Levi's Room

I am now 36 1/2 weeks pregnant which means our sweet boy will be here soon!!!


His room has been a work in progress for months, but I can finally say that we are just about finished!  My Hero did a fantastic job on all the special touches in his room...especially the planking and the gutter bookshelves!  The work wouldn't have been possible without our skilled brother-in-law and friend.  Thank you, thank you!!! 

Idea for the bookshelves found here

I love looking down the hall and seeing a little boy's room AND our little girl's room...we are so blessed!!

Counting Gifts...Summer Edition

This month marks a year since I finished reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp and began counting my gifts.  While I have not been as consistent with writing down my gifts on a daily basis as I had hoped, over the year I have become more aware of the ways God reveals Himself.  My mind is more in-tune with His Presence in my life, both in the joyful times as well as the trials.  And these past 365 days have been smattered with unexpected trials unlike I've experienced before.  However, I believe now more than ever that God works out everything according to his perfect plan and that my purpose is to bring Him glory, no matter what.  This doesn't mean that I won't experience pain, but it just determines how I handle that pain.  I choose to .........


I recently read this following devotion by Sarah Young in Jesus Calling...

"Thankfulness opens the door to My Presence.  ...Thankfulness is built on a substructure of trust.  When thankful words stick in your throat, you need to check up on your foundation of trust.  When thankfulness flows freely frmo you heart and lips, let your gratitude draw you closer to Me.  I want you to learn the art of giving thanks in all circumstances.  See how many times you can thank Me daily; this will awaken your awareness to a multitude of blessings.  It will also cushion the impact of trials when they come against you.  Practice My Presence by practicing the discipline of thankfulness."


Last year, our annual beach trip delivered more gifts than I could .  This year's beach trip was no different.  How blessed we are to have an uninterrupted week with family surrounded by the beauty of the ocean - God's display of his power, magnificence, and magnitude.

May, June, July, and August Meals!

(See the "Dinner Recipes" tab above for more information on this post!)


Life is about to get very busy here in about 6 weeks (give or take!).  :-)  I've been gathering ideas for healthy meals that I plan to make over the next few months.  I've also started my search for freezer meals so I can begin to make some meals ahead of time.
Here are our recipes to try for May, June, July, and August!!

Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Tuscan-Style Chicken with Italian Sauteed Beans

Baked Parmesan Fish Sticks
Grilled Chicken Bruschetta
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Avocado and Tomato
Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets
Baked Ranch Chicken Strips
Tuscan Chicken Soup
Kickin Chicken Burgers
Monterey Chicken
Key West Grilled Chicken
Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas
Chicken Pitas with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
Pan-Roasted Chicken With Lemon-Garlic Green Beans
Avocado Chicken Parmigiana
Black bean burgers (Flying Biscuit's "Love Cakes")

Turkey Sloppy Janes (from a Whole Foods publication, not sure which one)
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 TB no-salt-added tomato paste
1 cup grated carrots (from 1 large carrot)
3/4 ground turkey breast
1 (15 oz) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
4 tsp balsamic vinegar
5 tsp yellow mustard

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add onion and pepper and cook until starting to stick and lightly brown, stirring frequently, 4 to 5 minutes.  Stir in tomato paste, carrots and 2 TB water and cook 2 minutes longer or until carrots are tender, stirring occasionally and scraping any browned bits from the surface of the pan.  Add turkey and cook 3 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink, stirring to break it up as it cooks.  Stir in tomato sauce, vinegar, mustard and 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes to blend flavors.  Serves 4.


Garden Fresh Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce (recipe from vendor at Amelia Island Farmer's Market)
1 lb linguine, uncooked (I plan to use spinach)
4 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 15 oz. can Italian-flavor tomato sauce
2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp. vegetable oil (I plan to use olive oil)
1 lb. fresh asparagus cut 1-inch (about 2 cups)
1 medium zucchini or yellow squash, halved and thinly sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, cut in 1/2-inch pieces
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Prepare pasta according to directions; drain.  In a large saucepan, combine tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil and black pepper; mix well and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.  Remove cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes longer, or until slightly thickened.  In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add asparagus, zucchini, and bell pepper.  Stir-fry until vegetables are tender.  Combine pasta with vegetable mixture and toss well.  Spoon tomato sauce over pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  Serves 6.


Linguine and Spinach Pesto (recipe from vendor at Amelia Island Farmer's Market)
1 lb. linguine, uncooked (I plan to use spinach)
1 10-oz package frozen spinach, thawed, well drained
2 tbsp. vegetable oil (I plan to use olive oil)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried basil
2 tbsp. butter
1/3 cup water
4 oz. crumbled feta cheese
Prepare pasta according to directions; drain.  In blender or food processor, combine spinach, oil, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and basil.  Blend at medium speed or process until finely chopped.  Melt butter in water.  With blender or processor running, gradually pour in melted butter mixture until blended.  Toss with pasta.  Sprinkle feta on top and serve.  Serves 8.


Strawberry Spinach Salad (from my friend, Rachel)
8 cups fresh spinach leaves (or 2 bags of spring mix salad)
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 can (11-ozs) mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup sliced no-salt-added almonds
Thickly-grated Pamesan cheese
Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. poppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped red onion
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. paprika
Combine all the salad ingredients in a bowl. In a jar with a tight fitting lid combine the dressing ingredients; shake well.  Drizzle over salad and serve immediately.



Freezer Meals
Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Beans and Corn
Divine Chicken
Slow-Cooked Beef Fajitas (will use chicken instead)
Teriyaki Chicken
Savory Chicken
Healthy Mama BBQ Chicken
Crock-Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup

I want to remember this

As the waist of my shorts continue to get tighter, my shirts shorter, and the constant kicks and hiccups of my son stronger, I am fully aware that he will be in my waiting arms soon.  I look down at my belly, gently press against a knee or a little foot until it disappears, and I am overwhelmed, overjoyed, and oh so grateful.

I want to remember this....

I want to hold onto these fleeting days, these moments that I will always look back on with such a tender place in my heart.

And the best way to savor this time?  Find a quiet moment and spend time recognizing and thanking God for His gift of new life, newest of new life that is given to us.

Counting gifts...

690. The privilege of being Addison and Levi's Mama.  I cherish and adore my daughter in a way I never knew possible until she was born.  And I love Levi completely and fully, never having seen him or met him.  I love him because he has been given to us by God and he is ours.  He doesn't have to do anything to earn our love.

691. The joy of seeing the love and awe in My Hero's eyes as he watches our little one grow and my body change to meet his needs.  He always makes me feel beautiful, but I feel especially beautiful carrying our baby.

692. The acrobatics show Levi puts on every night when I get in bed.  What fun it is to share this with My Hero!  How wonderful it is to laugh together!

693. Envisioning Addison take on the role of big sister.  She already shows so many tender, motherly signs that she is ready to have a baby in our family.  How I pray that she will handle the adjustment smoothly!

694. Addison's giggles as she puts her little hand on my belly and feels Levi's kicks.

695. Sore Very painful hips and back - evidence that Levi is growing and healthy

696. The pool to cool off in this summer

697. These maternity pictures my sister (ThistleField Photography) took.  They take my breath away and almost bring tears to my eyes each time I look at them.  Thank you, with all of my heart!

Prayer Flowers

I came across these "prayer sticks" on Pinterest and I knew they would be a great way to teach Addison that we have the amazing privilege of praying for others.  She LOVES picking a flower before breakfast, lunch, and dinner and then praying for the chosen person.  It is so cute because she holds the flower close to her while hugging and kissing the person.  I hope this simple activity will be the building block that fosters a life-long desire to interceed on another's behalf.

So, so simple and inexpensive to make!

Naming Our Son

"A good name is more desirable than great riches."

-Proverbs 22:1

Naming your child is a great honor, but also a decision not to be taken lightly.  I've been dreaming of what I would one day name my children since I was a young girl.  I used to keep a notebook that I'd fill with my list of favorite boy and girl names (some of which changed from week to week, other names remained in the books year after year).  While our daughter is not named Elizabeth or Victoria and we are not naming our son Josiah or Camden, writing and thinking about those names taught me that choosing your child's name has great significance and requires much thought.

My Hero and I chose Addison's name because we love it.  We like that it is fairly unique and we imagined a happy, joyful Addison as we dreamed of the little girl we couldn't wait to meet.  Her middle name is a family name on both sides.  She fits her name perfectly!

Choosing our son's name was not quite as easy.  As most parents, we wanted a strong name for our son that not only fit an adventurous, energetic little boy, but also a well-respected grown man.  In addition, I had a few guidelines as we chose his name....I wanted it to be a two syllable name, be easy to spell, somewhat unique, and a name that could not be shortened into a nickname.  After much thought, we have chosen to name our son Levi.  Levi Andrew to be exact.

profile picture at 26 weeks

 

After reading this verse in Malachi concerning God's covenant with Levi, we were 100% certain that Levi is the perfect name for our son.  Here is our prayer for our Levi...

"And you will know that I have sent you this admonition so that my covenant with Levi may continue," says the Lord Almighty. "My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin."

-Malachi 2:4-6

Wow.  

And Andrew?  To be honest, we just like the way Levi + Andrew sound next to one another.  It is not a family name on either side, and I never even considered it in the past.  But we love it and think it is perfect.  

We are getting SO excited about meeting our little guy!  He is constantly moving inside of me and I feel such a bond with him already.  I cannot, cannot believe that I'm already in my 3rd trimester!  We have a lot to do before he gets here, and I love being pregnant, so I'm not rushing his entrance.  He will be here soon!  What a blessing he is!

April Dinner Recipes

It's April already and I'm back with some new recipes!  Enjoy!!

(To read more about this post, go to the new "Dinner Recipes" tab.)

Our Top Dinner Ideas:
1. Chili-Rubbed Tilapia
2.Chicken Tetrazzini
3. Quick Zucchini Parmesan*
4. Chicken Tortilla Soup*
5. Spicy Chicken Tacos
6. Roasted Chicken Lasagna with Ricotta and Spinach*
7. Pork Tenderloin Southern Style
8. Honey Sauced Chicken (in crock pot)
9. Quinoa Burgers
10. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
11. Veggie burgers (Publix Greenwise brand)
12.Honey Lime Tilapia
13. Tuscan Vegetable Soup
*See recipe below


Trying these new recipes in April (and I will add them to the list if we like them!):

-Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas (add chopped red and green peppers)
-Foil-Pack Chicken and Artichoke Dinner
-Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche with a Brown Rice Crust
-Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
-Black bean burgers (Flying Biscuit's "Love Cakes")
-Baked Ranch Chicken Strips

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Quick Zucchini Parmesan (recipe from my aunt, not sure of original source)
2 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
4 medium roma tomatoes
1/4 tsp. salt
2 medium zucchini
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
cooked brown rice or whole wheat pasta

1. In a 9" skillet, heat oil, add onion and saute until golden.  Add garlic.
2. Stir in tomatoes and salt, cook 2 minutes.  Wash zucchini and tip off and discard ends.  Cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices.
3. In a small bowl, combine basil and oregano and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.  Sprinkle cheese mixture over zucchini and pat firmly onto zucchini.
4. Remove 1/2 of tomato mixture from skillet.  Arrange zucchini slices in skillet.  Spoon removed 1/2 of tomatoes over slices.
5. In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, remaining Parmesan, and mozzarella.  Sprinkle over zucchini.  Cover tightly and simmer 8-10 minutes.  Uncover and broil until cheese browns.  Serve with pasta or rice. 


Our Favorite Chicken Tortilla Soup (not sure of original source)
3 large chicken breasts
8 cups of water
4 chicken bouillon cubes
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 T olive oil
1 (16oz) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
1 small package frozen corn
1 1/2 tsp. black pepper
3 medium zucchini, sliced and diced
3 yellow squash, sliced and diced
2 large carrots (or about 2 handfuls of small ones (sliced)
1 can mild rotel
3 tsp. cumin
3 tsp. garlic powder
Boil 8 cups of water and cook chicken in water for broth  Remove chicken (shred or cut into bite-sized pieces) and add bouillon cubes to broth.  Saute onion and garlic in olive oil.  Add veggies, sauteed mixture, and all other ingredients.  Boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.  (**Can also be put in crock pot and cooked on high until vegetables are soft.)

Serve with chips, cheese, avocado, and sour cream.


Roasted Chicken Lasagna with Ricotta and Spinach (my variation from a Taste of Homerecipe)
1 cup light (or fat free) ricotta cheese
1 cup low-fat (or fat free) cottage cheese
1/2 pkg. (5oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 egg
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
10 uncooked whole wheat lasagna noodles
1 small fully cooked rotisserie chicken, skinned and chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 3 1/2 cups chopped)
1 T olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 6oz. can tomato paste
1 1/2 cups water
1 medium zucchini, chopped
2 small yellow squash, chopped
2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 cup crumbled light feta cheese
8 ozs. shredded light mozzarella cheese
2 T chopped fresh parsley

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, cottage cheese, spinach, egg, oregano, and black pepper.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare lasagna noodles according to package directions.  Drain.  Rinse with cold water and drain again.  Set aside.

Saute onion and garlic in 1 T olive oil until onion is tender.  Stir in tomato paste, water, zucchini, squash, salt, oregano, and pepper.  Simmer, covered, 30 minutes.

Spray a 9" x 13" baking pan with cooking spray.  To assemble lasagna, spoon 1 cup sauce over bottom of pan.  Arrange 3-4 lasagna noodles over sauce.  Top noodles with another cup of sauce followed by 1/3 chicken, 1/3 feta, and 1/3 mozzarella.  Arrange 3-4 more noodles over top, followed by 1 cup sauce, 1/3 chicken, all of the ricotta/spinach mixture, 1/3 feta, and 1/3 mozzarella.  If you have enough sauce left over, repeat layering with remaining noodles, sauce, chicken, feta, and mozzarella.  Sprinkle parsley over top.

Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.  Remove foil and bake for 5 more minutes.  Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.