I use Frank's wing sauce)

Heat chicken & hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through. Stir in cream cheese & ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm, transfer to a slow cooker. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or baked baguette rounds. (I slice a french baguette thinly, put on a baking sheet, spray with a little olive oil, salt & pepper and bake at 400 for a few minutes, until lightly browned.)

Vanilla Bean Scones

2010-11-29T10:21:00.000-08:00

You have probably heard me raving about these vanilla bean scones I have been making. I would love to take credit for these sinfully delicious little pieces of heaven, but it's not my recipe. All the credit goes to Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman. You can find her awesome blog at www.thepioneerwoman.com. It is much more than a recipe site, so plan on doing some reading, and laughing, and of course, lots of cooking. To find the scone recipe click on the "recipe" tab, then the "breakfast" tab. Trust me, they are well worth the calories, and according to everyone who has tasted them, better than Starbucks.

Enjoy :)

Turkey Meatloaf

2010-11-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

1 large onion, chopped fine
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1/4 cup worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 cup bread crumbs, plain or italian
3/4 lb cremini mushrooms, chopped fine (I do mine in the food processor)
3 lbs ground turkey (lean or xlean)
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 cup ketchup

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a medium saute pan, over med-low heat, cook the onions & garlic in olive oil until translucent, but not browned, approx 5 minutes. Add chopped mushrooms & cook until all the liquid the mushrooms give off is evaporated, approx 10 minutes, season with salt & pepper. Add the worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste, and mix well. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, eggs, parsley, and onion mixture in a large bowl. Mix well and shape into a rectangular loaf on an ungreased sheet pan. (I line the pan with a sheet of parchment paper first.) Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 - 1 1/4 hours or until the internal temp is 160 degrees and meatloaf is cooked through.

Serve hot, at room temperature, or cold on a sandwich.

Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

2010-08-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

I do this in a 1 1/2 quart electric ice cream maker.

1 1/4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups plain fat-free yogurt
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp vanilla

Put the milk and sugar into a medium bowl; combine, using a whisk, until sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in heavy cream, yogurt, and vanilla.

Add mixture to the ice cream maker, and mix until thickened, about 20-25 minutes. The yogurt will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer the yogurt to a container and place in freezer for about 2 hours.

Makes ten 1/2-cup servings.
130 calories/3 grams fat per serving

Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes

2010-08-14T14:04:00.001-07:00

This a Paula Deen recipe and is SUPER easy and good! Enjoy.

1 pkg fudge brownie mix (I like the dark chocolate)
24 miniature Reese's peanut butter cups

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 18-24 regular muffin cups with paper liners.

Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions for cake-like brownies (3 eggs). Fill the cups half full with brownie batter. (Mine usually only does 18, not 24) Press 1 peanut butter cup into the batter in each muffin cup until the batter meets the top edge of the peanut butter cup.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the brownies are set. When they can be handled safely, remove them from the muffin tins and let cool completely on wire rack.

Turkey Chili

2010-08-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

This is super easy, and super good!

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cups water, or beef broth (I used beef stock for even more flavor)
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (16 oz) can kidney beans, drained
1 Tbsp garlic, minced
2 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Place turkey in the pot, and cook until evenly browned. Stir in onion, and cook until tender.

Pour water into the pot with turkey. Mix in tomatoes, beans, and garlic. Add chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.

Serves 6

I made this for dinner last night and it was delicious. I warmed it up for lunch and I think it was even better the 2nd day. Enjoy!

Cinnamon rolls

2010-08-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

5 cups all purpose flour
1 pkg yellow cake mix
2 (.25 oz) packages quick-rise yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water (120-130 degrees)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups flour, dry cake mix, yeast and warm water until smooth. Add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured suface; knead until smooth and elastic about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Punch dough down. Turn onto a lighly floured surface; divide in half. Roll each portion into a 14-in x 10-in rectangle. Brush with butter; sprinkle with sugar & cinnamon mixture. Roll up jelly roll style, starting with a long side. Cut each roll into 12 slices; place cut side down in two greased 13-in x 9-in baking pans. Cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 20-30 minutes.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 15-20 minutes. Frost warm rolls with icing below.

Icing
6 Tbsp butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp milk
3 cups powdered sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream butter, vanilla and powdered sugar. Add enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Frost warm rolls.

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

2010-08-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Mix sugar, eggs & pumpkin. Add dry ingredients & spices. Mix well.

Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350* for 30-35 minutes. Or pour into cupcake pan with liners, about 3/4 full. Bake 16-20 minutes or until done.

Cream Cheese Icing
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
Chopped nuts (optional)

Cream until good consistency, spread on cake. For cupcakes, I put icing into a pastry bag w/ a large star tip and pipe the icing on each one. You can top with chopped nuts if desired.

Veracruz-Style Tilapia

2010-07-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
4 (6 oz) tilapia fillets or other white fish
Salt & freshly ground pepper
1 small onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes with juice
1 Anaheim chile, stemmed, seeded and cut into this strips (these are very mild)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup pitted & halved green olives
1/4 cup capers, drained

In a medium saute pan, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the fish fillets on both sides with salt and pepper, to taste. Saute the fillets until they are opaque and just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer fish to plate and cover with foil to keep warm or put into a warm oven.

In same saute pan, heat the remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, Anaheim chile, and oregano and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover and let simmer until the chiles soften, about 5 minutes. Uncover the pan, add the olives and capers, and cook until the flavors combine, about 4 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve fish with sauce over the top. I served with brown rice and wilted lettuce.

Enjoy!

Portobello Mushroom Lasagna

2010-07-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

3/4 lb dried lasagna noodles (I used whole wheat)
4 cups whole milk (I used 2 % and it tasted great)
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 1/2 lbs portobello mushrooms (I used baby bellas)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
kosher salt
olive oil

Preheat oven to 375. Cook lasagna noodles for 10 minutes in boiling water with a dash of salt. Drain and set aside.

For white sauce, bring milk to simmer in saucepan. Set aside. Melt 1 stick of butter in a large saucepan, add flour and cook for one minute over low heat, stirring constantly. Pour hot milk into butter/flour mixture. Add 1 tbsp salt, the pepper and nutmeg, stirring until thick (about 3-5 minutes). Set aside.

Remove stems from mushrooms and slice caps 1/4 in thick. (I used baby bellas and chopped them up into smaller pieces.) Heat 2 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp butter in large saute pan. Saute mushrooms with a sprinkle of salt until tender (about 5 minutes). If they become too dry, add a bit more oil. Toss to cook evenly.

To assemble lasagna, spread some sauce in bottom of 9 x 13 greased baking dish. Arrange a layer of noodles on top, then more sauce. Then 1/3 of the mushrooms and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan. Repeat layers 2 more times,and finally top with a layer of noodles, sauce, then parmesan cheese.

Bake the lasagna for 45 minutes, until top is browned and sauce is bubbly. Allow to sit for 15 minutes, then serve.

I got this recipe from Sierra Schlegel (soon to be Longobardo). It is super delicious, hope you enjoy!

Fire-Roasted Tomato Soup

2010-05-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

1 tsp olive oil
2 Tbsp minced shallot or onion
4 quarter-size slices peeled fresh ginger
1 Tbsp chopped garlic
1 (14 1/2oz) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 cup fat-free chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup 1% or fat-free milk
Salt and pepper to taste

In a 2-quart saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and ginger and cook until softened. Add the garlic and tomatoes to the pan. Simmer for about 4 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the broth and milk and just bring to a boil.

Carefully transfer the soup to a food processor or blender. (I used a hand blender and blended it in the saucepan.) Blend until smooth. Return to the pan and serve immediately. Add salt and pepper to taste. I also added a little hot sauce at the end because we like it a little spicy.

60 calories/2 grams fat in 3/4 cup.

Mexican Turkey Burgers

2010-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

1 (20 oz) pkg extra lean ground turkey
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup diced fresh mushrooms
1 Tbsp Mexican seasoning (I used Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle)
1 tsp minced garlic
Whole grain buns

In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey, cilantro, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, seasoning and garlic. Mix well. Divide into 4 or 6 burgers.

Grill for 3 minutes on each side, or until the inside is no longer pink. (I cooked them in a skillet on the stove with a little bit of olive oil in the bottom.) Serve on buns, top with salsa, avacodo, etc. These are less than 200 calories per burger/3 grams of fat. And realllly good.
I actually made an avacodo aioli and served that with them. Recipe is below.

Avacado Aioli
1 med. ripe avacado
1/3 cup plain greek yogurt
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup ground black pepper

Combine avacado, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a food processor and process until smooth. You could also serve this on sandwiches or as a dip. Only 35 calories/4 grams of fat in 2 Tbsp.

Tortellini Salad

2010-05-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

Lg. (20 oz) container fresh cheese tortellini (Buitoni), cooked according to directions on pkg.
Lg. jar marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
1 cup Newman's Own Family Recipe Italian salad dressing
Broccoli flowerettes
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Green onions
Olives
Parmesan cheese

Cook tortellini, drain and let cool a little. Add remaining ingredients, refrigerate a couple of hours to let all the flavors mix. You can add or subtract any of the veggies, whatever you like. You may have to add more Italian dressing after it has sat a while.

Enjoy :)

Chicken Tacos in the Crock Pot

2010-04-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

2-3 frozen chicken breasts (in the bag)

1 can corn (drained)

1 can black beans (drained)

1 can Rotel (drain half the liquid off), or 1 small jar of salsa

1 packet of taco seasoning

Directions

~In the morning, place all ingredients in the crock pot (yes, even the frozen chicken) on low

~Cook on low 8-10 hrs (6-7 may do if you have a good crock pot)

~In the late afternoon, shred the chicken using 2 forks

~Add chicken back to crock pot and mix with other ingredients and let cook until ready to serve

Serves at least 4 adults. Serve on whole wheat tortillas topped with your favorite toppings (sour cream, shredded cheese, green onion, avacado, etc...). I usually serve with Rice-a-Roni Spanish rice.

Enjoy :)

Chicken Crescents

2010-04-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

Chicken breasts, boiled, about 1 1/2 cups cut up or shredded (could probably use rotissere chicken if desired)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
2 packages crescent rolls
Parlsey & green onion, optional

Mix cream cheese and soup with an electric mixer until smooth. Add parsley & onion if desired. Add chicken and mix by hand. Roll out 2 crescent rolls together to form a square. Add about 3 Tblsp of the chicken mixture. Fold up the corners and squeeze together. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

I ususally just serve with a salad. Enjoy.

Daniel Fast Recipes

2010-03-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

Our church is doing a Daniel Fast for the next 3 weeks so I thought I would post some of my favorite recipes from last year's fast, as requested by my friend Elisha :) For more info on the Daniel Fast go to: http://www.miracles2010.com/

Hearty Split Pea Soup

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups dried split peas
2 tsp. salt, or to taste
7 1/2 cups water
3 carrots, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 potatoes, diced
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1. In a large pot over med-high heat, saute the oil, onion, bay leaf and garlic for 5 min. or until translucent.
2. Add the peas, salt and water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.
3. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, thyme and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 more minutes or until the peas and vegetables are tender.

Tortilla Soup

1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
8 cups vegetable broth
4 cups water
1 can black beans
16 oz. frozen corn
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
2-3 tsp salt
6 corn tortillas

Heat oil in the botom of a pot, and saute the first 4 ingredients until soft. Add everything else, except tortillas. Simmer on low for about 30 minutes. Add tortillas. Cook for another 10 minutes.

Spaghetti Sauce

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 med onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, cut-up
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic
1 or 2 lg cans crushed tomatoes, depending on how much you want to make
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

In a large pan, saute veggies in olive oil until soft. Add crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low for 30 minutes.

You can add any veggies you like. And make as spicy as you like with the red pepper. Serve with whole wheat pasta.

White Bean Dip

2 (16 oz) cans white beans (I use cannelini), drained & rinsed
2 Tbsp roasted garlic
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
salt & pepper

In a food processor, combine the beans, roasted garlic, olive oil and lemon juice, mix till smooth. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Serve with vegies or triscuits.

Salsa

1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
2 (10 oz) cans Rotel (diced tomatoes & green chilies)
1 lg jalapeno (or however many you like to your taste), rough chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. sugar
1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped onion (however much you like), chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro

Throw it all in a blender and that's it. You can get organic blue corn tortillas at Publix to serve with this for Daniel Fast.

This is a Pioneer Woman recipe, and man is it ever good.

Mini meatloaves & parmesan smashed potatoes

2010-03-13T05:37:00.000-08:00

This is the meal that Jordyn prepared for our dinner the other night. She is going to start cooking one night a month. It turned out great, she's a natural. A shout-out to David for doing all the shopping, they make a great team.

Individual meat loaves

1 Tbsp olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
3 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 Tbsp tomato paste
2 1/2 lbs ground chuck
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup ketchup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat the olive oil in a saute pan. Add the onion, salt & pepper. Cook over med-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, until transparent but not brown. Off the heat, add the worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meatloaf will be dense. Divide the mixture into 6 portions and shape each portion into a small loaf on a sheet pan. Spread about a Tbsp of ketchup on the top of each loaf. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the loaves are cook through.

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

3 lbs. red new potatoes, unpeeled
1 Tbsp salt, plus 2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups half & half
1 stick butter
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Place the potatoes and 1 Tbsp salt in a saucepan and add cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes, or until competeley tender. Drain.

In a small saucepan, heat the half & half and butter. Put the potatoes into a mixing bowl, and mix the potatoes with an electric mixer for a few seconds on low speed, to break them up. Slowly add the hot cream & butter to the potatoes, mixing on the lowest speed (the last quater of the cream should be folded in by hand). Fold in the sour cream, parmesan cheese, remaining salt, and pepper; taste for seasoning and serve immediately.

This is definitely not a low calorie meal, but it was worth the splurge. Thanks again Jordyn for the recipe and for cooking, it was delicious. Be sure to watch for her recipes on here in the future.

Enjoy :)

Chocolate Cheesecake

2010-03-13T05:29:00.000-08:00

This is Jordyn's favorite dessert that I make, and we made it for Dave's birthday dinner last night. It is pretty easy, super rich, and very delicious.

1 1/2 cups finely crushed Oreo cookies
3 Tbsp buter or margarine, melted
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine crushed Oreos and butter; press into a 9-inch springform pan. In a large mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk, then remaining ingredients until smooth. Pour into pan, and place on a baking sheet. Bake 1 hour and 5 min or until set. (I usually turn the oven off, open the oven door and let the cheesecake sit for about 30 min or so, then I remove it from the oven to a cooling rack.) Cool. Chill. Serve with whipped cream.

Enjoy :)

Chicken and Penne with Tomato Vodka Cream Sauce

2010-02-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
2 Tbsp. Olive oil

1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup vodka
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy whipping cream
salt & pepper to taste
1 pound penne pasta

Heat a large nonstick skillet on med hig heat. Add olive oil then add chicken, turn when browned, cook on other side until done, approx 7-10 minutes total. Remove to plate and keep warm.

1. In another large skillet over med heat, melt butter with olive oil; add onion and garlic and saute until transparent.

2. Add canned tomatoes and vodka and cook for 25 minutes or until almost no liquid remains, stirring frequently.

3. Increase heat and add red pepper flakes and cream; boil for 2 minutes or until thickened to sauce consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve with the chicken breasts, salad, and french bread, Enjoy!

Serves 4

Sometimes when I have the time, I make homemade gnocchi and serve it instead of the penne. It is really good, but pretty labor intensive, but well worth it.

Gnocchi (I normally double this recipe to serve with the sauce as an entree)

1 (8 oz) container ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 - 2 cups all purpose flour, or as needed.

Stir together the ricotta cheese, eggs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl until evenly combined. Mix in flour 1 cup at a time, adding additional flour if needed to form a soft dough.

Divide the dough into 3 or 4 pieces, and roll into 1/2 inch thick ropes on a floured surface. Cut each rope into 1 inch pieces, and place on a lightly floured baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator until use.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Boil the gnocchi until they float to the surface, approx 1-2 minutes, then dain and mix with the above sauce.

Beef Stew

2010-02-17T10:46:00.000-08:00

My boys enjoying the beef stew, aren't they handsome?!

2 - 2 1/2 lbs stew meat

2 Tbsp veg oil

3 cups beef broth

1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce

2 cloves garlic, peeled

2 bay leaves

3/4 cup red wine, optional

1 med. onion, chopped

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

3 lg carrots. sliced

3 lg potatoes, cut up

8 oz. fresh mushrooms, cleaned and halved

2 Tbsp cornstarch

Brown meat in hot oil. Add broth, worcestershire sauce, wine, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, pepper and paprika. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaves and garlic cloves. Add vegetables, cover and cook 30 minutes, or until tender. To thicken gravy, in another bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water. Mix in a little of the hot gravy, then add all back into the stew. Stir and cook until thickened and bubbly.

I usually serve in a bowl over rice. You can really use any vegetables you like, these are just the ones we like, be creative.

Enjoy :)

Shepherd's Pie

2010-02-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled & chopped
1 Tbsp oil
1 small onion, chopped fine
1 - 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
2 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp ketchup
1/8 cup worcestershire sauce
1 packet brown gravy mix
8-10 oz frozen peas & carrots
Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Boil potatoes for making regular mashed potatoes. Drain & mash, adding butter & milk until good consistency. Add salt & pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. Add oil to large frying pan. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain fat. Put the meat back on the heat and add flour, cook for 1 minute. Add ketchup, worcestershire sauce, brown gravy mix and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer about 5 minutes or until thickened.

3. In a 2 quart casserole dish, spread the meat mixture on the bottom, then add a layer of the frozen peas & carrots. Top with the mashed potatoes and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Bake in a preheated 375 oven for 20 minutes.

Enjoy :)

It's been a loooooong time!

2010-02-10T10:12:00.001-08:00

It's not that I haven't had anything to say, I just wasn't feeling it. I have determined that the most requested thing I am asked for is recipes. So for now I'm going to start posting my favorite recipes, or dishes I stumble upon that I think you might like. If I can remember, I will snap a photo and post it as well.

I think tonight I'm making Shepherd's pie, as requested by David Longobardo (Jordyn's BF). Speaking of which, I have asked the two of them to start making dinner for the family once a month. They need to select the menu, prepare the meal and then clean up. It serves two purposes really, one, it will hopefully inspire a love for cooking for Jordyn, and two, it will give me a break once a month. If they cook something good, I'll share their recipe as well.

I hope you enjoy the food as much as I do :)

Picture of the Week, my dad.

2009-06-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken last week when my dad & sister were both at my house. I can't remember the last time we were together before this. It was such a blessing to me.

Thank you dad for all your love & support, you have ALWAYS been there for me, through the good & bad times. I learned so much about unconditional love, generosity, and comittment from you. One day could never be enough to honor you and tell you how much I appreciate you.

Happy Father's Day, I love you.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

I'm a day late, but I still wanted to honor my awesome husband on this day. When Kaley was a baby I came up with a saying that I think describes him pretty well. He was always the "E" ticket ride dad. Some of you might remember when you went to Disneyworld and had to buy and use tickets to go on rides. Of course, the fewest tickets you received in the book were "E" tickets, and unfortunately, the best rides required the coveted "E" tickets. Well, that's my hubby. He was always the best ride. It used to make me mad sometimes, bacause I was the mom, and had to do all the not-so-fun stuff while he got to have all the fun. That's probably still the way it is today, ha. But, I'm so thankful that he always took the time to be that dad. He is the MOST unselfish person I know and would do ANYTHING for his family. He has worked hard to provide for us, which sometimes meant he had to miss out, but I assure you, our children have never felt like they ever missed out. He always gives them his undivided attention and is their biggest fan. Now we have the privilege of parenting adults, certainly makes all those hard years worth it.

Patrick, thank you so much for the love, laughs, tears, and for being such a Godly example to our children.

Happy Father's Day, I love you.

Cruise photo of the Week

2009-05-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

For Jordyn's graduation, we went on a family cruise to the Bahamas. We had THE best time, lots of fun, sun, and laughs. I love each person in this pic so much and am so thankful to have them. Can't wait till the next one, Oasis here we come!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T12:13:00.001-07:00

My awesome family, Mother's Day night.

My beautiful girls singing and playing at the Mothers Day Tea.

"The decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever
to have your heart go walking around outside your body."

This has been my favorite quote for quite some time. It really puts into words how I feel about my children. I know I may be a little biased, but I think I have the most awesome, talented, beautiful, smart, funny, kind, faith-filled, loving children on the earth. Don't get me wrong, they all have their moments of frustration, but those moments are few and far between. I had an unbelievable "mom" moment this weekend. We had a Mother's Day Tea this past Saturday at church and I had the privilege of watching both my daughters on the stage singing and playing for me (not for me alone, but it might as well have been). To say that I was a proud mama would be the understatement of the year. Not because they are so talented, or beautiful (which of course they are), but because they were using their talents and gifts to serve God. They are adult woment and they chose to do it on their own. There is no bigger blessing in life than that! What a gift they gave me that day. And for the record, they all gave me wonderful gifts on Mother's Day as well. I will think of them as I relax and get that massage, and carry around my "Life is Good" tote, thanks to Colton, Dave and my wonderful husband Patrick as well.
I love you all very much, and thank God for you everyday.

Sooo happy

2009-05-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share this awesome pic and a little about the couple in it. This is my precious Jordyn and her prince, otherwise know as Dave Longobardo. She has waited a long time to find him, and we are so thankful that she did. Actually, we believe that God brought him at just the perfect time. She has never been so happy, and we are praising God for it. We pray that their love will continue to grow as they seek God's will for their future. I love you both very much.

Grown Up

2009-05-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked a milestone in our family. We moved our oldest daugter Kaley out of our house and into a house with friends in Jacksonville. She only decided to do it about a week ago so I didn't have much time to actually think about it. Then as she was packing on Thursday she would occasionally ask me if I was going to cry or be upset. I said no, because at that time I wasn't. She was actually planning to move out 6 months ago or so, but decided not to do it at that time. That's when I had started thinking about the possiblity and preparing myself for her to leave. When it came right down to it, I was so excited for her to be taking this next step in her life that I never took the time to get upset about the possibility of her actually leaving. I have said before that I am just so proud of the young woman that she has become and that this is just the next natural step for her.

So fast forward to yesterday. After we moved her in we went out to get some lunch with her, then of course we had to pull away. I was even ok then, until Pat said "how did this happen so fast?" That was it, that's all it took, then it was real, my first baby was gone, and the tears came like a flood. And Pat was right, how did this happen so fast, I can't believe 21 years has passed. Where has it gone? I am so thankful for every day we had to teach, and nurture, and love, and grow together. She is an awesome person and is going to do great on her own. Thankfully, she's only 25 minutes away and we do go to the same church so I'm sure the time between our visits won't be long, especially as she runs short on food and I'm cooking at home.

"Thank you God for children who love you and love me, and who by your grace are unbelievably awesome, faithful, Godly, responsible young adults. You gave them to me on loan and I have given them back to you for you to use for your Kingdom." Amen

What a difference a year makes!

2009-04-12T13:41:00.001-07:00

Jordyn sent out a Twitter the other day saying that she couldn't have imagined a year ago where she would be today. It got me thinking too. I am such a planner so of course I am usually looking ahead and trying to figure out where we're going and what we'll be doing at any given time. You'de think I would have learned by now that God has a plan for my life, and it's not always the same as mine (thankfully). His plan is always so much better. In addition to that, I have a husband who listens to God and is usually very obedient to what He has to say. Sometimes, I take a little longer to convince, which I am not the least bit proud of. All that to say, because of Pat's obedience, we are in such an unbelievable place in our lives.

God led us to the most AMAZING church, the Journey in Fernandina Beach, FL. We have been going for about 8 months and have had the opportunity to serve with some of the most faithful, humble, God-seeking people I have ever met. God has given our pastor, Darryl, a vision for reaching people in our community, and because of his obedience, God is "adding to the Church daily", just as the scripture says. We have been called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, it's just not about us and our comfort anymore. I was able to see this in action this Easter weekend. We knew that God was going to do something BIG, and in true God fashion, He delivered. Darryl preached an awesome message entitled "Final Destination" and now countless many know where there's is, in heaven. I am so thankful to have been apart of such an awesome move of God this weekend. I can't wait to see what's next!

Another thing I couldn't have seen a year ago, is us living in this beautiful house that God allowed us to build. We (and most of our friends) really thought we had lost our minds trying to sell a house in a really bad housing market. Well, when God is directing it, it's not a problem. He sold our old house, and gave us this new one. He's so good.

Lest you think it's all a bed of roses, it's also been a year of uncertainty for us regarding Pat's business. As a kitchen & bath designer in a bad housing market, it gets a little unnerving at times. But, we know that God is in control of it all, and He will provide. We are careful to give him ALL the glory for every job we get. We know that our faith is being tested, and that it is in these times that we grow in that faith. So, we are thankful for His provision and His leading.

In true mom fashion, I couldn't end without mentioning my children. Kaley is in a much different place than a year ago, she is now in college full-time pursuing a teaching degree, and also serving at church as a teacher for our Journey kids group. She's really awesome with the kids! Jordyn has homeschooled this past year and is about to graduate. She is playing and singing in our praise band at church and for the youth group. God has given her the greatest group of friends there, and I know she is so thankful for them. Probably the biggest change for her is the new guy in her life. God has brought her the most unbelievably awesome, Godly young man, Dave Longobardo. I know it was unexpected for both of them, but not for God, He knew. We are all very thankful for Dave and what he brings to her life. Last, but not least, there's Colton. We hardly even recognize Colton from a year ago, in a good way. To say he has come out of his shell would be an understatement. He is super involved in the youth group leadership at church, and is also on the lighting team for our weekend services. I think he would rather be at church than just about anywhere else, except maybe Haley's house, ha. That would be Haley Hall, his new girlfriend, she is sweet, and adorable, and they are too cute together. We are thankful for Haley as well.

So, as you can see, much has changed for us in a year, and we look forward to seeing what God has for us in the next year, who knows?! For now, we will be content where He has us, and thank Him for His faithfulness and love in an uncertain world.

Happy 21st Birthday Kaley, here are a few of my favorite things.....about her

2009-03-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

1. She wears flip flops 365 days a year, no matter the temperature
2. Koozie collection
3. She calls me Schmom
4. Generous
5. She loves to dance
6. Big purses
7. She loves, loves, loves summer & the beach
8. Awesome friend
9. Sweatpants!
10. She cries with me watching Extreme Home makeover
11. We're Parrotheads together
12. She is positive she was supposed to be an only child
13. She loves a good steak....with ketchup
14. She loves kids, and will be an awesome teacher
15. She loves Jesus
16. Always willing to try new things
17. It's never too early or late in the day for chocolate
18. Funny!
19. Never needs an excuse to go shopping
20. There's nothing she wouldn't do for her family
and...
21. 21 years ago today, God blessed me with the most wonderful baby girl

I used to think I would dread my children growing up, but that all changed as it started happening. Now, I am so thankful for the awesome adults they have become. That doesn't mean I don't feel a little old today, but the pride I feel knowing that Kaley is such a wonderful young woman of God far outweighs the dread. As I get small glimpses into who she will be in the future, I smile and continue to thank God for all He has done in her life. I love you today and everyday, Happy Birthday to my first baby.

Mental inventory

2009-02-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

The funniest thing happened this morning. Colton had has wisdom teeth out yesterday so he's been down for the last day. He decided to watch a movie this morning but realized that his movies had not been organized since we moved. Being the movie fan that he is, his movies (all 300 or so) are always in alphabetical order. After he sorted them, he notified me that he was missing 2 movies, who notices 2 movies???? Much to his delight, I realized that I had the 2 movies he was missing in my room. Oh the relief he had! I began thinking how funny it was that he knew he was missing 2 movies out of 300.

Then I started thinking about another situation that happened recently with Jordyn. For those of you who already know Jordyn, you know she tends to be a little (or a lot) OCD about certain things. Namely the location/inventory of her personal items. To say that she was a little stressed out about the whole packing/moving process would be an understatement. In order to have control over her things she decided to pack and load ALL of her worldly posessions into her truck and cart them around for 2 days, no kidding. She felt that if she did this she would know where her stuff was at all times. It worked for her.

The funniest thing to me is that the above mentioned situations make perfect sense to me. The apples didn't fall far from the tree on this one. I know that I have a mental inventory in my head of ALL items in my house. I also know if something comes in that doesn't belong here. Last week I was doing the laundry and I noticed a pair of girls socks and another undergarment that didn't belong to anyone in our house. After investigating I was able to identify the owner of the previously mentioned garments. Then this morning when I was on a dirty clothes search in her room I came across a very cute vest that I had never seen before, low and behold it was brand new. I'm telling you, it was not in my mental inventory, yet.

Who knew that OCD was hereditary?

We moved in!

2009-02-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

We still need to stain the front door & put shutters up

Coming in the front door

My babies

Having a kitchen designer for a husband has it's perks.

Great room, with a view

Bonus room, music room

View from my back door

It is still barely real to us that God has blessed us in such a mighty way with our new home. We are so excited and thankful to be here and can't wait to see what opportunities He gives us to use it for His glory.

Dinner

2009-02-04T04:50:00.000-08:00

One my my favorite things is having my kids home for dinner, even if this is what it looks like. I just had to take a picture. I love them, cell phones and all.

God sold it!

2009-01-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

If you are my friend on any one of my social networking sights (Myspace, Facebook, Twitter), then you already figured out that we sold our house yesterday. And by we, I mean ONLY God. I know you probably thought we were crazy to list a house in this depressed housing market, but as someone told me recently, there is no lack in God's economy. To be quite honest, I was starting to get a little nervous myself, although it had only been on the market for 2 months. We have been building another house, but really needed to sell our house before closing on the new one. We determined early on that God had directed us to build the new one, so we were trusting Him to sell the old one. The only thing was, it was in His perfect timing, not mine. My ever-so-faithfilled husband kept telling me, "don't worry, the other house isn't ready yet". "But, we are only a few weeks away," I would impatiently respond, all the while trying to figure out my plan B. In true God fashion, He was still working His plan A (or G) as we will now call it.

All that to say, God is so good. I just wanted to acknowledge Him and His faithfulness to me ALL the time. It still isn't about what He's done, but about who He is. And He is my Savior, my Deliverer, my Hope, my Redeemer, my Strength, my Strong Tower, and today my Resting Place. I don't know where I would be without Him.

So....my husband was right, once again, and because he would never say it to me himself, I'll say it for him. "I told you so!"

So now comes the moving process. We need to be out of our house by February 5th, and our builder says they will be done with our new house by the 1st. Sounds like perfect timing to me! I will try to get some new pics up as things are finished, sorry I've been a slacker lately.

Trusting

2009-01-12T04:42:00.000-08:00

I thought i had better post something before my blogger friends think that I had fallen off the face of the earth. The truth is, I really have had no motivation to blog anything. There's not much to update on the house, I'm waiting for Pat to finish installing the cabinets before I post anymore pics. We are still probably 3-4 weeks away from completion. Of course, we still have the issue of selling our old house. We do believe that we were directed of God to build the new one, so we're just trusting that He has a plan for us to sell the other one in His timing. It's getting down to the wire, which makes me start to worry. I hate to worry, it's just another word for "I've got to have control of this situaion, not God." I have had victory over it in the past, and I'm gonna claim victory now too!

This weekend at church, Darryl preached a very convicting message on taking responsibility for your own spiritual growth. We should never be satisfied with where we are, and I certainly am not. It seems like I overcome one battle, just to struggle with another. All I know is that I want to grow closer to God than I've ever been before, and I need to start getting rid of all my excuses. Speaking of church, I am so thankful for the Journey Church and to God for leading us there. We always hear an awesome message from God, see people's lives changed, experience awesome worship music, and are constantly challenged to be the hands & feet of Jesus. Thank you Lord for allowing us to be a part of such a move of God in our community.

As I start my week, my prayer is that God would use me to make a difference in someone's life, that He would challenge me to grow in my walk, and that I would trust Him COMPLETELY with what are probably really small issues in the grand scheme of my life.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2008-12-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Cheeseheads in the great state of Wisconsin, oh wait a minute, if you go to Journey Church you will get that inside joke, if you don't, well, you should go to Journey Church, obviously!

Seriously, I did not send out the traditional Christmas letter this year so thought I would do it via my blog. 2008 has been a very eventful, and blessed year for the Mooney family. If you know us very well, you know there is rarely a dull moment and this year is no exception. As I mentioned above, we are attending a new church in Fernandina Beach FL. Let me just say that God is alive and well (and definitely kicking) at the Journey Church. We have made many new friends and are starting to get plugged in there. We are so thankful for God's leading us to this awesome church. Our other big news is the building of our new house. We had hoped to be in by Christmas, but it looks like we missed it by about a month. We are looking forward to moving and settling into our new home. (See posts below for progress)

Patrick's business Island Kitchen & Bath remains busy, thank you God, there is no lack in God's economy. He moved into his new 2000 sq. foot showroom/shop this past summer. He is slowly, but surely getting everything set up the way he wants it. We are hoping to do an official grand opening in the Spring. He is about to do his most exciting job yet, the cabinets in our new house. He says the homeowner is a pain to work with, ha.

Kaley has had a very busy year, as usual. She left her job at Old Navy in July and went to Gander Mountain as the apparel/footwear manager, in addition to going to school part time at Florida Community College of Jacksonville. In a new turn of events, she has decided to quit her job, and go to school full time. She doesn't have too many hours left to get her associates degree so she has decided to concentrate on that this semester. She will also be working part-time in her dad's showroom working with his customers and lightening his administrative load. In addition, she is praying about God's will concerning future mission opportunities. Please pray for her as she seeks His perfect will for her life.

Jordyn has been homeschooling for her senior year and turned 18 earlier this month. One of the highlights of her year was auditioning for American Idol this summer. What an experience we had! (To read more go to her blog page at: wokemeupagain.blogspot.com) She has become very involved with the music program at our church playing keyboard and singing on Wednesday nights for 250 youth and she has just begun playing/singing for our 3 weekend services as well. God has truly gifted her with musical talent as well as a real heart for worship. She is still looking forward to attending Hillsong College in Australia in January 2010. I believe God is really preparing her heart for a life of ministry. Also, please continue to pray for her as she seeks His perfect will for her future.

Colton is homeschooling again this year. He is a junior and just turned 17 years old. He finally got his drivers license and got a car. He is also very involved at church, with the technical side though. He is helping to run the lighting for both the Wednesday night youth service as well as the weekend services. He is looking forward to a mission trip to Mexico this summer with the youth group. Nothing to report on the girl-front as of now, I think his sisters have scarred him for life, ha. Those are some difficult girls, but he loves them in spite of it. What an awesome young man of God he has become, please pray for him as he pursues whatever God has in store for him.

As for me, not much has changed. I'm still at home full time taking care of my children. Just because they are adults, doesn't mean they don't need their mom. I also try to help Pat with the business as much as I can. Beginning in the new year, I will start spending some time at the new showroom greeting customers and answering the phone. I still try to volunteer as much as I can with projects at church and in our community. I am so thankful that God has given me the opportunity to be at home with my family all these years.

As we celebrate Christmas we pray that you will remember that Jesus came, not for the manger, but for the cross, and that through a personal realtionship with Him we can spend eternity in Heaven with our Father.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year,
the Mooney family

Long awaited house update

2008-12-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

Master bath tub, it's also getting a wood front on it.

Master bath shower (not quite finished)

View into the kitchen, they just started laying the tile.

Back of the house.

Needless to say, we won't be in by Christmas. The floors should be completed by the middle of this week, then we can install all of the beautiful cabinets (I know a guy!). Looks like it will be the first part of January before we can move in. Please continue to pray for the sale of our old house.

Oh Christmas Tree!

2008-12-08T05:18:00.000-08:00

Our first choice, a little "Charlie Brownish"

Look how excited they were!

So, for about the past 10 years we have been visiting Websters Tree Farm in Darien, GA to cut down our own Christmas tree. We have found that when they are that fresh you really don't lose many needles and it is much more fragrant. It has become a Christmas tradition for us. I can only remember 1 year that we didn't have time to travel the 60 miles to do it so we just went to Lowe's and picked one up. Pat really wanted to go again this year and despite the fact that there really wasn't time, we decided to go. Yesterday was Kaley's only day off so it worked out perfectly. After a yummy lunch at Barberitos in Brunswick, yum, we headed to Websters. Last year we got a beautiful tree and we remembered exactly what part of the farm it was from so we headed that direction. We had narrowed it down to 2 trees and finally made our selection, a 7 ft Virginia Pine. The tree guys roped it onto the top of our truck and we headed home, back 60 miles down I95. When we arrived home we all got out and proceeded to remove the tree, but when we approached the back of the Yukon we noticed something a little odd. Our tree appeared to be a little bare. Upon further inspection we realized that all of our pine needles must be lining I95 south. Who knew that it would not withstand 90 mph winds on the highway? Seriously, this had never happened to us before. We got to thinking about it and realized that in the past they would put it in one of those plastic mesh covering things, but I guess that didn't make it on the tree this year. So, here we were with a needle-less tree all the way from Darien. Thinking that maybe it would look better once we got it inside, we brought it in and put it in the tree stand. Oh my gosh, it was the most pitiful sight I have ever seen. There was no way this bare tree could stay. (If you have seen Christmas with the Kranks, picture the tree that Tim Allen brings home from the boy scout tree lot on Christmas eve.) At this point it just became funny, I literally could not stop laughing. Knowing that if I stopped laughing I would probably start crying, Kaley and Colton offered to go get another one, bless their hearts. So guess where they went, Lowe's! About an hour later, tree number 2 entered the living room. It stayed, and was promptly decorated. I am still thankful for the experience and the memory, that's what it's all about anyway. We still got to spend the day together and had good food. And if you know our family very well, this story will probably not surprise you at all.

Here is our little Lowe's tree.

birthday cake

2008-12-04T20:06:00.001-08:00

My friend Cindy made this beautiful cake for Jordyn's birthday.

It was definitely blog-worthy!

Happy 18th Birthday Jordyn

2008-12-04T05:10:00.000-08:00

18 years ago today

We were all so happy you were here, even Kaley.

My top 18 favorite Jaymoone quotes from over the years

"I'm telling mom" (a favorite, most of her childhood)
"Step Off" (don't make her mad or you'll hear it)
"Colton....Can you do me a HUGE favor?!" (always involves going upstairs)
"It's freezing in here" (no matter the season)
"She stole my handwriting" (shout out to Michelle E.)
"I love my new Raybands" (oh my, drop the "d")
"I am sooooo tired, I have to go lay in my bed." (since the day she was born)
"My truck is smelling bad and there's a weird brake light on." (ever heard of the emergency brake)
"Okray"
"We can't share friends" (as told to Colton the first night of x-change)
"That is crusty, sketchy and legit" (everything & everyone can be described with one of these 3 words)
"I hate my hair" (no matter the length, color, cut or style)
"He is such a creepster" (pretty self explanatory)
"We got ova 4 flavas of soda, we got brown ones and sure enough we got clear ones. How can you not smell that peppa?" (stolen from SNL)
"I really NEED those jeans, that shirt, and those shoes" (A bottomless pit of wants & needs)
"I'm gonna start drinking only water...tomorrow. Give me a sweet tea for now though" (yay for procrastination)
"Where did that mailbox come from?!" (it jumped out in front of her side mirror)
"I will wear those red cowboy boots with everything, they will be my only winter shoes." (and...she actually does, have you seen some of the outfits?!)

18 years ago today God gave me the gift of my Jordyn. She was by far my best baby. For the first year of her life she very rarely cried. Not so surprisingly, she was an excellent sleeper. She starting sleeping through the night at 3 weeks old (6-8 hours). Even during the first 3 weeks she would just wake up and look around and wait for me to feed her. No crying.....at least until she turned 1. Then she developed the other side of her personality, impatient and a little hot-tempered. I'd say she has a little bit of all of it today.

Over the past 18 years I have seen her grow into such a Godly young woman with a heart for God and Worship. I know God has an awesome plan for her and she is so ready and willing to be used by Him for His glory. I couldn't be any prouder of her.

I have loved every (yes every, good and bad) minute of being your mom and watching you grow and I can't wait to see who you will become in the future. You're a blessing and I love you. Happy Birthday Jordyn.

Family Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

Fun day together, I love my family!

Old & New House Update

2008-11-27T04:35:00.001-08:00

This is the newly renovated kitchen in our old house,

it's almost a shame to leave it, not.

The driveway and sidewalk were poured yesterday. It still has to be
painted inside before the cabinets can be installed. Almost there!

Thankful

2008-11-26T16:28:00.000-08:00

Psalm 100:4-5
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

This is probably going to sound shocking at first, but bear with me. When I look forward to tomorrow, Thanksgiving, it's really just a day for me to prepare a yummy meal for my family and probably go to the movie at night. Here's my thought, if I don't live everyday being thankful to my God for who He is in my life, why whould I set aside a special day for it? I can barely comprehend a God who loved me so much, even in my sinful state, that He would sacrifice His only Son that I might have an eternal relationship with Him. However, if I don't acknowledge Him and His presence now, what's the point? I have been so blessed in my life, and I know I don't deserve it. I pray that I will never forget to acknowledge God every single day.

Thank you Lord, for providing for my needs, for an awesome husband who loves me in spite of me, and for children that love you and live it out in front of me everyday. I am truly inspired by my family, they are my biggest joy here on earth.

(Neverending) House update

2008-11-20T12:09:00.001-08:00

Not much happening inside this week, but I think painting,

flooring and fixtures are soon to follow. Cabinets should be

in the week of December 1st, yay.

They finally got the stone columns done, it seemed to take forever.

The Church

2008-11-20T06:10:00.000-08:00

My sister, Tracy sends out a daily exhortation and this was today's. This is the church in action. I am so thankful to be a part of a local church that understands it's mission. Let's go be The Church in Jesus' name. Some churches wonder why they are not growing, hmmmm, whose business are they really about? Just a thought.

Matthew 25
31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy[c] angels with Him,then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ 41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and inprison and you did not visit Me.’ 44 “Then they also will answer Him,[d] saying,‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or inprison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Let us be a people that help the hungry and thirsty, clothe the poor and visit the sick! Isn't that what Jesus did? God bless you throughout your day today! ~ Tracy

New IKB showroom

2008-11-11T14:18:00.001-08:00

Guest blogger: Patrick Mooney

This is our new location with a showroom and work shop. It's located on the busiest intersection in Camden county. We are planning a grand opening in January 2009, we will be adding new displays and samples weekly.

And...we've got sheetrock.

2008-11-08T12:45:00.001-08:00

The great room

The kitchen, taken from the great room

The best kitchen designer laying out the cabinets

The bonus room upstairs

It won't be long now!

A helpful suggestion

2008-11-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

As you have figured out from my endless "house updates" we are in the process of building a new house. You know what that means, we have to sell our old house. We've been getting it ready to put on the market for the past couple of months. Today's project is preparing to put new cabinet doors in the kitchen. Sounds easy, right, nope. It actually started yesterday when we took down the old doors and sanded the existing face frames. This created a lot of dust which made me very unhappy, on top of the fact that I have no doors up right now so it just looks crazy to me. Since I have an open soffet I decided to take down all my knick-knacks and pack what I'm keeping and box what I'm going to garage sale. Here's where the "helpful suggestion" comes in to play. We moved into this house 6 1/2 years ago and apparently I have not cleaned up there in all these years. You can only imagine how gross it was. I am a little embarrased to admit this as I am quite a clean person. So my big suggestion is to clean the tops of your cabinets at least once every 3-5 years, or more often if you have the time, ha.

Also, if you are someone who appreciates clean cabinet tops, do I have a house for you!!! It will hopefully be on the market next week and ready for a buyer, hopefully sooner than later. We are believing God for a buyer and fast. He is able and His timing is perfect!

So, get out there and clean bloggerland, you'll feel so accomplished when you do.

Exterior Progress

2008-11-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

Well, we have siding (unpainted), shingles, and windows, oh my!

Hopefully progess on the inside will be will be my next update.

Happy Friday

2008-10-31T05:57:00.000-07:00

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me". Erma Bombeck

Halloween

2008-10-30T19:11:00.001-07:00

They may be a little old for pumpkin carving, but we had a lot of fun.

I am roasting pumpkin seeds in the oven as we speak, yum.

Happy 22nd Anniversary

2008-10-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

October 25, 1986

Our dusty rose invitation, what can I say, it was the 80's.

"Do not marry the person you can just live with, marry the person you can't live without."

22 years ago I married the most wonderful man in the world. We learned a long time ago that a successful marriage was not going to exist because of a lack of problems, but in how we worked through the problems. Neither of us is perfect, just perfect for each other. We can't take any credit, however, but give all the glory and honour to God. He is the center of our marriage and our lives. He has shown us much grace and we try to exhibit that same grace to each other every day.

22 things I love about my husband:

Godly - he walks out his faith before me every day
Generous - with his time and his money
Faithful - I know he only has eyes for me
Selfless - he always, always, always puts my needs before his own
Funny - but only when I'm not mad at him, of course
Handsome - more today than ever, especially with those sexy highlights
Forgiving - this one has been tested, a lot, trust me
Great Dad - he's the "E" ticket ride, just ask our kids
Hard Worker - so that he can always provide for the needs of our family
Sensitive - he gets it when i cry
Loud Breather - ask Kate Gosselin, she feels my pain
Loving - even when I don't deserve it
Compassionate - he truly "gets" me and then helps me
Bad Driver - but great parallel parker
Understanding - even when he doesn't really understand
Patient - yes, this one has been tested a time or too as well
Likes to bug me - he's super good at this one
Kind - always diffuses a tense situation
Good apologizer - even if he doesn't think he was wrong
Great personal hygiene - lots of showers, deodorant and toothpaste go a long way, ha
Positive thinker - his glass is always half-full
Adores me - only because he is able to look at me through God's eyes

Thank you Pat-rick for the last 22 years, I love you. And yes, it is easier for me to love you than for you to love me, ha, I finally admit it. Thank you God for this gift that I will never deserve and for your constant love and patience.

Are you tired of my house updates yet?!

2008-10-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

Notice the stacks of shingles on the top

View of my kitchen, does anyone know any good designers, ha?

I can't wait till these windows are where they belong.

laundry

2008-10-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

"I am thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.... I am thankful for the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby." ~Nancie J. Carmody

Truth be told, I'm not that thankful for laundry, but it has to be done either way. I still do all the laundry in the house, probably not that good of a lesson for my adult, and nearly adult children, but it's one of the small ways I can still serve them I guess. Now, if they would only return the favor by putting it away in a timely fashion, that 's the real gift. And ironing, don't get me started. I love everything to be ironed, I just wish I had a maid to do it all. I had to laugh the other day and remember my grandma as I found myself ironing my pillowcases, I'm sure there's a 12-step program out there for this addiction! (My grandma used to iron sheets, and underwear, so I guess I'm not that bad-yet)

Happy Wednesday!

Through the Conflict

2008-10-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

As we approach our 22nd wedding anniversary this weekend it is very appropriate that I have found such an awesome sermon on marriage. Several months ago I found a church in Charlotte NC, Elevation Church, and have since then faithfully watched pastor Steven Furtick's messages online weekly. They are currently in week 6 of a series called "Visionary Love, Dream Sex". It basically goes through Song of Solomon, in a way that I have never really heard preached before. Last week, week 5, was a message entitled "Through the Conflict". I would encourage anyone who is dating, engaged, newly married or married forever like us, to watch this online sermon, or download the podcast. I would say, with some confidence, that Pat and I have a strong, happy marriage, but that didn't happen overnight, and it sure takes some effort.

So, I am encouraging all of you to go to elevationchurch.org and watch these sermons. If you only have time for one, please watch the "conflict" message. I promise you will learn something, I know I did. And from a young 28 yr. old pastor who's only been married 6 years at that! He really is an annointed man of God.

Go on, go to the website and start learning! Thanks for listening.

~Lisa

P.S. So, I just watched week 6 of the marriage series entitled, "Do It When You're Old", and I was once again challenged by the Lord. If you get the time, watch it too, it's only 48 min, not the 97 min it says.

You are God

2008-10-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 3: 5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Have you ever been in a situation that is absolutely out of your control? It is only then that you can truly trust God with the circumstances. Well, I am presently there, a place where praying is almost impossible, I don't even have the words anymore. Thankfully, the God that knows me intimately, knows my heart and knows my needs. I will continue to trust Him and allow Him to work in a way that only He can, and teach lessons that only He can teach.

I will be still and know that you are God!

Happy Birthday Colton

2008-10-15T04:23:00.000-07:00

October 15, 1991

What a scene it was that day in the hospital!

I have a friend of many years who regularly on my children's birthdays calls me and asks what I was doing "x # of" years ago that day. Then we reminisce about the day they were born and how we can't believe they have gotten so old so fast. Well, today is Colton's day to remember. So, I will tell you the story of 17 years ago today. Colton was quite honestly, a surprise to us, but not to God. As you may or may not know, Jordyn and Colton are 10 months and 11 days apart, now you understand the surprise part. We were perfectly happy with our beautiful little girls and had put no real thought into having another baby, SURPRISE, God had another plan. When I found out I was pregnant with Colton, the doctor told me that my body was obviously not prepared to be pregnant again so fast and that is was likely I would not remain pregnant for long. As aniticipated, I started having problems and assumed I was losing him. But, God move in, and the problems moved out and much to the doctor's amazement, Colton arrived. It was a very fast labor and delivery, only about 2 hours, my doctor almost missed it. I went home from the hospital the very next day, that's when the real fun started. I now had a newborn, a 10 month old, and a 3 years old. I had dreaded that day for almost 9 months and had convinced myself I would never be able to handle it. Needless to say, the real experience could never have been as bad as I had convined myself, and we all survived it! If you ask the girls they would say they have barely survived, I think Colton's spiritual gift all these years has been pestering his sister, ha. I know they wouldn't trade him for anything in the world and he would do absolutely anything in the world for them. I am so thankful for Colton and the joy he has brought our family, God knew what He was doing! So, on this day 17 years ago, God gave me you, my baby boy. Thank you Lord for this awesome young man.

Colton's 17th Birthday Top Ten Countdown

2008-10-15T04:13:00.001-07:00

10. Birthday week - Osaka & Olive Garden
9. Ava will sing her favorite birthday song to you
8. You can get married in the state of Ga (with parental consent, of course)
7. Driver's license
6. You're older than Miley Cyrus
5. Rated "R" movies (for violence only, not for language or sexual content)
4. 10 layer chocolate cake
3. Only 1 more year till you can buy cigarettes and lotto tickets, oh that's right, you don't smoke or gamble.
2. New computer

and the #1 best thing about your birthday .................

1. You're the same age as Jordyn

Happy Birthday CMoney!!! I love you lots ~ Mom

House update

2008-10-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

Back of the house
the dormer comes out of the awesome bonus room

Front
it's coming together, finally

New bed, finally.

2008-10-10T06:23:00.000-07:00

I know to most people this purchase does not constitute a blog, but in our family it does. Some history may bring this to light. When I went to purchase our new mattress I was told by the salesman that most mattresses last 5-10 years, imagine the shock he would have been in had I told him that we had ours for over 20 years, aghh! We purchased it when I was pregnant with Kaley (who will be 21 in March) to replace our old-school waterbed that I could no longer get in and out of. It served us well those 20+ years. ;-) We had the "if it aint broke, don't fix it" mentality. Well, it officially "broke". Pat was not not sleeping well, my back hurt, and I was ready for an upgrade, to a king size from a queen. We probably discussed it for 6 months, not whether we needed a new one, but were we ready for king size. Personally, I was ready, Pat however, not so much. While he does actually fit on the bed now, he doesn't like having that much room between us. I guess he thinks that you have to use the whole mattress, since he now rarely comes on "my" side. Not that I'm complaining, ha.

You've maybe heard Pat talk of how much he "loves" his bed, not that he actually has a fondness for the mattress itself, but for what it represents. Almost every night when we go to bed, we sigh and say how much we love our bed. Mostly because of what we accomplished in the day, how thankful we are to be able to be together at the end of the day, and I guess just how comfy and safe it is. So, that hasn't changed and it never will, no matter how old or uncomfortable the mattress becomes. So, there you go, a look into one of the simpler things in our life, but definetely one of our favorite.

P.S. and I love my new bedding too, with lots and lots of pillows.

Progress

2008-09-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

The back side of the house.

The view out of our master bedroom.

It's actually beginning to look like a house.

Thankful Thursday

2008-09-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His, we are His people, the sheep of His Pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Amen

Just wanted to stop for a moment and thank God for just a few of the many blessings I have in my life.

First, for God and His character, even if He never gave me another material thing, He is still so good to me. It's because of Who He is, and not what he does that makes Him so awesome. Thank you Lord for your neverending love, faithfulness, grace & mercy, way more than I deserve.
My unbelievable husband! How was I so fortunate to get such an awesome man of God?! He's not perfect, but he tries everyday to be who God would have him to be. He loves me more than I deserve.
My daughter Kaley. What a great adult she has turned out to be. She is probably the most responsible 20 year old I know. She is also one of my biggest fans. If you can get to this point in parenting and still have your children like you, thank God, like I'm doing now. I know we've raised her to go, but it's still going to break my heart when she does.
My daughter Jordyn. She is the picture of resiliency. She has been through more in her 17 years than most of us ever will be in a lifetime. She has shown so much maturity and grace, and makes me so proud to be her mom. She's as beautiful inside as she is outside.
My son Colton. I am amazed what an awesome young man he has turned out to be. He is so respectful and appreciative, not an attribute present in most teenage boys. There's nothing he wouldn't do for his family.

That's all for today, although I know I could start now and never stop thanking God for all He does for me everyday. My life and my heart are so full!

Cats = Love

2008-09-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

For most of my childhood, I had cats. Pat never had any cats growing up, mostly because he is VERY allergic to them, makes sense, right. Well, shortly after we got together the subject of us getting a cat came up. Of course, we got a cat. Then came the many years of Zyrtec, Alegra, Claritan, you get the picture. Several years ago, as a joke, of course, I bought him a "decoration" cat for his office. Well, that was just the beginning. Now, any time I see a cat, I have to buy it for his collection. The picture above is small sampling of his "beloved" cats. Go Fish (a shout out for our friends Terry & Melinda) has the best selection by far. All I know is that any man who will put up with our real cats Roxy & Muffin every day and not be able to breathe most of the time, loves me alot! Thanks honey for being a cat tolerator, as he puts it.

So, yes, real men do like cats, but more importantly, they love their wives enough to put up with the allergies due to the cats, ha.

My girls

2008-09-18T11:43:00.002-07:00

For those of you who know our family very well, you know that these girls are quite different in many ways. But, while they may be different, they have at least one thing in common. They have HUGE hearts. If you are fortunate enough to be called "friend" by them, you know how blessed you really are. There is nothing they would not do for a friend. It's funny to think that they have been raised in the same house, by the same parents, with the same standards and rules, yet they are so unique. That's because God is so creative, how boring would it be if we were all the same!

Living in a house with Patrick Mooney for your dad, they both learned early on that they were the "princesses" of our house. And we all know who the queen is, ha! We don't apologize for setting that standard either. We taught them that they were created perfectly by God and in His image and that alone gives them value. They have actually been told before that our standards for their boyfriends may be too high, is there really such a thing? To be truthful, we know there are big shoes to fill when it comes to men in their lives, but we just believe that God created a mate out there for each of them who's feet will fit perfectly in those shoes.

A few weeks ago, our pastor, Darryl, was preaching about Adam & Eve. He talked about when God created Eve for Adam and that when Adam first saw her he was like, "Whoa God, look what you gave me!" She was a gift created just for Adam. A few days later, Jordyn was telling me about a conversation she was having with a friend on that same subject and that he said he thinks that when you wait for the person God intended for you, you will have the same reaction, "Whoa God, look what you created for me!" And if you don't have that reaction, it's probably not the right person for you. Makes sense to me. I have been married to my awsome hubby for 22 years, and I can honestly tell you that there is not a day that goes by that he does not have that reaction when he looks at me, and vice versa. I don't think my girls should settle for anything less than that! So, we will continue to pray for them and for that person that God created just for them.

I am their BIGGEST fan!

New House

2008-09-18T11:43:00.001-07:00

So, we have finally begun the process of building our new house in Water's Edge. I am going to try to keep everyone updated on my blog. I know it's pretty boring to some, but I know my family and out of town friends are excited to see the progress. So keep looking for updated pics in the near future.

From the slab picture to the frame was about 10 days. Hopefully it will be ready in early December, in time for Christmas.

Wisdom

2008-09-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

I certianly do not consider myself much of a writer, I do however, from time to time come up with words of wisdom, which I almost always share with my children. They will be glad I have another outlet for said wisdom. You don't live this many years without learning a thing or two. So, enjoy, and maybe even get to know me better along the way.