Mmmmm Monday: Barbecue Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:
6-8 chicken tenderloins, cubed
1-2 tsp olive oil
1 Tbsp BBQ sauce
1 premade pizza crust
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Directions
Cook Chicken in olive oil over med-high heat until no longer pink. Coat with 1 Tbsp BBQ sauce, set aside.

Spread 1/4 cup BBQ sauce evenly over surface of pizza crust. Sprinkle with Gouda cheese. Cover with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Distribute chicken pieces evenly over cheese. Top with red onion slices. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top. Bake at 500 degrees until crust is crisp and cheese is bubble (8-10 minutes)

Serves 6-8 people

Funny Video: I don't like you mommy

Mmmmm Monday: Single Serving Cobbler

I love cobbler. But I end up eating the whole things when I make them.  I recently found this recipe to make enough to enjoy one time without having to worry about eating leftovers for days. All you need is fruit and the tiniest amounts of butter, sugar, flour, and milk.

Melt 1/2 Tbsp butter in small ramekin.

Mix 1/2 cup fruit (I often use a fruit cup if I don't have fresh fruit) with 1 or 1 1/2 tsp sugar and put in the ramekin.

Top with a mixture of 2 Tbsp flour, 1 1/2 Tbsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp milk.

Bake for 20-40 minutes.

Funny Video: Talking Twin Babies

Local Outing: Cullman Wellness & Aquatics Center

I have heard that the aquatic center is great. It has great amenities that can be enjoyed year-round.  Swimming in the winter always seems like a big treat.  The center includes

Outdoor Water Park and leisure pool that features two large water slides, high and low diving boards, lazy river, water play area, and zero entry area for special needs Full fitness center complete with weights, cardio, specialized equipment, and professional training Indoor rubberized walking track A variety of aerobic and cycling classes 8 lane outdoor and 6 lane indoor competition pools Indoor leisure pool Whirlpool spa Gymnasium equipped for both basketball and volleyball Large locker rooms with saunas It is $10 for a day pass. The hours are listed below but you may want to check the website for pool open hours.

Monday-Thursday 4:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Friday 4:45 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Heart Impact by Sherry Surratt, CEO and President of MOPS International

I love Valentine's Day. It always causes me to remember the past, even as I celebrate the present with hearts, cards and just the right amount of chocolate. I remember the day I met Geoff, my husband of almost 30 years. I remember the days each of my two kids were born and how I fell in love from the first moment I laid eyes on them. Valentine’s Day also causes my heart to be full as I think about how much I love having each of them in my life.

This February my heart is definitely full as I contemplate the changes in my life over the past six weeks. My husband and I packed up our house in California and moved to Denver, and I started my dream job as CEO and President of MOPS International. The move has been filled with challenges and changes, some of them small, such as finding a new favorite grocery store and the right salon that understands my contrary hair. But others have been hugely profound as I have learned firsthand the heart impact of MOPS for thousands of moms around the country.

Today my heart is full for you too – I am so glad that you have found a MOPS community and have connected with a local group of moms who can encourage you and equip you for mothering.

I  have also realized in moving to a new place, there can be lonely moments, times when I miss friends and family I’ve left behind. And from the stories I hear at MOPS, I know I’m not the only one who might feel lonely sometimes. I know that every mom needs a friend, and that MOPS is the best way for her to find that lasting friendship. That’s why I am so passionate about the ministry of MOPS and so excited to be a part of this organization.

So if you find yourself in a moment of loneliness, take a risk and text a mom in your Discussion Group at MOPS and invite her to share a cup of coffee. And if you aren’t lonely, look around and see if there’s someone else who might be and invite her to your MOPS group. In addition to sharing some glittery cards or paper hearts with family and friends this Valentine’s Day, take time to share YOUR heart with another mom.
Do you have some great ideas for ways that MOPS can connect with more moms? I’d love to hear from you!  Email me at Sherry@MOPS.org. 

Dear God, thank you for the gift of relationships – open my heart to those I love and those I will come to love.

Mmmmm Monday: Grits Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

1 cup grits (not instant)
1 stick butter
1 small jar cheese whiz
3 eggs (beaten)
2/3 cup milk
1 lb sausage (cooked and scrambled)
grated cheddar cheese for top

Directions:
Cook grits as directed on box. To hot grits add butter and cheese whiz.  Stir until melted. Set aside to cool completely.  Add eggs, milk, and sausage. Pour into greased 9x13 dish and sprinkle with grated cheese on top.  Bake at 325 for 45 minutes.

Note:
Can put together the night before and bake in the morning.  Let it come to room temperature or lengthen cook time.

Baby Laughing Hysterically at Ripping Paper

Who doesn't love a funny baby video!

Scripture Memory for Kids--Genesis 1:1

It is important to memorize scripture with your children.  We are going to try and give you some tools for helping your kids learn scripture.

We will start with Genesis 1:1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Video:

Snack: Creation Mix

Activity: What did God Make?

Games: Creation Matching Game and Creation Word Search

Winter Blues by Tally Flint, mother of four

Despite living in a city that boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, I get the blues every winter. They settle in after the post-holiday serenity and sometimes threaten to stick around until May – when summer’s carefree attitude sends them packing. I know they’ve arrived from some tell-tale signs: good nutrition goes into hiding; I dread having to run errands outside of the house; my positivity shrinks; my energy levels plummet. I still do laundry, make meals, kiss boo-boos. But life sort of loses its luster, and I don’t feel as if our family thrives during those times.

" I am not alone
in battling my blues."

One thing good about something happening every year is that you learn how to adapt. I’ve learned to anticipate, prepare for, and at times overcome my blues. I’ve surrounded myself with a small group of friends who know when I’m struggling and pray for me faithfully. Making regular exercise a priority is more important than ever during these months. Same with trying to eat right. I sign up for social outings that force me out of my house and into my community. And I stick to the basic rule that if the sun is shining, I better get myself out to enjoy it.

For me, such practical changes really make a difference. I know there isn’t any one thing that works for everyone. But I do know I am not alone in battling my blues. I have a sisterhood who walk alongside me and an understanding Father who never ceases to shine his love on me, even in my darkest days.

Dear God, how wonderful that your love for me does not depend on my attitude or performance! Grant me your peace, infuse me with your spirit, and direct me to people who can help. Amen.