A personality tendency

This is so telling of my personality, I have to "prepare" for my randomness for this e-course painting class.

I repeat, I have to "prepare" for this "randomness".

I did it also for a freezer meal workshop. I say I have rid myself of perfectionistic tendencies and expectations and have "let go" of that part of myself but she appears whenever I try something new. Hmmm....well hello there again, I didn't expect to see you there.


I don't like to be unprepared...I like to know. My anxiety rises as I don't know what's coming especially if with a group of people. I like to be random, humorous and outrageous in the safety of my safe places. The only exception to this...and some still applies but is with running. I can run a different course that I don't know and usually do ok as long as I have no timing or pace expectations otherwise I stumble a lot.

Motherhood is definitely this way with not knowing the moods of the boys or what they will do next but now I just expect the unexpected with them.

more phrases - deep Truths

trust His goodness

Let Peace find you.

Invite Jesus in.

loves you perfectly EVERY single moment

Let pain transform.

Take-Aways from Cafe Chocolate March 7-8

I learned...
Extravagant Grace for Us - Laughter/Icebreaker session
* Becky Perry is simply flat out hilarious (I knew it but had not experienced in a large group yet)
* that each of us speakers were chosen by God (not coincidental) that we did the sessions we did
* that story about Jesus turning water into wine had much more significance than I had ever considered or known
   - Jesus created better wine than had already been served = his wisdom and his grace is beyond compare (it would have shamed the bride and bridegroom if there wasn't more wine) so Jesus went above and beyond
   - the wedding might have been Martha's sister Mary and disciple Thomas' ??
Extravagant Grace for our Friends
* Barefoot friends are those who go the extra mile with us - who walk with us and support us in the raw times and seasons
* it was so much fun giving the message about friends - I felt so honored and humbled
* the story about the paralyzed man's friends bringing him to Jesus and lowering him on the cot through that person's house brought out what importance, effort and possibly sacrifice it was for his friends to do the action
  - his friends cared for him so much that they went against the custom and had such faith to know that Jesus would heal him
   - in the same story Jesus stated "Your sins are forgiven" and went straight to the man's heart (Jesus didn't immediately say "get up and walk" rather he first dealt with what the man needed most...his heart)
   - it made me think about how many times I think I have to relieve a physical need for friend which is good but how much more wonderful would it be to provide an encouragement for a friend's heart?
Extravagant Grace for Those in Need - Service session
* stitching the wrap together for my grandmother was frankly hard (it looks easier until you have it in front of your face)
* it was perfect timing for us to do the craft because it brought out insecurities and possibly even frustrations (I don't claim to be a "perfectionist" but I am type A and I'd like for it to look at least the best it can)
* AND I recognize how much I hate to measure anything even with a book...I LOVE to eyeball everything
* Janet and Emily were so much fun to watch in their elements (when I wasn't slightly getting ticked at my stitching)
Extravagant Grace for our Enemies - Forgiveness session
* it was very telling to me
* Tiffany's vulnerability made the session that much more raw to me
* viewing the person I have the hardest time forgiving in the chair and letting him/her go...was hard and healing - it's a daily action
Extravagant Grace - Quiet session
* the chocolate tasting quiet time was a..w..e..s..o..m..e, maybe it was alone time, maybe it was taking the time to savor the different types of chocolates or simply it was personifying the chocolates and seeing themes in my own life
* Carolyn is just too sweet and quite funny - her sincerity is so genuine
* themes: essential ingredients of life: Jesus, His Word, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control :: nourishment of the soul includes consistency in His Word and Wisdom :: chocolate is often grown by other plants and absorbs those plant's flavors (i.e. floral, citrusy, nutty or fruity) and it was neat to see how I absorb qualities of my friends and even their laughs
* more themes: with truffles - I tend to take little bites until I get to the center and I don't immediately bite into it...I relate this also to how I develop friendships - I take little bites until I know I can trust
"The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart." Samuel 16:7
* Like Dark Chocolate "Sometimes God uses bitter times in our lives to bring richness in our relationship with him or in our character." --> through change He moves me into a willingness to move out of my comfort zone
Extravagant Grace for My Sins
God's grace is life-giving...to me..."how is my life different because of God's grace?"
* I'm not paralyzed in fear and anxiety
* I'm not a slave to myself and my fears
* He's shown me I am 'made for more'
* Laura has a way with words and wisdom - I'm in awe of her ability to relate to even those of our world who are deemed "disabled" or "special needs"

Lastly, worship - the take-away was that of allowing myself to be drawn to the words of songs that I did not know but knew that God would transform my heart through. Kara Joy and Pat made it easier to sing louder especially when Pat would look right at me and smile.

I also learned that when God tells you to do something...you do it. Amanda showed this and I know His Spirit's voice but often silence Him if it inconveniences me or makes me feel uncomfortable. But the more I silence Him...the less likely I am to hear Him.

A Collection of "Life" phrases for Me

My 2014 Word: "Pour Out" -- many different meanings to me right now

Pour Out

Pour out my will so His can move me…
Pour out my heart to others…
Pour out my energy to move for health…

your story matterswhat you do matterswho you are mattersyour walk matters

Kingdom thinking - God's thinking is so backwards - some of these phrases won't make sense to the average person but underneath it all makes sense.

dependence is freedom

daughter of the King

allow myself to have the courage to let go...let God take over

give yourself grace

you are enough

you're doing it different

let it go...

don't compare...

He will lead you

gifted for this moment

Yes to letting go
Hello grace
Choose not to compare
Embrace that you are enough
Practice your gift in this moment
Be unique
Stay aware of His presence
Unleash your heart and be present
Permission granted to to do my best and let the rest go
Follow God's leading and timing

the significance of my insignificance

I will not live an unlived life.... by Dawna Markova

What I Wish some of my phrases were (I know that it would be awesome to have if my heart was right there):

radical obedience

self-abandonment

stand in His Truth

Motherhood phrases:

be the adult you want them to be
speak-life to him
"I'm awesome. I got this."'

Quote from Kelly Rae Roberts:
"Everything shapes us, everything matters, and everything is an opportunity for letting in gobs of light and love - even our deepest cracks, especially our deepest cracks."

My so-called Gremlins....work...

My so-called Gremlins...the thoughts that are detrimental to me and tell me stories about myself that are not uplifting at all primarily plague me at work right now. In other seasons of life they have plagued me in motherhood and in sports.

Think of a scenario in your life that you’re having friction with. Could be anything really – anything that you’re having some noisy gremlins about.

I find a consistent Gremlin right now - tells me that I don't do a good job at work and that no matter what I'm doing "it's not good enough, not fast enough and not thorough enough nor compassionate enough". It reminds me that "I'm lazy" for not jumping up at that person's request or that I just don't know what is going on with that patient or with what that physician does. It tells me ruthlessly that somehow "you're not suppose to be here". You're not a good example.

Question: What are your soul whispers telling you? Your whispers are usually in opposition of your gremlins. They often sound like little tiny quiet nudges, asking for our attention.

I'd identify my 'soul whispers' as that of the Holy Spirit to whom I know my true identity is known and formed through - whom my discernment and wisdom is received. This particular whisper or voice tells me "give yourself grace", "stop thinking about it all that way", "take a pause and gather yourself".

My authentic self as it is, she tells me "you are good, you are thorough and you do it differently than your peers". She asks me to be nice to myself and to do the best that I can but not to stress out about it. Essentially, at the deepest level God asks me to invite Him into the situation and into the multiple requests and phone calls I receive per day. He asks me to let go of some of the control and to let Him move without me killing myself to find everything out.

Question: Think of someone you admire and deeply respect. Someone you consider to to be wise, self-aware, fully dependable. They could be a dear friend, or a distant mentor. What words of wisdom do you think they would offer?

She would say, "why is it that you're trying to do this?" God is so much bigger than these circumstances. You are good enough Kara. You have His Spirit within you to surpass all of the nonsense of this job. He has given you wisdom and compassion to be there for your patients and to do the job as it works for you. Don't compare yourself to your coworkers. Don't think that you're doing it wrong if you're doing it different. Stop comparing...give yourself grace.

Question: What is it your heart most needs to hear? Self compassion is key when answering this question.

He has gifted you to be in this moment right now. He will lead you...let it go, give yourself grace and others grace. Silence the turmoil that is in your heart and know that you are good enough. You are!

Question: What permissions can you allow yourself?

I give myself permission to work differently and to not know the answers immediately. I give myself permission to ask questions and to give myself grace for not knowing. I give myself permission to do the best I can and then let it go.

Circle all the power words or phrases that stand out.

give yourself grace

you are enough

you're doing it different

let it go...

don't compare...

He will lead you

gifted for this moment

Taking my answers from above and pairing them with the following words to help create a unique mantra. The following words are to get started. What other words might I use as pairings?

Yes to _______ letting go
Hello ________ grace
Choose _______ not to compare
Embrace ________ that you are enough
Practice _________ your gift in this moment
Be ________ unique
Stay _______ aware of His presence
Unleash your __________ heart and be present
Permission granted to _________ to do my best and let the rest go
Follow ________ God's leading and timing

Change, change, change...going back to CCJ...

 He doesn't look too much different.

  

  

 

 

 

This post won't do justice to my feelings or the experience of leaving Troy for a few days to go back to Jasper. There are some similarities between the communities but huge differences in the scenarios and individual growth in myself. Yet we were called to go to both communities and have been called to love people.

My role at CCJ looked very different than here at TCC. My personality was/is pretty much the same but man have I grown in motherhood & in my relationship with Christ and will continue to grow here in Ohio. When you look back and go back you realize all over again why such struggles occurred...why such friendships grew or fell out...why you were so confused at times about certain things and didn't pursue them. Hindsight is 20/20 and yet there would have been some decisions that I would have made quicker or another path I might have taken but if I would have, my heart may not have grown the way it did.

It was pretty surreal driving back there and I think it did help that Mark was preaching rather than us just 'visiting' because it helped me to feel more connected. Although children were taller, families looked a little different and staff were added & changed-it didn't feel all that different. And maybe that was the eerie part. The part of that, that made me stop and think "wait a second, but 2 years have gone by and here we are with Ian-5 and Elijah 16 months". It didn't take long to remind myself once the 1400 people came and went that time has moved forward...because I also remember the overwhelming feeling I'd feel most Sundays with not knowing so many people. It's just a different animal.

Now my role is different and I work full-time whereas I did not in Jasper. I was pretty connected with the community there with coaching but not yet here. My time here is a "wait and see"..."give it time"..."give yourself grace and understand that there is a bigger picture going on". It's more about obedience than it is about what I want (and I want many things by the way) but I know they are not all good for me.

So here is to hanging with people Saturday night, feeling connected with them again and watching our boys have a blast. Here is to experiencing such a vibrant and ever-changing environment. Here is to not sleeping much and having our boys do the same -- eeeekkkkkk. And here is to traveling through hilly country and staying with dear life-long friends. It's not goodbye, just see you later.

Lastly, a toast to where God has brought us. To the mystery that awaits us and the new life-long friendships, the new families we meet at TCC and in the community, our current core group who supports us and my coworkers whom I seriously adore. Here's to a new journey "in a roller-coaster of a different color" as I've stated before. Here's to a church family who I think is ready for new changes and to move forward...to a wonderful group of women I get to be a part of and to an awesome student and children's ministries for my boys to grow up in. So yes, it's different and I'm different. Here's to new roads to be run. (But yes I'll still miss Jasper - even with a Penn Station, KOHL's, Coldstone, Red Lobster..etc..etc only 10 minutes away now).  Cheers!

What I Wish I Could Learn

I wish I could learn and pull it to my heart and not just to my head that:
* I don't need to keep "things" to feel valuable to other people (thinking I will give them gifts-half the time I forget)
* God only wants me...He will use my talents as He sees fit and in the way that it will benefit others
* that I really don't "deserve" the life that I live but must be grateful for any blessings
* that all of what I own is not really mine (it's not mine)
* that my low, deep, down-times are preparation times for seasons to come
* that if I would ever delete my facebook account, I would still be an interesting person
* that by lessening what I am distracted by will allow more room for what God wants
* that my size matters only to be healthy and not that it changes my value in God's eyes or with others
* that people-pleasing in my 20's and 30's is futile and I only serve One Master
* that my hair is never going to be a light blonde color (ever-again)
* that the little innocent girl is someone who inspires me and the simplicity of her life is something I seek again...

to be continued...

Processing-Excess in Craft Area

Guiding and Encouraging Women towards Balance, Significance, Personal Growth
--this is what I'm deciding to keep out of my "stash" of left-over crafting

Alphabetical letters
Maps (where are you going? where you've been? where you are now?)
dictionaries
paper packs of paper for framing
boy's paper for framing
Keep Christmas paper...
Paints & Canvas (keep)
Frames (keep)
Sort stamps

Running Project/History
Ian
Elijah

Completed Albums
Left-over Fabric Scraps

Remains of the Day projects
Questions Book - paperwork computer

Sort Idea Books - keep art journal ones (keep 7)
One box of excess supplies (for larger projects) - baby jars

Kid's art supplies (keep-markers, crayons, finger paint, paper packs)

How Excess Affects Me

It literally steals my joy and gives me headaches. The continual maintenance of excess: excessive paper, junk mail, duplicates of toys or just too many toys, CEU information I receive, books I have that I've "intended" to read,

Stuff *stares* at me. I'd like to just box most all of it up and see if I miss it. Likely I will not. What I have learned is that if I don't have "it" (the project material) - someone else I might know will. Thus, being in community means sharing and allowing myself to ask a simple question. I need to let go of things and not hold so tightly to what I deem "mine". Oh so easy to say and think but to actually "DO" - that is the tough part!!

2013 Christmas Message

This year's Christmas message is not one that I mailed out but is equally fun and interesting to look back on the year and reminisce. It was our first full year in Troy, Ohio and we have been here now since March of 2012.

It has been a wonderful and different adjustment for us as we have navigated through buying our 2nd home (moved in February of this year), growing through Elijah's first year of life, and continually re-establishing a family routine through each season.

Mark is active and balancing his ministry as the lead minister with Troy Christian Church and has quite a "unique" staff (for those of you who know them, you know I'm right). He continues to pray for wisdom and guidance as the church moves forward. I am continually amazed at how God works through Him and how Mark remains himself at home and in front of many people.

I (Kara) have been somewhat surprised at God's timing with this current season in my life and have been doing and experiencing full-time social work at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton since May of 2012. I have missed doing therapy but have found that with two little guys at home, medical social work fits much better with routine and with stability right now.

Mark and I both continue to run and try to keep a "base" of running so that we can just pick up and do races but have found running to be less exhilarating as it used be. Nonetheless, I was able to run a couple of half marathons this year (one with my friend Rachel which was so exciting and one where I didn't have expectations but ended up finishing very close to my PR!). Mark ran one in the Spring and is now refocusing to see what he really wants to do.

Ian is now five years old (as of yesterday) and he is full into playing with Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles, Marvel superheros and dinosaurs. He tries to rhyme everything it seems or make up words which at times...doesn't sound like a good word unfortunately. We love him just the same and continue to correct and discipline while he continues to develop quite a sense of humor.

Elijah is 15 months and is fully trying to speak all of our words. His most common words are "tank coo" = thank you, "uh oh" = uh oh, "baa" = ball; (sounds like a hiss) = kitty and of course momma and dadda. We haven't figured out what he calls Ian yet.

                       

On a deeper level, it's been a high and low year of rediscovering simple things and most important things. For me especially, purging of the things that I do not need (at least starting-including emotions, material things,) and redefining who I am as a daughter in Christ. I was blessed to go to a Leading and Loving It "Re:treat" in Nashville, TN this Fall. God's opening my heart's eyes to emotional things (hard to explain)-boldness, going "All-In" but it is kind of rocking my world, my worldview and how I do "life" and holidays. So if you ever see me singing a song and I just start bawling (no it's not hormones - I'm good there), I'm really ok - just releasing some emotions and letting myself connect more deeply with my Creator so no biggy.

Mark has several things that he is praying about as well (but I'll let him share those on his own social media site and in his own time).

We wish all a Merry Christmas and pray for real transformation. The kind of transformation that creates change and shakes the gates of hell. Boldness that includes abandonment of old ways of thinking that keep a person stuck. And a raw realness that comes with vulnerability. I pray this for anyone who might read this message. It's an adventure!!

Peace,

Kara

{Remembering} :: Surprises

Some of the best surprises that Mark and others have done for me (that I can readily remember) ::
* [Mark] South Carolina trip - riddles and scavenger hunt 5/2006
* [Mark] having our friend paint our upstairs hall way and stair way - came back from our vacation to find it done! 8/ 2013
* [Mark] in college for Valentine's - he had friends and other random people bring up mini roses to me with something he loved about me 2001 ??
* [Mark] I came home from a shopping trip with Kristi to a Christmas tree decorated - it was beautiful!!  2002
* [Mark] early Christmas gift on the mantel - he let me open it early 11/2013
* I won a class called "Remains of the Day" which hands down was the most awesome give-away I've ever won & I still have access to it!!  2010
* I won a grand-prize give-away at a Crop for the Cure and it totaled like $250 worth of product!! I was beside myself about it.  2009
* [Mom] the surprise 17th birthday party. 1997
* [MVH coworkers] I was completely unaware (and was having quite a tired, bad hair day) and came for a group lunch whereby it was a surprise baby shower for Elijah - so cool!

Rules for Kid's Running

Phil Lang, local youth running coach with over 19 years experience and two talented running daughters of his own, however, knows his stuff. “My rule is a kid can’t run in one day more miles than the grade they are in.”

So for a third grader, a 5k fits the bill; a sixth grader, up to a 10k, and so on. “This rule allows for progression, which is key, especially for youth,” says Phil. “Doing too much, too soon leads to failure in one way or another in almost every circumstance. Just because a kid wants to do a race doesn’t mean the parent has to let him or her.”

Early Preview: One of the Christmas Cards

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Christmas preparations :: Love the Lord with all your heart, all your mind, all your strength

2009

My first post beginning this blog back in 2009 was about us deciding not to partake in the American Christmas tradition of Santa Claus and we at the time were grasping, "what will this mean?" "Will we be making our children miss out on something great? Will they be traumatized or traumatize others? Will this be too hard to do in a society that worships this character Santa beginning in October?"

I've read a lot of articles, blogs and others' stories about this transition and as our eldest reaches this impressionable age, this year will be the time to beginning fully discussing who is Santa Claus....why do we focus on Jesus solely and not do anything with this Santa? This is especially when this fun concept is put right in front of his face at pre-K in school every day with decorations, stories, Elf on the Shelf and parties. A couple of years ago a kind, well-meaning friend just showed up at Ian's birthday party dressed up as Santa (since his bday is so close to Christmas) and we rolled with it the best we could but at 3, luckily he really didn't care and just wanted to play. The rest of the kids were enamored. It's a hard subject and it seems it's become a very personal one even to those who continue this tradition simply out of "this is how I was brought up and I'm fine now". 

But we've, especially, I've discovered that if our hearts are going to move towards God and His Kingdom and focusing on the worth of others because of His sacrifice then 1) I really shouldn't be wanting to spend $$ on my family or others just out of...well I budgeted all year and want to see their smiling faces...2) I don't need to fall into rationalizing "I'm still going to give charitably but am a giver--that's my personality", or even 3) this is what you do around November-December.

Now don't get me wrong - I LOVE Black Friday but primarily I love people-watching. Getting great deals for items I would have bought anyway - icing on the cake. More budget to give more. And I also realize the consumerism part of me will struggle with this.

The plan: have my boys write their lists based upon what Jen Hatmaker explained is how her kids' write lists: 
Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read. That's it. (This year we are adding something to give,

Here's the rest of her blog post: The Christmas Conundrum
Giving
The second stream we can choose to float down this Christmas is out from underneath the consumer umbrella altogether (mixed metaphors, anyone?), and it is simply sharing our resources with those who need intervention to break the cycles of poverty and despair. This year, we are giving each of our children $100 to spend on the vulnerable. This is part of their Christmas present, because as you and I know, it just feels so awesome to be a part of Jesus' redemptive story. We will give them some options, and they can distribute their money however they want. Here are some trusted, responsible organizations to partner with, donating in increments as low as $10:
www.IJM.org/GiftsofFreedom 
www.worldvision.org 
www.mercycorps.org 
www.miraclefoundation.org 

And this is me - I'm thinking maybe something local for Ian, so he might even be able to see what he's giving.

 2010 

 Crazy Amount of Gifts - for Immediate & Extended Families

2011

 

2012

 

Let's fill our homes with Jesus and find ways to worship Him with our little families every day this month. Let's join the Advent Conspiracy, daring to believe that Christmas can still change the world. May beautiful words fill our houses; lyrics like Come and behold him, born the the King of angels. As much as possible, let's mute the competing chatter trying so hard to invade our spaces; turning it down, turning it off. Celebrate Advent with your kids with diligence and anticipation. We ordered a fun version of the Advent Calendar, and each night the kids open a new envelope full of Scriptures and family activities. (Tonight we are reading about Jesus, the Light of the World, talking about what being a light in the darkness means, then playing flashlight tag. Yes, I'm sure someone will get hurt.)

Even Easier Crockpot Chicken Chili

Crockpot Chicken Chili

1 large can diced tomatoes

1 small can black beans

1 small can tomato paste

1 package boneless skinless chicken tenderloins or thighs

(these two cuts get the most tender and fall apart)

1 packet McCormick chili seasoning

Easy Chicken Enchiladas - International Night {prepare the day before}

Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Inspired by Annie’s Eats

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, chopped fine
1 tsp. canola oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
1 tbsp. sugar
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1/2 (15 oz.) can of diced tomatoes   (or Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles?)
Salt and pepper
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
½ cup minced fresh cilantro
12 8-inch corn tortillas
Cooking spray

Toppings, optional: Sour cream, chopped green onions, more cilantro for garnish

Method:

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, cook until softened, 8-10 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin and sugar and cook until just fragrant.

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice and bring mixture to a simmer. If it is getting too thick, add up to a cup of water to loosen it up just a bit.  Reduce heat to low and add the rotisserie chicken, salt & pepper. Stir to combine and cover. Heat just a minute or two to warm the chicken a bit.

Preheat the over to 425 degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the sauce and put into a medium bowl. Add a ladle of the sauce, 1 cup of cheese, and the cilantro to the bowl. Stir to combine.

Stack the tortillas on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for a minute. Spoon 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture evenly down the center of the tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam side down in your dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas & filling. I can usually fit 8 in one long row and the last 4 in 2 rows of 2 facing the other direction. It’s ok to nestle them in there tightly.

This next step is the moment of brilliance that makes these enchiladas stand above every other recipe I’ve tried. Don’t skip it:

***Lightly spray the tops of the enchiladas with cooking spray. Place in the oven, uncovered, for 7 minutes until the tortillas start to brown slightly.

Reduce the oven to 400, remove the enchiladas from the oven, pour the sauce over the top, sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Bake for a final 5 minutes to brown the cheese on top. Let stand 10 minutes before serving–just enough time to get your sour cream, some green onions, and your side dishes to the table!

Note: I have frozen this entire dish by assembling it up to the point where the sauce and cheese are put on the top and then just baked from there. I have also frozen it as just the chicken filling in the sauce and simply done the full assembly fresh the night of baking. Between using the rotisserie chicken and these other happy shortcuts, you’ll find this is a very workable weeknight meal for a family.

Chicken Tetrazzini - Pasta Night

Chicken Tetrazzini
a “mommy meals” staple (a.k.a. perfect for bringing to a family in need of dinner!)

Ingredients:

1 7oz package of spaghetti (I broke the noodles into 2 inch pieces before boiling. Fantastic way to help out the little peanuts in your life.)
3 cups chopped cooked chicken (Another rotisserie chicken use!)
1 cup (4 oz) parmesan cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 16 oz jar of Alfredo sauce (I found a light version.)
1 cup frozen peas
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp pepper

Method:

Preheat oven to 350. Prep pasta according to package directions. 

Meanwhile, stir together chicken, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, and rest of the ingredients; stir in pasta. 

Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish. (Or split it into 2 8×8′s like I did!) Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until bubbly.

I froze one of my 8×8 pans before baking. When I want to make it, I’ll defrost in the fridge overnight and pop into the oven at dinner time. You could also just bake from frozen if you can put it in longer.

Easy White Chicken Chili Crockpot Recipe - for Crockpot Night

Blog recipe taken from here.
Here's what you'll need:

*1 lb. or more boneless skinless chicken--breasts or cutlets. 

*1 package McCormick white chicken chili seasoning. 

*2 cans white beans(northern beans)

*1 can kidney beans(light or dark)

*2 cans diced tomatoes--you can use more or less

*1 onion-white or yellow diced

*2 cups water

*Crockpot

Optional: Fritos, sour cream, & shredded cheese--toppings for chili.

Directions:

*Place the uncooked chicken in the crockpot. Pour in the 2 cups of water. Sprinkle the McCormick seasoning on top of the chicken and water. Pour the beans, tomatoes, and diced onion in next. You can mix it together, but I usually just put the lid on and let it cook, then mix it later. 

*Cook on high for 4-5 hours. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. 

Challenge: Meal-Planning - creating margin & de-stressing our routine

I've known for quite a while that we've needed plans for weeknight meals. Mark is a great cook but time and little kiddos do not allow us to really remain organized. I'm looking to pursue this approach and really hone into for the next 3 months. It may take me some time to get into though but I'll be working towards it.

Why this approach works:

• 30 minutes: Once you have your themes, meal planning is just a matter of plugging in the weekly favorites on the appropriate day. I can pick our meals and write the master grocery list in 30 minutes or less. And that’s if I’m being extra fussy.
• One trip to the grocery store: You’ve planned the week out, you’ve done your shopping. You’ll have everything you should need for a whole week! I used to practically live at the grocery store!
• Frees up mental agony: I keep my menu on the fridge. I never have to guess what’s for dinner ever again. I know exactly what prep work to do during small pockets of time throughout the day. Prep a veggie here, mix a marinade there, pull the pizza dough from the freezer for tomorrow.
• Opens time for baking: I now have time to make my favorite from-scratch foods because I’m not running to the grocery store all the time! And my fridge is stocked with the right ingredients. I pick one or two things to bake each week and add the ingredients to my one shopping list. I bake them when I have time and am in the mood.

Questions you should ask yourself before you assign your own themes:

1. What are my family’s very favorite meals? If I had all the time in the world and the ingredients were handed to me on a platter, what would we enjoy eating? Make a list! Ask your husband and kids to chime in.

calzones      casseroles          green beans      salmon - high quality        corn casserole     sweet potato fries
stuffed salmon    cheddar biscuits    pizzadillas      chicken parmesan      stir-fry     skillet burritos
stuffed peppers
cheesecake    french silk pie

2. Now look at that list, do you see any patterns? Are they all chicken? Then it isn’t exactly helpful to have a “Chicken Night” because it doesn’t narrow your options. You want to consider themes that help you make your weekly decision more easily. It should be broad enough to give you options but narrow enough to shorten that list.

Italian Night (pastas, breads)                  Mexican Night (chips, burritos, rice, meat)

Brinner Night (breakfast foods for dinner - i.e., french toast, pancakes, eggs, smoothies)

Soup and Salad/Sandwich Night             Crock Pot Night                                                  Pizza Night

3. Consider your goals. I wanted to start making better use of a few particular cookbooks. They are ones that I love but forget to turn to. Now they are my go-to sources for some of my weekly themes. I also wanted to make better use of the kitchen equipment taking up precious space in my cabinets. By assigning the bread maker and crockpot their own dedicated evenings, they’ll start to earn their keep. You can bet the ice cream maker will be getting an evening assigned to it come June.

food processor                   panini press             Kraftmaid Mixer          blender                     toaster

4. What do you need help remembering? I needed help remembering particular recipe sources and gear. Maybe you need help to remember to eat a new protein? Or to try a new recipe? Use one night of your themes to help be your Post-It note reminder to work towards your goals. Ideas could be: Seafood Night, Make our own takeout, Grilling, Vegetarian or Try a New Veggie Night, Use my baking stones Night, Eat from my Freezer/Pantry Night.

Eat from the Pantry Night - canned foods, fruits, boxed meals

5. Look at your schedule, which night is your busiest? Do you have more than one? Consider time-saving meal themes. For me that was the crockpot but sandwiches, simple pastas, even breakfast for dinner are all themes that would work with a constricted time schedule. Or if you’re really that busy, how about picnic night?? Pack foods for a cooler that you’re eating in the car on the go so you can avoid the drive thru! Or heck, give yourself a “Drive Thru” night but be intentional about it. It’s amazing the guilt it relieves.

Drive-Thru Night - Tuesdays or restaurant for Mark, Ian, Eli  ---- or Saturdays

6. Which day of the week is best for you to grocery shop? Plan your weekly rotation starting either that day or the next. I meal plan on Sunday, shop on Monday morning, the week starts Monday evening.

Tuesday night after supervision @ Walmart on Miller Lane or Kroger on Northwoods Blvd

OUR MEAL-PLANNING NIGHTS

Monday: Soup  & Sandwich Night— (canned soups & sandwiches); paninis; tomato basil & grilled cheese or open-face sandwiches

Tuesday: Crockpot Night – This is one of our busy after-school days (swimming lessons-. I will plan ahead in the morning so something hot is waiting for us when we get home.

Wednesday: International Night/Eat from the Pantry Night — Wide variety of foods: Greek (gyros), Chinese (stir-fry), Mexican (tacos, skillet burritos), Thai. 

Thursday: Pasta/Italian Night - (calzones, pizzadillas, rigatoni, ravioli, tortellini, spaghetti, chicken parmesan)

Friday: Family Game Night & Pizza Night — Depending on my mood that pizza might be homemade, it might be frozen, it might be delivery.

Saturday: Date Night OR Family Movie Party/Brinner Night — (breakfast foods for dinner - i.e., french toast, pancakes, eggs, smoothies) or we’ll eat out at a restaurant (alone or with the kids).

Sunday: Drive-Thru Lunch/Night or Picnic (small group night) — Pack foods for a cooler that you’re eating in the car on the go so you can avoid the drive thru! or eat in Mark's office after church.

EXAMPLE: http://www.peanutblossom.com/blog/2013/10/bringing-back-our-family-meals.html/

Monday: Soup  & Sandwich Night— I will be experimenting with the dozens of ideas from my favorite cookbook Enlightened Soup and pairing it either with a homemade bread fromthis bread machine baking book or with fresh baked biscuits from a tube or a grilled sandwich. (When warmer weather comes around this will switch to Salad for Dinner Night and still involve fresh bread.) Please note: these are books I’ve already had in my library but which were collecting dust!

Tuesday: Crockpot Night – This is one of our busy after-school days (swimming lessons-. I will plan ahead in the morning so something hot is waiting for us when we get home.

Wednesday: Noodle Night – My family could eat pasta every night of the week and be happy. This ensures my kids that at least one night of the week something “easy” and 100% acceptable will be on their plates.

Thursday: International Night — This was the trickiest thing for me to work into the routine. We love to eat a wide variety of foods: Greek, Chinese, Mexican, Thai. I didn’t want to dedicate one whole night to each of those. Yuck. Rather, I look at this night as more of a free for all for our more adventures recipes. I will likely work in those flavors into other nights of the week (Tortilla soup on Mon., Sweet & Sour Meatballs on Tues. in the crockpot) but this is the one night where I’m guaranteed to turn to one of our  favorites (Annie’s chicken gyros for example).

Friday: Family Game Night & Pizza Night — Depending on my mood that pizza might be homemade, it might be frozen, it might be delivery.

Saturday: Date Night OR Family Movie Party — This will be our “Popcorn for Dinner” night or we’ll eat out at a restaurant (alone or with the kids).

Sunday: Casserole Or Sunday Roast — With the extra time on Sundays, I can do a traditional roasted meat & potatoes meal or if we’re busy having fun, a casserole fresh or from the freezer.

Edited to add: The adorable meal planning pad I have is sold here.  I love it because it has a magnetic strip that sticks to the fridge!! But the sheets are tear-off so you could display it any way you like. The bottom half is a perforated tear-off grocery list which is handy too.