Nesting: Phase 1

The weekend before last we had arranged for the girls to stay with Grandma while we attended a wedding of a very good friend of mine from high school. However, our plans changed at the last minute. Following my last midwife appointment, Tim decided it would be better for us to forgo our trip. He didn't want to take the chance of me suddenly going into labor away from our midwives or worst, going into labor while we were on the road (also why I wasn't able to attend the ladies retreat this past weekend)!

Since we had already arranged for the girls to stay with grandma the whole weekend we decided to take advantage of that time and instead spent the weekend cleaning, cleaning, cleaning! Sounds like fun huh?!

This wasn't the usual clean up schedule. This was spring cleaning, sorting, organizing, giving away, etc...all in preparation of our little one coming! Or as Tim would call it, "Nesting!" It felt so good to finally get some things checked off my "Before the baby comes wish list!"

And I have the best husband in the world...though he did get a kick out of teasing me for being blissfully happy about having an entire weekend devoted to cleaning and organizing (I've already admitted that I'm a freak!), he didn't complain not one time! We rolled up our sleeves and got straight to work! I love being "here" with my husband and working together as a team to accomplish our family goals; (or my "nesting" bug)!

Here is what we tackled:

Tim:

Steam Clean All Rooms in House (3 brms, dining room and study)

Steam Clean Couches

Steam Clean Rocker in nursery

Steam Clean Carpets in Van/Clean Van

Wash baby Car Seat Covers and place car seat in Van

Place Baby Outlet Covers over appliance plugs that are in use

Hang up lights on girls doll house bed

Swap winter and spring clothing bins in attic

Put up Child Protective Gates- We've grown so weary of finding the perfect tension, latching and unlatching each time we wanted to use the gates that we decided to actually hinge them to the wall.

This is the gate we put up leading to our master bedroom which will help deter a couple of curious little gals and give mommy a little bit of privacy while tending to the baby.

We also put one up in the girls bedroom doorway and doorway leading to our home office. So far, it's been working out very well. The little nook area that was created here has even come in handy when we have company and need to contain our dog!

Mel:

Organize and put away baby's clothes

Organize girls winter clothes and shoes to take to attic and bring down spring clothing

Organize linen closet in master bedroom

Organize Tim's undersink cabinet

My under the sink cabinet

Organize Girls under the sink cabinet

Clean out night stand drawers

Clean out kitchen junk drawer

We got everything done on our list leaving just a few more things to do for another weekend. We even found time to take a break Friday night and catch a movie!

In addition to watching the kids for us, my mother also blessed us with some cash for a date night! We spent it at Perry's Steakhouse on Saturday night and enjoyed the Pork Chops...our favorite!

After dinner we had dessert and coffee in the bar area while listening to some great jazz music! The musicians were too cute...they must have all been in their 60's or 70's and were absolutely incredible!

To top off our evening, we took a nice little stroll around Town Center. Even though I couldn't hang that long (my aching prego back) we had a great time! It truly ended up being the perfect weekend!

Phase II to come....

Menu Plan Monday

Here's what's on the agenda this week! :) If you have any crock pot recipes, please share! With only 14days left until our little one gets here, I'm trying to makes things a little easier!

For more recipe ideas, be sure to visit orgjunkie!

Monday: Tomato Florentine Soup

Ingredients:
3 cups chicken broth
2 (14 ½ oz) cans diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic undrained
1 (15oz) can tomato sauce
1 (10oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 cup chopped onion
1 ½ tspn minced garlic
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 (9 oz) package cheese filled tortellini
Garnish: Parmesan Cheese

*combine first 8 ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 5 ½ hours; add pasta and cook on low for 30 minutes. Garnish with parmesan cheese.

Tuesday: Italian –Herbed Chicken

Ingredients:
2 21/2 pds chicken breasts, thighs, legs, skinned
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 14 ½ oz can tomato wedges, drained
1 90z package frozen artichoke hearts
½ cup ripe olives
3 tbsp tapioca
¾ cup chicken broth
¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning, crushed
4 oz linguine, cooked and drained

Directions:
Rinse chicken; pat dry. Set aside

In 4qt crock combine mushrooms, tomato wedges, artichoke hearts, and olives. Sprinkle tapioca. Place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.

In a bowl combine chicken broth, white wine, and Italian seasoning. Pour over chicken.

Cover; cook on low heat setting for 7-8hrs or on high for 3 ½ to 4hrs. Serve with hot cooked linguine.

Wednesday: Left Overs

Thursday- Buttery Garlic Chicken (from dinewithoutwhine)

Ingredients:
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup round buttery crackers, crushed
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup butter, sliced

Directions:
1. Place eggs in a shallow bowl; set aside.
2. Mix cracker crumbs and garlic salt in a separate bowl; set aside.
3. Dip chicken in eggs and then coat in crumb mixture. Arrange in an ungreased 13" x 9" baking pan; dot
with butter.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork.

Creamed Corn – B*

Ingredients
1 cup canned corn
1/2 teaspoon milk
2 tablespoons sugar
2 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled and drippings reserved
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine corn and milk; add sugar.
2. Place corn mixture and bacon drippings in a large skillet.
3. In a measuring cup, mix flour and water together; blend until smooth. Add enough additional water to
the measuring cup to equal one cup.
4. Add flour mixture to corn and stir over medium heat until mixture is thick; salt and pepper to taste. Cook
for 10 to 15 minutes.

Friday: Bunless Burgers and Salad/Tator Tots for Kids

More Nursing Covers!

Here is another nursing cover I made last week! This now makes number 3!

Can you tell I'm enjoying it?!

This is proving to be a fun little hobby!

Not only have I gotten to know some great gals in our sewing group but I'ts also been a great time hanging out with my sister who just moved here from Florida. She was an interior design major at University of North Texas and has been giving me some great pointers!

Who knows, it may be an additional way to make a little extra cash down the road. I'm thinking about selling on e-bay and seeing how it goes!

I've already picked up some more fabric; a zebra print and polka dot print! Though I'm really trying to craft these nursing covers, I'm hoping to branch out a little bit. I've already purchased a pattern to make a purse out of the extra fabric I have at our next sewing meet up.

Can't wait to get cranking! The hardest part is finding the time and of course not staying up too late!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Chicken Drumsticks and Vegetables

The girls enjoyed dinner tonight! I couldn't believe my 3yr old told me, "hmmm mommy the carrots are good!" I was floored! She never ventures off from green beans, lima beans and corn.

Since the kids were outside playing with the neighbors, I had dinner cooking slowly. I cooked the chicken on a very low heat along with the vegetables allowing the vegetables to really soak up all the flavor from the chicken and spices.

Ingredients:

Chicken Drumsticks

Bacon Strips (optional)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp Thyme

1/2 tsp Basil

1 medium onion

1 celery cut up

red potatos, quartered

Mixed veggies (carrots, green beens, broc)

Corn on the cob (optional--my girls love!)

Directions: Place Chicken in pan and grill on low heat. Add thyme, basil, salt, onion, celery, bacon. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. Add mix vegetables. Cover and cook for additional 15 min or when tender.

Tuesday: Stuffed Sweet Peppers (slow cooker recipe from Taste of Home)

Ingredients

3 med sweet red peppers

2 med sweet yellow peppers

1 jar speghetti sauce (14 oz, divided)

3/4 pd Italian Turkey Sausage Links

3/4 cups uncooked brown rice

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped tomato

1/4 cup parsley

2 tbsp olives (optional)

1/4 to 1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp italian seasoning

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

Directions: Cut tops off peppers; chop tops and set aside. Discard stems and seeds; set pepper cups aside. Reserve 3/4 cups spaghetti sauces; pour the remaining sauce into slow cooker. Combine the sausage, rice, cheese, onion, tomato, parsley, olives, garlic poweder, salt, itlalian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and reserved chopped peppers and spaghetti sauce. Spoon into pepper cups; place in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hrs or until peppers are tender.

Wednesday: Taco Salad

Thursday: Left Overs

Friday: Kiddy Favorites

Menu Plan Monday

I'm so late in getting this out today! Better luck next week!

Here's the plan for this week:

Monday: Hot and Spicy Chicken (From the Paleo Cookbook)

We had this tonight and the family loved it! I left out the chiles and was still pleased with all the flavor this dish had. I also added brown rice and mixed vegetables. My 3 year old even thanked me for dinner!

Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 tbs oil
½ tsp red chillies, finely chopped
1tbs sweet paprika
2 tsp oregano, finely chopped
½ tsp honey
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup water
Salt and pepper

Instructions
Fry chicken in a pan with olive oil for 5 minutes.
Add chillies, paprika, oregano and honey and cook for a
further 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add lemon juice, water, salt and pepper and cook covered
for a further 15 minutes, adding more liquid if necessary

Tuesday: Lamb Balls with Tomato and Basil Sauce (Also from the Paleo Cookbook)

I'm substituting ground sirloin for lamb...not as interesting I know, but hey it works!

Ingredients
Meatballs
500g minced lamb
1 egg
2 tsp oil
1 tbs oregano, finely chopped
2 tsp sage, finely chopped
1 tsp ground paprika
Sauce
2/3 cup diced tomatoes
1/3 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
½ tsp salt
1 tsp arrowroot

Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius, fan-forced.
To make the lamb balls, combine all ingredients well in a mixing bowl. Roll into 12 balls and place on a baking tray lined with
baking paper. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until well cooked.

To make the sauce, place diced tomatoes, basil and salt in a medium sized pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes. In a cup, place
arrowroot and a few tablespoons of water and mix together until there are no lumps. Slowly add into the simmering tomato and
basil sauce until mixture has thickened slightly.
To serve, place meatballs on a plate and poor tomato and basil sauce over the top.

Wednesday: Left overs!

Thursday: Thai Chicken Wraps (From An Ordinary Mom. We didn't get to try this afterall last week so we'll give it a shot this week!)

Ingredients
1 lb chicken, thawed and cut into small pieces
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ginger
2 carrots, grated
Chopped cilantro
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1/2 cucumber, quartered
2-3 cups cooked rice (I prefer brown.)
Wraps or tortillas (We like the Garden Spinach kind.)

Peanut sauce (You can buy it at the store or make your own, see below.)
Marinate small chicken pieces in soy sauce and ginger for 10 minutes - 1 hour. Cook chicken in a skillet. In a wrap, layer the rice, cooked chicken, carrots, cucumber, cilantro and green onions. Pour the peanut sauce over the filling. Wrap like a burrito. Enjoy!
Peanut Sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup peanut butter
Blend in blender until smooth.

Friday: Kiddy Burgers and Baked
Fries

For more great ideas, hop on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Menu Plan Monday

Getting organized feels great! Now that I finally have down my weekly home cleaning schedule and have seen the benefits of keeping to that schedule, I have become more convinced of another area that I need to get more organized in...meal planning! Taking time to plan and prepare our family meals a week in advance is another helpful way to organize and reduce stress.

For someone who passionately hated cooking, I can't believe I'm going to even give this a try! I mean, up until a year ago, Tim did all of our grocery shopping and cooking. He's a great cook and can whip an awesome meal together with just about anything! Needless to say, since he loves cooking and I don't, from early on in our marriage it was just natural for him to do the cooking while I did the clean up.

However, when I decided to make the transition to a full-time stay at home mom, it made sense for me to take the lead in this area; especially because it is important to me to keep the girls on a schedule. When dinner is late, it pushes back bath time and our bedtime rountine, which inevitably causes unnecessary stress and interrupts mommy and daddy time! :)
So cooking our dinners is one thing, but meal planning? Something I never thought I'd consider. While I've always had an pretty good idea of what's on the menu for the week, there are the occasional times that I'm standing in the kitchen pressed for time, wondering, "Hmmmm....what should we eat tonight? What have we already eaten? What does Tim want? What will the kids actually eat?"

With that in mind, I have become more and more convinced that it may be better and easier for me to have a more strategic rountine, especially with the baby coming. Another thing that helped pushed me to at least give meal planning a try was this convincing post I read at the OrgJunkie!

As I too began to ponder ways that meal planning would benefit my family and I, here is what I came up with.

10 ways meal planning would benefit me and my family:

1. Will Reduce Stress-I hate standing in the kitchen pressed for time trying to figure out what to get on the table.

2. Staying on Schedule--Will help me get dinner on the table at the same time each night.

3. Staying on Schedule, Reducing Stress--If dinner is late, then it inevitably pushes back bath time, reading time, and all the other goodies that are associated with the bed time routine!

4. Save Money--eliminate last minute trips to the grocery store, thereby cutting down on the grocery bill.

5.Save Money--Will enable me to be more strategic when grocery shopping, thereby purchasing only the items needed for that coming week.

6. Save Money--I may be able to incorporate the use of coupons if I already know in advance what meals to prepare for and items I will need.

7. Healthier Cooking--intentional planning will help me prepare healthier meals and allow me to cater to specific diet needs.

8. Creative Meals--I would love to use my crock pot more! Planning meals in advance may help me take the time to venture out i.e...try new recipes, use my crock pot, and etc..

9. Staying Organized-Will help me keep the pantry and freezer stocked with ingredients needed for that week's meal. I will be able to prepare a meal with all of the necessary ingredients, instead of having to come up with a dinner to fit the ingredients that I have...this is obviously much harder and leads to repeated dinners!

10. Family Time--Tim and I like to eat dinner, just the two of us at least one night a week. This will help me to make sure that I am protecting this time each week by making sure the kids are fed in advance and on time.

If meal planning can help me reduce stress, cut down unnecessary expenses, stay organized, eat healtier, increase family time and help me to be a little more creative, why not give it a try!

So here goes!

Here are my meals for the coming week!

Monday: Taco Salad

Tuesday: Chicken with Creamy Chive Sauce
http://www.bhg.com/recipes/recipedetail.jsp?recipeId=R049478

Ingredients
· 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/2 pounds)
· 1/4 cup butter
· 1 0.7-ounce package Italian salad dressing mix
· 1 10-3/4-ounce can condensed golden mushroom soup
· 1/2 cup dry white wine (if desired)
· 1/2 of an 8-ounce tub cream cheese with chives and onion
· Hot cooked whole wheat pasta (optional)
· Snipped fresh chives (optional)

Directions
1. Place chicken in a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. In a medium saucepan melt the butter. Stir in the dry Italian salad dressing mix. Stir in mushroom soup, wine, and cream cheese until combined. Pour over the chicken.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours. Serve chicken with sauce. If desired, serve with hot cooked pasta and sprinkle with chives. Makes 6 servings.

Wednesday: Spinach, Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients
· 3 cups water
· 1 14--ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
· 1 10-3/4-ounce can reduced-fat and reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
· 2/3 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed and drained
· 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
· 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
· 3 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey (about 1 pound)
· 2 cups shredded fresh spinach

Directions
1. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine the water, broth, cream of chicken soup, uncooked wild rice, thyme, and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3-1/2 to 4 hours.
3. To serve, stir in chicken and spinach. Makes 6 (1-1/2-cup) servings.

Thursday: Valentine's Day--My day off!

Friday: Tai Chicken Wraps (from ordinary mom)

Ingredients

1 lb chicken, thawed and cut into small pieces
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ginger
2 carrots, grated
Chopped cilantro
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1/2 cucumber, quartered
2-3 cups cooked rice (I prefer brown.)
Wraps or tortillas (We like the Garden Spinach kind.)

Peanut sauce (You can buy it at the store or make your own, see below.)
Marinate small chicken pieces in soy sauce and ginger for 10 minutes - 1 hour.

Cook chicken in a skillet. In a wrap, layer the rice, cooked chicken, carrots, cucumber, cilantro and green onions. Pour the peanut sauce over the filling. Wrap like a burrito. Enjoy!

Peanut Sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup peanut butter
Blend in blender until smooth.


So there you have it! For more great menu ideas visit org junkie!

Sewing: My Second Nursing Cover!!

Last night I finished my second nursing cover! While my first nursing cover was a little dressier, I wanted to make one that was a little more colorful and casual. It is made of 100% cotton and can be used for everyday wear. I love the colors! Isn't it fun!

Although I ran into a few problem areas my sister, Jennifer who recently moved back home and lives just a few houses down was here to help. She taught me a few great tips as well!

Considering the few snags I ran into, it really only took me about 3hrs to make. Not bad...especially when you're really enjoying what you're doing!

With that in mind, check out the other pattern I picked up....so fun! I can't wait to get started on this one!

I would love to finish this one by the end of the weekend, but we have a whole weekend full of church activities and family birthday parties so we'll see how it goes!

I've Got The Bug....

I've officially become demosticated! For quite some time I have been wanting to learn how to sew and now that I've been home, this desire has grown even stronger.

To my surprise, I received a sewing machine for Christmas. Although, I did attempt to watch the instructional DVD that came with the machine, up until now, it's been sitting in the box. I guess I've been a little intimidated and unsure of how exactly to get started.

However, today I finally cracked this baby open thanks to the help of some other ladies who helped jump start me in this process! We had a sewing shin dig at Catherine's house which was very productive and of course lots of fun!

Aside from the delicious breakfast spread Catherine had for us and the great conversation, we all had an opportunity to work on our own individual projects. Morgan and Erin were so helpful and patient in guiding us through this process (thanks again ladies!). Everyone was at work, from decorative napkins and coasters, to pillow cases and nursing covers. It was a blast!

Here are some pics of us hard at work:

Casey's First Stitch!

My First Stitch...What Concentration!

Check out Julie behind me!

Erin,Catherine and Stephanie

Juile working hard!

Sarah meticulously cutting

Here is what Sarah and I were working on; which is sure to come in handy when our little guy arrives!

Morgan, has been very successful at making a few of these herself and was a great teacher! (Check out some of her sewing projects here! Not to mention, these cute little party favors she made us!)

Pin Cushions


A few hours later...here was our finished product!

My Nursing Cover Up: I LOVE it...isn't it gorgeous!

(I can't wait to make another one!)

Sarah's nursing cover

Catherine's Pillow

Ta-daah!

Can't wait for the next one ladies!

How Many Ways Can You Use Vinegar??

I had a pretty informative conversation the other day with a group of ladies on the many uses of vinegar! I picked up a few new tips on how to use vinegar as a cleaning agent, for home remedies, etc...!

I couldn't wait to put some of these tips into practice so on my cleaning day I used vinegar to clean the sinks, base boards, windows, etc...It did the job no doubt about it, but when my husband got home and walked into the kitchen and made a sour face, I knew that I must have gone a bit overboard! I looked at him with a little smirk on my face and couldn't help but laugh as I told him, "hey, it does the job!

So, I'm on a quest to learn more about the different uses for vinegar and would love to hear any helpful tips you might have! Let's see how many we can come up with!

Here's how to play:

1. Write a post at your site with your tip. In your post be sure to provide a link back here to my post.

2. Enter your name below in the "Mr. Linky" box at the bottom of this post.

3. Be sure to include a 3-4 word description of your post, in parentheses after you put your name. For example, where the box below says "Your Name", you might put:

Summer (Vinegar & Hardwood Floors) OR Mel (Vinegar & Sinks)

WFM: Home Cleaning Schedule

Having a designated cleaning day during the week is helping me to maintain some measure of sanity and helping me to keep up with my busy and growing family!

Below is my personal home cleaning schedule that works for me!
Sundays:

• Laundry (at least two loads: Linens and Towels +Usually a delicate load


• Prepare Trash from all rooms

Make it happen Mondays- Because I love the feeling of walking through my door and smelling fresh cleaning products throughout my whole house (I know, I know..I'm a freak), I typically reserve one day a week as my cleaning day! Not only do I prefer the feeling of knowing that my house is clean from top to bottom but I'd much rather take my medicine in one sitting rather than little sips. Plus, I find that it's easier for me to set aside one day a week without disrupting my time with the kiddos.

So Mondays have become "my main housecleaning day! This day is typically reserved as a stay at home day, a time to "make things happen around the house."

In order to get an early start, I usually get cranking first thing in the morning before the girls get up! Ocassionally, when the house has gotten way out of control, my wonderful hubby has even gotten up with me to help me tackle some things before the little tornados wake up!

I am usually done after nap time usually around 4pm. Because I'm generally exhausted by that time, I usually plan on a light dinner i.e crock pot, soup, etc..something easy!

Monday Schedule:

• Laundry-Wash, Fold and Put Away Laundry (at least 2 loads: girls clothes + darks)
  
• Sweep and Mop Floors (Kitchen, Living Room, Hallways and Bathrooms)
  
• Polishing Furniture/Glass Tops (Weekly)


• Bathrooms: Toilets/Tubs (Weekly)


• Vaccuming


• Change Linens in all rooms (Weekly)


• Thorough Cleaning of Kitchen (pantry, sink, wiping down cabinets and chairs, base boards, and windows (if needed) etc...

Wednesday:

• Laundry (at least 2 loads: girls clothes +whites)
  
• Mop Floor in Kitchen (Quick touch up during nap time. Not a real mopping job but the swiffer holds me over until Monday and gets the job done.)


• Vaccum


• Prepare Trash from all rooms

Friday: Because my husband works on Sunday, we generally reserve this day as a family day! In addition, I am trying to get much better at making sure I have some mommy time on these days! Here are some things that I try to make sure I do to indulge myself a little!

• Mommy Day (Reading & Journaling at Starbucks, Lunches with Friends, Eyebrows every 2wks and pedicure 1 mo.)
  
• Finances/Office Clean Up (Tim)

Every Day Chores:

• Dishes


• Sweep Kitchen and Living Room
  
• Clean Girls Rooms (before nap and bedtime)


• Quick Touch Ups on Bathroom (needs to be decently presentable)


• Check, Sort, File Mail

Monthly- My husband and I have made a goal to tackle at least one (possibly 2) home improvement projects; typically the first Saturday of every month. Depending on how big the project sometimes it's necessary to make appropriate arrangements for the girls. Projects can include anything from the list below.

• Garage


• Painting


• Reorganizing...you name it!


• Wash Windows/Base Boards in all rooms


• Tiles/Grout Cleaning


• Bedroom Closets
• Pantry
  
• Spring/Fall Cleaning

I've only been home just a little over a year, but it's so refreshing seeing my home schedule finally coming together! I'm sure it will have to be tweaked with the different seasons that come our way (like when our little guy comes in March), but having a plan of action has helped bring a better balance! It works for me!

For more ideas, be sure to visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer!