Thankful Thursday supplemental by: The Thankful Husband

I am hacking JA's account to let everyone know why her family is thankful for her.

First, a passage that describes her worth to me:
Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate



Why I am thankful for Jane Anne:
- Her gentle spirit
- Her deep and dedicated love of the Lord
- Her desire to know me deeper
- Her dissatisfaction with the status quo
- Her love for our children
- Her tender hugs
- Her contagious smile
- Her laugh that brightens my day
- She never complains
- She forgives my (many) faults
- She is patient with me
- She is incredibly wise
- She loves me and our children more than we could ever deserve

Thursday Thanks Tank #50

This morning as I was starting to make a mental list of my blessings, I realized that I needed to start my thankful exercise in a different place. I read several Psalms and focused on Psalms 31 and 62. I made a list of God’s greatness. After focusing on God and his amazing love, my heart is full of thankfulness and gratitude.

Before I share my list, here’s a quote from Jerry Bridges that I read this morning after my reading in Psalms:
“ I believe God also takes note of the sincerity and depth of meaning we put into giving thanks to Him. Being healed of leprosy—or cancer in our time—is vastly less significant than having eternal life. If we had to choose between being healed of cancer and receiving eternal life, the decision for any Christian would be easy. Yet how often do we express our thanksgiving to God for the gift of eternal life with as much depth of feeling as the one leper who “came back, praising God in a loud voice” and who “threw himself at Jesus’s feet and thanked him?”

My Thankful List:
God Provides my soul rest – gives me contentment (Psalm 62:1,5)
God Grants me salvation – saves me from what I deserve (Psalm 62:1)
God Gives me hope (Psalm 62:5)
God is a Great Listener – I can pour out my heart to Him (Psalm 62:8)
God is my Protector – He is my fortress and I will never be shaken (Psalm 62:6)
God is my Refuge – I can come to him when I am troubled (Psalm 31:1,4,14; Psalm 62:7, 8)
God is Strong – more powerful than I can imagine (Psalm 31:2, Psalm 62:11)
God is Loving – his love is unfailing and wonderful (Psalm 31:16, 21)
God is True (Psalm 31: 5)
God Stores up Goodness for me (Psalm 31: 19)

I encourage you to take time to be thankful today.

Tasty Tuesday: Blueberry Coffee Cake

I got a bunch (almost 3 lbs) of blueberries from Costco this past weekend. My family has been in blueberry heaven. Yesterday I tried out this blueberry coffee cake. It is wonderful- very, very moist.

BLUEBERRY COFFEE CAKE

CAKE INGREDIENTS:
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup milk
2 eggs slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 375. Grease a 13x9 inch pan. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and lemon peel. Using pastry blender or fork, cut in butter. Add milk, eggs and vanilla. Stir well. Pour 3/4 batter into greased pan.
Top with blueberries. Spoon remaining batter over blueberries. Bake for 35 minutes. Cool 30 minutes. Blend icing ingredients. Drizzle over cake.

Icing:
Melt 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of butter in a saucepan or microwave.
Sift 2 cups of powdered sugar into a medium size bowl.
Add the melted butter to the powdered sugar.
Add 2 tablespoons of milk.
If desired, add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla for flavor.
Beat until smooth and creamy, adding a little more milk if necessary.
Drizzle over a cooled cake.

Our Not-So-Fresh Air

This was the scene on Friday and again this afternoon.
On Friday the question I got from my kids was:
"Momma, what's wrong with the sun?"
Today's question was:
"What is all the white stuff failing from the sky?"

I am not loving the "open field burning" season in the grass seed capital of the world.

Friend Game

I got this idea from my friend Melissa. Here is a fun friend game...Leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time or a long time. Comment about anything you remember. Next, if you have a blog, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog (or email you) and share a memory about you.

Thankful Thursday #49

I am spending time today thinking about everything that has brought me joy this week. My thanks tank is overflowing. Here are my thankful thoughts:
1. Vacation: We took a small vacation (4 days) to Washington to visit friends. Our hosts made us feel at home and special at the same time. We were also able to get together with a group of friends on short notice. It was relaxing and so much fun!
2. Play Time: I am talking about being able to be silly as an adult. My friends rented a blow-up slip and slide for their daughter’s birthday party. And, the adults got in on the fun. I haven’t laughed so hard in quite a while. It was crazy fun!


3. Laughter: I laughed a lot this past (extended) weekend. It is so refreshing to have fun.
4. My Marriage: We celebrated 13 years on the 22nd. I love being married to my husband.
5. Country Roads: On the way home from Washington, we got off the interstate and took a 99W. Oh, it was beautiful! We saw such amazing scenery. We were extra glad that we didn’t hurry home on the interstate.
6. Meal Planning: I have been fine tuning my meal planning the last couple of weeks. We had gotten too relaxed with our grocery shopping and were suffering for it (too many trips and extra cost). I am going shopping once a week.
7. A clean home: I worked extra hard before we left town to clean the house. I came home to a clean kitchen and bedroom. That was a tremendous accomplishment and feeling.
8. A husband that Cooks: My husband came home last night and asked if he could step in and cook dinner. I let him take over and I had time to relax.
9. Finding things that are Lost: I loose things often (too often). I love it when lost items are found!
10. Being Truthful: I started to tell a “white lie” yesterday and I caught myself. I caught myself as the words were starting to come out of my mouth. There was no hiding my mistake. I could have let it slide but having to humble myself and explain why I almost fibbed was so much better than not being totally honest. I am thankful for honesty and I want to uphold it always.
11. Family: I caught up with a family member today that I hadn’t talked to in a long time. We couldn’t get off the phone. We just kept talking as long as we could and then talked more. Family is priceless.

Take me out to the ball game

"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Just don't buy any peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."

This is pretty cool. We aren't close enough anymore to go to a Mariners game...but at least it is something we might be able to look forward to in the future.

13 Years

THEN

NOW


Boy, things have changed!!

Thursday Thanks Tank #48

Here is what is filling up my Thanks Tank today:
1. Kind Neighbors: My neighbor brought me fresh locally grown raspberries today. What a treat!
2. Enduring Love: God’s love endures forever and I was reminded of that this morning—see Psalm 138:8 and Psalm 136
3. Elsie: She is 8 months old today. She's my doll!
4. Moonlit and starry nights: The other night my dh (dear hubby) and I sat outside admiring the beautiful sky. The moon was bright and beautiful. On another night this week, my dog woke me up in the middle of the night. As I was grumbling and letting him outside, I noticed how many stars were brightly shinning while the town was dark.
5. Costumes: My boys surprised me today and got out the dress up clothes. It had been a while. They love pretending and I love to watch their imagination run wild. (I love that even the oldest isn't too big to enjoy it!)


6. Learning: I am thankful that I am still learning about myself and my dh. This week we discovered the personality Enneagram. It is such a joy to continue to learn new things about myself and my husband.
7. Bikes, inline skates, tennis shoes, and the pool: I have enjoyed all of these things this week. The exercise feels wonderful!
8. Summer Nights: Tonight after dinner, I went outside to swing Elsie. The boys soon followed and discovered I was watering part of the yard. They were back in and out with their swimsuits on in record speed. It was a beautiful night to laugh, blow bubbles, push a baby in a swing and watch kids run in the sprinkler.





Thanks for reading my thankful thoughts! I hope it encourages you in some way to take time to be thankful.

Tasty Tuesday: Honey-Orange Pork Chops

We tried this recipe out tonight and it was tasty! Not only was it yummy but it was very, very easy to make. Everyone (even the kids) loved it. My hubby rated it an 8 (on a scale from 1-10).

Honey-Orange Pork Chops

1/4 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1/8 tsp pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 pork loin chops (3/4 inch thick) (we doubled the pork chops with the same amount of sauce and it worked just fine...would have wanted to double the sauce if we had more adults, though)
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Trim fat from chops. For marinade, in a shallow baking dish combine orange peel, orange juice, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, pepper, and garlic. Add meat, turning to coat. Cover; marinate in the refrigerator 6 to 24 hours, turning once (I made it in the morning and marinated it all day). Remove meat from marinade, reserving marinade. Grill pork chops. Transfer marinade to a saucepan. Stir in cornstarch. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more.

We had the pork chops with rice (and steamed carrots and grean beans) so the sauce was yummy both on the chops and the rice. The kids liked the pork chops without the sauce.

Tuesday Trivia

My sister-in-law emailed me this survey today. Have fun reading my answers and let me know if anything surprises you.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Yes. I am named after both my grandmothers: Jane and Anne
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Tears were coming out of my eyes this morning because of my headache. It wasn’t an emotional cry. It was a reflex.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Not at all.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Chicken
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Oh, do I ever! 4: 3 boys and 1 girl.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes. (Really? Is anyone going to say no to this?)
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
No.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Probably Not.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Lucky Charms (but I don’t allow myself to eat it much)
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Nope.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Yes.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Haagen Daas Strawberry
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Eyes
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink (no- I am not really a pink kind of gal... but I am loving seeing pink in my house)
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Lack of singing abilities (I don't know if this is really my least favorite but it is the first thing that came to mind)
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My grandfather who passed away when I was in HS. I sure wish my husband and kids could have met him.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
I’d love to get comments.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
I am Barefoot.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Egg and Cheese Bagel
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
My kids.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Blue
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Breakfast cooking when I am still in bed on Saturday morning.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My dad
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Yes. Kristen is a blast! She’s energetic and inspiring.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
College Football
27. Hair Color?
brown (with a little gray)
28. EYE COLOR?
blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
no
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
pizza
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Can’t remember... I tried but I just can’t. Mostly I just catch glimpses of movies my husband or kids are watching.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Blue
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses from my husband and kids... everyone else- hugs
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Chocolate covered strawberries
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Not sure
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
People who just happen upon my blog
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
“Jewel” by Brett Lott
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mouse pad. I am using a mouseless laptop.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
The Star Wars Lego game on the Wii that my husband was playing.
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
The beep of the coffee maker when I am still in bed.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Rolling Stones
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME???
Korea
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Yes.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
West Palm Bach, Florida
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO?
I am looking forward to any responses.

Thankful Thursday #47

My thanks tank is full. Here are some of the things that filled it up this week:
1. Friends that look out for one another: I meet weekly with a group of girls. This past week I was going to have to miss out because my husband had a meeting. A friend in the group emailed her sister in law (who happens to live across the street from me) to secure babysitting for me. That was a welcomed surprise and blessing.
2. Relaxing weekend: This past weekend was so relaxing. We were able to enjoy a lot of fun family time.
3. Praying with my husband: It is so tremendous when we take time to talk and then pray about what we talk about. That kind of communication is priceless.
4. Baby laughs: I love making Elsie giggle.
5. Getting Items Marked off the To Do List: I got 2 big things done today. They weren’t really big in a size way. They were big because they had been on my to do list for a month.
6. Sunshine: It has been so nice this week! I am loving warm summer weather (and air conditioning!).
7. Prioritizing: I am reworking some of my priorities and it feels good. I am learning and re-learning what is really important.
8. Kids playing nicely together: This week we met a new friend: a 7 year-old whose dad and step-mom just moved down the street. He isn’t going to live here full-time, but when he is here, the boys are going to have a blast! They have played wonderfully with him for almost 5 days straight.
9. Sleep: I love getting a good night’s sleep. I slept for almost 10 hours last night! It was incredible.
10. Reading: I am still enjoying using the local library for books. The kids are also loving the summer reading program.
11. Creativity: Today I needed to take my son to get his glasses adjusted. He was begging to take his video game along on the ride. My husband made a comment that it was so close we could almost walk there and that he didn't need to play on such a short trip. That's when I got the idea to ride our bikes there. My 7 year old was SO excited! It was priceless seeing my 7 year old go from complaining about having to go to running out the door with his helmet and a big smile on his face.
12. Family Pictures: We snapped this picture on the 4th of July. We were just hanging out after a nice meal on our patio and we decided to try out the timer function on our camera. I love pictures of my family and I am thankful we were able to get this one.

Take time to be thankful today. You will benefit from it.

Try-It-Out Tuesday

We tried this recipe out this past week. It made the house smell incredible! I have to be honest, though, when I looked at it as it was cooking, I thought, "There is no way my kids will eat this." They were hesitant. There was little bit of complaining. And then, they all ate it and liked it. One of the boys even asked for a second bowl! My kids and I ate it with cheddar cheese on top. My hubby (who came home late) ate it with ketchup and mustard. It is not an impressive looking meal but it does taste good.

Cowboy Casserole
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
6 medium potatoes, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 16 oz cans kidney beans
15 oz can diced tomatoes mixed with 2 Tbsp flour
(I substituted petite diced tomatoes. I also think that it would be even better if you used 2 cans.)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

1. Layer onions, ground beef, potatoes, garlic, and beans in slow cooker.
2. Spead tomatoes or soup over all. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Cover. Cook on low 5-6 hours, or until potatoes are tender.

90 seconds

This tragic story is on my mind tonight. I thought I would share it. Please realize that I am sharing it because it embodies my fears and because I hope it will help others realize the extreme threat of food allergies. Sometimes when I say David cannot have something because I cannot read a label, it seems obvious that the item couldn't contain peanuts. This story is a reminder to me that I can never be too careful. (We always keep David's EpiPen on hand. We carry a small backpack with his EpiPen Jr, his asthma medicine, benedryl and allergy visine.)

Man's death a stark reminder of food allergy risks

By Sharon Salyer, Herald Writer

SEATTLE -- Daniel Sargent was at Magnuson Park on Sunday, celebrating a friend's 30th birthday.

About 90 seconds after taking a bite out of a chocolate chip cookie, he collapsed.

By chance, an Everett pulmonologist, a nurse and a medic were attending the party. They administered CPR until aid crews arrived.

Sargent, 30, of Everett, was rushed to Harborview Medical Center. Medical staff battled for two days to help him overcome the complications of anaphylactic shock, an extreme allergic reaction that blocked his breathing and deprived his brain of oxygen.

Doctors tried cooling his body for 24 hours and heavily sedating him, in the hope that his body could rest and recover.

Monday afternoon, his blood pressure skyrocketed and his heart rate dropped. Tuesday evening, two neurologists pronounced Sargent brain dead.

All this, his family said, from taking one bite out of a homemade chocolate chip cookie, one that had just enough peanut butter to trigger his extreme allergic reaction.

Sargent, a Herald employee, was one of about 5,000 people who die each year nationally from anaphylactic shock, which can be triggered by common foods such as peanuts, shellfish and eggs, said Angel Waldron, a spokeswoman for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Peanuts are the most common source of fatal allergic reactions, said Dr. Paul McBride, an allergist at The Everett Clinic.

"Your blood pressure can go to zero while your airways swell closed," he said. "And you have literally less than a minute to deal with it before people pass out. That's why immediate treatment is so crucial."

Otherwise, he said, death can occur within seconds.

Because peanuts are both inexpensive and good sources of protein, they're used as ingredients in many different products, including cookies, candies and pastries.

"It's a lot of products that people just put them in," McBride said.

"The people that are allergic are the ones that have to be vigilant. No one else will pay attention for them."

Sargent's family said they hope their loss is a reminder of how important it is to label food containing common allergens, even at picnics and other community events.

"I don't want another parent to have to go through this," said David Sargent, Daniel's father. "It's been proven that peanuts can drop you quick.

"You may be the world's greatest cook, but if it has peanuts in it, please label it. It can kill somebody."

Daniel Sargent, who graduated from Snohomish High School in 1996, worked at The Herald as a sports writer, covering soccer and high school sports. He also worked as a medical assistant for Skagit Valley Medical Center in Mount Vernon.

A memorial service is planned for later this month, his sister, Penny Sargent said.

His life-long interest in soccer began at age 5 when he first began playing the sport.

He began coaching for the Snohomish County Youth Soccer Club when he was 18 and continued his volunteer work for more than a decade.

He also participated with an indoor soccer organization in Snohomish as a coach, player and referee, his sister said.

The family first learned of his severe peanut allergy when he was three months old. A little peanut oil on his skin caused a rash and blisters, his father said.

And when he was a little older, a small piece of chocolate candy containing peanut butter caused blistering in his month.

"We worked to keep peanut butter and peanut oils away from him," his dad said.

The family always kept an EpiPen at the house, an emergency shot of adrenaline that can be injected in an instant to counteract severe allergic reactions.

As an adult, his son decided not to carry one with him, he said, instead trying to be vigilant about what he was eating and having an over-the-counter allergy medicine close at hand.

"This time, it just came too fast, too quick, and too deadly," his dad said.

Daniel Sargent had listed his desire to be an organ donor on his driver's license. On Friday, his heart was used in transplant surgery at the University of Washington, his sister said. His liver, kidneys and corneas also will be donated.

"Daniel was a very caring person," she said. "Giving the gift of life to other people is what he wanted to do."

Food dangers

Foods that commonly cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction in children, include: eggs, peanuts, wheat and milk. In adults, it's shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts and other legumes.

Stings from bees, wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets also can cause anaphylaxis.

Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

For more information, check the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's Web site at www.aafa.org and click on the food allergies link.

Happy 4th of July!

This is one of my favorite pictures from my husband's unit when they were deployed to Iraq.

My husband was in the Army for 10 years. This is the 1st year post Army that we have celebrated July 4th. I cannot stop thinking about the soldiers that are deployed. I keep thinking about the families that are missing their soldier and proudly celebrating our country. I keep thinking about my husband's service in the Army and his time in Iraq. I found myself looking back through pictures of his deployment. That seems like a life time ago. And yet, the feelings from that time still occupy a part of my heart.
I am thankful for our men and women in the armed forces. I know many have sufferred for their service. I know many many families much feel a mix of sorrow and pride during patriotic holidays. I am thankful for our country. I am thankful for everyone that serves - both the service men and women and their families.


Perhaps the best way to honor our July 4th holiday is to take a little time and thank God for our country and our service men and women. Celebrate and enjoy family time! Then, thank God and pray for the soldiers and their families.

Thursday Thanks Tank #46

Here are some ways my Thanks Tank is being filled:
1. My big sister: I am thankful for my big sister. She is a great friend! I am thankful that she is always there for me if I need her. She is on my mind today because it is her birthday. I wish I was there with her family and my parents to help her celebrate.
2. Friends: I am thankful for my friend who watched my boys today. I have been blessed time and time again by friends that have watched my children when I needed a babysitter.
3. A laid back baby: Elisabeth is one easy going baby. The girl amazes me. I am so thankful that she has been my most laid back baby! It is perfect timing in my busy house.
4. Power of prayer: A couple of times lately I have marveled at how well something has gone. Then, I recognized that I had been praying for that very thing.
5. Our Country and especially the Armed Forces: The fourth of July always makes me feel proud and thankful to live in the United States. It also makes me really appreciate soldiers. I am so incredibly thankful for everyone that is serving (and has served) our country.
6. Healthy babies: A friend of mine just had a healthy baby boy. Her 1st child was very premature. I am thankful for Jack’s safe arrival.
7. One on One time with my kids: This month, I am starting a scheduled way to spend some one on one time with each of my children. I had my first “kid date” last night. It was a joy!
8. Making Wise Decisions: I am thankful for this because I had to make a decision this week and it was hard. It was hard to do the right thing when I wanted to be frivolous and impromptu.
9. Getting out of my Comfort Zone: I am being stretched and it is good.
10. Encouragement: I am thankful for kind words. My spouse encouraged me this week. My kids encouraged me. A friend encouraged me to notice what brings me joy. Encouraging words are so powerful!
11. Long weekend: I love that we have a long weekend. I am looking forward to lots of laid back family time this weekend!
12. Preschool: I signed David up for preschool this week. I am SO excited. I had turned in registration forms at another preschool (which I felt good about) but I couldn't shake the feeling that I really wanted David in a Christian preschool. I met with the director of the Christian preschool and had a tour. The teacher called me that afternoon to talk about David's allergy. I feel such peace about this decision.

I feel extremely thankful today. I think I could just keep going on and on with listing thankful thoughts. It has been a good week.

Please take time to be thankful today. Don't neglect to take time tomorrow to think about what a wonderful country we live in and thank God for it. Thank God for the men and women serving our country.

Works for Me Wednesday: The Five-Ingredients-or-Less-Edition

OH, this WFMW looks really, really good! Stop over at Rocks in My Dryer for hundreds of links to 5 ingredient dishes. Lately I am really wanting to try out new dishes but my groceries seem to cost more and more. I am excited about checking out these recipes. I'm sharing a really easy, very basic chicken recipe. It is always good and never dried out. Try it out--it's simple and yummy.

BREADED ITALIAN CHICKEN

Italian Dressing
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Italian Bread Crumbs
Parmesean Cheese

Marinate the Chicken in Italian Dressing for several hours. (Many times I throw it together and let it marinate in the fridge all day.) Pour the bread crumbs in a shallow dish. Mix in desired amount of Parmesean cheese. Roll chicken in crumbs so the chicken is covered. Place in baking dish. Sprinkle more parmesean cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour (or until chicken is done).

Check out WFMW! (At the time that I am writing this there are already over 375 people participating in this "blog carnival".) Happy Reading and Happy Cooking!

Tuesday Recipe Try-Out

I have a goal to try out at least one new recipe each week. I have something new cooking in the crockpot as I write. I am going to share some of these recipes from time to time (maybe not every week). It all depends on if I like the recipe and if I get around to blogging it. Anway, we tried the following recipe out last week. Seth and I really enjoyed it. The kids were indifferent (didn't complain much but didn't gobble it up, either). I love it because besides being yummy, it is really easy to make.

BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN BAKE

Ingredients:
1 19 ounce can stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 pkg Stove Top Stuffing Mix for chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bit-sized pieces
1 tsp dried basil leaves
2 cups Mozzarella shredded cheese, separated

PREHEAT oven to 400. Place tomatoes in medium bowl. Add stuffing mix and garlic. Stir until moistened.

PLACE chicken pieces in greased 13x9 baking dish. Sprinkle w/ basil and 1 cup cheese. Top with stuffing mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.