Super Sunday

This is how we spent our Sunday afternoon.  Enough said.

Nora kept getting pecked because she wouldn't leave them alone.  She wanted to pet them.

The best dad (and the best looking in my opinion) EVER!

The Seagulls made it almost impossible to feed the ducks.  Ava would yell at them.

She has never been a fan of having dirty hands.

34 weeks

Our sweet baby boy is coming soon so we are trying to soak up as much time together as a family of 4 as we can.  The girls need/want this quality time before their world goes topsy turvy.  

T-Ball and Freezer Cooking

Our Saturday was packed with fun things!  Considering Ava, Nora and I all have been battling colds, I don't know why we took on so much.  But...we did.  We really enjoyed our first freezer cooking day and it really came in handy throughout the month.  For us, it actually lasted about two months.  Our freezer was empty so it was time to do some cookin'.  I will post recipes and details below.  

We took a break to go to Ava's first T-ball game.  She really should not have played being sick but she was so excited that we couldn't take it away from her.  Thankfully, the game didn't last long.  It was already so hot though, which makes us nervous about the summer.  If it is already this warm in March, July is going to be unbearable.  This is the time of year I start wishing we had a pool in the backyard.  

Ava did really well considering she has never played T-ball before.  It was adorable to watch the kids scurry for the ball.  No matter where the ball landed, the entire team piled into a heap, hoping to get the chance to come up with the ball.  When the kids would run, our precious girl would skip.  :)  The kids were also so hot that by the time they were trying to run home, they would just walk.  It was precious and thankfully, parents don't take it too seriously.  It is all in good fun.  Here are some pictures of our little ball player.  Her curls were not made for hats and helmets though...bless her heart.

Our 2nd freezer cooking day was just as productive as the first but we chose different things to make and some sides as well.  What we are most proud of is the amount spent.  For approx. $150, we have 16 meals, 4 sides and 3 bags of chicken for chicken salad.

4 chicken spaghetti

2 broccoli casserole

2 squash casserole

3 bags of cooked/chopped chicken (about 3 cups in each)

3 mini meatloaves (4 in each)

1 taco meat

1 meat for meatballs

3 bags of marinated chicken

4 bags of small hamburgers for sliders (Ava's new favorite)

For the chicken spaghetti, broccoli and squash, we used loaf size containers, making it enough for one meal.  

Here are the recipes used.  

BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

Broccoli (approx. 5 medium to large crowns)

2 eggs, whipped

1 cup mayonaise

Chopped onion (optional) - I used 1/2 cup

1 can cream of chicken (you can use mushroom if you prefer)

Shredded cheese

1. Steam broccoli, but be careful not to overcook.  It doesn't need to be mushy.
2. Mix all ingredients together, including the steamed broccoli.
3. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  At 25 minutes, put cheese on top to melt.

SQUASH CASSEROLE

1 Jiffy cornbread mix

1 stick butter

Cut squash - I used 7 squash and cut into quarters.  You can use as much or as little squash as you want.

1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped onion

1 egg

salt and pepper

1 can cream of chicken

1. Cook cornbread as directed.
2. Saute cut squash, onion with the stick of butter. 
3. Crumble cornbread in large bowl and add the squash mixture, one egg and cream of chicken.
4. Mix and bake at 350 for approx. 30 minutes or until top has started to brown.  

CHICKEN SPAGHETTI

1 pkg thin spaghetti - I used 14 oz box but you can use less

1 onion, chopped

1 cup chopped celery

1 green pepper, chopped

2 Tbsp butter (I used 3 or 4)

3 cups chopped, cooked chicken

2 cans cream of chicken or mushroom

1 soup can of chicken stock or broth

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 Tbsp chopped pimento - I just used the entire little jar...why not.

1/2 -1 cup parmesan cheese

1. Cook spaghetti.  Drain.
2. Saute onion, celery and bell pepper in butter. 
3. Combine sauteed vegetables with spaghetti, chicken, soup, broth, cheese and pimento.
4. Spoon into greased baking dish.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
5. Bake at 375 for 30-45 minutes.  

INDIVIDUAL MEAT LOAVES (I doubled the recipe to make 12 meat loaves)

1 lb ground beef

1/2 lb. ground pork

2 Tbsp minced onion

1 1/2 Tbsp chopped green pepper

1 1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

3 Tbsp catsup

2 1/2 tsp prepared horseradish

1/2 tsp dry mustard

1/2 cup milk

1 cup barbecue sauce

1. Mix beef, pork, onion, green pepper, bread crumbs, salt, egg, catsup, horseradish, mustard and milk together.  Blend well.
2. Shape into 6-8 small loaves and place in greased baking dish.
3. Pour heated sauce over top.  
4. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Clothes for Sale

I had some friends ask to see some of the clothes I was going to be putting in consignment before taking them.  Unfortunately, my drop off for consignment was 2 days after getting out of the hospital so I just quickly took what I had ready.  Here are a few favorite items that I can sell.  Each are stain free and barely worn.  I will make detailed notes as needed below each picture.  I lowered the price from what it was priced for consignment.

If you would like something, I will mail promptly to you and there is absolutely no need for you to pay for shipping it to you.  It's my pleasure (can you tell we live at chick fil a).

Carters Size 6 months - $5.00
SOLD

Carters dress with bloomers - Size 3 months
$6.00
This dress is precious on and is really soft.
SOLD

Polo - Size 6 months - $10.00

Gymboree dress (no bloomers)- Size 3-6 months
$5.00

Dress with bloomers is by Chaps - Size 6 months
$8.00
It is a thin material so it is lightweight and cool. Worn  4-5 times.
SOLD

Chez Ami - Size 18 months
$15.00
This was worn 3 times.  A line top and bloomers.  SOLD

Chez Ami - Size 18 months
$15.00
A Line top and bloomers.  This was worn more often.

Talbots Kids - Size 18 months
$10.00
This is ADORABLE!  It is a deeper lime green than the picture is showing.  Two snaps on straps to adjust length.   Still look brand new after wearing.

Osh Kosh - Size 12 months
$6.00
Worn twice.  It is a brighter pink than is shown in picture.

Hanna Andersson Bubble - Size 80 (12-18 months)
$8.00
Another of my absolute favorites.  After being worn, there is no fading.  Very soft.  There is a place in the top left shoulder that was pulled from the safety pin at consignment.
SOLD

Gymboree knit shorts - Size 12-18 months
$4.00
Worn twice.

Carriage Boutique Smocked Dress- Size 12 months
$15.00
Never worn.  Promise.  :)  I had taken tags off of it though.  This brand runs a little short to me which never worked with my tall children.  

Yummy Recipe

It has been a long time since I have posted a recipe, or anything else for that matter.  I will try to be better about it but I'm not promising anything.  The days go by too fast for me to keep up.

Here is a recipe that I tried yesterday and it turned out great.  I think I will add it to my next freezer cooking day list as well because it was easy and didn't take too many ingredients that I didn't already have on hand. I took it to a family in our Sunday School class and she enjoyed it as well.  So, maybe it is a winner.

Chicken Cordon Blue Casserole

2      tablespoons butter

½     large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

2      cloves garlic, minced

2      cups shredded cooked chicken

¾     cup pre-diced ham (We will use the rest of the ham for a soup and another dinner during the week)

1      cup uncooked long-grain rice

1¼   cups chicken broth

¼     cup milk

½     teaspoon salt

½     teaspoon ground black pepper

1      cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Who has time for that!  Bag stuff works great.  :) )

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray an 11x7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is tender. Add chicken and ham; cook until heated through. Add rice, and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in chicken broth, milk, salt, and pepper; cook for 2 minutes.

3. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and bake for 45 minutes or until rice is tender.