Crockpotapalooza: Chicken Delicious

Im linking up with Kelly's Korner today for her Crockpotapalooza!

Since fall is coming, Im looking forward to breaking out the Slow Cooker!
I dont have any pics for this recipe, sadly.. but it is one I make over and over, esp in the Winter, and it is sooooo good. The chicken is so tender and moist after cooking it falls apart..

Chicken Delicious
2-3 Chicken Breasts
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 pkg Lipton Onion Soup Mix

Throw all ingredients in Slow Cooker.. Cook low 8-10 hours.
I serve mine over Jasmine Rice. It is so tender and good.
Simple and Yummy!

17 Weeks

17 Weeks

Size of baby:

Size of a Baked Potato or Turnip

Weight Gain:

Another 4 lbs.. I weighed myself today
How am I feeling:
Generally ok…. Newest feeling.. I feel like I need all new underwear and pants.. I don’t remember carrying this low with Samantha. I actually had to take a pair of pants off while working at my moms house last week and borrow some large loose fitting athletic shorts.. Im having back pains on and off and some lower stretching-pains (as my dr’s call em) Definitely baby is growing and I feel it!
Appointments/Events:
Next Tuesday!!!! Sept 6th – Big Ultrasound.
{can you tell we're excited!!}

Craving:
The sweet tooth has returned.. I’ve been liking the taste of cookies, and candies lately.. nothing too extreme, but the fact that I wanted to eat sweets is new to me lately
Missing:
Sleeping on my stomach.. yes.. I toss and turn from side to side every night.
Baby Moving:
Yes. Same amount of movement, on Sunday 8-28-11, I felt it moving and put my hand on my stomach, and actually felt something from the outside! I don’t remember feeling on the outside with Samantha this SOON!.. this baby is super active!
Funny Things:
Lately – she’ll go in the soon to be baby’s room and take the little uggs, and try to fit them on her feet. She says “too small” .. “acups shoes” .. to which we respond, “yep, those are the baby’s shoes”
Special Buys/Finds This Week:
I bought a white side table this week for the baby’s room. Something for me to put a lamp on next to the rocker, and it has a shelf underneath where I can store books/diapers/whatever we figure out. And the room is officially painted.. and Im loving the color.
I look awful in these preggo pics, but im just doing this because I didnt take nearly as many with Samantha so.. I know someday I'll be glad.

What Im Loving Wednesday

What Im Loving Wednesday

Im linking up with Jamie today.

I havent played in a few weeks.. sheesh..

1. Target Cinna-Nut Coffee... its so good! And until all things pumpkin return in a week or two, I really enjoy this in the cool mornings...

2. Seeing Fall Mums, and picturing our fall porch all decorated for fall
3. Up All Night.. new fall show.. I think I will be DVR'ing this one, looks hysterical, and I love Christina Applegate.
4. I love that I'VE BEEN COOKING!... the weather is slightly changing here, and I've been motivated to cook and cook and bake, and eat it too!
Here are a few things I've made.. posts and recipes for desserts are coming

{bahama breeze jerk chicken pasta}

{Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, and Fresh Basil Panini}

{Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting}

{Blackberry Jam Shortbread Bars}

courtesy of Pennies on a Platter

Busy Busy Sunday!

I woke up this morning and there were dark clouds and brisk winds.. we were on the very tail end of Hurricane Irene, we saw now rain, but had winds and heavy clouds.. I tend to be more productive on days like this, and today was no exception.

I started out by making my coffee, and then (after watching the premier of "The Pioneer Woman" on Food Network) I made her "Sunrise Punch"

Milk, OJ, Pineapple Juice, Cream, Merengue Powder & Ice Cubes.

It was really really good
Then I made some Cinnamon Sugar French toast on Texas Toast Bread.. so so good.

After our breakfast we didnt know what we wanted to do.. but it was such a nice "fall feeling" day, so I packed up some snacks, diapers, and we got in the car, we ended up at the Zoo!

Samantha saw soooo many animals, and of course we HAD to ride some rides. She went on the train twice...

And the Carousel with Momma

She wanted to ride a "mini" horse.. so that's what we did.

{hi daddy!}

We loved seeing her reactions to all the animals, she would get so excited... and it just melts my heart with happiness.. she is so precious!

We decided before we left to get a Zoo Membership.. so I think we'll be back soon, maybe even next weekend..

I love the Polar Bears.. they are so cute!

We left the zoo and grabbed a quick lunch on the way home. Samantha took a long long nap, and I got back in the kitchen.

I made homemade Chicken Soup, and Pizza Bites.

The soup I've been making for years, the Pizza Bites were a new recipe I found through a friend.

Its from THIS blog.. and a lot of her recipes look really good.

After dinner, Momma started uploading these pics to blogger, and had a little dessert... I had a craving for York Peppermints .. and Werthers. And finally we finished off the evening at another park, and then an ice cream cone from McDonalds on the way home..
It was a busy day.. and I know SJ will sleep really good tonight. We just had so much fun with her today, and love her to pieces!

Poppy Seed Chicken

Again, took this recipe version from Kelly's Korner Recipe Blog. Its a southern dish that I heard mentioned a few times when I was living in Carolina. Its a great comfort food, and I dont cook light or fat free often.. especially since Im pregnant right now.. You need to try this.. it is soo good..

Poppy seed chicken
2 or 3 chicken breasts, boiled and cut in small pieces
1 16 oz sour cream2 cans cream of chicken
2 tbls of poppyseeds (I don't measure - I just shake a ton in)
Ritz crackers
1 stick of butter
Mix the first 4 ingredients and put in a baking dish. Cover with crushed up ritz crackers. Melt a stick of butter and pour on top. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350

I served mine over jasmine rice

16 Weeks Pregnant

16 Weeks
Size of Baby:

5 inches long, about size of avocado or peach
Weight Gain:

3lbs since last visit. (8-8-11)
How am I feeling:
More energy this week, but feeling nausea has not quite left me, neither have some really painful headaches. Belly getting really big already. I feel like if I have energy one day.. I do a lot because I feel good, but then the next day I drag, usually feel sick, and am ready for bed by 3pm. I can still sleep sort of comfortably on my side, but im tossing and turning to get comfy all night lately.. and getting up at least once to relieve myself, ha! – Ive been really cold lately.. and its not cold out at all.. but ive found myself wearing sweatshirts, long pants.. and just have a chill lately.
Appointments/Events:
Endocrinologist today (8.23.11) - Went for a low thyroid level, the doctor wants to monitor it, and see if she thinks I need to go on medication while pregnant. There are a few concerns with medication, so she's hoping my levels subside and I dont need any follow up, so we'll see... I go for more bloodwork this week.
Next appt Sept 6th – Big Ultrasound. We even get to bring a DVD to record it!
Craving:
LEMON ICE – I think I could eat this EVERY DAY right now.. I might need to get one today now that Im talking about it. Im also diggin Fresh Fruits, Still breads, carbs, nuts, salty foods and sour stuff.

Missing:
Still missing Pepperoni, I think its more the salty aspect of it. Also I found a really great recipe for Pizza Bites, and of course they call for Pepperoni.. ugh!.. I’ll have to make em in February!
Baby Moving:
YES… just last night and all last week felt so so much movement feels like the baby is doing flips in my tummy. Last night (8.21.11.) was the MOST I’ve felt him/her so far.. it was amazing.
Funny Things:
Same old stuff.. Samantha loves to lift up my shirt and kiss “acups”… and all her babies are “acups” as well. I think its so cute how she immediately became interested in being a little mother since I became pregnant. I bought her a little tikes changing table this weekend, and she’s been loving doing “diapy changes” and baths and feeding her babies.

Special Buys/Finds This Week:
Baby Uggs…I couldn’t resist, they were too adorable!

DIY Pottery Barn Knock Off

My latest project

Laying in bed looking through the most recent edition of Pottery Barn Mag... I turned to this page (below)... looking in the background.. the "EAT" sign.. I thought, I can do that!

I've been looking for a "market", "eat" or "cucina" sign for above my kitchen window.. which has been bare since Christmas where I hung a swag of twigs and holly... And I've found a few things while browsing Pinterest, but I finally decided this is easy, quick, and I wont have another "unfinished" project laying around the house, it will just be DONE!

I made my list and off to Hobby Lobby the next day...
I already had paint.. so all I needed were the letters..
Letters were $1.99 each..

Paint- had it
Brush - had it

Acrylic Spray- had it

So in total, I spent $6 for this project.. I wonder how much Pottery Barn would have charged!
I think they turned out pretty well. Its better than a bare wallspace that was there before. I like how it looks with my burlap window treatments..very vintage/potterybarnish... And its just sitting on the ledge up there..so I can change it out whenever I need to.

In addition...

Cute hobby lobby finds for Samantha.. rolling pins for her kitchen, or playdough and a new eraser for her chalkboards! She loved them! - and they were dirt cheap too.. I love living near a Hobby Lobby!

A Day in the Life

I thought I'd write a little summary of our days around here for memory's sake.. to look back next year, Im sure it will look a LOT different looking after 2 babies instead of one, and Im really excited.

So here goes.
Morning... we usually wake up around 7am, I ALWAYS have to go wake up SJ... which is nice that she isnt getting up at 6am... (I know.. this could change.. Im thanking the Lord that she DOES sleep in right now) Especially with me being soo tired from this pregnancy, so thank you Samantha Jane!

We go downstairs where she sees Daddy some days working at the dining room table (works from home some days) ... and we cuddle on the couch for a few moments, turn on the tv, or just lay there and wake up together. On weekends we usually all sleep in maybe till 8?

Breakfast choices are usually: waffles, eggs, pancakes, cereal, oats (as she calls em) or if Im really in a hurry and my Aunt is coming over to babysit, I have been guilty of grabbing a graduates cereal bar for her, which she LOVES .. and its okay for a treat.

So Im working now, and our nanny usually comes, or my aunt to watch her. - On weekends (lately).. she's been dying to go outside, as early as 8:30 some days.. which is fine by us.. she'll go out and help daddy water the garden, and play with her toys/chalk.

She is normally ready for lunch around 11:00-11:30 ish.. I try every evening to have something ready for her for the next day. She isnt a picky eater at this time, she loves most things..
{we had Momma's homemade chipotle yesterday.. and she loved everything especially the Guacamole)

Afternoon:
Naptime these days has been around 12:30. Traditionally she's with the Nanny 4 days for naptime, and she'll pass out in the stroller.. easy.. She just takes her out and places her in bed.. cake.

On days when Im home, she really STILL puts up a little crying match .. like she did today (8-9-11) and I know she's tired.. so it doesnt last long, but as a momma, I HATE THAT SOUND.. the sound of a real mad screechy cry.. ugh. She's been taking naps her whole life! In the madness of listening, I need to remember how blessed we are. She is healthy, smart and makes my life so fulfilled and amazing.. so a little crying is okay now and again... - Update.. this weekend she went to bed for naps with NO crying!! We are making progress!!!

But... she'll sleep till around 3pm- probably longer, but we dont let her sleep past then, since it would be hard to get her down for bed.

{snacktime}

We play some more, and have a snack when she gets up. Maybe a walk/run at the track with Daddy and Mommy gets dinner and laundry going..

Evenings:
Dinner around 4:45-5pm for her.. She's on a senior citizen schedule with eating early.. haha..

Bath is around 7-7:30, then we have been getting in our jammies, or lately .. just diaper since its been a HOT summer, and coloring and watching her latest favorite movie.. Monster's Inc.

Bed has been traditionally around 9pm... the summer has made it later.. in the winter it is around 8:30. But we'll see what happens this winter/fall..

She sometimes tries to stall when its bedtime, asking for "huggies to momma" or "more books".. her crib is loaded with toys/books/animals.. you name it.. she'll play for a little while then pass out.. Rarely will she cry.. but maybe 1 out of 6 days she'll put up a fight and cry a little.. I dont dare give in, but sometimes I feel bad listening to her wind down.. poor bubba.. I gave in once, and we spent a week of getting her back to a routine when she was used to getting to bed by herself.. she's way too smart and manipulative.. (yes at 2 years)... so I have to be tough and know its for her own good, and she is tired anyways..

So these are our days... and I wanted to document a little glimpse so I can look back and remember, and thank the good lord for these days.. cause although some days are more tiring and momma's fuse isnt always as long... We've come a long way, and through trial and error as parents have developed what works for us and Samantha, and even though its EVER changing.. life is good and I feel very blessed!

I wouldnt change being a momma for the world.. I love it, and I cant wait to experience it twice in a few short months!!

Swiss Stuffing Chicken

Swiss Stuffing Chicken

This recipe is so easy... and I really loved the taste. So did my family.

I got it from Kelly's Korner recipes, but I've seen it on other sites too. I scaled the recipe down a bit, but here's what you'll need for about 4 people.

4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts

6 oz. Mozerella or Swiss cheese slices

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

1/4 cup white cooking wine

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup herb-flavored crushed up Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix

1/2 stick butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place uncooked chicken in shallow buttered casserole dish. Layer cheese on top. Mix soup, wine, salt, pepper; pour over cheese. Sprinkle stuffing mix on top and drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 1 hour.

Ready for the butter and into the oven...
Ahh looks so good..

I paired it with Roasted Cauliflower, It was delish!

Busy Week!

Its been a busy summer of course.. but last week was a BUSY week for us!

We had new all new windows put in our house so there were workers/trucks/banging loud noises/drills.. not so ideal for naptime. But she did sleep most of the days..

We hung around with Aunt Shauna, and one day we went to Panera for breakfast.. ok AND lunch!

SJ was very well behaved while Momma and Sissy got their Bagels and Iced Mocha Drinks...mmmm.

After that we headed to a park where they had "craft time" from 10-12

They had all sorts of fun stuff for the kids, coloring, necklace making, playdough, and the best part was, Momma didnt have to clean it!

Her Finished Pretty Necklace!

On to the playdough. She has been really loving playdough lately.
Yesterday I gave her a little knife from her kitchen set, and she sat there for 25 minutes "cutting" playdough in her highchair.

And... last week we also walked to the park by our house after dinner.

SJ loves parks.. and that night she mastered the BIG slide by herself.. She was so proud.. must have gone up and down 15 times...

And the weather was awesome.. had to be mid 60's and it was around 7pm.. Its a nice break from the humid temps we've been having.

So thats what our week was like last week, parks, playdates, pool parties at the country club with cousins and aunts.. and a few stops at Panera in between.

I had to have her out of the house while work was being done, so we ate out quite a bit last week. Tonight Im making a home cooked meal and Im so excited!

Stay tuned for recipe!

15 Weeks Pregnant with Baby #2

15 Weeks
Size of baby: About size of an Apple
Weight Gain: 3lbs since last visit. (8-8-11)
How am I feeling:
Much better this week. Maybe things are turning around.. I even found myself enjoying some Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino Ice Cream.. and it was so good.. Hello chocolate I’ve missed you!
Appointments/Events:
Got a little scare from my doctor this week, she said my thyroid levels were a little low, and she’s sending me to an endocrinologist next week to have it evaluated. I had prior fluctuating thyroid levels after I stopped nursing Samantha about a year ago…just scared me though.. and now Im making sure to eat enough .. since I’ve only gained 3lbs, and at this point with Samantha I looked.. I had already gained around 10lbs.
Next appt Sept 6th – Big Ultrasound. We even get to bring a DVD to record it!

Craving:
Liking Greek Yogurt this week, able to like and drink more water too!

Missing:
This week Pepperoni.. I had to stop myself while enjoying a slice and remove the little guys..

Baby Moving:
I definately felt the baby move a few times this week! So exciting!

Funny Things:
Samantha and I were sitting on the floor playing, and I was telling her how she has to share with the baby when it comes. And she can play with it, etc.. So she looks at my belly, and comes over, lifts up my shirt and says “come out baby… come out”… and she started getting pretty frustrated.. ha! I was telling her, “well, baby still has to grow so it can be big and strong”.. poor thing. She has no concept of time frames, so I really cant tell her things like, “after Santa comes then baby will be here 4-5 weeks later…”
Special Buys/Finds This Week:
I bought some fabric for the baby’s room to make some pillows.
I’ve bookmarked a couple of things on etsy, pinterest and ebay… The sono technician took a guess at baby’s sex, and said “keep it in the back of your mind”… so Im getting prepared.. See how I DEFINITELY have to know? I’d go crazy for 9 months wondering and wondering! … The baby’s walls will be blue for sure though. The paint is already purchased!

I have a pic of myself, but its on our camera.. I'll come back in and edit this post and add pics.. I just wanted to get it DONE, you know what I mean?

I have another post-in-progress.. from our busy week last week..

Joelle A to Z

ME!

A to Z

Usually I participate in WILW, but its been a busy week, and I honestly didnt remember to "tab" anything to love.. I guess Im loving my Pinterest account lately.. My newest obsession.. Please find me and follow!

Here is a little something I found on another's blog site. I would love to learn more about my you too, let me know if you do one too!

A. age :: thirty one
B. bed size :: king.
C. chore you hate :: dusting!

D. dogs :: none right now
E. essential start to your day :: coffee!

F. favorite color :: blue and green
G. gold or silver :: silver
H. height :: 5 feet 1 inch

I. instruments you play :: none :(
J. job title :: mama, artist, blogger, recruiter

K. kids :: Samantha and Baby #2 .. cookin' till Feb 2012
L. live :: New York
M. maiden name :: it was an Italian one!

N. nicknames :: Rose, Rosen, Sage (all hubby's nicknames)
O. overnight hospital stays ::kidney stone - 8 mos pregnant, & when SJ finally came out
P. pet peeve :: pushy salespeople!, rude people
Q. quote ::"
R. righty or lefty :: right
S. siblings :: younger Brother and younger sister
T. time you wake up :: 7-730 -weekdays.. 8am weekends
U. university attended :: John Carroll University
V. vegetables you dislike: rutabega... okay i never had it.. but sounds scary.
W. what makes you run late :: not having enough time!

X. x-rays you’ve had :: A lot.. fingers, toes, chest (had pneumonia as a kid), kidneys, sonograms, okay i'll stop there..

Y. yummy food :: pizza, mexican food, anything sweet... cupcakes, chocolate!

Z. zoo animal favorite :: I love the polar bears and giraffes!

14 Weeks

14 Weeks!

{latest cameo of baby #2 - 8-8-11}

Size of baby:
About size of a lemon or guava about 4 inches .. doc said baby was measuring bigger than projected!
Weight Gain:

3lbs since last visit.
How am I feeling:
I spoke too soon last week. I felt awful all week, I even got sick a bunch of times this week, which made me think, “hey, are we moving backwards?” Headaches are coming and going too.. Nausea still hasn’t really gone away, but Im certain as we go along I HAVE to start feeling better… I was surprise that the FIRST time I got physically sick and was throwing up was at week 13.5!
Appointments/Events:
Went Today! – Had sonogram and all test results so far. Everything looked great, all bloodwork/tests came back great. Baby is measuring larger than projected due date, which Dr says could push due date up 8 days earlier, or baby may just even out eventually.. we’ll see..
Craving:
Cheese, Pickles, Iced Tea(Decaf), Pasta, Salty Foods, - NO sweets…
Missing:
Im missing soft cheese this week.. I went to taste of our village, and they had some amazing dishes with goat cheese and feta.. ugh.. I wanted them soo badly.
Baby Moving:
Not yet… still too early.. maybe next week!
Funny Things:
Cant really think of anything that sticks out in my mind this week.
Special Buys/Finds This Week:
I’ve been dying to start “shopping” for baby #2, and I keep seeing such adorable outfits, blankets, fabrics. I went to the Outlet Mall this weekend with my mom and sister and got these adorable Gap onesies.. since they are unisex…and I don’t have many CLEAN white ones…

{too adorable..}

Today was a great day and I never forget to thank the Lord for all the blessings he has given us. Just looking at that little baby today melted my heart and again made me realize what a miracle it truly is. We went out for ice cream tonight, which i ate, but was just okay...

What I most enjoyed was dinner... My homemade sauce with noodles.. ahhhhh...and milk.. I've been drinking milk with spaghetti since I was a toddler.. ha! I love it!