Falls-a-comin’

I don’t know why but I’ve been feeling rather fallish the last week or so. Maybe it’s because the thermometer has finally dropped below 100. Hey, I live in Southern California! Anyhow, I’ve been thinking about baking breads, and goodies, and hunkering down with a warm fire and a good book. We really don’t hunker down too much here as two little boys don’t really stay inside for days on end easily. There’s no need either when it’s usually hot on Christmas day, but it’s a fun idea.

I think it’s neat how the Lord created seasons, and how he made us to enjoy the change. We start to look for the change and long for it. We anticipate it and enjoy the different sensations and ambiance of the changing seasons. There’s a smell that goes with fall and winter. There’s a big hug feeling when you walk into a cozy home after being out in the chilly air. So, I’m looking forward to those things. I know changing seasons isn’t all romantic feelings and good smelling kitchens, but right now that’s what I’d like to think about. Ofcourse, I’m not dragging my kids all bundled up through the snow, in and out of the car with huge coats and wet shoes into the grocery store and back just for a loaf of bread…so it’s all fun and games here in SO. Cal. Here’s to apple pie and drinking coffee in the afternoon to be warm and snuggly.

Menu

I thought I’d jot down our menu for this week. I’m watching my neighbors 6 month old baby boy this week, so I need to make sure the shopping is done and things are as easy as possible. I’m excited to see how homeschooling goes with a little one here with us. It will be good for my boys as well because it will get them excited about our little man’s arrival. So, this week dinner at the Wentzel homestead will look something like this:

Monday - Sandwiches and Soup

Tuesday - Chicken Tacos

Wednesday - Taco Salad

Thursday - White Chili

Friday - Digiorno Pizza & Salad

Saturday - Chicken & Cheese, Rice, Green Beans, & Rolls

Sunday - Leftovers

So, that’s exciting! I love having a plan.  Last week I used some of the recipes from the Weekly Menu Mailer I told you about a while ago (which I really like). Our favorite thing we had was Cheddary Chicken & Broccoli (we used Grands Rolls instead of pastry shells). It was really easy to make. Here it is:

1. Tonight’s chicken dish is served over puff pastry shells. If you can’t find them (they are located near the frozen pie crust at the grocer), serve over another bread of your choice. English Muffins would be fine, but truly the puff pastry shells are what make this dish so wonderful.

Cheddary Chicken & Broccoli

• 1 package Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Shells, baked (we will use 6)
• 2 jars chicken gravy
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 cups cooked chicken (from freezer)
• 2 cups frozen broccoli cuts, thawed
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a saucepan, combine gravy, lemon juice, broccoli, and chicken. Heat, stirring frequently. Serve in pastry shells with cheese sprinkled on top.

Hope that’s helpful to someone. Have a great week!

Baby Brain

I’ve got baby on the brain.  I just read a bunch of birthing stories, which is always lots of fun.  Why do we women get a kick out of telling their story?  Why do I so enjoy hearing other people’s stories?  It is just amazing how the Lord created us to bring life into this world.  It is an amazing process, and so right now I am eating it up.  I’m letting myself enjoy this time of baby focus, and also trying to learn a little more about how to do this birthing thing “better.”

On the pregnancy topic, I made myself laugh the other night when my husband ran out to Home Depot and I asked him to bring me back some chocolate.  I have been craving chocolate big time.  He was very sweet and brought me a whole, big, yummy, gooey Snickers bar.  Another funny thing about being pregnant is that I can be dead tired and needing to go to bed yet not be able to think of doing anything other than scrubbing my bathtub, or washing the floor.  Or how about that hall closet that needs to be organized?  I’m not naturally like that, so we know it’s pregnancy.  My house does usually get pretty organized while I’m expecting.  Although my two little guys keep me pretty busy these days, so we’ll see if I get as much done as I’m hoping.  Those are my random musings on the blessings of being with child.  Repeat after me, “Chocolate is my friend.  Chocolate is my friend.”

Poem

I read this poem today on this blog.  I LOVE it!  I don’t know the appropriate protocol for borrowing this, but I really wanted to share it with you all.  May my little boys worship their Maker! 

He sees me in the morning,
Lifting him out of bed.
The sun comes with little warning,
A brand new day’s ahead.
To the kitchen for some breakfast,
A plate of toasted bread,
A cup of milk just as expected,
Close your eyes and bow your head.

You can thank him for anything you want to,
For the flower’s and the trees
And pray,Lord Jesus, make me,
A little boy on my knees.

He’s Mommy’s little helper.
Learning to comb his hair.
And loves his baby sister,
Though he doesn’t always share.
A quarter in the bucket,
A memory verse or two,
Although he may not know it,
He’s beginning to follow you.

You can thank him for anything you want to,
For your Daddy and for me.
And pray, Lord Jesus, make me,
A little boy on my knees.

As we teach our Son to serve the Lord, in every way,
Lord the most important thing is this that we now pray,
Lord, we thank you everything you give us, but most importantly,
We pray Lord Jesus, make our Son a little boy on his knees.

Lord we thank you for everything you give us, but most importantly
We pray, Lord Jesus, make our Son,
A little boy on his knees.
We pray that someday he’ll become,
A young man on his knees.

“Little Boy on His Knees” by Cheri Keaggy