Chicken Pot Pie!!

Nothing.. I mean NOTHING!! like warm veggies and tender chicken cooked in a crumbly crust!! Made from scratch ((except the crust, I used a Betty Crocker product)) the sauce that's bringing all the flavors was created with such care! AND dedication!! You must have both when cooking and baking, I've come to learn this lesson over time.. and yes- I do mean that I've made some pretty nasty dishes : ) and this makes me giggle right now because I know my love ate everyone of them, how darn sweet is that?!! <3 : D 
  Back to my very first pot pie recipe.. I did retrieve it from allrecipes.com .. I must note the author/baker: Robbie Rice, she's from Dayton, Ohio. But, if my family loves it- it's going in the box where I will add to it later... I'm hoping to make a beef pot pie!! Upon looking at the stove timer, our dinner has 11 minutes to go.. 
 WISH ME BLESSINGS!! I don't have a plan B .. : )
GOD is LOVE,
  Jessica Shenk


   6:27pm


Alright!!! : D zero time left, my pot pie is resting on the counter! I had ago at the crust just to make sure it was good.. IT'S DELICIOUS! The perfect pie crust, thank you Betty Crocker!! I can't wait for my family to enjoy this meal!! 


I'm off to prepare the table!! <3

 Jessica Shenk
  


It is now 8:08pm and the girls are in bed, the dishes done and XBOX on. : ) I've uploaded a picture of my pot pie, just moments after leaving the oven. 


It was the most delicious pot pie I've ever had. My husband "LOVED" it! <3<3<3
The flavors of the celery seed, salt and pepper saturated the veggies. And the chicken was so tender and rich! The crust..
 WAS AMAZING! Betty Crocker really knows how to make a pie crust! I let about a tablespoon of butter coat the top and then left it melting while I still had two minutes on the timer.. The crust was so moist and flaky! EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS RECIPE ROCKS!!


I hope my family and friends find this helpful for their next meal. 
GOD IS LOVE.
Jessica 

Bag'o LOVE!!

Every night Hayden asks her daddy if he would put her in a bag... For 3 years at least 10 times a week she would get her bag.. the best thing about this is having another little babe in that bag! LYLABELL!! 

 WE LOVE OUR DADDY!! HE'S THE BEST!

god is <3 

Chocolate-Hazelnut Gelato on the Food Network

   This is so simple! I'm using raw sliced almonds instead of hazelnuts AND those are about to lay in the oven for a few minutes!
 We are now waiting for the ingredience to chill    : -   )  !!!!
The ice-cream maker is prepped and ready to go!! After I whip up some home-made mac n' cheese.. the Gelato should be ready! ((pictures will come later)) I hope our friends and family can enjoy the recipes I post. I know our family does <3

  Love,
Jessica Shenk
  p.s. best moments ahead: .. Baking cinnamon and raisin bread with my husband <3 <3!!




UPDATE:
  Gelato... DELICIOUS!! Using toasted sliced almonds in the mix was the best idea.. it gives the Gelato an almost peanut butter taste.. it has just the right amount of chocolate for a savory cold snack!! I can't wait to make this again! 
  Cinnamon Raisin Bread: SOOO GOOD!! Just had a slice with some butter spread.. SIMPLY DELICIOUS! Though I was a little exhausted my husband still packed the bread with a punch of goodness! Tomorrow I'll be making white bread.. I'm getting tired of shopping for factory made bread .. the girls will have to make due with our homemade loaves. Super excited again for tomorrow.. I have left over whipping cream so I'm going to make up some whip topping.. now I need to figure out what to place the lovely delightful cream upon!?  Pictures to come.. I hope! 
 Praying this quick update brings joy and peace to our family and friends <3 
Love always,
Jessi Shenk 

Chocolate-Hazelnut Gelato on the Food Network   <-clicking on the link with provide the ice-cream recipe!

Here is the Cinnamon Raisin Bread recipe! 

Ingredients 

• 1/2 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons warm water (105 degrees to 115 degrees)
• 1 cup warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F)
• 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2-3/4 cups and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup raisins
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons water
• GLAZE:
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons milk

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, 1/3 cup sugar, oil, salt and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Add raisins and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours. Punch dough down. On a lightly floured surface, divide in half. Roll each into a 15-in. x 7-in. rectangle. Combine cinnamon and remaining sugar; sprinkle over dough. Sprinkle with water. Starting with a short side, roll up tightly, jelly-roll style. Pinch seams and ends to seal. Place, seam side down, in two greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over loaves.

breakfast!

A common breakfast food around our home is chicken sausage! SUPER DELICIOUS!! Trader Joe's delivers the best AND it's always cheap!! We also love potatoes and eggs.. one thing we only have on special occasions.. BACON! : ( The greatest thing about only buying bacon every 2-3 months.. is getting it cut fresh from the deli.. thick, peppered slices .... so worth the wait! EGGS!!..Dun, dun dun! It has taken me 5 years to prefect our breakfast eggs, just the way my husband loves them! You might be thinking.. 5 years!? Well.. I hated making eggs so we rarely ate them.. then about a year ago we really dove into the egg business.. lol : ) And with trial and error.. the perfect egg was born! I am a master chef with over medium and scrambled eggs! Pancakes are another thing that took me a while to perfect .. but making pancakes everyday over the course of a few years.. can really bore a person : ) lol !! There are only so many blueberries and bananas you can mix in!
  We haven't had a coffee maker in months.. today would be the second morning my husband and I got to enjoy a warm cup of Joe, provided by our new coffee maker of course!

 Thought of the morning:
 Breakfast time for my family is bonding time.. Made with love, any meal can become that way. Especially when the man of the house prays over our food; it gives me a little more peace knowing that what we're eating has been blessed by our Father. Only the past few weeks have I come to realize how important it is to God, that we say grace before we eat.Our food travels .. as well as handled by a number of people and/or machines.. Not to mention.. God is our provider- why would we not take the time to ask Him for His grace??
 These are my thoughts.. I hope this letter finds our family and friends in a wonderful place.
 God is love.
Jessica Shenk

Just wanted to update the Pratt and Shenk family!!
       Today is November 3rd! As a family we have just celebrated our newest.. Lylabell Grace Shenk's 1st birthday! Now the snow is falling and winter soups are on my mind. I should be baking whole wheat bread real soon.. hopefully I can whip up one of my cravings.. Turkey and White Bean Chili!! :  ) The words of Rachael Ray: "YUM-O!"
 The girls and I were in the Valley for a week visiting family and friends.. Grandma Shenk was able to spend an entire day with both girls <3 She took them to a pumpkin patch AND hand-made a Snow White Princesses dress for Hayden Jade! She wore her new dress for 3 days!
       Hayden also spent 3 days with Grandma and Grandpa Pratt!! She got to hang out at church for a Harvest Party with fun games and dancing!
      Grandma Pratt had a successful surgery at OHSU.. She's at home now with a recovering period of 3 months.. Let's hope their solution to her issues.. is just that- a solution! We'll know more soon!

Christopher has been working overtime for his family.. which means fewer days/nights here at home. But that is something we live around.. It's bitter sweet, I tell ya! And speaking of Christopher- He just got home from an over night work schedule.. which means I'm off of here to give him more kisses!
 I hope this quick note finds our family and friends in a good place. We love every one of you!

God is love.

 Mrs. Shenk

This picture was taken by me.. Driving from my in-laws house in Grand Ronde to McMinnville, the morning of my mommy's surgery. It was so calming to know that God had made this morning.. there for the day and it's events were guided by Christ. (( a very peaceful feeling )) 

HAPPY 1st Birthday Lylabell Grace!

 Singing "Happy Birthday" to LB .. I guess we were off key .. we made her cry! 

Looking up at Daddy for reassurance .. she was so confused!! hehehe : ) 

 "Ok.. this is so yummy!! I'm all better now!" Lylabell Grace is 1 !!! 

 Eating her Birthday cake <3 She's allllll better now!

 Her new toy! 

 Sissy wanted to have matching dresses for LB's birthday!! Thank you Target for the discounted dresses!! WE LOVE A DEAL! <3 .. & they are super cute together! <3 sister love.. can't beat that! 

 Hayden and Lylabell Shenk <3 bffs <3 Big sister teaching little sister! 

Pictures of Hayden and Lylabell Shenk

Library TIME!!

 Dad took Hayden to the Library the other day.. came home with 3 books.

   Dad, Mom, Hayden and Lylabell all went to the Library the next day to take back those 3 books... We left with about 10 books!!




Hayden Jade Shenk with her stack of books!!

Here is Lylabell Grace ... walking .. pulling books!!












 BUNCH OF LOVE!!

My loves

After Dad had been gone for 4 days.. the girls really missed him. ((lotsoflove!!))

 Our mini road trip... Just outside of La Pine, a super large rock formation..  <3

In La Pine .. waiting for some milk : ) 

 Another stop along the way.. The Deschutes River and my sweet husband!! : ) 

 I have to share these because they make me smile <3 

 .. again.. my heart is smiling .. he's so cute! 

.. Amish White Bread

 About to leave for the store to gather bread (from scratch) ingredients.
   My husband mentioned that he would love to come home everyday to a house that smelled of fresh baked bread... so - that is what I shall master!!
 I have found an "Amish White Bread" recipe that 57,135 people LOVED and left the web page with 5 stars!!

    Pictures and comments to follow ... wish me blessings!!

<3 Jessica

 ps.. on a more personal note... I hope that my families are safe and left with joy and peace at the end of this day. And my sweet mother.. I pray that she finds healing and comfort in the next few weeks.. she misses her grand-daughters like crazy!! WE LOVE HER AND ARE ALWAYS THINKING ABOUT HER!! God is greater.. LOVE ..

While searching for the right bread flour in Safeway.. I realized we don't eat white bread .. we eat bread made of wheat. So.. I was excited to give wheat flour a try (( I hope I didn't mess up the taste.. the recipe I'm using is Amish "WHITE" bread.. lol )) Anyhow.. other than changing the bread type, I've also added less sugar.. the recipe called for 2/3 cup.. Someone left a comment saying it was too sweet.. so I only added in about 1/4 cup of sugar.. I split my large ball of dough into two halves.. I'm waiting only 6 minutes and 19 seconds for them to rise.. following that step, I will then place both loaves  into the oven where they will cook @ 350 degrees for.. again... thirty minutes! I'm super excited my kitchen should smell like baked bread VERY SOON!! "GIL" ~ Jessica  

" hope "

 I have found hope in making brownies...


    My sweet Hayden Jade has her own understanding of hope.


" Mommy, mommy, mommy!! Can I have a dip on my finger?" Hayden asked as I poured the brownie mix into the pan. "No, but if you can wait, you'll like what I have for you." I say back. "Oh I hope it's more for me to lick!".. "Hope, eh? .. sooo hope is a good thing?"
Hayden answered.. "Yes."


 My smile is so big and my heart is filled with joy - the hope I have for my daughters comes from Christ. If she has been listening to me speak of hope.. or pray with hope .. then the hope she understands has branched out from the hope I feel and love. This means that no matter the decisions she makes as a young teen into adulthood.. there is always hope for her to get back too the grace and everlasting peace that God has for her.. There He will be waiting.. with hope.. with love and His open arms.    ...  <3 


 A child's hope in the moments of their life, is so full of innocents. No worries, no cares.. only love. 
I'm so thankful for the box of brownie mix .. and the moments I got to share with Hayden. 
  A revelation. Simple but true.


I love you Hayden and the hope you have as a 4 year old. I think God is working wonders in your life and for your future as a Princess of God. I can't wait to encounter the hope you'll have as 14, 24, 34, 44, 54 year old woman. 

 Love,
Mommy J.

ps.. I can't wait to cut into our warm brownies!   

"Doggie"

 I am pleased to announce . . .  "Doggie" as Lylabell's first word!!

    The second greatest thing about that moment . . . Christopher was holding her <3

10 months and 26 days old.. what a blessing you are LB Grace, we love you!

                                                          

Grandpa Pratt & Lylabell Shenk - August 15, 2011

Goood morning! <3
   My husband is so wonderful. He's so kind and loving... this morning he was summoned to the other side of Oregon to figure out a few issues at Spirit Mountain Casino.. sadly he was up at 3 am .. yes - I was awaken by the light in the hall way.. as I walk into the kitchen to find him walking out the door.. I hear "I'm so sorry I have to get up so early."
  My love.. I'm so sorry you have to get up early. And drive hours .. work .. then drive back. You are so strong! Your will to learn and provide just what we need is nothing short of gracious. THANK YOU. 


 I am so thankful for you.
 You are a blessing.
 You have courage.


I can't wait  to kiss your face when you get home. And if you must stay over night ... I understand.. bitter sweet. That just means more kisses and snuggles later. 

I love you so much my Prince. 
  Your wife,
Jessica Shenk.  

yesterday..

 Who knew the wind blew ... ?!!

     Yesterday Chris and I took the girls down town to "Family time" Octoberfest 2011!! First.. we couldn't even see the festivities.. they limited it to one block.. Four inflatable bounce around play structures... and one booth for face paints. BORING!! Granted we got their an hour before they were to close AND the wind blew as if there was a tornado!! ... but who takes down their profit early? Needless to say we were disappointed, Hayden was VERY sad!! : (  
 The best part.. yummy Mexican food ((a date with my loves)) and a nice walk back to the car only to find our selves at the  "Spirit Hallowing" store : ) Grandpa Shenk.. YOU WOULD have loved their spooky displays.. The worker thought it would be funny to trick me with a   FAST jumping SPIDER! Yes.. I screamed and called the guy a jerk! hehe.. but I laughed and loved it! Hayden got to take home face paint which we'll be doing after breakfast.. she is super excited about it!! ((pictures to come))
 
 NOTE.. I really don't think "Octoberfest" should allow any type of children activities.. The section for adults only was packed with drinkers and party goers.. which is totally awesome!! That's all Octoberfest should be .. Adults.
 Anyhow.. the sky is filled with gray and the sun is no where in sight. I must run off to fulfill my motherly duties as well as hit the store!
 Ps. My love let me do a little shopping.. I got a new LC Lauren Conrad .. "light knit" sweater .. I bought it for the up coming winter months AND I'M SUPER EXCITED that I get to wear it today!! : )
 
 GOD IS LOVE.

Mrs. Shenk <3

Christopher Allan Shenk

 My sweet Prince.

If ever there was love at first sight.. Chris and I would be the very image staring back at the world. I can't even describe the rooted connection the two of us share. It's impossible with words .. our actions speak louder - and that.. is true friendship. I love him so much .. that yes ... I would die for him. And I know he'd do the same for me.

     Tragic you could ponder.. But so was Romeo and Juliet ... "Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night." - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, 1.5 


Chris is my everlasting soul mate. I truly believe he was created for me. The Lord knew my life and knows my heart- therefore Christopher was prepared by two loving parents for the role of a life time.. A husband and father. A father whom has never let his girls down.. ever. <3 What a sweet love story we're still writing.. 
 I love you Christopher Allan Shenk.. I will always put you second.. right under my Father in Heaven.. that's a pretty great spot on my list! 
Kisses,
 Jessi 

Lylabell Grace Shenk

Lylabell Grace was born on November 2nd 2010. She is such a fun little baby and quite different from her big sister when it comes to taking care of her!! She has taken it upon her self and has claimed the the red, green and while polka dotted blanket for her own.. for those of you who do not know of this blanket.. her big sister Hayden picked it out Christmas 2009 and couldn't sleep without it!! Now .. Lyla will hobble over to it as it lay on the floor get down and rest her little head. She is now the rightful own of one very special blanket.. one very special piece of Shenk history!
 Lylabell loves to meow like a kitty.. and smiles big when mommy barks like a puppy!
                 She tries.. but can't quite get it.. : )
She loves watermelon and snuggling on daddy's chest.
Lylabell loves to follow her sister Hayden around and is starting to make sounds when she's holding a stuffed animal as if she's playing pretend.. super cute!
 We were so blessed when Hayden came into our lives.. Lylabell Grace Shenk is the icing on the cake! It's twice as much work.. yet greater the reward!!
 We love you Lylabell Grace Shenk.. the world is even sweeter with you... God has so much grace and love for your parents because we have you.
 hugs.
Mommy

Hayden Jade Shenk

Hayden Jade Shenk, was born September 8th 2008. We found out she would be an extra special little babe while Dr. Rogers was searching around her ultrasound.. She would be born with Cleft-Lip and Palate...  Little did we know- the first year of her life would be the most hectic of ours! BUT.. I'm so thankful she wasn't born "normal" because my lover and I were gently forced into working together, which helped us become even more close and even more in love. 
     We live in Oregon, Portland has a facility called OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University)..  They do wonderful things for children with many aspects of need. One month after Hayden was born she was fitted with a nose stent and palate retainer.. The Specialist for Cleft-lip had just moved from New York to Portland and was introducing this new cutting edge product for the first time September 2008!! Amazing God's time-line for His children!! For the first five months of Hayden's life every two weeks we would drive from Florence Oregon (a boring coastal town, south) to Portland, so the Specialist could tighten Hayden's mouth piece... EVERY TWO WEEKS! At our six month mark.. she was scheduled to have her fist surgery.. "repair her lips" For four hours  ..  Grandma Pratt, Aunt Katie, Daddy and I sat and waited for her to come out of surgery.. Grandpa and Grandma Shenk was also there to support her little grand-baby!! 


    After she was rolled out and placed into her room, we finally got to see Hayden for the first time with a normal upper lip!! She was   BEAUTIFUL!!   


Her favorite thing waking up from surgery .. a very big transparent pink butterfly balloon!    
        My favorite thing... Her smile!! :  )

     At one year old, Hayden was scheduled for her palate surgery!! The day before this surgery, Uncle Don reserved us an extravagant hotel room AND Hayden got to visit the Portland Zoo!! There wasn't much of a facial feature change seeing as the palate is the roof of your mouth.. BUT.. We were able to switch from a special bottle AND introduce her to solid foods!! That was an awesome mile stone for our family!! : ) 
 ((Mommy and Daddy grew together and even more in love))

                                      . . . . <3 . . . .


  4 years and 15 days later... Hayden Jade Shenk loves to draw and color, play dress up, dance and watch Olivia on nickjr .. She also loves writing and numbers. She's very interested in the earth, space and L O V E S ... Jesus. She is a kind soul ... I can't believe the Lord wanted us to be her earthly guardians .. How amazing love can be!! She needed us and we most certainly need her. 


I love you Hayden Jade Shenk..
                                                 you are my Northern star.