Five Minute Friday: Wonder

It's been a while since I just sat down and wrote a note without planning it out, thinking it through, feverishly editing and re-editing.  I love the Five Minute Friday link-up at Lisa-Jo's blog.  It's free'ing to just write about something, anything and then look back and see what you've came up with.  You should try it sometime.

Today's topic is wonder.  Check out my five minutes below and then take the opportunity to check out some of the other bloggers/writers at LisaJoBaker.com.

Five Minutes to Wonder

I wonder some days what my future will be like.  I wonder whether I will  be able to keep my goslings happy and safe, whether Daddy Goose and I will be able to do all of the things we want to do in life, how long we will have my parents and in-laws around to enjoy, whether we are on the path that God has set for us or whether we have strayed with our own agendas.

Wondering can sometimes gets your mind in trouble.  You begin to think about the what ifs, the should haves or could haves or how much differently your life would be.  It makes it hard to remember that your life is how you make it, not how you wonder it.

I like to think that I live for the now.  The today.  The present.  Keeping my goslings and Daddy Goose happy TODAY, not wondering whether they will get asked to their first school dance (thank you Parenthood for the "wonder") or get a great job after college.  Or whether Daddy Goose and I will be able to travel the world after he retires. (which, by the way, is only 13 years away!)

This rainy, cold, "wonder"ful, fall day is whats most important...AND how good my spaghetti dinner will be tonight!

What are you wondering about today?

Always ~ Momma Goose

It's OK Thursday

This morning after I said goodbye to Daddy Goose & Brother and rushed back in and ran to my favorite morning machine - my Keurig!  I thought to myself, wow, I am addicted this morning ritual.  (I'm sure plenty of you feel the same way about coffee.)  I started thinking to myself...what else am I addicted to? Some addictions are bad, but some are OK!  Here are a few others of mine...


It's OK that...

...I'm addicted to hot coffee in the morning.

...I'm addicted to my slippers.

...I'm addicted to fires in my wood stove.

...I'm addicted to Pinterest! (Let's face it, every other social media as well!)

...I'm addicted to hugs and kisses from my goslings!

...I'm addicted to seeing Daddy Goose walk through the door.

...I'm addicted to my addictions!

What's OK with you today?

Always ~ Momma Goose

Mellow Monday & Menu Plan

Are you having a post-holiday hangover?  We were go, go, go this holiday.  It has been nice to be in my pjs all morning!  Yet, because of all of our go, go, go we were able to spend time with my husband's family, have a lunch date with close friends, a dinner date with other close friends AND we made it to church yesterday!  We definitely enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday break - go, go, go and all.

Back to reality this week!  Daddy Goose is back to work, Brother goes back to school and the goslings and I go back to our Bible study group on Wednesday.  Ahhh...the comfort of routine!  What are you up to this week?

We woke up to fog this morning!  I love this type of weather - especially, when none of us have to go out in it - and Daddy Goose lives for this.

With the fog and cold, home made chili is calling our names and I'm a'answerin!   I found this yummy, fun recipe from the Crock Pot Girl at Get Crocked.  She is a gal after my own heart...she loves her crock pot.  I'm sure that I'll be using her website plenty to find great recipes. (I've already pinned a couple!)

Slow Cooker Chili

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of ground meat (I used ground beef today, but turkey would be my first choice)
• 3 cans of kidney beans, rinsed & drained
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes
• 3 cans of tomato sauce (4-8 oz cans)
• 1-2 tbsp. of ketchup
• 1 can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 medium onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 2 cloves of garlic (I used garlic powder)
• 2 tbsp. of chili powder (I used a little less because of my goslings)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Brown meat, chop onion and bell pepper, mince garlic, and add all to slow cooker.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4 hours.  Add your favorite chili toppings.  We are having ours in bread bowls with chopped green onions, shredded cheese and sour cream added on top. (I'll post a picture of the finished product as soon as its done. :)

Enjoy!

Do you still have Thanksgiving leftovers?  Check out this Pinterest board to get some ideas on what to do with them!

Here's what else we're eating this week:

Monday:  Crock Pot Chili in bread bowls
Tuesday:  Tacos with refried beans and rice
Wednesday:  Soup, salad and bread sticks
Thursday:  Spaghetti with salad and bread sticks
Friday:  Freeto Boats using leftover crock pot chili
Saturday:  Birthday dinner for Uncle Goose
Sunday:  Football food - Pizza!

Do you like to menu plan? It helps me to stay on budget, stay on track with food choices and frankly, just makes life easier. If you'd like to see more menu plans, head over to OrgJunkie.com.

Always ~ Momma Goose

This post can also be seen at:
Stone Gable Blog
Couponing & Cooking
Erin Branscom

Happy Thanksgiving

A little gobble, gobble from our gaggle to yours...

Always ~ Momma Goose

Thanksgiving Survival Guide

Oh, do I love the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and sweets on our Thanksgiving table.  Can't you just taste it now?  My mouth drools with anticipation.

With only a few hours left until the table is set and the turkey is carved, its time to create a plan to stay on track with your food choices at this year's holiday party.

I am a firm believer in "cheat" days and/or "cheat" meals.  I usually cheat on vacation, Saturday mornings at our family breakfast, Sunday dinners and most definitely at Thanksgiving dinner.  If you don't enjoy your favorite foods, whatever diet you are on will eventually fail you.  It's one of the many reasons I heart Weight Watchers.  They've got it right, its not what you eat, but how much and how often you eat it.

Even if you're going to be "cheating" on Thanksgiving, you should make a plan and stick to it, so you don't go overboard.  Here are a few survival thoughts:

1. Eat breakfast!!!  Don't skip this meal thinking that you'll consume less calories.   It just isn't so.  You'll end up eating more at the dinner table and regretting it. (Same goes for lunch if your holiday meal isn't until evening.)
2. Don't skip your exercise routine just because its a holiday.  I find that I am a better eater when I am consistent about my exercise.  Make sure to get it in!
3. Make an after Thanksgiving meal walk a new family tradition.  
4. Plan out what you'll be putting on your plate...before you fill 'er up.  Look at the whole buffet and choose your favorites first, this way there's room on your plate and in your calorie count for those foods that mean the most to you.
5. Drink lots of water.  It is definitely OK to have your favorite holiday drink/spirit, but make sure you include a lot of water before, during and after your meal.  Not only will it keep your hands busy and away from the appetizers, but it will fill your tummy up and keep you from over eating.

What are some of your favorite tricks and tips for staying on track during the holidays?  And..what are you going to include in your cheat meal on Thanksgiving?

Always ~ Momma Goose

Mellow Monday & Menu Plan

After a fun and exciting adult weekend getaway with Daddy Goose, I am revamped and ready for the busy holiday week ahead.

Lovin' my hubby! 

With holidays comes a. lot. of. food - it's just part of our culture and society.  Thankfully, this holiday season I won't be doing a lot of cooking of that holiday food.  However, Brother Goose is on vacation from Pre-K, so we have some extra activities planned to keep us happy and keep this Momma sane!  So, to make sure I am enjoying all of my time with Brother, I am taking the easy road with lunches & dinners this week.  My first stop on easy street is my slow cooker.  I am using it to cook a couple pounds of chicken that I'll use in three meals this week.  Here's how:  (Check out our meal plan below.)

Juicy Slow Cooker Chicken

• 3-4 pounds of chicken breasts (you can use any part of the chicken you'd like, this is just what I usually have)
• 2-3 cans of chicken broth
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Enough water to cover the chicken
• Salt and pepper to taste

Place all ingredients into slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.  Cook on low for 2-4 hours.  (Your slow cooker time might be different than mine, refer to your manufacturer's suggestions or other chicken recipes you might have.)  Rearrange your chicken midway through cooking time.  You can even use frozen chicken in your slow cooker.  Just add 2-3 more hours to the cooking time.

This week, I'll be pulling the chicken out and shredding a little and cutting up a little for each of my recipes.  Once, cooked and cut place a little leftover juice and chicken into individual containers to be used on the appropriate day.

Have you been filling your sink before starting to cook?

It makes life sooo much easier at clean up time. One of my Auntie's gave me this tip a long time ago, and it has been one of my favorite tricks.

Here's what I'll be using the chicken for:

Monday:  Chicken Philly Sandwiches (chopped chicken, sauteed onions/bell peppers/mushrooms, provolone cheese on a sandwich roll)
Tuesday:  Nachos (shredded chicken, cheese, refried beans - on tortilla chips placed under the broiler - topped with: avocado, sour cream, black olives, and salsa)
Wednesday:  Buffalo Chicken Wraps (shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, lettuce and shredded carrots wrapped in a tortilla.  Our goslings will probably not have the buffalo wing sauce on their wraps.)
Thursday:  Thanksgiving with family!
Friday:  Adult dinner date with friends - eating out.
Saturday:  Family dinner BBQ at friend's house.
Sunday:  Football food - PIZZA!

What do you eat on holiday weeks like this one?

Do you like to menu plan? It helps me to stay on budget, stay on track with food choices and frankly, just makes life easier. If you'd like to see more menu plans, head over to OrgJunkie.com.

Always ~ Momma Goose

This post can also be seen at:
Stone Gable Blog
Couponing & Cooking
Erin Branscom

Practical Christianity: Genesis 1:31

In my Common English Bible, the passage Genesis 1:31 reads:

“God saw everything he had made: it was supremely good.”

This chapter of Genesis is telling the story of the creation of the earth and mankind.  You remember the story, "In the beginning..."

Can’t you just picture God standing back looking at his handy work, cocking his head to the side, a slow smile appearing on his face, saying to himself - wow that rocks!  (In my own words, of course.)

God made ME and said I am supremely good.

God made YOU and said YOU are supremely good.

God made HER and said she is supremely good.

God made HIM and said he is supremely good.

Do you get it yet? Me, you and him and her WE ARE ALL PERFECT in God’s eyes.

The next time you are looking in the mirror, look with God’s eyes and not your own destructive thoughts.

You are not ugly, you are supremely good.

You are not fat, you are supremely good.

You’re nose isn’t too big, you are supremely good.

Now…here’s the hard part.  Think about  that person who is being rude to you or has wronged you in someway?  Just as you are about to retaliate or talk badly and/or never forgive him/her, remember…God made him/her too!  Then He said, (s)he is supremely good.  There are amazing qualities about that person.  Look at him/her through God’s eyes and not your destructive thoughts.  See how much differently you view that person.

Remember:  God made me, you him and her and said you are supremely good!

Always ~ Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday: Thankful Turkeys

Today Brother Goose and I were gettin' in the groove for Thanksgiving.  I had already started decorating, but we hadn't yet done any crafting for the holiday.  So, when Lil' Miss went down for her afternoon nap we grabbed our glue, scissors and markers and went to town making our Thankful Turkeys.

A couple of weeks ago I picked up these foam turkeys from the dollar section at Target.

I had prepared them earlier by writing "I am thankful for..." on them.  I asked Brother for three things he was thankful for and naturally, grandparents came first.

Thankfully a close second came Momma, Daddy, Sissy AND football!  After writing on the turkeys, I handed it over to Brother and he added his own artwork.

When all the artwork was complete, we took brown crossgrain ribbon (that I got at the Dollar Store) and stretched out enough to fit all three thankful turkeys.  Brother squeezed out a line of glue...

...and made sure they would stick by pounding them on. (He is SUCH A BOY!:)  Using a bow to hide the thumb tack - voila!

Six thankful turkeys!  Daddy Goose is going to fill his out tonight and we'll hang them and make sure to post a picture.  Can you read mine?  I only had three turkeys, so in that little space I am thankful for "God's many blessings," "Hard Working Hubby," and "2 kids!"

Crafting with Brother is one of my favorite past times.  He is so creative and always has a fun story to tell me while we are being creative.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

Always ~ Momma Goose

P.S.  Did you add up my total cost for this craft project?  Yup, that's right ONLY $2.00!  It may not be the most Martha Stewart looking craft...but it was fun, had little cost and I got to spend great quality time with Brother!

Mellow Monday & Menu Plan

It is turning out to be a great Mellow Monday in our house. While I thoroughly enjoyed my 31 Day Challenge, I am excited to getting back to sharing slow cooker recipes on Mondays.

Our weather has finally changed and we enjoyed our first fire of the season over the weekend. Daddy Goose loves to build fires and I love the warmth and ambiance it provides our home.

With the weather changing, it is time for hearty, warm-me-up, comfort me kind of dishes. I heart stew! It ALWAYS makes me feel better. Even when I’m not feeling all that bad. Originally I found this stew on Ziplist, but when I got into it I found that I needed a smoker, which I don't have. So, I had to improvise and make it fit my tools and capabilities.

Slow-Cooker Beef & Black Bean Stew

Ingredients:

3-4 lbs of beef stew meat
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion
2 cloves of minced garlic
4 cans of black beans (15 ounces each)

Instructions:
As always - start by filling your sink with hot water and dish soap so that you can just plop your used dishes into the sink once you're done with them. It makes for easy clean up.

Heat olive oil in skillet. Season beef, with salt and pepper. Drag pieces through a bowl of flour until  lightly covered. Brown in warmed pan.

While beef is browning, mince garlic and chop onion. I use this tool:

If you don't have one...get one...it makes cutting onions tear-less! I love it and use it for everything.

Once meat is browned, place into slow-cooker along with onions and garlic. Take one can of black beans and puree. Add-in the pureed black beans as well as the other three cans. Add in all seasonings. Cook for 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low. (This is the time frame for my slow cooker, yours may be different. Use your judgment.) Serve with sour cream, cheddar cheese and other condiments you'd like.

Enjoy!

I usually have helpers in the kitchen, but today this sweet Lil’ Miss was looking especially cute while she was “helping!”

Always ~ Momma Goose

Here's what we're eating the rest of the week.

Monday: Slow Cooker Beef & Black Bean Stew
Tuesday: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers (I'm using green chilies instead of jalapenos.)
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Pizza
Friday: Date Night (Woo-hoo!)
Saturday: Date Night #2! (Double Woo-hoo!)
Sunday: Football Food - Meatball Subs

Do you like to menu plan? It helps me to stay on budget, stay on track with food choices and frankly, just makes life easier. If you'd like to see more menu plans, head over to OrgJunkie.com.

What are you eating this week?

31 Days - Day 31!!!

Wow, 31 days have past.  (Well, sort of. ;)  What a challenge this was.  As I said in my last post, I had many emotions during the challenge, but all in all it was a great experience and one I'm glad I participated in.

I wanted to take today challenge you!  Let's create a wall of honor together. Place your friends and family's names in the comment section below.  Next week, I will create a page on my blog that will reflect the list.

They names will be forever engraved in our hearts and on our wall!

Ready...

Always ~ Momma Goose

31 Days - Day 30

These past 31 days have been full of ups, downs and every emotion in between.  I thought I knew about breast cancer, its awareness month and the many organizations dedicated to its cause.  Never in my dreams would I have imagined that I would have learned that there is. so. much. information.

Breast cancer is one of those diseases that touches EVERYONE's lives.  It's sort of like that six degrees from Kevin Bacon game that we played long ago.  There is most definitely someone within six degrees of you that has had breast cancer.  It is because it affects so many, that the information and resources available are more than most types of cancer.

Not only have I learned so much about breast cancer and the resources available, but I have been able talk with so many about my project and have heard great stories of survival.  There are many who survive this horrific disease.  I enjoyed talking to each.

I am encouraged to continue parts of my 31 day challenge.  There are so many woman that I'd like to honor, so much more information available.  After all, breast cancer is not an issue only during the month of October.

There is hope for a cure for breast cancer.  We should do all we can to shine a brighter light on the glimmer of hope.  I hope you enjoyed my series and that you are encouraged to become aware, provide support and remember someone lost to breast cancer.

Always ~ Momma Goose

31 Days - Day 29

Do you clean for a reason?  I do.  My reasons are:  so we have dishes to eat from, clean clothes to wear and so my house doesn't look like the true messy people that lives in it.  Just as a I wrote a few days ago, I can't image the struggle it must be to get up while at my lowest and clean...for any reason.

Source

Recently, I came across Cleaning for a Reason.  This organization has much better reasons for cleaning.  The non-profit, partners with cleaning services all over the United States and Canada to clean the homes of women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer.

In fact, there are four companies that have partnered with the non-profit, near where I live.

Molly Maid of Fresno 4.4 miles

2310 E. Gettysburg Avenue Fresno, CA, 93726

Website Directions

Comfort Keepers 7.1 miles

1849 N Helm Ste 108 Fresno, CA, 93727

Website Directions

The Cleaning Authority Fresno County 8.0 miles

5494 E. Lamona Avenue Fresno, CA, 93727

Website Directions

What a great "gift" to give someone that is in the middle of cancer treatments.  One less thing for him/her to worry about.  All you have to do is go here, and apply for the service.

Always ~ Momma Goose