tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79121673856000840042024-02-07T07:34:50.306-06:00lola.makes.threeMy name is Grace, my husband is Jonathan, and our kitten, Lola, makes three.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-23003067306389730362007-08-29T19:32:00.000-06:002007-12-03T22:40:08.489-06:00New Blog!I've decided to start doing my blogging on my Mac and to stop using blogger. If you're not automatically redirected, click here:<br /><br /><a href="http://web.mac.com/gracew0729/lola.makes.three/Blog/Blog.html">http://web.mac.com/gracew0729/lola.makes.three/Blog/Blog.html</a><br /><br />I'm still working on moving my archives, but I will be posting there from now on.<br /><br />So, for ALL of you loyal readers (because of course I have TONS) be sure to update your bookmarks/feeds!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-88686336863122822122007-08-18T21:27:00.000-06:002007-08-18T21:39:52.766-06:00To be perfect...I think I've written about this before, but sometimes, I just feel like I don't measure up as a wife/housekeeper. (Now, be kind, because I'm about to be really transparent about the kind of housekeeper I am. Note that none of this reflects on my Momma, who is an excellent housekeeper... somehow it just didn't seem to 'take' with me.) The feeling usually strikes when the sink is full of dirty dishes, the hamper is full of clothes, and I know good and well that the clothes in the washing machine have been in there for a couple of days and will need to be re-washed with white vinegar before I can start any more. Meanwhile, clutter is piling up on the coffee table, the bed's not made, and... I think you get the picture.<br /><br />Bottom line, while I want my home to be a sanctuary for my husband, myself, our friends, and anyone else who happens to pass through our doors, I have some trouble executing that. And I don't even have kids to worry about!<br /><br />Katherine, at <a href="http://raisingfive.blogspot.com/2007/08/homemaking-versus-housekeeping.html">Raising Five</a>, has written a post that makes me feel a *little* bit better about that. She writes that we need to remember the difference between <span style="font-style: italic;">Homemaking</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Housekeeping</span>. Housekeeping is one job of a homemaker, but that's not all. Filling our homes with love, charity, and the warmth of the love of Christ is our primary responsibility. Also, she says that measuring ourselves by a fictitious "perfect" standard sets us up for disappointment in ourselves and, inevitably, failure.<br /><br />Oh that I could remember these points! I know that the perfect standard I imagine is unattainable. I am not perfect. We're all flawed! I need to try, to do what I can, and to realize that there are more important things than having a perfect house--specifically, to work on having a warm, inviting home.<br /><br />(excuse me, I have to go put those clothes in the dryer now, <span style="font-style: italic;">before</span> they mildew!)Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-53702936788463364142007-08-15T12:35:00.001-06:002007-08-15T12:35:25.854-06:00Bored to tears...What is the origin of the phrase, "Bored to tears?" At any rate, I think it's possible. I'm actually so bored that I feel like tears could spring to my eyes at any moment. Rescue me! What do you do when you're this bored?<br /><br />(note: I spent the last 15 minutes googling for the origin of the phrase "bored to tears". Now that that 15 minutes is over, what will I do for the rest of my 3.5 hour work day?????)Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-91312449012840889552007-08-13T08:01:00.000-06:002007-08-13T09:31:07.875-06:00Menu Plan Monday: August 13<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFDeoMD1qOh-JlDtwn7RdRBwX39t2bCs-LdrAszq1qTFsuniPQGKKgRLNTCtKwAkUkCGgmsOUXoTuMtpkIXkMjAHdaNKufrXxtWN9rvjOsk4oBP6MnsQi7sJthvJZri9d2YB9UEkSqv4h/s1600/menuplan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFDeoMD1qOh-JlDtwn7RdRBwX39t2bCs-LdrAszq1qTFsuniPQGKKgRLNTCtKwAkUkCGgmsOUXoTuMtpkIXkMjAHdaNKufrXxtWN9rvjOsk4oBP6MnsQi7sJthvJZri9d2YB9UEkSqv4h/s1600/menuplan.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Monday: Stir Fry<br />Tuesday: Block Party Cook-Out!<br />Wednesday: <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/07/saucy-honey-mustard-chicken.html">Saucy Honey Mustard Chicken</a>, Uncle Ben's Wild rice, mixed veggies<br />Thursday: <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/06/easy-quesadillas.html">Easiest Quesadillas</a>, refried beans<br />Friday: <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/07/homemade-pizza-rolls.html">Homemade Pizza Rolls</a>, Un-fried French Fries<br />Saturday: Steuffer's Lasagna, garlic bread, corn<br />Sunday: Oven Roast with Potatoes and Carrots<br /><br />Don't forget to look for more menu ideas at Laura's blog, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/orgjunkie.blogspot.com">I'm an Organizing Junkie!</a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-34563851304481166442007-08-13T07:07:00.001-06:002007-08-13T07:18:01.433-06:00Sleeeeeeeeep...I am fully aware that any moms out there are going to roll their eyes and tell me to grow up when they read this, but...<br /><br />Lola has stopped sleeping through the night. She no longer snuggles. She no longer lets us sleep for as long as she wants to. She gets up at about 5:30 each morning, bugs me for 10 mins or so, then gets up at 7 for good.<br /><br />The sad thing is that there are only like 4 more days that I could sleep in before school stuff starts, but I think that I'm probably not going to get to for any of them. Worse than that is that Jon, who is not really a cat person, but got her to make me happy, is getting increasingly frustrated/angry with her waking him up.<br /><br />*end whining*Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-51018093907137263552007-08-07T12:08:00.000-06:002007-08-07T15:40:23.603-06:00I recommend...There have been several things brewing around in my mind that I wanted to recommend to anyone who happens to read this, so I figured I'd just make a list.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:130%;" >Music</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.monkandneagle.com/_media/monkneagle_desktop1_sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 93px;" src="http://www.monkandneagle.com/_media/monkneagle_desktop1_sm.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><ul><li>My. Goodness. Monk & Neagle's "Twenty-First Time" is my new favorite CD! I am so glad that I got a review copy so that I can tell you guys to all go out and get it! Especially great songs: Beautiful You, Hallelujah Jesus, Wonderful Angel, Into Orbit... Basically, it's a great mix of Jesus songs and Love songs with an acoustic sound that just makes me grin.<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:130%;" >Food</span><ul><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.quakerricesnacks.com/?q=system/files/u1/pkg_ranch_QUK.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 91px; height: 117px;" src="http://www.quakerricesnacks.com/?q=system/files/u1/pkg_ranch_QUK.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Quaker Rice Snacks in Ranch Flavor- I've been bringing these in my lunch every day. They are SO good! :) They have just the right amount of seasoning, and the crunch I need to make me feel like I'm eating something bad for me.<br /></li></ul><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Websites</span></span><ul><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/html/images/Monday_02.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 139px;" src="http://www.hungry-girl.com/html/images/Monday_02.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>www.hungry-girl.com: I just found this website. It's written in a cute, funny tone, and has all kinds of great tips on healthy eating alternatives. I signed up to receive the daily e-mails, but in the mean time I'm having a great time going through the archives!<br /></li></ul>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-67589069484703852122007-08-06T09:08:00.000-06:002007-08-06T08:17:41.410-06:00Menu Plan Monday - August 6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv6F4OuafqCCqePA1NxNfGeH16NVnTlusVYuecn5SeWeVcVmjxMP1pz-hDTdplU6EWLIJwVTwQD3GmOuDyc62a26bdffBImPIumSh4AZOLaCic82gZwoq53wISjeQzHxWH49Ny3DLlIc/s1600-h/New+Picture.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv6F4OuafqCCqePA1NxNfGeH16NVnTlusVYuecn5SeWeVcVmjxMP1pz-hDTdplU6EWLIJwVTwQD3GmOuDyc62a26bdffBImPIumSh4AZOLaCic82gZwoq53wISjeQzHxWH49Ny3DLlIc/s320/New+Picture.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095590638856750178" border="0" /></a>(Sorry I'm missing so many recipes; it usually bugs me when people do this! I'm just at work and don't have my cookbook with me.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday</span> - <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/06/oven-bbq-chicken.html">Oven BBQ Chicken</a>, rice, green beans<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday</span> - Dinner with friends<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday</span> - Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin (purchased marinated from store), Cindy Davis Green beans <span style="font-style: italic;">(buttery & sweet--<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">recipe to come</span>)</span>, garlic cheese rolls <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(so easy; <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">recipe to come</span>)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday</span> - <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/06/sour-cream-dill-chicken.html">Sour Cream and Dill Chicken</a>, egg noodles, mixed veggies<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span> - <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/06/tasty-taco-bake.html">Tasty Taco Bake</a>, Pico de Gallo<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span> - Honey Mustard Chicken <span style="font-style: italic;">(husband's fav--<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">recipe to come</span>)</span>, rice, mixed veggies<br /><br />As always, check Laura's site, <a href="http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com/2007/08/menu-plan-monday-aug-6th.html">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a>, for more menu ideas. Thanks Laura!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-29838235354878153602007-07-27T16:27:00.000-06:002007-07-27T16:31:25.129-06:00And if that wasn't enough...5 Minutes for Mom, together with <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8274672&type=product&id=1171058029049">Best Buy</a>, is hosting a giveaway for a flat-panel LCD HDTV!!! <br /><br />...<br /><br /><br />IF you wanted to enter (which, I mean, surely you won't, right?) <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/wp-comments-post.php">the link is here</a>. :)Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-2293054552933656242007-07-27T06:08:00.001-06:002007-07-27T06:10:40.810-06:00And the winner is......Jessica! Who, unfortunately, doesn't have a blog I can direct you to. Too bad, because I'm sure I would love to read her thoughts (that's my favorite part of blogs)! I am e-mailing her to let her know that she has won. :)<br /><br />On second note--I am leaving for vacation to Colorado tomorrow, so if you're here to contact me about having WON your giveaway (which, hopefully SOMEBODY is--I mean, come on! I entered 18275057 of them!), and I don't get back to you for about a week, please know that it's just because I don't have internet access!<br /><br />Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for entering the giveaway and/or for giving me prizes. :) I hope you'll stay to look around and see what I'm all about. Have a blessed day!! :)Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-3027029948811328232007-07-23T08:47:00.001-06:002007-07-27T06:05:52.986-06:00An lm3 Giveaway! Handmade CardsAs part of the super Dog Days of Summer blog giveaway hosted by Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer, I'm giving away some handmade greeting cards that I made myself. To win, just make a comment! You don't have to be a blogger to win, but if you're not, be sure to leave an e-mail address! I will randomly draw for a winner this Friday. If you win, I will ship the cards to you. Because we're poor college students and I would be hardpressed to afford out-of-US shipping, I'm going to have to limit this giveaway to people who are stateside. Sorry!! I hope you like the cards!<br /><br />Be SURE to <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2007/07/dog-days-of-sum.html">go to Rocks in My Dryer for more giveaways</a>!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPHoc7_3g-o2BZDoiFvwGUGiyLMQPun-dnht2xnD6bZ9631nPkOr6dpfZIbCtu2m7E8Xu04lpr6r-X9J5WvUk6S4xs79wN3y5XQ0S9zHPEc_MVfEiqX9KKs7Do2lsPbtxQR3vnF6GSCk/s1600-h/P7230003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090404564631077970" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPHoc7_3g-o2BZDoiFvwGUGiyLMQPun-dnht2xnD6bZ9631nPkOr6dpfZIbCtu2m7E8Xu04lpr6r-X9J5WvUk6S4xs79wN3y5XQ0S9zHPEc_MVfEiqX9KKs7Do2lsPbtxQR3vnF6GSCk/s400/P7230003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />On the top left, the card says, "I owe the much: thou hast deserv'd from me far, far beyond what I can ever pay." (Robert Blair)<br /><br />The top middle, pink card, says Miss You<br /><br />The top right card says "CONGRATS" in metal letter blocks<br /><br />Bottom Left is a christmas tree made from ribbon and buttons.<br /><br />The bottom middle card says, "Way to Go!!!!!!"<br /><br />And the bottom right says "Happy Summer" The popcicle is raised from the card. This card has two stickers inside it--one is a little girl playing with a sprinkler, and another is a girl holding water balloons. (No words)<br /><br />Except for the summer card, each card is blank inside.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com127tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-3840709261341968362007-07-19T11:05:00.000-06:002007-07-19T11:08:06.853-06:00BooMama Hooked Me Up!<center><a href="http://www.monkandneagle.com/blogformusic" target="newlink"><img src="http://www.monkandneagle.com/blogformusic/_images/mn_150blogbanner.gif" alt="monk & neagle banner " border="0" height="150" width="150" /></a></center><br /><br />Yesterday, BooMama alerted the blogosphere that she would post a link today that would lead to a free Monk & Neagle CD! Now, I had not heard of Monk & Neagle until she started raving about them, but I had heard a couple of their songs on the radio without realizing it.<br /><br />If you hurry, maybe you can get one too! Just<a href="http://www.monkandneagle.com/blogformusic/"> go to this webpage</a>. But hurry!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-25108358237740036662007-07-18T08:57:00.000-06:002007-07-18T14:13:51.464-06:00WFMW: Simple Recipe Holder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/04/17/wfmwheader.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/04/17/wfmwheader.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />I like to keep my recipes online (you can see my recipe blog <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/">here</a>). Then, when I want to cook them, I print them out. My tip today is meant to keep the recipes easy to see and out of the way. I just put them on the oven hood with a magnet! Here's an example:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZHGJ7I5MxzbBIaXUJXG7Ue1syLA_9YBn7gLQga0rVdyIQDACFRnrhmKJH7EtvdhYyJITi7v8ev9EJSLy_AGxxVyx-sksTlsry_GsRVB_AuF1xzO5__EKc1SeKDnLxXxK_Y3IDvd_BwE/s1600-h/P7160001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZHGJ7I5MxzbBIaXUJXG7Ue1syLA_9YBn7gLQga0rVdyIQDACFRnrhmKJH7EtvdhYyJITi7v8ev9EJSLy_AGxxVyx-sksTlsry_GsRVB_AuF1xzO5__EKc1SeKDnLxXxK_Y3IDvd_BwE/s320/P7160001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088552260262799378" border="0" /></a><br />That paper is my recipe. :) Hope this helps another cook! Don't forget to check for more tips on Shannon's site, <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2007/07/works-for-me-te.html">Rocks in my Dryer</a>!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-81679585713143567922007-07-17T09:45:00.000-06:002007-07-17T09:54:19.144-06:00Something MoreLast night, when I was washing dishes, I looked out the window and saw a girl taking out the trash, and I had no idea who she was. This may not seem like a big deal, but it really struck me. There are only 16 apartments in our complex, and we go to a kind of small school. Last year, our apartments were full, and I can only say that I knew a few of the wives who lived in them.<br /><br />I think God wants something more.<br /><br />We are all in similar situations--young, newly married, most of us in school. We're just figuring out all of this. Instead of being isolated, what if we were in regular fellowship? Finding support from each other in these new uncharted territories?<br /><br />I have a vision for these women. I'm just figuring out what God wants, but I think it's definitely something more.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-35916723859896928872007-07-16T17:02:00.000-06:002007-07-16T17:07:41.432-06:00Where? WHERE?Things that are currently missing in our 500 sq. ft. apartment:<br /><br /><ol><li>The remote for the TV. This would not be a problem, since our Tivo remote controls the power, volume, and channels... EXCEPT that it will not switch the input on the TV. So, for Jonathan to play PS2 or for us to watch a DVD, we have to manually switch the cable cord from the playstation to the TV. If you knew my husband, you would know that this is a time-consuming problem.</li><li>A library book. My library record is... blemished. I tend to be a less than responsible patron, but usually I know where the book is, but just delay in turning it in. A few weeks ago, I was reading a novel in our bedroom on a Sunday afternoon. Now, I have absolutely. no. idea. where it is. And I have looked!</li><li>2 mice with jingle tails, 2 stuffed leopard-printed balls with feathers. Lola apparently has found some storage place in the apartment that I have yet to discover. Her toys disappear. They are not under the couch, or the bed, or the TV, or anywhere that I can find. Until about 30 minutes ago, this list also included a minature yellow stuffed duck. I retrieved him from under the fridge with a hanger. By the time I had returned the hanger to the closet, Mr. Quackers (Jonathan named him) had returned to his hiding spot under the fridge. I dug him out again and then put a dish towel under the fridge opening.</li><li>This list goes on with other things that are escaping my mind right now.</li></ol>But really! WHERE could this stuff BE?Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-25351731416866386772007-07-16T14:17:00.001-06:002007-07-16T15:01:10.273-06:00I'm one of Rachel's Company Girls!Rachel Anne, of <a href="http://homesanctuary.typepad.com/rachelanne/">Home Sanctuary</a>, has asked me to be one of her company girls! She explains the phrase <a href="http://homesanctuary.typepad.com/rachelanne/2006/08/company_girls.html">here</a>. I've been reading Rachel's blog for awhile, and I am always inspired by her sincere, insightful words. If you haven't checked it out yet, you should!<br /><br />Today, she really got me with <a href="http://homesanctuary.typepad.com/rachelanne/2007/07/maybe-june-clea.html">this post about June Cleaver</a>. Definitely go read how she put it, but the essence is that maybe the Beav's mom had a good idea, cleaning in her pearls and heels. As wives and moms, maybe we can get more done, and be respected more, if we'd dress for success.<br /><br />I know this is a problem for me. Jonathan and I are coming up on our one-year anniversary (in less than 2 weeks), and I haven't improved at housekeeping as much as I would like to. On days when he works and I don't, I wake up with lofty goals, but by the time he gets home, it seems I've done nothing! I'm not sure if it's a lack of motivation, or something else, but it seems I have trouble getting things done. I don't even have children to worry about--just me and Lola--so I shouldn't have a problem here! Maybe if I would get myself up and get dressed, I would have better luck getting everything done.<br /><br />I really want my home to be the sanctuary that Rachel's blog title refers to--and not just for my husband and I. Our apartment is on campus--in between the most beautiful, quaint one-room church that was moved to our campus and a dorm. All of our school friends, as well as the freshman girls who I lead in bible study live in dorms or school-furnished apartments. I really desire for our home to be a place with open doors to which our friends can come and find sanctuary.<br /><br />If anyone read this who has this housekeeping thing under control, please shed some advice!!!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-15611307396141653132007-07-16T09:33:00.000-06:002007-07-16T10:08:00.737-06:00Menu Plan Monday - July 16<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMb3j8CM0xfcFm1o60_rP0BfR7YihZUkIgltfeOoaAa2repWxBSdDShlMr8ZnuDgt3bgwLB81V3-ekpceSp0Ol6pfpMrvATklo-3svqWPZBSEAZirM54L0gfLKJNPAAAgLqULd2yXUKOg/s1600/New+Picture.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMb3j8CM0xfcFm1o60_rP0BfR7YihZUkIgltfeOoaAa2repWxBSdDShlMr8ZnuDgt3bgwLB81V3-ekpceSp0Ol6pfpMrvATklo-3svqWPZBSEAZirM54L0gfLKJNPAAAgLqULd2yXUKOg/s1600/New+Picture.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It seems that my blog has just been a place for me to post meal plans and sprinkle in a few other random posts! I'm hoping that when I start my practicum, I will have more interesting stories to tell. Right now, summer consists of work and studying for the GRE!<br /><br />But on to the Menu Plan! We had several things come up last week, so I'm recycling some of the recipes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday</span>: <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/07/garlic-parmesan-chicken.html">Garlic Parmesan Chicken</a> (I still can't wait to try this!), wild rice, veggies<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday</span>: <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/07/pork-chops-1-can-chicken-broth-1-pkg.html">Slow-Cooker Porkchops</a> (A definite Favorite), mashed potatoes, veggies<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday</span>: <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/06/oven-bbq-chicken.htmlhttp://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/06/oven-bbq-chicken.html">Oven Barbecued Chicken</a>, green beans, rice<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday</span>: Not cooking<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span>: <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/07/foil-pack-taco-chicken-dinner.html">Foil-Pouch Taco Chicken</a>, Mexican Rice, Refried beans, Salad<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span>: Out of town<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday</span>: Out of town<br /><br />Be sure to check out Laura's blog, at <a href="http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com/">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for more menu ideas!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-82874612611414577442007-07-16T09:17:00.001-06:002007-07-16T09:22:12.170-06:00Summer Giveaway Extravaganza!First of all, let me say, I .love. this idea!!!<br /><br />Shannon, over at Rocks in My Dryer, is hosting a <a href="http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa160/rocksinmydryer/dogdays.jpg">Dog Days of Summer Bloggy Giveaway</a>!<br /><br />I've put the banner in my sidebar and I'm already trying to decide what to give away!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-34126310397886676542007-07-11T18:31:00.001-06:002007-07-11T18:39:19.508-06:00My Favorite Cookbook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.livingonadime.com/images/dodmed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.livingonadime.com/images/dodmed.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>(Almost my favorite book, period.)<br /><br />This book is so full of tips, recipes, and ideas, that every time I go through it, I find something new. The idea is to have a book that promotes frugal cooking/housekeeping/gift giving/habits, and it exceeds expectations! The recipes are for down-home, <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span> food. Nothing is too fancy. <br /><br />There are tons of tips and encouraging sayings, many of which are from a Christian perspective! (ex: "Never be discouraged. Remember, Noah was an amateur. The experts built the Titanic.")<br /><br />There's also a 32 pg. section on mixes for giftgiving, a 22 pg. section on recipes for kids (including playdough, finger paints, snow ice cream, etc.), and a a 32 pg. section on cleaning tips (including recipes for cleaning solutions, etc.) and a 22 pg. section on beauty recipies (homemade leg wax anyone??)<br /><br />This guide (because it's really more than a cookbook) is great for basic recipes, tips, and teaching general housekeeping stuff!<br /><br />In sum, I'd recommend it to anyone!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-4324171610988382872007-07-09T12:00:00.000-06:002007-07-09T15:31:18.165-06:00Menu Plan Monday - July 9<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYZ74rlARBshqrDqRIhKABDShdKzHQQpz24c6nIejhRE1gvqlJEs16d2lrbhCXCsWVfc8FfvIL3awr6c_fUfLAkWAfkUsG-1Yp7TSaC1We-XunWmkdhubHP2d4qXxYmdfnjRfXmZFp9jI/s320/New+Picture.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYZ74rlARBshqrDqRIhKABDShdKzHQQpz24c6nIejhRE1gvqlJEs16d2lrbhCXCsWVfc8FfvIL3awr6c_fUfLAkWAfkUsG-1Yp7TSaC1We-XunWmkdhubHP2d4qXxYmdfnjRfXmZFp9jI/s320/New+Picture.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Monday - Cheesy Pasta (from a bag)<br />Tuesday - Honey Mustard Chicken<br />Wednesday - Hot Dogs<br />Thursday - <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/07/foil-pack-taco-chicken-dinner.html">Foil Pack Taco Chicken Dinner</a><br />Friday - <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/07/homemade-pizza-rolls.html">Pizza Rolls</a><br />Saturday - <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/07/garlic-parmesan-chicken.html">Garlic Parmesan Chicken</a><br />Sunday - <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/07/pork-chops-1-can-chicken-broth-1-pkg.html">Crock Pot Pork Chops</a><br /><br />Be sure to look for more tasty meal plans at <a href="http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com/2007/07/menu-plan-monday-july-9th.html">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a>!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-76463940138922895392007-07-02T08:51:00.000-06:002007-07-02T07:54:14.831-06:00Menu Plan Monday: July 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYZ74rlARBshqrDqRIhKABDShdKzHQQpz24c6nIejhRE1gvqlJEs16d2lrbhCXCsWVfc8FfvIL3awr6c_fUfLAkWAfkUsG-1Yp7TSaC1We-XunWmkdhubHP2d4qXxYmdfnjRfXmZFp9jI/s1600/New+Picture.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYZ74rlARBshqrDqRIhKABDShdKzHQQpz24c6nIejhRE1gvqlJEs16d2lrbhCXCsWVfc8FfvIL3awr6c_fUfLAkWAfkUsG-1Yp7TSaC1We-XunWmkdhubHP2d4qXxYmdfnjRfXmZFp9jI/s1600/New+Picture.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We've had several unexpected expenses in the last week or so, so this is my penny-pinching menu!<br /><br />Monday: Oven Barbecue Chicken<br />Tuesday: Hotdogs<br />Wednesday: Granny's House!<br />Thursday: <a href="http://lm3recipes.blogspot.com/2007/07/better-than-ever-beef-enchiladas.html">Easy Enchiladas</a><br />Friday: Hotdogs again/leftovers (if necessary... but we probably won't be here)<br /><br />We love the enchiladas; they're super easy, and semi-healthy! I like to make a double batch of the meat, and then freeze half until the next time I make it. Then, it's even easier!!<br /><br />Be sure to get more menu ideas on Laura's blog at <a href="http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com/">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a>!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-8308656643448406072007-07-01T18:57:00.001-06:002007-07-01T19:00:17.719-06:00I love... Sushi.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6R_iLlQ0fOXeUGkL4xl7OY0_XX-Rbs3VJgfVmyvCJ3cLTigHx12fWBhO7_fX7OVkX-PLyR5zCy5_Wsg1mCVQYKd9HpxDj7ruqgmj-GEicXdPGPdsH3pO2uyrRmeJJ2jvyomrdGltuLw/s1600-h/im_roll_spicytuna.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6R_iLlQ0fOXeUGkL4xl7OY0_XX-Rbs3VJgfVmyvCJ3cLTigHx12fWBhO7_fX7OVkX-PLyR5zCy5_Wsg1mCVQYKd9HpxDj7ruqgmj-GEicXdPGPdsH3pO2uyrRmeJJ2jvyomrdGltuLw/s200/im_roll_spicytuna.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082397443139973538" border="0" /></a><br />This image of a spicy tuna roll makes me hungrier than you can imagine! I would gladly give up many, many things if you could promise me a steady supply of sushi.<br /><br />Problem 1: There is no sushi in this small, small town.<br />Problem 2: My sushi tastes, like seemingly all of my other tastes, are expensive. The cheap rolls are fine, but I am ALL. ABOUT. the specialty rolls with several kinds of fish and special sauces.<br /><br />One day... One day, sushi.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-7256690037257327672007-07-01T18:38:00.000-06:002007-07-01T18:42:16.488-06:00Pimp my blog!Let me just say that I am very proud of myself. I found a tutorial about how to add a picture to the top of my blog. Then, I found a picture on google image search... BUT, it wasn't big enough.<br />SO I made it bigger in the new image editing software that came with our printer (which is surprisingly RICH in features!)... BUT, it was kind of pixelated because I had made it bigger. SO I added an "oil painting" filter to make it look pretty... BUT it wasn't quite the right color. SO I added blue to it to make it match the background.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm just excited I discovered how to use the softwre, and how to make my blog prettier. :)<br /><br />(all the while, Lola snuggles IN my lap, UNDER the laptop. She almost doesn't fit (I think she's growing faster than she realizes)! But I bet she likes the warmth the motor makes.)Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-51281156528346435482007-06-29T17:53:00.000-06:002007-06-29T17:56:03.596-06:0011 months...Today is Jonathan & my 11 month wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that next month, we will have been married for a whole year! It's been such a good 11 months... I cannot wait to see what comes next!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-84077208446939713362007-06-28T14:46:00.000-06:002007-06-28T15:47:30.438-06:00PracticumNote: If you don't know, this is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">very. big. deal.<br /><br /></span>I'll soon be in the process of applying for grad schools, and until that time comes, I'm doing everything I can to make myself the best candidate I can be. I'm maintaining good grades, I'm studying for the GRE, I'm making good relationships with my professors so that I can have great letters of recommendation, and I've done extensive research (NOT my cup of tea) that I'm going to write an undergraduate thesis on (breathe...)...<br /><br />Now, the one thing missing here is work experience. So, I've been looking for a practicum (a volunteer work experience in Psychology that will earn me credit towards graduation) for a couple of months now. I wanted to work in a hospital (because I'm hoping that will give me an edge getting into the program of my choice, which is actually primarily a medical school).<br /><br />And I got one! I'll be working at a hospital near here (it's about a 35 minute commute) on their inpatient unit. I am VERY excited.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Warning</span>: Details to follow which may seem boring if you don't know what I'm talking about.<br /><br />The unit has 20 beds, which apparently are nearly always all full. The (I'm not sure what to call them yet... patients? clients? I'm sure there's a "correct" term) have 4 group sessions a day, and there are three kinds of sessions: Process sessions (where they talk about some issue facing them... one ex. I saw on the board was self-mutilation), Expression sessions (typically a game or arts/crafts, etc.), and Education sessions (learning about processes and topics they should know).<br /><br />I'm so excited to get started. I can't wait to converse with the patients, and see all the things I've been learning about in real life. The therapists said that most of the people they get are suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, some are detoxing from an addiction, and sometimes they get people with personality disorders. (You may not know this, but THIS is exciting).<br /><br />Anyway. Hopefully, I'll have some good stories to tell. :)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912167385600084004.post-22431663486861074562007-06-25T15:16:00.000-06:002007-06-28T15:37:32.733-06:00Menu Plan Monday: June 25<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F-UzxFUuyrB96tA5f6aSrEzx-8RpVEPgwZvRD4NGjrgRYwWut6zfUeHEhKFYrJb8_lpoFmiu92t0X0FhOyBmtEBo7kjz7p5y2_IoKO900BAjsSLPfnrpbOGg5oTBwZpZxuXk1yXBCB8/s1600/menuplan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F-UzxFUuyrB96tA5f6aSrEzx-8RpVEPgwZvRD4NGjrgRYwWut6zfUeHEhKFYrJb8_lpoFmiu92t0X0FhOyBmtEBo7kjz7p5y2_IoKO900BAjsSLPfnrpbOGg5oTBwZpZxuXk1yXBCB8/s1600/menuplan.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Monday: Quesadillas, Mex. rice, beans<br />Tuesday: <a href="http://recipes.bestsimplerecipes.com/eRMS/recp.aspx?recid=33796">Chicken in Lime Butter</a>, wild rice, veggies<br />Wednesday: <a href="http://recipes.bestsimplerecipes.com/eRMS/recp.aspx?recid=36388">Tasty Taco Bake</a>, corn<br />Thursday: McCormick Pulled Pork (slow cooker), french fries<br />Friday: Chicken Cordon Blue (pre-packaged), wild rice, veggies<br />Saturday: <a href="http://recipes.bestsimplerecipes.com/eRMS/recp.aspx?recid=2335">Sour Cream & Dill Chicken</a>, egg noodles, green beans<br />Sunday: Roast, carrots, potatoesGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482221361070394708noreply@blogger.com0