Favorite Fridays

It’s Friday and I was pondering over a few of my favorite things….

Favorite Inspirational Blog:  A Holy Experience

There are so many wonderful blogs out there, but nothing inspires me like this one!  Her beautiful pictures and poetic words have a way of penetrating the soul and encouraging me in the midst of my household, that every moment is washed in His grace.  The light of Christ shines through every line on the page.  I first fell in love with her blog from this post – read it.  You will return to this site!

Favorite Parenting Book:  “Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours”  by Kevin Lehman

I have read some great parenting books, and many of them are so encouraging in general concepts.  But the reason I return to parts of this book month after month are its’ practical, applicable solutions to the everyday challenges of parenting.  I always come away with a fresh idea to handle a situation.  He presents the arguement for “reality-based” parenting which reduces frustration and gives you a plan to follow, creating a more peaceful momma, and children who learn on their own the best decisions to make…..at least most of the time….

Favorite Recipe:  Mini Cheddar Loaves

Ok, so this is really one of my husband’s favorite recipes, but when he loves it and I see him smile when it comes out of the oven, it makes it my favorite too!  Some friends of ours delivered a meal after the birth of our third child and brought us this dish.  I had to get the recipe, and now I pass it on to you!

Ingredients: 1 egg, ¾ c. milk, 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese, ½ c. quick oats, ½ c. minced onion (or around 1 tsp. onion powder), 1 tsp. salt, 1 lb. ground beef 

Topping (mix together): 2/3 c. ketchup, 1 ½ tsp. yellow mustard, ½ c. brown sugar 

Directions: In large bowl, beat egg and milk.  Add cheese, oats, onion & salt.  Mix in beef, and make about 8 mini loaves (think a large version of an oval-shaped meatball!) Place in a greased 9×13 pan. Brush or spoon the “topping” mixture over the loaves.  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until no longer pink.

South Beach-friendly topping version:  Mix ½ can tomato paste, 1 ½ tsp. mustard, ¼ cup splenda, ¼ c. water

Favorite Moment of the Week:  It happened this morning.  The eldest asked if she could have a banana and I said yes.  I turned back to making the eggs, and heard her exclaim, “Hey this is me!” I turned back to see she had place the banana sticker on her forehead.  I peered closer and saw what it read….. Priceless momma moment!

    

I hope you had a chance to experience some of your favorites this week! 

 Blessings to you as you travel along life’s road this weekend,

~Karen