Has anyone else been in a cooking/baking mode lately???? I certainly have!
As I've perused the blog world this past week, it seems like everyone out there is posting something about cooking or recipes or something!!! I've copied some amazing sounding recipes from Biblical Womanhood, Dawson's Delights and other blogs! Y'all should check them out!
I have been baking...fresh yeast cinnamon rolls, banana pudding made with homemade vanilla pudding, layered cherry chocolate cake...yum, yum!!
I've also been trying out some new chicken recipes. You see, chicken is about the cheapest meat I can get these days--that means, I have a freezer full of it. Everything from 10 lbs. of leg quarters to packages of chicken legs at $0.69/lb. Needless to say, I need some creative, but inexpensive, already-have-the-ingredients-in-the-house ideas!
This week, we've tried a new and yummy recipe for oven-fried chicken and a recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini that I changed up. It actually all came out really yummy!!!
So, all that to say this...
Here's the Oven-fried Chicken recipe. It's super simple and easy. Best of all, the ingredients are inexpensive; and normally, we all have them laying around the kitchen anyway!!!
OVEN-FRIED CHICKEN
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Prep: 20 min
Bake:45 min
Ingredients--
1 egg, beaten
3 T. milk
1-1/4 cups crushed cornflakes or finely crushed rich round crackers (I made it with corn flakes.)
1 t. dried thyme, crushed
1/2 t. paprika
1/4 t. salt (honestly, it's chicken! M ore salt was needed, I thought)
1/8 t. pepper
I also added some Garlic powder to this mix because we enjoy that garlicky taste...your choice...add whatever seems good to you!
2 T. butter, melted
2-1/2 to 3 lbs meaty chicken pieces (breast halves, thighs and/or drumsticks)
Directions--
1. In a small bowl, combine egg and milk. For coating, in a shallow dish, combine cornflakes, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper and garlic powder; stir in melted butter. Set aside. Skin chicken. Dip chicken pieces, 1 at a time, into egg mixture; coat with crumb mixture.
2. In a greased 15x10x1 inch baking pan, arrange chicken, bone side down, so the pieces don't touch. Sprinkle the chicken with any remaining crumb mixture so they are generously coated.
3. Bake uncovered in a 375 degree F oven for 45 -55 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Do not turn chicken while baking. Makes 6 servings.
4. NOTE: To make your own tenders, simple cut 1-1/2 lbs of boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves lengthwise into 1-in strips.
5. Oven-fried Parmesan Chicken: Prepare as above, except omit thyme and salt and reduce the corn flakes to 1/2 cup. For coating, combine cornflakes, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 t. dried oregano, crushed, the paprika and pepper. Stir in melted butter. Continue as above.
6. Oven fried chicken breast tenders: Prepare as above, except substitute 1-1/2 lbs chicken tenders for meaty chicken pieces. Increase crushed cornflakes to 1-3/4 cups and place tenders in a single layer on baking pan. Do not turn tenders while baking.
I hope that you enjoy this as much as my family did! My husband is a fan of all those home-cooked, Southern style meals! Since I don't have a deep fryer, I've had to learn to pan fry and over fry chicken for him. This is definitely the best recipe for oven fried that I've tried yet! We enjoyed it with home-made mashed potatoes, green beans and steamed carrots.
Happy cooking everyone!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
About the pictures
We were in San Antonio again this past weekend. We actually planned to be back home by Saturday evening, but we got a phone call letting us know that Erin, Steven's sister flew in for the weekend to surprise him!!! We only found out about an hour and a half before we had planned to leave!!! Anyway, all the pictures below are from her visit.
If I look tired, it's because I was!!!!
I had already had a long morning, with packing and making plans to meet up with my parents to tell them goodbye. By the time the pictures were taken, I had been in the car for most of the day, Ryan hadn't had any sort of good nap and it was really starting to show!!! Before the day was over, we were in the car for several more hours, Ryan still had no decent nap, and my preggy symptoms kicked in with a vengeance, leaving me with swollen feet and legs up to my knees! I was exhausted!
But, everyone else looks good, so just ignore the tired, pregnant lady! :)
If I look tired, it's because I was!!!!
I had already had a long morning, with packing and making plans to meet up with my parents to tell them goodbye. By the time the pictures were taken, I had been in the car for most of the day, Ryan hadn't had any sort of good nap and it was really starting to show!!! Before the day was over, we were in the car for several more hours, Ryan still had no decent nap, and my preggy symptoms kicked in with a vengeance, leaving me with swollen feet and legs up to my knees! I was exhausted!
But, everyone else looks good, so just ignore the tired, pregnant lady! :)
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
My journey through last year...
Through The Storms
I did not know His love before,
the way I know it now.
I could not see my need for Him,
my pride would not allow.
I had it all, without a care,
the "Self-sufficient" lie.
My path was smooth, my sea was still,
not a cloud was in my sky.
I thought I knew His love for me,
I thought I'd seen His grace,
I thought I did not need to grow,
I thought I'd found my place.
But then the way grew rough and dark,
the storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship,
my anchor would not hold.
The ship that I had built myself
was made of foolish pride.
It fell apart and left me bare,
with nowhere else to hide.
I had no strength or faith to face
the trials that lay ahead,
And so I simply prayed to Him
and bowed my weary head.
His loving arms enveloped me,
and then He helped me stand.
He said, "You still must face this storm,
but I will hold your hand."
So through the dark and lonely night
He guided me through pain.
I could not see the light of day
or when the storm might wane.
Yet through the aches and endless tears,
my faith began to grow.
I could not see it at the time,
but my light began to glow.
I saw God's love in brand new light,
His grace and mercy, too.
For only when all self was gone
could Jesus' love shine through.
It was not easy in the storm,
I sometimes wondered, "Why?"
At times I thought, "I can't go on."
I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.
But Jesus never left my side,
He guided me each day.
Through pain and strife,through fire and flood,
He helped me all the way.
And now I see as never before
how great His love can be.
How in my weakness He is strong,
how Jesus cares for me!
He worked it all out for my good,
although the way was rough.
He only sent what I could bear,
and then He cried, "Enough!"
He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"
He made the storm clouds cease.
He opened up the gates of joy
and flooded me with peace.
I saw His face now clearer still,
I felt His presence strong,
I found anew His faithfulness,
He never did me wrong.
Now I know more storms will come,
but only for my good,
For pain and tears have helped me grow
as naught else ever could.
I still have so much more to learn
as Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more,
that's where I want to be!
~ Unknown Author ~
Monday, January 15, 2007
Realizations
We can say without any doubt that we are definitely having a boy.
I told Steven that I thought the baby was offended that mommy was still holding out some hope for a girl! He showed us nothing but that he was a BOY at this last sonogram-- definitely NOT a shy little boy! :o]
I realized some things the other night when I couldn't sleep (a regular occurence these days, it seems.)
First, my parents are leaving again in about two weeks. Time has flown by since they returned this time around! It's been good to have them home and I'll miss them like always.
Second, my best friend is marrying my cousin in less less than eight weeks. I'm supposed to be a bridesmaid...YIKESSSS!!!!! I have lots to do to get ready. My dress has to be made, shower plans have to be laid, gifts must be bought, etc, etc! Fun times indeed!!!
And last, but not least, the most important and shocking midnight realization--
THIS BABY WILL BE HERE IN LESS THAN 16 WEEKS!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
I hadn't really thought about that until this week. There's so much to do still and so much else going on around me! I was a little overwhelmed for a while, but I know everything will get done that needs to get done.
My parents will be coming home the weekend before I'm supposed to be induced. Pray for them. They'll get back on a Friday morning, drive here to Coleman that day, and try to get enough rest to see them through the birth and all the subsequent excitement and activity that will follow. My mom is committed to helping me those first couple weeks, and she will really need her rest to keep up with Ryan full time while I recover!
So much going on these days!!! It's fun to think about, but I know that I need to kick it into gear if I'm going to be remotely ready to have this baby come into our lives and into our home!
I told Steven that I thought the baby was offended that mommy was still holding out some hope for a girl! He showed us nothing but that he was a BOY at this last sonogram-- definitely NOT a shy little boy! :o]
I realized some things the other night when I couldn't sleep (a regular occurence these days, it seems.)
First, my parents are leaving again in about two weeks. Time has flown by since they returned this time around! It's been good to have them home and I'll miss them like always.
Second, my best friend is marrying my cousin in less less than eight weeks. I'm supposed to be a bridesmaid...YIKESSSS!!!!! I have lots to do to get ready. My dress has to be made, shower plans have to be laid, gifts must be bought, etc, etc! Fun times indeed!!!
And last, but not least, the most important and shocking midnight realization--
THIS BABY WILL BE HERE IN LESS THAN 16 WEEKS!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
I hadn't really thought about that until this week. There's so much to do still and so much else going on around me! I was a little overwhelmed for a while, but I know everything will get done that needs to get done.
My parents will be coming home the weekend before I'm supposed to be induced. Pray for them. They'll get back on a Friday morning, drive here to Coleman that day, and try to get enough rest to see them through the birth and all the subsequent excitement and activity that will follow. My mom is committed to helping me those first couple weeks, and she will really need her rest to keep up with Ryan full time while I recover!
So much going on these days!!! It's fun to think about, but I know that I need to kick it into gear if I'm going to be remotely ready to have this baby come into our lives and into our home!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Welcome, Chad and Heather!
The Helwigs have finally joined the world of bloggers!! I have a link on my sidebar if anyone's interested in checking in on them!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Thot I'd share...
Themes of God in the Books of the Bible
Old Testament :
In Genesis , He is the Creator God.
In Exodus, He is the Redeemer.
In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.
In Numbers, He is your guide.
In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.
In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.
In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.
In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.
In I Samuel, he is the root of Jesse;
In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.
In 1st and 2nd Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.
In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.
In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.
In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.
In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, but has the
power to do something about them.
In Psalms, He is your song-and your reason to sing.
In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.
In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity.
In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.
In Isaiah, He is the mighty counsellor, the Prince of peace, the Everlasting father, and more. In short, He's everything you need.
In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.
In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful One upon whom you can depend.
In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel-the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.
In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, everlasting God who never runs out of time.
In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back-even when you have abandoned Him.
In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.
In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.
In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.
In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.
In Micah, He is Judge of the nation.
In Nahum, He is the jealous God.
In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.
In Zephaniah, He is the Witness.
In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.
In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.
In Malachi, He is the messenger God.
New Testament :
In Matthew, He is king of the Jews.
In Mark, He is the servant.
In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.
In John, He is the Son of God.
In Acts, He is Saviour of the world.
In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.
In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.
In II Corinthians, He is the triumphant one, giving victory.
In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.
In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.
In Philippians, He is your joy.
In Colossians, He is your completeness.
In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.
In II Thessalonians, He is your patience and discipline.
In I Timothy, He is your faith.
In II Timothy, He is your stability.
In Titus, He is the truth.
In Philemon, He is your benefactor.
In Hebrews, He is your perfection.
In James, He is the power behind your faith.
In I Peter, He is your example.
In II Peter, He is your purity.
In I John, He is your life.
In II John, He is your pattern.
In III John, He is your motivation.
In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.
In Revelation, He is your coming King.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Baby Walker update-18 weeks
The doc says that little boy Walker is looking very good--weighs 10 oz. and is 8 in. long!
Both of my doctors believe I should follow the same check-ups as I had with Ryan, and they agree that I should be induced around 37 weeks. So, Lord willing, this little boy will come into the world during the first week of May. My due date is not until May 18th, but with my history, early induction brings us all some peace of mind.
I'll be having sonograms every four weeks until I'm 32 weeks. Then they'll increase to twice a week!!! I suppose the good thing about all that testing is that if there was a mistake today about the baby being a boy, we'll find out sooner rather than later! :)
It's been a long day, so I better run for now. Just wanted to give a little more info to all those interested readers out there!
Oh yeah, we'll get back to everyone about a name...maybe! :)
Both of my doctors believe I should follow the same check-ups as I had with Ryan, and they agree that I should be induced around 37 weeks. So, Lord willing, this little boy will come into the world during the first week of May. My due date is not until May 18th, but with my history, early induction brings us all some peace of mind.
I'll be having sonograms every four weeks until I'm 32 weeks. Then they'll increase to twice a week!!! I suppose the good thing about all that testing is that if there was a mistake today about the baby being a boy, we'll find out sooner rather than later! :)
It's been a long day, so I better run for now. Just wanted to give a little more info to all those interested readers out there!
Oh yeah, we'll get back to everyone about a name...maybe! :)
Friday, December 15, 2006
Our Christmas Plans
Well, it's that time of year!
Every store is lit up with lights and sounds of Christmas. Everyone is getting into the "spirit" of
the holidays.
While I don't truly view Christmas as a "Christian" holiday, but rather a time to spend with family and friends, I recognize that all over the world, Christians are celebrating Christ's birth during this time. I think it is a good reminder that our Creator humbled himself and became a man. Why? To make a way for men to be reconciled to a holy, righteous God! Any reminder of that sacrifice offered at God's feet on our behalf is a wonderful thing!!!
So, though the world has woefully lost the "true meaning" of this season, I do believe that Christians ought to take some time to relflect when we are surrounded by so many reminders of our Saviour's incarnation.
That's not to say that I don't enjoy the secular side of Christmas! I do enjoy giving gifts and having the holiday meal with all my family around as much as the next person! I even enjoy the holiday movies that are on every channel and the signs of Santa Clause! I love the music, the feelings, the lights, the joy of this season!
We will be enjoying lots of time with all our family this year. We will be giving simple gifts and enjoying the glee on the children's faces as they tear open those brightly wrapped packages!
All of these things go into why I love this time of year and why I think it's an important time to come aside and reflect on all the blessings in our lives. It's a time to see God's hand in each our lives and be thankful for all we've been given and seek to share some of our abundance with others!
Every store is lit up with lights and sounds of Christmas. Everyone is getting into the "spirit" of
the holidays.
While I don't truly view Christmas as a "Christian" holiday, but rather a time to spend with family and friends, I recognize that all over the world, Christians are celebrating Christ's birth during this time. I think it is a good reminder that our Creator humbled himself and became a man. Why? To make a way for men to be reconciled to a holy, righteous God! Any reminder of that sacrifice offered at God's feet on our behalf is a wonderful thing!!!
So, though the world has woefully lost the "true meaning" of this season, I do believe that Christians ought to take some time to relflect when we are surrounded by so many reminders of our Saviour's incarnation.
That's not to say that I don't enjoy the secular side of Christmas! I do enjoy giving gifts and having the holiday meal with all my family around as much as the next person! I even enjoy the holiday movies that are on every channel and the signs of Santa Clause! I love the music, the feelings, the lights, the joy of this season!
We will be enjoying lots of time with all our family this year. We will be giving simple gifts and enjoying the glee on the children's faces as they tear open those brightly wrapped packages!
All of these things go into why I love this time of year and why I think it's an important time to come aside and reflect on all the blessings in our lives. It's a time to see God's hand in each our lives and be thankful for all we've been given and seek to share some of our abundance with others!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
I'm excited!
Only two days now until my precious parents are back home in the states! YAY!!!
It's been a trying few months without them here with us, but the Lord has been gracious and merciful through it all.
I'm looking forward to some personal time with them next week. I'm going to travel down to San Antonio and spend a few days with them before Thanksgiving, when all the family will show up! I'm excited about that too!! It'll be the first Thanksgiving in a few years that we will all be together to share the feast. Fun times I'm sure!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
A Reminder To Pray
I know that this week's elections may have gone by unnoticed to some people, but I wanted to remind those who stop by here from time to time, that this shift of power does affect our lives directly!! It affects the men and women who are fighting in our place and for our freedom!
No matter your political views, we all have a responsibility to support and do all we can for the brave men and women on the various fronts of this war. Remember to pray for them as this is the greatest service we can do for them!
Also, as we were reminded last night at our prayer meeting, we have been given a command
(I Tim 2:1,2) by God to pray for those in leadership over us--to pray for our government, whether conservative or liberal.
So, let's commit to pray for our nation, our leaders--from the President on down to our local leadership--and for our troops, the men and women who risk their lives for our freedoms and our way of life.
The picture is my brother in law (in the middle) and two of the men who fight beside him everyday!
Pictures
Hey everyone! I thought I'd share some pictures from our last trip to San Antonio and Harlingen. My brother in law took most of the pictures. They aren't the greatest pictures of me, but everyone else looks good!!! :)
My nephews and niece with their wonderful Uncle Dave!
(Lft-Rt Perrin, Sarah, David, John Jason)
David and Erin--Steven's brother and sister
The couple behind us is Steven's sister and her fiance.
This one is evidence of what happens when you don't give me enough warning before taking a picture! hehehe
My nephews and niece with their wonderful Uncle Dave!
(Lft-Rt Perrin, Sarah, David, John Jason)
David and Erin--Steven's brother and sister
The couple behind us is Steven's sister and her fiance.
This one is evidence of what happens when you don't give me enough warning before taking a picture! hehehe
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
A Silly Thot
I don't usually share things like this here, but I thought it was funny, especially with upcoming holidays. Enjoy! :)
THE PREGNANT TURKEY
One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick.
She told my sister that she needed something from the store. When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, and inserted it into the turkey,and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven.
When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird.
With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!"
At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry.
It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs!
Yep..................SHE'S BLONDE!
THE PREGNANT TURKEY
One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick.
She told my sister that she needed something from the store. When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, and inserted it into the turkey,and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven.
When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird.
With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!"
At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry.
It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs!
Yep..................SHE'S BLONDE!
Friday, November 03, 2006
Walker family updates
I know it's been forever since I posted something personal. I have been dealing with morning sickness that lasts all day and fatigue that never goes away, no matter how much rest I am able to get! Oh, the joys of bringing a new life into the world! Truth be told, I wouldn't trade it for anything, but it has been a rough several weeks.
I am officially at the end of my first trimester. Little baby Walker is growing like crazy and soon, I'll be able to feel him/her playing around inside of me.
At ten weeks(I'm twelve now) I had my first sonogram!!! It's so awesome to see that tiny life inside of me, the heart beating so fast, the teeny arms and legs moving around!!! What a miracle this being pregnant is!!! The Lord is amazing in His creations, especially in His creation of human life! I am so blessed to be able to be a mother again and experience all of this wonder for the third time!!!! It isn't always fun or easy, as I've found out the hard way these past 8 weeks, but what a joy it is to know that with the Lord's blessings and grace, I will hold my little one at the end of all this hard work. Children truly are "an heritage of the Lord" and a blessing to be treasured always.
On other fronts, my parent will be getting back from the mission field in two weeks! It's been two and a half months since they left this time and I'm certainly looking forward to having them around again!
My younger brother has been serving in Iraq for the past four and a half months. He's coming home today!!!! I'm so excited and so very thankful that the Lord was merciful to him and kept him safe through it all. I'm looking forward to giving him a HUGE hug to welcome him home!
My husband's little brother is headed back to the war on Monday. Please pray for him if you think of it. David will be over there until next October. He's been home for the last two weeks, but it's the last time we'll see him until he comes home again. Things are so dangerous for him! Please pray for his safety and the Lord's protection over him through this next year.
Well, this is about all the time I have for right now. I hope to be able to post more often, but I never know what will happen around here! I'll do my best to keep everyone up to date with the goings-on of the Walker family!
I am officially at the end of my first trimester. Little baby Walker is growing like crazy and soon, I'll be able to feel him/her playing around inside of me.
At ten weeks(I'm twelve now) I had my first sonogram!!! It's so awesome to see that tiny life inside of me, the heart beating so fast, the teeny arms and legs moving around!!! What a miracle this being pregnant is!!! The Lord is amazing in His creations, especially in His creation of human life! I am so blessed to be able to be a mother again and experience all of this wonder for the third time!!!! It isn't always fun or easy, as I've found out the hard way these past 8 weeks, but what a joy it is to know that with the Lord's blessings and grace, I will hold my little one at the end of all this hard work. Children truly are "an heritage of the Lord" and a blessing to be treasured always.
On other fronts, my parent will be getting back from the mission field in two weeks! It's been two and a half months since they left this time and I'm certainly looking forward to having them around again!
My younger brother has been serving in Iraq for the past four and a half months. He's coming home today!!!! I'm so excited and so very thankful that the Lord was merciful to him and kept him safe through it all. I'm looking forward to giving him a HUGE hug to welcome him home!
My husband's little brother is headed back to the war on Monday. Please pray for him if you think of it. David will be over there until next October. He's been home for the last two weeks, but it's the last time we'll see him until he comes home again. Things are so dangerous for him! Please pray for his safety and the Lord's protection over him through this next year.
Well, this is about all the time I have for right now. I hope to be able to post more often, but I never know what will happen around here! I'll do my best to keep everyone up to date with the goings-on of the Walker family!
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