Happy Birthday Dad!

Circa 1971 (pre-Nancy)

Today is my dad's birthday. (Yes, we have a lot of September birthdays in our family!)

I've always been a daddy's girl, and now that I'm a parent I have such a greater realization (and appreciation) for the sacrifices my parents made for me and my sisters. When my parents were just starting out, my dad sometimes worked three jobs just to put food on the table so that my mom could stay home with me...and that was on top of trying to plant a church in Northwest Kansas. I can't imagine putting in such long days on top of the sleepless nights that come with young children!

Thank you, Dad, for all the sacrifices you've made, for the spiritual disciplines and hunger for biblical knowledge that you not only taught me, but lived out before me, and for so much more. I love you, Daddy! Happy Birthday!

Another Year Older...

Well, it's been a bit of a crazy week. (I feel like I say that a lot these days.) But this week included a bid day for me...my birthday. There, I said it...I had a birthday this week. I've always hated having a birthday in the middle of the week, because it just seems like another "average" day (school, work, etc.). But my family helped to make my day special, even in the midst of a hectic week.


It was a beautiful day, so we took a picnic dinner to our favorite park and let the kids run and play. Hubby dropped me and Little Man off at home (since it was Little Man's bedtime), and he and Little Miss went to "run errands." They came back with an arm load of surprises for me...

My Little Miss bringing me flowers

My collection of "goodies"

Yes, that is a Bon Jovi CD...I guess getting another year older makes me want to relive my "glory years." And a Daughtry CD...I've loved his music since I saw him on American Idol. What you may not recognize is the small carton in the bottom right corner...a pint of my absolute favorite treat in the world...Andy's Frozen Custard. They're original to my hometown, but they've now franchized, so if you live near a location, I HIGHLY recomment you visiting one. (And I recommend the Snowmonster!)

What's your favorite birthday memory?

Menu Plan Monday

Well, Monday is almost over, but I'm finally getting my menu plan up. For more (and I do mean LOTS MORE) menu ideas head on over to Org Junkie...she's the brains behind it all!)

Monday: Homemade Sloppy Joes (recipe to follow), Baked Potato Slices, and corn on the cob

Tuesday: Beef Sour Cream Noodle Bake (new recipe...if you're interested I'll post it), salad, French rolls

Wednesday: No Peek Chicken (found the recipe at Blissfully Domestic, but can't find it now to link to it...sorry! I'll post it if you're interested), greens beans, garlic bread

Thursday: Leftover buffet

Friday: Family Night Out

Saturday: Grilled Tri-tip, baked potatoes, salad, rolls

Sunday: Every man for himself!

Homemade Sloppy Joes

(from Weight Watchers)

1 lb. diet lean hamburger
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup ketchup
3 T. barbecue sauce
1 T. Mustard
1 T. Vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 tsp. pepper
6 hamburger buns

Brown hamburger & onion.
Add next 7 ingredients & simmer for 15 minutes.
Serve on buns.

Makes 6 servings

_____________________________________________

I also forgot to post the recipe for my slow cooker pulled pork from the birthday party last week, so here it is:

“Party” Pulled Pork

3lbs pork shoulder/butt (It doesn’t have to be a really good piece of pork since it’s just for sandwiches)

1 can Mexican style diced tomatoes

1-2tsp of chili powder

Combine ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on low 8-10 hrs. Add to buns (can also add BBQ sauce and cheese if desired).

So easy and so good! Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

His birthday was actually on Friday, and his party was last Monday. But this is the first chance I've had to post and wish my son a Happy 1st Birthday! I can't believe it's been a year already! When I was expecting Little Miss, I had so many people tell me, "Enjoy every moment; it goes so quickly!" I had no idea how true that is!

Happy Birthday, my Little Man! I love you!

Mommy

Our God of Miracles

In case you haven't read the latest report on Zoe, please click here. Be prepared...it will AMAZE you!

Know and Tell Friday

Thanks to Kayren from Everything's Coming Up Daisies for hosting this week's Know and Tell Friday: Sports Edition. I hope Reese is feeling better and Heather gets a little break from work soon!

1. Do you live for the start of college football? professional football? Does anyone in your house? Do you know anyone who does? I can't say I "live for" the start of any sports season, but my dad, all my uncles, and my Hubby all live for pro football (Go Chiefs!!)

2. Did you go to college? If so, what was your mascot? Was/Is that your favorite team? If not, what was/is your favorite college team? I went to a small Bible college, Central Bible College in Springfield, MO. We didn't have a football team...but our basketball mascot was The Spartans. I don't really have a favorite college team, but since my bro-in-law works at MU, I guess I should say Mizzou. I come from a long line of Chiefs fans, though, so they are my favorite team (not that I actually follow them at all!)

3. Have you ever embarrassed yourself at a sporting event? Have you seen someone else embarrass themselves at a sporting event? I have not personally embarrassed myself at a sporting event, but I've seen MANY people do so. :) Just go to a pro game, and watch all the people who've had more than 3 beers!

4. What is your favorite spectator sport (the one you love to watch live)? I would say football is probably my favorite spectator sport (and favorite to watch live).

5. Do you have a sports hero? If so, what makes them special? I would have to say right now my sports hero is Michael Phelps. In addition to being an amazing athlete, and raising the bar in his sport, he epitomizes the idea of "teamwork." Plus, you can't watch him interact with his mom and not just love him!

6. What's the most memorable sporting event you have ever watched on television? watched live? World Series 1985 KC Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals...and the Royals won! (It's probably so memorable to me because my dad was glued to the set and I heard the whole series relived again and again.)

7. If you have kids or grandkids, do they play sports? My kiddos are still a little young for sports, but Little Miss has told me several times that she wants to be a "soccer teamer" when she gets big.

Pictures, as Promised

Well, it's only taken me a week to get them up, but here are some pics from my visit to Savannah, Georgia last week. We spent a morning at Tybee Island--a small, tourist-y island off the coast of Savannah...and me without my swimsuit (thankfully)!

My grandma ("G") on the pier at Tybee Island.

This Midwest girl had to at least dip my toes in the ocean!
(I don't get the chance that often.)

My grandma, my mom and me outside Paula Deen's restaurant
(Lady and Sons) where we ate lunch...YUM!!