Adventures in Cooking: Meatless Meals

I get that not everyone wants to be a vegetarian.  People love meat.  However, if you are looking for a way to save some money on your grocery bill or get more vegetables into your life, going meatless one meal a week might be the way to go. 

Here are a couple of very easy and very tasty vegetarian recipes (not vegan) that I think you should try. 

First, Roasted Veggie and Black Bean Tacos. 

I initially found this on pinterest, but the link took me to the tasty kitchen website (which i love).  These were so yummy.  I did leave out the jalapeno because I thought the girls would eat them.  Since they didn't, I would for sure add it back in next time.  I had never cut up raw sweet potato before and that was interesting to say the least.  I had no idea how hard they were to cut!  I especially liked how crispy the tortilla was coming out of the oven.  As usual with most recipes I find on tasty kitchen, it made more than what the recipe said.  I had enough for 8 burritos (and I only used one large sweet potato).  Finally, we served ours with sour cream and they were very delicious.  Also good left over the next day for lunch.

Next, a vegetarian soup.  The recipe was given to me by a friend who called it taco soup, but it isn't really a taco soup.  It is more like a tortilla soup without chicken.   Here is the recipe.

 2 cans Ranch style beans
1 can black beans
1 can refried beans
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can cream style corn
2 cans rotel tomatoes with chilis
1 small onion (chopped)  i used only about 1/4 of an onion, but i hate onions
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet hidden valley ranch dressing mix (not fat free)
1-2 cups water

Crockpot version:  Mix all ingredients in your crockpot.  Add as much water as you would like to make it as soupy as you would like.  Cook 6-8 hours on low.  Serve with grated cheese, avocado, tortilla chips.

There you go!  Two meatless meals that are very tasty.

The Camellia Network

Happy Monday!  And happy first of October! 

I am excited to announce that starting in October I will be doing a monthly post highlighting some sort of non-profit/charity on my blog!  I have recently come across multiple opportunities to give to others that I felt very strongly about and I hope that by showcasing them here you might feel led to give as well.

Sometimes I see a need or a cause and I feel so incredibly drawn to help out, but don't.  I don't help because I feel like I can't do enough, or feel that I don't have enough money to help, or feel like what if I give to one organization and then the next month I see something else I want to give to, but don't have the money/resources to help because I gave somewhere the month before and on and on and on.  In my indecision and fear I don't do anything at all.  I am sick of letting opportunities to bless and help others pass me by due to my lack of faith or fear.

So, I have decided I am going to do something NOW.  I am going to make a decision to help out no matter how small.  Not everyone can give to every cause, but I can do something.  And yes, I know I don't have millions of readers, or even tens of thousands, heck, not really even thousands, but I am believing that even if the only result of these posts is my individual contributions, it will be worth it.  I have made the commitment to give a certain amount each month from my Mary Kay paychecks and then also a percentage of sales above and beyond that number.  I hope that you will join me in taking action now, no matter how small, to help people in our own communities and beyond.

Today, I am highlighting The Camellia Network.  I first learned about them here. 

Borrowing from their website, The Camellia Network's mission is to create a national network that connects every youth aging out of foster care to the critical resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive in adulthood.

Did you know that in most states when a foster child reaches the age of 18 they are forced out of the system even if they have nowhere to go?  25% of these kids will end up incarcerated and 25% will end up homeless.  About 30,000 kids age out of the foster care system each year and have no support system in place to help them succeed.

Here is a great video about their organization.

The Camellia Network is not giving handouts but rather a hand up to individuals trying to make a better life for themselves and in some cases their children also. 

I encourage you to check out their website and see what they are doing.  After registering on their site, giving is pretty easy. 

One thing I like about this organization is that you can browse registries of the youth that are on their site and give towards a specific need.  I gave to Isabelle who is registered for many baby items.  If you don't want to spend time looking at profiles and registries you can simply give to The Camellia Network through a giving link at the top of their page.

One thing that really hit home for me was that our system takes these kids out of their homes because we feel they will be better in foster care than they are in their own homes.  While I am sure that this is true, it is sad that then once these kids turn 18 we simply abandon them and wish them good luck.  I don't know about you, but I am not sure how I would have made it through college or having a baby or moving into my first apartment without the support (both emotional and financial) of my family.  These kids do not have that same support.  Investing, even a little, to make sure someone doesn't end up homeless or incarcerated makes sense to me and I hope it does to you also.

I am really excited about what the future holds for these posts!  I already know what organizations I will be highlighting for November and December and I am beyond excited to introduce them to you as well! 

Friday Five: If you really knew me.....

Ugh!  It has been a little tricky working in the blogging thing lately.  I will try to get back with it!  The kiddos and their revolt against sleeping is keeping me nice and groggy!  I saw a "getting to know me" post on another blog I follow and liked the idea so in true fashion, I am copying the idea.  Thanks, Aurie.

Here goes, five things you would know about me if you REALLY knew me.

1.  I hate onions.  Like hate.  Almost as much as I hate hot weather.  I will still cook with them because Jason likes them, but I don't use even 1/2 what the recipe calls for.  Usually I will use 1/4 of what it calls for!!!

2.  If I could wear black, head to toe, all year long I would.  Think Adele.  Since I think my husband would frown on that, I add in some nice grey and white once in awhile.  I just bought some purple shoes, some red shoes and some orange shoes.  Shoes are the only area in which I enjoy adding color.  And in case you were wondering, my ideal outfit is jeans, a shirt and cardigan and flats.

3.  My hair is naturally curly.  Messy curly.  It looks best and I get the most compliments when it is dirty.  Like three days without washing dirty.  So, if you see me and think my hair looks cute you can assume it hasn't been washed in at least three days.  It is not uncommon for me to go a week without washing my hair. 

4. I love reading.  Most days I have at least three books that I am in the process of reading.  Right now I am reading Harbingers, The No Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers, Sun Stand Still, and Parenting with Love and Logic.

5.  My personality is pretty Type A.  No one in the history of the world has ever described me as laid back.  I tried to fight it, but now instead of longing to be more relaxed, more go with the flow, I just embrace who I am and work on the areas I need to be better in, like patience!!!

There you go, five things you may not have known about me!  Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Eight Months

Lawson just keeps growing up.  I hate, hate, hate, hate it.  Like seriously, hate.  There is not much in this world that I would say I hate, but Lawson getting older falls in that category.  And hot weather.  I hate hot.  Moving on....Lawson is eight months old today.  Sometimes I look at my husband and realize that someday Lawson will be that big also and it makes me want to cry.  I am going to be a hot mess when he turns one.  Unless I am preggers again by then in which case I might be less sad, or maybe way more sad who knows. 

ANYWAY...Lawson is eight months today.

Here is some info about Lawson at eight months!

Height and Weight:  Unknown

We have managed to go another whole month without any trips to the doctor.   Whoo Hoo!!!  Though, just as before, he is still the smallest in his nursery at church.

Eating:  NON STOP.  For real.  We have started more and more and more solids.  We also started with the dreaded puffs.  He loves them but I had forgotten just how messy they were.  So basically he eats actual food two or three times a day (fruits, veggies, rice cereal), and then nurses what feels like a bazillion times a day.  In reality he is nursing every four or so hours sometimes less.

Sleeping:  Let's just say that no one in the house is really sleeping great these days.  Lawson included.  He has been waking up two or three times a night.  And yes, I realize there are those that would say to let him CIO, but at this point I am not going to do that.  Naps, however, are going great.  And I am not using the swing to get him to sleep anymore, just laying him down in his crib.

Likes:  crawling/scooting all over the house, playing in his sisters' room, eating puffs, putting things in his mouth, giving mom kisses (whoo hoo), and playing with toys

Dislikes:  sleeping through the night, not eating, being hot, being wet, being ignored

Milestones:  Lawson is sitting up all the way (PTL), scooting/crawling, and since I forgot to mention it last month.....saying dada.  Still no teeth and still has the paci. 

Well, there it is, a glimpse into Laws at 8 months old.  He is such a cutie pie.  I am so thankful for my little man!

Friday Five: Molly's sleep

Molly has been having a little difficulty in the sleep department.  Mostly in the going to sleep department.  It is a nightmare (get it...).  I feel like I am at the end of my rope.  I am waving my white flag.  I give up.  I can't figure out how to make that girl go to sleep.  Here are five things we have tried. 

1.  Threatening/Yelling.  Yep.  I was that mom.  "Go to bed now or else."  Turns out Moll doesn't care.  I knew we had a problem when she started asking for her punishment after prayer.  She would tell us she was going to get out of bed and could we go ahead and punish her.  FAIL.

2.  Super Nanny style.  I believe Super Nanny just took the kid back to bed calmly over and over without emotion or conversation.  Molly thought this was a rather fun game.  She smiled bigger and bigger each time she came out of her room.  Makes it hard to maintain the whole no emotion thing.

3.  Earlier bedtime.  I am going to keep trying this one for a few more nights.  I am convinced that she is not getting enough sleep which is why it is so hard at bedtime and naptime and also why she is so cranky in the mornings and evenings.  We are moving back bedtime half of an hour.  This may mean that for the next week or two we stick closer to home at night, but oh well.

4.  Nightlights.  She cried for awhile about it being too dark in her room, but as it turns out, when the light is on she actually stays awake longer.  So, no more light for her.

5.  Music.  We are in the process of trying this one.  I will let you know how it turns out in a couple of days. 

I realize that nothing is going to work right away and that we have to try out things for a bit before deciding that they aren't working.  So we have tried all of these things (music in progress) for more than one night.  One thing is clear....I will win the bedtime/naptime battles.  Kids need sleep and according to several sources, kids Molly's age need about 13 to 13.5 hours each day between naps and bedtime.  We are about 1.5-2 hours off of this. 

If you have any suggestions (except for allowing her to sleep in our bed...that is not an option) I would love to hear them! 

Btw, we do have a bedtime routine that consists of brushing, going to the bathroom, reading a bedtime story and then prayers.....in case you were going to suggest that!!!!

Recently on Instagram

I love instagram.  I think I have mentioned that before.  However, not everyone is on the IG bandwagon, so I thought I would share some of my recent pics (an idea stolen from my friend, Jessica).

Here is a little glimpse into what we have been up to.

Lawson crawled from the living room into his sisters' room.  Don't know how happy they will be with this new milestone!

Isabelle at story time.  She has missed going!

Molly at story time. 

Molly was just a little cold sitting out on the deck with me this past weekend.  It was in the 50's first thing in the morning!!! 

Pretty sure Moll has the bluest eyes in the family.

You should know she is stuck in her baby's playpen.  You should also know that this was the fourth time I had to go in there and get her!

The girls found a frog in our garden.  They proceeded to throw grass at him for his food.

Lawson ready for some Cowboy football.  Too bad we lost.

She had just told me, "this superhero needs help blowing her nose."

Lawson is finally sitting up.  This isn't the greatest example, but he can sit up straight!!

If you are on instagram, let me know!  I am @tracyd53.  My account is private due to some weird people following me so just send me a request and I will add you.  Have to be a little careful when posting pics of the kids!  I would love to follow you also!

Friday Five: Updates

Time for a few updates on the fam!  There have been lots of new developments going on and I don't think I have documented any of them!

First, one of the greatest things ever in all of time......MOLLY IS POTTY TRAINED.  Of course, now that I put it on the blog I am basically asking for an accident, but oh well.  We have been working for what seems like an eternity with Molly to get her out of diapers.  I hate having two in diapers.  It makes it seem like all I do all day long is change diapers.  So, we have been working overtime with Moll to get her out of the stupid diapers.  We tried candy and sticker charts and new princess undies and peer pressure and nothing was working.  And then we went out of town.  I just knew that throwing a wrench into our schedule and sticking her in the car for hours on end was going to erase any progress we had made, however, it had the opposite effect.  Cuh-razy.  I don't know why or how it happened, but while we were at the lake Molly stopped having accidents and started going in the toilet all. the. time.  And we are still accident free since being home.  We do still have to use diapers at nap and bedtime, but hopefully that will be over with soon also.  I used to hate it when people said their kids were potty trained when they were still in diapers at night, but I get it now.  She is potty trained.  She knows to go in the bathroom when she has to go and that is a MAJOR success.

photo from our recent playdate at chick-fil-a

Second, Lawson has done a few major things lately.  He is sitting up now, though he won't do it unless it's his idea, he is almost crawling (just needs to get one more arm in the mix) and he has been saying dada for like a month.  But the biggest Lawson news of all is his sleeping all the way through the night without waking up at all even for a paci replacement!!!!  Yes, yes, I know.  Kids much younger than Lawson sleep through the night, but well, I just couldn't find it inside myself to sleep train my little guy.  I have been tired, yes, but I have really enjoyed my middle of the night, quiet, nursing time with him.  And once again, by putting it on the blog I am practically ensuring that tonight he will be up a dozen times! 

Lawson being his regular smiley self.

Next up, Isabelle.  That girl is a hoot.  She is getting so big and so smart.  I have learned that for her when she says she wants to do school what she really means is that she wants to color pictures, read books and sing songs.  She does NOT want to practice writing, practice cutting or work on patterns.  Since she is already so far ahead in those areas I am going to give her a rest and try to get a little more creative in my schooling approach. 

Isabelle at CFA.

As for me, things are going well.  I joined a local MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group and l.o.v.e.d. it.  I don't want to sound to nerdy or cheesy or anything, but for a long time I have been trying all kinds of different things to meet people and get connected with other moms and each time have come up short.  While I have gotten something out of everything I have tried I always come away with the feeling that I haven't quite found a place to fit in or to belong. Because of that, I almost didn't go to MOPS.  I was apprehensive to say the least.  I was worried that I would be odd man out or that people wouldn't like me, or that I wouldn't like any of them, and I was worried my kids wouldn't like going.  Thankfully I went ahead and went and it was so great.  Like so great.  The girls had a great time, Lawson did great, I was not odd man out, in fact everyone almost everyone I met was new to the group this year, and they were all so incredibly nice.  Not fake nice, but like actually nice.  In case any of them are reading this I will stop now so I don't seem weird, but just between you and me, it was such an answer to prayer!

Lastly, J man.  Well, I bet you can guess what kind of updates I have on Jason.  He is busy.  Betcha didn't see that one coming!!!  That man stays busy.  I laugh when he says something about how he is "super busy this week" as if he wasn't "super busy" last week.  I am grateful that his company has work and that he is staying busy but there are times when I wish he wasn't so busy all the time. 

So there you go, some updates on our little fam.  I am almost done with all the laundry that we dirtied up while on our lake adventure.  This weekend is a busy one so I need to get it all finished today!  Hooray for laundry!