Weekly Recipe

I can't beleive it has been over a month since I tried out a new recipe! It's been so busy, but now I think I am ready to get back to it! My recipe for this week is one that I found on Allrecipes.com. What a great site, an endless collection of recipes. I picked this recipe because I had all the ingredients around the house, and I love pesto!



Pesto Chicken Florentine

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 (4.5 ounce) package dry Alfredo sauce mix
2 tablespoons pesto
1 (8 ounce) package dry penne pasta
1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese



DIRECTIONS

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic, saute for 1 minute; then add chicken and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side. When chicken is close to being cooked through (no longer pink inside), add spinach and saute all together for 3 to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare Alfredo sauce according to package directions. When finished, stir in 2 tablespoons pesto; set aside. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain. Add chicken/spinach mixture to pasta, then stir in pesto/Alfredo sauce. Mix well, top with cheese and serve.

Learning to Sacrifice

The sacrifice I am making this week was inspired when I was reading the Biography of St. Catherine of Sienna. In this biography, it is said that St. Catherine very much preferred solitude to going here and there, attending social events, and even just doing errands in town. St. Catherine was most happy in her little room where she could look at the crucifix and just love Jesus. That is why when she heard the call from Christ to go out into the streets and help the sick and poor it was so very difficult for her. Today, in my vocation as a wife and mother, things are exactly the opposite. It is easy to get caught up in running around and doing this and that and being involved in so many organizations or clubs or groups of friends outside of the home.(even if some of these things are for the good of others) The difficult part of my vocation is not getting out there to minister to people, rather it is staying home and ministering to the very people who I am closest to, my own dear family. Christ calls many women to be "Keepers of their homes, " but this is hard to do when you are never home!

So my sacrifice for this week is to put a stop to all errands, running, and social "get togethers." One trip to the store in the middle of the week will be all that is done. Even those trips across town to the park that I wold rather walk in and my son would rather play in will not be happening. We will do all our walking, working and playing just at home this week... and see what comes of it all.:)



Sacrifice is difficult, but necessary for all of us! If we start out with the small things in life we can learn and get better at it day by day! What can you sacrifice for our Lord and for souls this week?

Want to "Learn how to Sacrifice" too? Just leave your link below (or post a comment if you don't have a blog) and share one sacrifice your making this week. Thanks for participating! (Also, feel free to use the "Learning to Sacrifice" button on your blog post too:)

Saturday Happening's

Saturday was Hot so I worked a lot inside catching up on things and even finished a project that I have been wanting to get done forever! My bedroom curtains where nice but, they where hung on brass rods that were left by the previous homeowners...very
70's. (It went well with the brown shag carpet that we ripped up:) Anyway, I really wanted to get decorative rods for the curtains but after lots of looking I didn't really find anything I liked that was in my budget. So this is what I came up with as a replacement to these rods and at a far less price too!


I have three windows in my bedroom, so I first purchased three plain wooden dowels and these unfinished craft finials (which included screws already pre-drilled into them) at my local hardware store.



I then drilled holes in the end of each dowel and screwed the finials into the ends.



Using the supplies I had left over from this project, I gave the dowels and finials two coats of paint.



Once dry, I hung everything up on my existing brass brackets and used the curtains to hide these a bit. It turned out really great and you can barely tell that they are just plain wooden dowels not expensive rods. Total cost for this project was $12. It would have been about $100 if I bought these rods instead!

Frugal Friday-Costhelper.com

My frugal idea for this week is a site called Costhelper.com. This is an amazing website that has saved my family lots of money! This site allows you to simply compare prices of just about anything, to see what other people are paying for items and services, so that you can see if you are paying too much!





My husband recently used this website when our car needed a repair that he could not do himself. We took the car in the shop because it needed a entire new muffler. We received an estimate from our repairman which seemed on the high side. My husband checked out Costhelper.com, searched simply for "muffler repair" and up came a wealth of information. He found that the estimate was so high because of the certain parts that the repairman was using. If the repairman was willing to use an "after-market" part the price dropped by $100.00! My husband called the repair shop to request the less expensive parts be installed and it was done. We also got quite an apology from the shop for not offering this low cost alternative to us in the first place, and an additional little discount.:)

For more Frugal Ideas this week go Here!

Rosalind Moss to Start a New Catholic Order!

If you watch EWTN, browse the Catholic Answers Forum, or listen to your local Catholic Radio program, I'm sure you have heard Rosalind Moss, a Jewish convert and now Catholic apologist, speak.

For those who miss the days of full-habited Catholic nuns, as shown in films like "The Sound of Music" or "Going My Way," the old order is making a comeback...read the entire article from the "South County Times" HERE.



How wonderful!

You can contact Rosalind Moss about her new-soon to be order:
Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel’s Hope
4950 Heege Road
St. Louis MO 63123

Also, a link to her website...which is not officially up and running, but should be in the next few weeks.

Plus a link to her book, "Home At Last, 11 Who Found There Way To The Catholic Church," that includes her own personal conversion story.

Edited to Add: An interview with Rosalind Moss taken a few months ago by St. Louis Catholic.

Quotes for this Week

From Saint Catherine of Siena's "Little Talks With God:"

Our Lord to Saint Catherine...

"....my justice rebukes the soul cruelly of injustice and false judgment-not so much of general injustice and false judgment, which it practised generally in all it's works. No, my rebuke is due much more to the particular injustice and false judgment that it practices at the end, in judging it's misery greater than my mercy. This is the sin which is pardoned neither here nor there, because the soul cannot be pardoned, that disparages my mercy. Therefore this last sin is graver to me than all the other sins that the soul has committed. For this reason Judas's despair displeased me more, and was graver to my Son, than his betrayal of him."

"...without Me you can do nothing. I will fulfill your desires, but do not fail in your hope in me...and My providence will never fail you."



Litany of St. Catherine of Siena

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, our mother, pray for us.
St. Dominic, glorious Patriarch, pray for us.
St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us.
St. Catherine benevolent mother of the poor, pray for us.
St. Catherine, kind mother of the suffering, pray for us.
St. Catherine, merciful mother of the sick, pray for us.
St. Catherine, refuge of the sorrowful, pray for us.
St. Catherine, intercessor for sinners, pray for us.
St. Catherine, rose pf patience, pray for us.
St. Catherine, model of humility, pray for us.
St. Catherine, lily of chastity, pray for us.
St. Catherine, vessel of graces, pray for us.
St. Catherine, zealous promoter of the honor of God, pray for us.
St. Catherine, luster of holiness, pray for us.
St. Catherine, example of mildness, pray for us.
St. Catherine, glory of the Order of Preachers, pray for us.
St. Catherine, fruitful mother of spiritual children, pray for us.
St. Catherine, promoter of peace, pray for us.
St. Catherine, terror of the evil spirits, pray for us.
St. Catherine, follower of Jesus, pray for us.
St. Catherine, who didst give the blossoms of thy innocent youth to the service of thy Heavenly Spouse, pray for us.
St. Catherine, who didst lead an angelic life in human flesh, pray for us.
St. Catherine, who didst tear thy virginal flesh with scourges, pray for us.
St. Catherine, whom Jesus, Himself, did feed with His Body and Blood, pray for us.
St. Catherine, who didst exchange thy heart with the Heart of Jesus, pray for us.
St. Catherine, who was blest with His Holy Wounds, pray for us.
St. Catherine, who was taken to Heaven to the celestial nuptials, pray for us.
St. Catherine, who didst receive a hundredfold, reward for all thy labors and merits, pray for us.


Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, O glorious Virgin, St. Catherine
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us Pray: O God, who didst enable Blessed Catherine, graced with the special privilege of virginity, and patience, to overcome the assault of evil spirits, and to stand unshaken in the love of Thy Name, grant we beseech Thee, that after her example treading under foot the wickedness of the world, and overcoming the wiles of all enemies, we may safely pass onward to Thy glory.Through Christ Our Lord. Amen

Learning to Sacrifice

My sacrifice for this week is to smile to at least three strangers. Sometimes this simple task is difficult for me because I am in such a rush and thinking only about what I need to get and where I need to go that I forget to slow down and be friendly to people!

Learning to Sacrifice

"Why would Americans yearn for Heaven....they already have everything that they could ever want?"

The above is a quote I found in the book, "Living More with Less" It was said by a man who visited the United States after he had been raised his entire life in a very poor village in Africa. I read this book weeks ago, but for some reason this comment really stayed with me. I'm sure it struck me so intensely because it is filled with so much truth and it is truth that convicted me in my own personal life.

The wealth and just plain overabundance of everything that we Americans have was easy to see while I was traveling this past week. If you want something, you can have it instantly, even in the middle of an airport! And if you can't have it instantly you just have to get on your cell phone to arrange it to happen within the next half hour or so. (Oh, and it's such a tragedy to wait that long isn't it?:)

I've realized that it's definitely time for more self sacrifice. Even if it means not having that dessert after dinner or skipping another small meaningless luxury I enjoy, it's a start, and one that will hopefully lead to more and bigger sacrifices in the future.

So, to help me be accountable for my new sacrifice resolution, I've decided to blog here on a weekly basis what I have sacrificed.


Maybe you will want to join me?:)






Sacrifice is difficult, but if you start out with the small things in life we can learn and get better at it day by day! What can you sacrifice for our Lord this week?

Want to "Learn how to Sacrifice" too? Just leave your link below (or post a comment if you don't have a blog) and share one sacrifice your making this week. Thanks for participating! (Also, feel free to use the "Learning to Sacrafice" button on your blog post too:)



"Let us be one with Jesus... let us make our life a continual sacrifice, a martyrdom of love to console Jesus. May all moments of our life be for Him alone. We have only one task during the night of our present life - to love Jesus." St. Therese of Lisieux

The Simple Woman's Daybook

To read lots of other Ladies Daybooks, go Here!

For Today....

Outside my window...it is cloudy, like it wants to rain but I don't think it's supposed to.

I am thinking...I can't believe school starts tomorrow! Where did the summer go?


I am thankful for...busy weekends with family!:) Even though they make me behind around the home it is so nice to share times together.

From the Kitchen...preparing to put dinner in the crock pot for tonight. My oldest son picked his favorite since it is back to school night...chicken and stuffing.

I am wearing...a khaki dress that ties in the middle. Cute and Cool:)

I am reading...Magazines today...Country Living & Martha Stewart Living. I enjoy the recipes and the decorating ideas the most. I am lucky because my Mom pays for the subscription and then passes it along to me once she is finished reading.

I am hoping...that this week will go smoothly with my oldest son who is starting at a new school this year.

I am hearing...fans and more fans. This summer I have been able to keep the air off a good majority of the time. I'm not sure if it's actually not as warm as past summers or if I've just become more used to working in the heat.:) Either way, I have been enjoying the savings on our utility bills this year.

I am creating...some new little decorating touches for my husband and my bedroom. Some different curtains, new paint....

Around the house...it's quiet time now. The baby is sleeping and my oldest son is resting too. I'm trying to get some planning done for this week during this quiet time when I can really think what needs to be done.:)

One of my favorite things...doing something special for my husband. I love to see him surprised and happy!

A few plans for the rest of the week...I have lots of ideas for blog posts...just need to find the time to post them! Also, just focusing on transitioning from our summer to school schedule and accessing what changes might need to be made to make everything run more smoothly.

Here is a picture I though to share with you....the Grizzly Bears we saw at the Zoo this weekend.

Frugal Friday-Baby Gear

I was overwhelmed even on the second time around with baby number two with how much baby STUFF is out there! More particularly, how much everyone tells you that you NEED all this baby gear and that children are just so expensive....

Well, I really do disagree. Children do require extra stuff yes, but is it really necessary to buy every little baby toy, seat, carrier etc. and shell out thousands of dollars while you're at it? Now, if you really want to get down to it, all a new baby really needs is food, diapers, a safe place to sleep and be put down, and blankets to be kept warm. But, like most parents, I did invest in some baby gear and received some more as gifts as well. Some of this gear, after the first use, I wish I never had it, but other things have been just a life saver and well worth the investment! So, I thought I would share my top three selections for baby gear (if you are going to splurge at all on anything) that I would recommend to new parents to help them from getting caught up all of the Stuff and spending too much money:

First pick hands down is the Boppy Pillow! This makes breastfeeding so much more comfortable, and you can't get much more frugal than choosing to nurse versus spending thousands on formula for your baby! This pillow is also great for other uses too, such as assisting a baby with sitting up, and to use during "tummy time" play. I also know that husbands like to rest on these pillow during nap times on the couch:)



Second, I would have to pick the Baby Bjorn brand carrier. Now, this is one area where I do consider myself an expert on. Just between my two children I think I have tried out most brands of carriers, slings,baby wraps, and any other device that promised to let me "wear" my baby, but this one has just been the best for me. Simply, it is the most comfortable (even when your little one starts to get really heavy) and baby likes it too. The initial investment was a shocker for me too, but even my husband who is extremely critical when it comes to buying any baby gear, gives it the thumbs up.



My last pick would have to be the Chicco C6 Stroller. It gives me everything I wanted; lightweight (only 11 pounds), folds up easy and with one hand (because isn't the other hand and hip usually always balancing a baby:), has a good weight range (fits small to large babies), stylish, easy to clean, comfortable to walk with even though I am pretty tall, and one of the cheapest one of it's class! The only negative is the extra small cargo basket underneath, so if you are one who always has lots of stuff this might be an issue. Another option to carry more necessities with your stroller is to get one of these stroller totes. I received one as a gift and it is nice to have that little extra room for snacks or whatever you need to bring along with you.



For more Frugal Ideas this Friday go Here!

Book Review-"Praying with Padre Pio"

"Praying with Padre Pio," by Eileen Dunn Bertanzetti is another book that I must pass along to all of you. I have truly enjoyed praying along with Padre Pio! Using this book as a guide has added a new and different element to my family's prayer time that everyone (even my eight year old) is enjoying!

This book is broken down into twelve meditations that can be completed alone or in a group setting. The meditations are not designed to be read steadily through like most books, but to be taken one by one every day or week, and to slowly work your way through them. Each chapter has exciting quotes and little unknown facts and bits of history on Padre Pio's most holy life from childhood to the priesthood as well. Check it out!

I'm Back

The Trip was nice, definitely not a vacation because it was so busy, but nice to see family and help my sister with wedding planning just the same! My little one was an angel on the plane on the trip out...but not so much on the trip home. I think there where many people who where very glad when I got off the plane and didn't have to stay on for the connection:) I hope everyone else had a good week too!

Leaving....

Tomorrow I'm off to California! Just me and my newest little one will be visiting my sister and helping her prepare for her wedding which is set for January 2009! If you think of it, I would appreciate any prayers for a safe trip!


O Lord, we humbly ask you to give Your Almighty protection to all travelers.
Accept our fervent and sincere prayers that through Your great power and unfaltering spirit, those who travel may reach their destination safe and sound.

Grant Your divine guidance and infinite wisdom to all who operate automobiles, trains, plans and boats. Inspire them with due sense of duty and knowledge and help them guide those entrusted in their care to complete their travel safely.

We thank You, Oh Lord, for Your great mercy and unending love to all mankind and for extending Your arm of protection to all travelers.

Amen

Movie Review-Saint Rita

Saint Rita was a movie that I came across when I was selecting movies for my netflix subscription. When it arrived this past week and I watched it, I was left truly inspired! If you are a women who is married I'm sure this movie will inspire you to strive for perfection in your holy vocation as a wife, and as a mother too. Even though the film is not one hundred percent accurate as to the details of the life of this great Saint, it really gets the message across of her holiness. Check it out!

Book Review-The Farmer's Wife Comfort Food Cookbook

"The momentous question of "what shall we eat" which comes to the housekeeper three times a day and which must be met with a well supplied table, whether everything else in the house goes undone-becomes monotonous and wearying. We hail suggestions as a ship wrecked mariner does the distant sail.

Especially is this true in the spring of the year, before green vegetables appear and when the family has tired of the well-stored winter supplies. In the following menus provision for meat has been made for but once a day, except in the use of leftovers. Some of the suggestions may make a pleasant change from the regular routine....."

Excerpt from "The Farmer's Wife Comfort Food Cookbook," by Lela Nargi.



What a cute little cookbook this is! It's recipes are all from a magazine titled "The Farmer's wife: that was published in Minnesota between the years 1893 and 1939. Reading through the recipes is fun because it feels like you are walking back in time with ladies who worked hard in rural America to put a tasty and nutritious meal on the table for their families. What is also very smart about this book is how it is arranged; according to ingredient! I find this way very helpful especially when you have leftovers in the house that you may want to use up. Say you have some corn in the refrigerator that you don't want to go to waste...just flip to the "Corn Recipe" section and there you have many useful suggestions for your leftovers!