tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-276028422024-03-13T22:37:43.231-05:00The Moody Newsejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-23303308393431261542009-04-21T06:48:00.003-05:002009-04-21T06:58:58.080-05:00Did have a nice encouraging post on motherhood brewing but I had to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">skip it</span> in lieu of a comment on this Miss California controversy. In the pageant, she was asked about her beliefs on gay marriage by Perez Hilton. She answered the question honestly and he exploded. I just heard him on the Today show and he actually said that people should leave their politics at the door of the pageant and be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">relevant</span> to all Americans, blah blah blah blah. I was in shock. If you don't want to hear a political answer or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">someone's</span> personal opinion on a politically-charged topic, don't ask a political question. What he was saying was so incredibly moronic...if you are too much of a baby to handle the truth, D-O-N-'T A-S-K. What a little brat...get over it! It's YOUR fault this whole thing happened!<br /><br /><br /><br />AAAAaaahhhh!ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-26500091324181987852009-04-13T14:45:00.003-05:002009-04-13T14:48:20.537-05:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SeOWzl7H_XI/AAAAAAAAA5s/Lz50j6Gu-cY/s1600-h/101_0017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324264997579652466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SeOWzl7H_XI/AAAAAAAAA5s/Lz50j6Gu-cY/s320/101_0017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SeOWzXtJi_I/AAAAAAAAA5k/CLxpqoSe1po/s1600-h/101_0016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324264993762937842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SeOWzXtJi_I/AAAAAAAAA5k/CLxpqoSe1po/s320/101_0016.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>1 Sing, choirs of new Jerusalem,<br />your sweetest notes employ,<br />your sweetest notes employ<br />the paschal victory to hymn<br />in songs of holy joy,<br />in songs of holy joy,<br />in songs of holy joy! </div><div><br />2 For Judah's Lion burst his chains<br />and crushed the serpent's head,<br />and crushed the serpent's head;<br />Christ cries aloud through death's domains<br />to wake the imprisoned dead,<br />to wake the imprisoned dead,<br />to wake the imprisoned dead. </div><div><br />3 Triumphant in his glory now<br />to him all power is given,<br />to him all power is given;<br />to him in one communion bow<br />all saints in earth and heaven,<br />all saints in earth and heaven,<br />all saints in earth and heaven. </div><div><br />4 All glory to the Father be,<br />all glory to the Son,<br />all glory to the Son,<br />all glory to the Spirit be<br />while endless ages run,<br />while endless ages run,<br />while endless ages run.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Happy Easter!</span></em></strong></div>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-65023294064422934842009-04-06T06:31:00.001-05:002009-04-06T06:33:46.126-05:00Right of Conscience in Medicine - Sign PetitionPlease go to <a href="http://www.freedom2care.org/">www.freedom2care.org</a> and click on the top where it says “Patients-comment here” to help us in this fight. This will lead you through a process where you can register your disagreement with the proposed changes.ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-43428570713321304462009-03-31T20:05:00.002-05:002009-03-31T20:40:25.650-05:00Menu Planning for AprilSo as I mentioned in my last menu planning <a href="http://themoodynews.blogspot.com/2009/03/menu-planning.html">post</a>, I have been focusing on meals that can be prepared in advance of dinnertime. And I have to say: it's working <em>so well</em>! We are all so much happier and very well-fed. It helps with my sanity, makes for a much more fun and free afternoon and enables us all to eat together. The <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Recipes/story?id=6905418">Buffalo Chicken Lasagna</a> that I made last month was fabulous and so was the <a href="http://tammysrecipes.com/three_cheese_baked_spaghetti">Baked Spaghetti</a> (the latter is going to be a repeat for April). The <a href="http://www.tammysrecipes.com/farmhouse_chicken">Farmhouse Chicken</a> was a huge hit - you should make it, your family will thank you!<br /><br />The only "problem" is that I have had to be more creative and organized with my recipes and I don't really mind that one bit! Right now I'm working on a way to compile all the "winners" into a notebook or some other other printable format so that I can access the hard copies easily and I'm going to try to plan one month's worth of recipes at a time, taking a cue from Simple Mom's recent <a href="http://simplemom.net/a-monthly-menu-plan-for-the-spring/">post on this topic</a> (love this blog!). I didn't really use any of her recipes but I used her idea to plan a theme for each day.<br /><br />M0<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ndays</span> - pasta<br />Tuesdays - soup, salad, and/or sandwiches<br />Wednesdays - stir fry<br />Thursdays - crock pot or casserole<br />Sunday - easy<br /><br />So today, I printed off a blank calendar for the month of April and started filling it in. I used the cookbook <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Living-Busy-Weeknight-Favorites/dp/084873128X">Southern Living Busy Moms Weeknight Favorites</a> as my main source for this month and found more than enough recipes to fill in every spot! Unfortunately, most of these recipes are not online but if they pass the test, I'm going to add them to my file. And if you're nice, I might just figure out a way to upload the finished product to this blog! My own cookbook of sorts...fun!<br /><br /><strong>So here is a sampling of what's on the menu -</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Cheddar-Bacon twice baked potatoes (can be frozen!), salad<br /><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Mexican-Chicken-Soup?pmcode=GT874VH04M&e=76943">Mexican Chicken Soup </a>(didn't get around to making it last month but it sounds fabulous!)<br />Chicken Spaghetti Bake<br />Sloppy Joe Squares, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-carrots-recipe/index.html">roasted carrots</a><br />Butternut Squash & Bacon Soup<br />Tuna Noodle Casserole<br /><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=436317">Ham & Swiss Muffins</a> (double the recipe, freeze half), fruit<br /><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cheeseburger-Meatloaf/Detail.aspx">Cheeseburger meatloaf</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">asparagus</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Asian Chicken Stirfry</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/01/cauliflower-soup/">Cauliflower Soup</a> (I made this last month and forgot to mention it...it was a huge hit. Elliot loved it and so did the friends we shared it with!)</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">To make things easier, I sometimes make the dish vegetarian and omit the meat. Like tonight I made a delicious taco casserole (from the same cookbook) and used black beans instead of ground beef and honestly, you couldn't even tell! Ryan loved it and didn't even notice that the meat was missing. Charlie thought it was too spicy but Elliot ate more it than I did. Anyway, you really can do this on dishes like this where meat is just one ingredient. I always add a bit of olive oil, though, just to add some yummy fat.</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I also never measure spices. I just add some and taste, add some and taste. That saves a lot of time and means less mess to clean up. I've never had a problem doing this. </span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">For all of the recipes above, the prep work will be done in advance and just baked or warmed at dinnertime.</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Enjoy!</span>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-51217969552034336932009-03-25T19:32:00.004-05:002009-03-25T21:11:49.338-05:00Politcs, The Environment & SuchAs I mentioned in this <a href="http://themoodynews.blogspot.com/2009/03/im-not-single-issue-voter-i-promise.html">post</a> a few weeks ago, I'm <em>really</em> curious about why non-black Christians would vote for Obama. Seriously, I've been wanting to know. And I've been trying to find out. I've come across some black Obama supporters and honestly, I think that they have a different perspective. Their excitement over his rise to power, at least in the cases of the folks I've talked to, really did overpower any other reasons. And I'm fine with that (or at least mostly fine with it...as fine as I can be, I guess...). At least it's a reason. Anyway, here is an excerpt from the online exchange I had recently with an avid Obama supporter:<br /><br /><strong>THEM:</strong> <span style="font-size:85%;">In terms of liking Obama....Well first I have to say that race never entered into it for me. I only mention that because you asked why a "white Christian" would vote for him. The color of his skin wasn't an issue for me either way, BUT once he was elected, I allowed my kids to stay home from school to watch his inauguration because I felt like it was so significant historically to watch a non-white become President.I have been impressed with Obama (his blunder last night aside) from the first time I saw him speak, I think it was in 2004. I agree with his position and ideas on the environment. I LOVE his stance on disabilities (</span><a onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," href="http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/DisabilityPlanFactSheet.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/DisabilityPlanFactSheet.pdf</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">). I am comfortable with his plan to get us out of the Iraq tar-baby that Bush-Cheney got us into, not to mention the end of Guantanamo. The big question most people have is about abortion. Honestly, I do NOT think most so-called pro-life politicians are going to do a thing to lower abortion rates. It hasn't happened yet, and frankly, if they did overturn Roe v Wade, they would have nothing to campaign on. I think they know that, and I think they will never really act to turn back that clock. I feel like a better anti-abortion strategy is to work toward incentives to NOT need an abortion. Sex education. Adoption credits. Things like that. So basically, abortion is a non-issue for me politically. Anyway, that's a brief synopsis of my thoughts on it! :)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>ME:</strong> Thanks for enlightening me as to your position. I don't care either way about the race issue either, I only mentioned it because it was def. a factor in this election. And the only Christians that I heard give a reason for their choice happened to be black and honestly, I thought their perspective was skewed.I am def. impressed with him...speakers and leaders like him do not come around very often. So I agree with you on that for sure.I most disagree with his socialist philosophy and economic plans. This is what really scares me more than anything else, honestly. What he says and does is so contrary to the ideals on which our country was founded and looking at history, socialism does not work. People are not motivated by their own <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">innate</span> goodness and any philosophies or way of life that depends on humans consistently doing the right thing just for the right things' sake will undoubtedly fail. And my experience with socialized medicine (military health care) has just proved that all the more in my mind.I do agree with you about the abortion thing and it is really a card that people like to throw down as a mandate to vote Republican BUT that being said, he does seem to me to be on a campaign against the sanctity of life in general: ending stem cell ban, lifting the ban on overseas funding of abortion, and trying to void the Health Workers' 'Conscience' Rule, just to name a few (<a onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/27/AR2009022701104.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/27/AR2009022701104.html</a>, <a onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/03/07/obama-to-end-stem-cell-ban-monday.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/03/07/obama-to-end-stem-cell-ban-monday.html</a>, <a onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/01/23/obama-lift-ban-overseas-abortion-funding/)" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/01/23/obama-lift-ban-overseas-abortion-funding/)</a>. I could never support anyone who did those things, ever...and that's also why I can't really be a Libertarian. :) And just for fun, I say the same thing about Democrats and the environment that you say about Republicans and abortion. I think the environment is the Democrat's abortion and I don't see either party really making a difference. As an aside, I do care about the environment and really try to do my part...</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br />What do I say to that argument? <strong>Weak.</strong> Basically, she was overpowered by his charisma. That's how I take it anyway.<br /><br />So I'm still on my quest for answers but this proves to me even more that people just fell in love with Obama and voted for him. Amazing.<br /><br />Anyway, the environment. I do care about it and we in the Moody house are trying to do our part...<br /><br />My kids are really messy eaters. Both of them. So in lieu of giving baths after every meal or using an entire package of wipes or 15 paper towels, I use one washcloth per day, per kid. I have a special set of washcloths that are used for this purpose and they aren't used for anything else. This is quite a major waste savings and I'm proud of it! I just tossed the old washcloths into the rag bin in the garage and bought new ones today. This is only my second set of kitchen washcloths since becoming a mother so I think I'm doing pretty good. And this is really an easy way to reduce and reuse...<br /><br />More on this later.<br /><br />ps: I don't think everyone who voted for Obama is off their rocker, I promise. If someone told me that they voted for Obama because they wanted "change" I would accept that answer. I don't agree, but I would accept it as legit. Just FYI.ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-33427523842900513432009-03-19T20:52:00.011-05:002009-03-19T21:30:47.743-05:00Charlie is 3?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/ScL7V4vFWDI/AAAAAAAAA5M/YfABNapQJzo/s1600-h/cm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315086863676299314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/ScL7V4vFWDI/AAAAAAAAA5M/YfABNapQJzo/s320/cm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315090291382098626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/ScL-dZ71GsI/AAAAAAAAA5c/ElDsc27UF18/s320/party.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315090284971367730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/ScL-dCDZHTI/AAAAAAAAA5U/aevcFmI_No8/s320/DSCI0009.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Dear Charlie,</div><br /><div></div><div>Are you really THREE YEARS OLD? I just can't believe how quickly the time has passed. But I also can't really remember my life before you joined it. I have loved watching you grow and change and I am so thankful for every single day that I get to spend with you!</div><br /><div></div><div>In honor of this your third birthday, I want you to know my three favorite things about you:</div><br /><div></div><div>1. I <em>just love</em> how big your heart is. You love me, Elliot and your Daddy so much. "Mommy, I love you all your heart" is something I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">privileged</span> to hear quite often and don't worry, I know what you mean. :) It melts my heart each and every time I hear it. You get so excited to see Daddy and you constantly ask me where he is and what he is doing, even though I know that you already know the answers. And Elliot: wow, you have sure opened your heart to him and have done such an amazing job of sharing your parents. We are so proud of you!</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Just a quick story: one day a few weeks ago, when I was writing thank-you notes for Elliot's birthday presents, you picked up a card and pretended to dictate a letter. It went like this: "Dear Mommy and Daddy, I love you 22. Love, Charlie" <em>That</em> was precious!</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>2. I love how much you talk. You make us laugh so hard by saying the most hilarious things! Too bad I didn't take <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">everyone's</span> advice and write them down to include here...that would have been a real treat. Anyway, you also say some words in a really funny way, "thank you" ("tang <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tu</span>") is a great example. We hope that you never stop saying it. </div><div></div><br /><div>3. I love having you as my constant companion. I am rarely lonely now that you are a little person. You love reading and learning with me, and we always have lots to talk about it. You also notice the things I do around the house and are always very curious about and appreciative of anything I sew or make. <em>Thank you</em> for that. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>You <em>really</em> enjoy life and that is what makes you so special and such a pleasure so share experiences with (remember the night we went to the circus--picture is below--and before I could stop you, right there in Mellow Mushroom, you drew a "clown nose" on your face with my red pen). The smallest of things puts a huge grin on your face and your appreciation for life is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">contagious</span>. You have a real gift.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>So precious boy, on this your third birthday, we hope you know how deeply you are loved. We are so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">privileged</span> to be your parents!</div>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-44099777633430217532009-03-09T06:57:00.002-05:002009-03-09T07:05:38.294-05:00SwagbucksHave you heard about this deal with <a href="http://swagbucks.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Swagbucks</span></a>? Basically it's a way to earn $$ by searching online. You download a toolbar and use it to search instead of google. It's very simple to sign up (less than a minute!) and there are no fees, and no credit card, phone number or address is required. Just for signing up, you are credited 3 points and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">as</span> you search online, you earn more points. After only 45 points earned, you can get a free Amazon gift card. Or at 50 points, you can get a Starbucks gift card. There are lots of other prizes too.<br /><br />Now, you might be thinking, "What's the big deal if I only earn a $5 gift card every month?" And you're right: $5 isn't that exciting. You really start earning as you refer other people. Tell them about <a href="http://swagbucks.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Swagbucks</span></a>, send them your referral link, and you'll instantly earn more points when they sign up and additional points for the searching they do online.<br /><br />Sign up <a href="http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=391098.">here</a>!<br /><br /><br />*********************************************<br /><a href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/03/07/obama-to-end-stem-cell-ban-monday.html">Obama to End Stem Cell Ban Monday</a>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-61138687049307582562009-03-03T21:25:00.002-05:002009-03-03T21:28:00.501-05:00I'm not a single-issue voter, I promise......but I would really be interested to hear from Christians who voted for Obama...inquiring minds want to know: why? how? What about him and his agenda does <em>not</em> violate your conscience? I just don't understand.<br /><br />As if I needed one more reason to be confused by the Christian Obama supporters...<br /><br /><em>Health Workers' 'Conscience' Rule Set to Be Voided<br />By Rob Stein</em><br /><em>Washington Post Staff WriterSaturday, February 28, 2009; A01</em><br /><br /><em>The Obama administration's move to rescind broad new job protections for health workers who refuse to provide care they find objectionable triggered an immediate political storm yesterday, underscoring the difficulties the president faces in his effort to find common ground on anything related to the explosive issue of abortion.<br />The administration's plans, revealed quietly with a terse posting on a federal Web site, unleashed a flood of heated reaction, with supporters praising the proposal as a crucial victory for women's health and reproductive rights, and opponents condemning it as a devastating setback for freedom of religion.<br />Perhaps most tellingly, the move drew deep disappointment from some conservatives who have been hopeful about working with the administration to try to defuse the debate on abortion, long one of the most divisive political issues.<br />"This is going to be a political hit for the administration," said Joel Hunter, senior pastor of the Northland Church in Longwood, Fla., whom Obama recently named to his Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. "This will be one of those things that kind of says, 'I knew it. They talk about common ground, but really what they want is their own way.' "<br />Administration officials stressed that the proposal will be subject to 30 days of public comment, which could result in a compromise. They said they remain committed to seeking a middle ground but acknowledged that will not always be possible.<br />"We recognize we are not going to be able to agree on every issue," said an administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the process has just begun. "But there remains a substantive area of common ground, and we continue to believe we can make progress and will make progress."<br />The announcement capped a week when anger among conservatives was already running high because of the ambitious progressive agenda outlined in the administration's proposed $3.6 trillion budget.<br />The debate centers on a Bush administration regulation, enacted in December, that cuts off federal funding for thousands of state and local governments, hospitals, health plans, clinics and other entities if they do not accommodate doctors, nurses, pharmacists or other employees who refuse to participate in care they feel violates their personal, moral or religious beliefs.<br />The rule was sought by conservative groups that argued that workers were increasingly being fired, disciplined or penalized in other ways for trying to exercise their "right of conscience."<br />Women's health advocates, family-planning proponents, abortion rights activists and others condemned the regulation, saying it created a major obstacle to providing many health services, including family planning and infertility treatment, and possibly a wide range of scientific research. After reviewing the regulation, newly appointed officials at the Health and Human Services Department agreed.<br />"We've been concerned that the way the Bush rule is written, it could make it harder for women to get the care they need," said an HHS official who spoke on the condition of anonymity for the same reason. "It is worded so vaguely that some have argued it could limit family-planning counseling and even potentially blood transfusions and end-of-life care."<br />An array of family-planning groups and others praised the move.<br />"The Obama administration is taking the right step forward to rescind this misguided rule," said Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), who has introduced legislation to overturn the regulation.<br />But the Family Research Council, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and others condemned it.<br />"It is open season to again discriminate against health-care professionals," said David Stevens, head of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations. "Our Founding Fathers, who bled and died to guarantee our religious freedom, are turning over in their graves."<br />The announcement -- which follows an administration decision to lift restrictions on federal funding of international family-planning groups that perform abortions or provide abortion information -- was also disappointing to some who have been working more closely with the administration on reducing the number of abortions.<br />"I think what was in place was as good as one could find in terms of seeking and securing common ground," said the Rev. Frank Page, the immediate past president of the Southern Baptist Convention and another member of Obama's faith council. "It's a matter of respect. I felt like what was in place was that middle ground of common respect."<br />Administration officials stressed that the president remains committed to protecting the rights of health-care workers who do not want to participate in abortions; such rights have been guaranteed for decades by several federal laws.<br />"We recognize and understand that some providers have objections to providing abortions. We want to ensure that current law protects them," the HHS official said. "But the Bush rule goes beyond current law and seems to have upset the balance."<br />The administration is open to a new rule that would be more focused on abortion, the official said, adding, "We believe that this is a complex issue that requires a thoughtful process where all voices are heard."<br />Some predicted that the administration will produce a narrower regulation that protects workers who object to abortion but ensures access to other types of care.<br />"If the president kept in place the conscience clause in regard to abortion but reversed it in regard to birth control, most Americans would agree that's common ground," said Rachel Laser of the group Third Way, which is working to find compromise approaches to a number of contentious issues.<br />But Page noted that some health-care workers consider certain forms of birth control, such as the morning-after emergency contraception pill, to be the moral equivalent of abortion.<br />"If they choose not to be part of the distribution of that, that should be their conscience and their right," Page said.While some family-planning groups acknowledged privately that they might consider a compromise, others said they are doubtful that any regulation is needed.<br />"Our general feeling is this was an area that does not cry out for further clarification," said Marcia D. Greenberger, co-president of the National Women's Law Center. "I would be skeptical."</em>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-72376193397229941942009-03-02T10:57:00.003-05:002009-03-02T11:34:03.805-05:00Menu Planning<div><div>Yep, I'm doing this again. Everyone keeps asking me about this, I think it's really the only reason why anyone ever reads my blog. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hah</span></span>!<br /><br />But now I have a new goal in menu planning: cook things that can be almost completely prepared before 3pm. Cooking dinner at dinner time just isn't working for me anymore. It's just too chaotic and everyone is grumpy. And Elliot is into *<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">everything</span>* now which makes it all the worse. So for the past few weeks, I've been gathering recipes and trying new things, trying to perfect this new strategy. And I might add that a rice cooker, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">crockpot</span></span> and a <a href="http://www.healthyhomefoods.com/">freezer full of lean, organic frozen veggies meat</a> helps a lot!<br /><br /><em>So far I've made:</em><br />Tacos / taco salad - I prepared the meat, beans and rice around lunchtime<br /><br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Recipes/story?id=6905418">Buffalo Chicken Lasagna</a> - (my favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">crockpotting</span></span> lady was on Good Morning America!) I used a little less wing sauce because I wanted the kids to eat it too and I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">omitted</span> the peppers (Ryan hates them)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Poppyseed</span></span> Chicken (our family recipe)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=2333">Sweet Potato Enchiladas</a> - I turned this into casserole, layering the tortillas instead of rolling them up like traditional tortillas<br /><br /><a href="http://tammysrecipes.com/three_cheese_baked_spaghetti">Baked Spaghetti</a> - YUM<br /><br /><em>And I'm planning to make the following in the next few weeks:</em><br /><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Mexican-Chicken-Soup?pmcode=GT874VH04M&e=76943">Mexican Chicken Soup</a><br /><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Mexican-Chicken-Soup?pmcode=GT874VH04M&e=76943">Farmhouse Chicken</a><br /><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/08/cooking-with-pastor-ryan-delicious-mexican-lasagna/">Mexican Lasagna</a><br /><a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/08/crockpot-layered-dinner-steak-potatoes.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Crockpot</span></span> Layered Dinner</a> - This will make Ryan happy<br /><a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/01/super-easy-crockpot-lasagna.html">Lasagna </a>- I want to try adding the eggs and all the veggies like she did<br /><br />I'm telling you: this really, REALLY works. I have been a much happier person since implementing this new strategy and as a result, everyone else is happier too. And very well-fed, I might add.<br /><br />Oh, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ps</span>: Elliot is walking! He started taking steps here and there a few weeks ago but in the past few days, he started walking more than crawling and walks first when he wants to get somewhere. It's so weird! Don't have any pictures to prove it yet, but here are a couple more recent shots...and I made the shirts!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308628696947089794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SawJrG354YI/AAAAAAAAA5E/6-PMt80_XeU/s320/DSCI0058.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308628694954062818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SawJq_cus-I/AAAAAAAAA48/rpKRPhA33dM/s320/DSCI0011.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p> </p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pss</span> - No snow in Savannah and I was quite happy. Living in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Charlottesville</span> for 3 years cured me of ever wanting to be around snow again. Really</p>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-41681677936390630242009-02-13T08:28:00.003-05:002009-02-13T10:22:49.708-05:00Baby Elliot is 1!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SZV1yl0XZSI/AAAAAAAAA40/rFT24oItnxc/s1600-h/withhcharlie1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302273648304284962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SZV1yl0XZSI/AAAAAAAAA40/rFT24oItnxc/s320/withhcharlie1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SZV1yS_wOhI/AAAAAAAAA4s/3H5qBobQwnA/s1600-h/DSCI0022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302273643251776018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SZV1yS_wOhI/AAAAAAAAA4s/3H5qBobQwnA/s320/DSCI0022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Dear Elliot,<br /><br />Happy Birthday to you! I can't believe that you are ONE already...the time has passed so quickly (I heard it would, but I didn't imagine it would be quite this fast). Last year at this time we still lived in Augusta and were completely stressed out about selling our house. I was still working and Charlie was not yet two. We knew it was going to be a crazy few months but that didn't stop us from being so excited to meet you! We just couldn't wait for your arrival and we have adored you since the first moment we saw you. Anyway, you are a big boy now and you are definitely coming into your own. You love balls, trucks, cars, playing outside in the sandbox and anything that Charlie is doing or playing with at any given moment. You also love wrestling with your Daddy and Charlie. Whenever they are sitting on the floor or anywhere even remotely accessible to you, you just dive on them, laughing and screaming, over and over again. It is really precious to watch. Speaking of Charlie: you love him. I think he might even be your favorite person! Y'all play all day long and don't really know what to do without each other. Oh yes, you fight and get on each other's nerves but more than anything, you are best buddies and constant companions. If you are both awake, you are together. And I love that. You are a big-time climber. You can climb up our stairs, up the slide in the backyard, on top of the toy boxes in the playroom, and out of your highchair onto the table (!), among other things. You can say (or have said in the past): "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mamama</span>," "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dadada</span>," "ball," "Tyke," "hi," and "that." And you finally like to eat (whew!) but no baby food, thank-you-very-much. Only the real stuff for you. You love <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">spaghettios</span>, goldfish, fruity cheerios, carrots, bread, macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, french fries, peaches, broccoli casserole, crackers, bananas, yogurt, smoothies and, of all, things, the cauliflower soup I made earlier in the week. And now we can add cupcakes to the list, since you ate TWO of the ones I made for your birthday and then screamed for more.<br /><br />You are adorably chubby but not tall. Not even on the growth charts, actually. We are going to try to figure out why but in the meantime, you are really cute (rather be short than ugly, I always say!). Everywhere we go, people talk to you, coo at you and tell me how adorable you are, with your blond hair (sorry about the bad bang trim, by the way; you can thank your Daddy for that) and big blue eyes. You actually look just like my Mom, "Bubbles." It's funny: you look more like her than any of her children! We think it's kinda eerie.<br /><br />You are also starting to have a little bit of a temper. We think Big Brother Charlie may be helping with that. When you want something, you just grit your teeth and scream. Sometimes you even try to bite whatever or whoever is close by. We can't have that so in the next few months (years!) we'll be trying to help you deal with frustration. In the meantime, you will surely be keeping us on our toes.<br /><br />We love you so very much, more than you can even know. And we are so thankful that God blessed us with you. We wouldn't know what to do without you and you were the perfect addition to our family. We are looking forward to watching you grow up and celebrating many more birthdays with you...just don't rush it, OK?<br /><br />Love, Mommy</div></div>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-70022854144203310862009-01-26T15:53:00.002-05:002009-01-26T16:00:35.009-05:00THE Best SnackToday I roasted carrots from my last <a href="http://themoodynews.blogspot.com/2008/11/menu-planning-tuesdays.html">farm box</a>. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Delicious</span>. I've been eating them all day. Make some and use this <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-carrots-recipe/index.html">recipe</a>.ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-10823510005468475962009-01-20T15:05:00.004-05:002009-01-20T15:18:44.728-05:00Four Years Ago<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SXYvaexSFgI/AAAAAAAAA4I/-qc8tIb-XjQ/s1600-h/em.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293470544003470850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SXYvaexSFgI/AAAAAAAAA4I/-qc8tIb-XjQ/s320/em.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SXYvaLepOHI/AAAAAAAAA4A/XUqhgPUEdu0/s1600-h/er.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293470538825021554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SXYvaLepOHI/AAAAAAAAA4A/XUqhgPUEdu0/s320/er.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SXYvZ73U_kI/AAAAAAAAA34/4Sli2kRKr50/s1600-h/New+Image.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293470534633586242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SXYvZ73U_kI/AAAAAAAAA34/4Sli2kRKr50/s320/New+Image.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>These pictures were taken four years ago when we were in D.C. with <a href="http://www.amiwaspy.blogspot.com/">Jill</a> and Josh, attending the inauguration of President Bush. It was an amazing experience and a very happy day. And that's all I'll say (cute rhyme, huh?).<br /><br /><em>God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Thru</span> the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam God bless America, My home sweet home.<br /></em></div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-2617326444586814192009-01-18T15:28:00.008-05:002009-01-18T16:51:48.978-05:00These past few weeks......have been quite trying. We've been sick. <em>Sick</em>. Haven't been to church or any other functions in two weeks. It all started two weeks ago when Elliot started sniffling. It went downhill from there as he continued to get sicker and sicker with what I thought was the worst cold ever. After a full week of suffering for him and a week-end where I was sure he was dehydrated and almost going to the hospital in the middle of the night, I took him to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dr</span>. And he had RSV. Thankfully no wheezing so he wasn't in any real danger but he has been miserable (and consequently, if I'm honest, so have the rest of us). And then two days after the diagnosis, Ryan comes home with some kind of stomach virus (his third time puking this month) and passed it on to me and probably Elliot (although I couldn't tell for sure if he actually had the stomach flu since he had been coughing to the point of throwing up for days). Charlie somehow seemed to escape it although that could have been because he threw up the week before--in a restaurant of all places--and was whiny for a day or so afterwards (confusing timeline, I know. It's all running together in my mind).<br /><br />So anyway, I've been doing a lot of reading, thinking, and planning. Planning all the projects I'm going to complete once I'm finished with our 2008 Photo book (something I've been working on this month on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Shutterfly</span>), which I'd hoped would be completed by now but the aforementioned weeks of sickness have slowed me down.<br /><br />I've been reading --<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-People-Are-Big-Small/dp/0875526004/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232311034&sr=8-1">When People Are Big & God is Small</a> -- great book, why would be a post of it's own<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-People-Are-Big-Small/dp/0875526004/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232311034&sr=8-1">Stitched In Time</a> -- So many projects, so little time; first up: The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Family</span> Tree project<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Family-Encourage-Imagination-Connections/dp/1590304713">The Creative Family</a> -- checkout author Amanda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Soule's</span> <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">blog</a> if you get a chance but lookout: she's not a Southern-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SuperChristian</span>-preppy-diva. This crunchy green <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">mamma</span> from Maine is the kinda spiritual that makes us nervous and the kind of "in the trenches" mom who inspires us; will be making many of her projects as well<br /><br />And it's almost time to decorate for Valentine's Day! I <em>love</em> this holiday. Not the super commercialized cheesy romance side of it but the fun side: kids exchanging cards, thinking about why you love people and the excuse to add some seasonal items to our decor. :) And since we've been in isolation for 2 weeks, I'm in the mood for a party. So if you live around here, put Feb. 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> on your calendar--First Annual Moody Family Valentine's Day Party. And bring a glue stick, 'cause we'll be crafting! E-Vite coming soon.<br /><br />Hopefully I'll be able to actually work on and then post pictures of some of my planned projects. If I can ever figure out how to work my new sewing and embroidery machine, that is! And now I'm off to order a few of the <a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.52458137.jpg">birds</a> I've been eyeing on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Etsy</span>.<br /><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><em>PS - Do you like my new look?!</em>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-45638330213239242522009-01-12T15:37:00.002-05:002009-01-12T15:56:36.004-05:00EtsyI hope I've mentioned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Etsy</span> on this blog before. I really can't say enough about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Etsy</span>. I think I'm obsessed. It's a bigger time-suck for me than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Facebook</span>. I had a sick baby so I stayed home from church yesterday and after organizing the pantry, butler's pantry/office area and the downstairs linen closet (go me - I love organizing in January!), I spent about 5 hours on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Etsy</span> (just to defend myself: I did play Charlie's new Thomas board game and memory with him for quite awhile too).<br /><br />Anyway, I found some amazing things. And some amazing things that I just know I could make, if I can get my new sewing and monogramming machine up and running (a Christmas gift from Ryan).<br /><br />Here are some of my favorite finds -<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=fp_feat_3&listing_id=19518448">Adorable Hearts</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18809059">Stuffed Letters</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19340230">Stuffed Numbers</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=19597767">All of these Valentine's Day birds</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18701598">Amazing necklace</a> (and actually, I love all of this seller's stuff)<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18499876">Felted Acorns</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19597948">Amazing hair piece</a> (too bad I already had my wedding)<br /><br />The list could go on and on...<br /><br />To see for yourself, just checkout the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/article_listings.php">featured items</a> from their blog. And while you're at it, find something to buy, support handmade stuff, stay-at-home moms. You know you have at least one random gift to purchase or something!ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-28058134264365382542009-01-08T14:40:00.006-05:002009-01-08T15:26:53.204-05:00It was a Great Day, MommyThat's what Charlie said to me as I was putting him into his crib for his nap. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aaah</span></span>. What more could I want? It has been a good day. Not a perfect day: I've gritted my teeth a few times, trying to choke back the annoyed and angry words that were trying to escape; one child has already been bathed, I've had to wash 2 sets of sheets (long story) and one little precious baby is nursing a bad cold but still - <em>a good day</em>. This is one of those days that I want to remember when my kids are grown, when the floor is no longer littered with smashed cheerios and plastic Dollar Tree soldiers (those <em>hurt</em> when you step on them, by the way).<br /><br />We are getting back into our regular routine, which is so good. Charlie and I both love, appreciate and crave order. And Elliot doesn't mind either, so long as plenty of Charlie is involved. :) We started the day out with breakfast (after the bathing and sheet issues were resolved) and reading time. Elliot then took a nap and I got out the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">playdough</span></span> for Charlie, while I worked on something new I'm doing this year: a 2008 Moody Family Yearbook. I'm making it on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Shutterfly</span></span> and hopefully the end product will be an "Our Year in Pictures" album for us to keep. Hopefully we'll rack up an entire shelf of these over the years...<br /><br />We then piled into the car for a nice long walk with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fef</span></span> all over Isle of Hope. I loved the exercise, Charlie loved the boats, Elliot loved the fresh air and we all loved the company. After lunch Charlie practiced his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ABCs</span> with his fun fridge toy while I did the dishes and then we started something new: reading "big boy" books on the playroom couch. Today we started one of the chapter books in the Frog & Toad series. I think Charlie followed most of it and just doing this made me excited about the thought of having older kids: books I actually like, bike rides, roller-blading, soccer. Maybe the day-to-day jobs of this motherhood thing is not just about wiping noses and bottoms.<br /><br />A picture from our walk...<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289019491227110386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SWZfNHC1i_I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/cZo3DzeDxKI/s320/dock.jpg" border="0" />ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-46423095473480783632009-01-02T09:54:00.003-05:002009-01-02T10:00:55.878-05:00We had a fabulous Christmas!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4r_myqhEI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/OHsXqG4M9WE/s1600-h/DSCI0031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286711384324342850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4r_myqhEI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/OHsXqG4M9WE/s320/DSCI0031.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4rz0wHngI/AAAAAAAAA3I/gIUpOdOljVQ/s1600-h/DSCI0038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286711181913333250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4rz0wHngI/AAAAAAAAA3I/gIUpOdOljVQ/s320/DSCI0038.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4rzS7dp3I/AAAAAAAAA3A/_b5f3v2ZnP4/s1600-h/DSCI0058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286711172834109298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4rzS7dp3I/AAAAAAAAA3A/_b5f3v2ZnP4/s320/DSCI0058.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4rzCxmC5I/AAAAAAAAA24/eZCUYLxoHR8/s1600-h/DSCI0059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286711168497748882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4rzCxmC5I/AAAAAAAAA24/eZCUYLxoHR8/s320/DSCI0059.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4ry0O8BfI/AAAAAAAAA2w/ZWLuCDqft3A/s1600-h/DSCI0061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286711164594292210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4ry0O8BfI/AAAAAAAAA2w/ZWLuCDqft3A/s320/DSCI0061.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4ryj6UUkI/AAAAAAAAA2o/Rs9eyBErikY/s1600-h/DSCI0075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286711160212836930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SV4ryj6UUkI/AAAAAAAAA2o/Rs9eyBErikY/s320/DSCI0075.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And hope you did too!</div><div> </div><div>ps - If you need me, I'll be digging out of all the mess we've made over the past few weeks!</div></div></div></div></div>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-55774590599171523532008-12-18T16:10:00.002-05:002008-12-18T16:19:50.963-05:00"If it ain't broke" and saving moneyThis year we're hosting Christmas Eve dinner with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fam</span> after the Christmas Eve service at church. Normally this job belongs to my aunt but this year we are doing Christmas at her <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/resale-homes/1_Breckenridge_Ln-Savannah-GA-31411/mls-48601/1.gasbr-c_48601">newly-constructed masterpiece</a> on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Skidaway</span> Island. Plan B was to go to a nice restaurant but with two kids, no-thank-you-very-much so I volunteered our home. And since Ryan is working both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year, it just makes sense: he can join the fun when he's not dealing with emergencies.<br /><br />Anyway, I decided to make my <a href="http://themoodynews.blogspot.com/2008/11/im-thankful-for.html">White Chili</a>. This stuff is so easy and everyone loves it; it can be cooking while we're at church and ready to eat the minute we get back. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">crockpock</span> is always empty after I serve it. And it doesn't have beef so I'll be able to make it without throwing up and eat it - an added bonus. Hopefully no one will be bored, but really, if it ain't broke...<br /><br />The only downside is that it calls for navy beans, which are kind of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pricy</span>. I have yet to find a generic brand and the cans at most stores are around $1 / can. And considering I need about 15 cans for the 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">crockpots</span> full of chili that I'm going to churn out on Christmas Eve, this meal could end up being quite expensive. So to cut costs, I'm going to use dried beans. I have never met a bean I didn't like and cooking them fresh is something I enjoy (obviously, given my obsession with slow cooker black beans!). I bet I'll be able to get all the beans I need for less than $3.<br /><br />How are you saving money this Christmas?ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-36761668852059124272008-12-11T07:38:00.004-05:002008-12-11T07:44:51.315-05:00A little something<div>I've been busy cutting, measuring, sewing this week and with a little help from <a href="http://onemorethingfromsarahb.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> (thank you! thank you!), here is what I came up with:</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278511416007295378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SUEKKoX1gZI/AAAAAAAAA2g/Yy2P5waMjMI/s320/tree+pic.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>My first applique project! I'm pretty happy with the result. And making things, creating, brings me so much joy! </div><div> </div><div>Hopefully a smaller version will sport an "E" later this week...and I'm hoping to turn out a few more for Christmas gifts so shhh, don't tell anyone.</div>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-30568555111414454832008-12-10T06:40:00.002-05:002008-12-10T07:02:13.544-05:00Menu planning TuesdaysThe next few weeks are going to busy so *easy* is the name of the game for our meals around here. I want to have time for all the fun things Christmas brings including the first annual Moody Make-a-Gingerbread-House party next week (more on that later).<br /><br />Here's What's for Dinner:<br /><a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/12/crockpot-chicken-and-dumplings-soup.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Crockpot</span> Chicken & Dumplings</a> using <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Whole-Wheat-Drop-Biscuits/Detail.aspx">Whole Wheat Drop Biscuits</a><br /><br /><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1834294">Pesto <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gnocci</span> with Green Beans & Ricotta</a> (sounds hard but is SO EASY--and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">gnocci</span> can be hard to find so I use tortellini)<br /><br />Pork Tenderloin, Steamed Spinach (from my <a href="http://themoodynews.blogspot.com/2008/11/menu-planning-tuesdays.html">farm box</a>), <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/02/creamy-crockpot-risotto.html">Risotto</a><br /><br />Three-Cheese Pasta Bake from <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1023724">Southern Living Busy Mom's Weeknight Favorites</a> (a fabulous cookbook, complete with shopping lists and menus)<br /><br /><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1023724">Chili Corn Stack-Up Salad</a> (huge favorite of mine, it's made an appearance here before :))<br /><br /><a href="http://themoodynews.blogspot.com/2008/12/looking-for-yummy-appetizers.html">Zippy Shrimp Spread</a>, for the church Christmas Buffet this Sunday evening<br /><br /><br />Today I'm going to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wal</span>-Mart and Sam's. That thought makes me want to crawl back into bed but unfortunately, we are out of toilet paper, diapers and milk so I must press on.<br /><br />Have a great Tuesday!ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-70707454982201420742008-12-08T07:49:00.007-05:002008-12-08T07:58:35.864-05:00Looking for yummy appetizers?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/ST0ZKXyQsgI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/Z6ToWZlovME/s1600-h/woman-cooking.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277402004322300418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/ST0ZKXyQsgI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/Z6ToWZlovME/s320/woman-cooking.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>If you are in the market for <em>easy</em>, <em>delicious</em> and <em>festive</em> appetizers to make for your upcoming Christmas soirees, you have come to the right place! I have made both of these in the past two weeks and received rave reviews. People begging for the recipes. And both are so incredibly easy.<br /><br />First, Savannah Sin, courtesy of the Junior League of Savannah:<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Savannah Sin</span></strong><br /><strong>2 Cups shredded cheddar cheese </strong></div><div><strong>1 Lb. loaf round French bread</strong></div><div><strong>½ Cup chopped green chilies* </strong></div><div><strong>1 ½ Cups sour cream8 Oz. cream cheese, softened </strong></div><div><strong>½ Tsp. Worcestershire sauce</strong></div><div><strong>1/3 Cup chopped green onions</strong></div><div><strong>½ Cup chopped cooked ham (I used lunch meat ham)</strong></div><div></div><div><strong>Combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, ham, green chilies, green onions and Worcestershire in a bowl and mix well. Cut a thin slice from the top of the bread loaf and set aside. Remove the center carefully, leaving a shell. Cut the bread from the center into 1-inch cubes. Fill the bread shell with the dip; top with the reserved bread top. Bake 350 for 1 hour. Serve with bread cubes, crackers, or chips.<br /><br />*Chilies are optional. I didn't use them.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />And secondly, Zippy Shrimp Spread, from someone in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WOC</span></span> at First Pres Augusta - </div><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Zippy Shrimp Spread</strong><br /></span><strong>Beat 2 8-oz packages cream cheese (softened) until smooth. Beat in 1 t. seasoning salt, 1 t. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Worschester</span></span> sauce and 1/2 t. onion powder. Spread onto a 13" platter. Combine 1 12-oz bottle of cocktail sauce and 1 T. horseradish and spread over cream cheese. Top with 2 6-oz cans of tiny shrimp, drained and rinsed. Sprinkle dried parsley on top.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />This one is especially fun at Christmas: people think shrimp are fancy and the red sauce combined with the green parsley is oh-so-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Christmasy</span></span>.<br /><br />Enjoy!</div>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-62835318102585212592008-12-05T07:33:00.004-05:002008-12-05T07:43:04.438-05:00This week<div>This week I didn't really do much that would qualify as blog-worthy, just been busy decorating for Christmas, preparing for a party at my house this week-end, hanging out with girls in my neighborhood and cleaning up throw-up. But I did make one meal that I just had to share. It was delicious and took about 3 minutes to prepare, from start to finish. It's from a blog that I found a couple of months ago, called A Year of Crockpotting. So far I've found a few keepers on this site, including the stand-out <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/11/salsa-chicken-and-black-bean-soup.html">Salsa Chicken and Black Bean Soup</a>. I used 2 frozen chicken breasts and canned black beans. I used an immersion blender at the end and it was fabulous. We have plenty of leftovers. Make this: you won't be sorry. Oh, and I cooked mine on high for 6 hours. And that was plenty.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And from last week, a picture of Charlie and Elliot, on the day we stayed home from church to do Elliot's eternal cold. This was just after half of our living floor was had to be replaced due to water damage. Charlie was quite pleased with the glue bucket that took up residence in our house and called it his "tuffet." Hilarious.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276285045414679634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/STkhSzml1FI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/ZmoFhvPGLps/s320/sickday.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p> </p><p>PS - The only day since Halloween that Charlie hasn't worn his Sir Topham Hat costume was Thanksgiving, when he wore his indian costume. And Elliot is sometimes tricked by Charlie into wearing his Halloween hat...</p>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-71156313864897091622008-12-01T21:35:00.002-05:002008-12-01T21:37:26.968-05:00One more time<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/STSfV2n9s0I/AAAAAAAAA2I/vU7V3db8H0g/s1600-h/saxbybanner_160x60.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275016261346898754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 60px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/STSfV2n9s0I/AAAAAAAAA2I/vU7V3db8H0g/s320/saxbybanner_160x60.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Georgians, we need to vote one more time...the run-off tomorrow is so important. <strong>Don't forget to vote!</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-16345682099548879112008-11-29T08:30:00.002-05:002008-11-29T08:39:59.322-05:00I'm thankful for...My terrific husband and our happy marriage<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274071738367702498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/STFETYVVdeI/AAAAAAAAA10/oC4xhGqhx68/s320/TdayER.JPG" border="0" /><br />Yummy and plentiful food, wonderful family and great friends (especially the ones who wear their daughter's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">headdress</span> to the table)...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/STFETyhxitI/AAAAAAAAA18/oh5XC7bsxoE/s1600-h/Tday4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274071745399196370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/STFETyhxitI/AAAAAAAAA18/oh5XC7bsxoE/s320/Tday4.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div> Precious little Elliot, on his first Thanksgiving<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/STFES9-QbiI/AAAAAAAAA1s/QqNOso6jOcw/s1600-h/TdayElliot.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274071731291581986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/STFES9-QbiI/AAAAAAAAA1s/QqNOso6jOcw/s320/TdayElliot.JPG" border="0" /></a> And our two wild <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Indians</span>, who keep us busy, happy and oh-so-tired<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/STFEST5MZdI/AAAAAAAAA1k/DWotpPGIL-c/s1600-h/Tday2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274071719996057042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/STFEST5MZdI/AAAAAAAAA1k/DWotpPGIL-c/s320/Tday2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I'm also thankful for old friends...there's nothing quite like 'em! So far this month, we've gotten to see Rachel Gross (find her on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Facebook</span> if you know her!), <a href="http://dyches.blogspot.com/">Melissa and Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dyches</span></a> and last night, <a href="http://themanymaxeys.blogspot.com/">Matt and Katherine</a>!! We had a reunion of our old Savannah crew at our house last night. Too bad we didn't take any pictures...oh well! But we did have White Chili and everyone wanted the recipe; here you go!</div><div> </div><div align="left"><em><strong>White Chili</strong><br /><br />Season two large chicken breasts and boil them—reserve the chicken stock (season the water with bullion, olive oil, seasoning salt, whatever you think will taste good).<br />Take 5 cans of navy beans and drain some of the liquid off (keep some of it b/c it thickens up the chili)<br /><br />In a pan, warm some olive oil and add the following:<br />1 tsp cumin (use more/less to taste--usually just keep seasoning til it tastes good)<br />1 small onion chopped<br />1 small can green chili’s drained<br />1 small bunch of fresh cilantro chopped up (use more or less to taste<br />Simmer this for a while.<br /><br />After chicken is cooked, cut into small pieces (reserve broth)<br />Put the seasoning above in a pot with the chopped chicken, beans. <br />Add a little chicken stock to the pot (keep the rest for something else – yummy!).<br />Simmer on low for an hour and eat (or cook in a crock pot like I did)<br /></em><br /></div><div></div></div></div>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-62102691963310292062008-11-20T15:05:00.004-05:002008-11-20T15:46:03.515-05:00<div>It's been awhile. A long while. Sad for you. Just kidding.<br /><br />I have not been posting lately because I have been so. dang. tired. Elliot has been doing very random things in the night, like waking up in the middle of the night screaming to eat (only happened twice) but almost every other night for the past 2 weeks he's woken up at some point and just "talked" in his bed for over an hour. And since we have to use a monitor now, I can hear all that. I've tried turning it down so low that I only hear screaming and that does work. But once I'm awake, I can't go back to sleep. So I'm pretty much awake for a couple of hours every night. And even if he doesn't wake up, I do. Because I'm in a habit of waking up now. I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">considering</span> some sleeping medicine. I should not be this tired. I don't even have a newborn. *sigh*<br /><br />And being so tired means I'm not getting up as early, which means I'm starting the day behind and not getting a jump start on my day like I normally do. *sigh* I think I'm just going to get up earlier anyway and just deal with the sleepiness.<br /><br />Anyway, we've been enjoying this nice chilly weather and warming up by the fire for the past few nights. Thank goodness for fireplace screens, is all I have to say!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270843746210990850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SSXMdgd-ywI/AAAAAAAAA1c/dqy938cueLE/s320/IMG00003.jpg" border="0" /><br />And I picked up my second <a href="http://themoodynews.blogspot.com/2008/11/menu-planning-tuesdays.html">box from the farm</a> yesterday and am trying to figure out what to do with kale, cauliflower and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persimmon">persimmons</a> (any suggestions?). I didn't do much menu planning this week, because we have lots of things on-hand already, but I did make <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/09/moroccan-lentil-soup-crockpot-recipe.html">Moroccan Lentil Soup</a> last night and it was yummy. Tonight we are having Mexican because Ryan is on call all week-end and we normally like to do something fun before he works a week-end.<br /><br />I'm making Brown-Sugar Pecan Coffee Cake for a ladies church social on Saturday . And probably a friend's Chicken Chili recipe for dinner.<br /><br />And this week-end is <a href="http://www.savcvb.com/events_details.asp?id=1075">Christmas Made in the South</a>, which I attend with my mom, sisters, aunts and cousins every year. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yipee</span>!<br /><br />And better late than never: the requested <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1806857">Slow-Cooker Black Beans</a> recipe.</div>ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602842.post-82507106819748401232008-11-06T16:14:00.004-05:002008-11-11T21:45:18.225-05:00I really like to make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">babyfood</span></span>. I think the commercial jars are quite the rip-off and ever since reading <a href="http://www.superbabyfood.com/">Super Baby Food</a> when Charlie was a baby, I've been taken with the idea of making it myself. So I decided to dig into the fresh fruits and veggies that <a href="http://themoodynews.blogspot.com/2008/11/menu-planning-tuesdays.html">came in my box from the farm</a>. I found a great website on <a href="http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/">making homemade baby food</a> that recommends pumpkin, among other things. So I baked that pie pumpkin <a href="http://themoodynews.blogspot.com/2008/11/menu-planning-tuesdays.html">I got in my box</a>, scooped out the flesh, pureed it with water and a little cinnamon and boy-oh-boy, it was a HIT with Elliot. He gobbled it up like he hadn't eaten in years. And now when he eagerly takes his first bite of dinner, he's visibly disappointed when he finds out its peas and carrots mixed in with his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><a href="http://www.yobabyyogurt.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">YoBaby</span></a></span> instead of pumpkin.<br /><br /><br />Homemade, all-natural, organic, cheap: what's not to love about pumpkin baby food made right at home?! Here's the proof.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267595607034596626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SRpCS7G0jRI/AAAAAAAAA1M/a9lOCj3pPj8/s320/DSCI0031.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267595608985142242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JvNywFr7VlU/SRpCTCX3g-I/AAAAAAAAA1U/PV8iElCiv6Y/s320/DSCI0032.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Menu Planning Tuesdays? I'm way too tired. Just got back from a quick trip to Augusta to meet a friend's new baby and got ZERO sleep last night. Had to sleep in a bed with Charlie, in the same room with Elliot. Charlie has never slept in a big-boy bed before and has never slept with me. Recipe for disaster. We were up from 1:30am-4:30am (no exaggeration): "Hi Mommy" / "Pet my head Mommy" / "I love you Mommy" / "I go downstairs Mommy." Cute, but not at 4am.<br /><br />PS - We are not fans of eggplant...ejmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332440411164341161noreply@blogger.com1