Meal Prep: Chicken and Veggies 3-Ways

I'm on week three of meal prepping for my man (say that three times really fast!). Week one we tried a semi-homemade approach and he took salads from HEB. It was great, but was waaaay too expensive to get all of the vegetables and protein that he needed. Last week I cooked everything for him- and it made a complete disaster in my kitchen! I dirtied ALL the dishes roasting chicken breasts and veggies separately so their individual sauces didn't mix. It also took too many hours of my Sunday afternoon. Not happening!

This week I'm here for it. And I have a cheat to share that totally cut my time in half, and only dirtied two sheet pans and a bowl!! Let's dish-

I tasked Jeremy with picking out the fresh vegetables he wanted me to roast. This week we are roasting zucchini, squash, Brussels, bell pepper, onion, and carrots. I greased the sheet pan with olive oil and put everything in a single layer. He added the seasonings he wanted (I saw him use garlic salt, ground mustard, paprika, and pepper). We roasted on 400 for about 35 minutes! Next, I roasted four chicken breasts in the same manner. Olive oil and seasonings- baked at 350 for about 30mins.

Next, sauces. Our goal was to mix up the chicken and vegetables and give him different flavors via the sauce. Here's what we came up with this week:

1. Honey Dijon: Mix together 2Tbsp of dijon mustard, 1tsp honey and a squeeze of lemon juice
2. Asian Garlic Soy: Bring 1tsp brown sugar, a couple Tbsp of soy sauce, plus one clove of fresh garlic minced to boil (I did this in the microwave)
3. Good old BBQ sauce (can't take credit for this- all credit goes to Sweet Baby Ray)
4. (Repeat of Honey Dijon because Jeremy loved the taste of the sauce so much!)

So that's where we are this week!! I'm super excited for Jeremy to take these and come home with his review! I'll keep y'all posted and share other tips and tricks we learn as we go! If you have any tried and true meal prep tips- share away. I'd love to know what you do to mix it up.....

View from Above

When we first started discussing a career move for Jeremy we began praying about it. Due to circumstances surrounding it, we both knew our steps needed to be guided from God. We began discussing this around the beginning of 2018. Jeremy came home from work one day and said he saw a hawk on a job site. He didn't notice it at first but it literally landed so close to him. He was able to take a photo of it. I didn't think much of it... and I don't think he did either at the first sighting!  Over the next few months he continued to see hawks everywhere he went throughout his days at work. He mentioned it to me again a few months later. It became significant enough for him to notice and bring up once he got home. I realized it was important because Jeremy is a leave it at the office kind of guy but still didn’t think much of it...

One evening in July we were walking around our block together. Just he and I. We were intensely discussing his career, our future, and the rough season we were walking through. I remember the EXACT spot on the street that we were. He stopped me. Told me to be quiet and look ahead. Literally 15 feet in front of us, a hawk landed. In the MIDDLE OF THE STREET!!! We stopped where we were and we immediately prayed a simple prayer for God to guide our steps and show us His plan and path for our life. We needed his guidance! I remember crying. It felt like God was right there! In the middle of chaos and a turbulent time- God was with us. Giving us sign after sign. We had little, but we had God.

Fast forward another few months. Jeremy received a great job offer. We prayed about it and felt it was finally the right timing AND the right path for our family. Regardless of knowing that- and feeling absolutely assured of that fact, we encountered a rough day, or week actually, in regards to our finances and income. This was right as he was making the transition to his new job. Isn't it funny how easy it is to slip back into an old mentality of thought??? I did!! I was immediately anxious! Concerned for our family. How could I fix this? I was anxious as to how we would pay bills that week.I went to sleep and was so stressed about it that I couldn't rest. Could NOT turn off my brain to sleep. You know when you go to sleep there's this peaceful darkness when you close your eyes, and then you simply drift to sleep? It wasn't that way. When I closed my eyes there were tons of bright swirling colors and I couldn't get to the restful/peaceful place to actually fall asleep.

I prayed a simple prayer. I'm not a super-spiritual person by any means but as soon as I prayed, as clear as day, in my mind- I saw the silhouette of a hawk. My eyes were closed. I was laying in bed, and I know with every breath in my body it was God. As I saw the silhouette of the hawk I heard this in my mind-

"Lindsay- I will protect you. I will cover you. I will give you rest."

Those three things. Protection. Covering. Rest. 

My friend Courtney posted this verse on Facebook the other day and it prompted a wonderful conversation between us about this story- so timely and wonderful! 

YOU GUYS!!!! That is crazy to me!!!! I immediately went into a deep sleep. Jeremy came to bed a little later and it startled me. I woke up, and told him my dream (I don't remember telling him! I was so mentally exhausted and tired.). And you guys. God totally showed up for us!!!!! Through an amazing turn of events- Jeremy was paid, unexpectedly, from his new company the following day. On a random Thursday. LITERALLY it was God! I feel so secure and safe in His hands. He holds our future and He is writing our story SO WELL, you guys!!!!! He is a Good, Good Father and does everything perfectly.

Jeremy and I have discussed the hawk sighting with a few people and researched it. It holds a significant place in our life now. Isn't it wonderful to know that God is guiding us, in SO many different ways?!? He used a bird, very literally, to show us his plan and path. A higher perspective. A view from above.

Can I just encourage you if you’re reading this? God is listening!! He knows where we are at. When you turn over your plans to Him, He really will show up for you. I am such a stubborn, strong-willed person. It's taken me (well, over a year if you read the previous post about our life) so long to get to this point, but now that I'm here it feels so good to trust in Him. I really do feel like no matter what happens, HE can work it out according to His plan. It's a weird place for me. Weird because it's so new and I tend to deal in reality and glass half-emptyness but God is showing me. Using people and situations throughout 2018 he flipped the switch on my faith. On perspective. Attitude. He’s totally working on me. The new freedom I feel to trust Him is so wonderful!

Birthday Thoughts

I turned 36 on Monday.

It was a regular, ordinary day at home with my babies and honestly- I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate another year of health and happiness! I am at the absolute best place in life right now- mentally, physically and spiritually. I'm content with NOW, truly happy in everyday moments. After the roughest year possible, I am thrilled to be sitting pretty for a fresh start in 2019. Here are some things that make me happy, bring joy, or I just want to remember about my life at 36 years old:

• Jeremy's new schedule and flexibility allows for him to wake up and have coffee with me and breakfast with Jonah before he leaves for the day. He's also walked in our door BEFORE 6 PM more days since he started this position than ever in the history of our married life. This is life changing for our family. I'm so thankful for the provision of God!
• I am dating my spouse and I freaking love it. Jeremy and I have gone on more dates the last three months than ever in our 10 married years. We're making our relationship a priority and we can see the results- it's a wonderful realization!
• I've focused on being present in the moment with my kids and Jeremy the last year and I can tell that it's made a difference in my perspective, outlook on life and attitude in general. My heart is truly content, thankful and filled with joy. It hasn't always been that way, and I just want to celebrate that. 
• Through the years I've always longed for us to have a large group of friends to grow old with. As our children grow, it's so nice to have a gang of friends that are experiencing a lot of the same things. At 36, I feel like we totally have this- and they're awesome! They show up for me. In fact, they all showed up at my door the other night unexpectedly to celebrate my birthday and we laughed late into the night. That was a highlight of my birthday! It made me feel so special knowing that each of them is in my corner. Friends make life FUN and I am thankful for ours!
• I've discovered that I love working out!! Truly love it. I feel alive. I feel strong. I'm currently working out 5 days per week and I hit my goal weight in 2018. I weigh less than before I had Jonah Knox. I weigh less than before I got married. I feel so great and confident in my own skin. I'm hitting my stride in my 30's and it feels SO GOOD. I have lots of work to do before I turn 40 (next milestone birthday), and I'm going to achieve my personal fitness goals!!
• We are making our family goals a priority this year. We sat down at the beginning of 2019 and all got to talk about the trips, outings and experiences we want to take together. Our focus is experiences over stuff. Adventures over things. Materialistic things don't matter. Memories will never fade or grow old. 
• Sutton is about to turn TWO next month. We've entered the most fun stage with her. I walked through a rough season when she was first born because it was hard to go from having a four year old BACK to the newborn stage. Now that she's almost two we're hitting our stride in this area of our life, too. Feels SO GOOD!
• Serving at Grace has brought so much joy to my life.  I love to meet first time guests, and make a connection with them! I'm glad we took the plunge in 2018 and made this commitment to lead and serve others. 

That's it for now. I'm just happy to be here. Sounds funny, but it's my truth. I have such JOY about life these days. My heart is happy and free. Here are a few photos I snapped this past weekend and on my birthday. Love these three humans so much it hurts. 

Blueberry Avacado Smoothies

Jonah Knox asks me for a smoothie juuuuust about EVERY day. I call him a fruit fly. He LOVES to eat fruit, however, veggies? Not so much these days. He still likes a handful, but I try to sneak vegetables into his smoothies without him knowing (and other meals, as well). Just doing my job as a good Momma. Today we hit the smoothie jackpot and I thought I'd share. Jonah saw the avacado going into the blender and was skeptical but seriously- it had the best, most creamy texture!! He loved it and tried to steal mine. Here's what you need-

1/2c frozen blueberries

2 small bananas

1 ripe small avacado

3-4 strawberries

1/2c-1c milk (depending on how you like the thickness of your smoothie)

Blend!

What's your favorite SNEAKY way to add veggies into your kids diets??

Twenty-Two

Sunshine Sutton is twenty-two months old. So close to turning two! Here are a few of my favorite things that she says:

-"Hold you?"
-"Momma, you okay?"
-"Cuuuuute!"
-"Ohh mah goshhhh!"
-"Hi Bubba!"
-"What is it?"

Also, I'll never, ever forget how she screams "daaa-deeeee, daaaa-deeee, hey hey hey, daaaa-deeee" the MINUTE Jeremy walk in the door. It is THE CUTEST thing she does. As is the song they sing together every night. My goal is to be sneaky and catch it on video soon. It's the sweetest ever. She's growing up so quickly and I'm LOVING this ride!!

Coloring Bookmarks

Good morning, friends! Happy New Year! Are you guys all snug at home? I love the first few days of a New Year. Everything feels fresh and I work hard to make sure the house is clean so I can relax. It's drizzling rain and chilly out today and it's just the best. I wanted to hop on and share our fun morning craft with y'all-

Usually the best coloring and crafting moments in our home happen without being planned. That was the case with these adorable bookmarks we created this morning. We all slept in. (I slept until 9:30, y'all! Totally loving Christmas break!) and I had just fed the babes breakfast. They were still sitting quietly at the table and I had a Mom-moment and said, Hey, why don't we color?! Quickly googled "Valentine's Coloring Sheet" and these bookmarks popped up. We had SUCH FUN creating these and it was also a great time for me to finish my coffee and have a bit of peace. And all the Momma's say Amen.

They turned out so cute! We colored, then cut them out, punched a single hole in the top and then tied a bit of string at the top. It took over an hour- and both kids were completely occupied. Which is always a win in my book!!

Here's the link to the bookmarks printable.

Enjoy!

A Story to Take With Us: 2018 in Review

The clock just passed midnight and it's officially New Year's Eve 2018. It's the very last day of the most difficult, yet most beautiful year of my life to date.

I'm awake, the house is silent and I'm reflecting back on 2018 and all that it entails. Reconciling where we began and how we are ending it. The words I type tonight stand as a landmark of hope and faith for my own family to reflect back on when we walk through difficult seasons of life in the future. In all of my reconciling, I keep coming back to the one word this entire year can be summed up in:

WAITING

To begin our story, I feel it fitting to remind you of where we began 2018. Something that stands out to me is this post I wrote back in early February titled, "Waiting is a Gift". I referenced a passage in a book I was reading at the time that used the analogy of a pregnancy, and how it takes nine months of waiting to birth something miraculous.

A few weeks ago I revisited that exact blog-post on a whim- and read it RIGHT at nine months post publication. So fitting for our life! Little did I know when writing that post back in February that our family would spend the next nine-months in a season of just that- complete and utter waiting and as a result- a wonderful new beginning would be birthed within ourselves, our marriage, and for our future. There are a few truths of our season of waiting that I want to reflect on and remember 2018 by:

1. GROWTH comes in the wait
When 2018 rolled around I was eager for a new year. One thought/quote I really took to heart back in January was "I took it off. I did not want to carry it with me anymore." And, actually, I even posted the quote on the blog in this post about my New Year's resolutions for 2018. It became my mantra and had significant meaning. Looking back I didn't realize how much we ultimately would leave behind by the end of this year!

I identified towards the end of in 2017 that I wanted to make a change within myself- it needed to start with my relationship with Christ and my relationship with Jeremy- and to break it down even further, I identified specific traits within myself I wanted to change, but couldn't figure out a way to actually do it on my own. I had finally reached the end of my own ability.

My anger at the position we found ourselves in, in life- and certain extenuating circumstances were the starting point of these changes. Those things felt all-consuming and pushed me to the edge of myself. See, back then I allowed those circumstances, and people, to control MY joy. Control MY attitude towards life and my emotions. They controlled ME because I allowed it, via a vehicle called anger.

Our path in life seemed beyond my control and that was WILDY uncomfortable for me. I felt stuck. For any situation we were faced with during this time I would hop right into my anger-car. It was easy. Convenient. It felt great to be mad at those inflicting pain on my family. However, I was far from being healthy emotionally or spiritually and I knew I wanted to move beyond this- to move forward and leave it all behind me- which is why that particular quote struck such a chord within me!

As I worked through the book I was reading, I also began praying and made a determined and focused intent to nurture my relationships- starting with Christ. HE ultimately changed me this year. He changed my outlook on life. He changed my reaction and response to situations outside of my control. Looking back, I no longer recognize the girl I was back in January. I am changed thanks to a Graceful God. He extended Grace and met me where I was, so angry and hurting and through a LONG season of waiting showed me time and time again the path HE had for us.

It wasn't obvious. It wasn't immediate and it wasn't clear. We continued to walk through dark days and months in 2018- facing huge financial and emotional obstacles. I continued to need Him every single day and he showed up for me every time. Honestly, I stand amazed- God very kindly, sternly and lovingly showed me how to respond rather than reaching for my go-to emotion. He taught me how to answer when life presented difficult, unfair and downright reprehensible situations at our doorstep.

Through the noise of the situations I would hear- "How are you going to respond, Lindsay?"

When someone wrongs you?  When someone is ugly to your Husband? When someone knowingly causes harm to your family's financial future? When the plans you've made for your life don't go the way you want?

"How will you react, Lindsay?"

These situations began in the Fall of 2017 and were carried into 2018. Looking back there were so many days that I cried and pleaded with God to make a way out for us RIGHT THAT SECOND. And slowly, as time has a way of doing, I realized that MY way, and OUR way, to depart the awful season would be THROUGH HIM, and Him alone. I relinquished control. Gave it up- and away to Him.

Giving up control, and my need for a plan for our life was a process. I am VERY hard-headed! It was baby steps. Move forward, fall back. I've learned so many lessons about life and about myself over the last year. I identified that my spiritual growing ground was hard- I was lacking in fruits of the Spirit. This season of waiting broke up my hard ground! I was able to plow through the mud and dirt in my heart and plant good seeds. And an unexpected gift happened during the wait- my marriage took root in ways I never expected. Jeremy and I became a united team as we navigated difficult circumstances and opened our hearts to be completely vulnerable with one another. Our relationship today is a beautiful gift from God.

2. STRETCHING comes in the wait
I was pushed to a really uncomfortable place (via the situations we were put in) where I had to acknowledge the ugly inside of myself. I learned it's much easier to remain the same, to explain away the negative and unhealthy aspects of your life than to face them. Facing the ugliness inside of yourself takes tremendous courage.

If you had asked me a year ago what our future looked like, I would hand you a laundry list of MY plans. The season of waiting we just emerged from broke that inside of me. At times I cried in the shower at the unfairness of the situations we were navigating and God gently reminded me over and over again that He was in control. Not Lindsay. Not Jeremy. And NOT anyone else. It became clear. I needed to WAIT for Him. That's it. Just wait. So, through this process of waiting I surrendered EVERY plan that I had for our life- and can I just say that God writes our story SO MUCH BETTER than we ever could have imagined?!

It feels SO FREEING and SO WONDERFUL to walk in the Blessed Assurance that only comes from entrusting your life to God's plan for you. Had we not walked through a veritable hell-storm the last two years we would not be able to experience the blessings and true JOY on this side of that season! As a result of seeing this year played out, I know to my core that He holds the master-plan for our life. People no longer control my joy. Situations and circumstances don't control my attitude. No one can take away what I've freely given over to God!

3. BLESSINGS come from the wait
Over the last year God has met our basic needs in the most amazing ways- we have so many stories to share about it. He opened the door for a wonderful career move for Jeremy and provided unexpected design opportunities for myself.  New friendships have blossomed, and our friends have become our roots- our support system! It is such a wonderful feeling to know that we have a veritable ARMY of friends RIGHT behind us, cheering us on, walking through the hard places alongside us, and CELEBRATING the victories in life with us.

4. Renewed FAITH, and a renewed PERSPECTIVE come from the wait
An attitude of gratitude emerges from months of waiting within a hard season of life. Dwelling on what I have, and what I'm thankful for when everything is going wrong produces a heart of gratitude. A heart of contentment! It is such a funny thing. My eyes have shifted from "the plan" for our life, to the blessings we have right this moment. The present is a gift.

5. GRATITUDE for obstacles comes from the wait
Finally, the greatest thing I have learned in 2018- and I feel the most telling thing- in terms of our growth is thankfulness and sense of gratitude for the hard season we've emerged from. So much GOOD has come from it, how could I not be? We're done. We passed the test! Isn't it true that if you pass a test- you move forward? Move on? My greatest wish was to take it off. I'm happy to report that as of New Year's Eve- I am no longer carrying baggage with me into 2019!
----

Lastly- I just want to encourage you if you're reading this and are walking through a dry, or difficult season in life. A time that feels ugly, uncertain and dark? Take heart! I can relate to those feelings. I've been RIGHT there. Everything felt dark, and nothing about our life, or our future felt okay for many months of 2018. Just remember WHO is writing your story and WHO holds your future. Give it back to him and really dig into the season you're in. Your life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. Embrace the waiting season in ALL of its awkwardness. Face the hard truths of your life, the hard truths of your season- and turn them over to God so when the morning comes and Spring dawns- you're ready. Use the season of waiting to break up the hard ground in your heart and plant seeds that will produce good fruit in your life. God will redeem your dirt! His timing is perfect.

Reflecting back- in the ten years that Jeremy and I have been married- 2018 has been the best year of our life. I have NEVER been more excited, or filled with anticipation of a New Year than I am right now. I have such a heart of thankfulness for the road that's led us to December 2018. We passed the test. Onward to 2019!

Happy New Year, everyone!!

Unforgettable (Strawberry) Bread

The recipe I make the most in our home is bread. Strawberry Bread, Banana Bread, Blueberry Bread, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread.... the possibilities are endless, and I have most likely tried every variation possible. I have a go-to recipe I use as my base and then switch up the fruit and nuts depending on the season, what I'm craving and what my gang is hungry for!

The original recipe is "Strawberry Bread" and it was given to me by my late Sister-in-law, Stephanie. She made Strawberry Bread for any occasion and her babies loved it. We all loved it. She was THE QUEEN of hospitality and I miss her dearly every single day. I hope I've inherited some of her hostess-with-the-mostess traits!

This Strawberry Bread recipe was my very first recipe card the year that Jeremy and I got married (2008)! Stephanie gave me one of her Longaberger Basket Cards to copy her recipe on and I seriously cherish it!

I love the note at the bottom she had me add, "Mix a little strawberry juice with cream cheese, spread between two pieces of bread for party sandwiches". That little sentence TOTALLY sums up her personality, and zest for life. Make the little things big. It's the heart of this blog and my goal with social media in general. Celebrate the everyday, and extraordinary ordinary moments with my babies, family and friends!

So, back to the bread. Here's another tip for the best bread- I always coat my pan with oil, and then sugar. I use a paper towel to spread the oil thinly all around the pan (sides and bottom), then sprinkle sugar right in. Uhmm the more the merrier, y'all. It creates a crunchy sugary crust that is THE BEST! Please promise you'll try it the next time you bake a loaf of bread and report back here?!

Lastly- this is a dump in the mixer bread recipe. I do it every single time. It probably goes against every true baking rule in the book, and I don't care. This bread recipe works, and is amazing regardless of what I do! The bread pictured above is Banana-Pecan. I used two over-ripe bananas I had laying around, and halved the recipe (it makes two large loaves) to make one loaf. I added a handful of chopped pecans and a sprinkling of cinnamon on top for good measure. It is truly delicious slathered with butter- straight from the oven! I normally only need to bake my bread for 50mins or so (depends on how hot and quick your oven cooks!).

Substitute two cups of your choice of fruit or nuts to give the recipe a different spin!

This recipe makes 8 mini loaves, or 2 regular sized loaves of bread. I would LOVE to know if you give the original Strawberry Bread recipe a try. It makes me so happy to know Steph's favorite bread recipe lives on, and is well-loved by our family. I hope yours enjoys it also!

Tasty Potato Soup

I love trying new recipes. If given the choice of an old faithful recipe or a new one- I'll take the new one. It helps that Jeremy is the least picky person on planet Earth! I had a craving for a bowl of potato soup and crusty french bread piled high with butter so I tried a new recipe for Potato Soup for dinner last night! It was so delicious!!

Best Ever Potato Soup by Taste of Home

Honestly, was there ever a potato soup recipe that went wrong?? (Please share if so!) I've tried almost every variation known to man- from frozen hash-browns dumped into the pan to different kinds of cheese (love gouda!). This recipe will be filed under "weeknight winners" because it was quick, and it's great! Also, I'd like to note that it's a Taste of Home recipe and I feel like they are pretty tried and true. I skipped the Velveeta and subbed gouda and sharp cheddar. I also skipped the bacon step because I was out. It was still wonderful! We added sour cream and chives as toppings to go into ours along with the toasted (and butt'ahed) french bread.

Happy Weekend, friends! I'm about to make my HEB grocery delivery list. It's the best thing since, uhm, buttered french bread!!

JOY

A sweet friend of mine owns a photography business and snapped a few photos of Sutton and Jonah for our Christmas cards this year. I always struggle with "Christmas" photoshoots because let's be honest. I'm not hanging them year-round in our home. Soooo, I knew I wanted something a little different, and of course, colorful and bright! Specifically for our cards! Last year we took photos with a fabulous Santa at a boutique in downtown Tomball. This year I wanted a studio feel with clean/clear photos of the kids. I think they turned out so cute and show the kids true personalities-

 The CUTEST photo! Sutton's face is the best!

I chose the first photo to be front and center on our Christmas card this year because it's our theme. Sutton Claire's little face is FILLED WITH JOY. Our life is brimming with JOY. Not because life is perfect, or we don't have struggles or our roof isn't leaking (true story!). BUT, because we choose it. Every day! We choose JOY. We choose to focus on the perfect little moments that make our life full. Healthy babies. Treats. Innocent prayers before bed. The small things that matter more than anything else in life. Togetherness.

JOY.

Merry Christmas, friends!!!