2013 goals, April roundup

Here's my little 2013 goals recap for the month of April:

Recipes:
Spaghetti With Garlic, Olive Oil & Pepper Flakes - This recipe really makes you appreciate simple, basic ingredients. It was delicious and we will definitely be making it again. I used crushed red pepper since I didn't have any pepper flakes (and I didn't want to buy any) and it worked well. I would reduce the amount of pepper flakes though if you are not a fan of spicy foods. This dish has a kick!

Bruschetta Chicken - This was just ok, not great, but not awful. The bruschetta topping was tasty, but the chicken itself needed some more flavor. I'd also suggest switching the oven to broil for a few minutes, right before it's done, to get the breading more crunchy and well, breading-like. Our breading was a little soggy and, in my opinion, that is just plain gross.

Pasta with Beans & Greens - Brandon came home and thought he might die when I told him what we were having for dinner. BUT in the end it turned out just fine as he did not die, and he even opted (as in, he volunteered) to take leftovers for his lunch. So the moral of the story is don't judge a book by its cover, or in this case, a recipe by its title. (made this sans mushrooms)

Three Cheese Chicken Penne - So good. Takes a little more prep time than I would prefer but nothing too difficult.

Snickerdoodle Blondies - In an effort not to go to the grocery store this particular week, I was in need of a recipe that called for ingredients I had on hand. Thus. . .why I am counting snickerdoodle blondies as a recipe of the week. Regardless, these are GOOD. Make them.

Scripture Memory:
I Thessalonians 5:16-17 "Be joyful always; pray continually;. . . "

Then I tacked on vs. 18 which says "give thanks in all circumstances. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances. 

For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:16-17

I have been a little down lately regarding all of Clara's delays. I'll write a little bit more in her 12 month update. I know, in reality, she is continuing to make progress, even if very slowly, but some days I get a little overwhelmed when it seems as though we are working on so many things and 1-she puts up a fight or 2- she just doesn't seem to be getting it. I tend to fall into the trap of looking at the big picture and thinking "Oh my goodness how will we ever get past x, y, z and then some, hurdles,"  instead of just looking at one tiny task at a time. Brandon has a way of always talking me back down to reality. Bless him. So anyway, this verse is appropriate for how I have been feeling. Be joyful regardless, pray always, and continue to give thanks. Because it could be worse. A lot worse.

Reading:
I put this book on hold. I just needed a break. It is good info, but something about it I just can't get into it right now. I told Brandon "I am reading this book about how to be a better wife and it is just not working for me." :) Ha!

So I switched gears.

Heaven Is For Real - Have any of you read this book? Oh my goodness. It is awesome. It has totally made me think of heaven in a different way. I cried through several parts (shocker) and especially the part where Colton reveals meeting his unborn sister in heaven.  For those of you who have ever experienced a miscarriage, I highly encourage you to read this book.

On Becoming Babywise II (Parenting Your Pretoddler) - Nothing too exciting here. Contains some info on what to expect and how to handle various changes that come as your baby transitions to the pre-toddler phase.

. . .

In other news, Clara turned ONE last Thursday, May 2nd, and oh my goodness I just cannot believe it. Her 12 month update and pics coming soon.

Please excuse the zit on my forehead, wrinkle between my eyebrows, and bags under my eyes. And sorry Clara for cutting off part of your face in this pic. Photography is not my calling.