Today while I was out running errands, I was listening to a local radio station, called Spirit FM (90.5FM) which is based out of the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Their songs are wonderful, but there is one song in particular that caught my attention today. It is called "The Motions", and is sung by Matthew West. It gripped me during my drive, and when I came home and I searched online and found that there is a video as well. It had me in tears. It made me realize that I do have problems that I face in my everyday Christian walk of life, and I (like most humans) do tend to "put God in a box" and think to myself "this is petty, I can handle this, I can do this on my own" and not ask for even the little things from my Lord. Today, this day, I am committing to trusting HIM and not just going through "the motions" and thinking that I can handle life on my own. I can't. No way. If he is not 110% in it ... my life will never be what God intended it to be.

I really felt compelled to share this video and song with everyone today. Feel free to comment and add your thoughts...

Tuesdays at the Table

The rules are simple: If you would like to post, do so on your own blog, and then mention the original poster, Andrea at "My Chihuahua Bites" - in your post. Then go to her blog and sign the post with the link to your recipe. That way, there is a collection going... make sense? :)

Here is my recipe for today. Whenever we have a pot-luck dinner at my church (being a Southern girl and a Baptist as well, this occurs quite often!), there is always a wonderful elderly lady at the church who makes sure to bring the Banana Pudding. Here is the recipe.... it is SO GOOD!

*Banana Pudding*

INGREDIENTS

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
4 bananas, sliced
1/2 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping.

Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish with vanilla wafers. Arrange sliced bananas evenly over wafers. Spread with pudding mixture. Top with remaining whipped topping. Chill.

So tired...

What is it about nighttime with me? I promise every morning when I wake up exhausted that "tonight, I am going to go to bed early". Sometimes, I even verbalize this to my husband, and he just nods and passes by... he knows that I won't - I almost NEVER do! The only time that I go to bed early (before 10pm) is if I am not feeling well.

So here it is again. I am wiped, but my mind can't shut off. It is "10-ish"pm... going on 10:30pm right now. I am watching the Rays play the Red Sox, Hans is over at our good friend's house helping them paint (such a good neighbor!), Brad and Jake are in bed. And my mind is just going. Nothing in particular stressing me out by any means, just winding down from a long day. Worked from 8:00am to 6:30pm, came home and cooked dinner (well two dinners since I hate stir fry, but just because I don't like veggies doesn't mean I will ever deprive my family of them!), then talked with our neighbors for a bit, and now... I am finally settling down.

Now that I think of it... I am tired. It's time for bed.

Goodnight,

Kim

Yo Gabba Gabba!

... in case you have never heard of this show, it comes on the "Noggin" network a couple times a day. I had that network on a few days ago when Jacob was fussy and I was trying to get some housework done, and then this show came on. I heard silence. I stopped, and watched with him, and lo and behold - he now has a FAVORITE show! It is kind of funny that my 10 month old has a show he loves, but I do have to come to terms with the fact he is going to be a toddler soon *sigh*.

Anyway, this show is so great. I have been able to get housework done, and he is super quiet while either in his walker watching it, or in his high chair eating his favorite snack, Gerber Banana Puffs. The show is kinda funky, but hey, if it worked for Jakey, it may work for your little guy!

THIS SHOW GETS TWO THUMBS UP FROM THIS MOMMA!

Tuesdays at the Table

The rules are simple: If you would like to post, do so on your own blog, and then mention the original poster, Andrea at "My Chihuahua Bites" - in your post. Then go to her blog and sign the post with the link to your recipe. That way, there is a collection going... make sense? :)

Here is my recipe for today! This is the best recipe that I have found so far to make one of my favorites - FRIED CHICKEN!

**Southern Fried Chicken**

INGREDIENTS
30 saltine crackers
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons dry potato flakes
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 chicken thighs or drumsticks (or both)

DIRECTIONS

Place crackers in a large resealable plastic bag; seal bag and crush crackers until they are coarse crumbs. Add flour, potato flakes, seasoned salt, and pepper to bag and mix well.

Beat egg in a shallow dish or bowl; heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
One by one, dredge chicken pieces in egg beat, then place in bag with crumb mixture, seal bag and shake to coat.

Reduce heat to medium and cook coated chicken in skillet for 15 to 20 minutes, turning frequently, until golden brown and juices run clear.

Friend Makin' Monday

Hi there! This is something that I saw on another blog (Kasey over at "All That is Good" to be exact), so I thought, what the hey! I will give it a shot...

We are to list 4 things we love, and one thing we dislike, for each category.
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SMELL - likes!
1) Cookies baking
2) My husband's cologne
3) Clean sheets
4) Fresh cut grass

**Dislike: Boiled eggs. That smell is HORRENDOUS!
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TOUCH - likes!
1) My down comforter
2) Rubbing the hubby's back
3) Hugging my kids
4) Petting my dogs

**Dislike: Reaching inside a turkey or chicken. Still hate it. EWWW!
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SOUND - likes!
1) My youngest son's laughter
2) My oldest son playing the piano
3) Music. Mostly every kind.
4) My pastor preaching

**Dislike: That "nails on a chalkboard" type sound. OMGosh that will make me crazy!
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TASTE - likes!
1) Chocolate. 'Nuff said.
2) Creme Brulee
3) My wedding cake. I wish I could have it again.
4) Steak. Medium. Ribeye.

**Dislike: Any green vegetable. Or almost any veggie in general.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGHT - likes!
1) Big Bang Theory. Best. Show. Ever. (right now anyway)
2) Yo Gabba Gabba. It makes the baby happy!
3) A clean house.
4) My family's smiles when I come home from work.

**Dislike: Seeing any of my family upset or crying.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bradley's Piano Recital

I doubt I have mentioned on here, but those that know me know that Bradley has been taking piano lessons for a few months now with our Pastor's wife, Sharon. Attached is the video below from his performance. It is self explanitory - I was absolutely blown away. I cried. It's one thing hearing a song on a little keyboard that you have at home to practice on, but this was the first time I have heard him play this song, in it's entirety - on a REAL piano. Hans videotaped while I watched. And cried.


Here he is... I am such a proud mommy right now...

-Kim