Thursday, April 9, 2009
Photos By Kaia
It's time once again to highlight some of Kaia's photography. She loves to take photos of her stuffed animals, but her favorite subjects are her crazy family.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Easy "Enchiladas"
I wanted to post this yesterday, but couldn't access my dashboard. Then, the morning sickness hit and thinking about food was out of the question. So here it is, a day late:
Enchiladas are a favorite food in our home. But, to make real enchiladas you need some time, and you need to be prepared for a mess. Most of the time, I need dinner to be quick and easy. I don't get home until 6 most nights, and we like to eat by 7:30 at the latest. Easy "Enchiladas" are a great way to get the flavor, without the mess or time. The big bonus is, I almost always have the ingredients on hand!
1/2 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey or shredded chicken)
1/3 c Chopped Onion
1 can Red Enchilada Sauce
4 Tortillas (we prefer corn, but flour works also)
1-2 c Shredded Cheese
Brown the ground beef in a pan, when almost done add the onion and cook until fully done. Pour in about 1/3 of the can of sauce. In a medium sized casserole dish, add about 1/3 of the hamburger mix. Sprinkle the burger with cheese, then top with a tortilla. If you're tortillas are larger than the dish, break them up into halves or quarters and layer them. Then pour a little bit of the enchilada sauce on top. Repeat this process, and finish with cheese on top.
Now if you are rushed, you can microwave this dish. Just heat about 10 minutes. If not, or if you are using a metal dish, place in the oven at 350 degrees until the cheese on top begins to bubble.
Serve sour cream and jalapenos on the side and enjoy!
Enchiladas are a favorite food in our home. But, to make real enchiladas you need some time, and you need to be prepared for a mess. Most of the time, I need dinner to be quick and easy. I don't get home until 6 most nights, and we like to eat by 7:30 at the latest. Easy "Enchiladas" are a great way to get the flavor, without the mess or time. The big bonus is, I almost always have the ingredients on hand!
1/2 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey or shredded chicken)
1/3 c Chopped Onion
1 can Red Enchilada Sauce
4 Tortillas (we prefer corn, but flour works also)
1-2 c Shredded Cheese
Brown the ground beef in a pan, when almost done add the onion and cook until fully done. Pour in about 1/3 of the can of sauce. In a medium sized casserole dish, add about 1/3 of the hamburger mix. Sprinkle the burger with cheese, then top with a tortilla. If you're tortillas are larger than the dish, break them up into halves or quarters and layer them. Then pour a little bit of the enchilada sauce on top. Repeat this process, and finish with cheese on top.
Now if you are rushed, you can microwave this dish. Just heat about 10 minutes. If not, or if you are using a metal dish, place in the oven at 350 degrees until the cheese on top begins to bubble.
Serve sour cream and jalapenos on the side and enjoy!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Settling In
The idea that we are having twins is definitely starting to settle in. The shock is wearing off, and we are already discussing the practical issues. Actually, this is what I do. Whenever I am faced with a problem, or something new, I start to think of all the practical things I may need to know or do.
First is a vehicle to accomodate us all. Come November it will be impossible for me to go anywhere with the kids, unless we have a bigger vehicle. We aren't rushing out to buy anything, although I am test driving a Denali. We'll find what we want, and have a friend pick it up at auction for us.
The second consideration was the sleeping arrangements. We had planned to put the baby in with Mo, but two babies will make that a bit harder. At first they'll probably sleep in our room, and possibly share a crib for a few months. But, Mo is going to need his sleep, and so we will likely convert the TV room back into a bedroom for Mo. Because it is the second largest bedroom in the house, it will also be the playroom. As in ALL of the toys go in there, except for a few of Kaia's which will stay in her room (the smallest bedroom in the house). The TV, sofa and loveseat will all move back down to the main floor. The good news for me, since I won't be moving them, I don't have to worry about my thumb again (which has half the old nail and half of a new nail on it)!
One last consideration is my health. I wasn't worried at all about carrying one baby. My body has done that twice before without complications. All of a sudden, I find myself scared that something will happen to these babies. Although I prayed for just one, specifically prayed for there not to be twins, I now love these babies and am praying for their health and safety. I'm being far more careful with my food intake. Calorie intake for twins is 300 more than with a singleton. I was having trouble getting in all the calories in a healthy way, before Friday. So I'm working on that. Good healthy meals, plenty of fruit and veggies, plenty of protein, and whole grains. Tonight I splurge though! BBQ ribs in the crockpot and homemade potato salad.
First is a vehicle to accomodate us all. Come November it will be impossible for me to go anywhere with the kids, unless we have a bigger vehicle. We aren't rushing out to buy anything, although I am test driving a Denali. We'll find what we want, and have a friend pick it up at auction for us.
The second consideration was the sleeping arrangements. We had planned to put the baby in with Mo, but two babies will make that a bit harder. At first they'll probably sleep in our room, and possibly share a crib for a few months. But, Mo is going to need his sleep, and so we will likely convert the TV room back into a bedroom for Mo. Because it is the second largest bedroom in the house, it will also be the playroom. As in ALL of the toys go in there, except for a few of Kaia's which will stay in her room (the smallest bedroom in the house). The TV, sofa and loveseat will all move back down to the main floor. The good news for me, since I won't be moving them, I don't have to worry about my thumb again (which has half the old nail and half of a new nail on it)!
One last consideration is my health. I wasn't worried at all about carrying one baby. My body has done that twice before without complications. All of a sudden, I find myself scared that something will happen to these babies. Although I prayed for just one, specifically prayed for there not to be twins, I now love these babies and am praying for their health and safety. I'm being far more careful with my food intake. Calorie intake for twins is 300 more than with a singleton. I was having trouble getting in all the calories in a healthy way, before Friday. So I'm working on that. Good healthy meals, plenty of fruit and veggies, plenty of protein, and whole grains. Tonight I splurge though! BBQ ribs in the crockpot and homemade potato salad.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Show & Tell Surprise!
I just got back from my doctor's appointment. Kaia came with me, and she was thrilled when I pointed out the baby, and then the doctor pointed out the other.
Send your prayers (and donations) our way! We were getting used to the idea of a family of 5, now it's a family of 6. That means we have to upgrade vehicles (anyone want to buy a Pontiac Grand Prix) and rearrange the house, and....
For more Show & Tell visit Kelli's House!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Nonprofits and Social Media
This is one of the reasons I love my job. United Way is really all about using social media to get connected with our donors. So much so National was featured in Beth's Blog.
If you'd like to see what I'm doing for my local United Way, check out our New Leaders Facebook page. Also my coworker and I manage our website www.uwcw.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
