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Wednesday, 26 August 2009

  • Currently
    Southern Living: Busy Moms Weeknight Favorites: 130 Suppers Your Family Will Love
    By Editors of Southern Living
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    Summer Simmerings

    The summer has quickly come to a close and here we are again at the start of a new school year and new schedule. I was actually looking forward to the structure that the school year brings. During the summer and especially with Aaron being home there wasn't much structure to our days and the kids were always getting to bed too late. But now, the days are shortening, the air is getting a little cooler and we can have a little more stucture to our days and weeks.

    I have started up babysitting again for 2 brothers. I will have them about 3 times a month on Wednesdays.  It works out great because thats the day I do laundry because I can do that chore with 4 little ones under foot. I put them all down in the afternoon for my little siesta.

    Aaron is looking glad to be back in school. For this fall semester he is teaching courses that he has already taught which means not too much prep work. He leaves home at about 6:45 in the morning and get home between 4/4:30.  Not too bad!

    Here are some end of the summer pictures for your enjoyment and some recipes I have tried from this cookbook. It's a good one!

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    3-Cheese Pasta Bake

    1 pound ziti pasta

    2-10oz. containers light refrig. Alfredo sauce

    1-8oz. reduced fat sour cream

    1-15oz. part-skim ricotta cheese

    2 large eggs, lightly beaten

    ¼ cup grated Parm. Cheese

    ¼ chopped Parsley

    1 ½ cups shredded mozz. Cheese

     

    **Preheat oven to 350*. Cook ziti and drain.

    ** Stir together Alfredo sauce and sour cream together; add ziti, stirring until blended. Spoon half the mixture into a lightly greased 13*9 baking dish.

    **Stir together ricotta cheese and next 3 ingred.; spread evenly over pasta mixture in dish. Spoon remaining pasta evenly over ricotta cheese layer and sprinkle with mozz. Cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

    Quick Shrimp Chowder

     

    2 Tbsp. butter

    1 med. Onion, chopped

    2(10oz.) cans cream of potato soup

    3 ½ cups milk

    ¼ tsp. pepper(red pepper is optional)

    1 ½ lb. medium-size frozen raw shrimp in shells (I USED CANNED SHRIMP AND THIS WORKED FINE)

    1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

     

    **Melt butter in large pot and add onion. Saute until tender.

    Stir in soup, milk and pepper; bring to boil. Add shrimp. If using raw, simmer for 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. If using canned then heat through. Stir in cheese until is  melted. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley.

    Honey Mustard-and-Bacon Smothered Chicken

    4(6oz.) skinned and boned chicken breasts

    ¼ tsp. salt

    ¼ tsp. pepper

    1Tbsp. butter or marg.

    1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

    ¼ cup honey-mustard dressing

    8 fully cooked bacon slices

    ¼ cup shredded Mexican four-cheese blend

     

    **Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

    Melt butter and oil in skillet over med./high heat and cook chicken8 minutes on each side or until done.  Reduce heat to low and spread with dressing. Top each breast with 2 slices of bacon and cheese and cook 2 minutes.

     

Wednesday, 05 August 2009

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    OBX Beach house  2009

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    see how empty the beach was!!!

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    Currituck County Lighthouse that we climbed!  sorry i forgot to rotate the picture

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    Fathers Day 2009

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    Parkers 2nd birthday.  Showing off his new pop gun and hat.

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    Our sweet Delaney Joy

Tuesday, 04 August 2009

  • Currently
    Womanly Dominion: More Than A Gentle and Quiet Spirit
    By Mark Chanski
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    Summer Fun

    Wow, it's been over 2 months since I last posted anything.  After our birthday bash in May, summer living really kicked into gear.  We have had a busy, BUSY and full summer so far.  I can't believe it's almost over.

    On the very last day of school Aaron only had a half day so we left as soon as he got home for vacation.  This year was special in that we went to the Outer Banks in NC with his whole side of the family.  We (all 17 of us) stayed in one HUGE house right on the ocean!  We had a wonderful time!  The cousins loved being together playing in the pool, hot tub or down in the sand and running in the waves.  Both Delaney and Parker loved being down by the ocean and since we went in early June there was hardly anyone else on the beach.  We could let the kids run and didn't have to keep an eye on them every second.  That was great!   Because our house had a hot tub and pool along with being right on the water we didn't leave much at all.  We took the kids to the Currituck County Lighthouse one morning just to get out but that was about it.

    Once we got back from vacation we started in on our summer routine.  It's been a little different this summer with Aaron not working a summer job. Different in a good way.  We got the playroom/TV room painted and hope to get the living room done before A goes back to school here in a few weeks.  The kids love having daddy home in the mornings.

    Parker turned 2 in July.  It turned out to be the "Lightning McQueen/Trucks" birthday.  He loves anything to do with the CARS movie or any type of truck.  Which makes it easy for a little boy.  He also got his first play gun and camo hat from my mom and dad (Grandma and PopPop to him).  He opened the gun and said, "ohhhh, a shooter gun!"  He's our little sweetie!

    Since Parker is 2 now he has started Sunday School and sitting in the worship service with us.  He is learning Psalm 23 and Amazing Grace.  It's amazing what these little minds can comprehend and learn and memorize!

    Delaney is learning the 10 commandments from the Childrens Catechism and she has just mastered the 2nd commandment (which by the way, is a very long paragraph answer!) She's got it!!!!

    The church softball season just ended last Saturday.  That runs from early June into early August.  It's a busy but fun time for both the men and the families.  We continue to have our weekly swim day at Miss Alissas.  Some weeks Delaney is comfortable enough to take off her swimmies.  I think we need to get her in some swimming lessons!  Parker LOVES, LOVES, LOVES the water.  He always has his swimmies on but will just float around and jump off the steps.  He is starting to get the concept of holding his nose and putting his face in so we might need to have them take lessons at the same time. We have some little fishies on our hands.

    We are about half-way through our annual VBS week.  I am teaching the 5 year old class and have been greatly encouraged by their responses.  They are eager to learn and listen!  The weeks theme is "Stories that Jesus told."  I was even able to send home a bible with a little girl that came tonight.

    Well, I think that about does it for a recap of our summer.  I will post some summer pics soon!
    Blessings!

Monday, 11 May 2009

  • Currently
    Before I Wake
    By Dee Henderson
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    Birthday(s)

    Well, the Birthday weekend is officially over.  And, it was quite the weekend!  Saturday, May 9 was Aarons sister, Rachel's birthday and we (all 17 of us Beardmores) had supper at her house!  We  had to meet and talk about our beach vacation to the Outer Banks anyway so we made it at the same time we would have the "Birthday Bash" as they call it. Rachels birthday~May 9th, mine~May10th, Becky (my mother in law)s~May 11th & Allen (my brother in law)s ~May 11!!!!

    Yesterday was my 28th birthday and Mothers Day and my wonderful hubby made it SO special!  My dad called in the morning to wish me Happy Birthday. Thanks Dad!!! Aaron got up with the kids in the morning and made a yummy breakfast before church.  He bought me a beautiful pink rose corsage to wear to church and Delaney and Parker "gave" me a beautiful new quilt bedspread for our bed.  Parker had a runny nose so he couldn't be in the nursery so he had his first experience with sitting in church.    Then, after church we (all 17 Beardmore/VanGrouws) got together again but this time at Aaron's moms house for a steak and baked potato lunch!!!! Aaron and his younger brother Paul grilled strip steaks for everyone!!!! YUMMMOOOO!!!  We got home around 2:30 and the kids crashed and took great naps before going back to evening church.

    Since the weekend was mostly taken up with family things Aaron wanted to wait until tonight to celebrate my birthday with just our family.  He let me choose what I wanted for dinner.  I got Chinese and then we went to McDonalds for he and the kids to eat.  After supper we came home and he surprised me with two more gifts: a beautiful cherry jewelery case and a AWESOME Sony Handycam Camcorder!!!!!! I have wanted one for a long time since our digital camera doesn't record with sound.  This was a great surprise.  Now we'll have it at the beach and it will be great now that Mom and Dad are in Texas because I can post videos for them to watch.

    Well, thats about it.  I have had a LONG day.  I babysatt all day from 8-5 and am ready to snuggle down in bed with my book.  Night all!

Sunday, 10 May 2009

  • Happy Mothers Day!

    "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am pursuaded, now lives in you also." 2 Timothy 1:5

     

    As I read this text this morning I couldn't help but think of my own grandmother and mother.  I have only ever known one of my grandmothers, Lenore, my Moms mom.  I am very grateful that God saw fit to place me in a godly home with a godly heritage.  Both of my grandparents are believers and I have the most godly parents who raised me for the LORD and now I can also raise my own children for my Savior and pray that He saves them at an early age.

    I LOVE my Grandmother, I LOVE my Mom and I LOVE being a mom to Delaney and Parker and am also thankful for my husband, Aaron who helps me with this most important task.  I couldn't do it without him or without the help and prayers of my Mom and "Mom" friends.

    Sarah, you are my best friend and a wonderful Mother to my neices and nephew. I love you! 

Friday, 01 May 2009

  •  We had a little taste of Summer this week.  It was into the 80's for 3 days and then the week closed with some seasonal April showers.

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    Last weekend was the first BIG carshow of the season.  You can see all the cars just parked in our neighbors back yard.  We don't really have the yard for parking but if we did we would!

    We had some fun activities each day this week. I also have started a little Ebay business and had some success with my sales for this week.   I had to babysit all day on Wednesday and was pleasantly surprised when the sun peaked out through the clouds and the kids were able to play outside and we all got a walk in before lunch and naps.  I look like quite a site walking down the sidewalk with 4 kids.   I can't do it for excercise but it helps the kids burn off some energy.

    Here are some more pics of my beautiful babies...wearing their daddy's hats.

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    We had the cousins over for a little while one day and here is Jackson and Parker on the swings... It's so fun to watch the little boys play together and be "all boy" although Parker is much more timid.

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    Well, we just got home from dinner with friends and now need to hit the hay.  I might so some garage sailing in the morning but am just looking forward to a nice slow paced weekend.

    Love to you all!!!!

     

     

Monday, 20 April 2009

  • Currently
    Charlotte's Web (Widescreen Edition)
    By Julia Roberts, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Oprah Winfrey, Cedric the Entertainer
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    It's a rainy Monday so, as I catch up on the laundry I'll recap whats been going on here.  Not much but I know my dad likes to see the pictures and read about our activities.

    Last week also started out really rainy and gloomy but by the end of the week it was sunny and in the 70's!  The grass is getting VERY green and all the daffodils and tulips are in full bloom.  We cut our rose bushes way back in the fall and now they are starting to get leaves and will be nice, round bushes instead of 6 foot tall stalks.  When we moved in last spring a clematis was growing but didn't have anything to grow up on so it was just laying on the ground.  I bought a trellis to try to save it but it didn't work.  But, this year it's almost 2 feet tall and growing right on up.  I can't wait to see it.  It should be beautiful!

    Come Saturday, the weather was gorgeous!  Aaron and I took the kids to a wooded park called Fort Letort.  We were pleasantly surprised when we got there to see that there was alot going on.  There was a Red Cross walkathon going on and all different activities for the kids.  We didn't even have to participate.  The kids loved it!  There was a moon bounce, fire trucks, coloring, & face painting.  The coolest thing was that the Life Lion helicopter landed in one of the ball fields.  So COOL!!!

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    Here are some pictures from Easter Sunday. Enjoy!

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Saturday, 04 April 2009

  • Currently
    Conagher
    By Sam Elliott, Katharine Ross, Barry Corbin, Billy Green Bush, Ken Curtis
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    After reading my sister Sarah's blog, I see that we are/were both watching the same movie when we write/wrote our posts.   I'm usually not one for westerns but this one is pretty good. 

    Another fine weekend is coming to a close.  My parents are visiting right now.  Probably their last time being able to come together before they make their move to Texas.  They will be coming through late next week before flying.  They found a better rate flying out of Harrisburg rather than Newark.  I look foward to the day when we can all make the trip down to see their new home and meet their new church family.

    We spent a nice morning all eating out at Cracker Barrell.  Thanks Mom and Dad!!!!!  Parker has been sick again with a cold and cough and had a rough night last night so Aaron did stay home with him this morning.  He was actually still sleeping when we left at 8:20 this morning.  Poor Baby!

    My mom brought some easter eggs with her filled with candy and hid them in our back yard for the kids to find.  Once Sarah and Jay got here we sent the kids out back.  They liked that!    Then everyone stayed for supper and we celebrated my Moms birthday.  We all pitched in to get her a webcam so that we can still "see" them once they're in Texas.

    I don't know if I'll make it to church tomorrow because of Parker but I'm still hoping for a resful Lords Day.

    God Bless you all!!!!

Monday, 23 March 2009

  • Currently
    Thoughts for young mothers (The Moody colportage library)
    By Elsie D Holsinger
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    Living a quiet life...

    Last evening our pastor preached from 1 Thessalonians 4:11&12;

    "...and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need."

    This morning I was reading in this little book I got ouf of our church library, Thoughts for Young Mothers and came across these lines that reminded me of the above verses:

    "Quiet restfulness in a household is the result of the wearing of this ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.  It is important for a happy home.  It is found in a Christian mother's heart.  God wants to adorn our lives with the beauty of His grace in our hearts.  A calm attitude and a quiet voice are unusual traits in most homes.  Can you be patient as you answer countless childish questions and respond to numberless requests for help?

    The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit never grows dim with wear.  The longer it is worn, the brighter it sparkles.  It is incorruptible.  Time cannot destroy it.  Gold and silver jewels tarnish and wear thin.  Other ornaments are lost or stolen.  But this ornament of a meek and quiet spirit is not subject to temporal changes.  It is a trophy of a life surrendered to the will of your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

    Best of all, this ornament is of great price in God's estimation.  If God values it highly, we should value it highly also.  The heavenly standard should be our standard.  May we "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.""

    Convicting thoughts for me as I start this new week that God has given me! 

     

     

Saturday, 21 March 2009

  • Currently
    I.Q.
    By Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Walter Matthau, Lou Jacobi, Gene Saks
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    Welcome Spring!

    Spring was a nice way to end this week.  We have had a nice array of activities to keep us busy.  Delaney is really enjoying her preschool and had fun wearing green on Tuesday for St. Patricks day.  Pictures can be seen below of her proud little grin.

    I took all my pictures over to Sarah's on Wednesday morning to upload them onto Xanga and Facebook.  I was way overdue and had my sisters were telling me that they "missed" the kids. Of course, the cousins enjoyed their time together and since the day was so beautiful, the time was spent mostly outside. That day ended with Prayer Meeting. It's always an encouraging time to pray with our brothers and sisters.

    Thursdays are busy days.  We spend the morning at the library for story time, for Delaney and then Singing time, for Parker.  When that ends I feed Delaney lunch in the van and then she goes across the parking lot to the church where her school is.  She loves going with her friend William and we do the library and eat lunch all together on these mornings.

    Friday morning was spent grocery shopping, a free Italian Ice at Ritas in the afternoon and then had dinner with friends in Hershey.  Aaron's mom came to our house to watch the kids and put them to bed, so it was a special treat to get away with Aaron for the evening and not have to be back in time for their bedtime.

    I made pancakes and sausage for my little family this morning and then we started our day of shopping and some outdoor work.  Aaron and I were able to completely clean out all our rose beds in the front of the house.  The mulch was very old and yucky looking.  It looks MUCH better even now and we don't have new mulch down yet.  One thing and time, these days....

    Well, I'm going to get back to this movie.  I haven't seen it in SO long.  It's movie night for me while Aarons with his brother watching Duke basketball. It's March Madness time!!!!!!!