Josie's Cheez-It Meatloaf

In my family Cheez-its are a big deal. They are a daily snack. Kids, parents, dog all love them. So, when I was making meat loaf this week I decided it might be a fun idea to use the Cheez-its in the meatloaf. I made two huge loaves and they were gone in minutes. I am pretty sure my dad ate half a loaf himself. He's a big guy and he had worked all day. He said it was really good. Please note that I don't always use exact measurements when cooking so feel free to add a bit and or leave out something/substitute to better suit your family. I cook and bake by taste. I'm all about recipe adjustments. I used ground turkey because I prefer it, but you can use regular ground beef as well. I also cooked for 8 so you can easily do a half recipe if you are not feeding an army like I am. Or make one and freeze one. I served it with mashed potatoes and corn because my kids love to mix those together. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
~4 eggs beaten
~one small box of Cheez-its (I used the original flavor but if you are feeling experimental feel free to try a different flavor and let me know how it goes. Smash into crumbs.
~1 cup milk
~1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
~1/2 cup Cheddar (you can use a full cup Parm but Seth loves Cheddar)
~1 cup onion (I think I used a bit less- that's a lot of onion for some people)
~2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
~2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
~2 teaspoons garlic salt (because in my family everything has to have garlic)
~3 pounds of ground turkey
~2 cups ketchup
~ 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup sugar (to taste)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a very large bowl mix everything except the ketchup, sugars and Worcestershire sauce.
Put the meat mix into two loaf pans.

In a separate bowl combine ketchup, sugar and Worcestershire, Mix to taste. (some may like it less sweet than others) Spread over loaves.

Bake at 350 for an hour.






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How I Do "It"

People often say to me, "I don't know how you do it." I think about that statement often. Mostly because I'm honestly not sure how I do "it" or what exactly what "it" is. I guess "it" is just our life. I think the most difficult aspect to "our life" is choices. I've come to realize that Seth and I are consistently making very difficult choices. Prayerfully. Years ago, these choices were excruciatingly difficult for me even after prayer.
 Raising and supporting 3, 4 and now 5 kids with a husband in school full time seemed impossible to me most days. I would wake up with panic attacks trying to figure out how I could manage it. Where would the finances come from? How would my kids adjust? How could I keep up with housework?

God started speaking to me pretty clearly after Rowan was born that certain things would have to fall away during this season of life. I made a list of priorities: God, my husband, my children and family, my church family, my students. This was it. I tried to focus on these ministries in my life. The ministry of wife, mother, daughter, servant, worshiper, teacher. This may have created a situation where friendships became difficult to maintain and sometimes it has felt lonely, but God has and a constant and faithful friend to me. Seth and I are moving into a season now that has the potential to be even more scary for me. In fact, I think it may be downright crazy. I also believe it is an important part of our growing and strong testimony to God's amazing love and faithfulness. I'm looking forward to see what miracles God has planned down this path. I know the beauty is in the journey, the bumps, the messy muddy parts too. This is what I know. I know that I can't do it. But, I also know who can and my faith rests in Him.

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalm 103:1-2

A lazy Saturday afternoon around the table.

I recently found a few Easter gifts that I forgot to put in the Easter baskets in my closet. Oops! So since the weather wasn't great afternoon I decided to give them out after the kids cleaned their rooms. They were glow in the dark art sets and they had hours of fun running in and out of the bathroom to see their masterpieces light up. Did I tell you these were buy one get one free and I had coupons? ;) Money well spent!

Coming Out of The Dark

I haven't written a blog in so long. I was getting concerned about a few followers I had reading but...I need to write; it is therapeutic for me. The last month has been amazing to say the least. I had our sweet baby Owen on January 11th. He is such a sweet little soul. We had just started to get into a routine when he started to get sick. I believe Rowan picked something at the doctor at a routine check and passed it to Owen, who got very sick, very fast. It is difficult for me to let myself really think about how sick he actually was. There was a moment when my dear friend came over and we had to talk about forgiveness if we lost him. There was 48 hours that were very, very scary.

I am so, so thankful that he is now home and doing so well. He has grown so much and is already showing his strength. I feel so blessed that he came home with us. I know that not all babies do. An illness like that right when you are born is very serious. We can't express our gratitude for the prayers for his healing. God's love has literally poured over our family. Meals, gifts, cards, prayers and well wishes. It has been honestly amazing. Seth and I have cried with joy over the amazing people God has placed in our lives. We are so humbled by the love. As we start to get back into our routine I can look back and see that we have been carried by this love and support. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

On a trip back to the hospital God spoke to me very clearly. He placed on my heart that the amazing story God has woven for my family isn't mine alone, it is my children's testimony as well. God's plans for Ryan, Orion, Ruby, Rowan and Owen are good ones. One day they all will have a serious, moving testimony of God. The very thought of it brings me to tears. My prayer is that as a family we shower the love we have felt in this time on others. I want my children to choose to be a blessing like so many have chosen to be to us.