Today I decided to tackle homemade spaghetti sauce. I looked up some recipes, got the basic idea, and then threw a bunch of stuff together in the slow cooker. I went to Costco and bought tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms. I also added onions and garlic, basil, parsley, and oregano.
I ran all the veggies through the food processor b/c I am opposed to large chunks of veggies in my food.
So now it's all cooking and should be done in a few hours. I'll let you guys know how it turns out.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A New Project
Ok first things first....
I have been a bad blogger of late. I promise I'm going to start at least posting Favorite Foto Friday again and my weekly recipe blog :)
Moving on...
Over the next few weeks I plan to start making more foods from scratch for our family. While I don't buy into a lot of the hype surrounding high fructose corn syrup and other such things in processed foods, it does make sense that the closer a food is to the way God made it, the better it is for you. So I am going to start making some of the things that I buy just b/c it's more convenient.
1. I am going to start making our bread. I've been looking around and truthfully, it doesn't seem that difficult or time consuming.
2. I am going to start making our spaghetti sauce. I can make a bunch up in the crock pot and freeze it for future dinners. I have a huge crock pot like thing, so really, I can make a ton lol.
3. I am going to start making our salsa. It's really not that hard to make some up before a meal that needs salsa. And when we actually move somewhere with a little extra storage space, I'm going to start canning it.
As I stated a few months ago, I'm really getting in to cooking lately, so I'm very excited about this. I'll keep you guys updates on my progress :)
I have been a bad blogger of late. I promise I'm going to start at least posting Favorite Foto Friday again and my weekly recipe blog :)
Moving on...
Over the next few weeks I plan to start making more foods from scratch for our family. While I don't buy into a lot of the hype surrounding high fructose corn syrup and other such things in processed foods, it does make sense that the closer a food is to the way God made it, the better it is for you. So I am going to start making some of the things that I buy just b/c it's more convenient.
1. I am going to start making our bread. I've been looking around and truthfully, it doesn't seem that difficult or time consuming.
2. I am going to start making our spaghetti sauce. I can make a bunch up in the crock pot and freeze it for future dinners. I have a huge crock pot like thing, so really, I can make a ton lol.
3. I am going to start making our salsa. It's really not that hard to make some up before a meal that needs salsa. And when we actually move somewhere with a little extra storage space, I'm going to start canning it.
As I stated a few months ago, I'm really getting in to cooking lately, so I'm very excited about this. I'll keep you guys updates on my progress :)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Let's talk about potty training
As you all know, we started potty training in mid-december. Well here we are 5 months later and we are almost 100% potty trained.
For a while, he was potty trained only if completely naked. So he spent a lot of time running around the house stark naked. We decided in March that he needed to start wearing underwear so he could get used to taking off his pants to go potty or letting us know that he needed to go potty. After a week with lots of accidents, one day he finally started to get it.
About 2 weeks ago, he started taking off his own underwear when he needed to potty. He also started doing short trips in the car or to the store in underwear. He's had one accident while out and that's b/c we were gone for 2 hours and I didn't try to make him go potty.
Corbin is a little scared of big public potties, so I haven't really forced the issue of him wearing underwear if we're going to be gone for long periods of time. But yesterday at church, I discovered that the toilets in the his class are miniature versions of big potties. So he will use the potty at church. He had no accidents yesterday at all!
Next Sunday, he will go to church for the first time in underwear. We're going to ask his teacher to take him potty midway through the service. I think this will work. If not, we're sending dry clothes too lol. I'm also looking for a portable seat to put on the public potties. It will make the hole smaller and not quite as scary, so I think he will use it.
If he keeps up this good work, I think we may be diaper free - at least while he's awake - by the end of summer - maybe sooner. As for bedtime and naptime.....that may take a while.
For a while, he was potty trained only if completely naked. So he spent a lot of time running around the house stark naked. We decided in March that he needed to start wearing underwear so he could get used to taking off his pants to go potty or letting us know that he needed to go potty. After a week with lots of accidents, one day he finally started to get it.
About 2 weeks ago, he started taking off his own underwear when he needed to potty. He also started doing short trips in the car or to the store in underwear. He's had one accident while out and that's b/c we were gone for 2 hours and I didn't try to make him go potty.
Corbin is a little scared of big public potties, so I haven't really forced the issue of him wearing underwear if we're going to be gone for long periods of time. But yesterday at church, I discovered that the toilets in the his class are miniature versions of big potties. So he will use the potty at church. He had no accidents yesterday at all!
Next Sunday, he will go to church for the first time in underwear. We're going to ask his teacher to take him potty midway through the service. I think this will work. If not, we're sending dry clothes too lol. I'm also looking for a portable seat to put on the public potties. It will make the hole smaller and not quite as scary, so I think he will use it.
If he keeps up this good work, I think we may be diaper free - at least while he's awake - by the end of summer - maybe sooner. As for bedtime and naptime.....that may take a while.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
My baby's growing up
Tonight James and I decided it was time to move Corbin to a big boy bed. His crib converts to a toddler bed, so we changed it over. He was so excited. He loves his new bed. In a couple of months meemaw and papa Murphy are getting him a set of bunk beds, but for now, the toddler bed is perfect for him.
Before we laid him down for the night, we gave him two "big boy bed rules":
1. No getting out of bed once mommy and daddy lay you down for sleep.
2. No jumping on the bed. In the crib he could jump, but with no rails, I don't want him to jump on the bed at all. I'm afraid he'll fall and break a leg lol.
So of course, he broke rule #1 about 10 minutes after we laid him down. So he had to have a spanking. Poor buddy. But he only did it once. He was asleep about 15 minutes later and is still asleep now. Hopefully the rest of the night goes well.
It's bittersweet. I'm glad he's growing up in to such a smart, fun little man, but it's hard to hit all these "big boy" milestones. Makes me miss the tiny little guy we brought home from the hospital 28 months ago.
It is an awful lot of fun to watch him grow up though.
Before we laid him down for the night, we gave him two "big boy bed rules":
1. No getting out of bed once mommy and daddy lay you down for sleep.
2. No jumping on the bed. In the crib he could jump, but with no rails, I don't want him to jump on the bed at all. I'm afraid he'll fall and break a leg lol.
So of course, he broke rule #1 about 10 minutes after we laid him down. So he had to have a spanking. Poor buddy. But he only did it once. He was asleep about 15 minutes later and is still asleep now. Hopefully the rest of the night goes well.
It's bittersweet. I'm glad he's growing up in to such a smart, fun little man, but it's hard to hit all these "big boy" milestones. Makes me miss the tiny little guy we brought home from the hospital 28 months ago.
It is an awful lot of fun to watch him grow up though.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
better late then never
4 years ago yesterday....
I met my hubby. yay! Here's a pic from that day - Thunder Over Louisville 2005:
I met my hubby. yay! Here's a pic from that day - Thunder Over Louisville 2005:
And a couple of others from when we were dating:
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
How could I possible be mad at this??
We have been having some issues lately with Corbin coloring on himself with pens. I try to keep them out of his reach, but sometimes he's trickier than I am. Here are some pics of him showing off his artwork today. I had to hide my smile until I put him into the corner. I'm not sure though, the time out may have been negated when I took pics of him afterward lol.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Corbin cuteness
Corbin was trying to put his trucks in the printer. When I told him to stop he said "But mom!!!!" Like he was 6 years old or something. Seriously is there ever a good excuse for shoving trucks in the printer???
Corbin has recently learned how to say his name. He now loves to announce "Name Forbin Muwphy" Anytime a stranger asks him a question, that is what he says lol.
I taught him the words to the Beatles song Drive My Car. He has been walking around for 2 days singing - "beep beep beep beep yah!!!"
Corbin got a book for Easter about love. It's a very cute book and we've read it every night at bedtime since he got it. At the end, it talks about saying goodnight to the stares and waving at the man in the moon. Corbin is now crazy about the man in the moon. He loves to read that page in the book and always has to kiss the moon goodnight. It's too cute.
another update
Cody went home on Saturday. He is doing much better. The doctors still have no idea what happened and he will be following up with them in the days to come.
Friday, April 17, 2009
update...
Cody is doing much better this morning. He is still in the hospital and all his tests have come back fine. The docs have no idea what the problem is, but they are going to continue running tests until they figure things out.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
prayers needed please
James 5 y/o cousin was rushed to the hossy from school this morning. He passed out. When EMS got there, his blood sugar was 30. He has no history of diabetes. This is the same kid who's had pneumonia twice in the last 6 months.
They admitted him to the hospital (obviously). James just got a text from his aunt and Cody is still doing pretty bad. His temp is 93*. The docs are not sure what's wrong with him.
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We're all very worried right now.
They admitted him to the hospital (obviously). James just got a text from his aunt and Cody is still doing pretty bad. His temp is 93*. The docs are not sure what's wrong with him.
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We're all very worried right now.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter at the Murphys
This year was the first year Corbin has really gotten in to Easter. It was a lot of fun.
I worked Saturday night and got home at around 630 Sunday morning. I managed to get off work a little early due to a bit of a rough night. Got home, made a cheesecake, and went to bed until 10AM. Then we went to church. We tried to bring Corbin in with us for the worship (something we're working on) but he wanted to "go play", so we gave up on that idea.
Yesterday afternoon, we had Easter dinner and an Egg Hunt with the family. James cousins are 4 (twins) and 5. There were some other family friends there as well with 2 young kids. Corbin had a blast. He really enjoyed the egg hunt. Of course he had to have a little help from mama. Unfortunately, his mama is a little competitive and pushed him into a bush to fight for the "golden" egg with his cousin, Cody. Cody ended up with the contents of the egg (a dollar!) and Corbin ended up with the egg, which is all he really cared about anyway. I ended up with the reputation as the mother who will not be allowed at her child's sporting events lol.
All in all it was a really fun time. Corbin ate too much candy and is still bouncing off the walls today. It was so fun to watch him get into the activities and to teach him about the real meaning of the holiday - Jesus' resurrection.
Praise the Lord for His death on the cross for our sins and His rising from the grave. Without it we have no hope.
I worked Saturday night and got home at around 630 Sunday morning. I managed to get off work a little early due to a bit of a rough night. Got home, made a cheesecake, and went to bed until 10AM. Then we went to church. We tried to bring Corbin in with us for the worship (something we're working on) but he wanted to "go play", so we gave up on that idea.
Yesterday afternoon, we had Easter dinner and an Egg Hunt with the family. James cousins are 4 (twins) and 5. There were some other family friends there as well with 2 young kids. Corbin had a blast. He really enjoyed the egg hunt. Of course he had to have a little help from mama. Unfortunately, his mama is a little competitive and pushed him into a bush to fight for the "golden" egg with his cousin, Cody. Cody ended up with the contents of the egg (a dollar!) and Corbin ended up with the egg, which is all he really cared about anyway. I ended up with the reputation as the mother who will not be allowed at her child's sporting events lol.
All in all it was a really fun time. Corbin ate too much candy and is still bouncing off the walls today. It was so fun to watch him get into the activities and to teach him about the real meaning of the holiday - Jesus' resurrection.
Praise the Lord for His death on the cross for our sins and His rising from the grave. Without it we have no hope.
Monday, April 06, 2009
yummy
Chicken in creamy chive sauce (this one is awesome!):
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup of butter
1 - 0.7 oz package of italian dressing mix (dry)
1 can condensed golden mushroom soup
1/2 cup dry wine (I use water)
1/2 8oz tub of chive and onion cream cheese (we uise fat free)
place chicken in crockpot. Mix (melt) other ingredients together and pour over chicken. Cook on low 8 hours or on high 4-5 hours.
Serve over pasta or rice
I making this Wednesday. James aunt gave me the recipe and it's seriously one of my favorite meals. I like it with rice.
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup of butter
1 - 0.7 oz package of italian dressing mix (dry)
1 can condensed golden mushroom soup
1/2 cup dry wine (I use water)
1/2 8oz tub of chive and onion cream cheese (we uise fat free)
place chicken in crockpot. Mix (melt) other ingredients together and pour over chicken. Cook on low 8 hours or on high 4-5 hours.
Serve over pasta or rice
I making this Wednesday. James aunt gave me the recipe and it's seriously one of my favorite meals. I like it with rice.
Monday, March 30, 2009
My favorite pics from the past couple of weeks
I have been a picture taking slacker lately, but here are some pics I LOVE from the past couple of weeks...
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Feta Stuffed Peppers
This is Thursdays nights dinner. I got the recipe from a friend and Corbin and James LOVE it.
Stuffed Peppers with Feta
1 cup water
1/2 cup uncooked Arborio rice (I just use plain old minute rice and it turns out fine. I have no idea what Arborio rice is, so if you know, please enlighten me lol)
2 red/orange/yellow bell peppers, halved and seeded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bunch of green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (here I use Italian dressing mix. It's a dry mix that comes in a packet. I already have a ton for another recipe and don't have Italian Seasonings, so I improvised)
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 tomato, diced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Place the peppers cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until tender and skin starts to brown.
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in the rice. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and set aside.
Heat oil in a medium skillet. Cook the onions, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato, and cook for 5 minutes. Spoon in the cooked rice, and stir until heated through. Remove from heat, mix in the feta cheese, and spoon the mixture into the pepper halves.
Return to the oven for 5 minutes. Serve immediately.
1/2 cup uncooked Arborio rice (I just use plain old minute rice and it turns out fine. I have no idea what Arborio rice is, so if you know, please enlighten me lol)
2 red/orange/yellow bell peppers, halved and seeded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bunch of green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (here I use Italian dressing mix. It's a dry mix that comes in a packet. I already have a ton for another recipe and don't have Italian Seasonings, so I improvised)
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 tomato, diced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Place the peppers cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until tender and skin starts to brown.
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in the rice. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and set aside.
Heat oil in a medium skillet. Cook the onions, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato, and cook for 5 minutes. Spoon in the cooked rice, and stir until heated through. Remove from heat, mix in the feta cheese, and spoon the mixture into the pepper halves.
Return to the oven for 5 minutes. Serve immediately.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
What do Turtles say?
According to Corbin, turtles say "dude! Sweet!"
I think we may have watched Finding Nemo one too many times lately.
I think we may have watched Finding Nemo one too many times lately.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
It's been a while since I've talked about what Corbin is up to lately...
~ He is talking so much! Everyday he learns a new word. Today he came up with "I want some cheese!" clear as day. Of course sometimes he says things we would rather him not say. Two days ago, he started yelling "stupid!" from his highchair. It was really funny, but of course we couldn't let him know that. Daddy let him know, in no uncertain terms, that if we heard that word again, Corbin would be spending some time in his corner.
~ Potty training is going great! Last Sunday, we let him wear underwear to Grandma's for dinner, and he had no accidents. Yesterday, we were out for over 2 hours and his diaper was dry when we got home. It's really starting to sink in and I think we will be out of diapers - at least while awake - very soon. He is taking his first trip to the store in underwear today, so we're praying for no accidents.
~ Corbin is currently addicted to Chocolate Milk. He asks for it all day long - "chocat malk! chocat malk!". If we give him regular milk, he walks to the fridge, points at the Hershey's Syrup and yells "Chocat Malk!!!!"
~ A moment ago, Corbin was crawling behind me, pushing a truck, saying "set! go!" A bug got him and he yelled "no! Tickle me!!!" and ran off quite upset that this big dared to tickle him!
~ Corbin's favorite time of day is when Daddy comes home. He loves his daddy. In fact, frequently during the day, he goes into our bedroom to see if daddy is "seeping" in there. It's pretty cute.
~ Corbin is also becoming quite good at soccer. If I can't kick the ball with him for some reason, he will kick it against the wall so it comes back to him and he can kick it again. He's deserted his truck and is doing this as I type.
Well, he has now realized that Mama isn't doing anything "important" and is pulling on me to come "kit da socar baw" with him....
~ He is talking so much! Everyday he learns a new word. Today he came up with "I want some cheese!" clear as day. Of course sometimes he says things we would rather him not say. Two days ago, he started yelling "stupid!" from his highchair. It was really funny, but of course we couldn't let him know that. Daddy let him know, in no uncertain terms, that if we heard that word again, Corbin would be spending some time in his corner.
~ Potty training is going great! Last Sunday, we let him wear underwear to Grandma's for dinner, and he had no accidents. Yesterday, we were out for over 2 hours and his diaper was dry when we got home. It's really starting to sink in and I think we will be out of diapers - at least while awake - very soon. He is taking his first trip to the store in underwear today, so we're praying for no accidents.
~ Corbin is currently addicted to Chocolate Milk. He asks for it all day long - "chocat malk! chocat malk!". If we give him regular milk, he walks to the fridge, points at the Hershey's Syrup and yells "Chocat Malk!!!!"
~ A moment ago, Corbin was crawling behind me, pushing a truck, saying "set! go!" A bug got him and he yelled "no! Tickle me!!!" and ran off quite upset that this big dared to tickle him!
~ Corbin's favorite time of day is when Daddy comes home. He loves his daddy. In fact, frequently during the day, he goes into our bedroom to see if daddy is "seeping" in there. It's pretty cute.
~ Corbin is also becoming quite good at soccer. If I can't kick the ball with him for some reason, he will kick it against the wall so it comes back to him and he can kick it again. He's deserted his truck and is doing this as I type.
Well, he has now realized that Mama isn't doing anything "important" and is pulling on me to come "kit da socar baw" with him....
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
friday foto fun
It's timeline time. Here is Corbin from birth to now:
1 day old
two days old and first Christmas
six months old
12 months old
18 months old
2nd birthday
a couple of weeks ago
1 day old
two days old and first Christmas
six months old
12 months old
18 months old
2nd birthday
a couple of weeks ago
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