tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36433256280746749432024-03-04T20:21:29.599-08:00 Life with the Mozas sharing bento lunches, pretty tables and recipes as I chronicle our life!Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.comBlogger486125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-1965143613129367122016-03-22T10:52:00.001-07:002017-05-10T19:26:02.279-07:00Skillet Frittata <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Super easy, super good. One red potato sliced thin. One yellow squash sliced thin. 3 green onions sliced thin. In a medium skillet, add bacon grease and olive oil to coat. Add veggies and saute on medium heat. Add garlic powder, black pepper, parsley, and salt. Whisk 4 eggs with water. Wait til potatoes are fork tender. Add eggs. With a rubber spatula, keep turning up the edges. Wait til set and flip. I added a few diced tomatoes at the end. (Or if your pan is oven proof, put in a 350° oven til done.) My flip isn't pretty, but the crispy potato and garlicky squash tastes divine. Enjoy!! </span></h1>
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today, I separated the eggs from the potatoes and squash, but the same cooking method applies. Cut the potatoes and squash really thin and saute in bacon grease til done. A simple scrambled egg and tomatoes with green onion and olive oil, salt, and pepper compliments this dish so very well.</span></span></div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-87822927569536460362016-03-18T18:05:00.000-07:002017-05-10T19:27:02.689-07:00Zoodles with Homemade Pesto and Chimichurri Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought this was really good, but my husband I are the only ones who ate it. My children had meatballs, broccoli and apples, or if you're my two year old girl, broccoli and a little bit of meatball! I can't complain. We try to eat as little grain, dairy, and sugar as possible. This is a really good dish and has none of those. The zoodles are zucchini noodles made using a spiralizer. I do a quick saute in a little olive oil. If you overdue it, they will turn to mush.</div>
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The Pesto...I rarely make a traditional pesto because pine nuts are too pricey for our budget. I use what I have and what I like. In my Vitamix, I put 2-3 huge handfuls of fresh basil, a bunch of parsley, 4 garlic cloves, salt, pepper, a handful of pecans, a handful of cashews, a squeeze of lemon, and I streamed olive oil in as it mixed til I liked the consistency. I poured it into two mason jars, so I could make one spicy. To the plain one I added a little salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. To the spicy, I added all that and a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes.</div>
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<span id="goog_1766899726"></span><span id="goog_1766899727"></span>To make this dish, I added 3 big spoonfuls of pesto, tossed it in the zoodles, then added my leftover marinated tomatoes. I made chimichurri sauce the other night and then added tomatoes for a tasty topping for fajita bowls. Chimichurri Sauce it basically a lot of chopped parsley, chopped fresh garlic, a tiny amount of chopped fresh oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lime, and olive oil.</div>
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Fajita Bowl and Tomatoes marinated in Chimichurri Sauce</div>
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Chimichurri Sauce</div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-75613127045829130442016-03-09T06:21:00.001-08:002016-03-09T06:21:44.426-08:00Zoodles with a fresh tomato basil topping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a spiralizer. It makes zucchini noodles, cucumber ribbons, curly potatoes and more. I used 4-5 zucchini for this bowl. I do a quick saute. You don't want your noodles to be soggy. I used olive oil and 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped. Remove the zoodles and all the garlicky goodness and put in your pasta bowl. Add chopped tomatoes of all varieties, several basil leaves cut in a chiffonade, calamata olives, parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss and enjoy! You can eat this hot, room temperature, or even cold. It was better the next day as all the flavors mingled together.</div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-83588461120195034822016-03-09T06:05:00.001-08:002017-05-10T19:27:43.511-07:00Chicken Sliders and Brussels Sprouts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Whole30, you eat a lot of meat and eggs, so I wanted to try something different.</div>
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I bought a package of ground chicken, probably a pound and a half total. I added an egg for binding, Green Za'atar seasoning (which is thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds-found at my local international market), parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. I added a little olive oil and mixed them up. I formed them into small patties and put them on a baking sheet with a Silpat. I cooked them on 350 til done, but didn't like the color. I finished sauteing the Brussels Sprouts in a mix of bacon grease and olive oil. I added the chicken sliders to that pan to brown. Really good. We at these with leftover zucchini noodles. I share that recipe next. For the Brussels Sprouts, I simply cut them in half, out them in a pan of bacon grease and olive oil, added salt and pepper, and a little garlic. I cover my pan so they can steam just a bit, then take the lid off so they get crispy and brown. </div>
<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-16219552008542749782016-02-19T08:25:00.002-08:002016-05-09T18:53:43.429-07:00Whole30 Potato Salad and another chicken salad recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;">Both of these recipes need homemade mayonnaise. Since I knew I had leftover grilled chicken, I just made a little extra mayo. The chicken salad has a slight Mediterranean flavor with the added cucumbers and oregano. It was really, really good. The potato salad is more of a play on an old fashioned favorite with pickles and celery. I am almost finished with Whole30. I did have a small cheat Valentine's weekend and like many have said, the cookie just wasn't really that good. I am happy with looser pants and buttoning a once very tight shirt all the way up. My feet have stopped hurting and I will see my cardiologist next week to talk about different blood pressure medications. I know I am doing my heart a huge favor by cutting out processed foods. </span><br />
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Since I knew I wanted to make two recipes, I just did the work once...chopped onions and celery for both recipes and cucumbers for the chicken and pickles for the potato. </div>
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<b> Potato Salad</b></div>
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<b>2 small bags of red potatoes (about 10-12), cut in chunks, par boiled, and then roasted*</b></div>
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<b>2 stalks of celery cut on the diagonal</b></div>
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<b>2 green onions, chopped</b></div>
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<b>1/2 red onion, chopped</b></div>
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<b>8-10 small garlic dill pickles (check your labels for sugar) sliced</b></div>
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<b>Whole grain mustard</b></div>
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<b>Homemade Mayo</b></div>
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<b>1 tbs parsley</b></div>
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<b>1 t dill</b></div>
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<b>salt and pepper</b></div>
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<b> 1 tbs garlic powder</b></div>
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<b>In a large bowl, add celery, onions, and pickles. Add a good squeeze or spoonful of mustard. Stir everything. *For the potatoes, oar boil them in a large pot til fork tender, but not able to cut through. Drain water and put potatoes on a sheet pan. Add Olive oil, parsley, garlic powder and s&p. Toss and roast in 375 oven til golden. I tossed mine once during cooking time. It took about 12 minutes. </b></div>
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<b>Add mayo and dill to the mixing bowl. Stir and then add a spoon of the hot potatoes to warm up the mayo. Add the rest of the potatoes and stir. Keep refrigerated til ready to eat. At least an hour. </b></div>
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<b>Mediterranean Chicken Salad</b></div>
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<b>Grilled chicken breast, diced</b></div>
<b>2 stalks of celery cut on the diagonal</b><br />
<b>2 green onions, chopped</b><br />
<b>1/2 red onion, chopped</b><br />
<b>1 small cucumber, diced</b><br />
<b>Homemade Mayo</b><br />
<b>1 tbs parsley</b><br />
<b>1 t dill</b><br />
<b>1 t oregano</b><br />
<b>salt and pepper</b><br />
<b>1 tbs garlic powder</b><br />
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<b>Put everything in a large mixing bowl (as long as the chicken is cooled. If not, add a little chicken to warm the mayo, then add the rest.) and stir. Keep refrigerated til ready to serve.</b><br />
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<b>I'm joining </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mizhelenscountrycottage.com/2016/02/full-plate-thursday-2-18-16-263.html">Miz Helen for Full Plate Thursday</a></div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-23116125763891755582016-02-11T15:13:00.001-08:002016-02-19T07:55:18.223-08:00Two recipes, a sweet 23 month old and a kindergarten project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Please excuse my hiatus! </div>
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Life comes fast and furious with three children sometimes. My two boys are in a great school this year. They are busy learning everything set in front of them, but with kindergarten and 2nd grade that means my afternoons are spent looking at phonograms, reading books, and checking math problems. </div>
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You would think I'd get more sleep now and have more energy. </div>
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Not so...so with that said, I decided to give Whole30 a try. </div>
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I had tried to start jogging when Madeleine was a baby, but my feet quickly gave me problems. </div>
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I thought it was medication, not stretching etc., so I stopped. </div>
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A friend of mine started Whole30 in January and I quickly thought I really need to try something. My clothes are tight, my mood is yucky, I don't feel well, and my feet hurt.</div>
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I'm on week 3 and can I just say, AMAZING!!!!! The knot in the arch of my foot is gone. The pain is gone! I'm sleeping better, my energy level is better, and my clothes are loose!!!</div>
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With Whole30, you take out a lot of foods--foods that cause pain, inflammation, stomach illness, etc. So, I stopped eating nitrates, sugar, dairy, wheat, grains, and more. I took my favorite recipes and tweaked them to be compatible with Whole30. Our meals are full of protein, vegetables, and fruits. I can still eat many of the foods I always ate, just a healthier version of it. And pretty much anything looks great on Polish Pottery. My mom gave me a couple of these plates for Christmas. I keep adding to my collection as my pants get looser:) It's a great incentive to keep doing things right.</div>
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So here are two recipes...</div>
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<b>Squash Fritters</b></div>
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Let me first say, these were soooo good. I loved fried squash when I lived in Romania...dredged in flour and milk and eggs...so I decided to semi recreate it to satisfy my taste, but limit the wheat and dairy. You could do just yellow squash or just zucchini. The yellow squash does give the fritter a beautiful natural sweetness. I didn't miss the flour or milk at all!!</div>
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<b>1 yellow squash, chopped</b></div>
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<b>1 zucchini, chopped</b></div>
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<b>3 green onions, chopped</b></div>
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<b>3-4 eggs</b></div>
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<b>2 tsp garlic powder</b></div>
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<b>2 tsp parsley</b></div>
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<b>salt and pepper</b></div>
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In a large bowl, whisk your eggs. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. In a large saute pan, heat up some olive oil. Spoon in each fritter. Fry on one side til golden, then flip. These are a bit messy and can tear apart easily. Make sure the fritter is done before you flip it. </div>
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Here is my sweet miracle girl. She will be 2 next month and I can hardly believe it...or catch my breath for that matter. Her favorites things are playing with chalk on the sidewalk, eating dinner with her daddy, and playing with her brothers. She loves church, monkey (Curious George), and her babus (brothers). She is a bundle of joy and energy and one of the main reasons I decided to start my Whole30 journey. I need to be able to keep up with her!!! </div>
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Did I already tell you how much I LOVE my sons' school? Friday is their Literary Read-a-thon. They can wear a costume portraying a character in a book they have read. </div>
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The books must be classical, on their reading lists, or the supplementary lists or just a classic that their teachers said is ok. No pop culture. </div>
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So my sweet Andrew, who is in kindergarten, chose to be the letter A in Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. We enjoyed cutting, painting, and gluing his costume for Friday! My second grader has read a book of Fables and is portraying the Poor Old Dog, who wears a furry green coat and found a lost gold ring. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qNjf6eaN5L8/Vr0CXQItLJI/AAAAAAAAfGc/NsPluexXPm4/s1600/IMG_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qNjf6eaN5L8/Vr0CXQItLJI/AAAAAAAAfGc/NsPluexXPm4/s400/IMG_3642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Chicken Salad</b></div>
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<b>2 chicken breasts cooked</b></div>
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<b>1 bunch of green onions, sliced on the diagonal</b></div>
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<b>2-3 stalks of celery, sliced on the diagonal</b></div>
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<b>1 granny smith apple, chopped</b></div>
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<b>1 handful of pecans</b></div>
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<b>1 handful of sunflower seeds</b></div>
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<b>1 cup (give or take) of homemade mayonnaise</b></div>
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<b>salt and pepper</b></div>
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<b>1 tsp garlic powder </b></div>
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<b>1 tsp parsley</b></div>
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To make homemade mayo (no dairy, no sugar), in a small bowl, put in a squeeze of yellow mustard and an egg yolk. Start mixing with a whisk. Add a stream of olive oil and stir until you like the amount. You want it to emulsify, so keep stirring. Add salt and pepper to taste.</div>
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For the salad, combine all the ingredients and keep in the refrigerator until ready to eat. I served my salad with avocado and half a grapefruit. You could put it on top of salad greens too. Enjoy. The mayo lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator.</div>
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As I continue my journey, I hope to post many more tweaked recipes. Recipes I love and hope you will love and enjoy too.</div>
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I'm joining in...</div>
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<a href="http://www.mizhelenscountrycottage.com/2016/02/full-plate-thursday-2-11-16-262.html#more">Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday</a></div>
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Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-36768416620370443692015-10-01T07:56:00.002-07:002015-10-01T07:59:43.642-07:00Happy October!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I feel like we've been on a whirl wind since we got back from the coast. My oldest turned 8!!! </div>
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And he got into the school we'd been waiting for on his birthday...the Friday before school started. So he and little brother got to see a movie with their Ludee while Mommy filled out papers, turned in papers, bought uniforms, labeled supplies and got ready for his swim party the next day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqNe-XgOZRdAv5MByCns0JqKgLrC4wdZMq6pMoKbV1j-c-QuV9BwIT9RP72tAO0By_VXbodo5D8jgPaWphxX3b-NVdXyfYYJujts_ehPUbpIh-ISY8EihTzZqqJzfyYQdcfR0PWCchwx2/s1600/party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqNe-XgOZRdAv5MByCns0JqKgLrC4wdZMq6pMoKbV1j-c-QuV9BwIT9RP72tAO0By_VXbodo5D8jgPaWphxX3b-NVdXyfYYJujts_ehPUbpIh-ISY8EihTzZqqJzfyYQdcfR0PWCchwx2/s400/party.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First day of school together...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5x_dIzoccdcdByQWR-044oMIN4wF1rzFip6BiAMpMDBQlqxesEn-91hWynG9pWY7wBjrXkxinXmy3EthqiZgXZFQHhKDOK9xAqzSE2XzW_ePEhmnkshyBGG10T9LX-uTI7o05-80sawGy/s1600/ghmv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5x_dIzoccdcdByQWR-044oMIN4wF1rzFip6BiAMpMDBQlqxesEn-91hWynG9pWY7wBjrXkxinXmy3EthqiZgXZFQHhKDOK9xAqzSE2XzW_ePEhmnkshyBGG10T9LX-uTI7o05-80sawGy/s400/ghmv.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Andrew is his new kindergarten class...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h7xae2qFtBlL8lcbuhz5a8dMVZpYVmJ7x8_JdKDWPVNd6OsPhVizIWAe8L97Uk6JC42nvPd0HrPBHGBMVKXRdaPwSKRkpVfoc_vtLWv1GXK186-3twAdR3iCkfBGsKOIpRGrR3wfGl4t/s1600/ghmvka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h7xae2qFtBlL8lcbuhz5a8dMVZpYVmJ7x8_JdKDWPVNd6OsPhVizIWAe8L97Uk6JC42nvPd0HrPBHGBMVKXRdaPwSKRkpVfoc_vtLWv1GXK186-3twAdR3iCkfBGsKOIpRGrR3wfGl4t/s400/ghmvka.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With that sad, little brother started one school on Tuesday and then got into the school we'd been waiting for and started there on Wednesday. Both boys are very happy and challenged by their new school setting. We love our teachers and staff and couldn't be happier with our choice. </div>
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Go Great Hearts Monte Vista Lions!!!</div>
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Little Miss Madeleine is growing like a weed! She's a sassy, sweet, sophisticated little lady. She loves Curious George, water bottles, Shaun the Sheep, and her daddy:)</div>
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She is thrilled with excitement when the teacher opens the car door and she gets to see her brothers again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CFXsVCoi0uJNrnbn3eRBogJF-q50-oX0HQmtMt1jZXPa0rPZL_WOjWqF8OIx7kIAC1E7EYq-hlKGvjiv1JT4Y40nSn-ER-eGhW6uy4dvdPHxHkdxyQrFT5usdnpWbfEBBSqab-e_y30B/s1600/madeleine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CFXsVCoi0uJNrnbn3eRBogJF-q50-oX0HQmtMt1jZXPa0rPZL_WOjWqF8OIx7kIAC1E7EYq-hlKGvjiv1JT4Y40nSn-ER-eGhW6uy4dvdPHxHkdxyQrFT5usdnpWbfEBBSqab-e_y30B/s400/madeleine2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sitting pretty in September...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCPpw8Rk7tbQxAdg6QyG_Tk1a9Iss0CUvLTt4An39SkfpIHBRJoUd9O3_dPtN1U5CQZUalU0M_Zx4nrP_lw3V0V0LLEAylciGrKUW9LcVHF4ueaI05YQmgBZUDYkWkQMkLy074VjkNGal/s1600/madeleine1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCPpw8Rk7tbQxAdg6QyG_Tk1a9Iss0CUvLTt4An39SkfpIHBRJoUd9O3_dPtN1U5CQZUalU0M_Zx4nrP_lw3V0V0LLEAylciGrKUW9LcVHF4ueaI05YQmgBZUDYkWkQMkLy074VjkNGal/s400/madeleine1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqQ9x3JfdZ8/VaBSbCQu-RI/AAAAAAAAd_A/WNgIp--ydq0/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqQ9x3JfdZ8/VaBSbCQu-RI/AAAAAAAAd_A/WNgIp--ydq0/s400/IMG_3370.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Reading books in August...</div>
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At the beach in July...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX9R_BiwrKc_20GFExtt5py7S6x8uiydVkV5X_Mtcn0NUfR2WR0mpGq4BhmTsdqNb7D8GH6wtdBYaZZhklnV560y9ORnMh7jrmXWoz67MmnpQ_9b8f4Zzbzab9VUkNx3j3rJrNXjUzolS/s1600/IMG_3431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX9R_BiwrKc_20GFExtt5py7S6x8uiydVkV5X_Mtcn0NUfR2WR0mpGq4BhmTsdqNb7D8GH6wtdBYaZZhklnV560y9ORnMh7jrmXWoz67MmnpQ_9b8f4Zzbzab9VUkNx3j3rJrNXjUzolS/s400/IMG_3431.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Some other lunches I've made...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4Cf9UFM6VXrDqAQ8yPwXIM-NqSVdZIA6wR3XlZ1d_1pSaLH1WbCC06tUMyIz_P2Vo0ckfZIYBLcJ_MCmjaDPhbXHy6dnktyYnGnJr5hIB0UnKyhhPINTK7D1hAw2vIsrRlS49aq6v4Xy/s1600/11924375_10153488438661181_2237835494491375728_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4Cf9UFM6VXrDqAQ8yPwXIM-NqSVdZIA6wR3XlZ1d_1pSaLH1WbCC06tUMyIz_P2Vo0ckfZIYBLcJ_MCmjaDPhbXHy6dnktyYnGnJr5hIB0UnKyhhPINTK7D1hAw2vIsrRlS49aq6v4Xy/s320/11924375_10153488438661181_2237835494491375728_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyI3h8K_GIug8045Rut3gg5k0o2_G15SC6QjiWFnT5ZcsBddkvu4qVJNUlLf1YfBgO0A7iJdHkpLJ1CbxTHHH-JIbEGpO823w5KskhBRwAnW2G_432xMAxWpqRMBkE4TzaFBKvJoL6B7s/s1600/11951712_10153525300306181_1389905407999656199_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyI3h8K_GIug8045Rut3gg5k0o2_G15SC6QjiWFnT5ZcsBddkvu4qVJNUlLf1YfBgO0A7iJdHkpLJ1CbxTHHH-JIbEGpO823w5KskhBRwAnW2G_432xMAxWpqRMBkE4TzaFBKvJoL6B7s/s320/11951712_10153525300306181_1389905407999656199_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hfb4Rsl8aoW5SPYtKHr58ZmluQGz-3fnPwpOAE24B2HzQkAA_deN62hXc-3LBJyOwH7DLXixmIXXmk-tC5yf-9zoSuJt2ICpwVev2bZIO4pMp42pIS6FBykSt0ioJ-1a3teEiStOacYl/s1600/12015020_10153537853981181_5401367574627662083_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hfb4Rsl8aoW5SPYtKHr58ZmluQGz-3fnPwpOAE24B2HzQkAA_deN62hXc-3LBJyOwH7DLXixmIXXmk-tC5yf-9zoSuJt2ICpwVev2bZIO4pMp42pIS6FBykSt0ioJ-1a3teEiStOacYl/s320/12015020_10153537853981181_5401367574627662083_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And for the adults... homemade fig jams and flatbread pizzas</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEXFAEoy5r4VacIv5VCXKmCQSxiH_QUBXh-wr19b-w29BZIymVeIOCv5LHLdaXwFFAygeQZ7wVxVo6GKClVIZL7hYQTRPijlkja2ARul9J-z7Afeuby6-kz2AhbGo7F9nopSqQy7SWF_S/s1600/11882805_10153448383936181_6755192779947144656_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEXFAEoy5r4VacIv5VCXKmCQSxiH_QUBXh-wr19b-w29BZIymVeIOCv5LHLdaXwFFAygeQZ7wVxVo6GKClVIZL7hYQTRPijlkja2ARul9J-z7Afeuby6-kz2AhbGo7F9nopSqQy7SWF_S/s320/11882805_10153448383936181_6755192779947144656_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some items used in our lunches...</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifwitthemoz-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B005LNJCFU&asins=B005LNJCFU&linkId=PRKBEEDY6M2KR6I4&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifwitthemoz-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B005LNJCFU&asins=B005LNJCFU&linkId=PRKBEEDY6M2KR6I4&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> </iframe></a><br /></div>
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Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-74998695319737236902015-07-07T11:46:00.002-07:002015-07-07T11:48:40.602-07:00Summer<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KtIFJ-tUade7KDJHa5ugpLJtxFtoQrra1nHhhu4Clnn8GVj1L2C60gNCU5rDt5kFBjfpo_sNJwPE7RdWKZjmyaqBXrlR3DjL9r3R7o1zcRzOkSGWDiVyZS5tlD08B5u7SRoS5buq-2a1/s1600/IMG_3232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KtIFJ-tUade7KDJHa5ugpLJtxFtoQrra1nHhhu4Clnn8GVj1L2C60gNCU5rDt5kFBjfpo_sNJwPE7RdWKZjmyaqBXrlR3DjL9r3R7o1zcRzOkSGWDiVyZS5tlD08B5u7SRoS5buq-2a1/s400/IMG_3232.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">My oldest told me yesterday that we were half way through summer. I couldn't believe it. I blinked and June was over. We participated in two weeks of VBS, starting taking piano lessons, visited the new children's museum in our area, went to the water park, the zoo, and much more. </span></div>
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I try to keep my boys reading through the summer by getting books I know they'll read. My mom (pictured above with my 3 children) read to me all the time growing up. All. the. time. Perhaps that's one of the reasons I became an English teacher and loved teaching others about literature.</div>
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Here are some of our favorites. (affiliate links included)</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifwitthemoz-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1423106857&asins=1423106857&linkId=6PAPTLQYD5HXMFDM&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifwitthemoz-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1423106857&asins=1423106857&linkId=6PAPTLQYD5HXMFDM&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> </iframe></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifwitthemoz-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0688147321&asins=0688147321&linkId=VINBN34Y75F6O2PB&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifwitthemoz-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0688147321&asins=0688147321&linkId=VINBN34Y75F6O2PB&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></a></div>
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We are often on the go and with an almost 16 month old and two growing boys, I need to have something in my bag for them to eat!! These have to be my favorite containers right now. They don't leak, the lids stay closed, and it's the perfect portion to hold off hunger til meal time!</div>
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We also have plates and sippy cups!<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifwitthemoz-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00LTYY36S&asins=B00LTYY36S&linkId=3PFPKUEWRIFJ3IN6&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifwitthemoz-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00LTYY36S&asins=B00LTYY36S&linkId=3PFPKUEWRIFJ3IN6&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> </iframe></a><br /></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifwitthemoz-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00BY5OKHO&asins=B00BY5OKHO&linkId=Z7GCSCOA3YHCSAMO&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-13908857007298942272015-05-13T13:39:00.001-07:002015-05-13T13:39:29.408-07:00Madeleine's 1st birthday!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI_NtYiDDIiA2zbP2CeS3yWfap5bSVYwUiRNxy9n8rGimb4-ZnY3CRT4F2D5bxsXu7o_phVjxlJaF2jAGaWz0b-OSGrn2XMHCxo6kdL7AKZjhCUhbgSvWqnF8sjSN_053Gqh9yEw-qo3W/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI_NtYiDDIiA2zbP2CeS3yWfap5bSVYwUiRNxy9n8rGimb4-ZnY3CRT4F2D5bxsXu7o_phVjxlJaF2jAGaWz0b-OSGrn2XMHCxo6kdL7AKZjhCUhbgSvWqnF8sjSN_053Gqh9yEw-qo3W/s400/IMG_3115.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">It's hard to believe my baby is ONE...and that was two months ago. We had a small gathering at our house with family and a few friends. Madeleine's favorite foods right now are cucumbers, cheese, and blueberries. She loves when the boys share bites of their crackers or granola bars with her.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">She is a sweet, happy girl. She loves cruising around the coffee table and along the couch. She gets so happy when she hears the alarm say "garage door" around 6 o'clock, because she knows that means Daddy is home!</span></div>
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Happy Birthday, sweet Madeleine LaRue!</div>
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Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-6011293704320619672015-05-12T12:34:00.001-07:002015-05-12T12:34:09.927-07:00Stay tuned...<div style="text-align: center;">
Life has been, well like life with 3 children...one being a 14 month old on the move!</div>
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I hope to have a few new posts up soon...</div>
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Madeleine's 1st birthday</div>
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Books we love to read</div>
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Recipes for the family</div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-51515944330883823242014-09-01T19:06:00.000-07:002014-09-01T19:07:13.293-07:00Mediterranean Chickpea salad, 2 byntos, and a sweet almost 6 month old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First off, I'll be completely honest. My boys would not touch this salad with a 10 foot poll! I made this for me. My husband and I ate this with pasta added to it, while the boys ate homemade mac and cheese. I tend to make a box of pasta and then two sauces, so this salad was our sauce.</div>
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I don't love chickpeas, but this salad disguises them really well.</div>
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It's packed with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, mozzarella cheese (I didn't have feta), and chickpeas (rinsed and drained). I added salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, Z'ataar seasoning, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It was really tasty!</div>
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Here is sweet Madeleine. She will be 6 months old on September 10! I can't believe it. She is showing off the dress her Ludee made. I'm determined to learn to sew. I'm also determined to start running and lose nursing weight. Yes, I lose baby weight, then gain nursing weight. It's so frustrating and stresses me out, so I'm hoping to run when the big boys are in school and perhaps Saturday mornings too. Wish me luck!</div>
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My big first grader gets the more civilized lunch:) He has an English muffin ham and cheese cut in half to accommodate the little dipper filled with craisins. We watched a movie Sunday night and had veggie straws mixed with potato chips. He has some from that bowl. The bottom container is filled with cut peaches and a lion pick.</div>
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My crazy sweet handful of a middle child Drew starts tomorrow. </div>
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He will be 5 in October, so he is still with Mrs. Elliott in her pre-k class. </div>
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I hope you have your best year yet. He is excited about learning to read. </div>
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His box is filled with carrot sticks, ham and cheese skewers, goldfish (in a Star Wars cup) with an ABC pick, a Darth Vader Easter egg filled with craisins, and grapes with a light saber pick.</div>
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Happy 2nd week of school, Adrian!</div>
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Happy 1st week of school, Drew!</div>
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Happy quiet week, Madeleine!</div>
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I hope and pray you all have a great week with your kids too!</div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-16564760872205654142014-08-26T07:13:00.000-07:002014-08-26T07:13:32.408-07:00Swimming Snack and How to make Lego picks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, my boys have swim lessons after Adrian gets home from school. I packed small snacks in their Goodbyn small meal boxes to hold them over til dinner. They each have an Organic Z bar, craisins in the little dipper, veggie straws and a clementine. I used frog cups I found years ago at my local grocery and green pick...which is actually a bunny, but I like all the green:)</div>
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This is yesterday's lunch for Andrew. He starts pre-k next week, but really liked his brother's Star Wars lunch, so we made one for him to eat at home. This child rarely eats bread, so it's a ham roll up tucked in an Angry Bird ring, cut up cheese stars and moons. In the top, he has a clementine with a light saber pick and carrot sticks in his little dipper.</div>
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Today, I packed a Lego lunch for Adrian to take to school. It was just a simple pb&j cut in a rectangle with two circles of cheese on top to look like a Lego brick. I can't remember which blog I saw these on, but I was ready to create these Lego picks for his lunch.</div>
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These picks were originally hearts from Dollar Tree. They came in a pack of 100, so I had plenty to use.</div>
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I just simply broke off the heart and hot glued the pick into the Lego. Easy Peasy!! </div>
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<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-81332637567065222782014-08-24T18:41:00.000-07:002014-08-24T18:41:48.718-07:00First Day of School for my BIG first grader<br />
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My big first grader asked me for a Star Wars lunch for the first day of first grade! It's filled with applesauce (covered with a cupcake liner), orange crescent moons in a star cup, half a ham and cheese sandwich topped with stars and a rocket ship. Right next door is a handful of goldfish topped with a few cheesy moons. The cut up cheese is inside the sandwich=no waste!</div>
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In the bottom section is some cut up peaches with a light saber pick. </div>
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If you have any extra cupcake liners hiding away, get them out! It's that easy!<br />
Enjoy, sweet Adrian! I hope you have the best school year yet!</div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-45248860179870716782014-07-22T13:52:00.003-07:002014-07-22T13:52:47.094-07:00one month, two months, three months, four!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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laying out in the April sunshine...this was a couple days after we came home. so tiny!</div>
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At 2 months, Madeleine weighed 8 pounds, 6.5 ounces!</div>
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Sweet girl loves the window near her changing table. Lots of beautiful sunshine compared to the NICU.</div>
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At 3 months, she weighed about 10 pounds!</div>
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bows, bows, bows!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmjB7-kWm5ZEsGAg_C17tJdhJ3bU3tq29xoiMi9lZROz_3R5dqlZoMoczKDmaDKAT-BSDBt59No2selV7EAe03XkUPv_3mfEiSy6MO_e4O9-HhlWijuabIWvCmr99I5UReefYXNtVWWpo/s1600/3mon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmjB7-kWm5ZEsGAg_C17tJdhJ3bU3tq29xoiMi9lZROz_3R5dqlZoMoczKDmaDKAT-BSDBt59No2selV7EAe03XkUPv_3mfEiSy6MO_e4O9-HhlWijuabIWvCmr99I5UReefYXNtVWWpo/s1600/3mon.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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She is starting to smile:)</div>
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At 4 months, she weighed 11 pounds, 13 ounces. Amazing. </div>
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She is now 22 and 3/4 inches...she started out at 17 1/4!</div>
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Madeleine loves her brothers! </div>
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They read to her, kiss her, play with her and give her all the love she needs!</div>
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<span id="goog_601565968"></span><span id="goog_601565969"></span><br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-36192736154546086482014-04-20T19:03:00.003-07:002017-05-10T19:26:37.720-07:00My story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhkhqQkNQwofyLGr2380W6vlFnGICAavfeIaWejUpQMHIg_gCntsdRl4j-hYjiLnxJ3WnBwYEzjKOriL41qVzdLEiM38UIdJ4sFR1zaff51YLkhLJONPsnu2Ej1aaxIJrP54glLT137G3/s1600/DSC_0076_ps_50lovely.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhkhqQkNQwofyLGr2380W6vlFnGICAavfeIaWejUpQMHIg_gCntsdRl4j-hYjiLnxJ3WnBwYEzjKOriL41qVzdLEiM38UIdJ4sFR1zaff51YLkhLJONPsnu2Ej1aaxIJrP54glLT137G3/s1600/DSC_0076_ps_50lovely.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Madeleine LaRue Moza</div>
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March 10, 2014</div>
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6:49pm</div>
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4 pounds, 2 ounces</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmXbyVXgGjk1lbHDNDl5-eznrvzd9oAIDSpCi8tGFACN9F6GqwddGZewRdOsMnkY3x4h5V8m2G-qrMguBVUTWpH4cqSiuol0eCneeXJ14DQjsaBQlzJJRY0EI_2Uqo6eg0ysQbiy6RmLm/s1600/DSC_0135_ps_50boost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmXbyVXgGjk1lbHDNDl5-eznrvzd9oAIDSpCi8tGFACN9F6GqwddGZewRdOsMnkY3x4h5V8m2G-qrMguBVUTWpH4cqSiuol0eCneeXJ14DQjsaBQlzJJRY0EI_2Uqo6eg0ysQbiy6RmLm/s1600/DSC_0135_ps_50boost.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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This is Madeleine LaRue Moza, my little miracle, </div>
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who shared many miracles with me over the past six weeks. </div>
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This is my story.</div>
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I called my OB's office Saturday night at midnight. I was having shortness of breath, mild contractions and a lot of discomfort. I was told, "If you can sit up and breath then you can wait til Monday." God put my life and Madeleine's on hold for the next two days. I had just seen an eye specialist, a neurologist and had an MRI of my brain. I had some abnormal swelling in my optic nerves and was seeing a blue halo and a couple blind spots in my right eye. I had told my OB, but the results weren't in. I saw a nurse practitioner the following Monday. The stress test was not reading well because I had been coughing and when they laid me back, I couldn't breath.</div>
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The OB there came in and said, "There's protein in your urine, I can't tell if you're coughing or contracting. I can tell if it's your heartbeat or your baby's, so we're sending you to Labor and Delivery Triage for better tests. If the results aren't good, then you're going to have a C-section today."</div>
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I was 32 weeks and 6 days. You don't deliver babies at 32 weeks and 6 days. I was planning for 37 weeks-the same as my boys. </div>
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I had already been told by the neurologist that I should have a C-section. The pressure behind my eye was too much for pushing in labor, but this early? I was obviously worried.</div>
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The tests results were bad. I was dehydrated, my water was low, my blood pressure had skyrocketed off the charts and I had severe preeclampsia. </div>
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I called my mom, crying, and said I'm not picking up the boys. I'm having a C-section right now. They wheeled me off to a sterile operating room. The anesthesiologist gave me albuterol and my epidural. The coughing stopped, my blood pressure sank back to normal and the operation began. </div>
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Minutes later, I saw the sweetest, tiniest little girl all bundled up and then the NICU doctors and nurses wheeled her away. I didn't see her again for over 48 hours.</div>
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The next morning I woke up with my lungs filled with fluid. I had walked into the hospital sick and was getting worse. They had pumped me with saline and magnesium through my IVs all night. </div>
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Quickly, I was taken away for chest x-rays, moved to the Progressive Care Unit, and started breathing treatments and diuretics. My lungs cleared in a day or so, but my blood pressure was still high. I saw the pulmonary doctor who then recommended the cardiologist. I had an echo of my heart and was diagnosed with Postpartum Cardiomyopathy. </div>
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Everything was related, but I didn't know. The pressure behind my eye was the preeclampsia. The preeclampsia raised my blood pressure and hurt my heart. The cough I came in with and the shortness of breath were signs of heart failure. Like I said, God put my life on pause and waited til I could be seen by the doctors who knew how to help me and Madeleine. </div>
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I stayed in the hospital 5 days. </div>
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I'm recovering well now. I'm on high blood pressure medication to keep my heart healthy. I have an amazing cardiologist who is helping me get better and says my heart will take six months, but it will recover. My OB's office said my case was extremely impressive and have discussed it heavily. Preeclampsia should happen with your first pregnancy. The pressure in your eye could have been a warning. I only have had one other patient diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy.</div>
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My answer...I serve an amazing God who loves me and takes care of me and has a plan and purpose for our family. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtSC8GfmafaWiKmbFDryhtkvaHS-yVP4nnHEIITAzi8tlkazbqwZ-yw4pLSSoEJ_QMf4LLvsy6Wnz94FDLiLU2yBz_N9yEhZF2WHdtjHk6KFdJjneP_-eRUdwYXNwC3VM-RJuvt97matE/s1600/IMG_6392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtSC8GfmafaWiKmbFDryhtkvaHS-yVP4nnHEIITAzi8tlkazbqwZ-yw4pLSSoEJ_QMf4LLvsy6Wnz94FDLiLU2yBz_N9yEhZF2WHdtjHk6KFdJjneP_-eRUdwYXNwC3VM-RJuvt97matE/s1600/IMG_6392.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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As for Madeleine, she's perfect. She was tiny, but a fighter. </div>
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She had a good weight for so early and was completely and perfectly developed. She just had to learn how to eat...and she did. She stayed in the NICU for 4 weeks and 2 days. </div>
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I went up there two and three times a day to nurse her when she was given the ok to try. I stayed with her the last 48 hours to make sure she gained weight. She did and they finally let us go home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJvxmay_FXEaukZStCbPGZGkHcLE9JsrXWNbTmXD86S4IO0ItAbqt3YktLwkze2LmEL3qkizn4AUDm2mFH1EC3riphz-p3ItZyjoHZseHX3ouigHD1SSuVJvcyn9YKkS3oHKF_Evx3kgS/s1600/IMG_6397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJvxmay_FXEaukZStCbPGZGkHcLE9JsrXWNbTmXD86S4IO0ItAbqt3YktLwkze2LmEL3qkizn4AUDm2mFH1EC3riphz-p3ItZyjoHZseHX3ouigHD1SSuVJvcyn9YKkS3oHKF_Evx3kgS/s1600/IMG_6397.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTZOU3HeyIBO1UlsZ9WS-vIdOnrtJT3eZUgCn9L-wUKUS52XVaOEqrKZeHsG3oJkyOxqi2Uyup80pphsxuvgrwqffREofjF1oFBWDz9EbrHU1yg51CRewYb8mMOKbEwlJzhh5SKxdyJSc/s1600/IMG_6398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTZOU3HeyIBO1UlsZ9WS-vIdOnrtJT3eZUgCn9L-wUKUS52XVaOEqrKZeHsG3oJkyOxqi2Uyup80pphsxuvgrwqffREofjF1oFBWDz9EbrHU1yg51CRewYb8mMOKbEwlJzhh5SKxdyJSc/s1600/IMG_6398.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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One month, and I'm finally home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuqs6YbViU0eVZiKAO8OcoW6yfDrXQUCgrhpyV1k-9QSkZlslZWRJR1u0-x4376H4Jg46ShIeFEOpOZVOsR3PswxGsoxJW6RVoJb1fV9HmbBIPXx3LPX_DB-EXzl9hporU8i9pl0VWnZ4/s1600/IMG_6410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuqs6YbViU0eVZiKAO8OcoW6yfDrXQUCgrhpyV1k-9QSkZlslZWRJR1u0-x4376H4Jg46ShIeFEOpOZVOsR3PswxGsoxJW6RVoJb1fV9HmbBIPXx3LPX_DB-EXzl9hporU8i9pl0VWnZ4/s1600/IMG_6410.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Praise God from whom all blessings flow.</div>
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Praise Him, all creatures here below.</div>
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Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts.</div>
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Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.</div>
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Amen</div>
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<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-52410870430053990502013-12-03T14:52:00.000-08:002013-12-03T14:52:18.719-08:00Blog name is changing back to the original!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjEQyOX09A9ahPgdyGq2ovyZVCCHS8RYyhmF-3tI_6b3AN8xWeb6yAVnOSQoX0sIybcOS7mTEOB46RQ0qYLU-oAwKxJ2iZkaIUHBTzLa2qbvlfkyiNMC6cnMtT-WSGH9xKtGDRrZ4NES4/s1600/IMG_6183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjEQyOX09A9ahPgdyGq2ovyZVCCHS8RYyhmF-3tI_6b3AN8xWeb6yAVnOSQoX0sIybcOS7mTEOB46RQ0qYLU-oAwKxJ2iZkaIUHBTzLa2qbvlfkyiNMC6cnMtT-WSGH9xKtGDRrZ4NES4/s400/IMG_6183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I first started blogging, I had one baby boy and just titled this Life with the Mozas. After we had boy #2 and thought we were done, I changed the name. Well, we are expecting a girl in April, so the original name is coming back!</div>
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We are so thankful for a happy, healthy baby on the way!</div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-11084258285668139572013-11-27T19:35:00.000-08:002013-12-03T19:31:52.333-08:00Sawdust Pie and a Thanksgiving table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made a couple recipes today to share with family tomorrow. I found both of these on pinterest. I'm hoping the Sawdust Pie is similar to a pie I've eaten at a tearoom here. I haven't been there in years and when I saw this recipe, I thought I had to try!</div>
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<a href="http://thecozylittlekitchen.blogspot.com/2011/11/pattis-1800s-settlement-sawdust-pie.html">Sawdust Pie</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/orange-cranberry-sauce">Orange Cranberry Sauce</a></div>
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After I zested the oranges (two small clementines), I added the segments to the sauce.</div>
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Here is our table. I may or may not use the red bowls. One guest isn't coming and she usually makes a salad that many eat separately. We are hosting 10...my parents, brother, uncle, and family friends. My boys reminded me that next year we will have to add another chair for the baby. My cup runneth over!</div>
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I used chargers from Walmart, Italian Countryside Dinner plates, mixed silverware, and more. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Happy Thanksgiving!</span></div>
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I'm linking up with these blogs</div>
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<a href="http://www.cuisinekathleen.com/2013/11/happy-thanksgiving-everyone-let-dish-89.html">Cuisine Kathleen</a></div>
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<a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/11/full-plate-thursday-11-28-13.html">Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday</a></div>
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<a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2013/11/foodie-friday-thanksgiving-edition.html">RattleBridge Farm Foodie Friday</a></div>
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<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-10552728674733908402013-11-19T17:33:00.001-08:002013-11-19T17:35:57.475-08:00Herbed Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sorry for the hiatus, I'm 17 weeks pregnant and have been very, very sick. So smelling foods and cooking fun recipes has not been on the top of my priority list. Taking pictures was definitely not on my list!</div>
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I've been a lot better for the past 3 weeks, so I'm hoping the worst is over.<br />
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We are beyond thrilled to add a third little one to our family and can't wait to meet him or her in April. I'll find out next month. I'm too much of a planner and with nothing pink in my house, I need to be prepared if God gives us a girl!<br />
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As a cook, I don't look forward to the time in my pregnancy when I gag at food smells, food textures and food tastes that I normally love. </div>
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In the fall, I love to use fall flavors and herbs. To this chicken salad, I added dried cranberries, pecans, sage, and thyme. It's not your average salad, but it was really, really good!</div>
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<b>Herbed Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad</b></div>
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2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded</div>
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1 cup of peas (I used frozen)</div>
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1 cup dried cranberries</div>
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1/2 cup chopped pecans</div>
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mayonnaise (about 1/2 cup)</div>
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1 healthy squeeze of spicy mustard</div>
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juice of half a lemon, plus zest</div>
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salt </div>
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ground pepper</div>
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parsley</div>
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thyme</div>
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sage</div>
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chives</div>
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garlic powder</div>
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poultry seasoning</div>
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For the dressing, I combined the mayo, mustard and lemon. Add chopped fresh herbs if you have them. I used 4 sprigs of thyme, 5 sage leaves and a small bunch of chives. Chop them and add them to the dressing. I added at least 1 tablespoon of dry parsley, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder and poultry seasoning. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix dressing well and add chicken, peas, cranberries and pecans. Refrigerate til ready to eat. Serve with toast or crackers.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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I'll be joining these blog parties!</div>
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<a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/">Full Plate Thursday</a></div>
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<a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/">Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farm</a></div>
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<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-25830293470057946532013-09-03T10:39:00.001-07:002013-09-03T10:39:50.884-07:00First Day of School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was the first day of school for my big boy, Adrian. My how time flies. I hope he has a really great day and makes new friends!</div>
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He has two toasted ham and muenster sandwiches, a couple extra cheese school buses, strawberries, marshmallows (in the box) and wheat thins. </div>
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Happy First Day of School, Adrian!</div>
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Daddy has spaghetti with mushrooms and meat sauce and salad!</div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-4104739285718103502013-08-26T15:21:00.004-07:002013-08-26T15:22:25.467-07:00When it rains, it pours.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;">We went on our summer vacation last week. We took a short trip down to the Texas Coast and visited Rockport / Fulton Harbor and Port Aransas. The boys had a great time seeing the beach and waves, making (and tearing down each other's) sandcastles, and hunting for shells.</span></div>
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Apparently 3 year olds don't do well post vacation. We played at the beach and the pool all.day.long. Who has time for grocery shopping with Mommy??? While shopping for the lunches below, we had a royal tantrum. The kind where people smile slightly and walk away quickly. It was lovely. Can't we just go back to the beach? School starts next week for my boys, but in the spirit of other schools starting here, I made some super simple back to school lunches. I found the material at Hobby Lobby and my sweet mom sewed them for me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj621cQePBdn_Z3jEirduRoc6_iT15tDFiPyE2aoto9FT_EpPAUhPi5GCw_glW2V1N2FlFd5WgOxvYn-6uvkJWM9bkqJCmOTUyWogZrYLELA1SrKW2Ac4iOlINty-nQbL8Qh7ZULshrhAYI/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj621cQePBdn_Z3jEirduRoc6_iT15tDFiPyE2aoto9FT_EpPAUhPi5GCw_glW2V1N2FlFd5WgOxvYn-6uvkJWM9bkqJCmOTUyWogZrYLELA1SrKW2Ac4iOlINty-nQbL8Qh7ZULshrhAYI/s400/IMG_6037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The boys had apples and strawberries with an ABC pick, salami and colby jack to top their wheat crackers, a couple slices of mesquite smoked ham rolled up and marshmallows tucked into the little dipper. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw6GH2oUJyidrKQ8l2_Hm41WSB1i6nDErLwkdekTKmeWnEhZhvBq5Q092_140KP4eLIm33-DE-uTHt4_xwgEmtWrgH5sz_yC7V-SH-gbfjedZzq5GPFlqbQpMYQxk0TUbytDBl920u9_n/s1600/IMG_6039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw6GH2oUJyidrKQ8l2_Hm41WSB1i6nDErLwkdekTKmeWnEhZhvBq5Q092_140KP4eLIm33-DE-uTHt4_xwgEmtWrgH5sz_yC7V-SH-gbfjedZzq5GPFlqbQpMYQxk0TUbytDBl920u9_n/s400/IMG_6039.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Mommy had strawberries and blueberries, trail mix,</div>
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mesquite smoked ham and muenster cheese sandwich, and wheat crackers.</div>
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Happy Back to School week to you!</div>
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Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-51740860497302186972013-07-30T11:12:00.000-07:002013-07-30T11:12:05.778-07:00Farm Fresh...bento and breakfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT17nucMGitNv0vkcsdPLFNzypfcn_Q6lUyAq7nabGyH9Fc7-vMzQI-PRNVW54NAONTW9yw-wqng46vPa9JIwplT61SbrES_fcEFKhpZLULuUjPyK9IRLpU3ht0eSRRIqMWs_p_1vy3Tb7/s1600/IMG_5901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT17nucMGitNv0vkcsdPLFNzypfcn_Q6lUyAq7nabGyH9Fc7-vMzQI-PRNVW54NAONTW9yw-wqng46vPa9JIwplT61SbrES_fcEFKhpZLULuUjPyK9IRLpU3ht0eSRRIqMWs_p_1vy3Tb7/s400/IMG_5901.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Both boys got the same thing and Adrian quickly threw his pretzels to his brother!</div>
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We've been out to my uncle's farm twice in the last 10 days. I took a friend with her kids and then my dad went with us yesterday. It's a nice drive and a nice respite from the city noise. We picked figs, tomatoes, apples, peppers, peaches and more. I froze 4 one gallon size bags of figs for future preserves. I need to buy jars! I plan on making candied jalapenos or pepper jelly too. It was a huge hit at our church event last week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMe3PdPPiKaSLrfIB_r84yuFJLMNns0U1SVXBx_DYioBQPgfZwHI5mQzpymT46t7U_RFs58gDnTIgzUnbOiXMZ6Qq_apH-EUiCuEpQ1EKDpQAQ4AlJpqMd0u-jqkykjnBVimRio9DrpRq/s1600/IMG_5902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMe3PdPPiKaSLrfIB_r84yuFJLMNns0U1SVXBx_DYioBQPgfZwHI5mQzpymT46t7U_RFs58gDnTIgzUnbOiXMZ6Qq_apH-EUiCuEpQ1EKDpQAQ4AlJpqMd0u-jqkykjnBVimRio9DrpRq/s400/IMG_5902.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The dinosaurs are made with last years fig preserves. I love canning! And the apple was picked last week.</div>
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This mommy ate toast with goat cheese and fig preserves. It's beyond heavenly. And slices of tomato I picked yesterday just can't be topped. It's so hot out there (supposed to be 103, feels like 108!), but I managed to find one more cucumber this morning in my garden. I think my cucs and beans are done...They get hard and bitter. It's almost August, so they served me well! I've had cherry tomatoes all summer, but my big varieties did nothing. Thus the trip to my uncle's house. He loves my boys and they pick for free! It's a win win all around.</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://bentolunch.net%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af226/bentolunch/lunch-wednesday.gif%22%20alt=%22Bento%20Lunch%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E"><a href="http://bentolunch.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Bento Lunch" src="http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af226/bentolunch/lunch-wednesday.gif" /></a></a></div>
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Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-60238796672404711762013-07-18T07:01:00.001-07:002013-07-18T07:13:25.905-07:00Hot Hot Hot! Dinner and Candied Jalapenos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYeSsec0lIuyo6Wk618asZxt_q4S3QAL9R2KOaiGi30Q8xMqWjkO90ClgydbBu0JeunpRbeRkgAEBwMNUI1o58m0GbvPCbQ9ZZJ3D4QUELuUSyMHMmpO4oasr_ARQFtKg05YyJ0PlU7ei/s1600/IMG_5888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYeSsec0lIuyo6Wk618asZxt_q4S3QAL9R2KOaiGi30Q8xMqWjkO90ClgydbBu0JeunpRbeRkgAEBwMNUI1o58m0GbvPCbQ9ZZJ3D4QUELuUSyMHMmpO4oasr_ARQFtKg05YyJ0PlU7ei/s400/IMG_5888.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtm9qcA6ntR4eoGkRTeqc0jL026cSFMamybr7U_dJjTuoiG84X0hngqpJwik0ej9RAJnwXk5SIZmClQY4ooardPySNgCnW4NO84co12Zqw0-PvOII_rfmnIJ7r6QrF5KepxwhWIp4NIm1/s1600/IMG_5894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtm9qcA6ntR4eoGkRTeqc0jL026cSFMamybr7U_dJjTuoiG84X0hngqpJwik0ej9RAJnwXk5SIZmClQY4ooardPySNgCnW4NO84co12Zqw0-PvOII_rfmnIJ7r6QrF5KepxwhWIp4NIm1/s400/IMG_5894.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://burprecipes.blogspot.com/2011/09/candied-jalapenos.html">Candied Jalapenos (and serranos & habaneros)</a></div>
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I found this recipe on Pinterest. Sweet and Spicy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyIy71tGrJFH6CAckKf_8ifmmFREeqBpPo-vENG_9VYAG5Erl5y202nyfxLw9bVe47oqSHlv9iS1jgXBulq7zCHpujwlXGNqk4hHuskMISBlUqnaZPTq9RdPypRcQQGEVCIFFI2WBhnTG/s1600/IMG_5897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyIy71tGrJFH6CAckKf_8ifmmFREeqBpPo-vENG_9VYAG5Erl5y202nyfxLw9bVe47oqSHlv9iS1jgXBulq7zCHpujwlXGNqk4hHuskMISBlUqnaZPTq9RdPypRcQQGEVCIFFI2WBhnTG/s400/IMG_5897.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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With an abundance of jalapenos, serranos, and habaneros and a lack of tomatoes, I have not canned as much salsa as last year. I've been buying tomatoes and making fresh salsa when needed.</div>
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Last night, we had my cousin's husband over for dinner. He moved here at the end of May for a job and is waiting for my cousin and his children to sell their house in Pennsylvania and move down here to join him. We at pulled pork tacos, slaw, grilled corn salad and salsa. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQQEzRCMN9Nae-a8howqzxEeE0OQNjUJZVov-3C65vaqQElXyZNFfzr93TuG6RpX9mwtkxTQR7OLTpSvLw_2w-iOnAj0TUJF3sIhz7Ez7MN4RiDDGIBTn0QGfWvcGWGSjtYgTHWNaTkxI/s1600/IMG_5898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQQEzRCMN9Nae-a8howqzxEeE0OQNjUJZVov-3C65vaqQElXyZNFfzr93TuG6RpX9mwtkxTQR7OLTpSvLw_2w-iOnAj0TUJF3sIhz7Ez7MN4RiDDGIBTn0QGfWvcGWGSjtYgTHWNaTkxI/s400/IMG_5898.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My sweet baby is now 3 1/2 and thus I have not blogged as much as last year. He is a pistol, spitfire, free spirit...you name it, but I wouldn't change his crazy little personality for anything! He keeps me more than busy, so this is what the table looks like nowadays...picture taken quickly before I even got the forks and napkins laid out. Such is life as a mommy of a very busy 3 1/2 year old boy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIqfINk0apY0j2_XxmCfhaSWeolrfTDGXbARVzXr7wyq2Xe1xNf0_JEQ3MtgJT2aCEEPny16zh59MP_nO_r6q56HFMt7pijlnLcEoMr6LLoiOS1rGBVWIj4CyBqtbzBmVQcJDNrX89SIm/s1600/IMG_5900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIqfINk0apY0j2_XxmCfhaSWeolrfTDGXbARVzXr7wyq2Xe1xNf0_JEQ3MtgJT2aCEEPny16zh59MP_nO_r6q56HFMt7pijlnLcEoMr6LLoiOS1rGBVWIj4CyBqtbzBmVQcJDNrX89SIm/s400/IMG_5900.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I simply used my pottery from Tested by Fire for the food, a pretty platter to host the chips and salsa, and Blue Willow. My mom made the runner a few years ago.<br />
I'm joining</div>
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<a href="http://www.cuisinekathleen.com/2013/07/i-live-on-island-and-it-is-still-hot.html">Cuisine Kathleen</a> for Let's Dish</div>
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<a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/07/full-plate-thursday-7-18-13.html">Miz Helen</a> for Full Plate Thursday</div>
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<a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/">Rattlebridge Farm </a>for Foodie Friday</div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-42543302783733898742013-06-17T07:38:00.001-07:002013-06-17T07:40:58.845-07:00Ahhh, summertime!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitR-Qg5Nf6toDZnq4nc99l68myQiIj6u3zRthR7Td-8EjCUM_wBU5qMJs2rWLBPx-XU-tIUvRvjHtC7ZBJl_yfO30BdepGj746xAyjT24fpKGj5lcg1kplqD_gYwDrSiOCvs-fJq3pL5HL/s1600/IMG_5866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitR-Qg5Nf6toDZnq4nc99l68myQiIj6u3zRthR7Td-8EjCUM_wBU5qMJs2rWLBPx-XU-tIUvRvjHtC7ZBJl_yfO30BdepGj746xAyjT24fpKGj5lcg1kplqD_gYwDrSiOCvs-fJq3pL5HL/s400/IMG_5866.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Squash Croquettes</b></span></span></div>
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">2 cups yellow squash, finely chopped</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">1 cup onion, finely chopped</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">1 egg, beaten</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">1 teaspoon salt</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">1 teaspoon pepper<br />½ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour<br />vegetable oil<br />In a large bowl, combine squash, onion, egg, salt and pepper. Mix well. Stir in flour. In a skillet, heat ½-inch oil over medium-high heat. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into oil. Cook about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown, turning once. Drain croquettes on paper towels.<br /><a href="http://farmflavor.com/squash-croquettes/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://farmflavor.com/squash-croquettes/</a></span></b><br />
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<b>I didn't chop my squash finely, but they were still so good. Since my squash is doing NOTHING, I bought some from the local farmer's market.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDpphY-Zm93ZA4kY-Mvy9MR059Ae1fj8e9rkgnwlv1oKxg1vYOT5d7Hqps3De_PQAGxHRyuRBQePXTjXZgw5PoT4iUERgMWq0-EEAGX1If16YsYQVpENpsQs6SJVXdNXCfDKbRqwAZ0pZ/s1600/IMG_5863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDpphY-Zm93ZA4kY-Mvy9MR059Ae1fj8e9rkgnwlv1oKxg1vYOT5d7Hqps3De_PQAGxHRyuRBQePXTjXZgw5PoT4iUERgMWq0-EEAGX1If16YsYQVpENpsQs6SJVXdNXCfDKbRqwAZ0pZ/s400/IMG_5863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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No grow squash...</div>
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May was just way too busy. Both boys had program after program, parties, picnics, field trips and more. I barely sat down, let alone stopped to edit pictures. We've been frying squash and zucchini twice a week, eating fresh cucumber and tomato salads and enjoying sauteed green beans weekly. My uncle gave us two stalks of Brussels Sprouts to clean and eat....too much work, but the end result was delicious and I had plenty to share. I'm waiting for his buckets and buckets of tomatoes to make salsa. My jalapenos are plenty and HOT. I made poppers for our Father's Day dinner yesterday.</div>
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I have been busy watching my SPURS in the semi finals and finals and hosting RUF students, cousins and more. I hope life will slow down a bit, but I doubt it.</div>
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In late May...</div>
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This morning...June 16</div>
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Happy tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans!!! </div>
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This was our Memorial Day trifle...yellow cake, vanilla custard and whipped cream layered and topped with berries to make a flag. It would be perfect for July 4th!!</div>
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I hope this finds you well. I plan on blogging more often this summer!</div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-50393927369971400372013-04-02T15:57:00.001-07:002013-04-02T15:57:50.767-07:00Easter Brisket turns to Carne Guisada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I will be the first to admit when I don't like my own cooking. Texas Barbeque masters do amazing things to a hunk of brisket by smoking it low and slow. I don't have that talent. I personally thought half of the brisket I made for Easter was too dry. There was a lot of moist meat, so I left the driest part away from the buffet and wondered what to do with a big hunk of meat. </div>
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Carne Guisada. Perfect. </div>
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In a dutch oven, with a bit of EVOO, I sweated an onion and a handful (read 5-6) small sweet peppers, sliced. I added 3 cloves of chopped garlic, a can of diced tomatoes, a can of tomato sauce and about half a box of Organic low sodium chicken stock. I added my own salt, pepper, and parsley. Bring it to a boil and then stick in in your oven at 275-300 degrees until it falls apart. My dry brisket became a moist and tender, beautiful meal, perfect for tacos.</div>
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The boys loved it! I topped theirs with sour cream and cheese. I added avocado to mine. YUM! </div>
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Thank God for second chances!</div>
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Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643325628074674943.post-16342178612295867822013-03-31T17:29:00.003-07:002013-03-31T17:29:51.110-07:00Easter Bynto & Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Simple Easter Basket cupcakes for a sweet kindergarten party...</div>
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Top with buttercream, jelly beans or other candies and a Bunny Peep. </div>
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Happy Easter Bynto for both boys</div>
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<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06185459622062224068noreply@blogger.com0