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.