aMaZiNg new recipe! Thia Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room, shall we? Yes, I have been away from this beloved blog for quite some time. I could say that I was abducted by aliens and forced to travel the universe--and all I got was this t-shirt--or that perhaps I have been busy writing the latest blockbuster showcase symphony that will knock your socks off--or I forgot my login and password to blogspot... Ummm, nope. None are true. I just became out-of-touch with it all and went on to other interests without (GASP!) blogging about it! I love writing, but it doesn't seem like I make the time for things I love, lately.

Yesterday, however, was an exception! I LOVE to cook and bake. Clean-up, not so much, but the preparing and presenting of a new dish is a wonderful experience! Especially when it is as delicious and well-received as this one!

I found a new blog, Iowa Girl Eats, and was smitten right away. I found an old recipe of her's, back to the end of February 2012 (hahaha) and decided to put that ground turkey in the fridge to the test. Oh, oh, oh my!! Was this EVER good!! The peanut sauce is amazing! I have joined Weight Watchers and figured the points to be 8 points plus per burger, and that includes the Sandwich Thins bun! I served it with sweet potato fries (3 PP/3 oz) and I was going to make a tossed salad, but my inspiration and energy only went so far, you know?

Click here for the link to the recipe from Iowa Girl Eats blog.

Giveaway!!!

Sooooo... Familylicious is having an awesome giveaway this week. It is for a Silhouette--a personal digital cutting tool. I would LOVE to win this!! I would use it for my Sunday School class (decorating, memory verse activities, etc.) and in homeschooling. I would also love to use it to personalize gifts and cards. You can also make vinyl adhesives for your walls!!! Go on over and check it out!!! Click here for the giveaway site! Hurry... the giveaway ends January 2nd!

Wordless Wednesday...Vintage

Long time, no write, hmmm? Thought I had been swept from the earth, did you? Well, here's a teaser to at least keep you from deleting me entirely! :) My contribution to a not-so Wordless Wednesday!!

Here are some other places to check out WW stuff... Go Graham Go, Jolly Mom, and WW HQ.

Please, please pray....

Please pray for the Baudek family and especially their little 6 year old son, Jacob. He was ill during the recent storms in Arizona and his parents packed he and his sister up in their Chevy Avalanche to take him to get medical care. They had to cross a wash and then decided it was not safe to drive because of the rains and the potential for flooding, so they turned back. Their vehicle got caught in the swiftly, ever increasing running water in the wash and was pushed downstream and they were forced out. The mom was able to get to higher ground, but the father had to stay in the truck bed, holding on to the two children and a rope a witness threw to him. After two hours, he lost his grip and tried to make it to shore with the children. The girl was able to get to safety, but the father lost his grip on his son and he was taken downstream in the swift current. This was two days ago. They don't hold much hope that little Jacob survived. I am still praying for him, that somehow he survived this ordeal and the Lord is protecting him. Please pray for his family at this time and for Jacob. They are searching again today.

His older sister is friends with my daughter and I have known her for several years. My heart was breaking when I heard this on the news, even before I knew of the personal connection. Now, my heart is heavy and drawn out in constant prayer for their peace and comfort. I cannot begin to fathom the sorrow they are feeling.

Thank you all.

(Here is the story in the Arizona Republic for any who would like to read it. It has been on the national news, as well. This would be difficult for a family at any time, but imagine the entire nation knowing your plight--hopefully this means more concentrated prayers for Jacob and the Baudek family.)

Pei Wei Holiday Food Drive!

It has been a looong time since I last posted. It isn't because there aren't the awesome deals available (quite the contrary!) or that my life has become extremely sedentary and boring. This event, however, has caused me to delve deep for that Blogger password so I could pass on this amazing nugget of info!

I don't know about you, but I LOVE Pei Wei Asian Diner. My favorite and most ordered meal is the Mandrin Kung Pao Chicken--oooohh sooooo good! My daughter loves the Chicken Lo Mein and my son devours the Honey Seared Chicken in a hurry.

I am so excited about Pei Wei's Holiday Food Drive. It is a win-win-win for all! Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 2nd, bring a non-perishable food item in to your local Pei Wei location, give it to Pei Wei who, in turn, gives you 25% off any one entree (one discount per check)! Pei Wei is even more awesome when I save $$!

So, plan your day! Get some non-perishable food to donate (I am sure they wouldn't turn down multiple donations!) and dream about the scrumptious Asian food you will dine on for 25% off!!

10 ways to slash your grocery bill...

I just have to tell you to click on over to Mummy Deals and watch her 10 part series on slashing your grocery bills. This is really good stuff! Such simple things to do that will make a HUGE difference in your budget. Sure, there are things she addresses that you already do (pat yourself on the back!), but there is so much more here that you could easily implement!

Run on over and check her site out! It'll be worth it! (And she has a great accent to boot!)

Wordless Wednesday: The Sea of Galilee

My husband & I took a trip to Egypt and Israel with a group from our church in 2007. These pictures are of the Sea of Galilee...we were blessed enough to be able to take a boat on it, as well!