Happy Valentine’s Day

I am not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. Never have been, possibly never will be.  I don’t even know if I have a reason.  I do love how Ian is SO thoughtful though and really makes the day special:) 

We went out a few days ago for our Valentine’s Date.  We went to dinner and the bookstore.  Yes, the bookstore:)  We needed to buy our baby valentines some books. 

Anyways, we never do anything extravagant for this day, usually cards and flowers, dinner, and a movie.  I am a sucker for home made things though.  Especially when Ian makes them for me:) 

This year he surprised me with a dozen red roses, a bouquet of reese’s cups (my favorite candy), and a hand made card.  It was perfect! Oh and he grilled me a big juicy burger! yum!!

My 3 guys outside grilling….or standing by the grill:)

 

Ian’s Fun Fetti Cake…if you look closely you can see where Micah had a taste of the icing (left side of the heart)

     

tomorrow I will try to post pics of the sweet card my guys made

Baby Shower Planning

My younger brother’s wife is expecting their first child.   Can I just say I am SO excited about this!!!  I LOVE being an aunt. I LOVE having tiny, little people added to our family:)  I just can’t wait to meet him!!!!  Until then though, I am planning a baby shower so he will have cute things to wear:)

I usually enjoy making my own shower cards when I give showers.  It doesn’t always work out for me to do this, but this time it did.  I love reading blogs and finding several ideas that I loved, I decided on this one…here.

I used scrapbook paper since it was on sale last week, it made it much cheaper than the fabric I would have bought.  I made like 80 of these things!!! It was time consuming but very easy.  I loved how they turned out! 

Ignore where I blacked out the info…that is not part of the invite.  I have lots of stalkers and I was worried someone would crash the par-tay!  

hmm..now looking at these pictures makes me think I need to take some day time pictures…

My Lovelies

My tiny ball players:)

Just loving this picture of Ian & Ty

 

FIERCE!  This will be his photo for his ball card. 

     

I promise we don’t have a favorite child, Micah just moves around too much to have pictures taken!!

I LOVE you Ian, Ty, & Micah! I am the luckiest to have you 3 as my Valentines!!!

Homemade Pizza…my FAVORITE!!

 

Grilled Chicken & Pesto Farfalle

 

• 1 3/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• cooking spray
• 20 oz. uncooked farfalle (bow tie pasta)
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups 1% milk, divided
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (3.5 oz) jar commercial pesto (about 1/3 cup)
• 3/4 cup half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese, divided
• 4 cups halved grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

                                 

1.  sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.    Grill chicken.   Cut chicken into chunks.

2.  Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt.  Drain in colander over a bold, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid.

3. Heat butter in a saucepan over med. heat.  Add garlic to pan; cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally.  Combine 1/2 cup milk and flour in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.  Add milk mixture to pan, stirring constantly with a whisk.  Stir in pesto.  Gradually add remaining 1 cup milk and half-and-half, stirring constantly with a whisk.  Cook 8 minutes or until sauce thickens, stirring frequently.   Add1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1 cup cheese; stir until cheese melts.

4.  Add chicken and sauce to pasta, tossing well to coat.  Add tomatoes and basil; toss gently. sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. 

Yield: 10 servings (serving size: 2 cups pasta and about 1 1/2 tablespoon cheese)

I already had Roma tomatoes at my house so I used that instead of grape tomatoes

How Deep the Father’s Love For Us

 

How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.  How great the pain of searing loss.  The Father turns His face away as wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon the cross, my sin upon His shoulders.  Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.  It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished; His dying breath has brought me life.  I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom.  But I will boast in Jesus Christ: His death and resurrection.  Why should I gain from His reward?  I can not give an answer.  But this I know with all my heart:  His wounds have paid my ransom. 

 

I LOVE this song.  Makes me tear up every time! What powerful words!

Beneath The Cross Of Jesus

 

Beneath the cross of Jesus, I fain would take my stand.  The shadow of a mighty rock with in a weary land.  A home with in the wilderness a rest upon the way, from the burning of the noon tide heat and the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus, my eyes at times can see.  The very dying form of One who suffered there for me.  And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess, the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, they shadow for my abiding place. I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face.  Content to let the world go by, to know no gain or loss.  My sinful self, my only shame; my glory all the cross.