Changes

Changes.  There are always changes.  Seasons of life.  Birth. Youth.  Single Adult. Married. Children. Divorced. Widowed. Death.  We can count on these things, just like taxes.  ha.

Changes are once again happening around our house.  Carmen has moved back home from college.  Summer is almost upon us.  Another year has gone by.

My hubby has accepted a job offer to do computer work in Afghanistan.  He will be gone a year, and that is to begin very soon.  We are trying to accept the next year joyfully, gratefully, anxiously.

We were talking tonight, and he said to me, "I'm not nervous about my physical safety, I am nervous about missing you."  I melted, and try my best not to cry.  I somewhat held it together.

My precious daughter said this, "My mother landed the lead role in a Nicholas Sparks movie.  My standards have been set."  I lost it with her.  This meant the world to me.  We (kids and I) have struggled for the right man to be in our lives, and we have found him.  God blessed us, and we are truly grateful.  I am grateful that my daughter has a Godly man in her life, and that she has a standard for marriage.


We try to do our best daily. Moment by moment.  I just try to keep up.  We all do right? 


Prayers for traveling mercies appreciated.  Prayers for our most immediate needs to be covered.  I know that we will be provided for, always have been.  Prayers for David with endurance, strength and time to pass quickly.


Blessings today and always.


Jerry Ann

Letter from a Mother to a Daughter

This was going around Facebook, and I thought I would copy it here. Fitting time of year with Mother's Day coming in a few weeks.  I miss my Mom, and am sad to say that I was impatient with her many times.  


Love your Mom while she is here.  
Blessings,
Jerry Ann






Letter from a Mother to a Daughter: 


"My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. 


Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? 


When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. 


Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I have always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter. "

Mini Stuffed Pepper

This is another recipe for my LIFESTYLE change.  Or I should say, my attempt at my lifestyle change.  Habits are hard to break, and I have developed lots of food habits.  I have slowly conquered some, and have many more to go.

These are a delicious alternative to fried stuffed peppers and are only 60 calories per pepper.

 I found these small bell peppers at Publix in vege section.  I have grown to 

love them too much!  They come in a small or large bag, and we have 

graduated to the large bag - ha.

They come in red, yellow and orange colors.

Stuffed Mini Peppers

1/4 cup of low fat cottage cheese

1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese - grated

1/2 cup of Italian blend low fat cheese

Cracked black pepper - to taste

Minced garlic if you like (truly optional)

Cut the top off of the pepper and scrap out the seeds.  Rinse and dry.

Blend the cheese together, and add the seasonings.

Stuff each pepper 3/4 of the way full.  Lean against your muffin pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes depending on how "roasted" or "crisp" you like your peppers.

I eat these as a snack or as a vegetable side with dinner.

Enjoy!!

forever...

I don't know why I haven't been here in forever.  I am sorry.  I will post recipes this weekend that I have been cooking, and will catch you up on our happenings.

Blessings.

Jerry Ann

Crockpot Yum

I have been on the Prism diet for a little bit, and have lost a little. This soup/stew makes it much easier to do. And this soup is down right yummy! For 250 calories per cup, and I am full with 1 1/2 cups. No pictures this time, or the last time, but I will try the next time.


Crockpot Yum

4 frozen chicken breasts
2 jars picante sauce 12 oz (I used medium salsa)
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans corn drained
1 brick cream cheese 1/3 less fat

Layer in a crock pot, cook on high until chicken is done, or at least six hours. Take out chicken breasts and shred with a fork. Place chicken back into pot, and stir in cream cheese. Cook another 30 minutes. Serve hot. 

My hubby likes it with tortilla chips, as does my 15 year old son. He will eat four cups if I would let him. Enjoy!