My Life as the Mommy

Strawberry Bruchetta

2011-08-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

To Make:

Strawberry Bruschetta

Ingredients:

2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced

1 tbsp. sugar

1 French baguette, sliced on a bias (it doesn't have to be the demi kind, just fresh!)

goat cheese, or brie, or mascarpone

1 tbsp. olive oil

balsamic vinegar

minced basil leaves

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350, Combine the strawberries and sugar in a small bowl; toss to combine. Let the berries macerate for about 30 minutes so that they begin to release their juices. Spread a layer of one of the brie or goat cheese on top of each baguette slice. Place the baguettes with the cheese in the oven for 5-7 minutes, Top each slice with spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top each slice with the basil leaves and cracked pepper, to taste.

This is absolutely wonderful for summer! It sounds odd but the flavors really work well together, I do hope you will try it.

Hugs,

Stephenie

Meal Plan Monday

2011-06-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

Monday-
Penne with tomato sauce, salad and garlic bread

Tuesday-
Grilled Hamburgers, home made fries and broccoli

Wednesday-
Chicken Enchiladas

Thursday-
Beef Stroganoff over egg noodles and squash

Friday-
Pick up a pizza

Saturday-
Grilled fajitas, rice and beans

Sunday-
Grilled garlic chicken, grilled asparagus and zuccini, homemade macaroni and cheese

Lying beside Jacob just enjoying him

2011-01-25T22:18:00.000-08:00

He's in here in the bed with me, it's really late. I hear his breaths and sighs and I know truly how blessed I am. I am so loved! Thank you God.
Now I need to get off of here and snuggle close with him.
Stephenie

My baby is 6 months old

2011-01-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

Where has the time gone? I had such huge hopes for my blog. I have been hoping to add something to it daily, with my children there is always something funny being said. I must try harder, I know I can!

Jacob turned 6 months today. The realization that he is half of a year is absolutely unbelievable. He has blessed me, Troy and his brothers with so much joy. He is such a happy baby, he loves to be held and smile and laugh. He's a huge joy. I can't imagine my life without him. He loves me so much and I am so proud to be his mommy. My boy's are amazing and I am so thankful to God for them.

Happy half Birthday Jacob!
Mommy

Jacob Scout turns 3 months

2010-10-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

WOW! I can hardly believe that Jacob is 3 months old but he is. He is amazing just simply and beautifully amazing! He has so much personality and is a wonderful addition to the family. He has his cute little squeaks, giggles and smiles. Austin and Cody are just amazed by him, they love to hold him and hear him just be happy, and that is exactly what he is, HAPPY!

Here is his 3 month picture, Happy 3 month's baby Jacob! Your mommy, daddy and brothers love you so much and we are so blessed to have you in our lives!

God Bless!
Stephenie

So Cody begins Pre-K

2010-09-07T13:43:00.001-07:00

I dropped Austin and our neighbors daughter off at school and headed with Troy and Jacob to take Cody for his first day of pre-k. I had thought about it last night and thought I would be alright, boy was I wrong! We got there and took a few pictures of Cody at his new school, with his backpack and in his new classroom. Then it was time to leave him at his new school, with his new teacher and his new classmates. I couldn't catch my breath. I walked over and he was so excited, he was in school just like his big brother. My eyes got watery and I had to get out of there. As we left the classroom I told Troy "I didn't think I was going to cry.", he cleared his throat and I knew what that meant. I didn't acknowledge it, we just held hands as we left Cody's school. Boy did I miss that kid!
Hugs!
Stephenie

Football season has begun here in the Commonwealth!

2010-09-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

Here in Kentucky football season has begun. The game between Kentucky and Louisville is taking place! Man is this ever an exciting here in the commonwealth. It is the season opener and it is called the Governor's Cup. Flags are flying in support of the favorite team and the state is ready! Kentucky has a new coach and so does Louisville, this game is certainly going to be an exciting one.

I better head off of here, I need to go get my blue on to cheer on Kentucky!

GO BIG BLUE!

Stephenie

1 Month with Jacob

2010-08-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's so hard to believe that already Jacob is 1 month old. Where does the time go? He is nursing and gaining weight so well. He's already showing his big personality! Just today he realized that mommy was holding him and he squealed, then smiled! It was the cutest thing. He was so happy to see me. It made my day. We are all so in love with him already. I cannot imagine my life without him.

Here is a picture of Troy and Jacob. We took it at the park today. I absolutely love it! Jacob looks so happy to be with his daddy.

Thank you God for Jacob!~
Stephenie

Austin and Cody's first game of the season

2010-08-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Look at how handsome my boy's are! How did I get so lucky? I love them to pieces! I love this time of the year for this, the cooler weather and football games! Well on this particular Sunday it was HOT!

It was Austin's debut playing tackle and Cody's first football game ever! They both had a lot of fun. It was hilarious to watch a bunch of 4 year old's play football. I highly recommend it. :) It'll be good for your soul.

God Bless!
Stephenie

Cowboy Cookies~ What I'm making to cure my hubby's sweet tooth

2010-08-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Cookies (1/3 Recipe) (I got this recipe from http://lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com)
adapted from Laura Bush

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
* 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
* 2/3 cups sweetened flake coconut
* 2/3 cups chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in bowl. In a large bowl, beat butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, 1 minute. Gradually beat in sugars; beat to combine, 2 minutes.

Add egg and vanilla. Mix til combined.

Stir in flour mixture until just combined. Add chocolate chips, oats, coconut and pecans.

Using a medium ice cream scoop (2 Tablespoons) drop dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart.

Bake in 350 F oven for about 15 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. Remove cookies from rack to cool.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Now go make this, go on! They are super yummy delicious!

Hugs!
Stephenie

Jacob Scout

2010-08-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

On July 23rd, 2010 at 9:21 p.m. we were blessed with another son, we named him Jacob Scout. He weighed 6 lbs. and 9 oz. and was 19 & 3/4 inches long. He was 3 weeks and 1 day early but absolutely perfect! His brother's absolutely adore him as do his daddy and I. We are so happy to have him and already cannot imagine our lives with out him. Thank you God for blessing us so much! We are so grateful for him.

Cheers!
Stephenie

30 Weeks!

2010-06-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

I am really getting close to meeting Jacob but man oh man is it taking it's sweet time to get there! I know no one likes to hear a whiner but I am just exhausted, hot and waddley, that's right, waddley! As in a duck or penguin, not really though because penguins live in the cold and I am definitely not cold and not like a duck because they have that whole water thing going for them and I sure don't. It's just tough, whooh! I can't believe I did this to myself in the summertime.

I am so very anxious to meet him though. We went in for our appointment last Tuesday and he is estimated by ultrasound to be about 3lbs 7 oz. We could even see his hair. I bet he is going to be a doll like his big brothers. Speaking of... they are so excited to meet him. They both will be amazing with him, I am most certain of it.

Hugs,
Stephenie

Getting ready for Jacob!

2010-05-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

(The picture above is the bedding set, wall art and toy holder we got for him. THIS IS NOT HIS BEDROOM)

Slowly but surely we're getting ready in our house for baby Jacob. He will be here in about two months. I am due August 14th but I know I cannot make it that long.

Cody is moved in to Austin's room, so they now share a room. They have bunk beds and Austin and Cody really enjoy that. We bought some UK Blue paint to paint their bedroom. I am not looking forward to the painting part, AGAIN! but we'll get it.

Jacob's nursery is painted, the crib is put together and the bedding is washed and in place, the curtains are hung and various cute things are on his walls. I am still in the process of getting it all together but slowly but surely we're getting there. I still have to go through and wash all of Cody and Austin's old clothes that I have and put them away.

I hope you all are well!
Stephenie

My To Do List 5/15/2010

2010-05-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

6:30 am Wake up/Wake up Austin
7:10 Get Austin on the school bus
7:30 Wake up Cody
8:00 Unload/load dishwasher
8:30 Clean up kitchen
9:00 Pick up living room
9:30 Pick up dining room
10:00 Pick up Jacob's nursery
10:30 Pick up master bathroom
11:00 Pick up boy's bathroom
11:30 Lunch
12:00 Laundry

1. Grocery shopping
2. Clip coupons

What's for supper? Taco Soup

2010-03-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

~Taco Soup~
3 boxes of Chicken stock
1.5 lbs of ground beef
1 medium sized onion
1 packet of Ranch dressing mix
4 cans of kidney beans (2 light and 2 dark)
2 15 oz. cans of petite diced tomatoes
frozen corn
red pepper flakes
garlic to taste

In a soup pot add, chicken stock, 2 cans of tomatoes, all of the kidney beans (rinsed and drained first), ranch packet, and frozen corn (add as much or as little as you like). Put on med low heat. Dice up your onion and add to the pot. In a separate pan cook up your ground beef until it is no longer pink, drain the grease and add it to the soup pot. Add garlic, salt and pepper and red pepper flakes to your liking. Stir. Cook about 45 minutes on low.

When the soup is done you should add tortilla chips or fritos on top. Cheddar cheese is also really good along with sour cream, maybe tomatoes and diced onions. This is super delicious!!!

Homesick

2010-03-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

I am so homesick for Virginia. I never thought I'd move away, never. I loved it there, I really did. I haven't been home in so long and it's absolutely killing me. I miss everything about it, even the stupid stuff I never really thought about the things I guess I took for granted.

I miss jet noise. Yes, seriously I miss hearing the loud jets, having to stop what I'm saying or repeat myself but you feel really safe when you hear that noise.

I miss Slurpees. We don't have 7/11 here. Seriously why do we not have 7/11's here? Come on Kentucky! Slurpees and Big Gulps are good things.

I miss my friends and family. Of course, I really don't have anything to say except I now know how much I love you all. I wish I had said it more.

I miss knowing how to get anywhere I want to go. I've been here 5 years and I still struggle.

I miss knowing when it's going to rain. The humidity in Virginia is so thick sometimes you can just feel that it's just got to rain soon.

I miss good seafood. I'm just scared to eat the stuff we have around here. Plus in Virginia you can catch your own crabs and it's just not the same.

I miss the ocean. I miss the only second to my family and friends. The feeling of sand in between my toes and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore reminds me of so many wonderful things. I miss that.

I need to make it a priority this year to go home. I'm really sad about it. I want my boy's to know where momma comes from and Virginia is that!

Hugs :O)

Drum Roll Please, IT'S A.......

2010-03-02T18:35:00.000-08:00

Another BOY! :) Yes, we found out on Friday that we're expecting our third son. I am so excited! I love being a mommy to boys, they absolutely adore me and I adore them. We aren't certain on a boys name but we both like Joshua Ryan, I really wish I could get Troy to go with Jacob (and NO it isn't because I love Twilight, btw I'm an Edward fan if you must know!) I just love the name, it is so cute. Maybe I can get him to change his mine, who knows? I have 5 months to change his mind. :) We will see.

God Bless!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

Monday- Taco Soup

Tuesday- Chicken cordon bleu, twice baked potatoes and broccoli

Wednesday- Supper at church

Thursday- Baked Spaghetti and garlic bread

Friday- Leftovers night

Saturday- Chilli

Sunday- Chicken cacttitoiri over rice with salad

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

Monday- Chicken Enchiladas, Beans and Rice

Tuesday- Sloppy Joes, broccoli and macaroni and cheese

Wednesday- Supper is at church :O)

Thursday- Chicken Tortilla Soup

Friday- Ratatouille over Spaghetti noodles, garlic bread and salad

Saturday- Pork chops with apples, peas and mashed potatoes

Sunday- Spaghetti with Italian Sausage, garlic bread and salad

We're Expecting Baby #3!

2010-01-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

I found out on December 11th. We're due on August 14th, 2010!!! We are so happy about it. I think everyone, the boy's included are hoping for a girl. Of course we want a healthy baby but it sure would be nice to have a sweet little girl after these meany boys I have, lol. They are precious too, I've just always dreamed of a daughter, it would be so nice to have one. I'll be blessed with whatever God gives to me.

Hugs,
Stephenie

My Beautiful Boy's

2009-11-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

My husband and I recently had some pictures taken of the boys and they turned out amazing! They really did. Not that I am surprised but the photographer did an excellent job and Troy and I could not be happier with them.

So without further ado..

Aren't they beautiful? I sure do think so.

Hugs!
Stephenie

Halloween

2009-11-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

Halloween this year was awesome! Austin was the Transformer Bumblebee and Cody was Harry Potter, he was such a cute Harry Potter! He was a big splash with everyone. As you can see from above they were adorable!

I had a lot of fun with Halloween this year. I participated in a mini scrapbook swap and made a really cute minni album that was "spooky". The one I got was amazing! I also made treat boxes for Austin's class, so much fun! Maybe if I think of it I can upload pics I took of them, I'm silly I know!

Hugs,
Stephenie

My poor neglected blog

2009-10-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm looking at my blog and the last time I posted to it was Austins first day of school, that would be 9 weeks ago, do you know how I know? Austin got his report card! I have such high hopes for this blog, I guess I need to be more proactive and make it more important to me, both of my blogs.

I wanted to post on here about my Austin and school, more specifically his report card. He made the Honor Roll! I am so very proud of him. He tries so hard to do well in school and it is paying off for him. Troy and I have a tendency to be strict on him. He needs the structure, my mom was pretty strict on me and I wish she were more strict and had pushed me harder. Troy and I each night, one of us work with him on his home work. Some nights it is such a struggle, especially with his math but he does it. He is a lot better at concentrating with his ADHD but it still is something we have to work at. I am just so proud to be his momma! I just have so many hopes for him, he just makes being his momma so wonderful. I am truly blessed to call Austin mine.

The night before his football team went to the playoffs, they played the Gators. The Gators are the only team the Sooners (Austins team) had lost to. The game was great, Austins team was very special, he had a wonderful coach who really knew how to handle himself on the field and show a boy how to deal with conflict, some of those coaches just scream at the kids and I know if he were my sons coach, Austin would not be playing for that guy. Anyways they ended up losing but they all were so great about it, the team shed tears, even the coach but it was a great season! I will miss those little boys, Austin is moving up to tackle football next year and will be on a completely new team. We cannot wait for that!

Well it is late, I must close.

Blessing to you all!
Stephenie

Austin's First Day of 3rd Grade

2009-08-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

So yesterday Austin began 3rd grade! Wow, he's 8 and I just cannot believe it. He is getting so big and growing up so fast. Here are some pictures I took yesterday of him before school, I am quite proud of him!

He's also doing football and hopefully fall baseball, look for pic's on those to come.

Hugs,
Stephenie

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

Monday~ Grilled rib's, macaroni salad and iceburg lettuce salad

Tuesday~ Chicken a la king over rice with broccoli (Recipe here)

Wednesday~ Taco's, beans and mexican rice

Thursday~ Grilled hamburgers, and homemade steak fries

Friday~ Leftover's

Saturday~ Chicken casserole, peas and carrots

Sunday~ Slow cooker chicken caccetorie over rice

Menu Plan Monday- My First One

2009-07-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

Monday~ Pork loin in the slow cooker with potatoes and carrots

Tuesday~ Chicken and tomatoes ooey gooey goodness with broccoli and crash potatoes

Wednesday~ Hot dog's, macaroni and cheese and pea's

Thursday~ It's our Anniversary, Lasagna with cheesy garlic bread

Friday~ Pizza and Movies

Saturday~ Leftover Night

Sunday~ Taco's with all the fixins

Homemade Ranch Dressing

2009-07-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

2 cloves of garlic
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (use less table salt)
1 cup mayonnaise (Duke's or Hellman’s preferred)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk or regular milk, to taste
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 to 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill, more if desired
1/4 teaspoon of pepper, more if desired

Optional ingredients:
cayenne pepper
worcestershire sauce
hot sauce

Directions: With a fork, make a paste with garlic and salt. Mix all other ingredients, adding optional ingredients as you wish, tasting frequently and adjusting seasonings as needed. Chill for a couple of hours before serving, thin with milk or buttermilk if desired.

Dinner at our House Tonight

2009-07-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorites, it is so yummy!

Recipe:
1 lb. of pasta (I love cavatapi or penne)
1 jar of Ragu Robusto
2 large cans of petite diced tomatoes
1 lb. ground beef
1 green pepper
1 onion
4 or 5 garlic cloves chopped
1 bag of frozen corn or 2 cans
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta till al dente or a little undercooked, then drain (see note below). Add ground beef to a skillet, chop onion and greenpepper, add to the ground beef. Cook until ground beef is browned. Drain fat, add cans of tomatoes and Ragu Robusto. Add garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients and cook on low about 20-30 minutes. You can top with cheddar cheese, cottage cheese or sour cream, it's so good!

Note, you want the noodles a little undercooked because they continue to cook after everything is combined, if not the noodles get mushy.

Yummy Jello Cake

2009-07-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

My boy's are not big into cake at all, especially Cody but as I type they are making the most yummy of noises in the dining room with their cake and milk. We made this cake when we woke up and it is delicious! I rarely make dessert so when I do, it's a special treat!

RECIPE:
Bake a cake according to directions, yellow or white.

Make Jello according to directions.

When the cake is done poke holes in the cake with a fork, a lot. Then add the Jello over top of the cake. Let it sit at least 3 hours to set up. Add whipped cream or Cool Whip, I added yellow food coloring to the Cool Whip. Instant summer cake that is light and oh so yummy!

Try this and Enjoy!
Stephenie

Cody's Newest Obsession

2009-07-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

So, the family has been listening to this song that goes a little like, "I dud my key into a side of a split off awaked to the other side seeeeat." Yes, we've been curious what our Cody was singing. So Troy and I did some investigating, we asked Austin finally who seemed to completely understand Cody, "yeah Mommy, he's singing a song from on demand." "hmmm", I thought so I investigated, he's been singing this song for weeks, after many questions we figured it out. It's none other than Carrie Underwood singing Before He Cheats. Umm Yeah, Cody has a crush on Carrie Underwood. He's got good taste and I can see Troy in the other room, Daddy's proud! Oh and big brother Austin, has a picture of Miss Carrie in his bedroom, he's crushing too!

Take Care!
Stephenie

For Dinner at Our Home Tonight

2009-07-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

So tonight for supper, this is what I made. The recipe actually comes from my church cookbook that I have grown to love especially with the economy the way that it is I am rarely making my expensive meals I so enjoy making, I make them, they are now saved for those special occasions.

Here is what you'll need for this delicious recipe.

1/2 c. onion chopped
4 cloves garlic or to your liking
1 tsp. coriander
salt and pepper to taste
2 T. butter (I do not have margarine but I suppose it could be used here)
3 T. all purpose flour
8 oz sour cream
2 c. chicken stock (I have reserved from soups and stews I make) you could use stock
1 jalapeno diced up no seeds
2 cups monterey jack cheese shredded
2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
8-12 flour tortillas

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium saucepan cook onion, garlic, jalapenos, and coriander until onion is tender. Still flour in to the sour cream and add to the pan. Add chicken stock to the pan. Cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in half of the cheese.

Filling: Stir 1/2c of the sauce from above into the chicken.

Fill each tortilla with the filling (about a tablespoon and a half) then roll it up. Put seams side down into the baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over top of the tortillas. Bake for 35 minutes, covered. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes uncovered under the broiler (be careful, watch out for it!)

Delicious and cheap! Try it out, so simple and yummy. Make some really good guacamole to go along with it.

Thanks ya'll and I hope you try this, Troy LOVED it and the boy's did too!

Hugs!
Stephenie

Our Family's New Blog

2009-07-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hello. I begin to write this and I have no readers. Oh well, I hope to invite my family and friends so that they may know what is going on in my family's beautiful world. There are four of us, Troy, or as the boy's call him Daddy, then there is me, Stephenie or Mommy. Austin just turned 8 last week and will be entering third grade next month and last but not least is Cody, he's 3 and full of fire!

My boy's are my entire world, I don't know how I lived without them. I always knew I wanted to have kid's early. I always knew I wanted to be a mommy, since I was a little girl and played with my doll's. I wanted to grow up with them, I was 24 when I had Austin and I'm so happy I did.

Every moment with them is amazing! Each day they teach me something about how I should handle life, strange that my boy's can do that. I've learned to appreciate the small things and not take anything for granted. They have made me a better person, I just hope to show them that.

Here is a picture from this passed weekend. The boy's were playing with the neighbors and I caught them, Austin and Cody were being so cute to one another, I love this picture! They are so beautiful.

I'll end here, take care and more to come!

God Bless You!
Stephenie