It's been so long since I last wrote. And interestingly enough, it's easy to see it doesn't matter. That's okay :) Life goes on and sometimes it's better to actually focus on it, rather than on an empty blog.
Fiona had her birthday, and we had some uproar around it. With our lives settling back down in New Mexico next week, after a well needed vacation, Fiona will be heading into preschool.
Unbelievable!
My daughter is three years old already! Her speech is better every day, and her mobility even more stable. And now, preschool. PRESCHOOL! I know she's ready... I just don't think I'm ready.
I read a friend's blog the other day, about fears. This friend revealed true fears he has been facing. As I read this entry to his blog, I found myself realizing that each of us deals with fears every day. Some we can adapt to or get over pretty quickly, while others, like the ones he wrote about, can haunt us each day.
Fears can become consuming. I know all too well about consuming fears. Allow me to walk you through just a few for now.
1. Medical Diagnoses. I've struggled for several years with depression. Many people do not understand what this entails. Depression is life consuming, especially when not medicated correctly. Depression can make each day hard to deal with, from struggling to get out of bed to not wanting to accomplish anything through the day and only wishing one had stayed in bed. My depression has even caused issues with relationships in my life, including my marriage.
But the other day, I learned that I've been medicating for only half the problem. For at least 10 years now, I have had undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder. With this diagnosis, combined with the depression, it has been discovered that my irritation and my unexplained panic attacks and rapid heartbeats were "highs" or manic episodes. These too are destructive to relationships and simple life tasks. Unmedicated, or mismedicated, these highs can be dangerous too.
2. Marriage. Given that my fears all play hand in hand together, it is understandable that I struggle with my marriage. Am I being the best wife I can be for my husband? Am I adequate company when we live so far away from all our friends? Am I being supportive enough? Too nosy? What if I'm not making him happy?
3. My Daughter. Heaven help me, I wonder every day if I'm doing all I can to make her quality of life the most it can be! I take great pride in knowing that I'm seeking the therapy she needs to succeed, that I clothe and feed her appropriately, and doing all I can to keep her smiling. But what mother doesn't ask "Am I really doing this right?"? I worry if I'm really setting her up for the most success she can achieve. I wonder every day if I did something that caused her delays in speech, fine motor and gross motor development. I wonder if she's ready for preschool...
Fears are consuming. When these three go hand in hand, and feed off each other, it makes it even more difficult to discern genuine fear versus obsessive over thinking. Later sometime, I'll touch on the other side of these fears- the solutions and goals to move past them.
For now it is time to return to life as it is, and pray blessings over those of you who read this :)
Thanks for listening.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
More Yummy Meals
Has anyone tried the other meals yet? I'd sure love to hear feedback on your thoughts of the meals!
Here's another round!
Zucchini & Potato Scramble with Bacon
Serving 1| Serving size: 2 cups egg mixture, 2 slices bacon| Calories 370; Fat 19g; Chol 450 mg; Protein 21g; Carbs 32g; Sugars 5g; Fiber 5g; RS 1.4g; Sodium 600mg
1 small potato, grated (or 1 1/2 cups refrigerated shredded potato)
1/2 zucchini, diced
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Cooking spray
2 large eggs, whisked
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 slices Turkey Bacon
Squeeze grated potato dry with a paper towel.
Combine potato, zucchini, oregano, salt and pepper.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add potato mixture and cook for 10 minutes, stirring once, until tender and lightly golden.
Add eggs, and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until eggs are set. Season to taste and serve with 2 slices of turkey bacon.
Arugula Salad with Lemon-Dijon Dressing
Serving: 1| Serving size: 5 cups| Cal 400; Fat 10g; Chol 5mg; Protein 18g; Carbs 61g; Sugars 7g; Fiber 11g; RS 1.8g; Sodium 700mg
1 Tblsp Lemon juice
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
3 cups arugula
1/2 cup grape tomatoes
1/2 cup canned white beans, rinsed and drained
2 slices rye bread, toasted and cut into 1 inch cubes
1 Tblsp grated Parmesan cheese
Combine first 3 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.
Combine arugula, tomatoes, and beans in a large bowl. Add dressing (Dijon mixture); toss gently. Top with rye bread croutons and cheese.
Baked Two-Cheese Penne with Roasted Pepper Sauce
Serves 4| Serving size: 1/4 of penne and 2 tablespoons sauce| Cal 433; Fat 16g; Chol 29mg; Protein 17g; Carbs 56g; Sugars 8g; Fiber 5g; RS 2g; Sodium 528mg
Cooking Spray
8 oz uncooked whole-wheat penne
2 Tblsp olive oil
2 Tblsp all -purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups 1% low fat milk
1 oz smoked Gouda, shredded (about 1/4 cup)
2 oz fontina cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
1/3 cup Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup roasted red bell pepper (I prefer to use fresh red bell pepper instead of roasted)
1 Tblsp plain low-fat Greek yogurt
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat and 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray; Set aside.
Bring large pot of water to boil over high heat; add noodles and cook 7 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, and add olive oil to pan. Add flour, salt and pepper; Cook 1-2 minutes until flower begins to brown. Stir in milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking well to ensure a smooth sauce. Stir in cheeses; whisk until completely melted. Stir in cooked noodles. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
Top pasta mixture with Panko; bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until top begins to brown and cheese is bubbly.
While noodles bake, place roasted (or fresh) bell pepper and yogurt in blender/food processor; process until smooth. Drizzle over squares of baked noodles and serve.
Need a snack? Try Cheddar and Apple Melt
Serving 1| Serving size: 1 wrap| Cal 160; Fat 3.5g; Chol 5mg; Protein 4g; Carbs 31g; Sugars 16g; Fiber 5g; RS 0.8g; Sodium 55mg
1 Tblsp shredded Cheddar cheese
1 small apple, thinly sliced
1 (6-inch) corn tortillas
Place cheese and apple slices on tortilla
Microwave on HIGH 30 seconds until cheese is bubbly. Roll up and eat.
Here's another round!
Zucchini & Potato Scramble with Bacon
Serving 1| Serving size: 2 cups egg mixture, 2 slices bacon| Calories 370; Fat 19g; Chol 450 mg; Protein 21g; Carbs 32g; Sugars 5g; Fiber 5g; RS 1.4g; Sodium 600mg
1 small potato, grated (or 1 1/2 cups refrigerated shredded potato)
1/2 zucchini, diced
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Cooking spray
2 large eggs, whisked
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 slices Turkey Bacon
Squeeze grated potato dry with a paper towel.
Combine potato, zucchini, oregano, salt and pepper.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add potato mixture and cook for 10 minutes, stirring once, until tender and lightly golden.
Add eggs, and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until eggs are set. Season to taste and serve with 2 slices of turkey bacon.
Arugula Salad with Lemon-Dijon Dressing
Serving: 1| Serving size: 5 cups| Cal 400; Fat 10g; Chol 5mg; Protein 18g; Carbs 61g; Sugars 7g; Fiber 11g; RS 1.8g; Sodium 700mg
1 Tblsp Lemon juice
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
3 cups arugula
1/2 cup grape tomatoes
1/2 cup canned white beans, rinsed and drained
2 slices rye bread, toasted and cut into 1 inch cubes
1 Tblsp grated Parmesan cheese
Combine first 3 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.
Combine arugula, tomatoes, and beans in a large bowl. Add dressing (Dijon mixture); toss gently. Top with rye bread croutons and cheese.
Baked Two-Cheese Penne with Roasted Pepper Sauce
Serves 4| Serving size: 1/4 of penne and 2 tablespoons sauce| Cal 433; Fat 16g; Chol 29mg; Protein 17g; Carbs 56g; Sugars 8g; Fiber 5g; RS 2g; Sodium 528mg
Cooking Spray
8 oz uncooked whole-wheat penne
2 Tblsp olive oil
2 Tblsp all -purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups 1% low fat milk
1 oz smoked Gouda, shredded (about 1/4 cup)
2 oz fontina cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
1/3 cup Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup roasted red bell pepper (I prefer to use fresh red bell pepper instead of roasted)
1 Tblsp plain low-fat Greek yogurt
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat and 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray; Set aside.
Bring large pot of water to boil over high heat; add noodles and cook 7 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, and add olive oil to pan. Add flour, salt and pepper; Cook 1-2 minutes until flower begins to brown. Stir in milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking well to ensure a smooth sauce. Stir in cheeses; whisk until completely melted. Stir in cooked noodles. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
Top pasta mixture with Panko; bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until top begins to brown and cheese is bubbly.
While noodles bake, place roasted (or fresh) bell pepper and yogurt in blender/food processor; process until smooth. Drizzle over squares of baked noodles and serve.
Need a snack? Try Cheddar and Apple Melt
Serving 1| Serving size: 1 wrap| Cal 160; Fat 3.5g; Chol 5mg; Protein 4g; Carbs 31g; Sugars 16g; Fiber 5g; RS 0.8g; Sodium 55mg
1 Tblsp shredded Cheddar cheese
1 small apple, thinly sliced
1 (6-inch) corn tortillas
Place cheese and apple slices on tortilla
Microwave on HIGH 30 seconds until cheese is bubbly. Roll up and eat.
Monday, February 28, 2011
YUM! What a day!
Continuing with the meals, here's another round... another successful day in the kitchen... and another set of meals that will continue to be favorites!
Banana-Berry Shake
ONE SERVING| Cal 300; Fat 4g (sat 2.5g, mono 1g, poly 0g); Chol 20 mg; Protein 14g; Carbs 57g; Sugars 44g; Fiber 3g; RS 4.7g; Sodium 170mg.
1 Banana
1.5 cups 1% low-fat milk
2 teaspoons honey (we love a locally made honey here)
1/2 cup ice
1/4 cup berries- frozen or fresh-- any variety
Place all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth.
Chicken Pita Sandwhich
ONE SERVING| Cal 400; Fat 10g (sat 1.5g, mono 1.5g, poly 2g); Chol 95mg; Protein 43g; Carbs 36g; Sugars 5g; Fiber 6g; RS 1g; Sodium 470mg
1 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup (4 ounces) cooked skinless bonlss chicken breast, sliced into 1/2 inch strips
(Use precooked strips or rotisserie chicken to save time)
1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons low-fat Italian vinaigrette
1 (6 inch) whole-grain pita, cut in half
Combine spinach, chicken, bell pepper, and vinaigrette in a bowl; toss gently
Serve in Pita halves
Shrimp Stir-fry with Ginger
TWO SERVINGS| Serving size: 3 cups| Cal 410; Fat 9g (sat 1.5g, mono 4g, poly 3.5g); Chol 65mg; Protein 17g; Carbs 61g; Sugars 14g; Fiber 6g; RS 2.6g; Sodium 600mg
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
2 tablespoons less-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger (this is easy to do!)
2 garlic cloves, minced (buy pre-minced)
4 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables, thawed
(Great Value says not to thaw before cooking... just run under cold water before cooking)
3 ounces (about 14 medium) frozen, precooked shrimp, thawed (run under cold water)
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
(Uncle Ben's Fast and Natural Whole Grain Brown Rice)
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
1 scallion, chopped (we prefer pearl onions, 2)
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add soy sauce, honey, ginger, & garlic. Cook 1 minute.
Add vegetables, shrimp, and cooked rice; Cook 8 minutes (or until veggies and shrimp are hot.)
Remove from heat, separate servings into bowls and top with half almonds and scallion each.
Banana-Berry Shake
ONE SERVING| Cal 300; Fat 4g (sat 2.5g, mono 1g, poly 0g); Chol 20 mg; Protein 14g; Carbs 57g; Sugars 44g; Fiber 3g; RS 4.7g; Sodium 170mg.
1 Banana
1.5 cups 1% low-fat milk
2 teaspoons honey (we love a locally made honey here)
1/2 cup ice
1/4 cup berries- frozen or fresh-- any variety
Place all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth.
Chicken Pita Sandwhich
ONE SERVING| Cal 400; Fat 10g (sat 1.5g, mono 1.5g, poly 2g); Chol 95mg; Protein 43g; Carbs 36g; Sugars 5g; Fiber 6g; RS 1g; Sodium 470mg
1 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup (4 ounces) cooked skinless bonlss chicken breast, sliced into 1/2 inch strips
(Use precooked strips or rotisserie chicken to save time)
1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons low-fat Italian vinaigrette
1 (6 inch) whole-grain pita, cut in half
Combine spinach, chicken, bell pepper, and vinaigrette in a bowl; toss gently
Serve in Pita halves
Shrimp Stir-fry with Ginger
TWO SERVINGS| Serving size: 3 cups| Cal 410; Fat 9g (sat 1.5g, mono 4g, poly 3.5g); Chol 65mg; Protein 17g; Carbs 61g; Sugars 14g; Fiber 6g; RS 2.6g; Sodium 600mg
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
2 tablespoons less-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger (this is easy to do!)
2 garlic cloves, minced (buy pre-minced)
4 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables, thawed
(Great Value says not to thaw before cooking... just run under cold water before cooking)
3 ounces (about 14 medium) frozen, precooked shrimp, thawed (run under cold water)
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
(Uncle Ben's Fast and Natural Whole Grain Brown Rice)
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
1 scallion, chopped (we prefer pearl onions, 2)
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add soy sauce, honey, ginger, & garlic. Cook 1 minute.
Add vegetables, shrimp, and cooked rice; Cook 8 minutes (or until veggies and shrimp are hot.)
Remove from heat, separate servings into bowls and top with half almonds and scallion each.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
New Favorites
So we're finally settled in, and have found a great church home.
O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, even purposes planned of old [and fulfilled] in faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1
He truly has been faithful to my little family. Surprises and evil found their way to our doorstep in the recent months, but God has been faithful and with His grace and mercy we've delighted in Him through these struggles.
All that aside, Ryan and I have started a new lifestyle change in our diet. I have found this change to be both beneficial to our health and our wallets. I want to share some favorite new recipes here. These are quick to make, with minimal kitchen time.
Banana and Almond Butter Toast
Makes One Serving: Calories 280; Fat 11g (sat 1g, mono 7g, poly 2.5g); Cholesterol 0mg; Protein 6g; Carbs 44g; Sugars 16g; Fiber 5g; Resistant Starch: 5.6g; Sodium 260mg
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 slice rye bread, toasted
1 banana, sliced
Top toast with almond butter spread and sliced banana.
Big Chopped Salad
Makes One Serving: Cals 390, Fat 14g (sat 2g, mono 2g, poly 8g); Chol. 5mg; Protein 15g; Carbs 60g; Sugars 23g; Fiber 13g; RS 2.1g; Sodium 360mg
3 cups mixed salad greens
1/2 cup canned no-salt-added garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup red cabbage
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
2 tablespoons low-fat balsamic vinaigrette
Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl, toss with vinaigrette and serve.
Black Bean Tacos
Makes Two Servings
Serving size: 3 tacos| Cal: 420; Fat 8g (sat 5g, mono 0.5g, poly 1g); Chol 25mg; Protein 18g; Carbs 69g; Sugars 5g; Fiber 17g; RS 4.7g; Sodium 420mg
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt- added black beans, rinsed and drained
6 (6-inch) corn tortillas
6 tablespoons cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Romaine lettuce
1 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup salsa
Microwave beans on HIGH for 2 minutes or until heated through
Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tortillas, one at a time and cook one minute on each side
Divide beans evenly among tortillas. Top with even amounts of cheese, lettuce, carrot and salsa.
These were a hit with all three of us. I'll post more as we try them!
O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, even purposes planned of old [and fulfilled] in faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1
He truly has been faithful to my little family. Surprises and evil found their way to our doorstep in the recent months, but God has been faithful and with His grace and mercy we've delighted in Him through these struggles.
All that aside, Ryan and I have started a new lifestyle change in our diet. I have found this change to be both beneficial to our health and our wallets. I want to share some favorite new recipes here. These are quick to make, with minimal kitchen time.
Banana and Almond Butter Toast
Makes One Serving: Calories 280; Fat 11g (sat 1g, mono 7g, poly 2.5g); Cholesterol 0mg; Protein 6g; Carbs 44g; Sugars 16g; Fiber 5g; Resistant Starch: 5.6g; Sodium 260mg
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 slice rye bread, toasted
1 banana, sliced
Top toast with almond butter spread and sliced banana.
Big Chopped Salad
Makes One Serving: Cals 390, Fat 14g (sat 2g, mono 2g, poly 8g); Chol. 5mg; Protein 15g; Carbs 60g; Sugars 23g; Fiber 13g; RS 2.1g; Sodium 360mg
3 cups mixed salad greens
1/2 cup canned no-salt-added garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup red cabbage
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
2 tablespoons low-fat balsamic vinaigrette
Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl, toss with vinaigrette and serve.
Black Bean Tacos
Makes Two Servings
Serving size: 3 tacos| Cal: 420; Fat 8g (sat 5g, mono 0.5g, poly 1g); Chol 25mg; Protein 18g; Carbs 69g; Sugars 5g; Fiber 17g; RS 4.7g; Sodium 420mg
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt- added black beans, rinsed and drained
6 (6-inch) corn tortillas
6 tablespoons cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Romaine lettuce
1 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup salsa
Microwave beans on HIGH for 2 minutes or until heated through
Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tortillas, one at a time and cook one minute on each side
Divide beans evenly among tortillas. Top with even amounts of cheese, lettuce, carrot and salsa.
These were a hit with all three of us. I'll post more as we try them!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2011: New Hopes and New Dreams
I know it's been a few months, but I know not many people read this, so it hasn't been the biggest concern in life right now. It's January 1st 2011, today, and as I reflected on the changes that happened in 2010, I realized that it was a very tough year for my little family.
We lost 4 babies in 2010.
We moved 12 hours away from our entire world.
We lost friends, made friends.
We took leaps of pure faith, and even had a few successes.
I finished my first year of my B.A. in Psychology.
Ryan began a new career, a true career- not just a job.
Fiona was pre-diagnosed with Autism.
We began seeking speech and physical therapeutic help for Fiona.
We struggled through finances, and finally came out of a year on top of it all.
We grew closer as a family.
We found love for each other and well as patience.
We began a journey together, leaving everything behind and trusting purely on God for each of our steps.
It's been an interesting year. I've struggled lately with friendships. There are many regrets for me from 2010. I've thought a lot about our last miscarriage. September was difficult, and things got worse as October, November, and December came along. I don't think anyone quite understands how it feels to be in a town where you don't know anyone, lose a pregnancy (or two at once), and not even have friends in town or a church home; to wake up every day and realize the most friendships you have are through the computer... and then have those friends decide to believe perceived lies and desert you.
Then to make a trip back "home" only to find friendships have failed there too. I'm beginning to realize that Ruidoso is going to be where I call HOME, and it may be very lonely. At what point do you decide you've put all you can into friendships? At what point to do you quit trying? I still have no answers.
Many things have gone unanswered from 2010. Why so many miscarriages? Why so many struggles? What is this crazy plan God has in mind for me? For my family? When is it okay to give up? on friendship? on babies?
I won't give up on God, or my family. They are the people that are most important to me. During my trip to OK, I found my God again. I came home feeling refreshed and renewed. I'm determined to continue that feeling of love.
New hopes and dreams for 2011: Trust more fully in God. Fall deeper in love with Him. Rest in His arms more willingly. Prayers for God's plans for my family for this year. Hopes that perhaps 2011 will bring another miracle baby into our lives- whether it be from my womb or from foster care or adoption. Hopes that my continuing education brings joy and success. Hopes that Ryan will continue to enjoy his career and advance with God's blessings.
All in all, we're looking for 2011 to be a more amazing adventure than 2010!
Blessings to you and yours this year!
We lost 4 babies in 2010.
We moved 12 hours away from our entire world.
We lost friends, made friends.
We took leaps of pure faith, and even had a few successes.
I finished my first year of my B.A. in Psychology.
Ryan began a new career, a true career- not just a job.
Fiona was pre-diagnosed with Autism.
We began seeking speech and physical therapeutic help for Fiona.
We struggled through finances, and finally came out of a year on top of it all.
We grew closer as a family.
We found love for each other and well as patience.
We began a journey together, leaving everything behind and trusting purely on God for each of our steps.
It's been an interesting year. I've struggled lately with friendships. There are many regrets for me from 2010. I've thought a lot about our last miscarriage. September was difficult, and things got worse as October, November, and December came along. I don't think anyone quite understands how it feels to be in a town where you don't know anyone, lose a pregnancy (or two at once), and not even have friends in town or a church home; to wake up every day and realize the most friendships you have are through the computer... and then have those friends decide to believe perceived lies and desert you.
Then to make a trip back "home" only to find friendships have failed there too. I'm beginning to realize that Ruidoso is going to be where I call HOME, and it may be very lonely. At what point do you decide you've put all you can into friendships? At what point to do you quit trying? I still have no answers.
Many things have gone unanswered from 2010. Why so many miscarriages? Why so many struggles? What is this crazy plan God has in mind for me? For my family? When is it okay to give up? on friendship? on babies?
I won't give up on God, or my family. They are the people that are most important to me. During my trip to OK, I found my God again. I came home feeling refreshed and renewed. I'm determined to continue that feeling of love.
New hopes and dreams for 2011: Trust more fully in God. Fall deeper in love with Him. Rest in His arms more willingly. Prayers for God's plans for my family for this year. Hopes that perhaps 2011 will bring another miracle baby into our lives- whether it be from my womb or from foster care or adoption. Hopes that my continuing education brings joy and success. Hopes that Ryan will continue to enjoy his career and advance with God's blessings.
All in all, we're looking for 2011 to be a more amazing adventure than 2010!
Blessings to you and yours this year!
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