Christmas Eve

I wanted to jot down what happened on Christmas eve before I forget. I will upload some pictures later..

We always spend Christmas eve with my FIL's side of the family. This was the first year the my FIL & his wife hosted dinner. Usually its my hubby's grandma but this year she passed the torch and ironically ended up with shingles.

Football was on tv, lots of snacks, dinner was good and gifts were an added bonus.

Aubriella got some outfits from her Pappy Roy & Grammy Sherri. She got her very first set of Steeler Pj's.  Also a handprint maker. Sherri's brother's family also joins us, they got Aubriella a dolly.

Anthony got a a NERF bow & arrow set, binoculars, a football, and I am sure there were other things I missed, like cars since he was in such a hurry to see his goodies. Oh also a Steemer from the Altoona Curve. He got a rocket set from Sherri's family too.

Chris got one of his favorite gifts, a Tony Romo stitched jersey, cowboys gloves, a Chili's gift card for the 2 of us to go on a date (we get this yearly, I love it). He also got a Penn State Tee shirt.

I got some OPI nail polish, a dooney and burke wristlet and wallet, A kitchen aid pink cutting board & chef's knife. I got a some handmade table runners and microfiber dish cloths. We both got some

money as well.

Because Grandma was puffy and wanted to stay home, I brought her a plate of food & brought her gifts over to her. She was happy we stopped in, I didn't want her to miss out on the fun, so we brought Christmas even to her :)

She got Anthony a DS & some games and McDonalds gift card, Aubriella got a baby einstine turtle, octopus, and teether. Chris got a junitper jack, Carthard jacket, and gift card for Prime Sirloin. I got some super cute Temp-Tations dishes, I love them, and a V necklace.

We read The Night Before Christmas and tucked Anthony into bed. Miss Aubrie stayed up until around 1:30am. Chris and I wanted to start exchanging gifts on Christmas eve when the kids are asleep, so we can enjoy each other.

Chris got me a beautiful picture frame, some wax tarts and a food processor that I have been waiting for for ever now. :) He got me other stuff that I picked out but that is what he surprised me with.

 I got him a dallas cowboys ball cap, new wallet, and the last 3 Harry Potter movies. He loves those movies and now he has the complete set of movies.

2 weeks ago we exchanged gifts with my mom's ex husband and his girlfriend. It sounds odd but he was my step dad for 21 years of my then 23 so I still love him and welcome him in our family. He & his g/f got me a cake stand *squeel* a serving plate, and bath and body works. They got Anthony some tinker toys and a cowboys shirt. Aubriella got some new clothes, she is such a fashionista already.

That same week we did gifts with my mom and her husband.. they got Chris some Harry Potter movies, myself some wax tarts and a very pretty snowflake necklace.. Anthony got a criss cross race track and Aubrie got an elmo guitar. My sister got me a very pretty orinament for the tree & a mug, Chris got a Cowboys snuggy, Aubrie got some toys and Anthony did too.. cars for his track.

Getting ready to say goodbye...

To 2011 that is! I get excited this time of year to begin a new year and a fresh start of sorts. I line up all these ideas and goals, in high hopes of getting life all organized and running more smoothly. Savings, weight, household, all kinds of things to come... lots of ideas on Pinterest just waiting for me to use them! Can't wait to up date the blog more often too..

Good bye 2011 and soon hello to 2012

Christmas Fun

Here are a few things we'll be doing to celebrate Christmas threw out the month.

Family pictures

Hot coco

ABC Family Movies

Pictures with Santa

Read a Christmas book each night before bed

Make a snowman

Go see Christmas lights

Make a gingerbread house

Make cookies

Decorate the tree

Anthony's personal tree this year

Pick out special hot coco mugs for movie nights

Spend extra time with family <3

Santa shop with the kiddies

Decorate outside

Brave making fudge

Try my hand out at tea tarts

Pick some new ornaments for the tree

Enjoy each day cause it goes sooo fast!!

November 5th, 2011

I am thankful for Chris, my husband. We've been together almost 8 years now, have 2 beautiful children, and a great relationship. We've experienced life's ups and downs together and I know that no matter what happens we'll always have each other. Thank you Chris, for not only being my husband, but my best friend, and the best daddy to Anthony and Aubriella. 8 years down, and forever to go.

November 4th, 2011

I am thankful for Aubriella. My sweet baby girl. I thank God she is healthy, and growing oh so fast. She is such a beautiful girl. Determined, sweet, and cuddly. I never knew the bond of a Mother and a daughter and she has given this to me. She is more than I ever prayed for and I cannot be thankful enough. She always has such a big smile on her face, and brings one to mine everytime.

Aubriella just last week, going shopping at the mall.

November 3rd, 2011

I am thankful for Anthony. Anthony is our first child, and our only son. He is smart, handsome, witty, caring, and so funny. I thank God he is all those things, I'm thankful he can run, jump, play, and be a healthy child. Having Anthony changed my life for the very best.

Anthony when we were in the hospital when he was born.

Anthony goofing off waiting for the school bus on the first day of 1st grade.

-I love you so Anthony, so much more than you'll ever know.

November 2nd, 2011

November 2nd - Today I am thankful for my marriage. I know that no matter what bumps, twists, and turns life has in store for us, we face them together. ♥

November 1st, 2011

Today I am thankful for good health. For myself, my husband's, and our two beautiful children's. I think this is something that is often taken for granted & I want to stop and be thankful for this.

:)

I pinned it and did it!

I love pinterest.. love love love it. But it seems I only pin stuff.. and never do it. So here is one of the pins I did do..

credit

Such a great idea for junk in the car... I just used shopping bags and actually had some cereal holders that I was going to toss cause they let the cereal get stale. I'm glad I repurposed them and the old grocery bags.

Fall Bucket List

Fall Bucket List

Visit the pumpkin patch.

Take pictures outside of the kids.

Make caramel dipped apples.

Make a pumpkin roll together.

Collect leaves.

Go for a nice hike.

Make fried apples together.

Go to a football game.

Trick or Treat

Carve pumpkins

Taste apple cider

Roast pumpkin seeds

Corn maze/hayride

Read some halloween books

Watch some halloween movies

Boo our neighbors.

Make halloween sugar cookies.

Make halloween jello jigglers.

Anthony and I collected leaves for his classroom door. We tasted apple cider, I like just a swallow, Anthony voted yuck & Chris finished it. Chris and I enjoyed a home football game, our team lost..boo!

Family happenings

The past couple days we have had some beautiful fall weather. Just perfect for me.. I love warm days and crisp nights. The only dilemma I have this year is knowing how to dress Aubriella if we plan to leave for most of the day. I have been layering her clothes, but I feel bad for putting so many clothes on her. At least as the day warms up and cools back down, she has what is needed. Amoung other happenings, Anthony lost his first tooth, his bottom, front, left tooth. He did very well on his spelling test this week, the repetition has been really helping him. On Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning we had a very bad lightening storm come threw and sure enough my fears happened.. our home and tree were struck by lightening. Thankfully no fire because it was raining it didn't catch, I did smell singed pine needles from the tree though. I have never heard such a loud crack of thunder or see such a bright light in my life.. some how my husband slept right threw.. all we lost was our TV, x-box, home theater, dvd player, and our modems for the computers. I thank God that was it. When our son was 6 weeks old we lost everything in an apartment fire, I don't think we could do that again having our 4 month old daughter. We had a nice family day trip yesterday when we drive up state to see the elk in the Elk County vistors area. I can't believe how big elk are and how beautiful they are. Aubriella even enjoyed all the fresh air and fell asleep on our wagon ride. Speaking of Aubriella, gotta scoot, she's fussing for me. Happy Monday!

Menu Plan Monday September 12th.

Well into September already!! My lil fella has been in school on this 3rd week already & recently discovered he has his very first loose tooth! Today our wee girl turns 4 months old too!! Boy time sure does fly. She had her check up last week and the doctor says she is perfect, which of course I already knew.

Monday- Taco Ring topped with sour cream, lettuce, & tomato.
Tuesday- Italian Sticky Chicken, corn on the cob from our garden, and Mashed potatoes with bacon and cheddar.
Wednesday- Beef and Barley soup with crusty bread
Thursday- Stuffed shells and bread
Friday- Honey BBQ ribs and cole slaw, corn from the garden.
Saturday- L.O. Buffet or Chinese take out.
Sunday- MIL's for dinner I do believe

Hope everyone has a wonderful week! For more menu plans visit Organizing Junkie!

Christmas in September?

Anyone else thinking Christmas thoughts yet?? I'm well aware people are thinking I am nuts, and ya know what? I probably am.. but that is a whole 'nother post.  I usually begin my Christmas shopping this time of year. There is lots of clearance and sales to be had right around this time, and its great to have a nice stash of stuff already taken care of around the time November rolls around. We buy a little something for everyone in our immediate family so it can really add up. If I buy something here and there now, its not as a huge expense later. So while I'm off in town later on this morning I will be keeping my eyes open for some great Christmas deals. As long as I don't forget where I stashed it later.. not that that has ever happened!!

September Goals

Goals

1. Continue to get up at 6:30 am (way too early) and keep a bedtime routine for the kids.

2. Defrost and re-organize the deep freezer. I've been using up everything so I can defrost it since it has an inch or so of ice build up on the sides. I also bought some color coordinated milk crates at Wal-Mart to make finding things easier. I hate leaning over and digging around forever in there to find some. And mostly hate my poor freezer burnt fingers afterward.

3. Decorate for fall.

4. Plan family game nights, using the board games we have and probably borrowing from friends and family.

5. Make dinner 5/6 times a week.

6. Try at least one new recipe a week.

7. Bake some seasonal goodies, using the apples and peaches.

8. Get family pictures taken since almost all of our pictures are missing one key person.. me.

9. Read to the kids more.

10. Spend a little time focusing on my friendships also. Although they are last in line.

11. Save, save, Save, save!! Christmas is not that far away, and I start my shopping around this time. If I see a good deal I have money put up so I can buy it now and store it for later.

12. Date my Husband <3. I really enjoy when we can connect just the two of us as Chris and Vikki, not Mama and Daddy. I really do love his company and doing things with him.

13. Read more, and not blogs and pinterest.

14. Finish our love language book together.

15. Perhaps visit the Pittsburgh zoo.

16. Do a few of the ideas I have pinned for later, now is better than any time. 

17. Attend Church every Sunday & get involved.

18. Smile more.

19. Spend more time with our families.

20. Take my sister out for dinner.

 

I have a little catching up to do..

Since I am up early, I get a lot of stuff done around the house first thing in the morning. As long as I keep myself moving I don't get too tired until around 3. Getting up at 6:30 while taking care of a 3 month old at night has its days where I think I am a zombie, and others are just fine. Luckily for me, my husband helps as much as his work schedule allows, and Aubriella is a fairly good sleeper. We haven't been too busy doing things as much as we are busy doing life. Anthony started 1st grade Monday morning. It was bittersweet to see him go. I know he'll have a better year this year, and I'm excited to see how he does with a new teacher. A new school year is a like a fresh clean slate. Hubs has been busy working and doing outside work, now that it rains again he seems to cut grass up to twice a week. In July our grass was all crunchy and brown, but now its back to being lush and green. Of course Anthony is busy with school, playing, and being super mouthy!! Aubriella is doing her thing too, she now rolls all overr the livingroom floor, actually plays with her toys, and hangs out with me all day. I've been busy taking care of everyone.. and pinning on Pinterest! :) I love that site!! Well here was a quick review! I plan to start joining in the blog hops I enjoy reading.. happy Wednesday!

Crock Pot Country Ribs

Crock Pot Country Ribs

Any amount of boneless country ribs you need

seasonings on hand

bbq sauce

Trim up the ribs, removing any big pieces of fat. Next brown them in a little bit of oil then transfer to the crock pot. Season up with whatever you have, I used salt, pepper, and garlic. And a bit of water. Cook on high for 5-6 hours. Line a cookie sheet with foil, put ribs on the sheet in a single layer, and pour a little bbq sauce on each. Heat on 350 until they caramelized.

Copycat: Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless skinless
• 4 teaspoons cajun seasoning
• 4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, fresh shredded, to taste

Directions

1. Slightly moisten chicken with water.
2. In a large resealable plastic bag, shake chicken and cajun seasoning until chicken is thoroughly coated.
3. In large skillet, saute chicken in 2 tablespoons butter, over medium heat, turning whenever necessary.
4. When chicken is about half-way done, grab a second skillet and combine heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, and remainder of seasonings over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. When cream mixture begins to bubble, add the pasta and turn off heat. Stir well.
6. When chicken is cooked through, place on cutting board and slice into strips.

This was really good. I made it for my hubby and he loved it. Anthony ate some too, and he is a bit more picky. I will say to go ahead and make the whole box of pasta since there is a lot of extra leftover sauce. I love making a copycat recipe because then we can eat as much as we want, control the quality of the ingredients, and best of all, stay home!

Buttery Crisp Sauteed Green Beans

Buttery Crisp Sauteed Green Beans
found at Mommy's Kitchen

Kosher Salt (to taste)
3/4 - 1 lb (pound) fresh green beans, trimmed
2-3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup water
Freshly Ground Pepper
Using a large bowl prepare a ice water bath and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt. Cook green beans until crisp tender, about 3-5 minutes. using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans to the ice water bath (this will stop the cooking process). Drain and set aside. In a large sauce pan bring 1/4 cup water and butter to a boil over medium high heat. Saute' the beans until they are just heated through. Season with coarse salt and fresh ground pepper.

Very good, and a yummy way to use up the huge amount of green beans at harvest time. What a difference when you cook fresh green beans compared to the ones in a can.

Best Of Intentions

Since the weather is cooling off and back to school will be starting I should have more time to post recipes. Also with the fall coming, I'll be able to do more creative cooking. I really can't wait for comfort food recipes to come. I have been using my Delicious tab, and Pinerest like crazy so stay tuned for some yummy stuff and more post coming.

Chicken LoMein

Chicken LoMein
adapted from jollymom

Ingredients

* 1 tablespoon cornstarch

* 1 teaspoon ground ginger

* 1/4 cup soy sauce

* 2 tablespoons chicken broth - leave out

* 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

* 1 teaspoon reduced-sodium chicken bouillon granules

* 1/2 cup hot water

* 6 ounces uncooked Asian noodles or linguine - spaghetti noodles

* 1/2 pound medium fresh mushrooms, sliced - leave out

* 1/4 pound fresh snow peas - frozen

* 1 large sweet red pepper, julienned

* 1/2 cup carrots, julienned

* 3 green onions, cut into 2 inch pieces

* 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

* 2 teaspoons sesame seed oil - leave out

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, ginger, soy sauce and broth until smooth. Add chicken and stir to coat; set aside. In a small bowl, dissolve bouillon granules in 1/2 cup hot water; set aside. Cook noodles according to package directions.

2. In a large wok, stir-fry mushrooms, snow peas, red pepper and green onions in 1 tablespoon canola oil for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender.

3. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same skillet, stir-fry chicken mixture in remaining canola oil for 2-3 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.

4. Stir in dissolved bouillon. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Return vegetables to skillet. Drain linguine; add sesame oil and linguine to skillet. Toss to coat. Cook 1-2 minutes longer or until heated through.

We've had this a couple times, this also makes great leftovers. It is a bit time consuming but very good and better than takeout. 
5/5 from all 3 of us

Menu Plan Monday

Already the end of June?? Where'd time go? I wonder even more where the last 6 years have went? My little fella will be 6 on Friday, how can that be? And my little lady.. 6 weeks! :( I don't know if my poor heart can handle them growing up so fast! Here's this week's menu plan..

Monday- Chinese buffet at home.
Tuesday- MIL's for dinner
Wednesday- Crockpot bbq country ribs, mac salad, and baked beans
Thursday- Calzone and salads
Friday- Anthony's Birthday, if we get a chance to go out we will but Daddy works till 6pm. Perhaps we'll go to the local amusement park with Grandma during the day if its not too hot for the wee girl.
Saturday- Skillet lasagna and if there is salad stuff still here that too, maybe garlic toast. I gotta get making some cup cakes and whatever else I get figured out for his birthday party.
Sunday- Anthony's birthday party in the evening.. hard to tell what we'll have during the day..

Recipe Review: Sweet BBQ Chicken Kabobs

I was blog hopping and came across this recipe for the grill, and with these temps, I love making dinner outside.

Sweet BBQ Chicken Kabobs
found at Hoosier Homemade

Ingredients:

• 1-2 pounds chicken, boneless skinless, cut into chunks
• 1 whole fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
• 1 each red, yellow and green peppers
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 6 tablespoons orange juice concentrate, thawed

Directions:

1. Soak wooden skewers in water about 15-20 minutes.
2. Thread chicken, peppers and pineapple onto skewers.
3. Mix barbecue sauce and orange juice concentrate in a small bowl and set aside.
4. Heat the grill to medium-high.
5. Brush half of the sauce onto the skewers.
6. Grill 8-10 minutes or until chicken is done, turning occasionally.
7. Brush on remainder of sauce while skewers are cooking.

Servings:
This recipe makes about 18-20 skewers, with a little sauce left over. You can easily cut the recipe in half.
To grill pineapple, cut a 1/2 inch thick slice of fresh pineapple and place on grill. Turning once until the pineapple is slightly brown and there are grill marks on the pineapple.
Variations:
In place of chicken, you can also use salmon, pork or shrimp. In place of the fresh pineapple, you can use a can of pineapple chunks.

These are delish! They are a bit time consuming to chop, and thread everything but it works nicely when your hubby helps and your sister is in visiting to hold the baby :)

I enjoyed it all, including the pineapple, that we only put a few on in case we didn't like it, hubby, and my sister like it also. The bbq sauce I used was Wegman's brown sugar sauce & I used regular OJ since that is what I had. Next time I'll use some red onions too.

Me- 5/5 rating
Hubby-5/5
Kiddo- he ate it so he must have liked it, but left some peppers behind

Menu Plan not on Monday..

I'm late, I had the plan on the fridge but just not here. Wee girl and her brother have been keeping me busy. Suppose I didn't say much about having the baby.. yup.. May 12th, 2011. I will elaborate more later.

Monday- Picnic at my Dad's just some burgers and hot dogs
Tuesday- Cowboy burgers potato salad & corn on the cob.. corn on the cob has become an expensive treat.
Wednesday- BBQ chicken wraps with pasta salad I think.
Thursday- Hot dogs with baked beans and leftover salad
Friday- Slowcooker lasagna with texas toast
Saturday- Chicken bbq that our grandmother got us tickets for, its a fundrasier.
Sunday- ?? Not sure quite yet.. we'll see :)

Kiddo gets out of school on Friday so its the unoffical start to summer for us! :)

Tear Pad Coupons.

You probably see them all over the stores, little tear pad coupon booklets. Often when I see them, the product isn't on sale nor a good price including the coupon. However, you can take a couple and use them when you see fit. I did this a couple weeks ago at the Family Dollar. I saw Ragu coupons, for .50 cents off a jar of sauce they had priced at 2.99 each. The coupon and their prices wasn't good to me but I knew if I used that coupon at the grocery store they'd double it to a dollar. I took a couple for later. This week a local store has Ragu 10 for 15, if you buy all 10 at once they were 10 for 10.. I had a couple coupons so I went back for more, and they were still there. I was able to double all 10 coupons and get free Ragu sauce. Since there is no limit I might go get 10 more. We will use it all up. I know there is a hording issue lately for couponing but I can promise I have no desire to clear the shelves. I think if I got 20 its a reasonable amount for my spaghetti and pasta loving boys to finish within the year.

So the next time you see a tear pad of coupons, grab a couple, ya never know.

CVS Trip & Chatter

For those of you who think clipping coupons and watching the ads is a waste of time, you are in for a surprise. A little time and effort goes a long way. Now that I'm a stay at home mom again, I'm getting back into the swing of things. Part of my job now is to make sure the money my Husband makes stretches as far as it can, allowing me to stay home. We by no means have a lot to spend any ways. Its such a good feeling when I can make the money he works hard for go further.

Today at CVS I got:

8 pack of bounty paper towels- sale price- 7.99 - original price 9.99
3 pack of Ivory soap on sale for .99 cents - ?

Use a .25 cent coupon for bounty and a 1.00 coupon for the Ivory.
-4 ECB (had to be used today it expires)
Total- 3.96 and got back 2 ECB.

Awesome deal. I use the Ivory to make homemade laundry soap..even more frugal :)

Menu Plan Monday

Still no baby. Her official due date is Thursday & I have an appointment tomorrow so we'll see how things are going then. As anxious as I am, I want to enjoy these last few days of being pregnant with her. This is the only time in her life that I will be able to completely protect her from everything else. I have a ton of emotions running threw me. I've had a stressful week too.. lost my purse, car broke down and too much to fix, need new car, hubby works 12 hour shifts over night.. ahh! Just a few crazy things but if I keep praying God will help me threw.

Sunday- Pork chops seasoned and fried, baked potatoes, and peas.
Monday- Meatloaf using this recipe but not in the microwave or with that sauce. I will use ketchup and brown sugar on it. Mashed potatoes, Gravy, Corn & Salads.
Tuesday- Taco Pizza here eventually I can get the recipe up. I am just going to use crunched up tortilla chips instead of shells. That is what I have.
Wednesday- Buffet, whatever you can find in the fridge you can eat. I just planned this far so we can see what the doctors say... I didn't wanna get too much then have it go bad or whatever.

Happy May ya'll. Hope all the April showers bring you May flowers.
You can find loads more menu plans if you visit Organizing Junkie

Recipe Review: Cheddar Ranch Dip

For my baby shower in March I made a few different dips and served them as part of the meal/snacks. One of them was Cheddar Ranch Dip aka Crack Dip. This was crazy good.. in fact I made it the day before and it almost didn't make it to the party! LOL I wold suggest eating it the next day because after a day or two it starts to get funky.


Cheddar Ranch Dip

1 16 oz Sour Cream ( you can use fat free)
1 Ranch Dip Packet
1 3 oz jar of bacon bits
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Mix the sour cream and dip pack together then add the cheese and bacon bits. Mix well and chill for at least 20 mins.

I served this with wheat crackers and club crackers There were other veggies and chips everyone could mix up whatever they wanted but I liked the crackers best.


5/5 stars for sure!

Menu Plan

Still no baby! She's stubborn, her father would say just like me. I am so anxious about giving birth again and having a baby at home, that I think its making me a bit crazy. Some nights get I get so anxious I can't sleep. I do praise God for a healthy pregnancy, and that she can come any day and we'll have no health worries. What a relief. Hopefully I can make a small Easter dinner here at home and not have hospital food or no food! Someone better bring me dinner if I am there with the baby! Here is my plan, and since I don't know what Aubriella has in store for us, its just a plan. Oh yeah, our lil fella, will be starting soccer for the first time on Tuesday! He is so incredibly excited, and I can't wait either!

Monday- Smoked sausage cooked in a wee bit of apple jelly and bbq sauce. Baked potatoes & garden salads.
Tuesday- Marinated Steak Strips, & corn on the cob with taters again.. yup. First night of practice for the lil guy!
Wedneday- Elbow Mac with meat sauce and homemade garlic toast. OB appointment & Easter Party at school. Donno if I can juggle both, but sure am going to try! Maybe a later appointment.. need to call.
Thursday- Leftovers or chinese night for us.. unless pizza night?
Friday- Deciding.. need some inspiration
Saturday- Easter Potluck with In-laws at Papa's house.. we're going to spend more time with him since the holidays have to be the hardest without Mimi. I'm making hashbrown casserole and green beans.. maybe deviled eggs from the colored eggs.
Sunday- Ham, green bean casserole, and sweet potatoes. A dessert & if I find some more inspiration around blog land.
Check out
http://orgjunkie.com/2011/04/menu-plan-monday-april-1811.html
for more inspiration!

Meau Plan Monday

Well there is no baby news.. she's still in there and I am still waiting on her baby stuff to be shipped. Recently I got some stuff for her cradle and didn't realize its not sold in stores so I ordered on ebay and the lady decided to go out of town before shipping. Wish I had known that before, I wouldn't have anxiously waited day in and day out. I am full of anxiety now. Hubby just started his new job today, and Aubriella could be here any day. Anthony said before he got on the school bus today "Please come tomorrow Aubrie". He is going to be a magnificent big brother. So here is our menu for the week!

Sunday- BBQ ribs (Anthony's favorite) and pasta salad
Monday- Chili Dogs, Mac and cheese, and Baked Beans. I love Chili dogs and this recipe looks great. Well also have diced onions on top.
Tuesday- BBQ chicken pizza with red onions & salads. I am making my own pizza up this time, I'm not going to use the bbq sauce as a base, but just put diced chicken breast on top that has been cooked in bbq sauce. I will also be using cheddar and mozz. cheese for it. Sounds delish!
Wednesday- Stuffed shells with sausage and beef. More salads.
Thursday- Chicken and barley chili, I think I'll use the barley box recipe & some tortilla chips
Friday- Clean out the fridge or maybe some chinese for us..

Back to the way things used to be..

For a while I had been working full time while my hubby was on lay off. As great as it felt to contribute to our family, I sure missed being home. My hubby did a great job taking care of things, but it was so hard for everyone to not have me home too. The good news is Hubby found a new full time job and now I can stay home again! :) Even better is, I am due to have our little girl Aubriella any day now. She isn't due till May 6th, but next week could be the week! I really hope she comes at the end of the month. So now I am back to hunting bargins, menu planning, recipe trying, and doing all the stay at home Mama things I missed so much!

Menu Plan

I'm truly excited that its almost March. I hate to think that we are almost a 4th of the way threw the new year, but I have got a spring itch that can only be calmed by sunny skies, chirping birds, and walks outside with my boys. Not to mention some dirt and seed packets. We have a few repeats this week since we went and did some stuff with the kiddo. We enjoyed Yogi Bear in 3D this past weekend, it was fun but expensive! I might have to take out a personal loan if we decide to do that again. So here is my plan for the week!

Sunday- Sweet and Tangy Chicken breast from last week, with mac and cheese, and salads.
Monday- Cabbage, ham, and potatoes also from last week with some green beans.
Tuesday- Salmon cakes, fried taters, and baked beans.
Wednesday- Turkey and noodles, and sweet carrots.
Thursday- Shake and baked pork chops, fried taters, and baked beans.
Friday- Ham and pepperoni calzone, sauce on the side, and pop. Maybe bread sticks.
Saturday- LEFTOVER Buffet!

Menu Plan

I am trying to get into the swing of things. Some weeks I am so busy with work then others I don't work much at all. Being the mom of a 5 year old and almost 8 months pregnant keeps me pretty busy. One thing I know for sure is, spring cannot come soon enough.

  

Sunday- Roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn. This is a request from our little fella.
Monday- Steak fajitas. I just marinate steak in italian dressing, cook with peppers and onions, then slice thinly and eat like a soft taco. Lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and cheese on top.
Tuesday- Skillet Lasagna with salads and bread. Skillet Lasagna is listed on my blog.
Wednesday- OB Appointment- Ham, sweet potatoes, and green beans.
Thursday- Sweet and Tangy Chicken mac and cheese and broccoli.
Friday- Cabbage, potato, and ham skillet using ham instead of smoked sausage.
Saturday- Leftover buffet.

Meau Plan Monday

Sunday- Lasagna, Anthony's favorite bread, and salads made with spinach.
Monday- Ham steaks, Seasoned rice, and veggies
Tuesday- Taco Ring
Wednesday- OB appointment, likely leftovers or something we bring home.
Thursday- Tuna Helper (I have an abundance of tuna)
Friday- Grilled cheese on my new griddle and tomato soup
Saturday- Family date day, Anthony's Pick!

Recipe Review: Slow cooker chicken and wild rice

I didn't make this exactly the way the recipe calls for. I used cream of chicken instead of cream of mushroom because I am not a big fan of cream of mushroom soup. I think it might have been why we disliked this recipe. The salt content was crazy bad! The chicken was nice and tender, and it taste good if you could get past the saltiness. Next time if I decide to make this I will leave out the flavor packet and/or just use plain wild rice.

1 Star out of 5. Bleck!

*Menu Plan Monday*

Monday- Spaghetti and bread. (My hubby and son love this, I don't).
Tuesday- Pancakes, bacon, and fruit. I will be making dinner with hubby, on my new griddle that hubs got me for Christmas.
Wednesday- Chicken sandwiches with lettuce and tomatoes, & fries.
Thursday- Hamburgers on my griddle :)with lettuce and tomatoes, baked beans perhaps mac salad
Friday- Pizza night
Saturday- Leftovers if there are any
Sunday- Pork and Kraut with mashed since we were outta town over the holiday.