Liebster Award~

I was recently honored with the Liebster Award by my sweet blog friend Laura, of The Horton Family blog. Laura and I have had the pleasure of meeting, and she is a doll.  As many of you know, our youngest is finishing up at Baylor University.  Laura and her family live minutes from our usual stop for lunch when traveling to and from the University.  We have had the opportunity to eat and chat with them a few times now.  I am sad that this May will be our last trip as baby girl is graduating.  But, I hope they will make it this way soon for a visit.

Here are the questions Laura gave me to answer.  I personally love getting to know those I follow a bit better.

1.  If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
Okay, I can't pick just one as they were both so instrumental in who I am today, but it would be my Granny and Pop.  They were the best example of what a Christian is.  They also were the ones who taught me to cook, sew, garden, work with tools, craft.  You name it!!

2. What is your favorite childhood memory?
Despite the amount of trouble I got into for this one, it still remains a favorite.  Making mud pies with my best friend Stephanie C in my parent's Scottie camper.

3. Dust, mop, clean the bathrooms or vacuum? Which is your least favorite and why?
Dust...I have a severe dust mite allergy. Not fun!! However, bathrooms run a close second (especially when we had two make up loving girls living at home).

4. What are (or would be) staple vegetables in your summer garden?
Well, since discovering my tomato allergy, those are out.  Peppers...we like hot peppers.  However, we love our fresh herbs more!

5. What one thing would you do differently on your wedding day?
Fresh flowers!  Yes, my mother had the bright idea of using artificial. Don't ask!!

6. What do you put on your hot dog?
Still a Yankee, mustard and sauerkraut.

7. If you were granted three wishes, what would they be?
To see my Granny and Pop one last time, and ask them all the questions I wish I had (see #1), To go back and undo some of the stupid childish mistakes I have made, To take back some things I have said.

8. How do you fold your socks?
In half, then half again and then turn the outer side inside out so it is a neat little bundle.  Drives my family nuts!!

9. What do you enjoy most about blogging?
The opportunity to connect with so many wonderful women (and men-thank you Ron and Mike), and getting to meet so many of them in person.

10.  If you could have one super power, what would it be?
To WIPE OUT CANCER!!!!!!!

I am not going to tag anyone, but if you would like to play along I would love to hear your answers to the same questions.

By the way, my sweet friend Laura is most likely sunning herself on her Hawaiin cruise this week. We are going to miss them by a few days as we leave next week.

Bacon Chorizo Chipotle Smothered Meatloaf~Paleo What's for Dinner Wednesday~

Y'all it would be a sin if I didn't share this one with you!  We did not meal plan ahead of time this week.  It is spring break around these parts, and while we no longer have children in school, I am off from teaching my little ones this week and we are playing it by ear.

So, once again I was searching through Pinterest for something new to try.  As soon as the hubs saw the picture and the word meatloaf, it was a done deal.

And it did not disappoint.  One of the best meatloaf recipes we have tried.

The recipe can be found here.  PaleOMG's site is jam packed with some amazing mouth-watering recipes.  Cannot wait to try a few more.

A look at our Meal Plan~

Hello Everyone!

I pray you all had a Blessed Easter, and enjoyed time with friends and family.  We enjoyed a nice brunch here at the house, and fun times with cousins who had either not seen each other in quite some time or not met at all.  Sad, but true.  We hope to change that in the future!!!

As most of you know, the hubby and I love to cook.  We also love experimenting with new dishes. Every Sunday, I browse Pinterest and look through my cookbooks and cooking magazines for new dishes to try.  We found a few winners last week, so I thought I would share them with you all.

As you will see, I try to mix up our proteins and veggies throughout the week.

First up, Cajun Jambalaya with Corn on the Cob.  Recipe for the Jambalaya can be found here.

Next up, our version of Kraft's Chicken Seasoning Packets served with steamed broccoli.

Chicken Breasts, trimmed, dipped in egg, and then a mixture of gluten free panko bread crumbs, cajun seasonings (we use Tony Chacheres), and shredded cheddar.  Served alongside steamed broccoli.  We have also made an Italian version using Italian seasonings and Mozzarella.
Bake chicken breasts at 350* for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Savory Sweet Asian Glazed Pork Kabobs served with Thai Jasmine Rice.  Recipe can be found here. I use the Thai Jasmine Rice Frozen Steam bags from Whole Foods.

Grilled Stuffed Flank Steak served with Grilled Zucchini with Yummy Lemon Salt.  Recipe for the steak can be found here. And the recipe for the zucchini here.

And finally, Barbecued Mahi-Mahi with Yellow Pepper-Cilantro Pesto served alongside grilled asparagus.  Recipe can be found here.

Not a one disappointed!!  Bon Appetite!

Reflections, Easter Sunday~

Happy Easter My Friends!