Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather:::



















On my reading pile::: "The complete book of Breastfeeding"....just refreshing myself on some tips!

On my TV::: Dora

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Chicken & green chile soup
Tuesday - Lamb Shepards Pie (It got skipped last week)
Wednesday - Dinner w/ friends
Thursday - Sloppy Joes & homemade french fries
Friday - leftovers
Saturday - Tuna noodle casserole
Sunday -

On my to do list today::: No errands today! Phew! We ran all of them Saturday w Ken's help! So we are home just doing the usual- laundry, dishes, nap :)

My "project" of the week::: Have a baby!!!!

What I am cooking::: Quiche for Mom's group tomorrow & dinner for friend who had triplets!

Looking around the house::: 2 baskets of laundry to fold (just towels and whites so who cares if they wrinkle, right?) and the house just needs straightening up. MM is watching cartoons in her footie pjs w super messy hair. Haha, love her!

Highlight of the past weekend::: Hard one bc we didn't do hardly anything!!! I guess it would be having Ken here & taking me to run errands. It feels good not having to do that running today, alone!

Looking forward to this week::: Mom's group meets on Tuesday & my women's bible study starts back on Thursday!

You'll be happy

Slowly but surely getting things marked off my "Baby To Do List"! 13 days and counting.....

Make Freezer meals::: Enchiladas, English Muffin bread & Broccoli/Chix Casserole
Pack hospital bag
Cradle
Baby's laundry
Swing from Lisa
Wash bedding & make up futon for Mom
Find Breastfeeding supplies: pump, pads, cream, bras, cammis, books
Charge camera battery & pack
Buy Nb diapers & wipes
Pay upcoming bills
Find car seat base
Pedicure



Baby's laundry- DONE

Swing Ready!

Bags packed!!



Cradle made!

I can't wait to post about our new addition in the next few weeks- Stay tuned :)

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Crazy Illinois::: High 30s early in the week & mid 50s by Friday!!!

On my reading pile::: "Have a New Husband by Friday" by Kevin Leman- It is a great book that I have really enjoyed reading. It actually is about changing my attitude not sure much changing Ken.

On my TV::: Cinderella- Mae's new obsession

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Sausage & peppers, recipe via BFF Jenna
Tuesday - Chicken Broccoli Casserole (I am going to freeze leftovers in lunch size portions for Ken)
Wednesday - Chicken Enchiladas (I am going to freeze leftovers in lunch size portions for Ken)
Thursday - Ham & Broccoli Quiche, recipe via BFF Jenna
Friday - Lamb Shepards Pie
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday - Tamale Pie

On my to do list::: Grocery store, make a few phone calls, pay bills

My "project" of the week::: Prepare for baby

What I am creating::: A few frozen meals to have in the freezer for when baby comes

From the camera::: Bummer, I have a few but I can't figure out how to get them from my phone on here!

Highlight of the past weekend::: Sleeping :) I have been so so so tired these past few days!

Looking forward to this week::: Tuesday, a leadership meeting for my Mom's group

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Low to mid 40s.

On my reading pile::: My bible study on James has finished now I am going to read through Esther.

On my TV::: Cartoons-- I miss the news

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Meatloaf & baked potatoes
Tuesday - Mexican casserole
Wednesday - Broccoli cheese soup & Hawaiian rolls
Thursday - Swedish meatballs
Friday - Date night :)
Saturday - FONDUE! Remember our Christmas tradition? Yup, we are putting up our tree- I never put it up this early. If you knew what my next 3 weeks looked like you wouldn't harp on me for putting up my tree on Nov. 17th!!!
Sunday - Harvest soup & rolls

On my to do list::: Same ole Monday: grocery store & other errands, pay bills & tidy up house!

My "project" of the week::: Still to organize the basement. It didn't get done last week! ;)

What I am creating:::

Looking around the house::: It is a chilly morning after a beautiful weekend. Mae is bundle up in a blanket w/ her milk, watching cartoons. House is pretty tidy & I am in my recliner drinking coffee!

From the camera::: I didn't take any pictures this week. My camera battery is dead. Oooops!

Highlight of the past weekend::: Having the windows open Saturday & Sunday. Seems like a lame "highlight". But Friday Mae was puking and it was a relief on Saturday for her to be better, neither Ken or I got it and to have fresh air coming in through the windows! Ahhh, the small things...

Looking forward to this week::: Friday! We got a sitter for Miss MaeMae and are going on a date. Not sure yet what we are doing. But excited still the same :)

Bible verse, Devotional::: "It will be death that divides us. I love you & I am not going anywhere." This is from yesterday's service ending the series on Song of Solomon.

Baby Names

Did the title make you think I meant names for baby Stoner #2?? Ooops, sorry. Nope even better=

I thought you all might find as much humor in this as I do::::

Miss Cora Mae is an excellent "mommy" to her babies. From changing diapers to feeding and she is always speaking kinds words to them. She always wants to bring a baby when we leave the house- it is precious, really.

Here is the humorous part= the names that she, herself, has come up for each one. As she is playing mommy she refers to her babies as such:::



Bottom baby, Cinderella baby, Special baby, Tongue baby, Big baby & Naked baby!!!!

 

 



See, hilarious! Oh man, do I love that lil girl of mine!

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Low 50s all week.

On my reading pile::: Beth Moore's bible study on James

On my TV::: nothing right now-shocking!

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Butternut squash lasagna (it got skipped last week)
Tuesday - Chili & corn bread
Wednesday - Dinner w/ friends
Thursday - My mom's beef tips & egg noodles
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Tuna melts & dip of some sort
Sunday - My mom's chicken stuffed crescents & broccoli

On my to do list::: Grocery store, pay some bills, make some phone calls----my usual Monday

My "project" of the week::: clean up & organize basement in hopes we can play down there this winter!

What I am creating::: I pureed a big pumpkin over the weekend. Leaving me w/ lots of pumpkin to freeze or cook with. I plan on making some pumpkin bread & my pumpkin french toast casserole!

Looking around the house::: Ekkk, do I have to?!?!?!

From the camera:::

Trick or Treating!

Highlight of the past weekend::: Getting together w/ friends Friday night

Looking forward to this week::: I've got places to go Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday---equally excited about all of them!

Bible verse, Devotional:::

Halloween 2012



Halloween 2012 turned out to be a lot of fun- for Miss Cinderella Cora & her parents :) For several weeks I was debating what to do for Halloween.

Ya see, it's just not a "holiday" that I really get into. Think I'm crazy but I don't necessarily like planning costumes but especially paying the outrageous prices for them. I do not like the gross, gory costumes some people insist on wearing. I was originally thinking Cora was still too young to 'get it'. I didn't want to drag her around on a chilly night to get candy that I would end up eating.

 

But a few weeks ago we dressed up for my Mom's group (a friend let me borrow the Cinderella costume) & Cora had so much fun. So, I decided to give Halloween a try this year.

 

We went to a few of our neighbors' then headed to beautiful Grand View Dr....which was packed! All the fancy houses decorated so cute & passed out good candy :)

Cora was too shy to say "Trick or Treat" to the homeowners but once we walked away she said it over & over. She started to shiver but said she didn't want to go back home! (Ken was actually cold and complaining more than Cora. Haha) She had a blast besides saying she was scared a few times of creepy music and of a few grown men that passed out their candy in masks.

 

When we eventually got back home Cora ate a good dinner, a few pieces of candy & then slept great. The next morning she asked me "Mama, if I eat a good dinner can we go Trick or Treating again? Please." I thought that was so precious. It made me glad we put the energy into taking her. Next year, I'll have a better attitude to start with & be more prepared :)

 

I guess it really is about leting kids be kids after all....

 



 

Cinderella Cora

Climbed in stroller & ready to go!

Bundled up on Grand View Dr. Pretty place to T or T, huh?

Love that "I've got more candy than I know what to do with" expression!

Came in from a chilly night to eat this soup that I had made before we left & just left hot on the stove= Perfect!

Today's Grocery Trip

I need to kick it into high gear & get my stock pile full while I only have 1 child to drag to the store!Here is what I did today:::

 

CVS=

Dawn dish soap= .49 & .24

Head & Shoulders shampoo= 1.50

Herbal Essence Shampoo & Conditioner= 2.99

=Total was $5.21- ECB

===paid $3.25 {And I got $1 ECB to use next time}

 

 

Kroger=

Pineapple=.41 ea

Soup= .75 ea

Yogurt= .35 ea

=paid $5.82

Got all this for $9.07!!!!

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Low 50s- no rain!

On my reading pile::: Beth Moore's bible study on James

On my TV::: Cartoons

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Tuna noodle casserole & green beans
Tuesday - Gnocchi
Wednesday - Beef barley soup & homemade rolls
Thursday - Butternut squash Lasagna & garlic bread
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Homemade pizza
Sunday - Tamale Pie

On my to do list::: Put away laundry (its washed & folded. I just stall when it comes to putting it away!), wash bedding, do floors & pay some bills

My "project" of the week::: Get the yard ready for winter

What I am creating::: Nothing, Wait, I take that back- A baby ;)

Looking around the house::: Its dark this morning & cold! Mae & me are cuddling in the recliner. I need to do some tidying up.

From the camera:::

From our Mom's Life "Culver's Night' fund raiser!

Highlight of the past weekend::: Having my niece & nephew here on their fall break!!!

Looking forward to this week::: Trick or Treating w/ Mae for the first time

Bible verse, Devotional:::

Out of the mouths of babes

This morning Cora was on a roll talking about our baby. W/i 10 minutes all of this came out of her mouth:

"I'm ready for our baby to come out!"

 

"Mommy, the baby is cold. I need to keep 'her' warm." (As she covers my belly w/ a blanket)

 

"Mommy when the baby comes out. I'm going to stay w 'her' & watch 'her' and you can leave. Like go to store"

 

"I want to go in your tummy too to be w our baby"

Maybe she was so lovie bc she knew what her shirt said?!?!

Baby #2 is GROWING!

 

Not Ashamed

 

This is what my stove currently looks like!!!!

But I am not ashamed! Why?

Because I have been canning for days! And anyone who cans know how Messy your stove gets.

 So instead of cleaning it 5 times a day. I let it build up and I'll tackle it when I'm done w/ apples....which should be today :)

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Mid 60s- chance of rain on Wed.

On my reading pile::: James & Song of Solomon studies

On my TV::: Cartoons for lil Miss

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Coconut curry beef w/ rice
Tuesday - Capellini Pomodoro
Wednesday - Dinner at friend's
Thursday - Swedish meatballs w/ egg noodles

On my to do list::: I have a busy week. Somewhere to go everyday- Lots to get done!

My "project" of the week:::  I have apple butter & applesauce to can. This weekend I canned 13  half pints of cranberry-pear butter & we ate it on our cream of wheat this morning. It was delicious!

What I am creating::: Halloween costumes for Cora & I. We are going to a Halloween party tomorrow that they need to be ready for!

Looking around the house::: Dark. Clean. Cuddling w Cora in the recliner :)

From the camera::: Ooops, no pictures to share!

Highlight of the past weekend::: We didn't do much. It was chilly & rainy! But I enjoyed being lazy on Saturday watching Notre Dame & visiting Bass Pro Sunday after church.

Looking forward to this week::: LOTS! Monday is a doc. appt. Tues is my mom's group. Wed. our small group is meeting & Fri. we are traveling to IN! + A bday party Sat & a baby shower Sun. AHHHH! I'm tired just thinking about it all!!!

Bible verse, Devotional::: From my bible study this morning: "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?"= James 2:14

Freezer Friendly Friday- Individual Frozen meals

So I just got the brilliant idea to make individual frozen meals, especially for Ken's lunches. I used to buy SmartOnes or Lean Cuisine meals but only when I could get them for right around a dollar a piece, which is getting harder and harder. Ken is now sick of them and lets admit it- they really aren't the best tasting and they are loaded w/ sodium.
I started off w/ 2 different recipes that I know freeze well: Stuffed shells & Lone Star chicken enchiladas w/ Mexican rice! Today, I am sharing how I prepared the chicken enchiladas.



Lone Star Chicken Enchiladas (recipe originally from Taste of Home):

1 (2lb) whole fryer chicken, boiled, skinned, shredded

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, drained well

3/4 c. salsa verde

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies

1 c. black olives, sliced

1 tsp each: cilantro, chili powder, cumin

S & P to taste

1 c. half & half or Vitamin D

1 Tbsp. AP flour

12 flour tortillas, warmed

1-1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese, divided

 

-In a large bowl combine: shredded chicken, tomatoes, salsa, chilies, olives seasoning and 1/2 c. of the cheese.

-In a shallow bowl combine half & half plus flour. Whisk until flour is incorporated.
-Dip 1 tortilla into milk mixture then fill w/ aprox. 1/3 c. of chicken mixture. Roll up & place in a Glad freezer container. (Because I am doing individual frozen meals I put 1 enchilada in each container)

The filling

Finished individual meal

Mexican Rice
 1 Tbsp. butter
3 stalks of green onion
1 small red bell pepper
1 c. white rice
S & P to taste
1/2 tsp each: cilantro, cumin, parsley & garlic powder

- Melt butter in a medium sauce pan.
-Add green onions & bell pepper & cook until softened (about 5 minutes)
-Add rice & cook about 3 minutes.
-Add S & P and other seasonings
-Add 2 c. water
-Bring to a boil. Cover, turn heat to simmer and simmer for 20 minutes.
-When finished, fluff w/ a fork.

Weekend Cooking

Here is another weekend of cooking: Vote for the recipe that you would like me to share!



Chicken & wild rice soup

Irish Soda bread

Chicken pot pie w/ white wine sauce

Pear applesauce-This was Cora's favorite from the weekend :)

Spiced cookies w/ pumpkin dip from Taste of Home

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Have I mentioned I love fall?!?!?! This week looks perfect. Low 70s no rain. Looks like we'll be at the park a lot this week!

On my reading pile::: Nothing except the 2 bible studies I am doing. I couldn't keep up w/ anything extra.

On my TV::: Dora

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Stuffed green pepper soup & cheese quesadilla dippers
Tuesday - Lone star enchiladas & Mexican rice
Wednesday - Lasagna & garlic bread
Thursday - leftovers
Friday - homemade pizza
Saturday - Super nachos
Sunday - Beef barley soup & corn bread

On my to do list::: Laundry, pay a few bills, grocery store, make some phone calls

My "project" of the week::: 

What I am creating::: Homemade applesauce. The price of apples gave me a heart attack but we did buy a 1/2 bushel of Jonathan that are delicious.

Looking around the house::: Mae is watching Dora, her new Obsession! I'm being lazy & haven't even showered yet.

From the Camera:::

Ok, this picture is 2 years old. But Ken just found it on this phone and I love it. Such a sweet lil thing!

Highlight of the past weekend::: Tanner's orchard on Saturday w/ Kenny (his idea actually). Cora had so much fun this year. She touched all the pumpkins and loved the petting zoo but Ken & I especially enjoyed the apple cider donuts:)  Pictures to come soon.

Looking forward to this week::: Since today is October 1st my answer will be that I am looking forward to this whole month. It's going to be busy but lots of fun things are planned already.

Bible verse, Devotional::: My favorite verse that has screamed my name so many times: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction & faithful in prayer"- Romans 12:12
Doesn't that verse just about sum it all up??? Love it!